My Space - Uche Chukwu from Lets Go Deeper

If there is a topical issue then you can bet that Uche Chukwu has an opinion on it. Lets Go Deeper is an outlet for the views, opinions and passions of Uche whether it be on relationships, politics, race, education or sport - it is all there on Lets Go Deeper. He started blogging in 2008 and since then has amassed an array of followers. An IT specialist when he is not blogging, Uche is working on various projects that involve writing as well as IT. He took five minutes out to tell me where he writes his blog.

Describe the concept of your blog.
I'm still trying to work that out. I keep shifting it and moulding it in different directions, trying to find the right fit. It started out as my travel blog. I lived in Rio de Janeiro for a while and friends kept asking me to blog my life there but I just kept sending epic emails. When I moved to live in New York, I finally got around to it and that's where it all came from. The reaction back home was very encouraging. After the world economic meltdown in 2008 grounded me in London, I found myself back here needing some way to express myself. This is - it's not about any one specific topic and it has no defined agenda. I know this is a problem because sometimes I look at the homepage and think "what are you about?" But my readers seem to like it because it gets a lot of site visits, has a high re-visit rate and my new visitors average about 60% monthly. I'm ready to open it up to guest bloggers now and will shortly start to look for writers who would like to contribute a regular "column" I know what I want to achieve with it but still unclear as to exactly how to do it. I want it to be a news and opinion blog carrying alternative news, or alternative comment on mainstream news. I want to start posting more irreverent observational pieces like Gawker and deliver a humorous spin on the news agenda. I liked Not The Nine O'clock News, Drop The Dead Donkey and the stuff Charlie Brooker does. I guess that's the spin I want to get to, eventually. Will it work? I can but try.

Where do you scribe?
Mainly in my flat now that it's winter with short days and cold evenings. In the summer I take my laptop everywhere and I am very much a coffee shop groupie, sort of going from here to there. As long as they have free Wi-Fi, great coffee and good apple crumble, it's worth considering. When in my flat, I usually write in my spare room which is set up as my office, but if there's good stuff on the TV I'll go and camp in there with my laptop instead.

Why that place?
I need to work at a desk with an office-like feel. I've always been this way. When I was at school the most important thing in my room was always my desk, I didn't have or want a TV in there. When I moved out of home, the first thing I bought was a desk. Always white, always facing the wall and away from the door. I have no idea what that says about me psychologically, but that's how I work best when at home. But in a work environment, Feng Shui kicks in and I have to be facing the door. If somebody can explain that, I'd be very much obliged. In terms of the coffee shop place, well I love the transient nature of coffee shops and the hum of the machines. Along with the aroma of ground arabica beans and my penchant for people voyeurism, coffee shops give me the best combination of social isolation I need to get work done.

What is on your desk at the moment?
My leather-bound journal which I got as a Christmas present from my girlfriend. That's my favourite possession in the world right now. There's also an electronic recorder and digital camera which I carry around everywhere on the off chance of an interview and picture (I always use them too), a pair of Chinese iron balls I've had for about 15 years. They help me relax. Ever since I saw Laurence Fishburne using them to manage his tension in that scene from Boyz n the Hood when Trey goes out with the boys to avenge on Ricky's murderer I wanted a pair. Mine have been around the world with me. I also have a copy of Arise magazine on my desk. I'm not a magazine person, I lost interest in magazines somewhere in my early twenties. I used to read Touch, Source, Vibe, GQ and then I just stopped. I don't think there is any magazine I can really relate to, and as I'm a technology specialist by trade I have been getting my news through aggregated RSS feeds for over 10 years. Until I discovered Arise on New Years Eve in Shoreditch. Then the day after New Year's day I hunted for it all over South London until I found it. I love this magazine. This is how a magazine should be. Oh, and there's an unread copy of The Observer from about 3 weeks ago. I have no idea why I still occasionally buy Sunday papers when I end up reading all the articles on my smartphone. Force of habit I suppose.

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall?
I have a noticeboard in front of me which I've had for over five years with photo cuttings, concert tickets and other memorabilia. I change the items rarely but when I do it's usually quite a sweeping change. It contains photos of some of the best memories in my life and some of the most important people in my life. It really should have more, it used to in fact, but I take bits off to use elsewhere and never replace them. So it has more gaps than it should. I'm now inspired to revisit it and work on getting it back to full content. I'll schedule that for May, or something. Yeah.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker?
Usually tidy. I'm a fastidiously tidy person. However, when I'm exceptionally stressed or have just come back from a trip my workspace can suffer and become messy for weeks. I used to be an organised chaotic work space type and my old manager used to try to force me to tidy my desk. She used to invent these "tidy our desks Fridays" which the whole office had to abide by just so I would have to tow the line. I never did, she always ended up tidying it for me. I miss her. But I've improved and now keep a tidy ship. I'm not one for that sinking feeling.

