This is an FAQ in the making.

Hello and Welcome to Girl's Gone Child!

I am currently soliciting Frequently Asked Questions so if you have such a thing, please, by all means, ask away in the comments below! That way I can answer you and this can become a legitimate FAQ section. So far, I have answered the following:


...in the meantime, hello there! My name is Rebecca Woolf!


I'm neither gentleman nor scholar.

But I am mother, author, writer, wife, friend, lover of music, fashion and makeup, strangers on airplanes. I collect Henry Miller first editions. I'm always late for dinner. My nail polish is usually chipped. I live in Los Angeles, drive a station wagon, oversee a ladies' cheese club, speak terrible spanish, prefer record players to MP3s, old movie theaters to The Dome, suffer from claustrophobia, hug strangers, cry at the Ballet, eat all my vegetables, cut my own bangs, dress for good news. If you want to know more, the story's all here.

Thanks for visiting Girl's Gone Child.

May your days be full of wonderful awesome.

love,
Bec

... ... ... ...

To contact me directly:
rebeccawoolf (at) gmail (dot) com



101 comments:

vicky | 12:07 AM

Love the new site:) Question: What do you mix in your smoothies to get your kids to eat wheat grass? Always wanted to know that, mine repeatedly refuse it!

Annemarie | 1:46 AM

beautiful new site!
looking forward reading your blogs it´s always a pleasure, thank´s for sharing - you are awesome.

Molly | 6:35 AM

This is what I always ask people: if you were a rock star, which rock star would you be? Same question for Archer, Fable, and Hal?

Unknown | 7:15 AM

I LOVE the new site design! I don't have any questions for you; I just love reading what you write.

Mama Cas | 8:35 AM

How did you pick the names for your children? I'm always fascinated by that...especially if the name is a little more creative than Mary or John. You might have covered this before, but I haven't been reading here for very long.

Katie | 8:35 AM

Here's a question that I've been dealing with as of late on which you might be able to offer insight. How do you rectify the duality that accompanies our mid-late twenties of feeling too old or too young all the time? It's hard to not go to shows all the time anymore or to no longer engage in blatant risk-taking behaviors. At the same time, though, it's not time to buy a house/quit getting tattoos/start wearing cat sweaters. This phase in life is tricky to navigate and exhausting to experience. Thoughts?

Jennie | 9:07 AM

"Dress for good news" -- oh I love that so much.

mabel1322 | 9:40 AM

Your new site is beautiful! Thank you for your writing.

Habbala | 9:41 AM

Love the new site!!! Love that you dress for good news. I think one of your FAQs should be how Archer and Fable got their names, cause I love it.

Anonymous | 9:54 AM

My question is about how you adjusted to making new female friends after having children. I remember in your first year or so with Archer you seemed very lonely and like you didn't fit in with your old crowd. Now it seems like you are surrounded by BFFs. Was it via Archer? via professional work? via the internet? I've found it hard to make friends as I've gotten older with kids and was wondering how you do it.

JessicaToday | 9:58 AM

Your new site is awesome and I love it!
Except!
I have to say that the fuzzy flower up front (header) covering fables face bothers me. just my opinion. but i had to tell you. maybe you are on the fence about it? maybe you think im annoying? either way, overall its beautiful and im excited for you :)

Anonymous | 10:40 AM

i totally agree with JessicaToday. Love love love the new site, but i want to see fable's precious face among the flowers, not obscured by a fuzzy one.

lisette | 11:02 AM

i'm a month shy of 23 and my daughter just turned 3 months, Katie's & Anon's questions pretty much covered what i was going to ask. so i just wanted to say i've been a fan of your work since i was in the 8th grade; you're chicken soup days :)

Krystal | 11:31 AM

You always look fab!

How do you do it?

Abby Johns | 11:53 AM

I love reading your blog, many of the posts make me feel that we have much of the same beliefs. I also love watching your Momversation episodes, many make me laugh.

I recently read a book, Bringing Up Geeks, and I fell in love with the book, even though the author and myself have VERY different political views, which many times can affect how you parent your children. So, I was wondering, how much of your parenting philosophy is based in trying to protect the innocence of your children and how much is based in keeping them from being too sheltered? Do you think there is such a thing as "too sheltered" for a child?

