I am thrilled to introduce you all to two of the most inspiring ladies around! Today’s Tweet-a-Tete is between the lovely Chrissy of The Perfect Palette and Chandra of Oh Lovely Day. Chrissy has a knack for creating the most beautiful color palettes, if you are planning an event and are in need of color inspiration, her blog is a must visit. Chandra’s blog is dedicated to vintage, chic, and handmade weddings. Chandra packs her blog with wedding eye candy daily.

Chandra

Chrissy

How did you get started in blogging?  

Chandra: 

Like many other wedding bloggers, I got the idea to start a wedding blog from my own wedding planning, although I didn’t actually start mine until after my wedding, at the end of 2009.  I wasn’t fulfilled at my day job and blogging gave me that feeling I wished I got from my job.  At first it was really just for me, but it kind of grew into something I didn’t expect. And I’m still a little surprised when people tell me they read Oh Lovely Day and by how much it has grown!

Chrissy:

I actually started the Perfect Palette when I was only a couple of months into my own engagement.

Once I determined our color palette I found myself offering my help to other brides who were having trouble seeing the big picture. Needless to say, the response was overwhelming and I, for the first time in years, really felt like I was using my creative background in a way that felt fulfilling. {When I say creative background, I’m referring to my art degree}. Then one day someone asked me if I had a blog where they could see all of the palettes I’d created. “A blog?” I thought… And so the rest is history, the Perfect Palette was born! I definitely am the happiest I’ve ever been, doing something that I absolutely love. Who would have thought that my little creative outlet would turn into a fulltime career? I feel absolutely blessed.

Chandra:  You’re one of the mom/wife/full-time bloggers that I’m so inspired by. You, and Abby Larson of Style Me Pretty have got it down!

Chrissy: Aw, thanks, Chandra. You totally have me blushing.

What inspires you on a daily basis/how do you keep the inspiration flowing?  

Chandra:

I am inspired by everything!  I find inspiration from other wedding blogs, on Pinterest, from design and decor blogs, walking around Los Angeles, at flea markets, in film and television, photography…  I used to really get inspired by films, but I don’t get to see as many as I used to.  My husband and I would go to 1-2 movies a week B.C. (before Charlie).  But one film that I did love this summer and found very inspiring was “Midnight in Paris.”  I love Paris and I loved Rachel McAdams’ style in the movie.  And it was a really wonderful film, so go see it or rent it!

Chrissy:

I’m inspired by basically everything It’s true that if you look around you, there’s always inspiration to be found. I have to admit that like Chandra, I’m definitely inspired by all the images I see on Pinterest. I guess you could call me a Pinterest addict. When it comes to color inspiration, I’m definitely inspired by Pantone. I have to admit that I’m always sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to hear what colors they deem the most fabulous for the season.

Worst habit?  

Chandra:  I’m always “connected” which I think is a bit of a bad habit.  I’m trying to make more of an effort to put my iPhone away when I’m playing with my son, or detach the laptop from my lap some in the evenings to spend time with my husband.  It is a hard balance when you blog, but one that I think is really important.

Chrissy:

I’m with Chandra on this one!!! My mom would tell you the same. She’s always getting on to me about this. I’m super guilty of being always ”connected” which although I don’t necessarily see as a bad thing — being a mommy like Chandra, it’s often necessary that I make a conscious effort to unplug. And so I too am trying to make a effort to strike a good balance.

Biggest blogging/ social pet peeve?  

Chandra:  It drives me crazy when people don’t properly credit photos or blog posts.  I cannot believe I still come across blogs (not even tiny, unknown blogs, but widely read ones) that don’t properly credit photos, or the blog where they found an idea or photo.  I’ve had things stolen from my own blog, and I’ve also spent hours on end trying to track down photo sources for my own posts.  If I can’t find the original source to a photo, I don’t use it.

Chrissy: My biggest blogging pet peeve would definitely have to be a combination of spam comments and emails from vendors who are interested in free advertising. It’s frustrating to say the very least.

We’ve all been there, akin to writer’s block, what do you do to get past a creative/blogger’s block?  

