AWorld of Words
I love where I live because it is in the center of everything.
Frances Amper-Sales is truly one of those lucky ones who was able to surround herself with the things that she loves. A writer at heart, it is only logical that she worked her way up the ranks of the publishing industry and became the editor of a celebrity magazine. However, she left that world she loved (and still loves) for an even greater love—her sons.
Still, the writer in her couldn't be quelled. Though she is now a fulltime mom, she still finds time to run two blogs and contribute to a variety of publications.
Frances is married to a fellow writer, Vince Sales. They were blessed with two boys, Vito and Iñigo. “When we were younger kasi, we'd look at other people our age who were parents and they all looked miserable! So Vince and I put off [having] kids because we were convinced children are horrid creatures,” is her explanation on why they became parents at an older age.
THE WORK-FROMHOME MOM
Frances maintains a newspaper column called "Behind the Scenes," which features society's notable women. She also regularly contributes articles to Yahoo! and other magazines. But it is her blogs that consume most of her free time.
"I earn from blogging so I attend events and meet clients who sponsor content on my blogs," she says, explaining that there is more to blogging than writing. "[But] I also still write a lot!"
Frances admits that since becoming a mom, her sense of fashion has evolved. She has had to forego old favorites such as tight dresses, short skirts, high-neck tops and dresses, delicate materials, dangling earrings, chunky necklaces, and six-inch heels.
"My clothes have to be tough and be breast-feeding-friendly. They also have to be comfortable and not frivolous," she says of her wardrobe adjustment after having two very active boys.
She claims to have found the solution that would allow her to still be stylish without being too frivolous— wrap dresses. "They are dressy enough for any affair. The deep V-neckline allows me to pop out a boobie if my baby gets hungry. And they're usually made of silk jersey so they don't crease! Plus the prints hide food stains, milk stains, and other kid-related messes!"
THE TOPAZ BLOGS
Frances has two blogs, Topaz Horizon (www.topazhorizon.com) and Topaz Mommy (www.mommytopaz.com). As a frustrated newspaper columnist, she started her blogs in 2005 as public venues for her thoughts. She named the blogs after her birthstone, and as such, they still reflect as much of her personality as they could.
She keeps her blog personal by writing about her favorite shows, books, fashion finds, trips here and there, and of course, her husband and kids. "I usually just write what I feel like writing. My blogs are still my online journals."
Since her blog took off, brands have continuously invited her to events, offered to sponsor posts, and even sent her goodies. But due to her journalistic training, she has come up with an editorial policy of only featuring brands that she actually supports and uses. "Even if a big sponsor comes offering me big compensation for something I do not use, I refuse."
Frances claims that good storytelling is key to a good blog, "You can be the best grammarian and speller in the world but if you can't tell a story, you can't capture an audience."