The skies are blue and the sun is shining in San Diego.
The flowers are blooming.
And I am powering through the day:
I knocked out a 20 Minute At Home Workout
I am grooving on the coffee and mango butter finds that I picked up at TJ’s yesterday
I love TJ’s Coffees and did a big Coffee Review Post comparing many of their coffees as well as others, like Smores Coffee
From my last post on Mango Recipes, thanks for letting me know you like your mangoes just as much as I do. Well, most of you do. Some people are allergic.
As a sidebar, mango allergies are a pretty common allergy. It’s in the latex family so if you’re allergic to mango, then bananas, papaya, pineapple, avocado and others could be culprits, too. I have plenty of food allergies so can spout off food allergy trivia all day long.
Today I made a batch of Raw Taco Nut “Meat”
I bring this taco “meat” to parties and always impress the meat eaters because it’s hearty, dense, full of flavor, and filling. And takes about 45 seconds to make.
And plated that over a bed of greens because a Raw Taco Salad was the perfect lunch on a spring day when I’m slamming and jamming.
And I baked some Lemon & Dill Roasted Potato Sticks (mostly for Scott) but munched on a few of those.
I prefer to munch on fresh berries and…
…Chocolate!
Like Special K Bars with Chocolate Frosting
I am also really excited because I was featured in a National Fox News Story about the power of blogs and bloggers. The piece, written by Hollie McKay, is about a study that showed that bloggers have more influence than celebrities when it comes to influencing consumer purchasing decisions and I was interviewed for and quoted in the story. Check it out if you have a second!
Questions:
1. Have you ever been interviewed for a story or been on the radio, TV, or in the media in some way?
Other than writing my blog and being in the Movie, A Walk to Remember, that I discussed here and here, I can’t recall any other media features or brushes with fame. Other than doing yoga next to Gwyneth Paltrow and Katie Holmes on separate instances, years ago, which was very cool!
However, I’d like to do more interviews. It’s been fun!
2. How much influence do you think blogs and bloggers have over purchasing decisions?
I personally think they have an enormous influence!
I have done many, many posts over the years on things I’ve purchased or tried because I’ve read about them in the blogosphere. Everything from chia seeds to nutritional yeast as I discussed here, recently.
I’ve tried some gems, and some duds, but because of blogs and the recommendations of fellow bloggers, I tried products that I otherwise wouldn’t have known about or bothered to try. Their endorsement, review, and simply featuring the product or item on their blog did alter my purchasing decisions.
3. Have you bought anything or tried anything new because a blogger mentioned it or featured it on his/her blog?
I also have discussed that I went through a phase where I tried and bought just about anything that I saw floating around, but I have since reigned in my impulse purchases and don’t race out to buy everything I see anymore, either.
It’s fun to try new things and products but I don’t have the budget, or the need, to try everything. Sometimes I know that what I have works well for me and I don’t need to keep trying and trying every latest thing, i.e. certain yoga clothes or protein powders and I don’t need to race out and buy the “latest and greatest”.
It’s a balancing act, for sure, trying new things but also not breaking the bank or buying things you just don’t need or won’t really have much long term use for.
What do you think about the power and influence of blogs/bloggers featuring products? Have you bought or tried things you’ve seen in the ‘sphere?
Enjoy your day!
Congrats on being in the Fox News article!! We watch Fox News religiously, lol. Seriously, it’s always on at least one TV in at house at any given time, haha. So seeing you mentioned on their web site is so exciting to me!! :mrgreen:
As someone who has been in Internet marketing for this long, I definitely think that blogs are very influential. Any type of social outlet is very powerful, and blogs oftentimes have a close connection with their audience. I know a lot of my readers really connect with me, and that’s what sets blogs aside from any other media: the daily (or weekly, etc.) interpersonal connection. :)
Wow, you’re famous! That’s awesome that they asked for your thoughts and that you delivered them so succinctly. Did they quote you accurately, or make you say things that you didn’t say? (I know that’s a common problem, but it seems like what you said made sense.)
Congratulations!
I don’t have any cool stories like that, but I think it’s true what they say about the importance and influence of blogs. My problems is that mine isn’t squarely in one arena, it straddles a few… And currently that’s my choice, so I guess it’s not a problem!
love
Ela
they used my quotes, verbatim. Hollie was very kind that way :)
what a great article Averie! Yes, you do have an influence on us bloggers. Its about balance, in every area. And I love how you do it so well yet keep things real. That should be recognized more often!
