I’m Amanda Cottingham, you can see me above. This is my top ranking UK lifestyle blog – The Ana Mum Diary. The Ana Mum Diary includes topics such as travel, home interiors, design, food, fashion and of course my family. In the beginning, this blog was a way of documenting our life. It has grown and evolved into so much more. I now use it as an outlet for my passions, to showcase my photography, and to let my readers in on some of my style secrets, hints and tips. I have been amazed by all the positive things that have come out of it.
I had my first daughter Nia nearly 22 years ago, and she has been a dream of a girl, such an easy-going character, but very intelligent, determined and competitive. She spends most of her days now sleeping, or slamming doors…but that’s normal right?
Next, well a whole 6 years later actually, came our curly-haired little Miss A (15) who was such an easy baby. She has the Shirley Temple looks of a girl born of a different era. A fiery temperament, kind-hearted, fascinated with animals, nature, and a talented footballer for her team Holy Spirit Celtics. She breathed new life into my world and brought great humour into our family.
Over the last 15 years, I’ve worked with some fantastic bloggers on collaborative campaigns, as well as some really amazing companies, including John Lewis, Vibe Israel, Royal Caribbean, Visit Dubai, B&Q, Coca-Cola, Warner Bros, Walt Disney World and Micro Scooters.
I was also the editor of the BritMums Home and Design Round-up, for over three years, where I hunted out all the best of the interior posts written by bloggers each month.
I also am part of the collaborative travel blog, We Blog Travel, born out of two Mums, who have newfound passion for travel.
‘Travelling, it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller!
Ibn Battuta
I have travelled to many places throughout the world now with my blogging. Amazing places like North America, Israel, Italy, Africa, Corsica and Cyprus.
The Ana Mum Diary is highly ranked as a Homes and Interior blog on the HIBs network, which I am incredibly proud of. I was also a finalist in the BIBS (Brilliance in Blogging) for 2014/15 in the style category.
The Ana Mum Diary is varied, and I try to mix it up as much as possible. My readers don’t want to be pigeon-holed and neither do I. If we love it, and what to shout about it, its in!
I am reliable, professional, diligent and my posts are I think most importantly fun! My readers have been incredibly supportive and offer fantastic feedback and comments.
So here goes, I will jump in with both feet and tell you all, a lifestyle diary of a family…..my two daughters a Mum who always has a camera in her hand.
EMAIL : amanda.gidlow@gmail.com
Twitter: @AmandaCotting