Check out Uche's blog.

You can follow him on Twitter.

Fashioning February: My Space - Gemma Cartwright from Big Girls Browse

Gemma Cartwright is a busy bee, while she is running style blog, Big Girls Browse she is also the editor of Latest in Beauty and contributes to Domestic Sluttery and Dorkadore. Add that to running her own self-named blog and you have a very busy lady. Gemma is one of the pioneers of blogging and founded Catwalk Queen back in 2002 before anyone really knew what blogging (the site was bought by Shiny Media in 2005) was so I am really excited to feature her on the site. She took time out to tell me where she writes her pretty cool blog.

Describe the concept of your blog.
Big Girls Browse is essentially about proving you don't have to be a certain size to enjoy wearing nice clothes. I'm curvy, but not drastically overweight, but the fashion industry often makes me feel 'big', and that's where the idea came from originally. I think we put too much emphasis on a number on a label, when really it's about what suits a certain person and makes them feel good. I try to cover a bit of everything, some high street, some boutique stuff, a fair amount of plus size and a lot of reviews.

Where do you scribe?
Usually from the comfort of the sofa, with some kind of trashy TV blaring in the background.

Why that place?
I edit a website for a living as well so I spend all day at a desk staring at a computer screen. When I get home, I don't really want to go to another desk and do the same, so I blog from somewhere a bit comfier.

What is on your sofa at the moment?
A couple of remote controls, an X-box controller, copies of InStyle and Elle, and a bottle of nail polish.

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall?
It's a rented flat so I'm not really supposed to put stuff on the walls, That's where Tumblr comes in, I store my inspiration digitally instead. Usually it's clothes I like, photoshoots I love and lots and lots of pictures of old movies. I love anything from the 30s through to the 60s.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker?
I'm incredibly messy and though I've tried to change that, it never works. I just have too much stuff. The living room isn't too bad but that's only because the box room in the flat has become my 'dressing room' and is loaded with clothes, cosmetics and anything else I choose to hoard.

Will you be attending London Fashion Week?
Not this year. I've been in the past, but now my day job is in beauty writing rather than fashion, so it's not so relevant to me. Instead, I'll enjoy all the amazing coverage from the bloggers who are going and thank my lucky stars that I still get to see all the amazing clothes without having to suffer the achy feet and 14 hour days.

Check out Gemma's blog.

You can follow her on Twitter.

Fashioning February: My Space - Anne Marie Boyhan from WhatSheWears.ie

I first met Anne Marie Boyhan  at a HP TouchSmart Bloggers event last summer and I decided that I had to nab her for the My Space section. WhatSheWears.ie cover the latest news in fashion and style from what celebrities are wearing to fashion shows and the latest trends. Based in Dublin, Anne Marie combines blogging with her part time job as a writer for MSN and a consultant for various brands. She started blogging in 2009 and WhatSheWears.ie is  now one of the biggest blogs in Ireland which is exemplified in the fact that it has been shortlisted for several awards such as the Irish Blog Awards, Irish Web Awards and Eircom Spiders. I caught up with her to find out where she blogs.

Describe the concept of your blog.
WhatSheWears.ie started out as a celebrity style and fashion blogazine but I now also cover beauty trends, stylish city features and shoot behind the scenes videos of fashion and beauty events. Every week there's a competition and a weekly newsletter too.

Where do you scribe?

At home in my living room, which is also my office. In Dublin, Ireland.

Why that place?
I work on WhatSheWears.ie three days a week from my home and due to the size of my apartment; my office is my living room and vice versa, with a Nespresso coffee machine close at hand. Some days I am home based mostly writing and updating the site and others I am attending fashion events in Dublin, viewing collections and sometimes meeting with publicists. I set up the site in February 2009 and for the first year I just wrote and developed the site. WhatSheWears.ie has now developed into a part time business and I also write for and run MSN Ireland's fashion channel. Two days a week I consult in online communications helping brands embrace the internet, so you could say that I wear two hats as the brands I work with are not fashion or beauty related.

What is on your desk at the moment?

My PC, a printer, files, a bunch of magazines, my iPhone, my diary, product samples, my video camera and a cup of peppermint tea.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker?

My desk is messy but I try to keep the rest of the room tidy.

