BLOGGER | LIFE

by dailykongfidence

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I recently found out what “BTS” stands for – Behind the Scenes. I would hear bloggers throwing around this acronym, “BTS,” when preparing for a photo shoot and then I got it. There is a lot of BTS in the blogging world that many non-bloggers don’t understand. In the short time that I’ve been doing this I’ve come to understand and appreciate all the behind the scenes work involved in what I do and what other bloggers do. To give you a little glimpse into my personal experience with blogging, I accepted a challenge from one of my blogger friends, Sharon Wu of Style Lullaby, who recently tagged me to share a few behind the scenes details of my blogging life.

Where do you blog?
As I type this, I am on my desktop in the “playroom” which originally was the toy room for my three kids, but also a craft area for myself (when I used to think I was Martha Stewart and knock out all these Pinterest-worthy things). I use a desktop because I am a very visual person and I like to see things on the big screen. That being said, I am looking into being more mobile and working off a laptop either in my office space upstairs or at various coffee shops where I can sip my minimum two lattes and people watch while I compose.

Where do you find inspiration for your posts?

Inspiration can be found anywhere (I’m sure you haven’t heard that one before)! For outfit posts, I am inspired by all of these amazing brands I have discovered while on this blogging journey. Each brand has their own style and when they reach out to me, I love finding pieces that I may not normally wear, but can style and make my own. I am partial to basics for the most part and I find inspiration in pieces that make a statement or have some dramatic flare. On a personal level, I find inspiration in just talking to people and hearing their stories and experiences which led them to who they are today.

How long does it take you to do a blog post?

The writing portion of an outfit blog post typically takes about 30 minutes. The most time consuming part of the post is linking all of the clothes and accessories so that my readers can directly purchase and see the products I am wearing.

For more personal blog posts (which I haven’t had too much time to write, but really want to include), they take about an hour. I find that I start writing my thoughts as they come out and then I have to reread, edit, and edit again.

As far as photos go, I take one day out of the week to shoot all my outfits (a trade secret I learned not too long ago). Before I realized that this is what most bloggers do, I used to drag my poor husband out everyday to literally shoot my outfit of the day! Now we go once a week and take about 3 – 4 hours to shoot a week’s worth of posts.

Do you plan your blog posts? If so, how?
My posts are usually planned around the outfits I shoot for the week. Some bloggers are super organized and plan their posts 1 – 2 weeks in advance, but for me, the posts hit the blog almost as soon as they hit Instagram. When I am working with a brand on a sponsored post, however, there is more planning involved especially if there is a specific deadline. With kids and all of their activities, I blog when I can find the time (usually early mornings before they are awake or late evenings after they go to bed) and try to publish at least 2 -3 times a week.

What kind of camera do you use?
Prior to May 2016, all of my photos were off of my iPhone 6 (yes, really!). For Mother’s Day this year, my husband graciously bought me a real camera, a Sony A6300. While he is still learning as we go, his dedication to my blog and full support and patience throughout this entire process has been nothing short of amazing.

What editing programs do you use?
I use Lightroom to edit all of my photos. That being said, I am still learning and basically use about three functions in LR, namely just to lighten up shadows. I hope I can learn how to use LR in its entirety because I know it can do some really cool things!

Do you use a notebook to track your ideas?
I do own a notebook and that’s all I’ll say about that. Just kidding. I have a notebook, but I’ve found that in the chaos of making dinner or helping the kids with homework, I jot things down on notepads sponsored by local real estate agents or the closest sticky notes I can find. No one will understand my notes or even know what they mean, but I do and that’s all that matters (basically it’s secret blogger code that only I can read and understand).

Do you take your pictures?

No, my husband takes all of my outfit photos, especially since I don’t know how to use the camera he bought for me quite yet. I take the flatlay photos or product shots, but any shot that I am in, my husband is the photographer (or as I refer to him, my beautographer).

What’s your favorite type of blog post to write?
I would have to say my favorite posts to write would be the ones that connect with people in some way or another. It can be an outfit post which provides a style tip that a reader didn’t think of, or a motivational post that helps inspire a reader to do something. I am a huge believer in that we can all learn something from someone and the more we share, the more we learn too.

