I Wanna Know About You!

That's right!

This post is going to be short and sweet. Because it's not about me. It's about you.

I fee like I have gotten to know some of you lovely bloggers through your fabulous comments on my posts, but there is a huge number of you who are silent readers (or maybe your not reading at all) and I think it's time for that to change! Kate had the great idea for a post like this, and I decided it was too perfect not to steal!

I want you all to introduce yourselves to me in the comments. Let me know where you blog, where you're from, something interesting about you, what you like about my blog, even what you don't like about it. I don't really mind! I just want to hear from you guys!

Please let me know!

xx

The End of Life As We Know It...

Or something less dramatic.

That's right kids, the news has just broken and I'm getting straight in there to discuss it.

Google Reader will be no longer, as of July 1st. To be honest I'm kind of, momentarily, pissed. It's the way we all know and love to follow our favourite blogs. It's easy and simple.

But we will survive and adapt, and I'm sure in no time we won't even care. 

So I am getting myself all set up with Bloglovin' now, in order to make the transition easier.

source

And I would love to have you join me :) I have already switched over all the blogs I follow so I can keep reading all your lovely blogs, so I hope you will switch over and join me too. So click on the icon below to follow me!! Come join the party!

 
Need some convincing? Paige has a great post outlining the benefits!

Now I just need to figure out the best way to utilise it... Any suggestions??

Hugs All Round! For You & You & You...

I'm joining the masses and linking up with Erin from Living in Yellow to celebrate the bloggy community by sharing some of my fav blog crushes...

I have tried to stay away from picking the ones we all know and love, hopefully introducing you to some new favourite reads!

I have been reading Kelsey's blog for quite a while now and I just love how fun and honest she is! Her and her husband are so cute, and they always seem to be having fun one way or another.

Miki's blog was one of the very first I sponsor swapped with, and I have been reading it ever since! She has the cutest puppy imaginable and writes so honestly about everything in her life!

Kate and I have been blog friends since we both basically started blogging, I read about her getting engaged, saw the ring pictures, and am anxiously awaiting the wedding! Her blog is fantastic, and she hosts a link-up called The Good, The Bad & The Ugly every Monday so check it out! (Also I did her blog design :)

Kathleen lives every little girls dream, and my upcoming reality... Thats right you guys, she works at Disney World! Like for reals! I cannot wait to meet her IRL when I make my move, she gave me tips for my very first interview with Disney, and now look where we are! I love her blog, she really is the sweetest.

Michelle is utterly hilarious! Sarcastic and witty, exactly my kind of humour and she pours it all our for us to giggle at on her blog. Whether its complaining about her old job or dissecting a trip to the grocery store, she will have you in stitches!

Jess has THE CUTEST dog in the world. His name is Sharkie. She just got just got engaged to her partner whom she calls the Manturd. She is funny. Really funny. Seriously, go visit!

So there you have it kids, go nuts. Spend the night reading untill the wee hours of the morning...

I plan to.

SineadElle Designs... Help?!

Hey Guys!

So I have been working with a few of the people who took advantage of my Free Blog Design deal, in order for me to build up my portfolio. And I am loving it! I love being able to get to know other bloggers and design them gorgeous blogs!

I just finished working with Kate from Classy Living on her blog design, which was so great as we have been bloggy friends since we both began blogging! We created a cute, pastel  and pretty design which I am super happy with!

Once I have finished working with the eight or so girls who contacted me, I am going to begin to charge for my design services. Mainly because all the money I make will go into my Disney fund, helping to me to get to Florida for my Disney ICP in August 2013.

But I don't want to charge you all ridiculous amounts of money like some designers out there. I want to have cheap prices so even up and coming bloggers, or those of us who are strapped for cash can have a blog design that suits them and their needs.

So that's where you guys come in. I want to know what you think are reasonable prices for me to charge for custom designs? What would you be willing to pay? Please let me know, as I am umming and ahhing about it, and I really have no idea at this stage.

I have created an official blog for SineadElle Designs so go over and take a look, and tell me what you think! I could really use your help :)

xx

It's Tuesday AND...