1) That’s pretty darn cool Averie ! I read the article and agree. I think bloggers have more ‘power’ than say Kim K. I don’t really care what celebrities say they like… I always assume they’re getting paid to say that. When a blogger says she likes something, I know she’s being honest bc no one is paying her to say it. At least I think…
2) I think for me, I learn about new products and trends… BUT, I always make my own choices as far as what works for me and my life style. I would never buy something *just* because a blogger I like (and admire) likes it & uses it. I take my time and decide if it’s right for me, but I can’t tell you how many things I have learned about bc of blogs. They’re such a wonderful resources.
3) There has been an item or two I thought I’d like, but didn’t… and to be honest, I can’t even think of one bc they are so few and far between.
Bloggers have a TON of influence over my purchasing decisions. I’ve bought so many things based upon product recommendations — from big purchases like a Vitamix to smaller purchases like granola.
Very cool! Going to read the article now :) I agree, I used to be a lot more apt to buy things based on blog recommendations, but I’ve reigned it in. For example, I JUST purchased my first bag of chia seeds last week! I’m more likely to take suggestions from bloggers where I feel like I “know” the person (i.e. you, Madeline, Allie, Evan, etc) too.
I’m definitely influenced by bloggers — I see products (like that TJs Mango Butter) and I want it! And next time I go to TJs I will buy it. I’ve also gotten things from OpenSky shops (back when lots of people had them) and that was all based on blogger’s recommendations.
I’ve never been in the news, except when I was really little. My mom homeschooled my sisters and me and we were in the local paper :)
And I just read the article — that is really neat Averie and you had a great quote in there!
I never knew you were HS’ed! I would love to hear about your experiences and thoughts looking back on it. We were moving down that path but with life/work, not feasible but I totally support and endorse HSing!
I’m jealous of your beautiful berries and sunny skies. We’re still waiting for spring to arrive on the east coast.
And I would have to agree, bloggers have A TON of influence on purchasing decisions.
I buy tons of things that I learn about from other bloggers. I’m actually having a link party on Friday called “Friday Favorites” for bloggers to share some of their favorite things. I can’t get enough of seeing what other people love and getting some inspiration!
I gave up impulse purchases for Lent and it’s killing me.
Congrats! Very cool. Oh yes, I do think bloggers are influential. I’ve definitely made purchasing decisions based on the opinions and suggestions of other bloggers. It’s a great way to find new products, but also to help determine if something is even worth the purchase. Reviews are so beneficial.
can i just marinate on the sofa with your bag of chocolate chips, mango butter, coffee, and bananas right now? lol YUM!
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS btw! I’m surprised you arent featured more to be honest. Maybe its just because I consider your site the HUB of a lot of food blogs- not only is it extremely relevant and up-to-date..its also personable and i always find myself thinking during the day “I wonder what Avery has been up to lately?”
XOXO <3
Kelsey you are sooo sweet! Thank you for the lovely comment :) Maybe more people will come knocking now! haha!
Peanut flour and flax are about the only thing I ever bought based on bloggers. Peanut flour is a love of mine now and I put flax in and on almost everything. Congrats on the interview! I haven’t done anything profound enough to be interviewed, but Tony does them all the time since he is in comics.
wow this is awesome Avery!!! congrats for that! :D and I just kinda started reading your blog and I can’t believe you were in a walk to remember haha! i love that movie.
yes, I was and glad you’re a new reader :)
Wow congrats! I’m going to check out the FOX news article now. That’s so cool, Avery!! I also didn’t know you were in a movie!! Your eats look delish, especially the special k bars!! I’ve never been interviewed, but I was in a commercial when I was a lot younger and hated it, haha. I have definitely tried out a lot of new things because of blogs. A huge influence for sure!
Thanks, Ashley, for complimenting my eats. Because I always drool over yours and your pics, that means a lot :)
Btw I am going to be in CO this summer. Would love to see you!
CONGRATS on being featured in the article – just read it, good one! :) I’ve not been interviewed by BIG news… a few years ago when I was building a resort spa I had many media appearances on the local television and radio, and in the national industry publications. Out of college I modeled clothing for Saks Fifth Avenue, but that was our local television also :)
I am a self professed CONSUMER… so yes, I have sought out products I’ve heard of on blogs… and I also love to share products I’m excited about too – that’s why I loved (what I thought!) OpenSky was about when I had my shop… ;)
yea I know, Open Sky sort of…ahem, changed, for many of us :)
You modeled for Saks…wow!!!
WOW yoga with those two celebs?! AMAZING!! :O
I’ve been influence SO MUCH food-wise by blogs! I’d never even heard of nooch or chia seeds pre-blogging, and I’d never had peanut butter before I started blog reading, and now I’m addicted!! :P
P.S. Just read the article- great one!! And I didn’t know your last name was ‘Sunshine’! Suits your personality perfectly :)
I changed it legally about 2 years ago. Posted about it.
https://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/2009/10/dessert-treats-of-week-recap.html