Will you be attending fashion week and if so in what capacity?

I'd love to! Please fix it for me to go this year.

Check out Anne Marie's blog.

Follow her on Twitter.

Fashioning February: My Space - Jen Holmes from A Little Bird Told Me

Jen Holmes's blog is a mixture of outfit posts and witty observations about the fashion industry as well as on the fashion blogging community. Not many people get to do what they love for a living but Jen is one of those lucky ones. She works as an online writer and web editor and also runs her blog, A Little Bird Told Me in her spare time. So passionate is she about her craft that she has penned a hilarious post called, The Lazy Girl's Guide to Blogging which offers lots of useful tips on how to maintain a great blog. Jen's other passion is scouting round charity shops for amazing pieces which is something she covers in another wonderful guidebook that she does so well - The Lazy Girl's Guide to Thrifting. Jen has been blogging since 2008 and her wonderful way of words has gained her a whole heap of followers. I caught up with her to find out where she writes her fantastic blog.

Describe the concept of your blog.
A Little Bird Told Me is a fashion and lifestyle blog, but it's also a space for me to write about my life, my likes and dislikes and to showcase brands and companies I love. Eventually, I want it to become a thriving community, where like-minded people come to share thoughts on style in all its guises.

Where do you scribe?
I write most posts from my sofa, usually curled up with music playing and candles flickering.

Why that place?
I live in a two bed flat and my boyfriend's a musician who plays the guitar, piano and drums - there's not much space. In the absence of a proper office (how I long for a big oak desk and an iMac), the sofa is a comfortable, relaxed space where I can concentrate on the words without distraction.

What is on your sofa at the moment?
A crochet blanket I picked up at a car boot sale last year, my MacBook, my Kindle, my Blackberry, my Canon (I'm slightly gadget-obsessed), a Moleskin notebook and a pen.

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall.
I love illustration and have a few pieces displayed around the living room. Photography is becoming a bit of a hobby so there are lots of photos displayed in the mismatched frames I pick up on my charity shop travels. I have various inspiration folders on my computer too. But mostly, my inspiration comes from the notes I jot in my Moleskin. I carry it with me everywhere.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker?
I'm relatively tidy... I don't like mess but I do like organised clutter. I think a work space should reflect the nature of the work, so mine is often surrounded by magazines opened at folded-over pages, scrawled notes about outfits I've seen and seasonal look books, along with the necessary technology. Before I leave my space I'll gather things into hasty piles - an attempt at that 'organised clutter' thing.

You can read Jen's blog here.

You can follow her on Twitter.

My Space - Lisa Bent from Deeper Than Twitter

Lisa Bent is a lady who has very many opinions and is not scared to share them. Her blog, Deeper Than Twitter covers topics from the sexualisation of the music industry, the representation of Black people in the media, the complex issue of euthanasia, homelessness and many others. She started her blog in 2009 as an outlet to share her views. When she is not blogging, Lisa is pursing her her career as a TV presenter and that as a counseller. She took time out to tell me where she blogs.

Describe the concept of your blog.
As a person who has an opinion on just about everything, I cannot and do not want to limit my expressions to 140 characters.  Whilst I acknowledge Twitter represents the new wave of social media, I want to bring back thought and depth before it disappears under the flow of constant tweets. As a qualified Counsellor with a passion for media, I use my psychology knowledge and interest in Existentialism and social trends to investigate possibilities, cultivate curiosity and go beyond the known and familiar to provide an alternative commentary to the raised issue. I am not and do not consider myself to be an expert. My blogs are my individual views based upon my life experiences, reality and ideas. My blog is a space to express my thoughts and views, while opening the avenues for further discussion.

Where do you scribe?
I mainly scribe at home in my dining room, in my bed, or on the train journey home.

Why that place?
I find that my concentration levels are much better when working in the dining room. In bed, I am comfy and able to relax and bulletpoint ideas, whilst working on the train allows me to be proactive when delayed.

What is on your dining room table?
At the moment laptop, pen, paper, Blackberry and flowers.

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall?
I have a picture that I painted as part of my Art G.C.S.E. As it is behind me it holds no form of inspiration�that I know of.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker?
I cannot think in a messy space, I absolutely hate clutter. I am a tidy worker.

You can read Lisa's blog here.

You can follow her on Twitter.