Who knows about your blog?
I tell everyone about my blog! I try to simultaneously link each post I do on Instagram with a blog post so that my followers can immediately see the detailed photos of my outfit and read about how I decided to style a particular look. It would be a dream of mine to one day walk down the street and have people recognize me from my blog and say that I have inspired them to be confident in their style.

Are you an organized or messy blogger?
I would have to say that I am an organized blogger. Because I have kids and am a full time mommy, I have to be organized to accomplish what I am doing. On top of my blogging photos, blog posts, emails and meetings, I also volunteer in each of my kids’ classrooms once a week and have a work from home husband (which means a hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday). I pride myself in being organized and efficient and also knowing when to say no and prioritizing my commitments.

Biggest blogging pet peeve?
From someone who started this blogging journey for fun, I realize now how much hard work and time is put into this blogging business. My biggest pet peeve would have to be the misconception people have about bloggers. It’s not all about going to events, getting goody bags, and receiving free products. Blogging has been proven to be a business and it definitely is a full time job if not a lot more than that. Behind the squares you see on Instagram and the outfits featured on the blog, there are hundreds of correspondence with different companies, styling and accessorizing, location scouting, product placement, artistic and creative thinking behind each flatlay, each outfit, each photo. Bloggers like myself take pride in what they put out there and we do it in a way that is specific to our followers and our aesthetics. Blogging for me is about building my brand, my style, and my name and sharing it with the world just like any other company that is created. It takes the same amount of work, time, planning, and dedication and should not be overlooked at as a hobby.

All that being said, I am learning so much and meeting such inspiring people along the way. I started this as a way to showcase my style and to remind others to be confident in who they are and what they wear. Thank you for reading this personal and behind the scenes post and for being so supportive of this incredible journey I am on. This was such a fun tag to write and I challenge Adelina Perrin of The Charming Olive to share her BTS blogging details.

Here are some outfit photos from a recent brand I discovered through blogging (Floating Style).

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Top | Floating Style similar styles here and here
Jeans | Joe’s Jeans similar styles here and here
Choker | Vanessa Mooney similar styles here
Sunglasses | Quay Australia similar styles here, here, and here
Watch | Leonard and Church
Bag | Valentino similar here and here
Shoes | Valentino similar here

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Shirt | Chaser (old) similar styles here here
Skirt | Floating Style (sold out) but similar styles here and here
Jacket | J. Crew similar styles here
Sunglasses | Quay Australia similar styles here and here
Watch | Leonard and Church
Bag | Celine similar styles here, here, here, and here
Shoes | Raye (sold out in grey) in black and brown

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48 comments

aurela July 4, 2016 - 3:02 am

Thank you for sharing this post. But I was shocked to read that you are a mother of three. WOW. Girl you are stunning and I don’t know how you can juggle the kids, husband and blogging at the same time. Also, you have an incredibly figure. I totally agree that blogging is a full time on its own. I started my blog a year ago when my son left home to study back east and I felt lonely and empty nested. My son was pushing me to purse my dream by starting my own blog. As much as I love fashion, I find it really hard. It is not as easy as it seems. I work full time and do blogging part time but I feel that is becoming more of a full time with everything you mentioning on this post. From editing (which i am still trying to find some time and learn) to shooting and posting the content.
Glad to stumble upon your blog! Keep it up, you have a great style!

Hope had a nice weekend!

Aurela xoxo

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 3:53 am

Thank you for reading my post Aurela. Yes, it is definitely a challenge to keep up a blog and have a full time job, but you just barely started that there is a whole world of opportunity ahead of you. You already are gaining momentum and it’s only the beginning. Remember that others before you have faced the same challenges and have managed to make it out and succeed. Never forget the reason why you started because that will keep you going and motivated!

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Sharon Wu of Style Lullaby July 4, 2016 - 3:08 am

Omg, I really enjoyed reading this and getting to know you as a blogger, Christine! Thanks for following through with the tag. I couldn’t agree more with you for everything you’ve said here, especially the answer to the last question about blogging being way more work than an average person would expect! I did not expect it myself when I first started too, so I don’t blame them… but now I just wish everyone knew haha… especially my parents because they do not take my “work” seriously at all. LOL. It’s also my dream to be able to walk on the streets one day and have someone recognize me for my blog/style and say that I’ve inspired them! <3 I look forward to continually empowering each other until that day happens for us (and beyond, of course). Hope you are having a splendid weekend with your family! xo, sharon

http://www.stylelullaby.com

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 4:08 am

Thank you for tagging me Sharon! I enjoyed writing this and getting a little more personal on the blog. Blogging is a serious business and I think more and more people and brands are realizing this otherwise they wouldn’t be partnering with us to feature their products. One day we will both be strolling down some beautiful street and be stopped by a fan who somehow we touched and made a difference in her world. Have a wonderful 4th babe!

