Workout + Cute = possible? by Anarinya Crystal

Here we are on Christmas eve, one of the most enchanting days of the year for many. This can be said for those that are young and those that are older as well. As part of the holiday season, I took part in the Blogger and Vlogger Network Secret Santa Swap. Basically it is a challenge to promote another blogger while being promoted by someone else. I submitted my blog/name in to the mix and agreed to take a name/blog as well. In this ‘Swap’, I received the name of Anarinya Crystal – a new to me blogger which made this especially cool as it is an opportunity to learn about someone new!

Old Painting of Yorkshire Farm Life by Anarinya Crystal

Don’t you love her name…? Anarinya sounds so pretty when I say it and heck I’m probably not even pronouncing it correctly. In her profile, Ana tells us that Anarinya means “my sun” in Quenya, a language of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. I love that! And it is a coincidence that my name is Sun(shine)!

Templemore Backyard by Anarinya Crystal

Using a play on her avatar name, Anarinya’s blog is called “Ana’s Crystals“. Ana took some time off from blogging for several months but jumped back in sometimes in early November. When she started back, she indicated that her goal was to blog what she enjoys/loves… and it appears she really has jumped back in with both feet! Ana posts a blog with a gorgeous pic nearly every day! I also am a “blog what I love” kind of blogger so I totally understand that approach – less stress, more enjoyable. Anarinya also works with her best friend – Sassy Nitely – as a brand manager for Sassy’s brand – Chic Moda.

The Chic Moda main store

In preparing for this blog, I did contact Ana to ask if I could feature her pics on this post. Thankfully she agreed so I can show you how great her pics are! I chose from her most popular on her Flickr stream but then I chose a couple of others that I just like because of their boldness!

You Should Do More by Anarinya Crystal

So back to Christmas Eve…yes we are back to this because when I asked Ana what her most favorite Christmas memory is, she shared this one with me:
“On the 24th, when my parents started to decorate the living room, I was sent to my bedroom. and every year I was laying on the floor, peeking under the door to take a peek at Santa’s black boots. Which, of course, I never got to see. Explanation was always “aww and again he came through the back door, hunny” or “oh that was when you were in the bathroom.” While Ana said there were so many other fun and happy memories, this was what came to her mind first. I love this memory because it tells me that she was a happy little girl who believed in the magic of Santa and she so believed that she would try and try to see his boots every year… just his boots! She was persistent and even though she was let down because she missed his appearance, she would be right there again the following year. This also tells me that Ana has great determination and dedication.

I believe Ana shows this in her blogging as well – she is determined and dedicated to show us the awesome things she finds in her journey through Second Life. I hope you will take a look and follow her on Flickr, on Facebook and/or follow her blog! And be sure to check out Chic Moda while you are at it and if you see Ana around, say hi!

Virtual Nights by Anarinya Crystal

Ana… thank you for letting me take a little peek into your blogging life and also for sharing such a sweet and fun memory. I send you the best Christmas wishes and I hope that you finally see Santa’s black boots this year! ❤

Credits:
All pics taken and posted originally by Anarinya Crystal with the exception of the pic of Chic Moda (snapped by me).