Its Wednesday and time again for another Blog-erview!!!
Getting to know the amazing women behind our favorite blogs
and introducing some newbie bloggers you are sure to love,
through interviews here at Agape Love designs!
Lets welcome Laina from Vibrant Serenity to Agape Love Designs!!
If you are new here, find out about the Blog-erview Series {here}
Previous Blog-erviews:
Brittany of Love Stitched
Amanda of Royal Daughter Designs
Casey Leigh of The Wiegands
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Can you tell us a little about yourself and Your blog (and shop if you have one)?
I'm Laina, a 30 year old former Texan who is now living in Denmark. I met the love of my life, Hans, through an online game we both used to play. Neither of us were looking for a relationship at the time. Eight months earlier I had left my first husband, and Hans had ended a bad relationship two months later. We were both healing.
I knew who he was, and he knew who I was, but we'd never really talked (or chatted) on mIRC. One day in June/July 2009, while I was vacationing with my family in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I happened to be on mIRC. Hans had posted multiple links to his MySpace karaoke. I saved them, but didn't look at them until a week or 2 later. When I did I laughed as I listened to a Danish man singing "Like A Virgin" and "Hit Me Baby, One More Time". The last link I heard was him singing "Summertime". I got chills as I heard it. My mom used to sing that song to me as a lullaby when I was little. The next time I saw him online, I messaged him to tell him about my connection to the song, and that I thought he did very well. He was extremely flattered, long story short, we've been inseparable since.
My blog is a reflection of my life and journey as an expat here in Denmark. There are a lot of new things for me to learn, and adapt to. I also share recipes and craft/DIY projects, some of which can prove difficult due to the lack of ingredients or supplies available here.
How did you first get involved with blogging?
One day, about a year ago, I decided to start following a few blogs that I had randomly come across. This led to more blogs, and snowballed from there. In December 2010, I began following the blog of a wonderful woman, Kathy, who had recently fallen ill. She was determined to alter everything in her life, one thing at a time, until she was better. Through this process we became friends, and she was diagnosed with Lyme. She urged me for months to start my own blog, but I was afraid. I wrote a guest post for her back in May, and set a goal for myself. By June 1st of this year, I would start my own blog.
How do you come up with material/content for your blog each day, What inspires you?
This is difficult to answer. Some days I am totally clueless, while other day I think of multiple topics a day. I very rarely pre-schedule posts. Most of it is day by day. I tend to do my best thinking right before I fall asleep, or while I'm in the shower. Neither of which are very convenient times, but I try my best to remember them. When I'm in bed, I usually have my phone on my nightstand and can leave myself a little memo of my thoughts. For the most part I post about my adventures, whether it be in recipes, projects, or just your run-of-the-mill outings. I try to post something for all of my readers, whether they are giveaway junkies, foodies, crafters, or close friends and family.
What has been the most challenging moment in being a blogger?
I've only been blogging for 4 months, so, I'd have to say getting the courage to start my blog was the most challenging. I want everyone to like me, and I want people to read what I am putting out there.
Everyone has a favorite/least favorite post. Name yours and why?
My least favorite post happens to be my most popular. Thrift Store Decorating was a big hit in all the link parties I was linked to. That being said, if I would have known it would be so popular I would've put more effort into it.
My favorite post, so far, is my Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes. I was very pleased with how my little baking experiment turned out. Not only did they look good, they tasted amazing, and they were the perfect size.
Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why?
There are so many bloggers who inspire me, it's really hard to choose. I'd say my friend Kathy is my biggest inspiration here in the blog-o-sphere and in real life. As far as cooking blogs go, I've yet to be inspired by anyone. Many 'foodies' aren't quick to respond to comments, or questions, if they respond at all. As far as craft blogs, I follow so many it's hard to keep up sometimes. I think Jen at Craft-O-Maniac is my biggest crafting inspiration. She's got the same wild, colorful side as I do. She seems like a really awesome, fun person, full of great crafting ideas.
What goals do you have, if any, for your blog/shop right now and in the future?
Right now, my goal is to grow my blog. I'm not in a rush, but who doesn't love seeing people read their blog? For me, it's a way to connect with others. Living in Denmark, away from my friends and family, is pretty lonely sometimes. Blogging is my connection with others, particularly those who speak English. One day, I'd love to open an Etsy shop, and possibly even make money off my blog, albeit a small amount. For now, I'm happy where I'm at, meeting the people I meet, and keeping it simple.
What Social Networks are you on for your blog?
I'm on Facebook, Pintrest, and Twitter. I can also be found at Picket Fence Blogs, Blog Lovin', and Linked In.
Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew before you started blogging?
I think I did my research fairly well before starting my blog. I think if anything, I would have started writing posts a month or 2 in advance. Just for filler posts when I'm too busy, or simply don't feel like blogging that day.
What has been the best thing about blogging so far, feel free to share any exciting triumphs or milestones you have had or reached! :)
I think just getting my voice out there. I know I don't/won't appeal to everyone, but I am proud of what I've done so far. Just starting was my biggest triumph. I usually have a lot to say, whether I realize it at the time or not. I'm still worried about offending people with what I have to say, or how it comes out in my writing, but over time I think that will change. I will loosen up a bit and really let myself shine.
Is there anything else you would like to share with my readers?
I try to reply to each and every single comment I recieve, with the exception of giveaways. It's important for me to interact, personally with my readers. I hope you will drop by and say hi. Who knows, you might decide you like it and want to stick around.
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