Jason Simone | 1:43 PM

Gorgeous! And the new site is lovely, too. ;)

Rebecca | 1:59 PM

I'm pretty sure you mentioned in a post somewhere that you used to live in St. Louis. What area? Do you ever visit?

How do you afford to dress your kids so amazing and cute. They seriously look like they are part of a catalog shoot. I spend about $100 a YEAR on each of my kids for their clothing.

Karen Chatters | 2:10 PM

Love the new site!!

Have you ever thought about being a personal shopper for kids? I LOVE LOVE LOVE Fables clothes (I have a girl, so I'm more interested in her clothes than Archers) and when you link to what she's wearing. LOVE it. Did I say that already?

Anonymous | 2:50 PM

oooh i love the new site!
the header is just like the cover of an awesome album or something :)

My Name Is Jonas | 5:11 PM

I love that you assure women it is possible to "have it all", because it is!!!! (And there are so many disempowering voices out there telling us it is not...) It isn't easy though to achieve that balance... my FAQ is what are your best tips for maintaining sanity in the midst of balancing "it all".

NothingButBonfires | 5:16 PM

This is creepy, but I kind of want to know what you looked like without bangs. It's just that bangs are so PERFECT for you and suit you so well, and I'm wondering how you knew they would! I got rid of my bangs a few months ago and now I'm considering going back to them, and I can't decide if I actually AM a bang person or not. So I guess to distill this down to one actual question that makes sense, I should probably ask "How did you know you were a bang person?" Although that's kind of a ridiculous thing to have in your FAQ, so I won't be sad if you don't use it....

PS: Also I thought you would be interested to know that the word verification for this comment was FIERCE. Obviously your blog is trying to tell you (or me?) that your bangs are fierce.

Alexandra | 6:27 PM

I love your new site. It'll be easy to follow you anywhere.

jessica | 7:44 PM

I thought fuzzy flower was so that Fable could be any child or gender and that way we could feel like this could be anyone including us. Do I read into things too much??

I don't have a question.

GIRL'S GONE CHILD | 8:02 PM

Thank you, all! Will get to these asap! Great questions! How fun!

In the meantime, re: the flower - yes, Jessica, what you say is true. I purposely chose the obscured photo so that the blog isn't personalized to my experience, family, life, etc. This is a blog about my life but also about a lot of other things...

In the picture, Fable's looking at the flower. She isn't looking at us. I guess I like that. I like that we don't have to see her face to know she's there.

That kind of (to me) says it all - about this blog, about me as a writer, about you as a reader, about life and love and all things amen.

Danny | 12:33 AM

Another fan of your site! It was great before, but I love the new layout.
Personally I also love the purple fuzzy flower.
Love love love, all around!
My question to you is: do you have a po box? I promised you cava, and I would like to hold up my end of the deal.

Adrianne | 7:04 AM

Hey Rebecca! First off, LOVE the new site. It's so beautiful and so YOU. Good job, lady.
I've been thinking back to when I was a new reader to come up with some questions that might help in your FAQ section. My guess is that a lot of people are (like me) drawn to your site because of the beautiful writing and gorgeous pictures. So I'd definitely address those things. Questions like:
-"How/when did you know you wanted to be a writer?"
-"Where can I find your other work?"
-"What kind of camera do you use?"
-"Do you edit your pictures?"

And then some other random questions:
-"How did you choose Archer and Fable's names? What other names were on the list?" (I know you have posts about this, maybe you could just link them?)
-"What's a typical day like for you?"
-"How do you balance it all?"
-"If you weren't a writer, what other profession would you be interested in?"
-"How do you and Hal keep your marriage strong/healthy/happy with two young kids?"

Ok, I know that's a lot of questions, but hopefully they're helpful! I also noticed that you have a new "Eating Well" section which is why I didn't ask my plethora of food questions here:) I can't wait to see what you have in mind for that section!!

Anonymous | 9:15 AM

Maternity clothes.
Help, please.

Tatiana | 12:33 PM

I always wondered if you were on the whole "green bandwagon" You talk a lot about vegetarian stuff and up-cycled clothes, vintage finds, etc. So I guess I just wonder if you do those things as an eco/family conscious person or if it's just personal taste. I personally have gotten really into all that stuff so I'm just curious.

xoxo love the site and all of you!!

