It’s been awhile since Jemi debuted my SHE-POWER Women interview series, and now I am back from Spain and into the swing of everyday life, I thought it was time we returned to meet a new and inspiring female blogger. Today we are talking to a woman I am honored to call my friend; the fabulous Vered DeLeeuw.

Vered may be new to the blogging scene - her blog, MomGrind only came online in February 2008 - but she has already gathered an impressive following, loyal commenting community and made Alltop’s Best Mom Blogs.

Under the tagline, Mommyblogger Wannabe, Vered writes about family, finance, blogging, feminism and happiness with refreshing honesty and humor. She even managed to get caught up in a blogging war recently, so it’s safe to say life is never dull when Vered is in the room.

Here Vered talks men, women, life lessons and regrets

The difference between men and women is…

I don’t usually focus on the difference. Despite popular books such as “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus”, I believe that we are more alike than different. The main difference in my opinion is that historically, men managed to be in charge and gain power and control over women. I’m guessing this started simply because they were physically stronger in a society that valued physical strength above anything else. But in modern society, physical strength is secondary to qualities such as talent, resourcefulness and initiative. I believe – I hope – that in a few generations, women will achieve true equality and patriarchy would end.

I am most proud of…

My children. Watching them brings me more joy, more sense of pride and accomplishment than anything I have ever achieved for myself. Nothing is as fulfilling as watching your child take her first step, say her first word, swim her first lap, write her first word.

My mother always told me…

Regardless of what you do, or what happens to you, I will always love you. Even if you mess up terribly, I will still be there for you.

My best and worst qualities are…

Best: I am a very loyal friend. I like to laugh and I don’t take myself too seriously.

Worst: I am incredibly hard on myself. I am too impatient with others.

What’s the single most important advice you would give a young girl/teen about life?

Do not try to be perfect.

What’s your idea of romance?

When I’m tired and frumpy and look my absolute worst, and he looks at me with these loving eyes and tells me how beautiful I am.

Is there anything in your life that you truly regret? What did you learn from that experience?

I regret going to law school. It’s not a huge regret, because a law degree never hurts, but if I could do it all over again, I would choose a different degree, something more creative - perhaps writing or design. The lesson: take the time to find your true passion, then follow it. Don’t try to please others. Law school was my mother’s dream for me. It wasn’t my own dream.

Do you believe that people are inherently good?

The vast majority of people are. The problem is, evil does exist, and evil people are often powerful and influential enough to cause a lot of pain and suffering.

What do you do to lift your mood when you’re down?

I force myself to count my blessings.

What are your vices?

Too much time on the Internet.

Where do you hope to be in 10 years time?

I hope to completely let go of perfectionism and to become more accepting of myself and of others.

If a genie could grant you one wish, what would it be?

Good health for my beloved ones and for myself.
If you’d like to go under the interview microscope and be a SHE-POWER Woman, email Kelly@SHE-POWER

Tagged as: bloggers, interviews, momgrind, mommyblogger, Parenting. Relationships