My Space - Thomas Walker from Thom Ticklemouse Make-Up Blog

Thomas Walker has one of those jobs that makes you jealous. He is a make up artist and can be found backstage working on the models during London Fashion Week as well as other glam events. He has been blogging since July this year as a bid to keep his readers up to date on his work. Thom's blog also cover make up trends, product reviews and recommendations as well as the odd post on fashion. Thom Ticklemouse Make-Up Blog is a fan space where you can learn about the life of a make up artist. I caught up with him so he could tell me where he writes his blog.

Describe the concept of your blog.
The concept of my blog is a fun friendly informative approach to make up, I want readers to feel like I am talking to them. I am here to help! I don't like beauty blogs that say 'use this product because it will change your life.' when half the time the product hasn't even been used.

Where do you scribe?
My blog is also a 'follow me' so viewers and readers can read what I have been up too, as my main job is a make up artist. My blog comes second.

Why that place?
I love to research everything so my main time blogging will be my bed. I have a desk but I live in a Georgian house that's pretty cold so I am always under the duvet .....lol.

What is on your bed, desk and table at the moment?
On my bed right now is my diary, a cup of tea (i am a chain tea drinker) and of course my Blackberry - she's my child. Lol.

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall?
In terms of inspiration I have a large collection of magazines and DVDs. I also have monthly rental subscription - movies inspire me so much. However magazines are wonderful, I am always tearing out pages that inspire me which i will stick above my bed to manifest my own creativity.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker?
I am a both tidy and messy. I like the space to be neat but I always work up a mess, I think mess is made by the mind being creative. I like the phrase a beautiful mess.

You can follow Thom's blog here.

You can follow him on Twitter.

My Space - Minna Salami from MsAfropolitan

Like most bloggers Minna Salami wears many hats; as a social media consultant, freelance writer, dancer, model and project manager. Yep she is a busy lady and on top of that she manages to find time to run the MsAfropolitan Boutique which is another part of her blog. MsAfropolitan is a fantastic blog that covers topics that affect cosmopolitan African women. Topics such as feminism, african diaspora, fashion, books, sex and celebrities. Minna has been running her blog since 2008 and has picked up a great following since then. I caught up with her so she can tell me where she writes her blog.

Describe the concept of your blog.
MsAfropolitan is a lifestyle and culture analytical blog highlighting topics that are relevant particularly, but not exclusively, to cosmopolitan African women and showcasing products made by African Diaspora women in the MsAfropolitan Boutique.

Where do you scribe?
I have ditched my desk for my dining table.

Why that place?
I have a city view from the window next to my dining table, it inspires my writing, and it reminds me to gaze out and take a break from the screen every so often.

What is on your dining table at the moment?
Baskets, candles, table mats, a coffee cup, lip gloss, a folder full of things that I aim to look into (!), magazine cuttings, a stack of CD's, books that I've been using for research and of course, my laptop.

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall ie photos, magazine cuttings or extracts?
By my desk, which is more like a mini library for me as I don't work there, I have a magnetic wall panel in between the bookshelves with photos, magazine cuttings and all kinds of magnets (which I collect)..

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker?
I'm a tidy worker you know. Family and friends have watched in awe as I go about preparing my work day, because it involves an almost obsessive tidying up routine of the space around me. I find that untidiness clutters my thought process, or maybe I'm just procrastinating ;)

You can follow Minna's blog here.

You can follow her on Twitter.

My Space - Ire Okojie from Sober in The Cauldron

Eclectic and funky are the words that come to mind when I look at Ire Okojie's blog. Her blog, Sober in The Cauldron covers culture, art and her witty observations. I came across it last week when she dropped me a line to say hi and I am ever so glad she did because as a certain Ms Cole shouted on X Factor a few weeks back - Ire's blog is right up my street. Ire started Sober in The Cauldron back in January this year and when she is not banging out posts she is busy being an art critic for Precious Online. I caught up with her to find out where she writes her blog.

Describe the concept of your blog.
Ecclectic, random, quirky. Marauding through the cluttered mind of a culture junkie.

Where do you scribe?

At my bed, desk and kitchen table.

Why that place?

My bed because I travel in comfort from there to anywhere in my imagination. My desk gives me a temporary feeling of organisation. The kitchen because food talks to me from the fridge and sometimes I answer.

What is on your bed, desk ad kitchen table at the moment?

My bed has books. I sleep with them! (I've run out of space on my book shelves and cupboards). My kitchen table is naked but normally has a deep blue flower patterned table cloth. My desk has some of my younger brother's character designs and my sister's poems. I like to pretend they come to life, recite the poetry and tell me things to write about.

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall?

