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BLOGGER IN FOCUS

In BLOGGER IN FOCUS on
December 18, 2014

A B & Me Blogger in Focus: On Cloud Zen

Sarah BladenName – Sarah Bladen
Location – Dubai, UAE
Blog: On Cloud Zen (www.oncloudzen.com)

 

 

How did you start blogging?

After quitting my job as editor of a weekly celebrity magazine, I was ready to be a freelance writer. During the summer when I was in Greece, the idea for my blog just flourished and so after coming up with a name for my blog, I contacted a few graphic designers and then it grew from there.  I’m passionate about the mind, body, soul field and wanted to write about it in an authentic, honest and fun way.  

What do you write about?

So, I write about any topic related to the mind, body, soul arena – so everything from yoga and meditation to healthy eating and wellbeing. So I include fun healthy recipes, interviews with yoga practitioners as well as Zen Masters, respected spiritual guides and best-selling authors and motivational speakers.

Tips for new Bloggers?

I think my number one tip is to be passionate about what you are blogging about. This passion will drive you to connect with your readers and keep up the momentum. And don’t be afraid to be authentic and be yourself. It’s also important to listen to your intuition – if you’re having fun and enjoying the process, that’s the main thing.

What are the challenges you face with blogging?

Well, since it’s your blog, there is no-one telling you to write posts – there are no deadlines, it’s all about self-discipline. And some days you feel less motivated than others and so it’s important to try and keep up the spirit of writing on a fairly regular basis.  

What do you do outside of blogging?

I love teaching Zen Meditation and I’m also learning to be a Chakradance facilitator. I love practising Hatha and Kundalini yoga and going horse riding in the desert. I also love reading and painting.

Blogs you recommend my readers should read/follow?

I recommend you follow anything that captivates you!

3 Random Facts about you

  1. I’m a Taurean
  2. I was born in Belgium
  3. I once lived in Beirut for 7 months

~~~

I met Sarah a few months ago during my visit to Zuri Restaurant. It was a fun meeting over a good meal. 🙂 Follow On Cloud Zen on Facebook, Instagram and @oncloudzen on Twitter

In BLOGGER IN FOCUS on
December 11, 2014

A B & Me Blogger in Focus : Nadia Masood

AB&ME_NadiaMasoodPhoto

Name: Nadia Masood
Location: Dubai, UAE
Blog: www.nadiamasood.com

 

 

How did you start blogging?

I returned from my first trip to India in 2008 with so many stories and pictures to share with my family. This was when I decided that a blog would be the best platform to keep everyone updated about our trips and life here in the UAE. I started with Blogspot and then soon moved to WordPress. It’s been 6 years and I can’t imagine not having a blog now.

What do you write about?

I mostly write about travel and restaurant reviews. I would occasionally blog about recipes as well. But it’s travel writing that I’m truly passionate about and I hope that readers learn something new whenever they read the blog.

Tips for new Bloggers?

You need to have passion, authenticity, and consistency in order to sustain the blog and keep the readers interested. If you don’t enjoy blogging, it will reflect in the quality of your posts. And don’t always offer to write for free. If you want to make money out of your blog, invest in getting your own domain. Also, social media is the best way to drive traffic to your blog.

What are the challenges you face with blogging?

Lack of time. I work full time, look after my family, and do almost all the household chores myself so I hardly get time to sit and write.

What do you do outside of blogging?

I work as a Quality Assurance Engineer. When out of the office, I enjoy long drives, reading, and baking.

Blogs you recommend my readers should read/follow?

  • Fooderati Arabia – A group of talented food bloggers in the UAE.
  • Nomadic Matt – A brilliant travel writer that I follow.
  • Londoneya – A young lady whose passion for photography and writing shines through her posts.

3 Random Facts about you:

  1. When cooking or baking alone, I sometimes pretend that I’m hosting a food show.
  2. Being alone in a dark room terrifies me.
  3. I never get tired of driving.

