Post Comment Love and Blogger Showcase 16-18 March

Hello there and welcome to another Friday and the weekly linky I co-host with Morgan.  It's great to see you every week, and if you were here last week thank you - it was great to read your posts. If you're new here this week then welcome, it's good to have you along. 

This week I've realised that despite all my planning - and I love to plan - I've also become a bit of a last minute girl. I'm not sure when, or how that happened, but it has and so once again I'm writing my post at the last minute.  It seems a bit of an anomaly to me to be a planner, but also last minute.

Or is it because I plan I'm comfortable leaving things to the last minute as I've already worked out how to tackle something, and the last minute part is just implementation. Who knows?  What is more than likely is that I'm already planning the next thing, so at times (well, often) plan more than I can actually do, but in my defence I do do the doing, at some point too.

But it's interesting isn't it? Are you the same, or do you have your feet firmly in one camp? I'm intrigued, as for me research mostly always precedes the planning, and becomes part of the planning process. 

I guess it's all about balance, which leads me nicely onto this week's photo:

A garden seat at the Walled gardens of Cannington in Somerset

This garden seat, in the Walled Gardens of Cannington in Somerset caught my eye as soon as I stepped into the Australasian garden. We stopped off for a walk around the gardens and to explore the botanical glasshouses alongside an overnight stay (in a hotel, not the glasshouse) before heading to Devon for the weekend.

I've many more photos to share, so look out for those soon.  I've a few more garden visits planned while we're in this neck of the woods so I'm fully anticipating to spend some time sorting, editing and wading through plenty of photos.

Blogger Showcase: Urszula

1. Who are you?

My name is Urszula Makowska. I am a growing social media influencer, full time fashion blogger, and actress born and raised in the heart of New York City. Growing up in Brooklyn, I attended dance class for five years and completed my certificate in acting.

As an actress, I am best known for my role on MTV's show Catfish Season 5B Episode 1: Lucas & Many. Since the episode aired, MTV filmed a follow up with me, in February of 2017, adding the footage into the original episode.

Professionally, I graduated with a Bachelor's of Business Administration degree in Visual Merchandising from LIM College in 2016. For years I worked in social media and public relations. Today, I am currently working as a merchandiser for Full Beauty Brands and I am working on my blogging career. 

Urszulala is the name of my fashion blog and it was formerly, launched as Fash Fab in 2012 by me in the early development of my fashion career. 

2. How did you discover blogging?

Once I started college, I decided I wanted to be a stylist and thought "wow blogging is sort of the way to go." I can create looks and share it with world. I also loved to write and decided to give it a chance. So, one day after class I just started my own site.

3. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging in the early stage of my fashion career, basically from scratch. I was strictly blogging about fashion at the time, I shared my daily fashion inspirations, outfits, and tips with viewers with hope of inspiring them with my taste because that is what I wanted to do. I really wanted to inspire others out there with my style and my visual creativity.

For me, personally, it was a work of art to create looks and write. I was doing what I loved and following my dreams, while seeing how much I really change throughout my college years. Today, it has become a full time job for me and through my blog and instagram, I have affiliated and partnered with major brands such as Aveda, NYLON, Amika, Christian Dior, LA MER, I SAW IT FIRST, Cartier, Estee Lauder, Givenchy, Daniel Wellington, and many other brands.

4. What do you find most challenging?

I had a difficult time branding myself in the beginning. I was in the early stages of really learning a lot about myself and my style. I had to learn a lot on my own and really figure out who I am and what my style is. Once I figured that out (which took me a year), what was once known as Fash Fab, soon became re-branded to Urszulala.

I took my blog a step into the darker side of fashion. The darker and edgier look has grown the blog's popularity. The bold eyebrows and cat eyes became my signature look. Furthermore the blog has expanded into beauty, lifestyle, and travel that has inspired others. I've gotten far to having my site featured from Elle PL, MTV, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, and many other publications.