{Hey ladies! I'm sure you have all seen this bloggy hop around! Its pretty huge now! This week I have the privilege to co-host with Melissa and I am super stoked! Read on and enjoy my loves. I will be spending the rest of my day and night reading all your delightful blogs!}

It's Tuesday again which means it's time for the GFC Blog Hop!

When I want to follow a blog the first thing I look for is GFC (Google Friend Connect), it's so easy and  nice to be able to go and see all of the blogs you follow in one spot. It's really a great tool to have. 

One side note- Did you know you can follow through GFC using your Twitter Account? TRUE, it's definitely an option!

If you are interested in co-hosting the next GFC Blog Hop send me an email at melissa@thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com

Ok, so let's get to the party, shall we?

RULES are simple:

1. Follow your host via GFC

The First link below

2. Follow your co-hosts via GFC

The Next 8 links below

3. Link up below using your main blog url not a specific post.

4. Make sure to visit some of the blogs in the link up and follow them via GFC 

and if you want to leave them a comment, I'm sure they'd appreciate that as well.

5. Tweet about this blog hop

Tweet

6. Share about this blog hop by grabbing a button and putting it on your sidebar!

<a href="http://www.thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com/search/label/gfcbloghop"> <img src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z237/melissaenault/gfcbloghop-1.gif" border="0" /></a>

Friday Chaos!

Eeep! I am so excited to be co-hosting another blog hop! I made so many new friends last time and I think hopping is one of the best ways of connecting with other bloggers and forming friendships! Hello to all you knew visitors :) I so hope you stick around for a while, I have some big things coming up!

It's that time again! Another week of the Friday Social Networking hop called the FRIDAY CHAOS!

Last week we had over 100 link ups! Lets see if we can grow the hop this time round.

**If you would like us to follow you back please leave a comment & we will do so!**

This week we have 5 co-hosters! Be sure the check them all out, follow via GFC and leave a comment! 

This is a link up for bloggers who want to increase traffic to their blogs and meet new friends!

1. Follow both hosts (The first two links below) via GFC, Facebook & Twitter and any other one's you fancy.

2. Follow all of the co-hosts(the next 5 links) 

3. Grab the button and put it on your blog somewhere to be seen.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.ohsoamelia.com" title="ohsoamelia"><img src="http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj578/BericeBaby/Untitled7.jpg" alt="Ohsoamelia" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

4. Don't just add your blog hoping to get followers, join in the fun and visit a few blogs.

5. Tweet about this hop

Tweet

 If you would like to co-host one of the weeks let us know.

Okay, Lets get this chaos started!

BLOG

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

YOUTUBE

PINTEREST

INSTAGRAM

Sunday Social

I decided to link up with Ashley and Neely this week for Sunday Social, this weeks topic is blogging, which obviously I am a fan of! And I thought it would be a great time to shout out to all my new followers! 

Hey guys! You have no idea how excited I am! Thanks so much for all your sweet comments and thoughts x

1. What is the name of your blog and how did you come up with it??

I used to blog under the name Life As I Know It... but I knew it was very generic and wasn't "me" enough. So I changed to Sinead in the Sun, very me (obviously, cause its my name) and it has the vibe I want for my blog, happy and hopeful and warm!

2. What do you love the most about blogging??

I love the idea of keeping an online journal, something I can look back on a say "remember when..." but I also love the community, obviously not all my posts are a life scrapbook, some are for the connections with other bloggers. I love how sweet everyone is, how willing they are to help, and how many fantastic connections are formed other the internet!

3. What are your 2 favorite posts you've written?

Ok I can't help it, I have to pick 3!

Fan-Girling into Geekdom

That Time I Momentarily Stole a Cat
If You Really Knew Me

4. What is something you'd want to tell someone just starting out in blog world?

Definitely fix the "no-reply blogger" issue! It makes me sad when I get an awesome comment, write an awesome reply, and it goes nowhere! And it will hinder your connections in the bloggy world. Also be sincere. Be you. No one wants to read a blog that almost the same as another blog, but less genuine. And we bloggers can tell!