Chandra:  If I can’t get inspired to write a post, I take a break and go do something else.  When I come back to my computer I go to a folder where I keep ideas I like, sort of like a little digital treasure chest, and find something there to feature or write about.  It never fails me.  But I usually have plenty of ideas and inspiration, just not the time to get the posts written!

Chrissy:

If I’m not feeling inspired, I should probably take my temperature because something is off and I must be feeling ill. I mean, sure maybe once in a blue moon I’ll feel at a loss for what to write about. However, I’m hardly ever short of ideas to share in the form of visuals. In any case, there have been times when I, like Chandra, just took a little time away from the computer and given myself a little break from bloggyland. And poof! A couple of hours later, I’m recharged and ready to whip up something creative.

How do you take your tea (or coffee)?

Chandra:  Coffee, and lots of it.  I’ve become a major coffee drinker since becoming a mom.  I make a pot first thing in the morning and add my splenda and coffeemate, but now that it is fall I also frequently indulge in my absolute favorite: Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte.  I’m also a sweet tea lover, and when I really want to treat myself, I have a regular, not diet, coke.  It is an addiction, so I save it for special occasions or a day when I really need a pick me up!

Chrissy:  Coffee or tea on a daily basis has never been my thing. Not that I don’t like coffee or tea, it’s just that I, for the most part, like my caffeinated beverages to be cold. And so my caffeinated beverage of choice has got to be a nice, cold Diet Coke. However, I have to admit that here lately I’ve been making my diet sodas at home with the ‘Soda Stream’ – Have you girls ever heard of it? It’s a really cool product that enables you to make your own sodas. Love it!

How has the online/social community changed your life?

Chandra:  Blogging has given me a creative outlet that I needed after my wedding planning has ended.  And social media has let me get my blogging seen more, helped me gain readers, and allowed me to find other blogs and make lots of online “friends.”  In turn, I have basically been able to try to make a career out of my blog, and has also led to a new business (wedding and blog related) that I want to launch soon.  But for now, it’s still a secret.

Chrissy:

Blogging has changed my life because #1 it gave me a purpose that was fulfilling and #2 it blossomed into a wonderful career. I’m so thankful to be where I’m at professionally and I am so thankful for the support of my readers and sponsors. Plus, I’m eternally grateful to have been given the opportunity to connect with so many like minded creative professionals. Many of whom I call friends.

Chandra:  I agree!  It is so nice to find so much support from both readers and fellow bloggers.  It is such a wonderful community.

Where do you write your blog?

Chandra:

Since my office was converted to a nursery, my blogging is done on my sofa in the living room.  I sit in the same little corner, put my feet up, and re-attach my laptop to my lap.  I do my blogging in parts (during baby’s morning nap, afternoon nap, or after he goes to bed).  I usually have the television on, though I don’t really watch it, and a cup of coffee (in the morning) or glass of sweet tea next to me.  And the baby monitor.  And sometimes my husband.

Chrissy:

I actually blog from a desk that’s in my kitchen. It’s nice because I’m equal distance from the TV and the refrigerator Okay, that sounds bad!! Ha ha. But I can easily watch a TV show from my desk or go grab something to drink. Plus the kitchen has great natural light so it’s the perfect spot for me. I also must add that I use a desktop computer, complete with keyboard and mouse. Is that old fashioned sounding or what? I just find it the easiest set up for what I do – and having a real mouse is essential for me since I create so many inspiration boards.

Although I do have a laptop and you can sometimes find me on it, for the most part I’m in the kitchen…blogging away. I see all of these bloggers who have fancy offices. And I’m often blown away by how lovely they all are. However, that is definitely not how I work. My desk has it’s share of clutter, sticky notes and is definitely ”lived in.”

Chandra: I know, I love those pretty office photos!  I have so many pretty offices pinned for my dream office in my dream house…maybe someday!

One thing about you we don’t know!  

Chandra:

Most people don’t know that I’m a lawyer.  Like a criminal defense, in the courtroom, trial lawyer (like Law & Order or Legally Blond, but far less entertaining).  I recently stopped working at my day job at a law firm as a criminal defense attorney to stay home with my son and blog full time.  But my bar card is active and I do still take cases, so if you get in trouble, I’m your girl!

