El Hub and I are taking a trip out to Hawaii next month (May 15-25) to visit our family. I’m not sure if you recall, but El Hub’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last fall, right around the time of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
I haven’t openly discussed it since mentioning the diagnosis the first time because I haven’t known what to say…
Positive energy
I always knew your thoughts and prayers were with us (and thank you), but I just set my heart and mind on maintaining a positive attitude on the blog here because I felt I needed to focus on something good.
But it feels like time for an update, and I have excellent news. 🙂
After twin mastectomies (staggered, each one at different times) and three months of brutal chemo therapy, Mom has been issued a clean bill of health.
It looks like she’s going to be alright. 🙂
Which brings me back to the purpose of this post. I could really use your help while I’m away, and there may be a way in it for you to have some fun.
Guest bloggers wanted
Because I may not have time to post three times/day while we’re there, I’m looking for guest bloggers to do product reviews, product shootouts (comparisons, i.e. Stila Lash Visor vs. MAC Splashproof mascara), makeup looks, tutorials, how tos/tips articles or videos to appear on the blog.
Now for the big question…
Why would you want to guest blog?
- Because you’d be doing me a favor. I’ll feel better knowing that the blog is in good hands and that interesting posts are going up on a regular basis if I end up being unable to post as much as I usually do.
- It’s FREE advertising. If you have a blog, other website or a business you’d like to promote, you’re looking for ways to get yourself out there. Guest blogging can really help, especially if you’re just starting out. Get yourself out there in front of another 7,000-8,000 readers/day, and definitely feel free to include links back to your own site!
- Try before you buy. Have you thought about starting a blog but weren’t sure if you had anything worthwhile to say? LOL! Story of my life. Try a guest entry here (I won’t bite!) to see if it’s something you might like to do long term with a blog of your own.
Some ideas to jumpstart the creative process
10 Ways to Wear Red: Looks to Wear with Red Lipstick or Gloss
Why You Should Skip MAC A Rose Romance
My Favorite Makeup Brushes and Why I Heart Them
Improv Beauty: Getting By Without Your Makeup Case
Feeling Blue: A Face of the Day
China Glaze Neon Collection Nail Polish Review
5 Lip Looks for Date Night
My Take on a Classic Smokey Eye
Shoot me an email
If you’re interested, shoot me an email at karen@makeupandbeautyblog.com (or use my contact form) with an overview of your idea. We’ll brainstorm.
No, it does NOT have to be some hugely involved, time-consuming project (seriously, I know you’re busy too). Even just a single product review of something you got from Sephora last week and liked more than you thought you would. All I ask is that it be original and not something you’ve already published someplace else.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. I am ALWAYS looking for guest bloggers, not just for my trip next month, so contact me if it sounds like something you’d like to try.
P.P.S. Every so often, I’ll choose a random guest blogger to feature with a custom illustration up in the header of the blog. You know how much I like Photoshop, right? Picture your name in lights, LOL! If you’re looking for attention for your blog or website, the header gets 18,000-20,000 pageviews/day.
I am so happy to hear that your MIL is doing great. That’s awesome news.
Marisol´s last blog post..Summer of 1998
I just found out Ally’s mum has breast cancer on Friday, so I feel for you. I’m glad you Mother-in-Law is doing well.
My Grandma had a double mastectomy when she was diagnosed with it before I was born. She couldn’t have breast reconstruction as she has Lupus (even back then). One of her sisters got breast cancer a few months after she had breast reconstruction and died. She has silicone breasts that she puts in her bra everyday. She’s had them for so long our family jokingly calls them her “removable breasts” and if she ever wanted breast augmentation, all she would have to do is order her breasts in a bigger size! It’s rather funny actually. My grammy is one tough cookie, I tell ya.
I wish I could blog for you but knowing me, I’d blog none-stop about Zena. Also, I lack a car (my dad refuses to let me drive his baby) and a digi camera as my dad killed it on a kayaking trip.
I hope y’all have fun in Hawaii! I’m living vicariously through you as it’s been thundering and raining where I live since Saturday (ugh).
I’m glad to hear that your mother-in-law is doing well.
gio´s last blog post..New Collection: MAC Trip II Collection
Ahh I’m glad your MIL is doing well.
Also sent you an email about guest blogging !
Row´s last blog post..Yukibear.JPG
Hi Rowena,
Got it! 😉
I’m so glad your mother in law is getting better! You blog 3x a day? That’s a lot of things to blog about! I barely get by my once a weekday quota 🙂
Dao´s last blog post..My Makeup Blog’s Guide to Making California Rolls
Hi Dao,
Thank you — we’re happy that she’s doing better, too!
Thats fantastic news about your MIL – I’m so pleased for you all!
