Stephanie Darmock of A Pocket Full Of Buttons An Interview

Stephanie is a blogger and a business owner. Her blog promotes her business but has grown in its own right to become a site where you can read product reviews and take a peek inside her life.

Tell me about your Blog –

My blog A Pocket Fullof Buttons started out as a way for potential customers of my online boutique Sew Fierce to know the person behind the company. I wanted them to see how much I love to sew and that I take pride in my products. I wanted to offer giveaways of my products and make people happy. Then one day it took on a life of its own and now blog about everything. Reviews, giveaways, recipes, family, crafts, other blogs, etc.

What was your first blog?

A Pocket Full Of Buttons is my first and currently only blog.

What is the biggest tip you would give to product reviewers?

My biggest tip for other reviews is to be honest. Do not feel that because you received a free sample that you must give a perfect positive review. If there is a problem you really do not like be honest about it. Also send an email to the company letting them know your recommendations on how to improve the product, it could just help.

Are you contacted by advertisers or do you contact them or both?

Normally I am contacted by the companies, but if I see something I think my readers would really like to know about I will send an email introducing myself, my blog and ask if they would like a review.

What is your favorite product that you have reviewed?

I have been lucky to review wonderful products and have liked them all but I would have to say my favorite so far is the PUR Water Pitcher with Flavor Options. This product helped my daughters switch from drinking juice all day long to only drinking water and they love it. It has helped to make our family as a whole more healthy.

What do advertisers do that you wish they wouldn’t/ do that you like?

I wish they didn’t have 20 blogs running the same giveaways at the same time. It makes it tough sometimes to get people over to your site for your giveaway when they have already signed up for the same thing on other sites.  I love that they give us the opportunity to work with them. Where else can a stay at home mom feel like she is actually doing something more. Something for herself besides being just someone’s wife or someone’s mother 24/7. We get to be writers. We get to express ourselves and our honest opinions to people who are interested.

What do bloggers do that you wish they wouldn’t/do that you like?

I do not think this question is up to me. I think every blog should do and post what they think is best speech and all that. We as readers have the choice to read or follow any blog or not too. So if something offends you or you do not like it, do not read it. Do not however feel you have the right to g onto someone else’s blog where they are expressing themselves and post a rude or negative comment. I do like the camaraderie between blogs. Commenting back when someone visits you and all the wonderful “blogging buddy sites” to join like SITS and The Mom Bloggers Club.

What advertiser would you like to work with given a chance?

Honestly I have never thought about this. I have been very lucky to work with wonderful companies and look forward to more in the future.

What is one thing about you that not many people know?

The thing that always surprises people the most is when they find out I used to be an Autopsy Intern for the County Coroner when I lived in Sacramento.

What is your favorite book?

I do not have a favorite however currently I am reading Cesar Millan’s book “Cesar’s Way”. We have a new dog in the house and I love Cesar’s way of not training but “rehabilitating dogs and training people”.

What is on your iPod?

Wish I had an iPod! I use my Blackberry. I tune into Pandora when I need music on the go.

What are your contact details?

Email: stephd@(nospam)sewfierce.com
Company: Sew Fierce
Blog: A Pocket Full Of Buttons
Facebook: Sew Fierce Boutique

What events do you attend?

I have not had the opportunity yet to attend any events.  Of course I would love to be a part of the Blogher and Blissdom events but as a military wife with toddler girls planning and funds are always limited. The only thing I can always count on is moving every three years. However this year I am excited to say I do plan on attending the SITS Bloggy Boot Camp in San Francisco in August. Because it is not a far drive from where I currently live and I have friends in Frisco, this is my perfect opportunity.

How do you prefer to communicate?

I never have time for phone calls due to two sometimes unruly toddler girls so email is always the best way I can get in touch with anyone and vice versa.

Who would you recommend, and why?

I follow so many amazing blogs it is hard to pick out just a few sometimes. So I will give you some of my top and if you would like to see the others I adore stop by my profile page for more!

Carma Sez (http://carmasez.blogspot.com/) She IS the sharpest tool in the shed. I enjoy her constant sense of humor.
Of Mice And raMEN (http://ofmiceandramen.blogspot.com/) – She always finds the best most unique things to share that most of the time trips me out.
Mama’s A Mess (http://mamasamess.blogspot.com) A close friend who not only suggested I start my blog but has a wonderful crafty blog herself where I get many of my inspirations from.
Sew Mama Sew Blog (http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/) – Spectacular!! Tutorials, giveaways, yummy fabrics…everything a crafty girl could want!
Muffin Tin Mom (http://michellesjournalcorner.blogspot.com/) – Michelle has become a great friend since we moved to CA. Her blog not only is home to Muffin Tin Monday which my girls adore, but her “No need for the Sunday paper” is full of awesome finds and crafts!
Katie’s Nesting Spot (http://katiesnestingspot.blogspot.com/) Raw talent Katie has. I wish I had a fifth of the creativity she has. Her craft projects are amazing and personally she is just a sweetheart.
Frogs In A Bucket (http://frogsinabucket.blogspot.com/) – Shannon is always making the best clothing. I envy her because I have yet to sew something for myself, but she inspires me. Someday I hope to sew for me.
Fudge Ripple (http://fudgeripple.blogspot.com/) Who doesn’t love recipes and she has some super yummy ones!
No Time For Flash Cards (http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/) – A newer blog to me. I love it because it is full of wonderful activities for my girls.
Living Locurto (http://www.livinglocurto.com/) – Michelle from Muffin Tin Mom turned me on to this site. Her print outs, meal plans and party ideas are wonderful!

What is one thing people can do for you?

Comment! This is what keeps me going. Knowing someone took the time to pop in and say hello, make a recommendation or whatever, and drives me to post more, review more, giveaway more. Plus I like to stop by their blogs in return to say thank you and that is when I might find new blogs I didn’t know about before.

ConnieFoggles