June’s blogger of the month is Colleen from the lifestyle blog Co-Curated!  She writes about skincare and food and everything in between.  Read a little bit further to learn all about Colleen and her blog, and make sure to follow her on Facebook & Instagram!

---

1.  How long have you been blogging?

I started blogging about ten years ago and have been doing so on and off since then for my personal blogs and as a freelancer for some other cool websites!

2.  What made you want to start blogging?

I was feeling stifled and in a major creative rut, and I knew I needed an outlet and I have always loved writing, so it seemed like a perfect fit.

3.  What’s your favorite thing about being a blogger?

Blogging doesn’t have to have strings attached to it, I can blog whenever I want and about whatever I’m want. Especially by focusing on lifestyle instead of one particular subject, I have the freedom to write about every facet of my life so I don’t have to worry constantly about having enough content, it’s just whatever I’m feeling at that time.

4.  How did you decide on your blog name?

Well, my background is in art history, museum management, and curation, plus my name is Colleen (pronounced Co – leen) so, it seemed fitting to use co-curated as a nod to my art background and the fact that I’m curating my blog based on myself and what I love.

5.  What do you love most about living in Buffalo?

I just moved here in November and I am still learning so much about the city but I have to say so far that I just love the amount of things there are to do here! I love that I can walk around Elmwood Village or Allentown and visit local shops, eat delicious local food, or have a cocktail. Shopping local is really important here in Buffalo and that is so awesome!

6.  What are your favorite local restaurants?

Okay. don’t @ me if you don’t agree but I love Gabriel’s Gate for wings. Sorry if you’re an Anchor Bar or Duff’s loyalist, but, I love the Gate.

My fiance and I recently discovered Sato Brewpub and it’s amazing. They have Japanese izakaya & yakitori and house brewed beer. They recently had a miso cream ale that was so good. Go here if you want to try new things and eat/drink your weight in deliciousness.

7.  What are your favorite seasonal activities?

My favorite activity for any season is visiting the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. You guys do know what a gem you have right? The first time I walked in I was absolutely floored at the collection. I honestly never thought I would see Arshile Gorky’s The Liver is the Cock’s Comb (1944)  in person, a painting I studied for long hours in school, and it was there, right in front of me. If you haven’t gone to explore, please do.

I also love just walking around the city, especially Delaware Park. I seriously don’t think I have ever been in a place that is so GREEN. As soon as Spring hit it was like a totally different city, everything is so lush and beautiful here!

8.  What is your favorite neighborhood in the city?

At this point I love Elmwood Village but I’m starting to branch out a little more and explore new neighborhoods. So, if anyone has recommendations.. Send them my way!

9.  What are are a few of your favorite Instagram accounts that you follow?

My top 3 favorite Instagram accounts are:

Brittany Xavier (@brittanyxavier) – fashion & lifestyle inspiration

The New Darlings (@newdarlings) – home design & lifestyle inspiration

Sazan Hendricks (@sazan) – beauty, family & lifestyle inspiration

10. What advice would you give to people who would like to start a blog?

Do it. Figure out what you want to say, and say it. Blog when you want, don’t worry about getting something up every week. I’ve found that as long as you’re consistent with your social media (I’m an Instagram girl for sure) you will gain followers and readers. You have power in your voice so use it!