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/]

 

Batista's Diary: Meet Tips

Hi Everyone, 

It's that time again! Mummy left me for a whole two weeks this time! I'm now 4 weeks old and getting bigger every single day. I was glad to see her again...

I was a little stroppy today (sorry Mum) and decided that I didn't want many cuddles... I would much rather sleep curled up on the sofa with my sisters! I was quite unsociable but Mum and Nanny said I'm still extremely cute - Phew!!! I did bite her a little bit on the finger, I think she let me off because my toothipegs are so tiny!

I've been spending lots of time playing with my sisters and sleeping after tiring myself out. We've been play fighting lots but I've still not been able to beat up my older half sisters properly, Grrr!! 

I'm very strong now, although, I keep loosing my balance and toppling over when I try to jump up at something or chase after my buddies - I guess when I'm a little older I'll get stronger and will be able to scoot around like the others. I've not managed to climb the curtains yet...

I have beautiful blue eyes right now and my ears are getting bigger (Mum called me Dumbo today - MEAN), I think my eyes will change colour soon, my friends' eyes are all gold now... pretty!

Aren't I adorable? 

Guess what... Mum also decided to give a home to one of my half sisters too!!!! She's called Tips, because of the white tip on the end of her tail. She also has a little moustache - she looks funny!! 

She's really naughty, she keeps jumping on our sisters and even tried waking me up by poking me, cheeky! 

She's older than me by 3 and a half weeks, Mummy wanted us to stay together for as long as possible so she'll be staying here with me until our pick up day on my 2 month birthday! 

Here she is, she's on the right... attacking our brother:

How exciting!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see Mum again, she's coming to get Tips to take her for her 1st injection (yuck, I don't like the sound of that) at the end of the month so I'll see them soon! Yay!! 

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/]