I am beyond excited...!!
I’ve been following the updates
of the lovely actress and journalist Lauren Harper on all forms of social media
(Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – yes I went all out!) for the last
I don’t know how many months as she prepared the launch of her new blog TheParty For One. After she started following me on Twitter (thank you!), we became acquainted and I sent
her a friendly email. After a rapid response from my new friend over the pond,
Californian based Lauren agreed to do an insightful interview into her L.A. life and blog for me and my lovely
readers.
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| The beautiful Lauren Harper Photo credit: ze-photo.com |
So Lauren, I’m so excited to finally be able to read The Party For One, what decided to make you start your own blog, and what should we expect from our new favourite read?
First, thank you SO much for the kind words, it means a lot and I am beyond thrilled you’re excited…because I’m excited too! The Party For One was created when I finally connected all the dots. I need more than one creative outlet aside from acting. I love to write, photograph, research, explore, learn and express myself in any and all ways possible. I think it’s vital to establish yourself, develop a voice and build a distinct environment to showcase your individuality. I combined these factors and thepartyforone.com was born. Expect the unexpected – I’m already a few posts in since I launched July 22nd and only 50% has gone as I had originally planned… the rest I had to improvise or adapt in order to finalize a post or collaboration. However, the Capricorn in me wants to make it clear that readers can expect positivity and a platform that illuminates the world of living life to the fullest.
What inspired the name The Party For One? (have you been having loads of parties for one? ;))
Haha! Oh yes, of course…one must always have time for a celebration! Honestly – and I laugh as I type this – The Party For One originated during an impulsive thought process. I was discussing being single combined with making restaurant reservations one evening. Because I’m single, if I were to make a solo reservation – when asked by the host, “A party of one Miss?” I would say, “No, a party FOR one.” … because it’s MY party! I figured, it’s my blog…so it’s my party. Single or not. You’re invited of course!
How often are you planning keeping us updated via TPFO?
I believe in quality over quantity, so as often as I can without compromising the post! It’s easy to simply post a recipe and press publish and that works very well for many bloggers and I commend them and respect it – however, I feel the need to connect on a deeper, more personal level with my readers. I recently posted a Cha Soba with Sesame Sauce recipe but intertwined it with my experience in Asia back in 2006 and so forth. I owe it to my readers and myself to divulge memories, thoughts and …well, love and responsibility to publish original work that benefits everyone. I suppose it’s the journalist in me (graduated in 2009 with a B.A. in journalism from Penn State) that constantly wants to reveal, expose, initiate and start a conversation.
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| Photo credit: ze-photo.com |
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| Photo credit: ze-photo.com |
Haha! All those Instagram filters and iPhone apps assist in making a fun picture look epic and timeless. Let’s see…honestly, the coolest thing I’ve done is follow my dreams and move to Los Angeles. I wholeheartedly adore my friends and family but, although not a human, the coolest “person” I hang with is my Yorkie Sir Richard. He doesn’t judge or talk back…he just wants to play, eat and be happy and free.
You’re based in LA now, were you born there? And where do you call home?
I always say, “I’m an LA woman with East Coast blood.” I was born in Connecticut but call Los Angeles, California home…for now.
What do you love about living in Cali-for-ni-a?
Everything. The history of Hollywood. Palm trees. Glamorous sunshine and blue skies. The vibrant aesthetic of the locals. The food and especially fresh sushi. There’s something about CA that draws you in, puts you in a trance and never wants you to leave. Why would you want to? You can ski one day and surf the other. California and its culture is truly remarkable. Although I must say, I do miss the crisp chill of Autumn air and electric foliage in October. Regardless, California – Los Angeles – is a magical place.
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| Photo credit: ze-photo.com |
I think I could only answer that if I've travelled to all ends of the globe. I experience wanderlust often and would always be dreaming of other distant lands to explore and people to meet. I’d prefer to live in LA and hotel hop everywhere else and happily live out of my suitcase.
Have any interesting travelling stories?
