The Interview Series - #4: Golden Glow

I've been waiting a long time to post this interview, I'm afraid my Gmail account went down FOR AGES and I've only just been able to get poor Lisa's content this morning - PHEW! 

This is the last installment in my "The Interview" series and I'm delighted to introduce the wonderful Lisa from Golden Glow. 

She posts a huge amount of detailed and helpful beauty reviews with hints and tips to get the most out of both high end and high street brands! She's absolutely stunning and knows exactly how to answer those questions we've been burning to ask about the lastest new products!

1:  When did you start your blog, and where does the blog name come from?

I'm not sure exactly when I started my blog because I'm terrible with dates but it must of been around 7-8 months ago. Strangely enough my blog name came from a Boots Natural Collection Bronzer, I've always had a very limited imagination so I decided to get inspiration from my cosmetics. When I saw 'Golden Glow' printed on the back I instantly thought it should be my Blog name because I'm always covered in self tanner and claim to have a 'Golden Glow'.

2: What would you say the mission of your blog is? Are there any particular things you find difficult about the blogging community?

I don't really have a mission for my blog, I created it because I'd been following others for a long time and with the large amount of cosmetics I had I thought others might be interested in reading what my thoughts were. I've never really set myself a target for the amount of followers I want to finally gain or aimed to make a difference with my blog. I've not found there to be any difficulties with the blogging community, I know a lot of people have a bit of a tough time with negative comments but I've never experienced this myself.

3: If someone was interested in blogging, what tips would give them?

Blog because you want to and about what you want, not what you think others want to read.

Try and stick with a cute, simplistic layout that's easy for people to navigate.

If you can, try and use a camera that produces good quality pictures. Clear, detailed photos always attract me to peoples blogs.

Comment on other peoples posts, you'd be surprised at how nice people are. A few comments later and they'll be following you back, recommending your blog to others and helping you gain a few followers.

4: Where are you based?

In Essex.

5:  Which item in your wardrobe or cosmetic cabinet, could you not stand to part with, ever?

I could never part with my St.Moriz self tanner. It still amazes me every time I apply this product how much better it makes me feel about myself!

6: What’s your golden piece of shopping advice?

Never shop with boys, ever. They get bored easily and hurry you along. Shop with your mum if she's patient, friends who enjoy having a slow wander and don't mind trying clothing on or by yourself.

7: In your opinion, every woman should own:

A red lipstick.

8: If you had to choose one mantra for life, which everyone should live by, what would it be?

'Live The Life You Imagined' - This just means to me that whether you imagined yourself settled down with a lovely man and children or as a high-paid working women, go out and make the effort to achieve what you want in life. Don't settle.

9: Do you have an idol/Role model? Somebody who you look up to?

Not anyone in particular. I admire people that work hard.

10: Finally, what’s your favourite animal?

Orca Whales strangely enough! Ever since I saw Free Willy I've wanted to go and see them in real life.

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When you have a few minutes spare, have a mosey on over to "Golden Glow". 

She's a shoe addict like me - you'll love her! Guaranteed!!!

[http://goldenglowww.blogspot.com/]

 

The Interview Series - #3: Shimmer Like Gold

Welcome to my 3rd Blogger interview,  I am proud to introduce to you all, the wonderful Krissy from Shimmer Like Gold. 

I'm absolutely delighted to feature one of my ultimate blogs. I love Krissy's style of writing and her art and design work. I think it's brilliant that she shares her work with us, such a wonderfully talented lady!!

Here's what Krissy had to say:

1:  When did you start your blog, and where does the blog name come from?

I started my blog in February of 2009. I'd been admiring so many other fantastic design blogs for months and months, and finally bit the bullet and made my own. So glad I did. The blogging community is so wonderfully supportive and I've met many lovely people through it.

The name of my blog, "Shimmer Like Gold", is actually a lyric from a song by my all-time favourite band - Goldfrapp. (The song is called "Let It Take You".) Originally, I just really liked that line, but I think it sums up what my blog is all about quite well. It's my little place to share those things that catch my eye in such a way that they do in fact shimmer! (Was that cheesy?)

2: What would you say the mission of your blog is? Are there any particular things you find difficult about the blogging community?

I created my blog as a place to share what was currently inspiring me, and what I hoped might spark some sort of creative story as well for anyone reading. Mostly I just hope to keep some sort of creative cycle going between friends and strangers alike.

