I took a big chance and rebranded my blog (used to be The Cocooners) and finally migrated to WordPress from the free Blogger platform.  Wow, has this been interesting.  It just took a lot of work.  I did it all myself too!   Since this is almost like an introduction, I thought my first official post as Keeping it Mille should be completely informative and help you get to know me a bit better.  So I’m answering lots of questions (mostly from my old blog).

Get to Know Me ~ Questions & Answers:

Where does the name “Keeping it Mille” come from?                                Well, my husband came up with it.  Mille is one of my many nicknames and it’s a play on the saying, “Keeping it Real”.  I’m a really honest person and my husband thinks it is sometimes to a fault but it is definitely a character trait I am good with.  So, what is a blogger if not someone who is supposed to be honest, authentic and relateable.  That’s my intention here and you should know that up front.  We keeps it real at Keeping it MIlle!

What makes you different than other bloggers?
I think my authenticity differentiates me.  See above!!  I seriously try to keep it 100 and as real as possible.  Sometimes, I think it can be hard for a lot of women to relate to me due to my ethnicity, sense of humor, honesty and self-confidence.  I feel there is a place and an audience for everyone on the Interwebs.  However, if you want someone who is perfect, takes perfect light and airy photos, blogs consistently, is a size 4 and has botox (haven’t done it… yet), white teeth and impeccably dressed children, this is not the space for you!

Who takes your pictures?
Sometimes my husband, sometimes me (with the use of the tripod and the timer).  If someone else takes my picture, I’ll always mention it.

What camera do you use?
I use a Canon EOS Rebel T3i.  In high school, I took photojournalism and in college I took a photography course but I still don’t know what I’m doing.  I appreciate photographers to no end!  My favorite lens is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II.  I also use my phone – currently a Samsung Galaxy S8.

What is your current size and how tall are you?
See above about honesty – this question doesn’t bother me at all.  🙂  Right now I’m a size 12 in most brands and am working hard to get to an 8 – basically to lose about 20 to 25 pounds.  I’ve lost about 20 in the past year and am very proud of myself.  It’s been mostly diet (low carb, less crap) but I love yoga and squats.  I’m 5’7″ and I wish I was taller!

Why did you start the blog?
I started blogging around 2005.  My first blog was named “Fountain of Fashion”.  I should have kept it going but I just didn’t have the foresight to know what blogging could be and what I could do with it.  I had another blog titled “CC Style”.  Should have kept that one too…  Then in 2007 and 2008, I blogged about my wedding at My Dallas/Vegas Wedding.  That led me to start The Cocooners since I wanted to chronicle married life with a man whose favorite pastime is staying at home, lol!  It started as a way for me to keep family and friends updated.  Facebook took over that part and the blog morphed into more lifestyle content.  And now, I rebranded as Keeping it Mille and I’m so excited for this next blogging journey!

What’s the story with your hair?  It looks different in a lot of pictures.
I’m bi-racial and my hair is a complete reflection of that.  It is mixed up, ha!  The texture is very fine but I have a lot of curly hair so it tangles very easily.  I definitely have a love/hate relationship with it.  Hair products are a very important part of my life.  Honestly, I mostly wear it straight these days but I wish I could stick with my natural curls more often.  I’m just too lazy.  When I worked outside of the home and had no time, a bun won the day!

Why do you share your style and outfits?  What’s the point of putting it on the Internet?
I’ve always had friends and family tell me I have great taste and great fashion sense.  Assuming they were not lying, I thought sharing  clothing  items and products I like and use could be beneficial to someone  else.  If someone on the street complements me on my shoes, I say thank you and tell them where I got them and if I got a great deal.  That’s how I roll IRL so why not on the Interwebs?