Featured Blogger: Shannon of Itsy Bitsy Indulgences
Every week we bring you a featured blogger or talent who inspires us. This week we’re so excited to share with you Shannon of Itsy Bitsy Indulgences! Shannon is the author and content creator behind the blog Itsy Bitsy Indulgences, a blog for fashion, travel, and balanced living. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, blogger, new momma, wife, avid runner and champagne lover. Itsy Bitsy Indulgences is a space for people to find their balance in life…. from high/low fashion, healthy and delicious eats, and a wanderlust for travel. Learn more about Shannon and her blog here.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I was born and raised in Orange County, Ca and grew up playing sports and traveling. I went to college at the University of San Diego where I majored in Psychology and minored in English. I then went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology from Chapman University.
I am a new mom, who recently left her full time job of being a Marriage and Family Therapist to blog full time. I am an avid runner, champagne lover, and constantly have wanderlust. I believe that life should be fully enjoyed through life’s small indulgences.
What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Genuine, practical, and sarcastic (fun, huh?? J).
What Profession other than yours would you love to attempt?
I don’t know. I feel as though I went into my previous profession thinking that would be “it” for me… until I entered the world of blogging almost 4 years ago… so, right now, I’m pretty happy about where I am. Although… I sometimes think it would be cool to be a nutritionist.
What is your favorite quote?
“Life is amazing. And then it’s awful. And then it’s amazing again. And in between the amazing and the awful it’s ordinary, it’s mundane, it’s routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That’s just living: heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it’s breathtaking.” LR Knost
What inspired your blog?
My blog was inspired by my work as a therapist. I found that so many people lived in extremes (black or white) and that was what created difficulties. The goal of the blog was to help people see that life can be fully enjoyed living in the middle, the grey so to speak. I’ve always believed in balancing designer pieces with great steals, a night of drinking champagne with girlfriends with a morning yoga (or spin) class, and when you work hard, you should find moments to work in play… like a weekend away.
What is your favorite social media platform and why?
I love Instagram because I am very visual… yet, I am starting to find that snapchat allows for a real authentic engagement with followers.
Where do you find inspiration for blog posts?
I find most of my inspiration in my day-to-day life and encounters with others. A dinner out and trying a new cocktail can inspire me to create my own “healthier” version. Traveling typically inspires me to become creative with my outfits… being a mom helps me to show practicality in them as well.
What do you think it is about your blog that keeps people coming back for more?
When I conceptualized the blog I always wanted to provide my readers with an authentic and vulnerable voice…. someone that they could relate to on a daily basis. When I receive feedback from readers it is typically that they appreciate how honest I am about life in general.
How does a brand get your attention for a feature?
A brand gets my attention for a feature when I can see how it organically fits into my lifestyle and that then excites me to share it with readers.
What do you love most about blogging?
I love the flexibility, the creative outlet it provides, the brands I get to work with, and the people I get to connect with.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I used to be such a planner and visualize where I would like to be in the years ahead… yet I found that life doesn’t always work that way, and I would get disappointed. So, I try not to “plan” out where I would like to be, but more have a goal as to how I would like to feel. In 10 years, I hope to be physically healthy (maybe have a few more half marathons under my belt), content (well connected with friends and family, travel to a new destination, etc…), and to continue to have a zest for life.
In your opinion, what separates a great blog from an unsuccessful blog?
I think it all boils down to authenticity and relate-ability. At least, that’s what keeps me coming back to the blogs I enjoy!