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Jennifer July 4, 2016 - 3:22 am

I enjoyed reading this blog post and getting to know the inner workings of blogging life. I didn’t realize it was so much work. I’m even more in awe of you after reading the details. Keep it up and hope you achieve everything you want from your adventure.

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 3:56 am

Thank you Jennifer for reading this personal post. To be honest, even I didn’t realize how intricate and detailed this blogging journey would be, but as I continue to grow, I am learning more and more. It is definitely a lot of work, but something I enjoy and am passionate about.

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Christine July 4, 2016 - 3:24 am

Ahhhh Christine!!! After reading this post its so obvi that we have way more in common than our awesome name and asianness lol— the way you write and even blogging experience is so similar to mine– although as a momma of three, how you do it all is superhero status! Keep it up girl! Xoxo Christine

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 3:58 am

Thanks Christine! I would love for you to also share your blogging details if you have the time (I know you have that adorable little one in your life now). I think as moms and bloggers we find a way to manage it all. All moms are superheros in our own way. Hope you are hanging in there with the sleepless nights. The coos and sweet smiles from the baby definitely make up for those tiresome days though, don’t they?

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Dee July 4, 2016 - 3:31 am

Okay wow, I’ve only been following you recently but had no idea you were a mommy too! Your figure is ahmazing! I loved the insight you gave into your motivation behind your blogging. Love reading pieces like this that connect me to the author, something I have been planning to do for a while but haven’t got round to just yet. Meeting amazing women like you definintely inspire me to push a little closer to actually starting my written blog haha. You’re doing an amazing job, I love your outfits and personally love that you like to wear mens pieces like I do 🙂

http://www.instagram.com/sydney_styleblogger

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 4:01 am

Thank you Dee! I definitely keep my Instagram more about the photos and witty captions and use my blog to provide more insight into my life, my style, and advice. I actually love to write and want to write more personal posts in the future in addition to all of my outfit posts. You are doing an unbelievable job on IG and your photos and style are fantastic. A blog is a lot of work but I think you will enjoy the process as well!

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June July 4, 2016 - 3:35 am

Loved reading this! I can tell how seriously you take your work as a blogger by how beautifully executed all your photos are. And kudos to having a hubby who’s so supportive and helpful. You are beautiful inside and out!

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 4:02 am

Thank you so much! I definitely do take this seriously partly because that is my personality to go into something 110%, but also because I am very passionate about it. I love fashion and I love dishing out advice or inspiration when I can. =)

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Jo July 4, 2016 - 3:43 am

I love this post! I agree with every word you said here – blogging is a full time job. I often feel like there is so little time for me to work on my blog while working full time and being a mother. Girl how could you stay so fit after 3 kids?! You are doing a great job!! By the way, I love to work on desktop for my blog post too

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 4:03 am

Thank you Jo! I know you know how difficult but rewarding this journey is – I have watched you (or stalked you) in Instagram for some time now. You are doing an amazing job and putting forth such great content. Keep it up as you definitely inspire me!

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Gunjan July 4, 2016 - 3:44 am

I loved reading this so much! You write so well. I’m sitting here wondering why I haven’t stopped by your blog before! I like the beautographer term haha 🙂 Thanks for sharing, it was great getting to know you better.

Gunjan | http://www.songbirdechoes.com

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 4:05 am

You’re making me blush Gunjan! I write how I think so I am not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing, but it is definitely from the heart. I use my Instagram mostly for outfits and use the blog for a more personal look at my style. Thank you for reading this!

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Abby July 4, 2016 - 3:52 am

I love these insights! I feel like I share your sentiments esp about the pet peeve. Most people think bloggers are living the dream life when we get sent out goodies and freebies. But there’s more work involved than may appear!

Abby | Life in the Fash Lane

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 5:10 am

Thank you Abby. Yes, for sure it’s way more work than it seems but luckily as social media becomes even bigger, people will realize that we aren’t just about taking selfies and snaps!

