Jilly Interviews: The Wee Blondie

So, today I am here with Judith from theweeblondie. She's a recent graduate who is living in Aberdeen! I hope you enjoy the interview!

How long have you been blogging for?

I have been blogging since July 2012 so my blog has just had 

it’s second birthday! 

Why did you decide to start blogging?

I had seen a few other people I know do it and though ‘ohhhh, that looks fun’. It also gave me an excuse to spend all my money on new things so I could review them.

Who is your favourite blog to read and why?

I wouldn't say I have a favourite blog in particular but I am a 

massive fan of all Scottish Bloggers. 

Have you ever encountered any negativity in blogging and how did it affect you?

I have been extremely lucky in the fact that everything I have received regarding my blog has been positive. I think it is really sad that people feel the need to put people down instead of encouraging them and celebrating their successes. 

What are your favourite posts to write?

Fashion posts! I don't do them enough but recently I was gifted a new DSLR camera so I no longer have excuses not to get great outfit photos! 

What has been your favourite post to write?

My favourite blog post was the #weddingwow post I did in collaboration with ASOS. I had felt so good in the outfit the post pretty much wrote itself! 

Do you have any advice for new bloggers?

Be Yourself – people will only love you for it!

Find Judith on her...

Blog | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest 

Thank you so much to Judith for answering all the questions! Remember that if you want to get involved you can tweet me @mynameisjilly or find my blog mynameisjilly.blogspot.co.uk :)

Jilly Interviews: Hailey and the Beauty Blog

Today I am here with Hailey Anderson from 'Hailey and the Beauty Blog' who is 27 and is from South Lanarkshire. It was great interviewing her, so I hope you'll enjoy reading it!

What made you decide to begin blogging?
It was a spur of the moment situation to be honest. I had been reading blogs for a few months prior to me starting my own and when Models own did their annual 50% off sale I wanted so share the deal and my bargains with people. 5 years later and I am still blogging.

Do you have any blog inspirations?
I don't have anything specific that inspires me. The blogging community inspires me everyday but so does everyday life. I know most bloggers will say this but my followers inspire me to blog as well, they are the reason I have been blogging for 5 years and kept it up.

What advice do you have for new bloggers?
I have learnt a lot over the years about blogging but my main piece of advice would be don't compare yourself and you blog to other bloggers and blogs. Your blog is your own place to express yourself and your personality. Try and not follow the crowd and blog about the same things everyone else is blogging about, Make your blog stand out.

What has been your favourite post to write (why)?
Surprisingly as much as I love blogging about beauty, hauls and sometimes the odd fashion post, I love writing lifestyle posts. I found out early on that my followers loved reading about my day to day life. I personally feel that when you write about your personal life (not in huge detail) it helps people know who you are. I love switching up my blog and try and mix things up.

What has been your most popular post?
My most popular blog post has been about the new brand Makeup Revolution that launched back in April and it was my first haul post about them. I have done another orders since then and they have just been as popular. 

Have you ever had a hateful comment and how did it make you feel?
Yes I have but sadly this is all part and part of being a blogger. I don't only blog about beauty but also certain parts of my personal life. People feel the need to comment on your life in a rude way. I have been called fat, ugly, stupid and even had someone tell me I should be blogging because I am dyslexic. I found the hateful comments hard at first as i have been a victim of bullying when I was younger but over the years I have learnt to brush it all under the carpet. Sometimes when I am having a bad day it can get to me. Other bloggers say to me and I will pass this on if you get hateful comments don't take it personally they are bullies trying to get you down. If people are hating you have made it.

How would you describe your blog?
I would describe my blog as a Cruelty Free beauty blog. I love trying new products and seeing how they work then I love letting people know how I get on with them. I do throw in the odd lifestyle and haul post as well. My main policy is if it isn't Cruelty Free it won't be on my blog, so some might find it limited to certain brands. 

