Q&A | Simple Chronicles of Me

It's Tuesday, folks, and everyone knows that Tuesday is a great day to fall in love with a new blogger. Duh. That being said, I'm so pleased to introduce you to Toyota at Simple Chronicles of Me! She's yet another blogger from the UK, and today she's here on Avoiding Atrophy to talk about the important things of life -- things like inspiration, friendship, and of course, Nutella. Here's Toyota:

1. What inspired you to start Simple Chronicles of Me?

I've always loved writing but what actually inspired Simple Chronicles of Me was being rejected by a boy. It just made me think that life was too short to spend time living for the what could have been and as I had always wanted to write a blog then why shouldn't I so I blundered in blissfully unaware of how much hard work blogging is but I love it!

2. What are some of your favorite things to share with your readers?

I share quite a large range of stuff and sometimes I'm sure people must just think "too much information woman!!!" so I'm not sure if I can pick a favourite but I love sharing book reviews as I love reading

3. What/who inspires you (in life, or as a blogger, or both)?

Mulan, my mumma and Nutella - strong, independent, sassy, delicious (oh wait that's just Nutella)

4. If you had to pick two recent posts that truly represent the Simple Chronicles of Me spirit, which posts would you choose and why?

I'd pick my Organisation Plan post as this really represents what I want my 2015 to be about and hopefully inspires someone else to get organised. I would also pick my post about The Reasons I Love Winter as 1) it includes a picture of me as a cute kid and 2) it reminds me to be less negative!!

5. When you aren't blogging, what might we find you doing?

When I'm not blogging I am generally working (massive workaholic!!) and I'm now starting an Open University degree so that doesn't leave me much time for anything other than sleeping but I also love to read, watch movies, take pictures, drink fruit cider and chat to my besties.

Comments have been disabled for this post, but if you'd like to say hey to Toyota, you can do so HERE. 

The Lilac Linnet | Q&A

Oh my, this is a good one, friends! Today I have the privilege of introducing you to Llinos from The Lilac Linnet. If you've read her blog, then you already know that she hails from the UK and that she is full of joy, wisdom, and some seriously legit cookie recipes. If you've not read her blog, then today you are in for a treat! Llinos is here today to answer a few of my questions, so sit back and get to know your new best friend.

1. What is the story behind The Lilac Linnet? How did you get your start in the blogging world?

I simply thought that blogging looked like a lot of fun and a great way to create a writing practice. I wanted somewhere to document my projects and interests and to make new friends in the blogging community. I am also very candid about my experiences of cancer and depression, in order to raise awareness of these issues. I love every minute of blogging! My name is Welsh for 'linnet', so coupled with my favourite colour, you have my blog name.

2. Tell me all about Cardiff! I'd love to know what makes your city special.

I love living in Cardiff, it's definitely one of the most vibrant cities in the UK. I love exploring the variety of shops and eateries, the proud history and how close we are to nature and the mountains. It's a great place to sample the unique Welsh culture!

3. What/who inspires you (in life, or as a blogger, or both)

As a blogger I am inspired by lifestyle bloggers, vloggers and BookTubers. I always feel so motivated after watching videos or reading blogs and it makes me keen to get writing for my own! In life I am inspired by authors who bring their wonderful stories to life, women like Malala and celebrities like Emma Watson who support important causes.

4. If you had to pick two recent posts that truly represent the Lilac Linnet spirit, which posts would you choose and why?

This post is what I hope to achieve with my blog this year, and it makes me really excited to read back over it. It's definitely a good time to become a reader, I can promise that lots of fun is on the way!

This post explains why I support the #TakeBackWhatsYours campaign, by reclaiming my self assurance from the crippling anxiety which has consumed me recently. It's a really empowering mission and demonstrates the power of blogging.

5. When you aren't blogging, what hobbies might we find you pursuing?

I have lots of hobbies; I believe in pursuing what you love. I'll be going for a run, writing my novel, crocheting a blanket or reading a history book!

Comments have been disabled for this post, but go say hey to Llinos HERE. 
Also, to get your own Q&A on Avoiding Atrophy (and other opportunities), head HERE. 

Q&A with Stevie Storck

Happy Saturday, friends! Today I'd like you to meet Stevie Storck of Stevie Storck Design Co.! She's a designer from Lancaster, PA with an impeccable sense of style, a beautiful blog, and an Etsy shop called Young Tradition Studio that you should definitely go check out after reading this post (you hear me? AFTER!). She's on the blog today answering some questions about life, design, and inspiration. Check her out!

1. I love people who make big moves to follow their passions. Can you tell me a bit about what led you to launch Stevie Storck Design Co?

