SOLO FEATURE: APPLE BLUE

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Amanda and I've been a blogger for a few years now. I'm 31 years old and live in Denver, CO. I'm going to go ahead and say this is the most beautiful place I've ever lived. Each morning, on the drive to work, I have the city skyline to my left and the mountains to my right. I'm currently working on opening my first retail store! It's been quite an adventure so far and I love sharing every step of the process with my readers. I also blog DIY projects, business and blogging tips, artist and designer features, reviews, and pretty much anything else that makes me happy. I'm obsessed with puppies, vintage, home decorating, ethnic food, and documentaries.

2. What made you decide to start your blog and business?
I originally started my blog as a way to record my journey into discovering my creative side. Over the years, that developed into two different Etsy shops, an amazing outlet for writing (I was an English Major in college...) craft fairs, and working really hard to become a better blogger. I have learned so much and loved every minute. I never expected this blog to become what it is today, but I'm overwhelmingly blessed that it has. I blog around 5 days a week and also work as a freelance blog designer and small business consultant.

3. What are your favorite things to blog about? Favorite posts?
One of my top rules for blogging is "Only blog it if you really, really love it." Here are some of the posts that I've enjoyed sharing the most! My 52 Weeks With Dorothy series, things I think are amazing like the projects in this Paper Crafts post, and sharing the honest and real side of my life, like I did in this post about The Best Advice I Never Took.

4. Favorite past-time?
My favorite past time is at the moment is Sudoku. I'm a bit obsessed actually. I really feel like it helps me get my mind going in the morning while I drink my tea. And for someone as insanely competitive as I am, it is definitely a great challenge.

5. What's on your current wish-list?
Here are three things on the top of my wish list right now: Comfy things like The Henry Sofa from West Elm, slightly geeky things like this folding tripod, and just plain pretty things like these pillows from Harvest Textiles.

6. Favorite blog reads?
I would read a hundred blogs a day if I could, but there are a few that I never miss: Under the Sycamore for her amazing DIY's, photography, and international adoption story. The Harvest Textiles blog because it's always so fascinating and inspiring. I also love  Oh Ladycakes because her recipes and food photography are genius.

7. If you had three wishes what would they be?
If I had three wishes, they would be for all my family and friends to live in the same city, a winning lottery ticket so I could open my store tomorrow, and of course... my third wish would be for unlimited wishes.

8. What's your favorite meal?
My favorite meal would be a plate of the world's best sushi.

9. What inspires you the most?
I have always been most inspired by films and documentaries. There are so many talented and creative directors out there and it always pushes me to create something.

Find Amanda Here:  Blog  |  Twitter

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Giveaway time! (GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED)
Amanda is offering one winner the chance to receive a custom blog header and navigation bar designed by her!! One winner will be selected at random and announced within the week!

Here's all you have to do:
Main Entry: Leave a link to the blog you'd like to give a facelift to! Please leave your email address so you can be contacted if you win!

Bonus Entries: (please leave one comment per bonus entry)
1. Follow Amanda's blog, Apple Blue!
2. Follow Amanda on Twitter!
3. Tweet about it! You can even use this: Meet @applebluetweets on @maiedae and enter for your chance to win a blog header and navigation design! 

Thank you, Amanda, for an awesome interview! And best of luck to those of you entering the giveaway!