Val Clark from Let’s Just Give It Away an Interview

Visit Val Clark’s blog for lots of reviews and giveaways. She also provides posts for bloggers to link up their own giveaways and to find some to enter too.

Tell me about your Blog -

My blog is called Let’s Just Give It Away where I give my review on a wide varitey of product. I also offer a lot of great giveaways. I love finding great products that actually work.

What was your first blog ?

My first blog was called Great Deals Everywhere. It ran for about a year off and on. I never really got into it though.

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

Just stick with it even if it starts out slow. You will slowly find companies that are willing to work with you.

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

In the beginning I contacted advertisers and I still do. I just recently started having advertisers contact me. I really love it when I a company contacts me, because it is usually for a product that I would have never thought of to review or try out in the first place.

What is your favorite product that you have reviewed?

I really have enjoyed all of the products that I have received so far. I like that I get to try out a variety of products. I really love trying out clothes, so that would be at the top of my list.

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

I guess since I am still a little new to the review world, I don’t have any horror story about advertisers. Everyone I have worked with so far has been incredibly nice so I have no complaints. I guess I will officially “be in” once I have a bad pitch or a really bad story about a advertiser. I guess I have not been initiated yet. I really like it when an advertiser seems like they have actually taken a look at my blog before they contact me.

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

I love it when I just get random comments. It is nice to just get comments saying hi or something that they like about my blog.

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

I really haven’t had the opportunity to review any electronics yet, so I would really love to get the chance to do that. I am really open to any products at this point. I love to keep a variety to the products that I review, so I don’t get bored.

Where do you see growth in the blogging field?

I am really amazed to find out how many mom bloggers there are out there. I have noticed a lot more bargain blogs and review blogs popping up everywhere so those seem to be really popular these days.

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

I hated chocolate until just a few years ago.

What’s your favorite book?

I am reading a book right now call The Survivors Club that is really interesting.

What is on your iPod?

It has been a long time since I updated it so there is a lot of old stuff on there. I keep a wide selection though of country, rock, and everything in between.

What are your contact details?

Email: letsjustgiveitaway(nospam)@yahoo.com
Blog:  Let’s Just Give It Away
Facebook: http://networkedblogs.com/followblog.php?name=lets_just_give_it_away
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bargain_seeker

What events do you attend?

I have not attended any yet, but I would love to.

How do you prefer to communicate?

Email! I never have a quiet minute so email works great for me.

Who would you recommend, and why?
Dk Mommy Spot
Enroute to Life
Kiddie Corner Deals
A Blog of Goodies
Sage and Savvy
The Mom Reviews
Frugal And Fabulous

These are just a few that I subscribe to.

What is one thing people can do for you?

Help spread the word about Let’s Just Give It Away, any way, shape, or form!

ConnieFoggles

Jacqui Stewart from Single Mama Review Corner An Interview

Jacqui is the ultimate review and giveaway blogger. You can see that in almost every blog post. She connects with her readers by offering
awesome giveaways and by replying tgo her comments too.

Tell me about your Blog -

The Single Mama Review Corner is a blog I do for reviews and giveaways.  I really love doing this.  A lot of time goes into contacting companies to see if they are interested in my doing reviews and giveaways for them to get their company out there.

What was your first blog?

My first blog that I no longer do was a mix of topics from being a single mama, a student and a worker.  My new personal blog Single Mama Challenges is things that happen to me as a single mother.  I share stories about my daughter who has ADHD, trials of being a home owner,etc.

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

Be patient.  Not all companies will say yes and quite a few do not even respond.  You need to nurse your blog, get a following and be willing to invest some money as well.  I recently did my own giveaway for a $15.00 Amazon gift code.  And get to know some of the other bloggers!  There are quite a few that are willing to help you with what they can.

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

For my blog it is both.  The majority of my reviews, I’ve contacted the companies.  But I have been contacted by several companies to review product for them.

What is your favorite product that you have reviewed?

