Blog Spotlight: Jana from Merlot Mommy

I started out blogging about crafts and wine. Years ago I thought it would be fun to document step-by-step crafts and card making. I gave that up really quickly when I realized that was kind of boring. But I do still talk about wine. Clearly I’ve expanded, as I’m much more of a lifestyle, travel, geek girl blog.

What do you love most about blogging?

I love being able to explore new things and share them with my readers.

What’s the worst part about blogging?

Getting asked to post things for free. All. The. Time.

Does your family read your blog? Ever get in trouble because of it?

I don’t think my family reads my blog, at least not regularly, but don’t share things that aren’t mine to share. So far I haven’t gotten in trouble with my friends or family.

Have you met other bloggers in person? Is it awkward?

I love meeting other bloggers. The only time it’s a little awkward is when you get fan girled. I had no idea other bloggers actually read your blog, or cared when they did, until last year I was at a conference and another blogger ran up to me and she was so excited to meet me in real life. It happens a few times a year where I’ll meet some one who gets very excited to meet me in real life. I had no idea that could happen.

Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars. Is that even a question?

I know zip about wine. Where should a rookie like me start?

Start with wines you know/like/love and expand your palate. Wine is very preferential, but there’s still lots to learn. I went to wine school one summer to learn more about wine and got my WSET Level 2 Certificate. My friend Madeline Puckette wrote a fabulous book this year that will give you all the basics you need to know on wine. What I love about Madeline is she puts wine in plain English. No fuss, no muss, no pretense. Easy reading and digesting: The Only Wine Book You’ll Ever Need is Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine.

You’ve met a slew of celebrities. Other than myself, of course, who was your favorite?

I’m slowly working through a bucket list, but I’ve interviewed some pretty terrific celebrities. Paul Rudd was a fave. So down to earth and freaking adorable. I love his boy-next-door-charm. Harrison Ford, J.J. Abrams, Kenneth Branagh, Cate Blanchett: just legends. How could they not be faves? Cate drops an F bomb like it’s a delicate flower. Clark Gregg and Hayley Atwell: two of my favorite Marvel actors and dubsmash “heroes.” Michael Rooker, although he just wanted to chat with my kids at Comic Con. T.I. told me he liked my “shirt,” so anytime I get a compliment like that, I’m taking that to the grave. This list could go one but those are definitely in the top.