Blog | Bloglovin' | Twitter | Facebook

I hope you've enjoyed reading all about Hailey and remember to check out my blog (mynameisjilly.blogspot.co.uk) and tweet me your requests for interviewees at @mynameisjilly :)

Jilly Interviews: Megiista

So, today I am here with Megan Rice (Megiista) from www.megiista.blogspot.co.uk who is 20 and from Airdrie (outside Glasgow) which is where I work funnily enough! Megan has given some great answers, similar to what I would say so it was great to be able to interview her!

What made you decide to begin blogging?
Being a fashion business student, I am always surrounded with fashion. It wasn't till two years ago I discovered fashion blogs. Instantly, I was hooked and wanted to showcase my style and thoughts. I think if you have an interest or a niche, blogs are the perfect platform to showcase your passion and be an inspiration to others.

Do you have any blogging inspirations?
I am very inspired by Sammi from BeautyCrush and a non-fashion all time favourite is Estee from essiebutton! Both girls are very down to earth and relatable; two characteristics I think are important to be a successful blogger.

What advice do you have for new bloggers?
I think it is important to stress that if you are going to start blogging to go at it full steam ahead. Blogging is a full-time hobby and requires a lot of time, an element the majority of people don't understand. A lot of new bloggers, expect success instantly. Only start blogging if you have passion and motivation or it won't be fun. Whatever happens, don't go looking for success, work hard and the success will come to you.

How do you fit blogging around your schedule?
Buy a diary. Every Sunday I will sit down with my diary and schedule EVERYTHING. I think it is important and write down what you want to achieve within the week. Being at university, working and blogging is harder than it seems so having a diary where you can divide up time wisely is an immense help.

How would you describe your blog?
Megiista is a blog filled with everyday style, relatable fashion, your frequent favourites and occasional wish lists showcasing everything I want but can't afford.

What do you enjoy most about blogging?
I enjoy producing inspiring content. The whole process from brainstorming ideas to photographing to publishing (the most exciting part) and then receive lovely feedback. I am proud of Megiista as it's a place where people can visit, be inspired and communicate with me. It's lovely to have a space on the huge world wide web where I can just be me.

Blog | Bloglovin' | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Thank you so much the Megan for answering all of the questions and thank you to ScotBloggers for the opportunity to interview her! Would you like to be interviewed for the page? Why not tweet me @mynameisjilly or request that we interview your favourite Scottish Blogger!

Jilly Interviews: Shabby Chic and Tea

It's Jilly from mynameisjilly and I'm back with another interview, this time with Natalie from Shabby Chic and Tea (Shabbychicandtea.blogspot.co.uk)! I hope you enjoy this interview, it's great getting an insight into the thoughts of such amazing bloggers!

So, Natalie, give us a quick insight into you?

My name is Natalie MacDonald, I am eighteen and I have a blog, Shabby Chic and Tea. I live in the Highlands of Scotland, it rains pretty much every day but when the sun decides to show it's face, it's a beautiful place to be!

What made you decide to begin blogging?

I decided to start blogging when I started watching the beauty and fashion gurus on YouTube (Zoella) and reading their blogs in 2010. I knew I would never have the confidence to start a YouTube channel, so blogging seemed to be the next best thing. I have had a few different blog names over the past 4 years, I deleted my first blog then started up Shabby Chic and Tea.

A lot of bloggers start out because of other bloggers, did you have any blogging inspirations?

I have lots of favourite bloggers who inspire me daily but if I was to name one person who has inspired me the most it would have to be Zoe (Zoella), she was the first blogger I discovered back in the day!

If a new blogger asked you for some advice, what would you tell them?

The best advice I can give new bloggers is, even though you feel like your talking to yourself at first, your audience gradually grows, people are reading your blog, it just takes time to get yourself noticed but it's all worth it in the end! I would also advise you to make a Twitter account for your blog, I have had so many amazing opportunities crop up because of my blogs Twitter account. It's so handy for tweeting your latest blog posts, meeting new people and getting into beauty and fashion chats by using hashtags and replying to the people you follow.

