Hi, everyone! Kris from Junk Chic Cottage and I wanted to do a regular feature on our blogs, something unique that hasn't been done before. So we came up with an idea to 'spotlight the real life behind the blogger' in a more personal way.
There is so much talent and inspiration in blogland, and we thought it would be fun to bring you a closer look at the person behind the blog.
Every week on Saturday we will spotlight a blogger and have them tell us a little bit about themselves and their blogs. You will be able to see and read about each of the bloggers on both Kris's and my blog.
Today my guest is Alaina from Arbor House Lane. I adore Alaina's beautiful home and her stunning garden! Please sit back and enjoy getting to know her better.
Hi, welcome to Arbor House Lane, I'm Alaina and I am so excited to be invited by Susan from Must Love Junk for "Saturday Spotlight: Life Behind the Blogger."
I live in Pendleton, a small suburb outside of Buffalo, New York.
I am married to my wonderful husband Chris and we have 3 great kids.
Western New York is a great place to live.
We live within 20 minutes of the city of Buffalo, lake Erie, the city of Niagara Falls and lake Ontario. During the summer you can find many activities to keep you entertained, from field days, amusement parks, drive-ins, zoo, museums, garden walks, concerts, and shows.
I named my blog Arbor House Lane because of all the arbors our gardens.
I originally started blogging in 2010 to promote an upcomming business.
However, that did not happen, instead I went back to working in the banking industry.
I continued blogging because I was inspired by so many bloggers.
I found so many women whom enjoyed decorating like I do.
I found friends.
I also try to inspire others.
My husband and kids.
Our oldest son will be 12 on the 4th of July.
My daughter turned 10 on April fools day.
The little guy, he will be 8 near Veteran's Day, when he was supposed to be born. We planned to have him on a holiday too, but he decided to come early.
We have been together for 20 years and married for 16, on Valentine's Day.
We first started building our home in 1997.
My husband and I were only just engaged when we started building our home together, while planning our wedding.
We were involved in every step of the building.
Our home is built with love.
It all started with a empty field.
During the process of building our home 1997.
Our home finished in 2007, or so we thought.
In 2008 we added on a 4 car garage with a new master bedroom above.
Our home as it is today.
We have come a long way.
I have tried to make our home a reflection of my creativeness.
I have learned to slipcover, paint and I have found my fondness for white.
I would like to think that my home is an eclectic mix of farmhouse country.
I love my home and I enjoy decorating it for all the seasons.
Living in Western New York gives an opportunity to experiences all four seasons.
Spring and Summer are my favorite weather.
Christmas and Halloween are my favorite time to decorate.
I love to be outside gardening when I am not painting something for my home.
I learned how to sew when I was young,
but it was not until a couple of years ago that I tried to sew slipcovers.
Now I just love sewing pillows and making slipcovers.
Here are a few of my recent ones.
I also love to paint furniture and my home creatively.
I try to be creative, here are some of my creations.
Something most of my readers do not know about me.
I am over 80% deaf in both of my ears and I wear hearing aides.
Long story short, in my early 20's I had tumors in both of my ears that had to be removed several times.
Do not feel sorry for me, I didn't.
During my recovery, while I could not work,
I went back to college and earned dual business degrees.
Even after college I had a couple more surgeries.
I did not let that stop me from;
going back to work
meeting and marrying the man of my dreams
having 3 children
and
owning my own business.
I have found, if you really want something,
you will let nothing stand in your way of getting it.
I am not saying it may not be hard, or there may not be delays.
Keep working at it.
Don't give up on your dreams.
And now in my 40's I am going back to college to get my accounting degree.
Thank you so much Susan for inviting me to participate in Saturday Spotlight and letting me share a little about myself.
Thank you for everyone who stopped by to visit.
Alaina
I hope everyone had a Happy 4th of July!
Alaina, thanks so much for sharing! I have to say that I really learned a lot about you!
Please visit Arbor House Lane then head over to Kris's blog to read about Bonnie from White Lace and Promises.
Have a wonderful day! :)