A B & Me Blogger in Focus : WanderCrush

So delighted to feature another blogger from the UAE. I am loving the updates on her adventures! Maybe one day I would also climb Mt. Kiliminjaro, run a marathon and do awesome stuff. But for now, let’s start December  edition of Blogger in Focus with … 

Name: Rachael Harrison
Location: Dubai, UAE
Blog: WanderCrush

 

How did you start blogging?

I began blogging back in 2011. At the time I was living in Cairo during the revolution and I wanted to document my experience. This didn’t last very long and ‘real life’ took over. It was only really in 2013 that I began blogging again, and I am now writing articles and posting a couple of times a week. I recently had a bit of an overhaul and a think about the direction the blog was heading in, and WanderCrush was born!

What do you write about?

WanderCrush covers a range of topics, with the underlying theme of travel and discovery, be it self discovery through facing challenges (such as climbing Kilimanjaro and running marathons), or the discovery of new and unique things to do in Dubai. In my mind, it’s about all of the little things that we fall in love with as we live and travel, and making the most of the world around us. I also feature photography posts on a weekly basis, and the photographs that accompany the blog posts are all taken by me, to hopefully inspire others to get out there and explore!

Any tips for new Bloggers?

I’ve learnt a lot since I started blogging and am still learning everyday. Number one would be to treat blogging like a job – posts should be regular and engaging with good quality photographs to catch your readers’ attention. Secondly, make sure you like the name of your blog! My blog was originally called something else and in the end I decided that I didn’t like it for various reasons. I recently changed it, and thankfully, because it was quite a new blog, it was ok. Thirdly, network with other bloggers! Follow them and share and like their posts. We can all learn from each other and I love reading other Dubai blogs in particular. Finally, don’t share every single part of your life.

What are the challenges you face with blogging?

A lot of people have said this, but it’s really hard to find the time to sit down and write, especially when you don’t get paid for it. There always seems to be something more urgent to do. I take and edit my own photographs, so this part alone seems to take forever, and that’s before I’ve written a word! But try to keep motivated by engaging with readers and thinking up new and exciting posts.

What do you do outside of blogging?

I was previously a teacher, but am now setting up my own business, which should hopefully be operational in January or February next year. As hobbies, I enjoy running and of course travel and photography! I am also getting married next year, so a lot of time is currently spent wedding planning.

Blogs you recommend my readers should read/follow?

As I’m wedding planning at the moment, I am addicted to blogs such as My Lovely Wedding, Bride Club ME and Lace in the Desert! Otherwise, I really enjoy Hippie in Heels as I’ve not been to India yet and it makes me really excited to visit one day. I also love the UAE food bloggers such as Coffee Cakes and Running as they have pictures of yummy food which makes me very hungry indeed!

3 Random Facts about you

1. My degree is in History, and I studied for it at the University of York.
2. I spent my 30th birthday in Hawaii and prior to this had two 2nd Augusts after crossing the International Dateline in a plane from Manilla to Honolulu!
3. It is my dream to see the Northern Lights…maybe next year?!

 You can also find Rachael in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.