I would have to say the Soda Stream.  My daughter and I love making sodas with this

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

I wish they wouldn’t limit giveaways to US only.  However, I do understand about shipping costs.

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

So far I haven’t come across a blogger that I didn’t like what they’ve done.  All the bloggers to the best of my knowledge are honest about their opinions.  If I come across a product that I didn’t like, I would contact the company and let them know and give them the option of my posting the review.  I would hope that other bloggers would do the same!

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

I would love to work with the advertisers of ancestry.com!  I love researching my genealogy and would love to know how they come up with their marketing ideas.

Where do you see growth in the blogging field?

There are always companies to talk to and people who want free stuff.  I feel that if done appropriately and honestly, blogs can be the best marketing tool that companies can use.

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

I am a cryer!  I cry with any emotion.  When I am happy, sad or mad.  Doesn’t matter what type of emotion I am having, I will cry!

What’s your favorite book?

The Twilight Saga – I am currently reading the series for the second time.  Started it Sunday and am already on the third book again on Thursday.

What is on your iPod?

I have a mixture of hip hop, modern country and songs for my daughter.  I will be including classical to my selection as well to help wind down.

What are your contact details?

My email address – redrose2436(nospam)@yahoo.com – remove the no spam
Review Blog – http://singlemama-reviewcorner.blogspot.com
Personal Blog – http://singlemamachallenges.blogspot.com
Ning Network – http://singleparentingchallenges.ning.com/
NetworkBlogs on Facebook – http://networkedblogs.com/blog/the_single_mama_review_corner/
SingleParenting Challenges Group on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=331756135569&ref=ts

How do you prefer to communicate?
Email or text messaging.  I was a Customer Service Representative for so long, that I developed a distaste for talking on the phone.

Who would you recommend, and why?

http://peachesreviewsandgiveaways.blogspot.com/

http://mommynerak.blogspot.com/

http://winningmommys.blogspot.com/

http://www.weefinds.com/

http://ramblingsbynicolerenee.blogspot.com/

http://designdazzle.blogspot.com/

http://doesmommyloveit.com/

http://kindredspiritreviews.blogspot.com/

http://giveaways4mommy.com/

http://www.middayescapades.com/

What is one thing people can do for you?

To understand that while we love blogging and love offering giveaways,  bloggers also become affiliates with companies.  If the readers know that they are going to shop at a company and they know of a blogger that has an badge up on their blog for, click on it!  Help the blogger receive compensation as well.  Bloggers do a lot of hard research, (more than people may realize) and the bloggers are looking to bring in a little extra income.

ConnieFoggles

Leslie Loves Veggies Blogger Product Reviews An Interview

Leslie writes her reviews in a way that keeps you coming back for more. She has values and sticks to them as you can see in this interview and in her blog too.

Leslie Loves Veggies

Tell me about your Blog -

SodaStream Fountain Jet Soda Lover’s Start-Up Kit Review & Giveaway 748 Entries.. What a fun Giveaway!  I think it was really important to get some photos of Hubby and I actually using the SodaStream!  When you see how easy it is to assemble, see the soda being made and the actual fizzzzz you want to taste that soda!  I think it really puts you in the mood for soda and makes you really WANT that SodaStream.

I am so thankful to ALL of my Leslie Loves Veggies Readers!  They are a true Blessing to me!  They email me if they see a typo in post, or just to tell me to have a Great Day!!  What a Blessing!!  This is MORE than I could have ever dreamed of!  YAY me!

I don’t like false claims!  If a company makes a claim, By Goodness they should be able to back it up!!!  Don’t try to pull a fast one on my Readers, that makes me mad!!!I LOVE LOVE LOVE companies that give back to the community!  That shows heart and soul to me!  I seek out companies that Give Back in some way!  I ALWAYS make sure to give them PROPS and KUDOS!  We have to help our Brothers and Sisters!  This is HUGE with me!

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

I don’t like tiny fonts (drives me nuts) or colors that make it impossible to see.  I also don’t care for music on a Blog.  I have an iPod, thank you very much

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

Keurig, Walmart, All ecofriendly companies, Veggie friendly companies too!