Now we all know bloggers have lives outside blogging, how do you fit blogging around your schedule?

I fit my blog around my job and social life by taking plenty of outfit and product photos on my days off and then typing up lots of posts at one time, then scheduling them for the following weeks. I tend to post 3/4 times a week. it is much more stress free that way!

How would you describe your blog to someone who has never read it?

A very detailed database of where most of my money disappears to..!

What would you say that you enjoy the most about blogging?

I love the interaction with everyone and the lovely people I have become friends with. The blogging community is full of so many pleasant people, I'm happy to be a part of it. I don't notice any bitchiness or nasty comments, just lots of decent people with all the same interests, hanging out in one corner of the internet.

Thank you to Natalie for taking part in the interview and ScotBloggers for giving me the amazing opportunity to do something that I love and reach a wider audience! Remember you can find Natalie on twitter (@shabbychicndtea) and me too (@mynameisjilly)!

Jilly Interviews: G is for Gingers

Now today, we have an extremely special interview, as I've been given the opportunity to interview one of my favourite bloggers; Claire from G is for Gingers! So I hope you enjoy!

Name: Claire (G is for gingers)

Age: 18

General location: Dundee

What made you decide to begin blogging?
I had been reading blogs for a few months and one evening when I was very bored I decided it would be a good idea to give it a go. It seemed a good way to document outfits, baking ideas and general lifestyle things. It is my online diary and its just a bonus I can share it with an ever growing group of readers.

What makes blogging worthwhile to you?
I know a lot of blogger who say you shouldn’t care if people read your blog- just do it for you but the feedback I get makes it all worth while. Seeing a blog post get new comments makes my day! Every comment mean a lot and even though I don’t reply (controversial) I still read them and appreciate my readers.

You are also the founder of ScotBloggers, what made you start up the blog?
I just felt like there was a gap for this kind of group. I knew there was LOADS of scot bloggers out their but no all in one place. I am slowly finding them all too. I didn’t want to make this boy a huge advert for my own so I’ve tried to keep my name out of it although some people have connected the two.

How do you fit blogging around your busy schedule?
I actually don’t have a busy schedule! I am a part time student, studying a distance learning course, so I spend my day doing a couple of hours of studying then I’m free to blog and manage my three twitter accounts and four emails. Blogging fills my time nicely actually- I must have been so bored before hand.

If you would like some tips of managing to blog I would say take a weeks worth of pictures, edit them and upload them to your blog. Once they are saved as drafts you can write when inspiration strikes. I also finding having set days to blog keeps me motivated and gives me that extra push to get it done.
How would you describe your blog?

I still like to say I’m a fashion blogger… but during winter and when I spend the week in the house in leggings studying that can become hard. I post a fair few outfit posts, baking and general lifestyle posts. I like to keep my blog varied as those are my favourite to read.

Have you got any exciting posts planned for the future?
Not at the moment- I don’t usually plan posts more than a week in advance. I would really like to start a series about my bedroom/house but I currently need to find a new bedside table before I am able to take pictures. Hopefully a post like that will be as popular as my wardrobe post and appeal to my nosey readers.

What are your favourite posts to write?
I really like doing outfit posts and that is one of the main reasons I set up my blog in the first place. I love the satisfaction of taking good pictures and the way the post looks when put together. Personally I think a paragraph describing how I put the outfit together and what I’m doing is enough. It’s good to bring your personality and lifestyle into these posts is the key to success.

Your photos are always amazing, what camera do you use?
Ah seriously!? Thank you so much. I’ve recently been given an old Nikon D40 (DSLR) but before than I’ve taken all my pictures with my olympus VR-350. It is a fairly basic camera but I’ve learnt how to use all the settings. I always say good light is the key to taking sharp photos and changing the settings to see what works for you.