It doesn't  necessarily inspire me but tickles my skewed perception...An image of an inseperable Macaque monkey and a pidgeon holding each other in China. Somewhere out there is a parallel universe filled with incongruous images and it makes me smile.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker?

I'm a messy worker. I try to be tidy but it's fleeting, though in that wierd chaos eggs are hatched.

You can read Ire's blog here.

Be Beautiful: My Space featuring The Makeup Queen

The first thing I notice about The Makeup Queen is how pretty it looks. Fettered in fushias, pink, coral and crimson, The Makeup Queen is about as girly girly as it can get which is just as well considering that it is a make up blog. The blog was set up in December 2009 to cover the beauty industry from an insider's perspective. Topics such as new make up collections, new fragrances, make up look and cool hairstyles are covered. I caught up with The Makeup Queen to discuss where she blogs.

Describe the concept of your blog. 
Reviews and the like from a beauty insider's "point of view."

Where do you scribe? 
At my desk.

Why that place? 
I feel that I'm able to accomplish more when I'm sitting at my desk.

 

What is on your desk at the moment? 
My stack of mags, nail polishes, hand cream, and my MAC Barbie Doll for "inspiration!"

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall?
I don't have my inspirations on the wall, yet. I just moved my desk into an empty room in my house. I'm going to redecorate soon.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker? 
Although, my desk is a little untidy now, I like order. I can't concentrate in clutter.

You can read MUQ's blog here.

You can follow her on Twiiter.

Be Beautiful: My Space featuring Nikkia Harrington from Silver Lips Beauty

Taking a trip onto Nikkia Harrington's blog is a real delight because not only is it full of great content about makeup and music it is also peppared with cute images of her Blackberry, poloraid pictures, iPod, post-it notes, nail polish, eye shadow and lipstick. Silver Lips Beauty really sums up whtat Nikkia's life is all about - the life of a super busy lady who has a great day job but also writes a blog on the side which focuses on her passion about make up and music. Nikkia has been blogging since 2007 and since then has gone from strength to strength. I caught up with her to find out where she blogs.

Describe the concept of your blog. 
The concept of Silver Lips Beauty is to share my point of view on my two passions; music and makeup. I review products, introduce new cosmetic collections and share new music. I also from time to time talk about my weight loss surgery and other random things on my mind. Silver Lips Beauty is a site that is meant to be fun and informing.

Where do you scribe? 
At my computer desk in my bedroom but when an idea hits me I jot it down in my handy pink agenda book I take everywhere.

Why that place? 
Its a productive space. I tried blogging on the bed but I would always fall asleep. I tried on the sofa but again sleep would take over and that caused such unproductivity.My desk seemed to be the only perfect place as it houses all my essentials and allows me to swatch, apply and play around with products. :-)

What is on your desk at the moment? 
Wow, a lot of stuff. Lets see: my Blackberry, post-it pop ups, three iPods, iMac, mirror, and several beauty products I'm testing out for upcoming product reviews. speakers, and external hard drive.

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall? 
No inspiration on the walls but I do keep a look book with magazine clippings, and I save a lot of pictures on my desktop to stare at when I feel like zoning out or getting real creative makeup wise.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker? 
Well at the beginning of each week I clean up my entire room and then I let the mess pile up until the beginning of the next week. So I'm a tidy mess.

You can read Nikkia's blog here.

You can follow her on Twitter.

Be Beautiful: My Space featuring Tiffany Lorde from Beauty is Diverse

Beauty is Diverse is a vibrant blog that celebrates the different elements of beauty. Whether you are a dark skinned sister, a red head with freckles, a blond with blue eyes and porcelain skin or a sultry brunette; there will be something for you on this blog. Tiffany Lorde started the blog last September with the aim of readdressing the balance of the images of women that are portrayed in the fashion media. I caught up with her to take five and find out where she writes her blog.

Describe the concept of your blog.
The concept of my blog, is to showcase the diversity of models, designers, photographers etc who work in the fashion industry. The industry spans from North America, to Europe, to Africa and China and people from every nation have contributed to Fashion in some way shape or form.

Where do you scribe?

I scribe at my desk which is a mini office in my condo.

Why that place?

I scribe at my desk because it's a very comfy section of my home and pretty much the only space I have to write comfortably.

What is on your desk at the moment?

Vogue, Arise, and Oprah magazine issues, my teddy bear from Belgium, a plaque of King Tut from the ROM, my writing note book, a pen, and my course workbooks for school.

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall ie photos, magazine cuttings or extracts?

