What Jane Austen failed to point out that other truth universally acknowledged -- that mothers are superior beings who simply deign to spend time with the rest of us ordinary folk
What Jane Austen failed to point out that other truth universally acknowledged -- that mothers are superior beings who simply deign to spend time with the rest of us ordinary folk.
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| Gabrielle Blair who is seen here with her sixth baby born earlier this year, started her blog in 2006 soon after the birth of her fifth child |
For proof, if she were still around, she could probably have cited the case of Gabrielle Blair. An interior designer by profession -- and, significantly, a mother of six -- Blair manages a site called DesignMom (.com), which she describes as a space where design and motherhood intersect.
I would describe it as solid evidence that compelling content can and will find a wider audience, irrespective of whether the audience in question identifies with it or not. For Blair, it has turned into a successful second career, one driven almost entirely by social media. In the process, she has even been credited with now-familiar concepts like blog giveaways, button exchanges and fundraising auctions: An astonishing feat considering her last child was born just seven months ago.
Before checking out her site though, mothers in India ought to be warned: The posts may lead to much sighing and a few wistful looks. That said, one can turn to it for everything from sound financial advice to step-by-step instructions (with photographs) on making murals of your children for bedroom walls.
Blair shows you how to build two toddler beds for under Rs 3,500, how to put together a sensible maternity wardrobe, how to make your automobile more child-friendly, even how to throw a 'Young Einstein' party. A couple of times each month, she invites a Guest Mom (or dad, or aunt) to share ideas and recommendations over a week.
And, when she's not chronicling the lives of her family members, she lists and reviews books for children and tweens, while answering all kinds of questions from readers. 'How do you do it all?' is a frequently asked query, apparently. 'How do you achieve a work/life balance?' Her reply: "I don't. If my blog is really good on a given week, then you can bet my house is a wreck."
I don't believe her.
-- Lindsay Pereira is Editor, MiD Day Online
twitter.com/ lindsaypereira
