Today's Sunday Snippet features the lovely Avril from A Paler shade of beauty. Avril is currently battling a long illness but set up her blog as she was getting lots of compliments on her looks. This resonates strongly with me as that was the reason I set up my blog aswell. Beauty is very important and even more important when you want to feel better. Check out our interview below.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Avril and I'm a qualified scientist and since June 2015 a part time blogger. I live in Dublin with my wonderful hubby Kevin (who is also a scientist) and little dog Plec. I'm 31 (where have the years gone) and am currently battling illness.
2. How did you get into blogging and why?
I've been going through illness over two years now and started blogging last year after getting so many compliments from fellow patients and hospital staff. I found some of the things that cheered me up and gave me some control whilst being ill was to wear my beloved pink lipstick and keep abreast of all the latest fashion and beauty trends. I found a lot of people were asking advice on beauty and fashion trends so I got the brainwave to start up my own little blog. I wanted it to be for people like myself going through, recovering or who know and support others with illness. I think when you are ill and look in the mirror you can sometimes feel ugly and broken. My main goal is to show others that they may think they are that way but really they are strong and beautiful. My mantra is "Even through illness beauty remains".
3. What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog?
Well at the moment I spend all my time either bed or housebound. I have been pretty floored with my illness and even more so whilst going through treatment. I can only manage to leave the house to attend hospital appointments and if I'm very lucky to attend a social event. Other than that I'm a Scientist in a Dublin hospital.
4. Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?
No, I would consider myself a part time blogger as I have to take things on a day by day basis as I don't know my energy levels on any given day. I also don't earn a wage from my blog so i couldn't afford to do it full time at the minute. I started the blog to create a safe and supportive environment, talk all things beauty and fashion related and also have a bit of a giggle in the process.
5. How do you keep coming up with content for your blog?
First things first I'm a self confessed beauty junkie and have a serious stash of my own personal beauty collection. I am currently wading through this lot and reviewing them on my blog. Secondly, I've been in touch with various PR's and Irish companies who kindly send me products to try out and review. I also like to write open and honestly about my own personal journey (the good and the bad ☹️) through illness. I hope this creates a sense of support and understanding for people like me going through illness.
6. Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why?
Ooohh that's a tough one. There are so many inspirational bloggers out there. Well, the first ever proper blog i followed which is still going strong to this day is Goldenplec. It is a fantastic source of all things music related and has won numerous awards over the years and has even managed to bring out its own music magazine. Now back to all things beauty and fashion related. I love how genuine and down to earth Karen from lovelygirliebits.com and Sue from cherrysue doin' the do are. I've also got to know other bloggers who are going through illness like Ciara from foodfashionandthefight and Sarah from Survival With Style. I find these girls a great source of inspiration as they too are sharing their personal journeys through illness.
7. Name the top blogs you read?
In no particular order I enjoy reading Pippa O'Connor, MRS Makeup, Faces by Grace, The beautiful truth, Sauce pots, little ms roux, beaut.ie and makeup artistry by Dee. There are just so many. I'm sure I read a lot more but i'd be here all night if I was to list them all.
8.What makes you read the above blogs?
I find these blogs very interesting and relevant. I also appreciate honesty when it comes to product reviews and I've picked up some great beauty, fashion, music and cooking tips from them all.
9. Tell us something we don't know about you?
I was an Irish dancer from the age of 4 to 16 and won multiple competitions across the country. I had to stop dancing due to injury. Another personal bit of trivia is I met my now hubby whilst we were both attending college in D.I.T Kevin Street.
10. Link us to all of your social media platforms.
My main blog is www.apalershadeofbeauty.com
Twitter: @APSOB
Instagram: @apalershadeofbeauty
Snapchat: @apsobeauty
I hope you liked the interview and make sure to pop over and give her pages a like.
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