To fix the annoying "no-reply" issue do this:

Click "edit Blogger profile"

Check "Show my email address"

5. Biggest blogging learning experience you've had?

I think blog design, I have always like design, but never really got into it this much! But now I'm designing pre-made blog designs every other week. I'm thinking of starting to sell them, but I'm not sure...

6. Give us 3 blogs we NEED to be following that you love. 

Ok I'm gonna have to do more than 3! I will split them into categories!

My IRL friends that are now brand new bloggers and are super fantastic:

Rachel @ Yellow Brick Road 

Lauren @ Here I Am

 

Abbie @ Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust

p.s I designed their blog designs! go visit!

Bloggers that I get excited about when a new post pops up:

Alyx @ Every Day is a New Adventure

Miki @ Becoming What I Always Was

Erin @ Living in Yellow

Enjoy my darlings

xx

That Time I {Momentarily} Stole a Cat...

I stole a cat yesterday.

There's this neighbourhood cat that is tiny and super cute and friendly and it's always hanging around. Yesterday I was letting my friend in and it darted inside the door. Most people would have grabbed it, patted it, and sent it on its way. But it seemed so happy inside so I took it for a while...

Oops

But seriously, how could you turn down this face?

We named her(?) Pepper. New best friend!

(Don't worry, I returned her... For now)

In other news...

I have been thinking about this for quite a while now.

I try to make as much time for blogging as I can because I love it and I love you guys, so even though I have been super busy I have always kept that up. But during this my attention to my sponsor has been somewhat neglected. I had feature spots, medium spots and swaps... all who deserved my attention. And unfortunately I could not keep it up.

So I have changed things up.

I now have one size only.

The Fabulous Sponsor Spot.

A 200x250 button spot that is featured on my sidebar, comes with a introduction post, social media shoutouts and the option for a group giveaway. 

There are only 4 available so all my love and attention will be on you guys!

and best of all its only $5!

So if you would like to be featured on Sinead in the Sun, visit my sponsor page and sign up! I would love to have you here :D

xx

Shine a Light On...

Hey guys I have a bit of a treat for you today! I have another fantastic blogger for you to meet today, her name is Joanna and she has a fantastic bog filled with fashion and shes an actor! How cool is that?! So without further ado here is Joanna from 

ModaMama

Blog    Facebook

{About Your Blog!}

What Was The Inspiration Behind Your Blog?

When my baby was born I started the downward spiral of sweatpants and hoodies. I needed someone to be accountable to, and so ModaMama was born.

I hope you enjoy my daily ramblings, thoughts on fashion, and of course the "True Story" *true event in my life - often involving silliness or a raised eyebrow* or random "Quote of Today" *something quirky that I hear in my everyday life*. Please stick around for all the adventures, and prepare yourself for some bad outfit choices - because I'm sure I'll make them!

What Is Your Favourite Part of the Blogging Experience so Far?

Pictures, pictures! I love taking and looking at all the wonderful pictures!

What Impact Does Blogging Have on Your Life?

It's really a chance to be creative in fashion, photography, and writing on a daily basis. Something that gives me an outlet where I wouldn't otherwise get one.

{About You!}

What Are Some of Your Favourite Hobbies?

I love to read, take photos, run, do Kung Fu, and play board games! But hey, I wouldn't turn down a foot massage from my husband either.

What is Your Favourite Season? Why?

Love summer! I live for the warmth and the fun summer dresses. Not one built for the cold, I'm always cold, so when the sun and high heat rolls around I'm in heaven!

What Are Your Current Obsessions?

Palazzo Pants - Loving this style and can't wait to rock them!


So go have a look!! Pleeaase! You won't be disappointed!
xx

Shine a Light One

Today I have a special treat for you guys! You may have seen this gorgeous girl around the blog world lately, her blog is blowing up!! She is pretty fantastic so you should all read on and get to know Shane from Whispering Sweet Nothings!

Facebook    Shop

{About Your Blog!}

What Was The Inspiration Behind Your Blog?

