Maria Gagliano is a woman of many talents. She is a wonderful photographer, a loving mom and an artist on Etsy. As a blogger, Maria shares her interests and her family with her readers. Her product reviews are personal and quite funny. And she’s a woman after my own heart who knows the true value of chocolate!

Tell me about your Blog.

I originally created the blog as a legacy for my children. I lost my mom when I was 12 years old. At 43 I am still longing to find out who she was as a woman. Writing the blog about my life, my stories, my dreams, my hopes, my children is so they never have to wonder who I was.  My dream is to create books for each with my posts. Currently, I blog about anything that pops onto my radar along with personal accounts of my life, quotes and photos from my kids and product reviews which I love. Writing and photography has always been a passion of mine and blogging allows me to use both.
Maria’s Space is a balanced blog. I try not to commercial too much. That is not the reason I started it. My readers are important to me and I have made long lasting relationships with some of them. I want everyone to feel they have a voice on my blog. I will never delete a comment. If you are looking for honestly you have come to the right place. There is nothing I won’t discuss and love when someone has a different opinion and feels they can voice it in comments.

What was your first blog?

Maria’s Space was my first blog. I created one for each of my children speaking in their voice, a blog for my photography and another for entertainment purposes. Currently I only write on Maria’s Space and the entertainment blog Chotskies.

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

Write with honestly. Don’t compromise but don’t bash. Just because a book or product isn’t something you like it may be something someone else likes. So, spin your negative review in a positive way. There is no reason to be rude. I treat my blog like a business and although it doesn’t provide a paycheck it is a job.  Meet your deadlines and be professional.

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

Originally I started with a small review group. After my first few reviews I started getting contacted by companies looking for me to review for them. As for advertisers; I have never contacted an advertiser.

What is your favorite product that you have reviewed?

I loved reviewing toys for my kids. Anytime I can pull them into a review I am happy. However, food reviews, especially something sweet is always a favorite.

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

To be honest I have not had a negative experience with an advertiser. This is a business and if treated as such, everyone remains professional.

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

I love when bloggers voices shine through. I love when you can hear their voice in their posts even though you have never spoken to them. There are so many talented people in the blogosphere.

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

Godiva or Microsoft

Where do you see growth in the blogging field?

Vlogging is the way to go. Everyone should learn how to put video on their posts, especially their reviews.

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

I am 4’11”

What’s your favorite book?

Twilight and The Stand

What is on your iPod?

Taylor Swift, Linkin Park, Staind, Evanescence, Dave Matthews, Creed, Kings of Leon, Stevie Nicks, Theory of A Deadman, Antigone Rising, Carrie Underwood, Dave Grohl and more. I love loads of music.

What are your contact details?

ree026@(nospam)optonline.net

Maria’s Space, http://reesspace.blogspot.com

Chotskies, http://chotskies.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/reespace

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MariaGagliano

Book Blogs http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/Maria183

Etsy http://streetangel.etsy.com

Twitter Moms http://www.twittermoms.com/profile/Maria191

Mom Logic http://community.momlogic.com/profile/Maria567

Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesangels/

How do you prefer to communicate?

I love talking on the phone but email has a place too

Who would you recommend, and why?
Tiny Prints – The make amazing cards, post cards, photo cards and more. I love their products and appreciate their social networking.
The Mom Buzz – “Erin Taylor” She is a blogger maven. I want to be like her when I grow up.
Lauren’s Bite – Lauren from Lauren’s Bite is the blog I wish I had dreamed up. It was the escapades of pocket Edward that sucked me in. If you have no idea what I am talking about, you need to check her out. She is funny.
Simply Stacie – She is nice and has some of the best giveaways around
Eden Fantasys– Love all their products and reading the reviews is so much fun. Plus Drew G is one of the nicest, pr folks in the biz.
Eli’s Lids – She has great hats but it is her blog savvy’ness that sucked me in. I love her use of speak bubbles. You know those little things you put above people’s heads in photos so you can add dialogue!
Leslie Loves Veggies – She is super nice.
No Time For Flash Cards – Genius blog filled with wonderful projects to do with children. Totally user friendly instructions and photos.
Angels Everywhere – She is a new blogger and a personal friend and really puts her heart into her posts.
Through My Eyes – She is a new blogger and a personal friend of mine. She really loves blogging, talking and meeting people.
The Shewbridges of Celebration, FL – Lorie is the writer of this blog. She is super nice, funny and sweet. She makes everyone feel good with her detailed, specific comments. She makes you feel like you are the most special person.
Notes From The Trenches – Super cute! Always the best pictures of her kids which really makes you feel like you are part of the action. You can hear the noise and laughter in her pictures. She is a blogger maven and writes for 5 other blogs besides her own.

– Connie Roberts