I have so many! I plan to share all of these stories and adventures over time on my blog! I've been to Switzerland, India, France, Turks and Caicos, Bora Bora, St. John USVI, China…you’ll read them as I slowly uncover my travel archives and dust off my passport.
Think you’ll ever pay a visit to your friends across the pond?
Absolutely! I eagerly await the day I visit! Hopefully it will be sooner than later…I’d love for you to show me around, girl!
If you were shipwrecked on a desert island, without technology (no laptop to write your blog uh-oh) and you could only have three things, what would they be?
Easy. The three things that matter most! My dog, my mother and my sister.
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| Photo credit: ze-photo.com |
What’s your secret indulgence? And what’s you biggest passion?
Not so secret now… I love red wine, sweets, sushi, manicures and … I don’t want to say anymore…these are supposed to be secret! My biggest passion? Living life to the fullest in the most meaningful, successful, happy and fulfilling way possible.
What’s your personal style like? Fashion, music, film…
I’m very basic and simple. I enjoy revamping my style here and there but usually default to a black ensemble. I like to make statements with accessories, clutches or heels. Perhaps a smoky eye and elegant dress or dark jeans, white feminine tank top and studded leather boots. Essentially, I’ll amp up or turn down the volume of an outfit depending on the venue or event. I have no solid definition of personal style, so there’s room to play and experiment. As far as film…I LOVE horror movies. Gym mix and pop pleasures aside, I am a rock n’ roller at the end of the day. My favorite band is Stone Temple Pilots. I love rock, 90’s rock, hard rock, classic rock…I love it all.
Who’s you biggest blog inspiration?
One of the first blogs I was introduced to was SUPERWOWOMG.com. I recently interviewed her for my blog and she’s fascinating and continues to successfully blog as we speak. She represents the quintessential lifestyle blog. Mixing fashion, food, culture and her life …creating the perfect blog cocktail. I’m also inspired by you and whoever is reading this right now. I admire all bloggers because it’s a scary concept to create a world of your own, speak your mind and hit publish.
What’s been the most challenging part of your career?
I’m an actress. Prior to my blog launch, the “in-between” time was the most challenging part. I would become restless and uninspired when not on set or awaiting auditions. Now all voids are filled upon launching my blog now that I’m constantly writing, taking photographs, brainstorming for future posts and keeping the creative wheel spinning.
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| Photo credit: ze-photo.com |
Where do you get ideas for your posts?
Life, the world, people, products and personal experiences and interests. Each post has to reflect some aspect of personal involvement so I can be proud of it and call it my own.
What’s your summer tune for 2013? And where do you picture yourself when you hear it?
I’ve actually been listening to the Lana Del Rey station on Pandora recently and have fallen in love with Flight Facilities “Crave You” (Adventure Club Dubstep Remix) … I immediately think of running around a foreign city underneath sparkling neon lights, a warm breeze, going in and out of expensive bars, local dives and laughing without a schedule or care in the world.
And finally...What’s the one piece of advice that you’d give to start-up bloggers/writers like me?
Write what you want to read. Post photographs that you want to see. Your blog is your platform, your voice and your opportunity to spread, involve and captivate others with what you have to offer. Although a simple concept, it’s difficult to start. I had my initial doubts too… “Do people want to read this? Why would they care about that recipe? What if they think…” That’s where I dew the line. As cliché is it is, it’s true – you can’t operate your blog around what people may or may not think…majority of the time, they don’t know what to think! Trust in your story, know people anxiously await your posts and publish the hell out of whatever it is YOU find blog-worthy. It’s also vital to connect with your readers through comments and/or social media. Reply, discuss, support, follow, like, tweet, mention etc … it’s one big blogging party …so let’s have fun!
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| Photo credit: ze-photo.com |
Check out Lauren's new blog, The Party For One, launched 22nd July 2013 and follow all her exciting adventures!
www.thepartyforone.com
Thank you Lauren!
E x
XOXOXO
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