BenSpark
Jennifer, I think I first learned about your blog The Dirty Shirt when I was on a crazy blog contest winning streak and won a 1TB hard drive from you and Seagate. From then on I was hooked and then we started talking and found out that you lived near Disney and we were going on a vacation there. So we made plans to meet up for dinner. Dinner was fun but I hardly had any time to actually talk with you so please tell me as well as the readers about yourself.
Jennifer
I am a stay at home mom of three age gapped kids; 16, almost 10, and almost 2. I homeschool the two oldest in the 11th & 5th grades. When I am not busy with teaching I run The Dirty Shirt. What started out as a personal blog quickly turned into a product review only blog due to the overwhelming requests to be spotlighted.
All my hard work paid off as this year I have been honored in so many ways. I was asked to be part of I’m Not A Famous Blogger, I was named one of Neilsens Top 50 Power Moms in Digital Media, A Frigidaire Test Mom, A Correspondent at The Motherhood, and have been invited to General Mills for the first ever Eat & Greet.
BenSpark
Those are some amazing feats in the blogging world. I am constantly surprised by all the cool things that you are reviewing and giving away. I chuckled a little at you including being asked to be a part of the “I’m Not A Famous Blogger” crew as one of the honors. You flatter me because well, we aren’t a household name like the Neilsens or General Mills. You must work extremely hard on your blog, why don’t you about your blog.
Jennifer
I love that I get many emails telling me that my review has helped someone make a decision on a purchase. I have been told by many that I am one of the go to gals for reviews and personal opinions on things.
BenSpark
You do many reviews on your blog, was it always a review blog? Why did you start blogging?
Jennifer
I started blogging to keep my family in the loop with all that was going on in my life. I kind of miss doing that and am seeking ways to integrate that back into my blog. Don’t get me wrong I love the product reviews but I miss updating my life.
BenSpark
Sometimes I’d like to do more reviews, I feel like it is way too much about my life and not everyone finds that appealing. Or maybe they do. Do you monetize your blog? What are some companies besides IZEA that you work with?
Jennifer
I try to monetize my blog, so far IZEA is the best means of doing so.
BenSpark
You do much with SocialSpark. What is your favorite feature of SocialSpark?
Jennifer
That I can connect with other people and actually see who they are (for those that add their pictures)
BenSpark
What should be improved on SocialSpark?
Jennifer
You shouldn’t fix what isn’t broken 
BenSpark
What is the Ultimate Goal for a blogger, in your opinion?
Jennifer
I think that we all have different objectives. I can tell you that when I started I never dreamed I would be where I am today, I never knew this was possible. My personal ultimate goal is just to be a strong presence in the blogosphere. I don’t need to be at the top (though I wouldn’t complain about that) I like where I am now.
BenSpark
Being the go to site for reviews is a pretty good thing, I think you are pretty well there. Again I am constantly pleasantly surprised by the great things you are reviewing. You are on WordPress and probably are using many plug ins. Which one plugin would you suggest all bloggers to have?
Jennifer
All in One SEO, even though I am still trying to figure it all out .
BenSpark
What is the first thing you do when you fire up your browser?
Jennifer
Check my email which usually takes an hour in the morning so I don’t get backed up through the day.
BenSpark
E-mail is thing one for me as well and then I make sure I respond to all my blog comments. I think I could get a job as a blogger comment assistant or something. But this is not about me it is about you. If you could spend one year blogging about a particular thing what would it be and why? How would you keep it fresh?
Jennifer
A technology decked out RV and I would keep it fresh by blogging about all the places we see while touring America (always been a dream of mine).
BenSpark
That is the second interview in a row where the interviewee talked about a major cross country road trip. I smell a podcast or something that should be made. That would be a great blog post or series of posts at least. What is your best blog post ever?
Jennifer
I have started a new review series on my blog about local hotels so I have to say it is the series I just finished on the Walt Disney Swan & Dolphin Hotel. It was a three part review of the hotel. I stepped outside the box of typical products.
BenSpark
With all the different reviews people must find you in strange ways. What are some odd keywords people use to find your blog?
Jennifer
Rubber was one that I can remember off the top of my head, no clue why. Another was Red Twisty Plant, again huh? lol
BenSpark
Off to figure out what Red Twisty Plant is… While I’m gone tell us; outside of blogging what are your other interests?
Jennifer
Besides playing with my kids I love reading books, writing (have started and completed 2 books, still working on cleaning them up to shop around) and I am an avid gamer. When I had my last baby almost 2 years ago I stepped down from running my clan in FFXI, one that I ran for 4 years. Very sad day for me, back into playing again but not as full force as I did awhile ago. Anxiously awaiting the next FF MMORPG coming out next year as I will once again be a hard core player!
BenSpark
I looked, I could find nothing of a red twisty plant, is it a magical thing? Oh sorry, you were talking about writing books, that is really very cool. I’d love to know what they are about, fiction, non-fiction. I’ll have to ask you sometime. I’d say writing 2 books is pretty amazing but I’m still going to ask; what is amazing about you?
Jennifer
I have this incredible knack to see the good in every situation. My husband calls me our family cheerleader, when one is feeling down, scared or nervous I am there picking them up and making them feel better.
BenSpark
Ipod or other music player?
Jennifer
iPod all the way!!!!!!
BenSpark
Do you play Facebook games?
Jennifer
Occasionally I try but really can’t find the time.
BenSpark
What is the most motivational advice you can give other bloggers?
Jennifer
Blog because you want to. Don’t worry about numbers, that will just give you a headache!
BenSpark
Do you have any favorite blogs?
Jennifer
BenSpark
You are an iPod owner, do you have any favorite podcasts?
Jennifer
I sadly don’t have any. Thanks again I love that you are doing this for your crew . Looking forward to IZEAfest and talking to you.
BenSpark
I look forward to actually getting a few minutes to sit and talk with you are IZEAFest 2009 as well. Can’t wait for Eva and your daughter to play together. That should be fun.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Great to read another interview and I've now been introduced to Jennifers wonderful blog, how did I miss it before!!!! Anyhow I've subscribed to the blog and started stalking, erm I mean following
her twitter, nice one 
I subscribe via e-mail, get all the latest delivered daily.
Great Interview, I am a huge FF fan, been playing since SNES days, but never did get into the MMO version of Final Fantasy, I am eagerly awaiting FF XIII which should be released sometime soon for the console.
Wasn't there a FF for original Nintendo? I think I still have it in a box next to the computer at home along with all my Nintendo games.
Yep, Final Fantasy I and II were for NES, and III and on were for SNES. I did play those two.
I'm going to find that tonight and twitpic it.