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Sarah-Allegra July 4, 2016 - 7:22 am

I totally love your BTS post, it is so interesting to read how other bloggers work! And, as usual, I’m totally addicted to your rad looks!

xx Sarah-Allegra
http://www.fashionequalsscience.com

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 4:33 pm

Yes, it’s nice to get a little more insight to what we do as bloggers isn’t it? Thank you for your support!

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The Fashion Folks July 4, 2016 - 3:08 pm

Loved this, so much fun to learn about people’s routines when it comes to blogging! Xx

http://www.thefashionfolks.com

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 4:35 pm

It’s nice to hear what other bloggers are doing and knowing that they are all going through the same thing too, right? I love this blogging community and how we can all learn from each other and grow together too!

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Melisa July 4, 2016 - 3:22 pm

just discovered your blog and I’m in LOVE with your style. this outfit is styled perfectly. enjoyed reading the writing too, i must agree sometimes people misunderstand the complicated stuffs on being a bloggers. taking photos/ hectic time/ etc etc x
http://www.rebelrebel.co | Youtube x

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 4:36 pm

Yay, you’re welcome! I appreciate your comment so much and it brings me such joy when I hear this. I do what I do for people like you!

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Laura July 4, 2016 - 3:41 pm

Wow, first of all- amazing shots. Your pictures make me come back again and again, they are so inspiring!
And I have to say how much fun I had while I was reading this. There are some points which most of us bloggers can relate to, so you did a great job!
Love

http://www.lauramacij.com/2016/07/vibrant-flowers.html

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 4:37 pm

Thank you so much Laura! I am happy to hear that you love my photos as I do put in a lot of effort into my posts (as you read). Wishing you a wonderful 4th of July babe!

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Amy July 4, 2016 - 4:34 pm

Love this post Christine. Thank you for sharing more about yourself and the BTS process that makes Daily Kongfidence possible. Keep up the amazing work – you are already inspiring so many people every single day!!!

xx, Amy | theluxilook.com

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 6:44 pm

Awww thanks Amy! You are such a sweetie and I am so blessed to have gotten to know you. You continue to inspire me as well! Have a fabulous 4th of July!

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Tamara July 4, 2016 - 5:38 pm

Loved to get to know you a little better through these answers! Blogging is not only hard, it’s also a 24/7 job !

XoXo,

Tamara – LoveofMode.com

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dailykongfidence July 4, 2016 - 6:43 pm

Yes Tamara, you are totally correct, a 24/7 job, but we wouldn’t have it any other way right? Anything worth doing takes time and effort and that is the way we can fully appreciate the success later on. Keep up the fabulous work!

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Raysa Garcia July 5, 2016 - 6:38 am

Hello beauty’ Its @raysa.garcia 🙂
I loved reading this! You are truly amazing and so inspiring. I really love your style! You are so sweet and supportive.
Thanks for sharing! Keep up the amazing work, gorgeous!
Xx, Raysa

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dailykongfidence July 5, 2016 - 9:13 pm

Hi Raysa, thank you so much for your kind words. I loved writing this post and love that bloggers like yourself can relate and connect with what I wrote. I am a huge fan of yours as well!

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Julia (The Velvet Runway) July 5, 2016 - 10:14 am

I loved reading this post! I actually had no idea what “BTS” stood for before!
I can’t believe you are a mother of three either – you look fantastic – and your husband takes great photos! I am encouraged to read that until recently you used an i-phone as all my pics are on an i-phone too for now!
I completely identify with your last point – I had absolutely no idea how mush work was involved in blogging – I started for fun but nowI have to admit that some days I feel quite overwhelmed!
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com

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dailykongfidence July 5, 2016 - 9:15 pm

Thanks Julia. Yes the iPhone takes amazing photos and it’s super convenient to use which is nice. My husband bought me the camera to help with the more detailed shots and getting a blurred background in some shots. I feel like blogging always starts as a means to showcase your style, but then it does become a lot of work only because that means you are doing a fabulous job. Keep up the hard work babe!

