Saturday Spotlight: Meet Colleen of The Lunchbox Diaries-The Funniest Blog

Today I want to take a moment to introduce you to Colleen, who is the brilliant and hilarious blogger behind the blog The Lunchbox Diaries. I was introduced to Colleen and her blog this year when she won the Funniest Blog award in my 2015 Best of Blog Awards.  Let me tell you, I love her blog now-I'm so glad someone nominated her and that lots of people voted for her, because she's not only funny, but real.

You know I love when a blogger is real with me.  Especially in posts like this one: Complaining vs. Bragging vs. Real Talk (?!)

What got you started blogging over at The Lunchbox Diaries? 
I was introduced to the world of blogging in 2009 when a friend of mine started her own blog. I read several blogs religiously until I finally thought, "You know what? I could totally do this." I'd been writing for myself (in journals and such) since I was 8-years-old, but was always too scared to share it with anyone. It was such a liberating leap of faith to start The Lunchbox Diaries. I can't adequately express my genuine shock that people actually read (and like!) it.

How did you meet your husband? 
I met Cory during my first weekend at college! I wish it was a romantic tale, but we were at the same frat party, and I just knew instantly that I had to meet him. When I saw him walk in, I even said to my roommate, "I'm going to marry that guy." She thought it was the two beers talking, but I was serious!

You have a Great Dane and a new baby, how is that treating you? 
Oh my goodness, my Great Dane, Penny is such a diva. I was concerned that she'd hate the baby because he'd naturally be an attention-stealer, but I she's actually been great! They're not BFFs by any stretch of the imagination, but she definitely knows that he's delicate and she treats him well. Jack, on the other hand, isn't fazed one bit by her!

What is your favorite cocktail and why?
My favorite cocktail is a free cocktail ;) But vodka is my liquor-of-choice, and I normally mix it with a fruit juice and a splash of Sprite or sparkling water, just to give it a nice fizz. I've actually been really into red wine recently, which is odd because I hated it before I got pregnant!

You have a Masters of Education, what were you doing for work? 
I was in management for an Employee Assistance Program. (Most people have no idea what an EAP is, yet most working adults have access to one! An EAP is a free, confidential, mental health benefit that's provided to the employees by the employer. So, if you've ever been interested in going to counseling, but don't want to pay for it or don't know where to know go, just ask your HR person about your EAP benefits!) I was doing a lot of counseling and public speaking (think: train the trainers type stuff.) Before that, I was working in a jail with the male inmates. Oh, the stories I've heard!

You recently left your job to be a full-time mom to your son Jack, how's that going? 
It's been great, but it's honestly the toughest job I've ever had. I know I'm doing exactly what's right for my family and me, but I'd by lying if I said it was a cake walk.

Do you think you'll go back to your work when Jack is a little older?
I think so! I love working, but I love working for myself. That's why staying at home and focusing on blogging and freelancing (and a new side gig that I can't wait to reveal!) is great for me. I can make my own schedule, do what I'm passionate about, and still make money.

If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you do first? 
Oh my gosh, if I won the lottery, I love to say I'd splurge on something first, but knowing me, I'd invest it and put it into savings. I'm so boring! But I would love to buy my parents a house so they could live near me! I think I'd also pay an interior decorator to come style our home, because I'm so bad at that.

If you could offer one piece of advice for the ladies out there reading, what would it be? 
My life motto is "always be a first rate version of yourself, instead of a second rate version of someone else." (Thank you, Judy Garland.) So often, we ladies try to be someone we're not; and the most liberating thing I've ever done is allowing myself to be me. It sounds so cliche, but I swear to you, it's the best to allow yourself to feel completely comfortable with who you are.

10. If you could offer one piece of advice to a new blogger, what would it be? 
Take your time finding your own voice. It's great to emulate someone when you're just starting out, but you won't get noticed until you start being yourself. Circle back to my life motto quote above ;)

Thanks Colleen! I'm so glad to be reading your blog!

Don't forget to follow her here: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube

Want to be featured for my Saturday Spotlight? All ads are BOGO for the Summer! See options HERE!