Hello you gorgeous people. Yes, I’m still very much in a festive spirit…probably gin lol. Although, admittedly I’ve been drinking more craft beer recently (milkshake IPA anyone? Yes, it really does exist). A few blogger friends have taken part in a 19 Question Blogger Challenge this month and I thought I’d throw my hat into the ring. Their blog posts are HERE, HERE and HEERE!
So, settle with a glass of something and we’ll begin:
What does your vlog/blog name and meaning behind it?
My blog has always been about shopping in SL, so shopSL was born. TBH, I wanted something professional sounding that would be easy as a logo as I also intended to be blogging for a long time. Previous blog names were too long and in hindsight, too amateurish.
When did you start your SL blog/vlog?
shopSL was born in March 2017 but I’ve been blogging under various guises since approx. 2012. Blogging styles have changed so much over the years. Back in the hazy days of 2012/14 people just wanted to see a picture on a white background and get a landmark. Now, blogging is about creating a “vision” or lifestyle that products slot into. It’s a different type of challenge.
How would you describe your blog?
Primarily shopSL is a Fashion blog. However, more recently I’ve been dabbling with Home and Garden blogging and enjoying the new challenge that comes from putting together a scene in this way. I like to blog at different locations too, but admittedly I need to get off my platform more and explore.
When did you start SL and what brought you to SL?
I started SL in February 2007 (OMG!!) after having read a magazine article about women who had turned SL into a viable business and were earning megabucks working at home. Those were the days when stores could span multiple sims and land was worth a lot of money. I created my first avatar, logged in intending to be the next SL Business Empire and discovered clubs instead! I remember the first time I left orientation island, I met some people and asked them “how do I walk to the …..?” They told me “you teleport” and “use the search function”. That was a revelation. The rest as they say, is history.
What inspired you to become a blogger?
It’s pretty simple really. I love taking pictures and sharing bargains/sales/deals with people. I found when I wasn’t blogging I was bombarding screenshots and links to my bff. So I decided when I finished my first lot of work studies in 2017 it was time to focus on blogging properly again and dip my toe into the water.
How Often do you post?
Usually 4 times a week. It keeps me from overthinking and getting myself into mischief.
What’s you favourite thing to blog and why?
I don’t have a favourite thing, per say. I love to be inspired by the items I blog, whether it’s a beautiful design, something humorous or just plain kooky. Whatever it is, I end up making it cute even when I don’t intend to.
Do you watch/read other vlogs/blogs & how often?
If a title on my feed catches my attention I’ll read the blog or watch the vlog. I tend to scroll through Flickr, Facebook and Twitter looking at the pretties and click through to links. I’m also a terror for screenshoting items from Facebook and going back for links later.
What strength do you have that has helped you as a blogger?
Being true to myself, sticking to my principles and resilience. If a Sponsor runs a recruitment campaign and you aren’t picked up, there are any number of reasons why and they often aren’t personal. As bloggers grow and develop their skills, so do creators/designers. If their journey doesn’t involve you, it’s all good. Wish them well and continue to support their brand in other ways instead.
How do you motivate yourself to stay active & fresh with your blog?
I drink gin 😀 Honestly, I don’t know. I like to play about with graphics, watch YouTube videos with hints/tips that people have kindly provided and talk with people. Where possible, collaborate with other bloggers. Play with windlights. Try blogging different products to see if you like it. Often you realise what you *don’t* like more than you do and that’s a learning process too.
What’s the last thing you bought in SL?
Clothing from Riot – I’m a sucker for her Cozy Comforts gacha at The Epiphany this round.
Which sim is your favourite for taking blog/blog photos and why?
Try Yorkshire – it’s truly stunning.
Do you have an alt?
Wynn is actually my bff’s alt that I adopted after a bad SL relationship split. I wanted to be anonymous and start afresh, although over time Wynn became my main avatar and my original Avi (Terri) is now an alt I rarely use.
Would you say your avi is an introvert or extrovert?
I’d say I am me, whether online or in real life. If I know you well, I’ll chatter away and tell you all sorts of stories. If I don’t know you well, it’ll take time for me to open up about personal stuff. It’s no reflection on you, it’s just who I am.
How do you feel about SL relationships (romantic & friends)?
