Cityline Featured Blogger: Sabrina from Pink Little Notebook

Laura's blog is her space for foodie experimentation, with a particular emphasis on cooking with seasonal ingredients and for special diets.

There are so many fabulous bloggers out there, and we want to highlight them on Cityline.ca. We’ll be profiling different lifestyle bloggers from month to month — they might write about food, fashion, beauty, décor, parenting, entertaining, gardening, you get the idea! For June 2015, we’re putting the spotlight on home décor and DIY blog Pink Little Notebook. Run by Sabrina, her blog is a chronicle of her creative DIYs and her amazing before & after room makeover reveals. Here’s our Q&A with Sabrina:

Sabrina_PLNcitylineWhen did you start Pink Little Notebook and what was the inspiration behind starting the blog? How did you come up with your blog’s name?

It all started back in 2012. My husband and I just moved into our second home together. We were amateur DIYers who shared a common love for transforming dated spaces. Through trial and error, we quickly learned new skills and cost effective ways to spiff up our surroundings. We were hooked into the home improvement lifestyle.

I began Pink Little Notebook in February 2013 as a way to flex my creative muscles even further. I started to document every project that took place, every new craft that I tried or just posted things that inspired me.

As for my blog name, I’ve always kept a pink notebook on my desk. I would record just about everything in there from personal events to renovation notes to reminders. Although, I used my notebooks as a way to organize myself, I also used them to reflect back from time-to-time. With that being said, my blog really is the extended detailed version of my handwritten notes!

Your before & after posts blow us away – we can’t believe how you completely transform your rooms! Where do you get your inspiration from when designing a room makeover?

For me, inspiration comes from just about anything. It could be a piece of second-hand furniture that I found at the store, a random piece of art, or just an image I found from Pinterest or Houzz that triggers an initial thought.

Tell us about a few posts that you’re particularly proud of and want to share with Cityline.ca readers.

It’s so hard to choose a couple of posts. I love each before and after room makeover we’ve accomplished to date and the knowledge we’ve gained from every space. However, if I had to pick the two posts I’m particularly proud of, it would be my first makeover on Pink Little Notebook — my home office, and a recent makeover in our current house — the front foyer.

LivingDiningReveal2_PLN

We know it can be hard to keep a design project under budget, especially when it’s a major room makeover! What advice do you have for other DIYers who want to create an amazing new look for less?

Number one: If you’re able and willing to DIY, you’re already cutting the price down by half (if not more!). Pat yourself on the back!

Number two: Imagination is as valuable as having a big budget! You don’t need to gut a room or have unlimited funds to do home improvements — work with what you have and only add what you need.

Number three: Thrift store or prefab pieces are an excellent way to decorate a room on a budget. Not only is it pocket-friendly, but you can really customize the pieces to make it your own.

homeoffice2What do you hope readers get from visiting your blog?

Inspiration! It’s honestly terrifying to put your home on display (the good, the bad, and the ugly) but I think one of the greatest feelings in the world is knowing you inspired at least one other person to have the confidence to tackle a project in their own home.

What are some other blogs you love reading?

Jenna Sue, Centsational Girl, Christine Dovey, In the Fun Lane and Chris Loves Julia.

What’s your top advice for other bloggers?

Just focus on what you love. Be passionate. Be your best authentic self. There is no winning formula to blogging. It’s all about your perspective, your style and your online persona. It’s your space so just be you!

We want to hear from you! Do you know a blogger we should feature on Cityline.ca? Maybe it’s you! Email us at submissions@cityline.ca and include “Cityline Featured Blogger” in the subject line. And don’t forget to include a link to the blog! Look forward to hearing from you!