This month we meet Danielle, the blogger behind parenting and lifestyle blog Hello Owl!
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Photo credit: Dani Mezza Photography

How do you describe Hello Owl to people you meet who haven’t read it before?

Hello Owl is all about my family and the crazy whirl-wind life we lead. I blog about life, love and all the bits in between.

When did you first start blogging and what made you first hit the keyboard?

I first started blogging in February 2006. We were living in Sydney at the time, my husband was in the Navy and he would travel for months at a time. One night I was sitting at home watching The Perfect Man and there was a scene where Hilliary Duff was blogging about her tragic life, living with her mum who moved the family all over the country numerous times on a whim and a broken heart. There and then, that’s how I started blogging.

What is the thing you most enjoy about blogging?

When I first started blogging I did it to keep in touch with friends but as time went on and blogging became more popular I found it was a fabulous way to share more of my life and make some amazing friends as well as keeping in touch with the old ones. I love that blogging allows me to share my life with others who might be just like me or have similar interests and I have the choice to share as little or as much as I feel comfortable doing.

What is the coolest thing your blog has helped you do?

My blog has given me the confidence to challenge myself and  move out of my comfort zone, to get out there and shake the foundations of normal parenting, to learn from others, to form friendships for both myself and the kids. Most importantly, Hello Owl is a constant, personal  reminder to live in the moment, because as always, moments are fleeting.

What piece of advice would you give someone just starting out their very first blog?

Blog from the heart. Blog about what’s real for you and if you don’t feel comfortable sharing it with the world or would feel uncomfortable viewing others feedback on the topic, don’t blog it. Ask yourself regularly Why Do You Blog and remember to always blog for YOU and no one else.

Tell us about your pets, friends, hobbies, star sign, shoe size… whatever!

I’m twenty six years old and I’m a mum of three {all girls}. I know what your thinking, she must be nuts! Well, the truth is… I am! Life definitely  gets a little crazy around here sometimes. I met my husband in high school and he’s been stuck with me ever since. We weren’t high school sweets hearts, far from it in fact, we’ve definitely had a lot of bumps along the way but life’s no fun without a little drama. Each day I surround myself with the people that I love, knowing I’m not the perfect wife or the perfect mother but I’m happy with who I am and how I’ve arrived at this stage of my life.

Do you have a particular favourite post you think is Hello Owl at its best?

It’s not a happy post but one that has really struck a cord with me personally, is this post: “Life can change in an instant“. This is not only the day my husband told me he had cancer, it’s also the day I discovered a love like no other and feelings for complete strangers I didn’t think were possible. This is the day the blog world (facebook and twitter too) reached out to me and gave me a gianormous hug and I felt each and every one of them. This is what blogging is all about.

Recommend a blog to us! If you like Hello Owl maybe you’d like…

Sunny + Scout

I found Louise’s blog when I was pregnant. We were both pregnant with girls and I would often log onto Lou’s site and find a post that described  exactly how I was feeling. I guess that makes us cyber twins in some ways. Now the girls are born this still happens, I often think up a post in my head and then wander over to Lou’s and find she’s mirroring my life. If only they lived closer I just know would all be amazing friends.

What do you love about Nuffnang?

When I started blogging I never dreamed I would actually make money off my blog. For me it was a simpler way to communicate with friends and family. Over the years as Hello Owl has grown, the blogging world has grown too and there’s so many more fabulous opportunities that weren’t available back then.

My mother always said I should be a writer when I grew up, in a way my blog kind of makes me feel like I am. I love that Nuffnang is a simple, easy going network, full of wonderful creative people who  give me the opportunity to step into somebody else’s shoes and play journalist every now and again. I was so proud to receive my first cheque from Nuffnang that once it was cashed I went straight to the shops and paid my rates. I felt proud because my little blog made that money… all on it’s own!

Lastly, if you and Mini Me from Austin Powers were attached at the hip, how would you combine forces and plot to take over the world?

I think mini me and I would be a fantastic team, were almost the same height and brilliant things come in small packages.
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Photo credit: Rachel Richter

Visit Danielle at Hello Owl for a taste of love, life, parenting and more!