Chrissy:

One thing people might not know about me is the fact that I used to be a make up artist. And although it’s been years and years ago, I remember really, really loving the feeling of having someone sit in my chair and being able to show them what colors worked on their skin tone. Playing with colors and blending them to create new ones was REALLY fun! I guess it’s sort of like what I’m doing now, in that I felt like I was using my creativity to help someone and that made me super happy.

Chandra:  No way!  That’s so cool.  Another reason why I wish we lived closer – you could be my make up artist.

Celebrity crush?  

Chandra:

I have lots of celeb crushes, both male and female!  My husband makes fun of me because he says I’m biased towards the blonds (I’m a blond myself) but I love Gwyneth Paltrow and Reese Witherspoon.  I think they are gorgeous, fantastic examples of businesswomen and mothers, and they don’t need a sex tape to be famous (which seems so rare these days).  And my biggest male celeb crush currently is Ryan Gosling, and anyone that follows me on twitter knows that.  It started with the Notebook, and was reignited with Crazy Stupid Love.  Ah, Gosling… But my husband is an actor (and off filming his first role right now!), so hopefully one day he’ll qualify as a celeb and I can add him to my list.

Chrissy:

I hate to break it to you, Chandra, but I too am sort of crushing hard for Ryan Gosling. Because what’s not to love? He’s pretty darn dreamy and I might even go as far as to say that, Chandra, he’s mine!!! I CLAIM him. Ha ha. Remember when girls used to claim guys back in middle school? He he – okay, maybe I’ll share with you Oh, and I used to have a big crush on Dane Cook – when he first started. Just because I found him so hilarious. However, he’s not as cute as he used to be. Hate when that happens! Oh, I have just one more…I’ve always, always have loved John Cusack – again his early movies. Think, ‘Say Anything.’ I’ve always had a soft spot for the dorks. Especially cute dorks like John Cusack.

What one item of make-up could you not live without?

Chandra:

Tinted moisturizer!  Sometimes it is the only thing I have time to put on in the morning to make me look less sleep deprived.  I love this one by Jouer (a newer cosmetics company), and it’s called Luminizing Moisture Tint.  It is the BEST!  If I have time for a second thing it is eyeliner/mascara.  I can’t do one without the other.

Chrissy:

I could not live without a tube of red lipstick in my purse. I know it’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely my signature look. Unfortunately, the one I use has been discontinued so I’m off on the hunt for a replacement color. Ugh, don’t you hate when that happens??

Chandra:  You’re so lucky you can rock red lips.  I’ve never been able to pull that off!

If you were blogging your own wedding, what would the title be?

Chandra:

I just did this actually!  And I found it really hard to blog my own wedding.  My style title was Vintage California Chic, but I think the full title would be:  Vintage Chic California Wedding with lots of love, fun, and DIY details!

Chrissy:

Hmm… that’s a toughie. Perhaps, I’d call it, ”Vineyard Vows: An Elegant, Fall Color Palette of Burnt Orange, Copper, Orange, Yellow and Chocolate Brown”

What’s the one thing in life that can put an instant smile on your face?

Chrissy: For me, the one thing that can put an instant smile on my face is definitely my baby boy’s smile. Our little Anthony was born in August of 2010 and from that moment on our lives were changed. He truly is the sweetest, most lovable little boy. And here recently, Anthony learned to give hugs and kisses and I have to tell you, it’s probably the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. It melts this mommy’s heart.

Chandra:

Yet another thing we have in common, we both have amazing little boys!  I read somewhere that most people don’t smile during the first 3 hours of their day.  And I probably fell into that category before I had Charlie and was working my day job.  But now, every single morning that I get up, even though it is 7 am, when I walk into his room and see him get so happy to see me, I smile.  I smile within the first 10 minutes that I’m awake every day.  And I smile all day long.  And I owe that to my sweet, ornery little guy.  I can’t believe I’m planning his first birthday!

 

Feature image found on Dustjacket Attic via Domayne Furniture