Bloggin' Ladies: Much Love, Illy.

Tuesday, again! This week, it's Ilene from much love, illy! :) She is super sweet, and so talented. I can't wait to order one of her headbands once the holidays are over!

Name + Age + Blog/Site

Ilene Gamboa, age 26/
blog - www.muchlove-illy.blogspot.com 

and my shop link - www.muchloveilly.etsy.com

What is something interesting about you? 

Hmmm...I'm a Navy brat so traveled the world for most of my life and never lived in the same place for very long. Probably why I get antsy every couple of years - I still get the bug to keep moving every now and then! 

Why did you begin blogging?/ How long have you been blogging?

I started blogging probably back in college when there was xanga but I didn't keep up with it very well. Then I opened up a tumblr but it was a rather personal one and the site never let anyone comment if they wanted to - so to keep in touch with other family and friends, i decided to open up a blogspot one. It originally started out to keep in touch with my sister (who got married and moved away to a far off land called Iowa) and also to keep up with college friends and the rest of my family in SC. And as my etsy shop grew, I used the blog to announce new designs and such. I also love blogging about fashion and other random online finds. It's almost like my online bulletin board! 

Who is your inspiration for writing? 

My inspiration for writing is the everyday person. I love writing as if I'm carrying a conversation with him or her at a coffee shop. But as in an actual person, Jo March (ever since I was a little girl) was my inspiration. I also am inspired by the writings of Ann Lamont. Though I do not agree with all of her ideas, I am so inspired by her passion and by her ability to write. 

Where do you get your ideas?

From the everyday. Everything from the mundane to the exciting. My brain also never stops working. I feel like when I walk around (even when going to the grocery store or to some quiet field), I go with my senses ready to catch any spark of creativity. 

Do you have any advice that you want to share with fellow lady bloggers?

Write because you love it. Don't try to be like anyone else. Be inspired by the work of others but just be you and write to your readers like they are in the room with you.  

What is one thing you are looking forward to most in your future (blog or otherwise)?

I'm very much looking forward to marrying my best friend in the whole world in the next year!