Featured Blogger Friday: "A Southern Accent"

Lovelies, I'm happy to introduce to you one of my favorite new reads, the adorable Wendy of "A Southern Accent"!

A favorite on my "I'm secretly trying to learn how to be properly Southern, even though I know Texas isn't in the South and I don't drink sweet tea" blogroll, what I enjoy most about "A Southern Accent" is the variety. One day she'll hilariously address Bubbies (my "Real Housewives of NJ" emphasis added) in the office, the next one of her amazing DIY projects that leave me yearning to be crafty (in the non-diabolical sense).

Aside from her trademark humor, a common theme in her posts is the wonderful photography, often featuring her teeth-achingly darling son. It isn't a wonder she has a fab Etsy shop set up featuring custom artwork - this is one creative lady! You design and photography buffs will particularly appreciate her work.

Please welcome Wendy:

Why she started blogging: I started blogging last year because I was dealing with some rough personal things (which I addressed on my blog in the earlier days) and I wanted a place to reach out to others, express my creativity and record my thoughts. I also started it as a sort of tribute to my son, recording things that we do together and funny things that he does, so I'll have them to look back on. I kept a journal through different times in my life and writing has always been a way for me to get my feelings and thoughts in some sort of order.

I think the first blog I started reading was Puttin on the Grits. Her stories made me laugh and she gave me some good tips about how to get started in the blog world. (Pretty Note: You all should be following her Twitter feed too; hi-larious). I also love Nie Nie, Dooce and c Jane. They have this amazing ability to make everyday occurrences seem magical.

Where she finds blogging inspiration: I find blogging inspiration in just about everything. Since my blog is about all kinds of things, including family, work, fashion, shopping, etc., I always have things to write about.

How she manages to have a full-time paid job, and be a mom, AND blog: I can't stand to sit still or be bored. I can't even watch TV without doing something else at the same time - whether it's cleaning, cooking, blogging, freelance design or reading magazines. When my head finally hits the pillow at night, I have a million thoughts running through my mind. Now, I write my blog posts in my head while I'm drifting off to sleep. I plan what I'm going to say, the picture I'm going to use, so when I actually post, it takes very little time to create.

Some of her hobbies outside of blogging: I'm a mom first and foremost, so I love doing anything my little guy likes to do. I also love to paint, read, shop, decorate, cook and love the beach. Fortunately my in-laws live there, so we get to visit quite a bit. I've recently added a consistent exercise routine to my days, along with eating better and taking care of myself. Then there's UNC athletics, which I love as well. I'm pretty much up for anything.

Her goals for the next 5 years, both personally and professionally: My goal is to get in the best shape of my life, to take better care of myself. I want to be one of those women in their late 30s (that I currently hate because they have a six pack and no cellulite) that say "I've never been this fit." (Pretty Note: Ha! Standing & clapping.)

I also want to move up in my current company. I love my job and just want to keep doing and keep growing.

What she wants new readers to know before clicking over to her blog: Hmmm...I guess not to take my blog too seriously. I talk about everything from boobs to beach trips on my site and just want it to be fun. I know there's some negativity in the blog community, and I just want my readers to know my blog is just about enjoying life.

Please sprint immediately over to "A Southern Accent" and say hello here!

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If you are just fiending to be one of my Feature Friday bloggers - and who isn't??? - please review my guidelines here and leave me a comment, including your email address. Please bear with me if it takes me a bit to get in touch with you and/or feature you. Thanks!