Like I said, the community itself is fantastic. Perhaps just about blogging in general, I do find at times I struggle with posting regularly. I try to maintain a "post every 2-3 days" schedule, but sometimes balancing real life and blogging is more challenging than you'd think!

3: If someone was interested in blogging, what tips would give them?

Just go for it! I waffled for months, and my only regret is not getting involved sooner! That and reach out to your readers at every opportunity. It's by regularly communicating with those people that friendships and bonds are formed and that is what has truly enriched my experience as a blogger.

4: Where are you based?

I'm currently living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Though throughout the lifespan of my blog, I've also lived in Toronto, in a small university town in Nova Scotia, and will be spending a few months abroad in Sydney, Australia soon as well!

5:  Which item in your wardrobe or cosmetic cabinet, could you not stand to part with, ever?

Wardrobe: I have a sweet little rabbit locket that I love to pieces. I wear it all the time, and would be devastated to lose it.

Cosmetics: Black liquid eyeliner. Funnily enough, I've been on a man-hunt all around the city looking for my specific brand; I'm worried they've stopped carrying it! The horror!

6: What’s your golden piece of shopping advice?

Hold out for what your heart desires. If I have a very clear picture of what I'm looking for, I'll search high and low until I find just the right thing. Never settle for something that simply fills the void. (I suppose this applies in life, not just in shopping as well. ;)

7: In your opinion, every woman should own:

A cute pair of "non-traditional" studs (assuming she has her ears pierced) like a pair of bows, keys, anchors, or my personal favourite, a pair of crowns. Sometimes you just need a little added whimsy infused into an outfit at any given time.

8: If you had to choose one mantra for life, which everyone should live by, what would it be?

I strongly believe in the following (which I adapted from a Winnie the Pooh quotation... Pooh is quite wise, you see.): "You can't always sit in your corner of the world and wait for life to come to you, you have to make it happen for yourself sometimes."

9: Do you have an idol/Role model? Somebody who you look up to?

My dad is my biggest inspiration. He has met with incredible odds and came out on top smiling and loving life. He makes me want to give my 110% every hour of every minute, and I'm so very grateful for the wonderful life he's been able to provide for myself and my family because of his constant 110%. I can only hope his perseverance, determination and hard-working spirit have rubbed off on me somewhere along the line.

10: Finally, what’s your favourite animal?

Bunnies, of course! I may be borderline obsessed... But I accept that fault. ;)

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Why don't you pop on over to Shimmer Like Gold to pay Krissy a visit? She's lovely, and I 100% guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

[www.shimmerlikegold.org]

The Interview Series - #2: Lulaxbella's Journal

It's my pleasure to introduce you all to my close friend Louise:

She runs the gorgeous blog: Lulabella's Journal and has some fantastic things to say about Beauty, Education and life in general!! 

I asked her the same 10 questions and got some fantastic answers! Here we go:

1:  When did you start your blog, and where does the blog name come from?

I started my blog in January 2009 under my original name 'loopilou20'. January this year i did a blog overhaul and deleted a lot of posts as I thought they were rubbish *blushes* i also changed the name to 'lulaxbella' a combination of my old nicknames from school and from what my family used to call me when i was little. The 'x' is simply there as the name 'lulabella' was already taken. But personally, the 'x' has grown on me and i quite like it.

2: What would you say the mission of your blog is? Are there any particular things you find difficult about the blogging community?

My mission is to show people that no matter how small your budget is, you can create some gorgeous makeup looks.

I have come across quite a few issues in the blogging community. Probably the most prominent would be the assumption that everyone has got to own MAC/ NARS products. Yes they are lovely but they are also wonderfully expensive! Another assumption is that beauty bloggers have to be skinny! This has truly got me frustrated at times - whatever size you are girls be proud of your curves! Would love to see your outfit of the days too! And finally... don't get upset if you have only 1 or 2 followers. Blogging shouldn't be about how many followers you have. You should blog because you want to!

3: If someone was interested in blogging, what tips would give them?

- be original in your creativity, no matter how long it takes, play with the colours/ backgrounds etc, and create something your proud of. Most importantly, be yourself – let your unique personality shine through.

4: Where are you based?

A small town in Wiltshire, not far from the city of Bath

5:  Which item in your wardrobe or cosmetic cabinet, could you not stand to part with, ever?