Ray | 4:34 PM

1) If it's not too personal (and if I'm not being rude) what exactly do you do for a living? 2) What are your favorite movies (you can list however many)? ;o)

Anonymous | 5:44 PM

What is your daily hair routine? What products do you use in it?

Anonymous | 5:45 PM

I have always wanted to see all of your hats. Also your shoes, and handbags. Will you make a youtube video on all of those things?

Anonymous | 5:45 PM

What is a typical day in the life of Rebecca look like? When do you get up? What do you eat? Where do you go? Etc..

Mirjam | 8:05 PM

I love your bangs, and have recently become a convert to the style myself. But I have fairly thin/lifeless hair (a bit like yours post-IUD except mine is not going anywhere). How do you style your bangs and keep them looking full throughout the day?

The site looks lovely, and I generally hate change of any kind. Well done!

Sarah | 3:17 PM

I LOVE that you dress for good news. What is it they say on "What Not to Wear?" Dress for the job you want, not the job you have? Love it.

My question is on the writing tip. How does one who hasn't been writing since their Chicken Soup years get hired as a writer? How do you go about soliciting your work to be published? Any advice on how to get freelancing/ blogging/ writing jobs? Where do you even star? ANYTHING would be helpful.

Thanks for upgrading your blog, too. I LOVE it!

Unknown | 9:23 PM

Your pics are always so beautiful. What kind of camera do you use? Do you do any alterations or use any filters?

Lauren | 12:35 AM

I love the tattoo on your forearm but can never make out exactly what it says - would love to know the details/story behind your tattoos.

Little Miss Moi | 4:28 AM

Dear rebecca. I love the new look - it's very becoming! (I've been watching Mad Men back to back. 'Becoming' features a lot).

Wondering about your pics - are they always straight from the camera or do you process them?

Amy | 6:32 AM

I haven't been on the site in quite a while, but absolutely love the new design!

Anonymous | 2:07 PM

Hi,

Love the site and your writting. I was wondering what type of camera you use. Your photos are always so wonderful.

Anonymous | 3:06 PM

Where is your grandmas garden located? Like what city? How does she get is so wild and magical? how can I make my garden look just like that?

Wren | 3:47 PM

Your kids are always dressed so perfectly!! And I swear I've never seen Fable wear the same thing twice. As a mother of two children myself, I wonder, HOW??? I mean, we are dirt poor, so of course can't afford to buy loads of wonderful clothes. I've hit consignment shops, garage sales, good will, you name it, but it seems like only every once in a while will I find a gem like Fable is wearing in every. single. photo! And I just don't have the time/energy to browse through rack after rack while trying to force my children to stand next to me politely. So how do you do it? Do you just spend that time/energy or money? Do you have perfect angel-babies who don't run around stores after 2 seconds? What is your trick????

Anonymous | 3:54 PM

I've been reading you for a while, and I LOVE your blog, your writing, (you!). I sometimes leave your site, though, feeling slightly bad about myself. Like, you seem so PERFECT! Your children seem so PERFECT. Your LIFE seems so PERFECT!!! Of course I know perfection doesn't really exist, and I don't feel like you try to say you are perfect, but it just seems that way! I mean, every single thing you ever say about your kids is how wonderful they are and how much you love them and how they enhance your life etc etc etc. I have never read a post about you being frustrated or about them being pains in your rear or about how they fight or won't share or throw tantrums in the aisle of the grocery store. Granted, I haven't read all of your posts, but I read often. So. I love reading, but sometimes I feel bad, because I think that I must really suck. Because I do love my kids and they enhance my life and all that jazz, but I yell too much and sometimes count the seconds minutes hours till bedtime and, honestly? Lots of times they drive me nuts!
So my question (finally, huh?) is... DO you have those moments? How often? Do your kids misbehave? Do you ever need Calgone to take you away?

Anonymous | 1:30 PM

Do your kids ever make you want to pull your hair out? I've been reading you on and off for almost 4 years and you never seem to have those moments. Which makes me love and hate your blog. (but obviously love more than hate as I always come back :)

Jessica | 3:24 PM

Love the new site. I'm not sure if it's worthy of my dumb request, but if you're ever in my neck of the woods, I'd like to have you over for beer and croquet.

