Blog Hop and Blog Birthday!

If you’re up to date with your Bloglovin’ feed you may have come across a few blog hops doing the rounds. No idea what I’m talking about? Well, it’s basically a series of questions sent from blog to blog via a nomination so you can discover a handful of new bloggers as well as finding out the nitty-gritty on the ones you already love.

To spread the blog love, I was invited by my best buddy and blogger Folly and Bloom, to take part in my very own blog hop where I answer 4 questions about me and Mathilde heart Manech. I then have to choose two delightful bloggers to carry the ‘hop’ on for the following week.

This blog hop is perfectly timed too as yesterday this little old space of mine turned 4 years of age! I have no idea where the time has gone but I can happily say it has been the best four years of my life. Here’s why…

Why do I write?

Essentially I write to empty my brain. Life can be a right royal pain in the bum at times but, for the most part, I love it; and there is so much out there to be inspired by.

Between university and starting this blog I didn’t feel particularly creative. I worked in marketing and promotions for a newspaper but I was missing the everyday creativeness that my education gave me. This blog gave me that back. Whether that’s writing a few choice paragraphs, taking photographs or researching home, craft and style ideas; my brain no longer feels neglected and I feel like myself all over again.

I write so I can remember things, I write to keep myself focused on all the positive things in my life, I write because the only tools I need are a laptop or pen and paper. I also write to earn a living and that makes me super happy.

What am I working on?

I’m currently in the process of stripping back my blog and concentrating more on home, craft and style posts. My aim is for the blog to be full of my photographs, my DIY ideas and outfit posts; in a nutshell lots of original and positive content. There will be a couple of new features, including a regular collaborative one with a fellow blogger (super excited about this!) and a secret one that I’m still working on. Ooh the drama!

Also, outside of the blog, I am currently developing my freelance website offering my blogging and copywriting services to small businesses. I’ve been too busy actually working with new clients to finish it, but it is a priority as soon as life slows down a little (we’re buying a house!).

How does it differ from others of its genre?

I am a lifestyle blogger. I blog about my life and all the things that I love which includes home, fashion and craft. I know lots of other bloggers who do the same but my regular features, including 5 Positive Things To Do This Week, Tote of the Week and Photo Walk series, set the tone of the blog. In essence, I hope it’s a positive and happy place for folk to stumble upon.

How does my writing process work?

I predominantly write on a Monday and Tuesday (my days off from the gallery), and pretty much most evenings too. I work with a two week schedule but sometimes blog when I feel like it or if I have something to share that I can’t keep under my hat (I love to share).

I generally use my notebooks to jot down ideas and then make a draft of the post on WordPress, either on my phone app or on the laptop. I then complete all the visual aspects of the post and then finish the writing process. It’s a tad unstructured way to blog, but it works for me!

I’m hoping once (if!) we move into the new house I’ll be a little more organised as I will have an office to work in. Oh me, oh my. This excites me no end. Imagine all of the office decor posts I can write?!

So that’s it folks, thank you for reading. And now over to two awesome bloggers that put a smile on this thirty-something face with their friendly and creative blogs.

Say hello to Leanne from Knit Me a Cake who blogs about her creative adventures in knitting, sewing, baking and general makery. I met Leanne at Blogtacular after chatting a few times on Twitter and I was so chuffed to finally say hello. Brew up and have a good gander through her blog and look out for her blog hop next Monday.

Another ‘good egg’ who I have met in person is Yorkshire-dwelling Michelle from Eden Found. Her blog is packed full of original content, creative DIY ideas and vintage style. She also a Pinterest board brimming with awesomeness. Enjoy!

 ♥