What advice do you have for new bloggers?
Be patient and keep going- becoming a good blogger takes time and effort but it is all worth it in the end. Don’t be afraid to tweet your link and send it to other bloggers when they ask for links. Use social media to your advantage and talk to other bloggers and brands. Get your blog noticed without being pushing and always try to improve your writing, photography and layout.

Thank you so much to Claire for taking part! It's amazing getting to interview so many amazing bloggers and I'm so glad that I've been given this opportunity! Why not comment your thoughts below?

Jilly Interviews: Folklorique Blog

I'm back again with another interview for you, so I hope you enjoy it! This time I'm interviewing a lovely blogger called Ina who has just moved to Glasgow and we're glad to welcome her to our little community!

Blogger Name: Ina Pabat-Stroe
Occupation: Social media freelancer, blogger and mum of 2.
Blog: Folklorique Blog
Age: 35
Blog’s age: 1 year
Location: Just moved to Glasgow

What made you decide to begin blogging?

I believe the future of fashion is sustainability. And the key to sustainability is represented in my view, by traditional and modern crafts, as well as sustainable creative fashion brands everywhere. I believe in achieving a unique style through thoughtful, ethical fashion. Also, initially I started the blog in order to promote my online gift shop (www.folklorique.co.uk) but soon its scope grew because there are so many wonderful artists and brands out there to be discovered and I had so many creative ideas I wanted to share. It is a bit funny I suppose, that it took 35 years in order for me to realize I had something articulate to say to the world, but it’s better late than never, right?!

Do you have any blogging inspirations?

I try to return to world heritage in fashion time and again, as I am fascinated by ethnic patterns and motifs and the way they travel through time and space to still create amazing fashion. I love authentic, vintage pieces and keep heirlooms from my grand and grand-grandmother as family treasures but also as statement fashion pieces of what I call folk couture.

So every time I create a new outfit for my blog, I try to incorporate old and new, ethnic and high street, vintage and modern folklore pieces to create my own unique style.

What advice do you have for new bloggers?

If it makes you happy, do not hesitate! If you do something meaningful for yourself, nothing else really matters!

What has been your most popular post?

My most popular post was one called Russian doll; I styled a black dress with 80 years old hand embroidered aprons and new hand painted porcelain jewellery. My friend braided my hair and I suppose the result was really good. It was fun to do (as it incorporated old and new, crafted and high street) and very rewarding to see people like my eclectic style. (link: http://folkloriqueblog.co.uk/2013/09/the-little-black-dress-russian-doll-style/)

How would you describe your blog?

My blog is about celebrating heritage and sustainable luxury. As I said before, I believe there is an alternative answer to main stream by building our own style, finding treasured vintage pieces, buying hand crafted and sustainably produced fashion, encouraging small ethical brands. I can’t say I am a purist, far from it, but each small step counts, we just have to start somewhere.

What do you enjoy most about blogging?

I love having total creative control over my content. Being able to be creative is a privilege for me in the first place, but folklorique is my baby 100%. I love building up an outfit and picking suitable themes and backgrounds or just researching fashion or crafts that excite me, I love the journey from an idea in my head to actual content on web and the fact that I can decide each and every step of the way how I go about it. I still have lots to learn, I still make mistakes of all sorts but that is the another reason I love blogging. It gives me an opportunity to learn and grow.

Thank you so much to Ina for agreeing to be interviewed and to ScotBloggers for giving me the opportunity to do so! As a new blogger myself (Find me at mynameisjilly.blogspot.co.uk) I've been enjoying learning all the tips and tricks from the more established bloggers that I've been interviewing! I hope you've enjoyed reading, why not leave a comment below?

Jilly Interviews: Rachael Skii

So, today I have been given the opportunity to interview the wonderful Rachael from rachael-skil.blogspot.co.uk so thank you to ScotBloggers for the wonderful opportunity!

Name; Rachael Skil
Age; 23
Location; Dundee

What made you decide to start blogging?

