Hello everyone! Today I have the phenomenal Miranda from Miranda’s Notebook answering a few questions that I posed to her. Miranda has a carefully styled and beautiful blog that I’m sure you’ll all enjoy!
1. What motivated you to start blogging?
I’ve blogged a little in the past. I had a blog when I was at university, which seemed mainly to be about lovely cafes I went to in London, but I never was good about blogging regularly, and I gave it up once I started doing a Law conversion degree and became too busy. I also wrote a joint blog – Old Fashioned Girls – with a friend for a couple of years, and I think it was partly that experience that made me really itchy to start my own blog up again when I had the time. I love having a space that documents certain aspects of my life: recipes I enjoy, theatre I see, places I go, etc. I also love the way blogging challenges me to try new things and to improve some of my existing skills, especially photography. I’ve always loved taking photos (and was always the one with the camera at parties and friend reunions), but having a blog really inspired me to learn how to use my camera properly.
2. What’s the one thing that really surprised you about blogging?
This sounds silly, but the one thing that has surprised me most about blogging is how lovely other bloggers are! When I started my blog four months ago, I didn’t really think about the amazing blogging community that exists. I pictured myself posting for months and months with maybe my Mum and a couple of loyal friends reading along. It came as such a wonderful surprise when some other bloggers started commenting on my posts and being supportive. It still makes my day to see a comment on a post, and I’ve also been really touched that some people have reached out and suggested meeting up. I’m having afternoon tea with a fellow instagrammer soon which I’m really looking forward to!
3. What inspires you personally?
Much as I love writing and am an avid reader, I’m a very visual person. Beautiful aesthetics always inspire me, which is partly why I spent months planning the layout of my blog and commissioned illustrations based on images I chose as part of my blog’s design. I wanted my blog to be a source of inspiration to me, as well as (hopefully!) other people, which meant I wanted the style to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible and for it to be a space that I was excited to visit and work on everyday.
As an introvert, a lot of my inspiration comes from within, and I have to be careful that I plan enough ‘down time’ into my week that allows me to recharge and brainstorm ideas. I get very inspired by the seasons, and I like to post as much as possible in a way that reflects each one. One of my favourite things to do is to think about celebrations coming up (e.g. Pancake Day / Valentine’s Day), get my notebook out and start jotting down ideas for appropriate posts. I also understand the importance of getting out and about though. Meeting up with a friend, going to a great art exhibition or simply taking a walk can really clear your mind and end up sparking some brilliant ideas.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Oh my goodness, I always hate this question! I was asked it in an interview just recently, and I always find it hard to be genuine in my response, because to be honest I have no idea! When I was little, my parents moved about every 5 years, so I soon saw the futility in looking too far ahead – there was never any guarantee I’d even be in the same country! I’m still very much a live in the moment kind of person, but I do hope that in 5 years time I’ll still be pursuing my passions and writing as much as possible.
5. Who is your biggest style inspiration?
Audrey Hepburn! She’s just perfect.
6. What would your perfect London based weekend look like?
I love going out for breakfast / brunch, so my Saturday would start out with a terrific brunch (I adore Kopapa in Covent Garden), followed by a trip to a favourite gallery (the Royal Academy and The Tate are favourites). Next, some shopping in Marylebone High Street (my absolute favourite place to shop), with a wine and cheese stop at La Fromagerie. Then I’d head to Quo Vadis for a quick cocktail (Hemmingway’s Breakfast is my go-to choice), before seeing a wonderful show at my favourite theatre in London, The Old Vic. Sundaywould see me in Hampstead, having a marvellous Sunday Roast at The Wells, before going for a good tramp around Hampstead Heath. Of course, I’d want to do all this with a friend (or two!).
7. You’ve lived all over- France, the USA and now London – what are the best lessons all those places have taught you?
Moving around a lot as a child taught me so much. I was always ‘the new kid,’ so I learnt to make friends pretty quickly. This stood me in very good stead for when I started university, and indeed for living in a big city, where people are always coming and going and it’s important always to be open to making new friendships. Importantly, though, I learnt not to rely on other people or places for my own happiness – I could be happy wherever I was because I was able to create my own joy. I’ve also learnt to appreciate the fact that I’m a blend of American, Canadian, British and Swiss-French culture. This tends to come out in my cooking especially: I love making dishes inspired by where I’ve lived.
8. What’s your favourite form of social media? (Instagram, pinterest, twitter, facebook, etc)
Definitely instagram! As I said, I’m a very visual person, so instagram suits me down to the ground. I also love pinterest, but need to get into a proper routine of pinning regularly. I find it hard to spend a limited amount of time on Pinterest – it’s too easy to get sucked in and still be pinning onto your hair inspiration board 2 hours later, so I can then swing too much the other way and avoid it for weeks at a time.
9. What are your top 10 must-haves of all time?
That’s a tough one! Of course there’s the obvious – health, wealth and happiness! – but here are my must have items of all time:
1/ The perfect black bag. I’m so lucky to have a vintage Chanel bag that used to be my Grandmother’s, and I reach for it time and time again. Having a truly timeless bag that goes with any outfit is definitely a wardrobe staple.
2/ A Kitchen Aid. I was so thrilled to get mine a couple of years ago. It makes my life so much easier, and is definitely a must have for anyone who loves to bake as much as I do.
3/ A complete set of Jane Austen’s novels. Jane has all the answers!
4/ A piece of art you love. It doesn’t have to be expensive – it could be a print or poster – but having something to hang on your wall, wherever you are, that means a great deal to you is so special and will last a life-time.
5/ An initial necklace. I’ve always wanted a necklace with the initial of my first name, and last year I got an Alex Monroe one. I know I’ll be wearing it for life!
6/ Your signature scent. I adore perfume so have quite a few scents that I wear regularly, but probably the one I’ve worn most in my life is Coco Mademoiselle.
7/ A go-to red lipstick. A red lip makes any outfit look sophisticated! My got to lipstick is Chanel’s Gabrielle.
8/ A beautiful scarf. A stunning scarf can really make an outfit, so I think it’s well worth investing in a quality piece from somewhere like Liberty.
9/ A personalised notebook. One of my favourite possessions is the real ‘Miranda’s Notebook’ – my Anya Hindmarch red leather notebook that has my name engraved (in my own handwriting!) on the front. It’s where I write down all my ideas for the blog.
10/ An ink pen. Much as I now spend hours on the computer, I still can’t shake the habit of writing things down by hand, and a beautiful pen makes the experience so enjoyable.
10. If you could only ever shop at one store, what would it be?
Assuming an unlimited budget, Fortnum & Mason, hands down. You’ve seen their food hall, right?!