LeslieVeg@(nospam)gmail.com

Leslie Loves Veggies http://leslielovesveggies.blogspot.com/

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/#/leslieveg?ref=profile

Forums- Extraordinary Mothers, SheBlogs.org, The Giveaway Bloggers Network, The Product Review Place

Lotsa hard work and very little sleep   Actually this is the truth.  I search for the companies I work with.  I do have the luxury at this point to have some wonderful companies that will email me and offer me some wonderful Product Reviews & Giveaways every so often.  But for the most part.  I find my own by searching for companies I know *I* would love to use.  If I would like to use their products, then I know my Readers would too!

Heather Mahan Product Reviewer Mommy of 1 And Counting An Interview

Heather has been blogging since June of this year, yet with hard work and a lot of determination she regularly writes product reviews including giveaways on her blog.

Heather Mahan and Family

Tell me about your Blog?

My blog, Mommy Of 1 and Counting,  is mostly aimed towards parents of toddlers and young children. I love to review products for that genre.  As I like to save money, I do a lot of children reviews and giveaways. I like my stuff to be aimed at parents as well as women as I try to also do fashion related stuff!  I like to blog about my life too so It’s really aimed at bloggers in general! I try to find something to blog about that everyone will like.

What was your first blog?

Mommy Of 1 and Counting is my first and Hopefully my last!

How did you get started blogging?

I started blogging because I enter Giveaways. Since blogging about certain ones earns you an extra entry I opened my blog and started it. Then I realized it is a place that I can escape too, tell other mommies and bloggers about my  life and they actually LISTEN! It’s awesome! I will do this for a LONG time and Will definitely keep up with it!

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

Try, Try, Try! It’s hard to get a company to sponsor you, but the worst they can do is say NO or not even get back to you. Just keep trying and don’t give up!

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

I contact them. My blog isn’t huge yet. However, now that it’s a Google page rank of 1 I’m hoping I start getting contacted. Right now it’s a lot of work trying to get companies to sponsor me, and I send at least 20 e-mails a day!

How do you find contacts to email about doing reviews?

I usually do a Google search for items I’m interested in “Candles” “Natural Soaps” “Children’s Clothing” It works. Or If I’m interested in an exact product I’ll go to the website and contact them directly!

What is your favorite product that you have reviewed?

So far it’s the Strider Running Bike as well as Lush stuff! AMAZING!

How do you write your reviews?

I really write them different every time, but I like to include Pictures and I love to include the Price. I also include the link to the website and usually include the Direct link to the item I reviewed!

Are you a member of any forums?

ProductReviewPlace.ning.com, Cafemom.com , myblogspark.com

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

A lot actually!! I can touch my nose with my tongue… I had my daughter when I was just 16.

What’s your favorite book?

ANYTHING by Nicholas Sparks!

What is on your iPod?

Don’t even own one (Sad isn’t it?)

What are your contact details?

e-mail- hmahan_0529@(nospam)yahoo.com
Blog- http://www.heatherandavery.blogspot.com/
Facebook- Heather Mahan
Myspace- Heather Mahan (Avery’s Mommy)

What events do you attend?

None as of yet!

How do you prefer to communicate?

e-mail!

What is one thing people can do for you?

Get me more Sponsors!!!! Love reviewing things and would love to add some new sponsors to my blog list!

ConnieFoggles

Ashley Veater Blogger Veater Family Adventures An Interview

Ashley Veater is a wife and mom of 2 girls who lives in Seattle, enjoys travel and writing about her family and doing product reviews.

Tell me about your Blog.

Veater Family Adventures is actually my very first blog, and it began as a family blog.  I used it mainly to post pictures of our first baby and descriptions of what we were up to, so that friends and family members who don’t live near us could see it.  So much has changed!  Now, more than two years after I started it, my blog is a whole hodgepodge of variety!  I include personal posts with lots of fun pictures, really great product reviews, and tons of fabulous giveaways!  My readers tell me they came first to enter a giveaway, but they come back to read my fun variety of posts.