I began my blog in February 2011 as a "30 Day Challenge" I only knew one person in real life with a blog, and my friends thought I was odd for doing it. It took a year to begin gaining any loyal readers, but I continue it for the amazing bonds and relationships I've formed with other bloggers.

What Is Your Favourite Part of the Blogging Experience so Far?

As a Finance major, I don't get much of a chance to express my creative side in my day to day life, so this here blog is my outlet to do just that.

What Impact Does Blogging Have on Your Life?

I have met so many wonderful women from around the globe that I would love to be best friends with in real life. I attended my first blogger meet'n'greet with fellow Ohians last weekend which was a blast! With my bloggers Coast to Coast project, I intend to strengthen the "community" aspect of blogging and help others find like-minded individuals around their area.

{About You!}

What Are Some of Your Favourite Hobbies?

Tennis, scrapbooking, writing, thrifting, mud wrestling ;)

What is Your Favourite Season? Why?

Autumn because it is the most beautiful with the changing leaves and the crisp, cool air. Plus, my favorite holiday Thanksgiving is in it :)

What Are Your Current Obsessions?

Dream catchers, Arrows, Dandelions, Essie Turks & Caicos, Deer.


So there you are. Go check out her blog! Her layout is so adorable, and she is the sweetest!
xx

Me in the Spotlight!

I was nominated by Tiffany from Austin Family Diary for the Versatile Blogger Award!!! I am so excited about this, thanks Tiffany!!


And then Abby from Only Impossible Until Done told me she had nominated me for the Liebster award!

So I am going to combine the rules of these awards! But mainly the Liebster! Here we go...

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions that the tagger set for you, plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. No tag backs!

11. Random Facts about Myself:

1. I'm not a very good cook. I could be, but I just don't like cooking. So I avoid it.

2. I re-watch all my favourite movies and TV shows over and over again...

3. I would love to be a film editor and mingle with all the famous people some day

4. I hate peas. And corn.

5. I have been to 8 concerts and 3 music festivals. I LOVE live music!

6. I love costume parties more than regular parties

7. I pick up other peoples accents really easily. Like in a conversation with someone, or listening to an accent on TV

8. I managed to staple my fingers together when I was little

9. I collect my movie tickets stubs, I started in 2006.

10. I wear my pyjamas as often as I can, sometimes all day

11. I taught myself to play guitar

Abby's Questions for Me:

If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Probably LA for my career, or Spain just because

Where is your favourite place to shop?

Thrift Stores, You can find some awesome stuff!

What would you do if you had unlimited funds, but couldn't spend it on yourself or family/friends?

Starting a business (technicaly thats not on me)

What language do you wish you could speak?

Spanish!

If you could be any tv or movie character, who would you be and why?

Blair Waldorf... those clothes!!

Who do you think you look like most, your mother or father?

Neither really... My sister looks like mum, and my brother like dad. I'm the odd one out

Which past TV show would you love to bring back?

Oooh! So many! Veronica Mars, The O.C, Gilmore Girls, Hidden Palms...

How many siblings do you have?

2, younger sister and brother

How many houses have you lived in in your life?

10. Including Mums houses, Dads houses, and Flats. Wow!

What is your favourite food?

Wedges, Pizza, Chocolate, Mexican!

Do you think you could ever become a vegetarian?

Hmmm maybe, I don't eat a lot of meat other than chicken and mince. But I do like those...

My Questions For my Liebster Nominees:

1. What is your Favourite Holiday?

2. What is the best book to movie adaptation you have watched? 

3. If you could meet anyone famous, who would it be?

4. What is you favourite Perfume?

5. How would you react to a Zombie Apocalypse?

6. What is your favourite quote from a Kids Book?

7. Heels or Flats?

8. If you could give truth serum to anyone on the planet right now, who would it be and why?

9. What are 5 words that describe you?

10. What is the weirdest dream you have ever had?

11. What era would you have loved to live in?

My Liebster Award Nominees: I spent a long time on this, going through all my fav blogs. All these blogs I read regularly and love! They are all fantastic!

