Sunday, January 4, 2009

Introducing: THE GET IT GIRL "SPOTLIGHT"

Since I am a lover of blogs, I thought it would be great to have my very own spotlight for those that I think are great. I am starting with Brooklyn Limestone. Brooklyn Limestone is the blog that introduced me to all things fab, and a world of home design that I didnt know was out there! She has done a wonderful job with her home, and is as friendly as could be. I asked a series of questions and she answered them all with no problem. Read below to find out a little more about her and how she feels about design and blogging.



What are blog turnoffs for you?
There are certainly elements of other blogs that I enjoy like beautiful photos, informative DIY instructions, listing where items were purchased, etc. As for things I’m not as crazy about: I don’t tend to enjoy blogs that are too preachy about any one topic. Of course, I respect the right for an author to post about any topic that moves them and I admire the passion of someone’s convictions. I just don’t particularly enjoy reading blogs that focus on any one political, socio-economic, religious, environmental viewpoint. For me, blogs are an escape to a conflict free world. I’ll save the real world conflict for the Wall Street Journal and CNN.

What made you start blogging, and what keeps you here?
I started a blog so I could document the renovation process for myself. Sort of like a forced journal. The plan was to put it all together into a little blurb printed book. I still plan on doing that when I’m “finished” (whenever that will be?). What has kept me going are all the wonderful people I’ve been lucky enough to cross paths. Reading comments on my home really keep me motivated and I love peaking into other homes in return. It’s quite a strange experience actually but I am definitely glad I started.

Is there anything that you would change about your blog or hope to add?
I’d like to make it a little fancier/ prettier so the topics were better. I’d also like to post everyday but I don’t always have enough time or a worthwhile topic. If I thought about this question long enough, I would probably have 10 more things to add to the list but I’ll stop here.


Out of all of your posts, which post is your favorite and why?
Tough one! If I absolutely had to pick one, its probably when I posted the initial progress in my kitchen in January of 2008. It’s not that great of a post really – its just I remember walking into the house that night and feeling like this renovation just might end in my lifetime! We had been through a very long few months and this was sort of the light at the end of the tunnel. Of course it wasn’t quite over then but it made me happy and gave me the motivation to keep going. Runners up would probably be the other before and after photos like the office, guest bathroom , guest bedroom, dining room, living room, etc..

Who is your favorite TV home design personality and why?
Off the top of my head, I’d have to say Sarah Richardson of Design, Inc. She and her team always do an amazing job putting rooms together beautifully. I just wish her show would air more often in America. I don’t often see a new episode.

If you could design and sell something what would it be, and where would you want it sold?
If I could just grant that wish for myself, I’d love to put an entertaining book together that focuses on smaller events like dinner parties, showers, etc. There are loads of books about hosting a fabulous wedding but when it comes to slightly less formal or grand events, there isn’t that much inspiration out there. Maybe one day I’ll be discovered by Martha Stewart?

Favorites: color, personal item, household item, retail store, household store, blog, website.
I don’t have a favorite color – I like to wear black, I like to paint things cream and gray, I like accents of aqua. I think when you mix those all together, you get a mud color J My favorite household item right now is probably the antique brass frame I picked up a flea market a few weeks ago. Ask me again next month and I’ll have a different answer. My favorite retail store is definitely Target – I buy a lot of stuff from there. I guess I’m a little on the frugal side but I just can’t bring myself to spend a lot on certain things when there are budget friendly but stylish alternatives. I can’t pick my favorite blog – I visit so many religiously. I don’t know if it’s my favorite, but Flickr is a pretty great website. You can find a photo of just about anything on there!

Where do you do most of your blogging?
I usually think up a post when I’m away from a computer – often on the subway or walking home from work. I type up the post as soon as I get around to it wherever I happen to be at the time.

Favorite magazine, design book?
I’m a pretty devoted fan of Martha Stewart so anything she does is usually good. I also read This Old House, Domino, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens and House Beautiful.

Least favorite home decor style?
I strongly believe ANY style can be done well with the right choices and eye. What drives me up a wall is seeing CLUTTER! Everyone has little treasures they like to display but no home should have more than one or two spots for these things – otherwise it just becomes a tchotchke shrine. And then there are people that save EVERYTHING. If you aren’t using it now and you don’t have a place for it – I’m sure there is someone else who needs your old stuffed animals or precious moments figurines. And if no one else wants it – throw it away, people. My blood pressure literally goes up when I see an otherwise lovely home hidden by too many things.

Is there a question, email, or comment from bloggers sent to you that made you say HUH?
I get a lot of emails asking me questions about details I’ve already given multiple times like paint colors. I guess people don’t really read that carefully. I don’t mind too much – people are busy or otherwise distracted. I’m sure I’ve done the same. And I think it’s nice to know anyone is listening to me blather on.
That concludes the spotlight. Be on the lookout for my next favorite blogger!

10 comments:

Elle Jay Bee said...

This was a fun read! Brooklyn Limestone is one of my favourites, too. Thanks for such a great interview!!

Linda

###### said...

Thanks for stopping by to read! I love what she has done to her home. Check back for more.

Unknown said...

ITA! I'm with you on almost every point! HeHe! ;)

Anonymous said...

Great interview -- love her blog!

Unknown said...

this is such a great idea! brooklyn limestone is one of my favourites.

Freckles Chick said...

I literally sat down one afternoon and read her blog from start to current. She is absolutely amazing!
Thx for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I love love love her blog. She is sooo super creative and like Freckles Chick when I first found her blog I read it from start to finish. Great Interview!

Anonymous said...

Great..I love her blog, read her often...but can't leave a comment (no anon).

Lovely to meet you.

Kathy :)
jokaj@comcast.net

And Kathleen said...

I just discovered your blog via Brooklyn Limestone. I can't wait to read through your archives!
-Kathleen

Anonymous said...

I have followed the Brooklyn Limestone from the very beginning as we have similar tastes in older homes and I am an absolute fan of all things Brooklyn Limestone for sure ;-)

She's the best!