Hello there and welcome to this week's #PoCoLo - if you were here last week it was great to see you and if you're new here then a big warm welcome from both Morgan and me. As usual I'm catching up with myself but I know there's some fabulous posts in store for me, and I'm sure you'll all find some great posts - and possibly some new blogs - to read.
At the start of the week my bike went in for a service and it seems that I need a new chain and cogs (that's about as technical as I get) and we worked out I've clocked up 1,264 miles on my seven-gear basketed bike. I don't think the guy in the bike shop could quite believe it as *apparently* I'm not supposed to use it for long cycles. I'm not sure what I am supposed to use, but we didn't go there as no doubt the view would be that I should have multiple bikes...
I am thinking of changing my bike, but I think one is plenty. Unlike MOH who appears to be racking them up, he's hoping his second new bike will be ready for collection this weekend. In fact I am too as we're planning a bit of a cycle into Kent. MOH is planning our destination and route, and is under no illusion that it needs to include a very nice cafe.
I think the talking point of this week has to be the weather, or rather the lack of summer weather. I got drenched on my way to work on Wednesday and then again when I popped out for lunch and was so glad there were hand dryers in the toilets as I needed them to try my skirt! Of course I got drenched again yesterday evening but somehow the weather contributed to the ambience of the evening, and helped the HomeSense "Christmas in August" feel quite realistic. It was a great evening, and they have some fabulous items in their Christmas ranges, and for the metallic magpie in me it's both good and bad!
My photo this week is from the event on Wednesday. I'm not normally a fan of things with my name on, but this place label alongside this bowl-shaped glass of prosecco was very welcome.
Blogger Showcase: Louise from Lou Ekai
1. Who are you?
I'm Louise, I'm 20 years old and I'm a single mum of a healthy one year old boy! My blog is Lou Ekai and I love holistic methods to solving any problems to do with skin, hair and health and I'm very in tune to nature. I'm currently studying a degree in social studies and on my free days I make the most with my son by going to messy play, or swimming.
2. How did you discover blogs/blogging?
I've always had a passion for writing and I remember having tumblr, and people wanted to ask more questions about my life, and even on my ask.fm. I don't know why I didn't set up a blog sooner, because I enjoyed answering questions my followers asked. I looked into making my own blog for a couple of months and decided to go with Wordpress, and sort of went with it! Before that and even to this day, I would binge on other people's blogs and YouTube channels and I really loved the idea of having my own one day.
3. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because it was letting off steam with life as a new single mum. I was scared and having my own space to write whatever I wanted, putting that negative energy into a post about positivity or trying to encourage others to be positive and getting an amazing response, almost became addictive. I loved the feeling that I was actually helping other people feel good about themselves or their circumstances, they liked what I wrote, or they could at least relate to what I was going through at the time.
4. What do you find most challenging?
Letting my anxiety get the better of me regarding my blog. I've always been scared that old school members or family members would find my blog and say negative things about it, but lately I've created other social media accounts and am more confident in collaborating with other bloggers to write guests posts. So I'm making progress on not thinking about what others think, because I thoroughly enjoy writing my blog.
5. What is your favourite topic to write about?
I love to write about positivity topics encouraging people to think positively, hold on to hope and be patient. These posts make me feel good because even if I'm helping just one person, that's good enough.
6. Are you blogging for fun or do you have goals?
I started out blogging for fun, but now I hope to make this a career as I'm enjoying writing.
7. What is your favourite thing about blogging?
The blogging community which I was so unaware about when I was only posting here and there. Everyone who I've emailed and communicated with have been so friendly, even if they have way more followers than me. Which is encouraging and has given me confidence.
8. Have you ever attended a blogging conference and if so, what did you think?
I would love to attend a blogging conference in the future.
9. What are your 3 best posts?
1. You are beautiful, here's why...
2. Garnier Soothing Botanical Rose Water Cleansing Milk & Toner
3. Nu Skin: Fluoride whitening Toothpaste: Let's Be Real
10. Describe yourself in three words!
Tall, Friendly and Kind-Hearted 💕
11. Are you a tea and biscuits or coffee and cake person?
Tea and biscuits! The amount of tea I drink is so unhealthy it's became an addiction!
12. What's your idea of a perfect night out?
An environment where I feel completely comfortable around everyone who's there which will allow me to loosen up, because I am an introvert it's hard for me to go to clubs as it is.
13. Your perfect night in?
A scented candle on, a fluffy pillow and a lovely cuddly throw, an interesting movie/TV series and comfy Pyjamas in the living room. Before I would have been based in my bedroom with fairy lights and clean silky bedsheets but I co-sleep with my LO so this is impossible now!
14. What would your best friend/mum or kids say is your best quality?
My mum always has told me I'm a very determined person and I have a big heart. My best friend has said that I'm such a good listener and that I give good advice.
Connect with Louise here:
Pinterest - Instagram - Twitter
Thanks Louise, it's lovely to find out more about you. Please do proudly display your "I was featured" badge on your blog.