I've always loved writing but to be honest, it was my Facebook statuses that started it all! (That sounds like a really uncool reason...) I had a habit of writing about my funny takes on general things that a lot of people liked so my flatmate suggested I start writing a blog!

Do you have any blogging inspirations?

My all time blogging inspiration is Leandra Medine (writer of The Man Repeller). Her blog, book and videos never disappoint me, and she's responsible for my crazy love for New York and it's people...even though I've never been there! I'm still kind of finding my niche in the blogging community, and while I'm sure there are lots of writers like me out there that will inspire me in the future , I haven't discovered many yet!

What advice do you have for new bloggers?

Patience is key! I started a blog back in August and it's only now that I've gotten into a good rhythm and am conversing more with other bloggers. Some people say to throw yourself into it and forge friendships with other bloggers but I prefer to take it easy - let it come naturally. Also - don't beat yourself up if you don't go near your blog for a week or two...sometimes life gets in the way! Stay present on social media and you'll be fine.

What has been your favourite post to write?

It's so hard to pick one! I really enjoyed writing The Missing Sisterhood, because I think it's something most girls can relate to. I'm hoping it made people alter the way they looked at themselves, and at others. Ultimately I just want my writing to be relatable and enjoyable to read!

What has been your most popular post?

That one definitely goes to Keep, Toss, Maybe. I was glad I got such a huge response to that one because I was worried I'd come off sounding like a bit of a lunatic! It's about the emotional attachment we feel towards our clothes, and the guilt we experience when we buy new ones. I'd like to maybe repost this one now that I've got a few more followers and see the reaction!

How would you describe your blog?

It's a witty and sarcastic take on all things being female, mixed in with some personal rants and raves, and the occasional post about pretty clothes that have caught my eye. I think it's easy to suss out my sense of humour from a couple of posts, and if you like it, you'll hopefully love the majority of my posts. If not...thanks for stopping by! 

What do you enjoy most about blogging?

A lot of people say the blogging community, but I'm still dipping my toes so to speak. I think what I enjoy most is knowing that someone is reading something that I've written, and they're enjoying it enough to come back! I wasn't blessed with any sort of impressive talents or abilities, so writing is a great way for me to express myself. Until someone has the courage to tell me I'm rubbish - then I'll probably just take up juggling or something.
Thank you so much to Rachael for taking the time to answer the questions and thank you to ScotBloggers for giving me the opportunity to ask them! If you have anymore question, why not tweet Rachael over at @MeMyselfandUK and as usual you can find me over at mynameisjilly.blogspot.co.uk or on twitter at @mynameisjilly <3

Jilly Interviews: Leigh Jarvie Beauty

It's Jilly again from mynameisjilly.blogspot.co.uk and this is the second interview I've done for Scotbloggers! Today's interview is with Leigh from leighjarviebeauty.wordpress.com <3

Full Name : Leigh Jarvie

Blog URL : http://leighjarviebeauty.wordpress.com/

Age : 19

Location : Dundee, Scotland

Occupation : Food Science student

What made you decide to begin blogging?

I've always had a passion for writing, along with an interest in the beauty industry. I discovered the beauty community online a few years ago, and quickly became addicted to reading about product reviews, hauls and make-up tutorials, and wanted to become a part of it. 

Do you have any blogging inspirations?

I read hundreds of blog posts each week, but my two favourites have to be gh0stparties and The Sunday Girl as they are both Scottish girls like myself! I feel like the majority of famous bloggers are from big cities like New York and London, and us Scottish girls don't get a lot of recognition. Both of these girls write beautifully, take gorgeous photos, and were my inspiration to start my own blog.

What advice do you have for new bloggers?

Write about something you are deeply passionate about. And share, share, share! Don't be embarrassed by telling your family and friends that you have a blog, it's a sure fire way to make sure more and more people know about your site.

What do you enjoy most about blogging?