I currently have a photo of designer, Rachel Roy and I - I met her at the Bay Dept Store, a photo with Ms J from America's Next Top Model and two of my friends which we met at Holts. A photo of Josephine Baker which I bought in Paris, and photos I cut out of Ubah Hassan from Arise Magazine.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker?

I try to keep my desk space as neat as possible, but I will admit sometimes it gets messy if I'm really busy with homework.

You can read Tiffany's blog here.

You can follow her on Twitter here. 

Be Beautiful: My Space by Sara Alexander from The Make Up Snob

Sara Alexander describes her life as being emerged in music and make-up. She is a beauty addict with a real passion for red lipstick and it is this passion that led to the creation of her blog. The Make Up Snob has been running for a few years now and covers product reviews, comparisons , swatches and everything else that is beauty related. With over 1,000 followers on Google Connect, Sara is right up there in the ehelons of beauty blogging. The Bay Side resident took time out to tell me about where she writes her fabulous blog.

Describe the concept of your blog.
When I had first decided to start my blog I wanted to show readers a lot of comparison swatches and products from different brands. I really felt like so often us makeup lovers get to wrapped up in one brand we miss so many other alternatives that maybe just as fabulous, whether this be other high end brands products or even drugstore items. I have been doing more reviews than comparisons lately but as things slow down for me a bit, I want to bring my blog back to this focus.

Where do you scribe?
Ill grab my macbook and head straight to the couch.

Why that place?
I don't think well in quiet. I love the chatter of the TV, my daughter playing, the dog chewing and everything else that goes on in the living room. I like the feeling that I am accomplishing more than one thing at a time. So I don't seperate myself from anything as I am writing. It probably takes me twice as long to get my thoughts out this way but I wouldnt want it any other way.

What is on your couch at the moment?
My daughter's backpack from her recent sleepover, a sweater and my macbook.    

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall?
I don't really have anything posted up around me. I will get ideas from the TV in the background or commerials I see.  Most of my inspiration comes from digging through my makeup closet (yes closet, *shaking my head*) I will be looking for something, reorganizing stuff or just getting ready for the day and will come across an item that makes me all of a sudden feel like talking about it. My makeup closet is a happy place. I feel like I loose track of what I have so often that I have so much fun going back in (when time permits) to rediscover lost treasures. It makes me think about why I purchased the item, When the last time I wore it and more! Those thoughts can be great material for a new post.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker?
I work a full time job then come home to fulfill the tasks of wife, mother, beauty blogger and Blog Design Creator. So with all that said... my space is a bit messier than I would like it to be. 

You can read Sara's blog here.

You can follow her on Twitter here.

My Space - Tobi Sotubo and Kike Soyode from Style by Queens

Welcome to My Space which is an ongoing series where I feature bloggers and their workspaces. I know that the posting of this series has been sporadic of late and I do apologise. However, I have made it up to with an extra special post. StylebyQueens is a blog that is run by two Law students who are fashion obsessed. Tobi Sotubo and her fashion partner in crime, Kike Soyode started StylebyQueens in order to share their passion for fashion. I caught up with them to find out where they blog.

Describe the concept of StylebyQueens.

Tobi: StylebyQueens is really a place where we can share all of our electric fashion fantasies, celebrate our love for dressing up and showcase other women who have amazing style. We are still new to the blogging world but we are loving every moment of it.
Kike: We're two girls who love to dress up and discover new fashion. We've always had a love for the latest fashion trends. StylebyQueens is our way of sharing our fashion fantasies and discovering new ones.

Where do you scribe?

Tobi: At my desk, in my cosy room in southern suburbia.
Kike: Usually at my desk, but mostly on my bed.

Why that place?

Tobi: Simply because Law School keeps us stuck to our desks.
Kike: It's the most comfortable place in my flat (my bed) and I'm the most relaxed there.

Olubimpe's blogging space

Kike's blogging space

What is on your desk at the moment?

Tobi: My Phones, laptop, My Goddess Guides, a bottle of wine, July's edition of Vogue, media law statute book, my lovely vanilla scented candle and two wine glasses of potpourri.
Kike:  A bunch of notes on Intellectual Property Rights. 

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall?

Tobi: I usually put op Mac Cosmetics recent publicity mail shot, It's always so vibrant, colourful and creative, on the downside it makes me want to buy loads of make up I don't need. My exam timetable keeps me in check and makes sure I am reaching my study and blogging targets. The Notice board is of huge inspiration to me because I made it myself! It was fabric left over from a wedding so I decided to put it to good use. Reminds me how much I enjoy the creative side of life.
Kike: I have a huge painting of a rose in a sepia tone. It calms me down and helps me think with a clear mind.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker?