Anonymous | 2:05 PM

How are your dogs?

Anonymous | 10:14 PM

there is so much i want to know but i'll leave it to the most pertinent...where do you like to shop for yourself? who inspires you in your life? what advice do you have for newbie bloggers blogging about family life, and finally~ how do you know Josie Maran??
thanks for showing motherhood can be cool.

h | 12:45 PM

Loved your summer San Diego guide. Any tips on places to eat that are vegetarian/vegan and allergy friendly? My daughter is a couple months older than Fable and has tons of food allergies (all nuts, sesame seeds, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, oats, grapes, etc). I thought since you know the area so well I would ask. We are going to SD next month and will certainly be going to the garden you recommended!

Anonymous | 2:19 AM

Love the new site - my question is how do you style your bangs, I've recently got bangs but they seem kinda lifeless!

Stacy | 11:33 AM

I have a question!

What does "a day in the life" of Rebecca Woolf look like? Because you always seem to be doing something fun and fabulous, and my life seems so bogged down with things like grocery shopping and mopping floors and stuff. How do you organize your time?

emily bilbrey | 4:42 PM

i just freaking adore you.

(and i'm a stranger-hugger too!)

xo!

Stacey | 8:23 AM

Hi Rebecca, I've been reading your blog for quite some time and like you, I'm dealing with the stress of moving.
Only for me, I'm not so happy about it. I am happy about having a new room to decorate and design and after seeing this post..
http://www.girlsgonechild.net/2009/06/changing-rooms.html
I was wondering where you got such a beautiful comforter/duvet. I'm painting my room a blue/gray color and if you have any sort of suggestion as to where I can purchase an item like that it would be an amazing help.

The Hojo Family | 11:23 AM

Hello! Where do you buy your shoes??? You always have the CUTEST flats on!! I just love them, but I have a hard time finding really cute ones like those!!!

trish | 1:23 AM

Why are you so freakin' awesome?

I love the honest way in which you follow your own path, and I really like that you don't step on the feet of others who don't work it like you do.

Basically, love the tattoos, the honesty, the style, the kids and the writing especially.

I'm 21, and there isn't that much of a difference between our ages, but I totally want to be you when I grow up!

Billie | 4:24 PM

Stacey:

Her duvet is from Anthropologie. Gorgeous isn't it!

Anonymous | 12:08 PM

how many tattoos do you have? What do they all look like, and what is the meaning behind all of them?!

Anonymous | 12:09 PM

what is your daily hair routine?

Anonymous | 12:10 PM

Are you someone that loves to cook/cooks a lot? If so what is your specialty?

Anonymous | 12:12 PM

When did you get bangs? Was it a big change?

Cecilia R. | 10:29 AM

Loving the new site layout, and the header looks amazing! Reading every post you place. Keep up the great work. Happy (late) Mothers Day!

Tovi | 10:09 AM

I am changing to a gluten and dairy free lifestyle. I know you've talked about your simple veggie-full meals. What do you cook? How do you approach food?

Also, love your new blog. Love your new house. (in fact, I want to make out with your new house). I have been a reader for years and a new post from you always makes me day ;)

My Name Is Jonas | 12:01 PM

Dogs and babies/toddlers/children. Thoughts? Tips?

Glenda | 5:49 PM

I've been reading your blog since last year when I read your book. Love it! Love your blog! Love your fashion sense (yours and the kiddos) What does the tat on your arm read?

MaryAnn | 6:23 PM

I'm curious about your tattoos. How many do you have? what are they, where are they? do you still love them all? How old were you when you started getting them? do you regret the placement of any of them?
i have tattoos, and plan to get more. i've had more than a few people suggest that now that i have a child i shouldn't get anymore, like for some reason i might regret them now that i have a kid. Does that ever happen to you?

Elena from Greece | 1:20 AM

ok, I am definitely a fan of your writing.
You look so stylish in the pictures and , of course, I mean I am sure you check the mirror before you take a Gone Style photo!
my question is, do you look so stylish in homewear as well? or pjs? what do you wear if you know you are gonna spend the day at home?
I always make an effort to look nice when I spend time at home (I am on a pregmancy leave right now and will be on maternity leave until Sept '11). I don t seem to make it though.

