What’s your blog name?
Magnolia Stripes
Where do you live?
Alexandria Virginia
Tell us more about you and your blog?
As a southerner working in Washington, DC and living in Alexandria, VA, I started Magnolia Stripes as an entertaining, home, and lifestyle blog inspired by travels, bright designs, and a little southern charm. I share tips and tricks to make entertaining accessible and everyday life a little more beautiful!
What people don’t realize about blogging is…
It involves a lot of dedication, hard work, and passion – but it’s worth every second.
What are 3 things you wish you knew about blogging before you started?
- The importance of maintaining a content calendar, but keeping it flexible enough for new ideas.
- How to make the most out of a lifestyle shoot so that your photos can be re-purposed into 2 or 3 posts instead of just one.
- That there never is a perfect time – you just have to jump in with both feet!
What’s been your most memorable moment as a blogger?
My first event that I hosted and covered for my blog was a limoncello-themed farewell to summer party. I’d had no luck with my photos before the party, but during it, a light bulb went off and I discovered that if I over-the-top laughed, the photos turned out great! It kept my guests and I smiling all through the shoot and I still do it today – even if I’m all by myself!
Give us your best tip for maintaining a blog work/life balance?
Keep to a schedule and wake up with the sun!
Instagram or Twitter?
Instagram, follow along @magnoliastripes
What is your guilty pleasure?
Southern Charm, antique shopping, coffee table books, and spumoni.
What’s one product you can’t live without?
Kerastase dry shampoo (a friend turned me onto it and it smells divine – people stop me!)
What’s your most memorable trip or vacation?
Bordeaux two summers ago – we spent the most amazing time touring vineyards, eating too many moules frites, and wading around in the reflecting pool at the Place de la Bourse. It was like immersing ourselves into a lovely and welcoming French community with all the shopping of Paris, minus the quick pace.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee
