I am so excited to feature
Victoria of vmac + cheese on my blog today. We have recently gotten to know each other through our blogs and I have to say -- I just love her. Today's feature is extra special because Victoria featured me on
her blog today, too! So once you have finished reading all about Victoria on my blog, stop by to read my Behind the Scenes feature on vmac + cheese!
name & age: Victoria, 27
hometown: I grew up in Austin, TX and lived there for 18 years before moving to Los Angeles for school. I loved California so much, I decided to stick around. That's why my
current home is San Francisco.
meaning behind my blog name: Not well known fact: after I finished undergrad, I decided to go to culinary school. I started my blog after I graduated as a way to share recipes and food related essays and stories. My blog name is a combination of a nickname given to me in high school (vmac) and one of my fave comfort foods, mac and cheese. Probably not the smartest blog name since I eventually branched out and decided to talk about lots of other things that interest me beyond food, but meh, I'm keeping it!
current job: I work as an assistant to one of the deans at a local university, specifically in academic affairs.
dream job: Oh my, SO many things I think would be endlessly challenging, fascinating and fun! Ideas that have been written down at one point or another: wine shop owner, stationer, magazine editor, event stylist, full time blogger.
if i could travel anywhere...: I'm dying to go to the Amalfi Coast and the south of France. I'd also love to do a trip through the English countryside. And I'd never say no to more time in Paris.
something unique about me: I'm adopted! Hence, the Irish last name and the distinctly NOT Irish features.
i like to: blog (obvi), write, take photos, cook, read, and be lazy with the boy
i watch: TV:
Mad Men, 30 Rock, Community, Dexter, How I Met Your Mother. And the obvious trashy reality shows. As of two weekends ago, I also got into
Friday Night Lights. Movies? I'm always behind. Though I do watch
Pride & Prejudice every year on my birthday.
listening to: I'm a total Top 40 kind of girl, but my all time favorite bands include Third Eye Blind, Dave Matthews Band, Gotan Project and pretty much any album
Putumayo puts out. I'm a sucker for fun global music.
crushing on: Is it cheesy to say my gentleman friend? We've been dating 9 years next month, and I still think I have a crush on him. Lame? Okay... I'd scream like a little girl if put in a room with Jon Hamm or Jake Gyllenhaal.
5 things that inspire me: Women who go for it, people who are both extremely bright and extremely stylish, art work, bloggers and traveling.
favorite nail polish: I'm that weird, unkempt girl who doesn't really do manis or pedis too often. However, I'm dying to try
Scotch Naturals. Great package design and formaldehyde free, what what.
favorite perfume:
Chanel Gardenia and
Strange Invisible Perfumes Prima Ballerina.
San Fran, Austin & LA? What are your favorite things about each city? SF -- the weather (I overheat easily and it's rarely hot here), the diversity, and the food. So easy to get a good meal in this city. Austin -- the fact that it reminds me of my childhood. But if I'm honest, I don't really miss living in Texas. LA -- It was 4 years filled with good times and great friends. Even with the traffic, the pollution, and the weird culture, LA will always have a place in my heart!
If you had to relocate to another city, where would you go? New York or London.
Best mac and cheese you've ever had: I think my own is pretty good, because I can customize it to whatever I'm feeling that day! In college, one of my favorite mac and cheeses was the version with ham and broccoli (so old school) at
Luna Park on La Brea. I also love the mac at
Bouchon in Yountville, CA. That one's a classic.
Have any fun nicknames or special talents you want to share with us? The obvious Vmac. Other than that, everyone calls me Victoria. I can't stand the nickname Vicky. Special talents? Hmm. I grew up a semi-serious dancer, and though I stopped a long time ago, I can still tap dance pretty well!
You can buy 3 pieces at J.Crew. What would you choose? J.Crew does many things well, but I find I love them best for the classics. So, I'd pick a blazer in
a timeless pattern like tweed or herringbone (though this
tipped version makes my heart beat fast), a great coat like
this trench or
this gorgeous blue number, and a simple everyday bag (I love
this satchel!). [Pause] Okay, I can't lie: I'd also beg to make
this bracelet my fourth item. Or maybe
these shoes. Or
this blouse. Aaaaand now you know why I have to avoid the Crew whenever possible. It's always a slippery slope! Thanks for having me today, Danielle! This was an absolute blast to put together.
Thank you for taking the time to answer all these Qs, V! And thank you for featuring me on
your blog!