Anonymous | 12:21 PM

Where did you get your awesome bedspread? I have been searching and searching for i, but I can't find it anywhere.

Emile | 6:59 PM

Hopefully this isn't too creeper, but I have always been curious what skincare stuff and makeup you use. I have fair skin and just have not found that perfect foundation, but your skin is always flaw.less.
Rude, btw- having a gorg house, kids AND face ;)

Daisy | 6:17 AM

So how do I read your "straight from the bottle" posts from Australia? I keep on getting redirected to the oh so inferior babble.com.au. I'm sure you mentioned this in a post.

Also, as many others do, I love your style. They way you dress yourself, your kids, your home, all of it. How do you manage to put yourself together so well? What is your morning routine with two kids?

Anonymous | 8:44 AM

DO you make your own hair accessories for you and for Fable?

If so, how do you make them?
If not, where did you get them?

Kalyn | 8:09 AM

This is kind of off the wall, but what do you use for flea control on your dogs? I know that the topical flea products out there are basically just pesticides and I know you're all about using natural products. I was wondering if you could share any natural alternatives for pets, because I'm really torn!

Lucy | 7:30 PM

Could you please provide a link for your Nerve.com piece? I am dying to read it :)
mahalo,
Lucy

Adriana | 10:10 AM

i would like to know what program you made your fable films in

Marcella | 11:11 AM

Just a random question, but: have you ever been recognized irl by any of your readers?

Oh, and I LOVE the new(ish by now) layout. It's absolutely gorg! :)

Anonymous | 1:40 PM

I am using sony digital camera..I love it so much. it's very convenient and I can easily upload my photos on file.

Unknown | 9:31 AM

Hi Rebecca-I love your music posts...I am currently obsessed with this song and wanted to share- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3CkfvYMCWM :-) Have a lovely day!

Anna | 1:19 PM

I have a question!

Could you post photos of your tattoos and tell us the significance of them (or the stories behind them) ?

I think tattoos are such a cool way to express yourself, tell your story, celebrate your individuality, etc. And I'm sure you have some interesting stories behind yours!

Anonymous | 8:17 AM

How would you describe your writing process? How long does it typically take you to write a post, pic the photos you will use, etc.

Anonymous | 10:18 AM

I would like to know more about your tattoos. Whichever one's you're able to share with us, and the significance behind them

Anonymous | 10:00 AM

LADIES CHEESE CLUB! In LA?? Do you need a new member?! I need new friends obviously. Friends who want to start a cheese club.

Anonymous | 12:40 AM

Do you have any Canadian Retailers selling your book?

DrEBurton | 9:29 PM

I love your blog! What you share makes me laugh. It is refreshing to read your comments which share exactly how I have felt on many occasions.

How do you incorporate literacy with your children? I am sure a blog from you would help others take the steps with reading and literacy!

Erika Burton, PhD.
Stepping Stones Together, FOunder
http://www.steppingstonestogether.com

cora d | 8:44 PM

Your tattoos - how many, what do they look like, what do they mean to you?

Kim | 1:56 PM

I agree tell us about your tattoos. I'm 38 and getting my first tattoo in a few weeks. I'm always fascinated by what motivates people to get a tattoo and how they choose them.

Missy | 4:53 PM

I can't find the post you did with the patterns for fable's dresses that your mom made??? Can you help me? I saw them a while back and have always loved fable's dresses... I am getting a sowing machine soon and wanted to give one of the patterns a try... I greatly appreciate it. :)

Kelley | 1:28 PM

Fantastic site. Happy I found it!

Chantelle | 4:38 PM

Hey there ,
I have a view questions, sorry if you have answered these already!!
Do you have any advice for new bloggers? in regards to getting and keeping a following and attracting sponsorship...
Would you actually recommend starting a new blog and trying to break in the mommy blogging thing thats so popular? Or do you think there is enough mommy blogs out there?
Thanks :)

Femi Ford | 9:49 AM

hmm. sorry if this was already asked but do you have a search function for your site? any plans for one?

Ashley | 9:18 AM

I have a question for you since you are a vegetarian mama. How are you handling the meat issue with your kids? My 3-yr-old has recently started asking why he doesn't get chicken nuggets at school like all his friends do. (We are a veggie family, too). Any advice what to do?