How did you start blogging?

I started blogging because I live far away from my family, and they wanted a way to see photos as often as they want of my kids.  At the time, I just had one baby, and I used my blog as kind of a journal and a photo journal at the same time.

Do you take your own photos? They are lovely! Are you a photo buff, know about cameras, take any classes, etc?

I do take all my own photos!  I’ve never taken any classes, and my camera is the mid-range kind.  Not too fancy, but pretty nice.  I always take a MILLION pictures at a time, and that’s really the only way I ever get any good ones.  I seriously take way more than I think I will need, and then I go through them all, choose the best ones, and edit them on Picasa.  Picasa is really easy to use, and what an amazing difference it makes!

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

Don’t be afraid to contact people!  The worst they can do is say no.  Whenever I find a company or designer that I think is very unique or adorable, I send them an email offering a review in exchange for a product sample.  Sometimes I don’t hear back at all, sometimes I am told they’re not interested, but lots of people are very happy and grateful for the opportunity to be featured.  So don’t be afraid. . . the worst they can do is say no!

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

Both.  I contact companies or designers that I am especially interested in, but I have also been contacted by some really wonderful new companies who are trying to get the word out on their products.

What is your favorite product that you have reviewed?

How can I pick just one???  I LOVE all of the children’s clothing, hats, and hair bows that I have reviewed for my daughters.  It’s so much fun to take photos of them wearing the beautiful designs and post about them!

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

Some have contacted me multiple times, and even when I tell them I don’t choose to work with them they continue to send emails.  I wish they couldn’t do that! I really like it when they offer giveaways with the products that I’m reviewing.  My readers love giveaways, and I have fun posting them.  I always ask if they want to include a giveaway, even if they don’t offer it.

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

I would love to review a stroller, double stroller, or one of the really cool and modern high chairs.  I haven’t been able to review anything like a stroller or a furniture item yet.

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

I am a certified scuba diver!  Some of my favorite places to dive have included the Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii, and St. Thomas.  Someday I would love to dive in the South Pacific, Belize, Cozumel, and the Red Sea.

What’s your favorite book?

I’m a sucker for the Harry Potter series and the Twilight series.  I also adore Gone With the Wind, The Brothers Karamozov, and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Klay.

What is on your iPod?

Anything and everything!  Broadway, 60′s, 80′s, country, pop, classic rock, the list could go on and on.  Some favorite groups with MANY songs on my iPod include Coldplay, the Beach Boys, the Corrs, Ben Folds, Josh Groban, Abba, Heart, Boston, Billy Joel, Sarah McLachlan, Collective Soul, Rascall Flatts, Natasha Bedingfield, and the Beatles.

How do you prefer to communicate?

Email is the best way!  I check my email all the time.

Who would you recommend, and why?

Wonder Woman’s blog- http://amayzing-family.blogspot.com/
Just cuz it’s SO much fun to read!

A Little Bit of Kooky and a Whole Lot of Love- http://alittlebitofkooky.blogspot.com/
This girl (who happens to be one of my oldest best friends!) will make you laugh so hard your sides will hurt!

Our Best Bites- http://www.ourbestbites.com/
Really yummy recipes and tons of fun kitchen tips!

A Year of Slow Cooking- http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/
You can find every crockpot recipe imaginable here.  Perfect for feeding a family and not spending all day long in the kitchen.

Your Home Based Mom- http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/
This lady is seriously amazing, and her recipes (and photos of them!) are mouth-wateringly good!

Baby Cheapskate- http://babycheapskate.blogspot.com/
Such great deals on baby stuff, updated all the time.

Frugal Girls- http://www.thefrugalgirls.com/
I really love all the deals these girls find.

What is one thing people can do for you?

Come enter my giveaways!  The chances of winning are always very good, and the prizes are so awesome!  Come follow my blog and enter to win fun free stuff!!!

Connie Roberts

ConnieFoggles