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Sara Pope July 5, 2016 - 7:16 pm

LOVE this! It’s always so interesting to learn how bloggers work and see a bit of their “other” aka real life. Thank you for taking the time to share your “secrets!”
XX-Sara Pope
pope-pourri.com

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dailykongfidence July 5, 2016 - 9:17 pm

I think that most bloggers go through the same thing but we just don’t talk about it that much. It’s nice to share some trade secrets and support one another especially because we experience similar things. I don’t get personal on Instagram so I enjoy being able to let more people in through my blog.

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Mariann Yip July 5, 2016 - 7:28 pm

Thank you for sharing this! It was a good way to get to know you better. I also agree with you about the misconception about blogging. I think a lot of people I know as well think it’s such an easy job, but there’s a lot of work that goes behind the scenes. By the way, you also look amazing in your photos as usual!

http://WWW.MARIANNYC.COM

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dailykongfidence July 5, 2016 - 9:18 pm

I think all of us bloggers can agree that this is much more work than we anticipated, although the plus side of that means that we are doing something right and making things happen. It’s a blessing to be able to do something we love and that others can appreciate.

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Len Parent July 5, 2016 - 7:39 pm

Stunning lady! Love most of your outfits babe. You are amazing! Have a great week!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com

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dailykongfidence July 5, 2016 - 9:18 pm

Thank you so much Len! I am a huge fan of yours and look to bloggers like yourself for inspiration all the time! Have a fabulous week too!

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Miki July 6, 2016 - 2:18 am

I loved this post. I can’t even believe you had 3 kids?! Geez, you look incredible as it is, then you throw in 3 kids. Blogging is a lot more work than people think. I’m on my laptop or phone around the clock. A lot of people who don’t blog think that bloggers just need to take photos, post and get free stuff and visitors/brands just randomly find you online like you’re an attraction that everyone knows about and goes to without any additional work, which is really unfortunate, but if we can make it look like it’s so easy, then that’s also a compliment that we’re making it look so fun, yet effortless.

By the way, I love your outfit. Valentino always steals my heart and love rockstuds. Can’t get enough of off the shoulder tops either!

Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com

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dailykongfidence July 6, 2016 - 4:09 am

I am so happy you enjoyed reading this post. Blogging is definitely a lot of work but like you said, if we make it look easy then we’re doing it right. I didn’t get into the off the shoulder trend until this season and I have to admit, I’m obsessed. Valentino also does it right with its signature rockstuds. Can’t ever go wrong with Valentino! Have a fabulous week!

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Marie July 6, 2016 - 11:04 am

You are amazing and talented in so many ways Christine! I’ve always known you had something very special and I’m glad you are sharing it w the world! Keep shining that light of yours and never give up on your dreams. You inspire me all the time and to me, you are already famous! So happy for you and all your success! Love YOU!!!!!!!

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dailykongfidence July 6, 2016 - 2:57 pm

Awww thanks so much Marie! You are one of my biggest fans and I completely and utterly appreciate you. I hope you’re having fun on your vacation and can’t wait to see you when you get back!

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Adelina July 7, 2016 - 1:43 am

Oh my goodness, I can’t believe I missed to comment here when I read it immediately after you published it! I swear I thought I did!! #bloggerproblems I swear!! I loved reading about your BTS babe, sooo much! You are an inspiration every day and always! Thank you for tagging me next. XOX

http://www.thecharmingolive.com

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dailykongfidence July 7, 2016 - 6:19 am

You are MY inspiration Adelina. So overjoyed that we met through this world of blogging and are here to support each other! Loved your BTS post too my dear!

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4evajessie July 18, 2016 - 11:13 pm

Thanks for sharing Christine. I’ve seen your IG and Blog grow since the very beginning. Well done! You have progressed so much and achieved so much! Thanks for opening up and let us to learn insights about you. This post in particular is very inspirational but I love the Q&A layout!

As for me, you know that I have only started my blog just a few months ago as well, and often people ask me this question: where do you see you blog in a few years time, and how do you want to take it to the next level. To be honest, I haven’t given much detail thought about it, since I’ve been swamped with my day job and all the travel plans. However, I would very much interested to know your answer for this question (if you have thought about it…yet!)

I definitely want to do a similar post like this, maybe for my next next next ..post! 🙂

Happy Monday and hope you have a good week ahead! Xoxo

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dailykongfidence July 20, 2016 - 4:00 pm

Thank you so much Jessie! Yes, you totally should do a similar blog post and share more about yourself! You do have such a busy and fabulous life and it would be great to get to know you better! Have a great week too!

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