Saturday Spotlight: Paula from Ivy and Elephants

Hi, everyone!  Myself and (Kris) Junk Chic Cottage 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 our Spotlight is unique because Kris and I are featuring the same blog, Ivy and Elephants.  This  great blog is written by 2 sweet women,  Paula and Patti,  and Kris and I thought it would be fun to get to know both of them better.  Their blog is very interesting and informative, often highlighting their unusual collections, and they host a successful weekly linky party.

My guest today is Paula...please sit back, relax, and enjoy reading her 'story'!

Hello fellow bloggers, My name is Paula and I am one of the creative minds and souls of Ivy & Elephants. A few years back, my blog partner, Patti, had been following various blogs for quite some time. I had heard of blogging but simply was not interested in hearing about folks drama. I clearly was not educated on the diversity of blogs. Patti kept tell me about these "great blogs" she had discovered. She explained to me that there were people out in the world who loved antiques and vintage designs just as much, if not more so, as we did. This, of course, piqued my interest. So I sat down with her and she took me on a tour of blog after blog after blog. I could not close my mouth. I was simply amazed. She gave me a few blog URLs to take home to view. Over the next few weeks she would spoon feed me a few more blogs and I was absolutely hooked. I was introduced to world full of amazing people who unselfishly shared their passions and creativity. A new obsession was born.

After about six months of me being a blog voyeur we decided to partner up, design and develop a blog. It took six more months of researching, planning and designing. The first thing we did was create our mission and vision.

"We are Moms, dreamers, visionaries, and creators. Our love for all things vintage and Victorian is evident throughout our homes. We are passionate about our families, friends, food, and fabulous finds. We are Ivy & Elephants."

Memorial weekend of 2011, we launched Ivy and Elephants. Blogging came very natural and was very comfortable for me. I am a third generation educator, scientist, and have had the distinct pleasure of being a ranger for the National Park Service. So sharing my passion with people through story telling and history came very easy. 

The name of our blog actually came to me in a dream. Patti and I are sorority girls. Patti is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the beautiful ivy represents their organization.  I am a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. One of founders was fond of elephants and collected them. Needless to say, my home is filled with Indian and African Elephants.”

Victoria, B.C.

My husband is the love of my life. We met and fell in love in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He has been such an amazing supporter of our blog. He knows that on the days I have to post, he orders in dinner. I featured him in my Hooray for Bollywood post since he is my Bollywood prince. We discovered that we were unable to get pregnant, so my husband suggested that we adopt and so we did. I talk about my adoption journey on my Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice Too (A Mother's Day Story) post. 

My children are my whole world. Being a Mom is the best blessing I have ever received. The two of them love antiquing with us. The best part is antique dealers fall in love with them and give you discounts on items. It never fails. They both love antiquing and get a kick out of the history of items we chose. 

I have been around antiques my entire life. My great-grandmother was a Jewish socialite and collected amazing antiques as well as the latest fads of her day. She also loved  all the modern technology of the day. My mother and I have pretty much all of her and my grand-mother's furniture, jewelry, and tchotchkes. I featured her Philco television in my TV Land post.  

To me, antiques show the creativity and innovation of man (and woman of course). When I hold a piece in my hand, I think of the person who once owned it and feel that it is my responsibility to take care of it for the next generation to enjoy. 

So come on by Ivy & Elephants and share with us some things you like to collect and stories you like to tell.

xoxoxo

Paula

Thank you, Paula and Patti, for sharing with us!  Please stop over to their blog Ivy and Elephants, and also visit Kris's blog to read more about the other half of Ivy and Elephants, Patti.
Have a great day! :)