I quite like the idea of guest blogging, but I don’t think I’ve ever done any blogging on makeup before! I’m going to have a think and see if I can come up with something interesting and if I can before you go away, I’ll drop you a line!
Beth´s last blog post..Found Ya…
Hi Beth,
Thank you… 🙂 Yes, please, if you do come up with anything I’d love to hear about it!
Have a great week!
I’d do it…I just don’t know where to start! 🙂
Hi Daya,
🙂 Thank you for the offer.
I’m so glad to hear that your mom in law is doing well 🙂
Hi Michelle,
Thank you! 🙂
Great news about your MIL. My mother is a breast cancer survivor, so I know where you’re coming from! Have a good time in Hawaii–you have lots to celebrate!
Hi Stacie,
I’m glad to hear your mom is doing okay. When was she diagnosed?
OOH! i’m down for the whole guest blogging thing =] also YAY to your momma in law for surviving the breast cancer! my momma works in a cancer ward, actually she works with the people who are in their last stages of cancer .. but yeah! the idea of doing blogging sounds mad koo! SO count me in =D
and so another week begins *sighs* it’s time for work! but at least it pays for my m.a.c addiction heheh take care =D
Hi Jana,
Thanks for this! If you have any story ideas please send ’em along by e-mail. 🙂
Have a good week at work! What do you do? And do you like your job?
Glad to hear your MIL is doing well! – that must have been an awful experience for all of you…
Um… I would totally be interested in guest blogging. I started my own blog not too long ago (http://capriciouscat.blogspot.com) and also just started my own small (extremely tiny) jewelry business (http://shi-designs-jewelry.blogspot.com). I’ll brainstorm some ideas and then write you an email. =)
Catherine´s last blog post..butterflies and shooting stars
Hi Catherine,
Thanks and thanks. I look forward to reading your e-mail!
I’m so glad to hear the good news! I can’t say I know what she went through but I’m sure it’s a huge relief for her & I wish her health and happiness for years to come.
Hi Ellery,
Thank you… I hope every day for the same things.
That’s such good news, Karen. 🙂 Take care in Hawaii, we’ll miss you ’till you return!
Hi Elena,
Thanks, hon. I’m glad to be able to share good news with you guys.
Oh, and I plan on still popping in on the blog… you know I can’t stay away for too long. 🙂
I sent you an email about guest blogging
Hi RobbyRaynebow,
Great! I look forward to reading it. 🙂
That’s awesome news about your mother-in-law, Karen. She’s a fighter! Have a great time in Hawaii…and I’m thinking about the guest blog thing…even though I have nothing to promote! 🙂
Hi Elle,
If you’re interested feel free to send me an e-mail with some story ideas. 🙂
Hope you’re having a nice Monday so far!
Glad the chemo and treatments have worked for your MIL! Definitely sending some positive vibes to you and yours!
Michelle´s last blog post..Plants and Dirt
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for the positive vibes. I’m sending you some back so that you have a great week… 🙂
I’m glad your MIL is doing well. I remember when you first shared the news. I’m sure you are looking forward to your trip!
Paris B´s last blog post..Lumiere Cosmetics Kabuki Brush – not just for mineral makeup
Hi Paris B.,
Thank you. 🙂
I know how it is when a family member becomes very ill and the feeling when everthings turns right again. Glad to hear that your MIL is doing better now. Have a wonderful trip (hey, it’s still Hawaii 😉 ) I would love to be a guest blogger, but it doesn’t make sense to blog from another continent. But never say no, I’ll give it a try.
Hi Karin,
Thank you for this note. I hope she stays healthy (*crosses fingers*). 🙂
So glad to hear your mother in law is doing better. I’m sure all of those candles we burned helped *hugs*
Hi Karen B.,
Thanks, hon. 🙂 Big hugs back to you from across the ocean…
YAY i am so relieved to hear your mommy in law is doing great !
i would totally love to help you blog though i never have before
i hope you guys have a great time in hawaii!
Hi Yadi,
Thank you. 🙂 We are very happy that’s she’s on the road to recovery. And thanks for the offer! E-mail me if you have any story ideas…
I’m so glad to hear El-Hub’s mom is going to be fine. Kudos to you for managing to function so well under so much pressure and worry.
If I think of any blogging ideas, then I will pass them along.
Hi Karen,
I’m soo thrilled that your mom-in-law is doing well and that you and El Hub will get to spend some much needed time together very soon!
Lilan´s last blog post..Smell This: Bvlgari Omnia Green Jade
Hi Lilan,
Thank you! 🙂 It’s been a minute — how have you been?
Hi Karen,
Guest blogging sounds to good to be true. Wonder if is too late now?
I have just sent you an email, am faithfully awaiting for your reply. 🙂
Shirleen´s last blog post..See What I Got During This GSS