I started Playdates + Pearls 9 months ago as an outlet from my day-to-day “mom life” after having been a reader of blogs for years. I had been following ladies that had similar interests in fashion, beauty, and design and I wanted to join them in creating a little space in the blogosphere that was my own. I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone and put myself into an unknown, and at times uncomfortable, situation and I’m so glad that I did. In the short time since creating P+P I’ve met so many amazing ladies, and had the opportunity to work with some incredible small businesses and other blogs. I always say that my little corner of the internet is such a happy place, where I feel supported and respected, and where I hope my readers find joy when visiting. Getting to “girl talk” with all of you makes me feel sane on days when I’ve been chasing a naked toddler around all day, while still in my pajamas at 4pm, with cheerios in my hair.

My favorite blogger (and real life BFF) is Rene of My Simple Kitchen. She started her food blog just a short time after I started blogging, and we’ve been so lucky to go through this experience together. She is the most genuine, kind, and thoughtful person I know…she’s also a ridiculously good cook!! She lets me send her ideas, or recipe-less photos from pinterest and then she’ll create a recipe for me. I asked for coconut brownies, and she came up with these Mound Brownies that are like heaven to the tenth power times chocolate. Ya know what I mean?! She tagged me to be apart of this “blog tour” with her, and answer some questions as well as share a few of my favorite bloggers with you, so here goes!

1. What am I working on?

I am taking a small hiatus from working on anything too ambitious because I’ve been pre-occupied with growing a tiny human. I am entering my second trimester and looking forward to tackling projects like designing a nursery, changing my office/theater into a gym, and generally feeling more like myself again. I’ve been feeling so exhausted and sick the last couple months, and blogging has taken a backseat during that time, so getting back to blogging will be a bright spot for me.

2. How does my work differ from others in its genre? & 3. Why do I write what I do?

Nobody is living my life except me, so I have an advantage here… but I think my blog is constantly evolving with my taste and esthetic, and my readers are constantly being introduced to new products when I’m discovering them. I never sit down and start a post thinking “How can I be different from other beauty/fashion/design blogs?” I just write about what I’m enjoying at that moment in my life, and what I would want to read about if I was on the other side of the computer screen. What new space in my home is getting re-decorated? What am I using on my face that’s making a difference lately? What would I be telling my girlfriends about on a sunday over brunch? That’s what I’m sharing with y’all. If my kid says something funny, you’ll probably hear about it. If I buy a new handbag and it’s the bomb, you’ll definitely know.

4. How does your writing process work?

I typically sit down in the evenings, after my tiny lady is in bed for the night, with a cup of tea and a snack (aka dessert) and just write about whatever is relevant. If I’ve been working on a DIY then I’ll share some photos and the process for any of you that might want to tackle a similar project. If I’ve bought new products that are worth mentioning, I will. I share my weekend happenings, mine and Camryn’s fashion as of late, and any new home decor that I think you might like seeing. My life is constantly moving, sometimes in a thousand different directions, so I share bits and pieces of that with you.

Here are 3 of the blogs I love reading, and think you’ll also enjoy!

Bethann of BethAnimalPrint is my go-to fashion friend. She has impeccable style, and I love her effortless ability to mix high and low, and play with pattern. She takes beautiful photos of her outfits, which makes replicating them a breeze, and always shares where she found her favorite steals or splurges. I’m always finding new must-have items through her blog, and source tons and tons of inspiration from her. She and I met through Lucky Magazine, and have worked together styling an outfit with a few other gorgeous ladies, as well as hosting a fun giveaway.

Biana of BLovedBoston is a friend I mention time and time again. She is such a sweetheart, and writes about products that I’m interested in reading about. She is one of the nicest people I’ve met since starting my blog, and I feel like she’s a friend who genuinely cares about my success as a blogger. She cheers me on, and is always willing to join in on a giveaway, or fun collaboration. She writes about all things fashion and beauty, as well as life as a (kinda) newlywed.

I’ve been reading Shelley’s blog for over 2 years now, and Crazy Wonderful is one of my favorites for interior design and easy DIY projects. Her family recently moved into their new home that was being custom built for them, and it’s amazing!! Her kitchen makes me drool, and her black & white interior design is always swoon worthy. I love seeing before and after pictures of all her little projects, and am always so impressed with her eye for detail. If you love interior decor as much as I do, and budget-friendly DIY’s are your jam, she’s your girl.

I hope you all enjoyed this fun post! I tag all of you – share your blogger journey, and share a few of the blogs you enjoy reading. Thank you again to Rene for including me in this blog tour!

XO – Samantha