What a treat I have for you today! Last week I briefly introduced you to Abigail from The Snug Blog. I adore what I’ve read of her blog so far, and I can’t wait to continue. Today I have Abi answering a few questions that I’ve asked her!
1. What motivated you to start blogging?
I’d love to give a hugely Romantic answer and say I was compelled to write during a profound moment watching the wind send waves across a wheat field or through feeling an incessant need to pen the changing seasons, buuuuuttttt in truth it was procrastination. Yup, I was avoiding doing real work! It’s not a coincidence that my blog was born during what I like to call ‘The Grand Thesis Meltdown of Summer 2014’. I ended each day with my brain nearly fried from writing about English masculinity in the late eighteenth century (Ooo-er!), so I took solace in writing about my favourite beach spots and photographing beetroot brownies. Alas, Snug was born from this!
2. What’s the one thing that really surprised you about blogging?
How wonderful and supportive the blogging community is. I wasn’t surprised but more comforted by reading and reflecting on the collective passions of interesting, funny and intelligent women across the globe. It’s a nice place of the internet, isn’t it? I’ve also been surprised by how it’s changed the way I write and put together photographs. As a ‘hobby writer’, I (hope!) the frequent writing is improving!
3. What inspires you personally?
My inspirations largely surround the things that make me happiest. This usually includes the outdoors, the rich and often scandalous history of England and finding stories in overlooked or forgotten things. I also get inspired by seeing other people indulging their passions, it’s infectious isn’t it?! I also have an incessant need to document and catalogue things I don’t want to forget when I’m old and senile. These are often the ‘little’ things. For instance, I have a scrapbook full of sweet wrappers and a collection of notes my 10 year old friends sent me during school lessons. I’m not sure the two relate to one another, but they share the same book!
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Living in a pretty English town with bunches of flowers in every room and a very full bookshelf! I’d like to think my blog will be bursting at the seams full of ‘little adventures’ too, with an underlying mantra of positivity and discovery. I’m about to make a big career move so (hopefully!) I’ll be an established educator with lots of little minds to nurture and a lot of life satisfaction as a result!
5. Who is your biggest style inspiration?
Lizzie Bennet and Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire! I’m kidding (am I?!). I am a little obsessed with the eighteenth century and adore lace, muslin and cinched in waits. I love feminine, woodland-y, layered styles. So perhaps Midsummers Night Dream crossed with Georgian chick?!
6. What would your perfect London based weekend look like?
I’d wake up slowly (what other way to wake up is there?!), with the cat kneading my arm to be let out. I’d drink a big cup of tea, pull on my boots and head to Borough Market with a bottomless purse and a big appetite for all the pastries, sausages, macaroons and cakes I’ll no doubt be nibbling on. Around lunch time I’d source some peace and quiet by wandering down the vaulted halls of Kensington Palace, wishing I had on a long gown (but not wishing for the corset!) Then I’d have a walk down the Thames to the Southbank centre to people watch and look at street performers fold themselves into tiny boxes or play a tuba that shoots out fire. After gazing at London lighting itself up in preparation for the night closing in, I’d hop on a train home, pull out a blanket and stick Netflix on. With a hot chocolate. And a glass of wine. I know how to live!
7. What are your top three favourite novels?
Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
Emma – Jane Austen
Evelina – Frances Burney
8. What’s your favourite form of social media? (Instagram, pinterest, twitter, facebook, etc)
Instagram. For a bit of escapism on the tube!
9. What are your top 10 must-haves of all time?
Nakd bites (I’m addicted), A book for my handbag, curby grips (always getting lost), a cat (I can have that right?), a pair of supple, leather boots, my DSLR, BareMinerals foundation, L’Occtaine hand cream, and my Filofax (life organising at its best).
10. If you could only ever shop at one store, what would it be?
SheInside! It’s online, great quality, has amazingly unique brands and is beautifully cheap! Hooray!
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I hope you’ve enjoyed reading a bit more about Abigail!
