Bloggers Behind the Screens: Mama Makes Do

I’ve joined in a new monthly interview series called Bloggers Behind the Screens where fellow bloggers come together to answer a series of questions on a specific theme. This is a great way for me to get acquainted with a whole range of bloggers and introduce them to you! This month I am meeting Charlotte from Mama Makes Do.

When did you start blogging and why?
I initially started in 2016 after the birth of my first little one, to stop me going stir crazy over maternity leave. I wanted to learn the mechanics of forming a website, and what better way than having a go? After a couple of year hiatus, I relaunched in 2019 with more of a strategy to build the blog into a side business.

How did you come up with the name for your blog?
I think as parents we are always just trying to get by; sometimes you just must make do with what you have. It also flowed off the tongue well, and all the tags were free on social media.

What do you blog about? Has that changed from when you first started?
In the beginning, I would literally post whatever I felt, whether it made sense to my blog theme or not. This time around, I’ve focused down to reviews, tutorials and recipes, all designed to save money.

Is your blog your job, your hobby or your side hustle?
Currently a hobby but building towards being a side hustle (I work full time as an Engineer).

What is the best thing or experience that blogging has given you?
My Self-Confidence back! The blogging community is so friendly and supportive, and watching my blog stats slowly increase gives me affirmation each day that “You’ve got this”.

What is your favourite thing in the whole world to write about?
Kitchen Gadgets. I am a sucker for a gadget, (my friends say my catchphrase is “ooo, I’ve got a tool for that”), and blogging gives me a perfect excuse to try out new tech!

What skills has blogging taught you?
How to pretend you are decorating a home when really, you’re just in B&Q collecting wallpaper samples for photography backdrops. Pro-tip; let your partner know that you are doing this in advance, so he doesn’t have a debate with you in the middle of the store as to why we are never wallpapering again ever.

What is your favourite post from your blog?
This tutorial on how to make your own Beeswax Wraps is one I’m the proudest of. It’s the first time I planned out photos as I went, making it look more professional, and gave me an excuse to make something I’ve wanted to try out for a long time.

Have you ever been on TV or radio in your capacity as a blogger? If so, what for? If not, do you think it’s something you’d like to have a go at?
I haven’t for my blog but have been on radio a few times at events relating to my day job. I would like to but need to get over my own distaste for my own voice.

What is your least favourite thing about blogging?
When things don’t go to plan! Random tech fails, deliveries not arriving, something unexpected bulldozing a night of planned writing. Also needing to be on social media a lot for promotion, sometimes you want to switch off from the world but with notifications pinging off at all hours it’s so hard to.

Do you have any advice to give to anybody out there thinking of starting a blog right now?
Do it. Now. Right Now. The more you overthink it, the more overwhelming it gets, and mistakes are the best form of learning.

Where do you do most of your blogging? Do you have a home office, are you on the sofa or do you prefer to be out and about when writing posts?
I’m a bit (read: massive) geek so have a gaming PC with 2 screens where I get all my work done too. Unfortunately, my desk is in the living room so I can never quite escape the hustle and bustle of the household, but an office space/craft room is on my future priority list.

Be honest. How many unwritten posts are in your drafts right now? How many are likely to see daylight?
At least 30… I use Trello so I can jot down ideas when I’m out, which means I get more ideas than possible writing hours ha-ha. I’m also a late-night phone surfer, meaning I tend to impulse buy more gadgets to review… so I can’t see the backlog ever going away!

What are you most excited about for your blog in the last six months or so of 2019? Anything awesome in the pipeline for the summer or are we forever winging it?
I am looking forward to doing some gadget reviews, and to get some YouTube content out there to supplement that. We have a “Crafty November” planned with a new bake, dish or craft a day to get you in the festive mood.

Finally, what is your absolute favourite thing about being a blogger?
Having something that is mine, that I’ve built up by myself. Even though I love my day job, working for someone else’s business just doesn’t give that same satisfaction as something you’ve nurtured on your own.


You can find Charlotte online here:

Blog URL; https://www.mamamakesdo.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MamaMakesDo
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MamaMakesDo
Instagram: www.instagram.com/MamaMakesDo