5. What is your favorite topic to write about?

Fashion, fashion, fashion! I just love fashion, but I also love to write about travel, instagram tips, and beauty. I have a strong passion for everything I do. I put my whole heart into it.

6. Are you blogging for fun or do you have goals?

I do it for fun and it has also become a full time job. In response to the second question, as bloggers we all have goals. I definitely have goals set that I plan to achieve. I plan to push myself further and further as a blogger.

7. What is your favorite thing about blogging?

I love being able to create, write, and share. It is a form of art. I feel free and this is what I love to do. I love being a role model to others and inspiration to others. I want everyone to feel amazing about themselves and to be successful.

8. Have you ever attended a blogging conference and if so, what did you think?

Yes, I have. I love blogger meet-ups and conferences. It is always a pleasure to meet new people and network. It is actually extremely important to network and maintain relationships. Also, it is a great learning opportunity. You always learn something new.

9. What are your 3 best posts?

They are related to fashion!

10. Describe yourself in three words.

Humble, kind, and outgoing.

11. Are you a tea and biscuits or coffee and cake person?

Can I choose both? Haha! I love coffee and cake. I have a sweet tooth and I can't help it, but I also love tea and biscuits. This is the hardest question I've ever had. I cannot choose two over the other two.

12. What's your idea of a perfect night out?

My perfect idea of a perfect night out is dressing up and going out with my ladies somewhere spontaneous. Also, having dinner and just spending time together with non-stop laughter.

13. What would your best friend/OH/mum or kid say is your best quality?

Everyone would say that I'm the most nicest person anyone will ever meet. I have a big heart and I am the type of person you can count on no matter what. I always love to help. 

Thanks for sharing more about you and your blog Urszula.  If you're reading this and are interested in being featured in a future Blogger Showcase then please get in touch with either Morgan and I.

Post Comment Love 9 - 11 March

Hello there and welcome to another PoCoLo on what has been an super quiet week on my blog, in fact today is only my second post of the week so at least I didn't have lengthy deliberations about what I'd link up this week...

If you were here last week then thank you and reassurance I will pop over to you soon, and you're new here this week you're very welcome, it's great to have all of you along.  

I've been out of the blogging game this week as it's been all go at work, and the project I've been working on for most of the year is now out there. It's been fairly stressful and even more so this week, and has involved many hours, but it got there. It's the sort of project that won't be widely acclaimed by many, but it's also the sort of project that was important to me to do well. 

But that's meant something has needed to give, and over the past few weeks it's been here on the blog, but I'm hoping that will now change, so please bear with me.  I've also no photos from the past week either, so I'm digging into my archives and I found this picture of the Lime avenue at Mottisfont in Hampshire from last March. The blue skies reminded me of the skies and yesterday's mild weather, which after the snow from last week has been most welcome!

Let's hope that March remembers what it's supposed to do and there's much more Spring-like weather to come,  I really am ready for it.

Lime trees, bulbs and blue skies - it must be almost Spring

Blogger Showcase: Deborah from Style by Deb

Morgan is hosting all of Deborah's answers this week, so do pop over and find out more.  Deborah found us via our tweets and her blog - Style by Deb - covers beauty, skincare and lifestyle and she admits to being a huge cat lover and a Christmas junkie and uses her blog to showcase her personal style.

Connect with Deborah on social media here:  Instagram  -  Twitter  -  Facebook  -  Pinterest  -  

Post Comment Love and Blogger Showcase 2-4 March

Hello there and welcome to another Friday and another Post Comment Love. If you were here last week it was great to see you, if you're new here then you're very welcome in what is a super friendly weekly linkup.  Even though I'm still catching up with myself - I will be popping over - but I've already peeked and you continually link up great posts. Every single week, so thank you.

And it's March. How?!  January seemed to take forever and then February whooshed by without me even realising. And then it was March and snowing. In London, quite a week. If I'm honest I could have done without the snow, it's caused me extra work and I'm perfectly busy enough thank you very much. 