Tiffany at The Momma Bear Diaries

Kelsey at A Little Bird Told Me

Cassie at Always a Blogsmaid, Never a Blogger 

Becca at Diary of a Diva

Abbey at Finding my Forever

Abbi at Glam, Bam, Thank You Ma'am

Kylie at Love Always

Kathleen at Places I Will Go

Sarah at Simply Dove

Olivia at Olivia.Dee

Chelsea at The Collegebook

Well there you go! Some facts about me and some new blogs to check out!

Lucky you!

xx

The Times They Are a Changin'

It's official my friends!

This little blog here will be undergoing a name-change, perhaps tomorrow if I get around to it!

I even have a sneak peek of my new header for you to see! (its almost the same, but with a cute new addition)

You like?!

I'm thrilled with the new name and therefore, new chapter in my blogging life...

I just have a question for you guys.

What do I need to change? My URL won't be affected, I have a new header and new buttons...

other than changing my info on websites etc is there anything else I need to remember?

Thanks guys for your feedback before, it was fantastic!

Watch this space...

xx

New Name?

Hey ladies!

I am in need of your expert Blogging opinions...

I have decided to change the name of this here blog, as I think "Life As I Know It" is a bit too generic, there are tons of other blogs out there with the same name.

SO

I have come up with a few options all based around the same idea. I would like you guys to let me know which you like best because I can't decide...

The List

- In The Sun

- Sinead in the Sun

- Life in the Sun

- Dreams in the Sun

- Wander in the Sun

I love the "in the Sun" idea because New Zealand is (usually) a sunny place, and I'm all about the beaches in summer. And it sounds whimsical which is quite like me!

What do you think? I would LOVE your opinions :D

xx

Shine A Light On...

It's been raining here in Tauranga for the last few days, and seeing as I'm on holiday, I have barely left the house. Seriously, I haven't worn make-up or brushed my hair in about 3 days, its pretty bad. But you know what? I love it!

But enough about my terrible looks, its time to introduce you to my other Feature Sponsor (I already interviewed Abby)

So here she is...

Blog    Facebook    Shop

Miss Angie from My So-Called Chaos!

{About Your Blog!}

What Was The Inspiration Behind Your Blog?

I have wanted to be a writer since I was 7 years old, so when I was in my teenage years I started blogging on Deadjournal, and then Myspace, and finally ended up here at My So-Called Chaos on Blogger in 2008.  I felt like it was a great way to put my thoughts out there, practice my writing and connect with people.

I keep blogging because of the connections I've made.  They are amazing.

What Is Your Favourite Part of the Blogging Experience so Far?
I'd have to say my favorite part of the blogging experience is the sense of community bloggers have. It's different from other Social Media because instead of just putting words out there and hoping people "like" it, you really get honest feedback and a sense of support. We really seem to band together.


What Impact Does Blogging Have on Your Life?
I blog often, and I'm always thinking about what to blog next. I want to take this blog wonderful places, so it has a great impact on me. I've also met great bloggy friends, and some in real life!

{About You!}

What Are Some of Your Favourite Hobbies?

Creating Art, Crafting/Crochet/Jewelry Making, Reading, Writing, Camping, Hiking, Traveling, Road-Tripping, Volunteering with Rescue Animals, Website Management, Blog/Graphic Design, Party Hosting, etc.

What is Your Favourite Season? Why?

I love the Spring, and the Fall... Probably Fall more because of the smell changes and Halloween. Halloween is my favorite.


What Are Your Current Obsessions?
The Color Teal, Blog Sponsoring (hehe), Rescue Animals, Fighting BSL (Breed specific legislation), Buying art prints, Organization/De-cluttering my life, House-Shopping, and CHANGE!




Doesn't she sound great? Go have a look at her blog, and check out her cute shop! She has blog designs and some gorgeous jewellery, my favourite piece is this... Cute huh?
xx

p.s If you want to Sponsor me, I would love to have you!! 

Check out my Sponsor page... (its super cheap!)