 ~~~

And that concludes another feature. You can find Nadia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well. Thank you Nadia for participating in A B & Me Blogger in Focus series. 🙂

 
In BLOGGER IN FOCUS on
December 4, 2014

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 … 

DSC_0163-682x1024Name: 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 FacebookTwitterInstagram and Pinterest

 

 

In BLOGGER IN FOCUS on
November 27, 2014

A B & Me Blogger in Focus : Ken Surat

I’m so excited for this next feature. I learned about this guy in one of Lady‘s posts in Instagram. I’m amazed at his vision and crafty-ness. I like his blog, I like his sunny personality. Get to know him more … 

kensuratName: Kenneth Ephraim Surat
Location: Citizen of the WORLD :P….Ok Dubai it is.
Blog: www.kennethsurat.com

How did you start blogging?

I started blogging when Multiply was still a thing. In reality, during my university, I was very insecure sharing my thoughts in written form but when I started telling my travel stories online during my trip in China and people started telling me that they are inspired to travel whenever they read my blog, that’s when I fell in love with blogging.

What do you write about?

Mostly Travel and Food (I am trying to stick with this..cause my mind can be a little bit here and there haha)

Tips for new Bloggers?

Just write what you are passionate about and not let anyone dictate you. Also, don’t be stagnant, always look at areas where you need to improve (especially that the internet is organic and it grows, you should grow as well).

What are the challenges you face with blogging? 

Mostly the technical stuff (if I am not stuck thinking if my grammar/tenses are correct). SEO, HTML + Me don’t mix!

What do you do outside of blogging?

I am an Architect, The owner of Surat Journals and founder of The Traveling Journal Project. I love to travel, to paint, draw and anything DIY, I love to sing and I am a frustrated musical theater actor (LOL..frustrated meaning really frustrated)

Blogs you recommend my readers should read/follow?

www.nomadicmat.com, www.wanderingearl.com, www.worldofwanderlust.com, www.twomonkeystravelgroup.com and www.justonewayticket.com. Also for additional dosage of inspirations, you should watch DEPARTURES TV Series (all episodes are in YouTube)

 3 Random Facts about you​

  1. My favorite country so far is Norway
  2. I was part of a musical group that toured all over Dubai (We were like Modhesh touring around the malls) called……..secret
  3. My 2 dream destinations today are Peru and Iceland

He is known as @kennethsurat  on Instagram and Twitter. You can follow his social media sites here: www.kennethsurat.tumblr.comwww.suratjournals.comwww.facebook.com/thetravelingjournalproject and www.thetravelingjournalproject.com

In BLOGGER IN FOCUS on
November 20, 2014

A B & Me Blogger in Focus : Mahryska

When I started blogging, I did it because I just wanted to have my own space in the cyberworld. Eventually, I lost my mojo because I couldn’t relate. I ran out of things to say. I ran out of inspiration since all blogs I follow are from the Philippines. So when I decided to reboot my blog in 2010, the first thing I did was do a google search “Filipino bloggers in Dubai”. My next feature is one of the first blogs that I found…

mahryskaName: Mariyah Gaspacho
Location: Dubai, UAE
Blog: Mahryska

How did you start blogging?

I have been blogging since 2005 about random things, but one fine summer day in 2009, I decided to concentrate on fashion and photography. I was inspired by so many bloggers internationally and when I saw the lack of personal style bloggers in the region, I decided to do my own and share a bit of my world in the sandpit. It was a great way to be productive and creative. Plus I enjoyed dressing up and the fact that I already worked within the industry meant I got a huge advantage in getting an insider in everything that was happening in town.

What do you write about?

I mainly concentrate on personal style and photography. And of course, everything else that inspires me in between. I also write random articles on blogging and photography – my little tips and tricks.

Any tips for new Bloggers?

Be consistent. So many bloggers think that it is all glamour and fun and so many do it for the wrong reasons – freebies, freebies, freebies. Blogging is a huge responsibility and is actual work that requires a lot of time and dedication.

What are the challenges you face with blogging?

Time – with the kind of work that I am in, being able to post regularly is a challenge. I would ideally like to post on a daily basis but sometimes I honestly can’t manage. With blogging taking off real well in the past 2 years, 24 hours is not enough to manage everything.

What do you do outside of blogging?

