We are back again today with one of my personal favorites posts, as well as a huge follower favorite! Today our amazing guest is Julie from A Wee Blog 17. I could bombard you with facts about Julie but why don’t we just jump right into the interview and you can find out more about her from the questions I have asked her. 

The Basics:

Name: Julie 
Nickname(s): Jule, Jules
Nationality: British
Country Currently Living In: Northern Ireland

Let’s Get A Little Personal

Favorites:

Favorite makeup brand? This changes with the wind I have to say. I have pledged to use only mineral foundation this month to see what effect it has on my skin so Bare Minerals is up there, but Tarte is too! 

Favorite makeup brush? The Setting Brush from Real Techniques. Fabulous little all rounder that I won’t be without. Blend under eye concealer, set with powder, apply blush, blend contour…it’s awesome!

Favorite clothing brand? I find particular brands tricky to pledge my allegiance to as collections vary so much from season to season. I’m usually not into fads or the latest trends. We have a shop called Next here. I guess a good portion of my wardrobe is from there. 

Favorite go to accessory? Scarves. I’m obsessed! My summer and winter clothes are rotated each year and so are my scarves. I almost feel improperly dressed without one!

Favorite go to meal? A good brisket is hard to beat. Jamie Oliver (who I also love) has a recipe book called ‘Save With Jamie’ and in it he advises cooking a large roast, for example, on a Sunday and using the meat that’s left for meals throughout the week. His Moroccan Tagine with apricots and brisket is to die for!

Favorite dessert? I have a major sweet tooth so this is tricky. A really thick and creamy baked cheesecake is probably closest to ‘favourite’ status. But then there’s crème brulee and brownies and pavlova and pecan pie and…it’s too hard! Now I’m hungry. 

Favorite time of day? Bedtime! Ironic considering I’m a terrible sleeper but I love getting all cosy!

Favorite place you’ve traveled to? Florida last summer. It was magical and the shopping malls were hit hard! 

This or That:

Ocean or mountains? To look at, mountains but don’t ask me to climb one!

Thunderstorms or sunshine? Sunshine. I hate rain and so does my curly hair!

Winter or summer? Winter. The hope for snow, Christmas, boots, cosy jumpers, scarves, twinkly lights, what’s not to love?

Comedy or horror? Comedy. I sleep little enough as it is without watching anything scary!

Dancing or singing? Both, so long as it’s only my dog that’s watching and listening!

City or country? Country. I like peace and quiet! 

Sweet or sour? Sweet. Chocoholic!

Simple Questions:

When did you start blogging? I actually only started in March of this year but was too scared to publish it or let anyone know it existed! I finally bit the bullet and let people know at the end of June. I’m still a newbie!

Why did you start blogging? My husband, for the most part. He has said for a long time I should give it a go, so I did! It has become a great escape for me, so I’m glad he suggested it. 

What inspires you to blog? Things I love and feel I know about. Then there are times that something is on my mind and I just feel the need to write it down. You never know who little musings could help.

What are your hobbies? I love playing with my make up, of course, but I also enjoy reading, baking, little craft type projects from time to time and, most recently, blogging!! Now this one will sound weird but I LOVE wrapping gifts! Every year at Christmas there’s a colour scheme, little accents and BIG bows. I spend as much time wrapping someone’s gift as I do choosing it!!

Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what are their names? I have one furry child named Oscar. He’s a Miniature Schnauzer, he’s two and he is my baby. I love him to bits and talk to him more than I talk to my husband! I’ve attached a photo to show him off, like every proud parent shows their child off!

Let’s Get A Deeper Connection

What advice would you give your younger self? Learn to stand up for yourself. Don’t be a doormat and let people walk all over you. It’s taken me 29 years to learn that lesson and it would have saved a whole lot of tears over the years if I had learned it sooner. 

What quote or quotes do you find to be very meaningful? “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.” Albus Dumbledore (but really, J.K Rowling). The Harry Potter series was my childhood! It reminds me that things aren’t all bad and there’s always something to be thankful for. I think it’s good to be mindful of that. 

How would your friends describe you? Just so I don’t sound like I’m tooting my own horn I asked one of my oldest friends to answer this one for me! “Creative, chatty, conscientious, artistic, kind and thoughtful.” (Thanks Heather!) At uni, I was also known as Monica. Take from that what you will!

How would you describe yourself? Extremely flawed but trying my best with what I’ve got. 

What is the best decision you’ve ever made? I hate making decisions. I overthink everything but there was one decision that I didn’t even have to think about for a split second…saying ‘I do!’ 

Thus far, what has been the best day of your life? My wedding day. It was amazing. Nothing fancy, just reflective of us, as a couple. I also stepped way out of my comfort zone and did a Viennese Waltz for our first dance. Russell taught me. I nearly wet myself I was so nervous but I’m glad we did it! People say their wedding is the best day of their lives for a reason. It’s the start of the beginning. 

I’ve really enjoyed filling this in! Thank you so much! A great idea! Bloggers supporting bloggers, I love it! 

HOW CUTE IS OSCAR?!?!?!!? I am obsessed and just want to pet him all day long! Julie, your answers were amazing and you’ve inspired me to want to get Real Techniques brushes from the way you raved about them! All of your answers were very detailed and truly amazing! I totally agree with your friend, Heather, because from the little I got to know you, you really do seem super kind and thoughtful. I’m so happy that wrapping gift is a hobby of yours because I LOVE to do that so much, my favorite part of Christmas! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day for doing this interview, you were amazing!

 

For everyone: GO ON OVER AND FOLLOW JULIE, NOW! NOW! NOW!

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