Tobi: When things get hetic things get messy. So more often than my workspace is messy.
Kike: I'm in between. Starting off, I'm extremely tidy but once the work gets intense, it gets a bit messy.

You can read StylebyQueens here.

You can follow them on Twitter.

My Space - Raquel Dennie from HomeGirl Quel (kel) in Austin

One of the many perks of blogging is being able to connect to interesting people around the world. Also blogging can be a way of keeping in touch with friends and family so they can share what you are up to. This is the case of Raquel Dennie who started her blog HomeGirl Quel (kel) in Austin in 2005 after she moved to the hip city. She uses her blog to cover all her experiences both good and bad, she writes about heavy topics such as politics as well as light things like make up. Her posts are insightful as well as entertaining and her film and book reviews are really top class so it is no surprise to hear that she was also a blogger for Honey magazine. I caught up with Raquel to find out where she writes her blog.

Describe the concept of HomeGirl Quel (kel) in Austin. 

HomeGirl is a personal blog, essentially an online journal that I started (pre-Facebook era) to keep my family updated on my life after college. In the beginning, I wrote a lot about my life as a working, newly-married girl. I post reviews on books, films, beauty products, and anything else I might fancy. Since becoming a stay at home mom just over two years ago, I have written a lot about this new life. Fortunately, other folks like to read my ramblings and have continued to follow me, and I've gotten some pretty cool opportunities to work with awesome bloggers, companies and advertisers.

Where do you scribe?
At a computer desk in my bedroom.

Why that place?
I have two laptops that I use for blogging sometimes too, but working on a PC at my desk feels more like work use to and I'm more inclined to go the extra mile and add links and photos to blog posts if I'm sitting in there.

What is on your desk at the moment?  
My husband's huge Triton synthesizer separates me from the huge flat screen monitor, which is set towards the back of the huge desk top. It's the perfect distraction for my two year-old who insists on sitting in my lap on the rare occasion that I attempt blogging while he's awake. With my left arm wrapped around to steady him, he bangs away on the piano keys while I bang out a draft or two on the wireless keyboard with my right hand. There are also two Logitech speakers, a blue lamp and a printer/copier/fax machine.

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall?
None. Since I write mostly about my life and interests, I don't really draw inspiration from external sources for my blogging. As my blog evolves, which it has over the years as my life has evolved, I'm sure I will write more for public consumption and will no-doubt need to draw inspiration from other art forms, events and places in my wonderful city of Austin, TX.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker?
Messy. I can always find something more fun to do with my toddler than fold laundry and shred mail. So there are stacks of mail waiting to be shredded and 2 laundry baskets full of clean, partially folded clothes...and one suitcase that is waiting to be unpacked. And my bed is rarely made since I nap during the day when my son does, and making the bed would just seem like a colossal waste of time. 

You can read Raquel's blog here.

You can follow her on Twitter here. 

 

My Space - Efe Nas-Omogiafo from Efe Fabulous

I came across Efe Nas-Omogiafo during her prolific tweets while she was working at online fashion giant, Asos.com. However I did not get the pleasure of meeting her till last week when we both scored an invite to the Lisa Jewell event. A hard working fashionista, (she now works in merchandising for figleaves) Efe manages to find the time to maintain two fantastic blogs. First there is Efe Fabulous which is about her shopping addictions and then there is Books-Aholic which features the vast amount of books she has read. Efe started blogging last year in a bid to share her thoughts with the world. I caught up with her to find out where she blogs.

Describe the concept of Efe Fabulous.
Efe Fabulous is a blog about me and my shopping addiction, also my fave foods and just about anything that interests me. I decided to start blogging because Twitter's 140 characters wasn't enough for me to express myself. Also I love the internet and used to run fan sites years ago so blogging about myself seemed right.

Where do you scribe?
I write my blog on my laptop on the dining table which is ideally located by a huge window. Sometimes if I'm feeling lazy ill sit on the sofa in front of the TV.

Why that place?
It's comfortable also I have big windows by my desk so I can look out in the courtyard and see what the neighbours are up to.

What is on your sofa at the moment?
My sofa is quite tidy actually. I have loads of cushions as I like comfort and its more homely that way.

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall? 
I have a few paintings on the wall but they are just there to look pretty, I prefer looking outside at the little nature I can see as that's what inspires me, or I'll have a book or magazine next to me.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy work?
I'm very tidy as I can't work in a messy environment, I may make a mess but I always tidy up afterwards.

You can read Efe Fabulous here and Books-Aholic here.