I am a photographer and honestly, apart from the regular clients that I have, most of the work that I get now comes from the blog itself.

Blogs you recommend my readers should read/follow?

My personal favorites are Nicole Warne of www.garypeppergirl.com Leandra Medine of www.manrepeller.com and Chiarra Ferragni of the www.theblondesalad.com

3 Random Facts about you

  1. I only love wearing basic white, black, beige and grey.
  2. I hate wearing heels.
  3. I don’t really enjoy eating desserts – so no cupcakes or chocolates or cakes.

Follow Mahryska in Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. 😀

In BLOGGER IN FOCUS on
November 13, 2014

A B & Me Blogger in Focus : Beyond Toxicity

So happy to have met this talented travel blogger (although he doesn’t want to admit it!) His photos are so nice that it makes me want to pack up, book tickets and leave! I could not pass up the opportunity to feature him, of course. I did not give him a choice, actually. I just told him that he will be featured — khalas!

docgeloName : Gelo Santos, MD
Location : Dubai, UAE
Blog : Beyond Toxicity @ www.docgelo.com

How did you start blogging?

*I’ve been keeping my blog or what I consider, my virtual home since May 8th, 2007. Almost 8 years ago, I started blogging on Friendster, until a very good friend, who’s also into blogging suggested to migrate my then primitive posts to WordPress. 

My aim then was simply to document the growing up years of my son, and the weekend activities of my early family life.
However, after countless gastronomic adventures from hole-in-the-wall-eateries to buffet dining in premier hotels, my site became a family & food blog. Not long after, I began posting our out-of-town-trips and few of our family travels abroad. It has evolved into what it is now. A travel and food blog.

What do you write about?

At present, I enjoy sharing what I am passionate about – traveling and food.

Tips for new bloggers?

  • Blog about something you, yourself will be interested in reading. I believe we must celebrate ourselves first, before we can share pieces of our thoughts to our readers and followers.
  • Establish connection with your readers. There’s no point of having a public blog when you’re anti-social. Your virtual friends, followers and commenters would keep your blog alive.
  • Write and feature something inspiring yet truthful.
  • Observe integrity in blogging.
  • Always write from the heart (unless you’re blogging about food then think of your stomach 😀 )

What are the challenges you face with blogging?

  • Despite I try to keep my amateur photos raw and never done photoshop yet, it usually takes me 2 days to publish a blog post – from sorting out pictures, cropping, resizing, minimal color & saturation adjustments, recalling stories behind every photo.
  • Encountering what they called, writer’s block or having lack of motivation to blog also impose personal challenges on blogging.

What do you do outside blogging?

I have a day job and I try my very best to thrive as one of the Overseas Filipino Workers in Dubai.

I’m a licensed General Physician in the Philippines, had worked as a College Instructor for Medical surgical Nursing and as NCLEX-RN Review Lecturer in Manila. I’m also a former lecturer in a Medical University-College in Penang, Malaysia for 3 years prior to transferring to Dubai, UAE to work as pre-authorization Medical Reviewer in a TPA/Medical Insurance companies.

Blogs you recommend my readers should read/follow?

I’m an avid follower of a fellow Filipino Travel blog based in NY, USA, Nomadic Pinoy. However, for some unknown reason, the author ceased blogging since last year. Nevertheless, his posts remain an inspiration for me.

Another travel blog to follow is Wazari Wazir, a Malaysian photojournalist.

Name 3 Random facts about you

  1. I like music, but it seems, music doesn’t like me. I was a member of an all-boys-choir in early school days, played local string instrument called, banduria in a roundalla when I was 10, learned to play a recorder in school, and was desperate to try violin for 6 months in Malaysia but unsuccessful. Now, I’m leading a rock star lifestyle in videoke sessions with my closest friends in Dubai.
  2. I know how to cook and my dishes are delicious (Remember the rule I follow? Be a fan of yourself, hehehe! Seriously, you need to appreciate and love yourself more than anybody else).
  3. I cannot swim or ride a bike. End of story.

Check out Doc Gelo’s wonderful photos on Instagram and follow him on Twitter and Facebook.