December sponsor highlight

Hello, everyone! I'm so pleased to introduce you all to my very first paid sponsor! Joanne of Fabulously Average was who I teamed up with for that blogger swap a while back, and she's an absolute sweetheart. And did I mention that she has a killer sense of style? Well of course she does. I kinda want everything in her closet. For today's sponsor highlight, I thought I'd do a little Q&A sesh. Read it then go check out her blog!



Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, I’m Joanne the voice and creator of the personal style blog Fabulously Average! I’m an East Coast girl now residing in desert state of Arizona. I’m married to a steak eating, videogame playing, green eyed man that I usually refer to as ‘K’ on the blog. We recently just purchased our first home and have a four legged ginger puppy named Chandler (as in Bing).
Oh, and I’m obsessed with French fries.

How did you choose your blog name?
When I first started blogging [in May of 2011] my husband wondered what the name meant. He asked, “Are you calling yourself average? Or are you calling yourself fabulous?” I looked at him and said both. My blog name is a shout out to all the chicas out there that have average lives but live them fabulously. We all have that fabulously average friend, you know who she is. It’s the girl in the Starbucks line that exudes confidence and style, although her entire outfit was purchased at the Goodwill, or the woman in your office that sports a lace skirt with a flannel shirt and pulls it off effortlessly. She might not have the funds to buy the good stuff but she finds a way to work with what she’s got. That’s fabulously average!

Favorite thing about the blogosphere?
My favorite thing about the blogosphere might have to be the sense of community. You become great ‘virtual’ friends with people although there’s a possibility that you may never meet. I have met some amazing women because of blogging and have befriended some local Arizona bloggers; friends I might have not met otherwise.

Least favorite?
My least favorite thing would definitely have to be blog envy. Yes ladies and gentlemen ladies, this is a real thing. There are days when I’m jealous that another blogger has the perfect bag, more followers, or is an excellent writer. I sit there doubting myself and my blog. I wonder if I’m connecting with anyone and if I’m good enough. But then I have to snap myself out of it.



What are your favorite stores to shop at?
I’m a huge thrift shopper! Someone’s trash is another person’s treasure, right? Unless I’m looking for something specific, thrifting is my favorite. Great finds and you can’t beat the price. But if I have to list actual stores/shops they would have to be TJ Maxx, Asos, LILYF, Target and Forever21.

Any advice to new bloggers out there?
It’s a bloggie blog world out there and there will always be someone better. Just be the best you and you’re bound to connect to someone. As long as you feel passionate about what you write about and post, nothing else should matter.

Thanks for sharing, Joanne! Want to get in on VM sponsorships and monthly features? Check out my Sponsors tab at the top of the page or, if you're lazy like me, just click here. Spots for January are already being taken up!