It's been an interesting journey! I started blogging in 2011 as an interior design student who was profiling her own DIY projects for her first apartment (under the name Lace & Paper Flowers). As I was creating presentations for my school projects and trying to make my blog look nice, I slowly began teaching myself graphic design. A few months before my college graduation, I started selling custom printable stationery designs through the Etsy platform as Stevie Greek Design! That fall, I married my high school sweetheart (yay!) and started debating the whole name issue. Should I take my husband's name? Should I keep my maiden name professionally? (This was a joke because as a recent college graduate, I barely even had a "career").

Nevertheless, this big life change led to some deep thinking on the identity I wanted to create for myself, personally and professionally. Over the next year, I really analyzed my goals and what I wanted my blog and business to become. In late summer 2014, I launched Stevie Storck Design Co.! To me, it just didn't feel right to draw a hard line between "personal" and "professional". So in addition to my posts about interior design, decorating and DIY projects, I continue to share bits and pieces from my life. As a designer, I want to get to know my clients as their true selves and I want my clients and readers to know me in this same way!

2. In your Etsy shop, Young Tradition Studio, you sell unique, customizable stationary. What has been your favorite part about distributing your designs through Etsy?

My favorite part has definitely been sharing in the joy and excitement of my customer's milestones and celebrations, like getting married or having a new baby. I love it when I really get to collaborate with a client, to create something custom and unique to their event.

3. When you are not designing/writing posts for your site, what do you enjoy doing?

I work full-time as a Design Consultant at INTER!ORS in Lancaster, PA, which I really enjoy but I am also a woman of many hobbies! In addition to the decorating, graphic design and crafting projects I share on my blog, I enjoy singing Choral music, playing the mandolin, trying new recipes, spending time on my family's farm, hanging out with my two adorable nieces and traveling around the country to visit friends.

4. What are two posts that you've written recently which you feel are representative of your brand?

1. Winter Style | Seasonal Color & Decor Inspiration

2. Fall Style | 7 Tips For DIY Wreath Making

5. What/who inspires you?

I used to watch a lot of HGTV, but not having cable in college really weaned me off of that. I still love catching episodes of Fixer Upper with Chip & Joanna Gaines (who may or may not be my role models in life) but mostly I find inspiration from other bloggers and Pinterest! Some of my favorite bloggers are Merrick from Merrick's Art, Emily from Jones Design Company, and Elsie and Emma of A Beautiful Mess. Instagram is also one of my favorite ways to follow designers and bloggers that I admire.

Comments are disabled for this post, but if you want to say hey to Stevie (and you do), you can do so here!

Insert Classy Here

Guys, I am really excited about today's Q&A with Steph from Insert Classy Here. I think you're going to love this girl. Steph is a woman living a hop-skip-and-a-jump away from me in a wondrous place called New Jersey. Her blog is hilarious, and I just love how she just keeps it super real. She's on Avoiding Atrophy today answering some questions, but make sure to go visit her afterwards and tell her I said hey!

1.  I love the name "Insert Classy Here"!  Can you elaborate on why you chose it as well as what it might imply about your blog?

While doing this whole growing up thing, the word classy has always been a word I want people to describe me as. When I started blogging, I figured it might be easiest just to include it in the title and magically I would be super classy. Get it? Insert classy here? Well, it's not that easy. I wear sweatpants, eat pizza rolls and I don't really understand the difference between a red wine glass and a white wine glass (I just like big glasses.) I write about my life and the things that I'm figuring out on my lifelong journey to become a little more classy.

2.  You're currently an east coaster and a lover of NYC.  What do you love about living here (or nearby, rather)?

I am from St. Paul, Minnesota and spent my entire life living in the Midwest. I visited Boston for my first time about 9 years ago and knew I belonged on the east coast. I love the road trip options here. We just went to Smuggler's Notch, VT for the weekend to ski. How cool that you don't have to drive 14 hours to get anywhere cool?  I love the food, the speed of life, the food, the energy, the food and the people. I live in Jersey right across from Manhattan and every day I fall in love with that beautiful skyline all over again. Lastly, I love that in the dead middle of winter, I am required by law to have someone else pump my gas while I stay in my warm car. God bless Jersey.

3.  Besides blogging, what is one of your favorite ways to spend your time?

I'm an explorer - like Lewis & Clark style. It can be getting lost in the city and finding a new neighborhood or hiking a brand new trail or road-tripping to a little town that we read about in some travel magazine - I love it all.

4.  What are two post you've written recently that you particularly enjoy?

The Perception of Me is a different kind of "about me" post. I also came up with My Blogging Wishlist and admitted that social media makes me feel super awkward and awesome at the same time.

5.  What/who inspires you in life?

Wow, this is tough. I think it's difficult to answer because there isn't one thing or person that really sticks out to me. I walk away from most experiences feeling inspired to better myself, work harder, get healthier and be kind to others. I'm inspired by people who work their tails off and still have fun in life. I'm inspired by people who aren't afraid to fall down sometimes. You just have to observe and be aware of your surroundings and you can find inspiration all over the place.

Comments have been disabled for this post. Go say hi to Steph here!