blogroll special #7: hallo valerie

Beware readers, the Blogroll Special series is about to reach a level of dreaminess never before attained in this corner of the web. If you don't know Hallo Valerie, let me put this clear, you've been missing out. If you do, you surely agree with me. Its author, Valerie Enriquez, produces the most beautiful atmospheric photography and takes you on the most delightful adventures: a romantic week-end in Las Vegas, a picnic on a beach, a cruise through the fjords... yes, yes and yes! 

She also runs an Etsy shop, Oh La La Paper, where she sells stationary, paper straws and holiday-themed decorations among other lovely things. Go check it out!

1. What does blogging mean to you? In a world of instagram, twitter, facebook, etc what makes you still hit the button publish today? 

I've always considered blogging to be an expressive tool and as an artist-by-day, that's the best thing that you can continually explore. It's main purpose for me is to cement my thoughts, inspirations, and personal experiences, so that I may never forget their importance to me at that time.

2. What's the story behind your blog? How did you come to blog?

I've been blogging for nearly 8 years, starting on Livejournal. My intentions have always been the same; to convey my own perspective on life, and catalog my interests through the years. I started Hallo Valerie a year and a half ago, to focus on the positive things in life. I think it's important to have an outlet for that purpose!

3. Where do you live and do you feel your city influences your blog? If so, In what way?

I live in a suburb of Los Angeles and it has certainly influenced me, since I've lived here my entire life. The city, but more so California, inevitably pops up on the blog because there's so much to do and see here. Even though I am a native, I always consider myself to be a "citizen of the world" because I don't get caught up in Los Angeles clichés, and prefer to plan trips elsewhere like Scandinavia!

4. What is your favourite book/film?

My favorite book is Narcissus and Goldmund by Hermann Hesse. It's resonated with me since I was fifteen, when I couldn't believe how words could be so beautifully compiled together. I'd say that Ingmar Bergman's films are collectively my "favorite film", especially Wild Strawberries, because they have all of the elements that I desire from the cinema.

5. What are your favourite things to do on a sunday afternoon?

At the moment I'm heavily enveloped in design projects for my school, and also creating items for my Etsy shop. Sunday is the busiest because I have to finish everything from the week before, and plan for the next one. Somehow, I enjoy it thoroughly! If all goes well, I'll end up with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate by the end of the night, and consider it a success!

I hope that you all enjoyed this little interview as much as I did! Thank you Valerie! 
All the pictures belong to Hallo Valerie (collages by me).

Want more blogger interviews? Here are the previous ones featured in this series: Lola is Beauty, Thrills & Frills, Keitii-Chan, Human Sea, Simple Village Girl and La Mignonette.