Blogger Spotlight Series: Angela of "Lariats and Lavender"

This is the second installment in my Blogger Spotlight Series. This time I have the pleasure of introducing you to the lovely Angie of Lariats and Lavender. I subscribe to a lot of different types of blogs. In some cases, I just enjoy reading about other people's lives. I can't remember when I stumbled upon Angie's blog, but since subscribing I've enjoyed reading her about life, clothes, coffee, games (The Sims 3 for the win!), and True Blood paraphernalia lol.She keeps up with a lot of different blog series' which makes her content nicely diverse.

Here is what the lovely Angie had to say about herself and blogging:

How long have you been blogging? 

I've been blogging since 2009, however I "officially" became a blogger in my opinion on January 1st, 2011. So - a little over a year!

What made you start a blog? 

I love meeting new people, making new friends and learning about other states & cities, careers & lifestyles, hobbies & interests - plus, I wanted to get my own voice out there, share who I am, who I love, what I do, what I like, what I don't like, etc.! Basically, I wanted my own little home on the web and that's what I have in Lariats and Lavender!

What was your vision when you first started blogging and how has that changed over time? 

When I first started blogging, I truly didn't think I'd make actual friendships. I thought I'd get a comment here and there, leave comments here and there and... That was all. I read many stories of other bloggers making friends in the community, real true blue friends and I just didn't think that could actually happen... As of right now, I can say some of my best and closest friends are ladies I've met via my blog and theirs! It's amazing!!!

You seem to have a nice blog following, what do you think contributes to that?

I socialize ALL THE TIME. I love chatting with people and I'm definitely a people person - I love sharing, talking, helping others out and generally, I really am just a busy bee on the web. *wink* Because of that, I think a lot of people I follow, follow me back or at least stop by to say hello. I also share my blog on various websites like 20sb.net, Twitter.com, Pinterest.com, Facebook.com... All of those fun little places! I have loads of fun with my blog and I know you get what you give! So I give a lot to my blog - my design, my posts, my little series', etc.

What advice do you have for the aspiring blogger?

Be yourself! Seriously, I slipped into "trying to please others" when I first started blogging and I didn't enjoy my blog one bit - on top of that, I didn't please *anyone*. When I was trying to act like someone I was not, I didn't have many commenters or followers, nor did I make any friends that way. Once I started being Angie, and didn't care what anyone else thought, that's when my blog really picked up and when I started truly enjoying myself. We are all special and unique individuals, no matter our age, gender, hobbies, lifestyle, religion, career or what have you! So be yourself and ROCK IT!

Married bloggers either constantly post pictures of their significant others or never post pictures of them. What influences your decision about how much or little to share of your wife?

I really go by what she is comfortable with! She's really a HUGE part of my blog: she helped me choose my name, I ask her advice on my web design, I run little series' past her and almost everyone who I've befriended is a common name in our house! Plus she supports my blog 100%, which is super sweet. She doesn't really mind what I share, except for pictures because she is extremely camera shy! I have one picture of her on my blog right now and it's one we both LOVE.

Where on the internet outside of your blog can you be found?

Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Polyvore