Do you take your own photos?

Yes! All of the photos on my blog, Facebook, and Instagram page (@missnortherner) were taken by me. If I’m in the picture, then they were either taken by my mom, my boyfriend, or using my tripod and self-timer.

How did you create your blog?

My blog runs on the WordPress platform and I just recently starting using the Divi theme to customize how my site looks. When I was first starting out, my brother helped me with a lot of the technical, coding type stuff (he’s a web developer so I kinda lucked out). Now, I do everything myself! It’s not easy and sometimes I get really frustrated. But then I just have a glass of wine and world is right again.

Also, Divi has a really great support service so there’s that too.

What does your camera setup look like?

I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III. I only own two lenses, a 50mm and a 24–105mm. I also use my Samsung Galaxy S6 for some shots but will be switching to an iPhone pretty soon. All of my photos are edited in Adobe Lightroom.

Do you make money from your blog?

Yes. I do use affiliate links throughout my posts and will partner with brands to create content. One of the influencer marketing platforms I use is called Linquia. If I work with a brand, I will always disclose that it is a ‘sponsored post’. This means that the brand is offering me compensation in exchange for advertising their product. That being said, a blog does cost money and my student loans aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, so affiliate links and sponsored posts are a way to maintain and grow this space. I promise that you will never be bombarded with pop-up ads and banners and excessive advertising.

I currently live in central Wisconsin but will be moving to the northwoods soon!

What do you do when you’re not blogging?

I’m probably doing one of these: running around with my camera, hanging out with my boyfriend Sean, grabbing coffee with a friend, spending time with family, traveling around the Midwest (and beyond), having a glass of red wine, exploring the outdoors, trying to convince people that badmitton is cool, curling up in a blanket (I’m that friend who’s always cold), reading, discovering new restaurants, camping, hitting the gym, or perusing TJ Maxx.

Favorite Trip | My mom and I went on a 26-day adventure around Great Britain and Iceland in September 2016. We traveled by car where we started in Scotland and then went down to England, over to Wales, and ended back in Scotland. Then we hopped on a plane and flew to Iceland where we drove the entire perimeter, called the ‘Ring Road’.

Favorite TV Show | Friends. I can recite countless scenes by heart.

Favorite Breakfast Spot | The Blue Willow in Wausau, WI. This place is always busy and there’s a reason. It’s a bustling little diner with really good food at a reasonable price. I always order the french toast!

Favorite Date Night Spot | The Boathouse in Minocqua, WI. I love the atmosphere in this place. Last time we went the lights were dimly-lit, candles flickered on the tables, and piano music played softly overhead.

Favorite Cocktail Spot | Minocqua Brewing Company. Grab a drink and enjoy some live music!

Favorite Cheese | Saxon Creamery Snowfields Aged Butterkase Style Cheese. My mouth waters just thinking about it. I tried this cheese for the first time this summer at a winery in Door County and just about bought the whole wheel.