I couldn't part with my GOSH lipstick in 'Darling 134' It's a bargain. You can buy it in Superdrug and it's amazing! I've bought so many of these; it is my HG (Holy Grail) Product!

6: What’s your golden piece of shopping advice?

Look at the item you want to buy and think the following: do you really need it? If the answer is YES! Then buy it!

7: In your opinion, every woman should own:

At least one pair of false eyelashes! They can transform a makeup look in so many ways

8: If you had to choose one mantra for life, which everyone should live by, what would it be?

This mantra has always been in the back of my diary for along as I can remember. I put it into each diary that I have, to remind me to live each day to its fullest.

"I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and... I believe in miracles." – Audrey Hepburn

9: Do you have an idol/Role model? Somebody who you look up to? 

I have 2 idols that I personally consider to be the world’s most glamorous icons: Marilyn Monroe & Audrey Hepburn

10: Finally, what’s your favourite animal?

Elephants! I just love how wrinkly they are!

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Why don't you pay a visit to Louise's blog and show her some love, I know she'd absolutely love to hear from you all - she's very friendly, I promise! 

The following image will take you straight to her! You can also follow her on Twitter & view her shop: "The Cupcakes Factory".

[http://lulaxbella.blogspot.com/]

 

The Interview Series - #1: From Gem With Love

Welcome to Interview Numero Uno! 

I'll be posting a series of five, dedicated to my favourite bloggers from across the world. I'm absolutely delighted at the response I received from Gem and the other ladies - thanks again for agreeing to appear on my humble little blog, I'm so grateful! 

Here's how it's done - I ask a series of ten questions, regarding the blogging "world", fashion and their favourite things... They answer as honestly as they possibly can... and VOILA - we have a fantastic interview! 

I am honoured to introduce you all to the wonderful Gem, here's what she had to say:

1:  When did you start your blog, and where does the blog name come from?

I started my blog about 11 months ago now, I had a few different names before I settled on From Gem With Love, which was the way I always sign off a letter, so I thought I would take this, as I always saw my bog as a bit of an online diary.

2: What would you say the mission of your blog is? Are there any particular things you find difficult about the blogging community?

I wouldn't say my blog has a particular mission, I mainly blog for myself, to document my life, keeping things online mean you will never lose them or they will never get burnt in a fire, I always liked it for that sentiment. The thing I would say is, when I write my issues post, I aim to help people. On a whole I think the blogging community is fantastic, I have made some amazing friends through it. Sometimes it can get slightly bitchy, like in real life, but the positives most certainly outweigh the negatives, and the best thing to do is ignore the remarks you may get occasionally. 

3: If someone was interested in blogging, what tips would give them?

Blog about what makes you happy, don't blog something because you think it will get you a huge amount of comments etc, just because people get that new lipstick from MAC don't you get it, just because you think that's what people want to see, people get fed up of the same posts, try to be original, have a clear layout and try and make your pictures large and all the same size.

4: Where are you based?

I'm in Birmingham :)

5:  Which item in your wardrobe or cosmetic cabinet, could you not stand to part with, ever?

Eve Lom face cleanser, it is my fail safe skin miracle worker, I never get spots, ever. I also love Clinique youth surge moisturiser, it's really great.

6: What’s your golden piece of shopping advice?

Shop alone and early, I never end up getting what I want when I'm with my boyfriend or friends, I feel rushed or get fed up that they want to try EVERYTHING on, I tend to get less stressed when I shop alone.

7: In your opinion, every woman should own:

A black dress, a Mac style coat, knee high boots, a great pair of flat shoes, Eve Lom Ceanser and a handbag that goes with everything.

8: If you had to choose one mantra for life, which everyone should live by, what would it be?

Just be you, because you do you so perfectly.

9: Do you have an idol/Role model? Somebody who you look up to?

I look up to my Mother, she is the strongest person I know and never fails to amaze me, she is and always will be my best friend.

10: Finally, what’s your favourite animal?

Husky Dogs, so amazingly beautiful.

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I'm sure that, just like me, you're all huge fans of Gem's blog. She's recently been featured on the Bloglovin' "Up and coming list" which is brilliant and I personally love her "Gem, this is your life" posts. She takes the most gorgeous photographs! 

Why not check out her blog by clicking the following picture, and follow her on Twitter & Bloglovin' - I promise, you won't be disappointed!! 

[http://www.fromgemwithlove.com/]