They’re very important to me. I am very lucky to have some amazing friends online that I consider valuable real life friends too. I’m also very lucky to have the Mister in my life. He knows how much I adore him.
What is your guilty pleasure on SL?
Gacha! Fatpacks! Shoes! Don’t come between me and a Gos sale, because there will be blood and destruction 😉
Where is your avi right now? (mainland home, sandbox, event, stuck in a TP (lol)….)
I’m naked on my blogging platform as I consider what scene to create next. Thankfully I have quiet neighbours who don’t perv (that I know of!)
What are your favourite things to do on SL?
I love to spend time with my loved ones, listen to decent music, play games with friends, shop and blog. Sometimes the Mister and I will have a little explore together. I like to event hop. We go to trivia events. I also enjoy the art exhibitions my friend Deva creates.
What is your favourite SL fashion & decor style?
Aspirationally I’d like to be sophisticated. In reality, it’s anything cute and girly. But I like to mix and match. If it’s a bold colour and I like it, it’ll get thrown into a picture somewhere at some time.
Have you ever collaborated with another blogger? Pros & cons?
I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with a few bloggers over the years. Each have brought their style of blogging to the experience. It’s always a learning experience to work with other bloggers, so don’t be afraid to try it. Share ideas, technical knowledge and you’ll learn a thing or two too.
What new changes/developments in SL do you like/dislike?
I’m an old woman in SL. I don’t use Black Dragon. I prefer appliers to Bake on Mesh. I use my camera controls in a weird way. I remember the days when you’d log in with all your attachments up your arse and bling necklaces were standard. I remember system skirts and having a system skirt shape. SL has changed a lot in 12 years. What hasn’t changed is that there will always be lovely kindhearted souls and it’s a joy to meet them through my computer in my little part of the world.
What is your pet peeve in SL?
False people.
What valuable advice would you give to a new vlogger/blogger?
Experiment. Do what scares you. Take risks. Keep trying. Don’t give a shit what others think. Stick to your guns and blog, blog, blog. For every person that doesn’t like your style, someone else will adore it. You’re not here to make everyone happy – just yourself. Everything else is a bonus.
What is your favourite SL memory?
I have a lot of happy memories but they often involve my bff. She’s a star and I love her very much x
What’s the craziest/wackiest/ strangest thing you’ve ever experienced on SL?
One time an ex partner took me to a cave and told me to jump on a poseball with a dragon in front of it. Next thing I know, Mr Dragon and I are getting it on and I’m giving birth to an egg. We called the baby Hubert. Mr Dragon stopped paying child support 5 years ago. The bastard.
The funny thing…when I recounted this story recently, one of my friends piped up “ohhh yeah, I remember that place! I got an egg too.” Clearly Mr Dragon was not the faithful kind.
What 5 things make you the happiest on SL?
- Seeing people happy and in love 🙂
- Spending time with the people who I love and care about
- Laughing with the Mister
- People enjoying my creativity inworld, whether it’s music, art or blogging
- A shoe fatpack sale
Is there anything you have learnt in SL that has helped you in RL?
Never judge a book by it’s cover. Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right about a situation, it often isn’t. Stay away from toxic people who bring you down. No, they will not change for you.
What is the one thing you want everyone to know about your avi & blog?
I’m innocent!
Credits:
Wooden table: The Artist Shed / The Modern Tree
Christmas stockings: The Artist Shed / Tacky Stocking (various shown) / *new release* available at TWE12VE December 2019
Female Deer wreath: The Artist Shed / Darling Deer Wreath
Male Deer wreath: The Artist Shed / Dapper Deer Wreath
Lanterns: Khargo Furniture / Christmas Fireplace Gacha – Lanterns Metal / *new release* available at The Gacha Life December 2019
Candles & globe: Khargo Furniture / Christmas Fireplace Gacha – Snowglobe Gold / *new release* available at The Gacha Life December 2019
Santa sack & gifts: Khargo Furniture / Christmas Fireplace Gacha – Santa’s Sack Gold / *new release* available at The Gacha Life December 2019
Kitty: Heart Designs / Christmas Kitty / *new release*
Rudolph: MOoH! / Reindeer plushy / Peace on Earth Hunt prize – check main store for hint
Christmas tree: MOoH! / Christmas tree / Group gift December 2019
Backdrop: The Bearded Guy / Xmass Feelings – The Snow / gacha item
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