But that's how I got these pictures of the snow on Wednesday. I was expecting to take the afternoon off and so knowing I was busy, I was up early and logged on early, but I couldn't resist taking some pictures first.  These were taken around 6.30am, which is a time of day I don't usually see, and I'm quite happy not seeing most of the time.  But I think these were worth it, and I got some things done too.

Early morning snow in London

This kind of snow was easier to walk in than the remnants we currently have.  I was rushing (as usual) and it gave my legs a workout, which I'm still paying the price for. Oh my thighs... I'm trying to convince myself it's a good thing, but every time I stand up I start to doubt that.

Blogger Showcase: Hannah from Hannah Elizabeth

1. Who are you?

I am Hannah, a 21 year old, former medic who is about to embark on another university course. I love making memories and taking pictures which expanded into blogging and YouTube just over 4 years ago. I love fun, challenging myself and I hate being bored. Clearly. After less than a month off on holiday, I set up my own business.

2. How did you discover blogs/blogging?

I've followed YouTuber's for years and especially Anna Saccone-Joly. When I first started following her channel, I quickly realised she also posted consistently on a blog. I ended up loving the written communication format as it felt more personal. By the end of the year I was following many others...

3. Why did you start blogging?

I wasn't really aware of it at first but I did a lot of research. When I moved to university, I wanted to remember everything that was going on but didn't have a lot of time to make photo albums, scrapbooks or even write in a diary so I thought I would give blogging a try and it stuck.

4. What do you find most challenging?

I find it difficult to get readers to interact. I can see I'm getting readers and I can see by the statistics how long they are staying on my site but getting comments and feedback has been difficult. I think I've tried to overcome it by asking questions at the end of posts to force interaction but still, it's been slow progress.

5. What is your favourite topic to write about?

I love writing about my personal life. I think people that don't have a social media presence find it odd but my blog is, as the caption says: "My little corner of safety in this scary world we call home. A place of happiness, vulnerability and self-love." I love that it's a place I can be myself and others can share their stories in return. At the end of the day, if I can help out one person, why wouldn't I?

6. Are you blogging for fun or do you have goals?

I would never blog if I didn't find it fun but that doesn't mean I don't have goals. I love blogging and I don't ever see myself stopping but as the same time, of course I want it to go somewhere. I don't ever see it being my full time job, so if I were asked if I wanted to make it a financially capable business, the answer would be no. However, I love when companies reach out and offer products that I'm interested in anyway, in return for a review that I would love to write regardless. I would love to hit 1,000 subscribers which will be soon!

7. What is your favourite thing about blogging?

I think I've already partially answered why I love blogging but simply put, it's a place to be me, myself and I.

8. Have you ever attended a blogging conference and if so, what did you think?

I attended my very first blogging event in Nottingham, Jingle Mingle, a little while ago now. It was so much fun and I had an absolute blast meeting others and learning more. It was in collaboration with PrezzyBox and Becky Talk so it was really inspirational to see them talk about relevant subjects. Of course, we also got the opportunity to partake in a number of different activities which was so fun. If you get offered the chance, 100% go! 

9. What are your 3 best posts?

In my personal opinion, I couldn't say which were my favourite. There are far too many to choose from but probably the ones with vlogs attached to remember memories. My three best posts in termed of most read and most visited are:

10. Describe yourself in three words

Kind, emotional and clever.

11. Are you a tea and biscuits or coffee and cake person?

I actually hate coffee and tea, so can I be a biscuits and cake person? LOL!

12. What's your idea of a perfect night out?

I do love dressing up for a girly night out to a nice restaurant followed by a bar with live music. That's probably my favourite.

13. Your perfect night in?

A perfect night in? PJs, movie, book, music, chill. A good old fashioned sleepover.

14. What would your best friend/OH/mum or kids say is your best quality?

My best friend has described me as thoughtful on multiple occasions. Thanks Sophie!

Connect with Hannah on Twitter  -  YouTube  -  Pinterest  

If you'd like to be a future Blogger Showcase then please answer the questions and get in touch with either Morgan or I - thank you.