Flannery | 12:36 PM

Can you tell us a little bit about your mom? I love reading her Eat Well posts but I can't remember what WWW stands for. She seems like an amazing woman and I'd love to know more.

Calypso | 8:21 PM

HOW DID YOU LOSE THE WEIGHT AFTER YOU HAD YOUR BABIES??? HOW??

Anonymous | 2:03 AM

I first found you reading your 2008article about tattoo stretching, and I haven't come across an article yet where you talk about how your hip/stomach tattoo has turned out. I'd love to hear about that, and if it has stretched - how you feel about the tattoo now. And a picture you have from after one of your pregnancies would be great!

Anonymous | 11:50 AM

Hi there,

You mentioned this before, I think, however I cannot find it.

How does one make a wild garden? I think you said before how your grandma did it, or a book she wrote or something?

Thank you so much.

Anonymous | 12:53 PM

Are you EVER going to answer any of these questions? Just curious.

NOELLE ALOUD | 9:11 AM

Style quickie: Who makes that gorgeous (orangey?) red nail polish you're always rocking?

Rebecca from CO | 9:32 AM

I just finished your book last night! I LOVED it! I don't have kids, but am not preventing it at this point! Your writing is so inspirational and I am so glad I found your blog! Thanks so much!

Rebecca

Anonymous | 6:08 PM

Your mothers necklace! Where from?

iamchasingbaby | 11:20 AM

Found your site just before I gave birth to my baby girl in West Hollywood on September 1st. It has been so much fun take the ride with you from pregnancy with twins and from mother-of-two-to-four AND watch your girls grow along with mine - in what appears the same neighborhood!! Absolutely love every bit of it and my friends are now equally obsessed. I will confess that on a maybe-more-creepyish level I (not-so) secretly hope these girls end up schoolmates and friends one day:) Thanks for sharing your life with us all!

www.iamchasingbaby.com

Rachel | 10:00 AM

I love your pics! Please tell me what kind of camera and software you are using. I want cool pics of my kidlets too!

Anonymous | 10:31 AM

where are bo and rev's clothing from?? precious...

Unknown | 4:20 PM

Love the site, I found it when I was home on my maternity leave. My LO turned 6 months yesterday so I love following along with Bo & Rev. I was wondering if you have any baby food recipes? I have been experimenting recently and was curious what you (and Mom) cook up.
Thanks!!

Laura Thomas | 10:50 AM

Hi Rebecca! Hi! I’ve been reading your blog, and I absolutely love it. Your post "Seven" just gave me chills. Thanks so much for your beautiful writing!

I know that it’s not what you traditionally blog about, but since you're such a great writer, I wanted to reach out to you about my novel, SHADOW SWANS (www.shadowswans.com), an urban adventure romance set in the subway tunnels of New York City. I’ve heard from lots of Moms who say that they can’t wait for their kids to go to bed at night so that they can jump under the covers and read it – it’s like a total Mommy escape (see the review by RhondaJean on this page: http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Swans-ebook/dp/B0056C414I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1328535847&sr=8-2).

I’d love to send you a copy of SHADOW SWANS to review on your blog, and if you’re interested I could send you an extra copy that you can use to do a giveaway for your readers (again, I know you traditionally don’t do giveaways but I thought I’d throw it out there)! I’ve included a quick synopsis below, and you can learn more from the reviews on Amazon. I look forward to hearing from you! Best,

Laura Thomas
917-817-3319
laurabama@gmail.com
www.shadowswans.com
http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Swans-ebook/dp/B0056C414I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1328535847&sr=8-2

SYNOPSIS: Credenza R, a shockingly beautiful and well-read young woman, has lived inside the New York City subway system all her life; she has never been aboveground. Ruby Cooper, a filthy rich misanthrope, lives in an abandoned building adorned with hundreds of hummingbirds she has sculpted out of colored wire. Their lives collide, enabling them to find magic in the underground. When they discover a series of government-constructed tunnels connecting all the major cities on the Eastern seaboard, Credenza and Ruby embark upon the greatest, and most dangerous, adventure of their lives.

Julien Brightside | 12:08 PM

You looked beautiful while pregnant.