I’ve had a blog for over 10 years. From my first mommy blog, Fried Pink Tomato, to a lifestyle blog for Southwest Florida called Sunshine State Skinny, to my lifestyle and travel blog for the Holy City where you’re reading this now, I’ve been amazed at the community I’ve been able to build through blogging, especially in the Charleston blogger scene. I love sharing all my tips and tricks for the Holy City with locals and tourists alike, and I’ve been blessed to meet some pretty cool people along the way. The experience of being a Charleston blogger wouldn’t be the same without a community of like-minded creators, so I want to highlight some of my favorites for you in my “Meet the Blogger” series.
This week, I want to share some insight from my fellow mommy blogger, Savannah Guss of Boho and Bows. Savannah is SO fun. I love her unfiltered approach to blogging and how she always seems to be dancing to something in her Instagram stories. She’s also the queen of finding clothes on a budget, so I got together with her to get some tips on motherhood and frugal fashion:
Why did you start a blog?
I decided to start blogging after the birth of my second child. I yearned for a “creative space” to call my own, where I could reconnect with my pre-baby passions and interests. However, it has become so much more than that. Blogging has connected me with communities, businesses, people and relationships that I will forever cherish.
What does Boho and Bows mean?
When I started blogging, I thought I would mainly do fashion content and wanted a blog title that best described my style: Boho for my love of bohemian/vintage and bows for glam. It sounded catchy at the time!
What was the hardest thing about starting and maintaining a blog with two little ones?
Definitely finding balance. As a stay-at-home mom, I learned real fast that I had to find a healthy balance when it came to blogging.
Starting out, I wanted to say yes to every invite and attend all the things and have all the scheduled posts with all the beautiful, perfect pictures like a lot of successful bloggers I admire… talk about a reality check! I’m the primary parent for the better part of the day (as I write this I’m getting beckoned to wipe someone’s butt!). Babysitters cancel, kids get sick, and my window of time for blogging/pictures/posts is typically determined by the length of my 2-year-old’s nap.
But once I came to the realization that it’s not the end of the world if I can’t post every day or if I have to turn down an opportunity, that MY reality is a LOT of women’s reality, I started to own and share that. It gave me the kind of joy that reminded me of why I started blogging in the first place. Simultaneously, it forced me to start choosing with genuine intention what I say yes to, who I work with, what I blog about, etc., and that’s made maintaining everything a little easier!
What do you use to edit your iPhone photos and schedule your Instagram posts?
I mostly use the apps Lightroom, Colourtone and Lensa. I wish I could say I used something for scheduled posts, but I’m more of a “fly by the seat of my pants” kind of poster.
What are your thoughts on the Dave Ramsey method and where are you on that financial journey?
In short, I think the Dave Ramsey method, for something that is so simple and makes so much common sense, is life-changing. I wish that I had taken his financial peace university course in high school and then again with my husband before we got married.
Currently on our financial journey following his method, we have cut up our paid off credit cards, completed wills and gotten life insurance. We are currently on baby step one of saving an emergency fund of $1000 in cash, then we will move onto tackling our debts and a life of financial freedom!
What is one piece of advice you can share for other mommy bloggers or moms considering starting a blog?
I once read a quote that said, “I didn’t ask you to be her, I asked you to be YOU” – God
I share that to say, the blogging world and social media in general can be overwhelming and intimidating when you first dive in. It’s easy to buy into the idea that your success as a blogger will be measured by looking, writing, talking, etc., all in a certain way. That’s a crock of you know what.
Be yourself, in EVERY sense of the way. Say what you want to say. Dress your style. Give your honest opinion. Look how you look in real life. Share what you want to share… You get the idea. People want to relate to YOU, not an over-filtered, unrealistic version of yourself. When you step into this space, do it for purpose, not popularity. Sure, every post won’t be a deep, heartfelt revelation, but that means the posts that are will reach others and mean far more than any “following” number above your name ever could.
Best hack you’ve discovered as a mom?
Keep a small bin of “extras” in the car for the kids – outfits, shoes, diapers, towels, etc.
Favorite song to dance around in the kitchen to?
Beyonce’s Homecoming album or the Bohemian Rhapsody soundtrack. Clearly, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, ha!
Best gangster rap song of all-time?
Back that A$$ up by Juvenile gets me hyped every time.
Local Love
Favorite budget-friendly place to shop in Charleston? Style Dwell Boutique in Citadel Mall or Bashful Boutique on James Island
Favorite place to thrift in Charleston? Any local Goodwill
Favorite place worth the splurge in Charleston? Woodhouse Day Spa
Best burger in Charleston? Little Jacks Tavern
Best coffee in Charleston? The soy milk chai from Black Magic
Best family-friendly restaurant in Charleston? Bohemian Bull
Best mommy meetup in Charleston? Champagne Society is an incredible way to meet local moms who are in all seasons of life and motherhood.
Favorite Charleston tourist attraction for families/kids? Magnolia Plantation
If someone is coming to Charleston for one day, what is the one thing they MUST do? Forget the touristy stuff, just eat, shop, and stroll your way through downtown Charleston.
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