My favourite thing about blogging is that it allows you to interact with other people in the blogging world. Everyone is so lovely, and it's great to share tips and advice with fellow beauty bloggers. Social media is so important these days, I can't go a few hours without refreshing my Twitter feed! Twitter is one of the best ways to search for other beauty bloggers, and is so easy to interact with other people in the blogging community.

How would you describe your blog?

My blog is mainly focused on all things beauty related, with product reviews, monthly favourites and hauls. However, I do try to insert a few random post in now and again. For example, I'm currently on a mission to get fitter and healthier, so it's not all about lipstick!

How do you fit blogging around your schedule?

I am currently in 2nd year at uni, and work part-time, so sometimes it is hard to fit eating and sleeping in, never mind blogging! I always carry a diary with me, and try to plan my posts whenever I have some free time. I also carry a notebook with me, when inspiration strikes. I aim to write one post per week, which I think fits in with my busy life. I just try to stay organised, plan my posts whenever I can, and make sure I keep up to date with my social media.

Thank you so much to Leigh for participating in the interview! Make sure to check out her blog or follow her on twitter @leighjarvie <3 Once again, thank you so much to ScotBloggers for allowing me this wonderful oppotunity! It's been amazing interviewing some other Scottish Bloggers! You can follow me on twitter too! @mynameisjilly :)

If you have any further questions, why not leave a comment? Make sure you follow @scotbloggers on twitter and on scotbloggers.blogspot.co.uk for updates and new posts!

Jilly Interviews: Sparkling in Stilettos

I'm Jilly from mynameisjilly.blogspot.co.uk and Scotbloggers have given me the opportunity to interview some up and coming bloggers from Scotland! Today's interview is with Margaret-Anne from sparklinginstilettos.blogspot.com <3

Name; Margaret-Anne

Age; 19

Location; Lanark (Near Glasgow)

What made you decide to begin blogging?

I started my blog because people we always commenting on what I was wearing or would ask how I did  my hair or makeup , I would always joke about posting it online until one of my friends suggested I start a blog - It took a while for me to get a blog and a while to get into blogging but now that I have I love it.

Do you have any blogging inspirations?

I take blogging inspiration of everything and anything, whither its a picture on instagram or pintrest to a YouTube video or another blogger my favourite bloggers have to be Elle Fowler and Julia Graf. Their blogs are dreaminginblush.com and misschievous.tv

How do you fit blogging around your schedule?

It try to write blog posts on Thursdays because that is my day off college, however with the crazy amount of college work I get sometimes sleep wins.  My new years resolution is to be more consistent with my blogging. If I get an idea and have some spare time to write a post, I'll do that too.

Are there any blog posts in particular that you would like to do in the future and why?

In the future I'd love to do a prom or wedding blog post with a huge photoshoot,I think that would be some much fun and there really would be no boundaries creatively with it. I absolutely love weddings but I think a prom post would be more colourful and it would be easier to find models cause I would just bribe my friends to do it.  

How would you describe your blog?

My blog really is just a place for me to express my self - its an insight into what goes on in my head.

What do you enjoy most about blogging?

The thing I enjoy most about blogging is definitely the shopping for look books and also the hope that someone may find my posts helpful in anyway possible.

And finally, what advice do you have for new bloggers?

My advice to new bloggers would be to do whatever you want to do its your blog, its a way for you to express your self go for it and most importantly have fun with it.

Thank you so much to Margaret-Anne for participating in the interview! Make sure to check out her blog sparklinginstilettos.blogspot.com and follow her on twitter @lipgloss31 <3 Also! Thank you to Scot Bloggers for this wonderful opportunity, I really enjoyed getting to know some other Scottish Bloggers! You can find me on twitter; @mynameisjilly :)

 If you have any further questions, why not leave a comment? Make sure you follow @scotbloggers on twitter and on scotbloggers.blogspot.co.uk for updates and new posts!