Blog: Just Bella

Blogger: Christine Shankowsky

Location: Edmonton

What is your blog all about? My blog actually started off more as a travel blog -- first, my honeymoon to Italy and then a family vacation to Europe. Once the trips were over I realized, "Hey, I liked this bloggin' thing!"  I liked having a little piece of the internet to call my own.  So I continued writing about the things I love - life, home, food, design, travel, and -- watch out! -- sometimes I even get crafty on you! What do you do for a living? I work for a motion graphics design/fx company as a project manager, designer, animator.

If you weren’t working in the profession you are, what would you be doing? As much as I love my job, if I could get paid to surf the internet, shop, and blog pretty photos, then sign me up!

[caption id="attachment_6070" align="aligncenter" width="460" caption="Pretty perfect -- the vanity in Christine's bedroom."] [/caption]

If money were no object, what one item would you buy for your home? Fresh flowers for life!  I'm a big believer in the little things that make you happy, and fresh flowers in my home are just one of those things that always make me smile.

Describe your home in 6 words or less. Home sweet home. What song, movie or soundtrack sums up your life? Although the storyline doesn't reflect my life, Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette soundtrack is one of my favourites.  I love the contrast of old world meets modern. [caption id="attachment_6071" align="aligncenter" width="460" caption="Christine's yummy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies"] [/caption] Favourite post you’ve done? My husband and I celebrated one year in our new house in October and I posted about the guestbook my parents gave us.  I just love flipping through the pages and reading all the notes from our friends and family.  After I posted, I was so happy to hear I inspired others to start a book of their own (though my parents deserve all the credit!). Where do you shop for items for your home? I find things all over and sometimes too often!  HomeSense, Urban Barn, PC Home, IKEA, antique/thrift shops and our parents' houses.  Yep, we have quite a few pre-loved hand-me-downs that we have repurposed to work for us. What has been your fave find under $50? I love finding random goodies at thrift shops or antique shops.  My favourite has got to be my $5 lipstick holder I found at the antique mall -- they just don't make adorable stuff like that anymore! [caption id="attachment_6074" align="aligncenter" width="460" caption="Christine's guestbook for her home"] [/caption] P.S. Interested in having your blog featured? E-mail us at blog@styleathome.com