You can follow Efe on Twitter here.

Home Sweet Home: My Space - Huma Qureshi from Her Little Place

Huma Qureshi is a pretty prolific journalist who writes for The Guardian, The Times, The Metro and City AM. Her thing is home and lifestyle and my does she do it well with pieces on small space living, the demise of cupcakes and the trends in interior design. Her blog, Her Little Place also follows along the same lines of her freelance writing with the emphasis on creating beautiful things as well as a gorgeous environment. Huma started blogging last year after reading a article in the Financial Times by a fellow journalist and blogger, Caroline Taylor (from Patchwork Harmony) about the wonders of blogging. So Her Little Place was born where Huma can share her love of interiors and all other wonderful home life things. I caught up with her to discuss where she writes her blog.

Describe the concept of Her Little Place.
Her Little Place is all about inspiration and comfort, and a place for me to share my thoughts and ideas with readers, with recipes, photos and writing, as I love to let my readers know about my published pieces for papers and magazines. The boutique concept, selling mail-order cookies, is a lot newer, and is simply born out of my love for baking, and my friends' insistence that I make mycookies more available!

Where do you scribe?

I wish I could say I had some handsome vintage writing desk to write at; sadly, I don't. My apartment is small - so I either write sitting cross-legged on my bed (not the best for posture), or on the sofa, with my laptop poised on the arm rest. 

Why that place?

Well, I suppose I could write in a much more civilised manner by sitting at my dining table, but it gets too crowded with my papers and notebooks and besides, I can't plug in my laptop charger when I sit there!

What is on your sofa at the moment?

I have to say, my sofa is not in great shape at the moment - I bought it from Habitat only a year and a half ago and it seems to... sag. I bought it because I loved the indigo colour. I make it pop with bright coloured cushions - pink and purple when I'm feeling girly or I'll tone it down with olives. I've got a really lovely olive throw that I sometimes dress it up with too when I want to avoid it being too purple-pink.

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall ie photos, magazine cuttings or extracts?

Being a professional writer, I am always keeping my eye out for magazine or newspaper cuttings that might inspire a new piece - but I'd never stick these up on the wall. Instead, I keep my cuts in box files that I'll refresh every week. I like to keep the walls simple, keeping room for favourite framed artwork or prints instead.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker?

I'm pretty tidy when it comes to work - I guess when you live in a small space you have to be. So even if I have my papers or magazines spread out when I write, I'll gather them together and file away when I'm done. I can't stand leaving the flat in a messy state; putting everything back in it's place signals the end of my working day.

You can read Huma's blog here.

You can follow her on Twitter here.

My Space - Lanre Fajumo from Lanre Fajumo - The Pen Vovage

We all need a creative outlet now and again to let out all those stories, songs and poems that we have cooped up in our heads. To some people writing provides so many positive aspects; it is theraputic, fulfilling and allows them to have a voice. Lanre Fajumo - The Pen Vovage features stories from a personal level such as self esteem and identity, as well as reviews of music, theatre performances, books as well as the odd rant here and there. Lanre started blogging last September and has come on leaps and bounds. I caught up with her to find out about where she writes her blog. As she says in her blog - everyone has a story.

Describe the concept of Lanre Fajumo - The Perfect Vovage
I started the blog because I needed a creative outlet when I have a mental block from wrting songs or stories (I am a singer songwriter and I am currently working my first novel) so the blog is a variety of everything bouncing around in my brain from album or event reviews to personal experiences.

Where do you scribe?
When it's a blog, I write as I go along my day. So if an idea pops up in my head as it always does and I am on the train or at lunch, I will make a note of it on my regular companion, my BlackBerry and when I get home I will develop it on my laptop. Writing a song or a story is however a different thing. Not sure why that is though.

Why that place?

I guess because if I don't capture those thoughts as they bounce around in my head I am afraid of lossing them. Also, I find that I cannot write a blog unless I am sitting at a desk. So sofa and beds are are a no, no for me. I have to be seated at 90 degrees to write a blog.

What is on your desk at the moment?

My laptop, post it notes, a note pad, pens and my mobile phone oooh and a cup of tea.

What form of inspiration do you have on the wall.

I have a blank wall, i do however have a hard drive of pictures and ideas that have caught my attention. I do have a few clippings from magazines or newspapers. I keep them all in a folder.

Do you keep a tidy office or are you a messy worker?

I hate clutter, My workspace needs to be clutter free from me to write anything. If i don't use it, I bin it.

You can read Lanre's blog here.

You can follow her on Twitter.