Part of having a blogging birthday is that I get to introduce you to great bloggers that I admire. Today I get to do more than introduce you to Kat Sharman of
Kat Got The Cream, in fact you get to read the questions that I asked her for one of the grittiest hard hitting and political interviews since Frost and Nixon. Okay I may be lying – a little, either way you get to meet a great blogger and learn a little more about her.
Let’s get the inevitable out of the way, why did you first start blogging?
I started my blog in 2010 and was completely clueless to be honest! I’d recently stopped working full-time as a journalist to be more of a stay-at-home-mum (I have 3 young children) but continued to work as a freelance writer. My friend told me I should start a blog, although I knew very little about the blogging world at the time and I just jumped in, feet first. I guess the journalist in me still craved a readership and I fell in love with the freedom of self-publishing that blogging gives.
After living in London for over a decade what are the three things you miss most now you are back in Yorkshire?
I have to say I love Yorkshire; it’s my home, it’s where I grew up, it’s beautiful and my family are close by. But yes, there are a few things I miss about London, namely the good friends I made down there, the really great exhibitions at places like the V&A and the ability to go to wonderful shops like Liberty and Anthropologie. They’re all just a train ride away though. And there’s no place like home. *clicks ruby slippers together*
What is your favourite book and why?
Ooh just one – how can I decide? Well, the one book that I buy and buy again whenever I see it in a charity shop (so I can gift it to friends who haven’t read it yet) is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which deals with the German occupation of this neighbouring island during WW2. I ove most historical novels but this one is so funny and sad, light-hearted and moving all at the same time. It’s also a love story but it’s never sentimental. It’s written in the form of letters, which I think works so well as you really ‘hear’ the different voices of each character when they write and they really are the most wonderful characters. Read it – it will stay with you for a long time!
What is the best piece of life advice you have received?
“Try not to worry because it’s like praying for the thing you wish for least.” I am a bit of a worrywart at times and it really is the most stupid waste of energy so I try to remember to think positively. Luckily my husband is a wonderful ‘glass half full’ kind of soul and he always bucks me up.
What are you hoping for most in your Christmas stocking this year?
We are going to New Zealand for Christmas this year (my first time) to visit my husband’s parents so I’m going with an open mind to see what a hot, sunny Christmas will be like. Hopefully I’ll find a few babysitting / lie-in vouchers in my stocking!
What is your favourite place to shop for vintage?
There’s a great place called Mad Elizabeth in the Leeds Corn Exchange and they also sell online through ASOS. It’s such a cool little shop, run by the loveliest, friendliest girls and it’s full of great quality, affordable, wearable vintage.I would also add that I love the thrill of finding something vintage in a charity shop: double points!!
Okay time for a quick fire round
• Ritz or Betty’s Tea Rooms – It has to be Betty’s – I’m from Harrogate!!
• Shoes or Boots – What about shoeboots?
• Boden or Jigsaw – Boden every time – I’m a bit obsessed with the whole company.
• Folksy or Etsy – I like the fact that Folksy supports UK makers.
• Chocolate or Cheese – I am fuelled by cheese on toast most of the time.
• Red or White – Wine Red, simply because it doesn’t need chilling.
• Spring or Autumn – Autumn – better clothes and my birthday is in October.
• Knitting or Crochet – I’m in the knitting camp (my mum is awesome).
• Letters or Email – I do love proper post but I’m also quite impatient, so email too?
• London or Harrogate – Harrogate – not only is it a fab place to live but I like the fact that my kids are growing up close to their extended family.
What is next for Kat Got The Cream? What are your hopes/dreams for the future?
I’ve never set yard sticks by which I measure its success. That said, last week I enjoyed one of those ‘pinch me’ moments as I was invited by Boden to style up a winter wardrobe staple from the collection and the piece was featured in Stylist magazine. Three and half years ago I could never have imagined that I’d get to collaborate with two of my favourite names in fashion. So, who knows? In a year’s time my blog will be wherever I am personally and I hope that people will still be along for the ride.
Thank you letting us meet you do call again xo
