After the 40 Bar Finish + Gap/Old Navy Giveaway!

I know, I know, this blog should be called Ladies with Giveaways this week... but I don't think awesome giveaways to some of my favorite stores can be called a bad thing. To keep with this week's theme, I want to introduce you to the gorgeous Nina from the super cute style blog After the 40 Bar Finish. She is joining us on the blog with an interview and a giveaway to Gap/Old Navy (enter via Rafflecopter below). This giveaway will run through Sunday and the winner will be announced next week Monday. Nina is super sweet, insanely in-shape from Irish dancing (!) and has a great sense of style. Read all about her below and follow her fantastic blog:

When did you start blogging?

I started blogging in January of 2011.  Then it was just a fun creative outlet where I wrote about my life, teaching dancing and a little bit of fashion.  Since then my blog project has blossomed into a mostly fashion featuring creative outlet with a little bit of fitness and dancing.

What is your day job?

I work as a mortgage loan processor and I Co-Direct an Irish Dance School. 

What's your favorite thing about blogging?

I love sharing my ideas and expressing my style.  I also enjoy connecting with other bloggers and LOVE it when people ask for styling help! :)

Where do you hope to take your blog in the future?

I hope my blog becomes outrageously popular!  Sorry, not sorry!  Isn't that what everyone wants? I definitely hope for future brand partnerships and to help people find their own personal style by trying new things myself and a consult or two.

What are your must-have clothing staples?

Ohh where do I start? I have a lot of great classic pieces that help my wardrobe's foundation - A great fitting pair of dark skinnies, a classic black blazer, a chambray top (literally goes with everything!), nude flats or pumps, and white oxford.  

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Gap, Old Navy, Target with the occasional American Eagle, Marshalls and TJ Maxx

I see some info about Irish dancing and fitness on your blog. Can you tell us a bit more about your fitness regime and, obviously, teaching Irish dance?

   My fitness is something that is extremely important to me.  I try to work out at least 5-6 times a week.  I use the Nike Training Club app on my phone and it's also where I gain inspiration for my High Intensity Interval Training workouts that I create and post on Saturdays.  I also eat a "Paleo" diet which is mostly just whole foods, nothing processed.  It really helps in feeling good from the inside out.  

I've been Irish dancing for 15 years.  In March of 2008 I partnered with a friend I danced with as a child and joined her teaching team!  I LOVE it.  The only thing more satisfying than competitively Irish dancing is teaching it.   You are such an important part of your dancers lives, you see them more than some of your relatives.  Watching them become better dancers and people is incredibly rewarding.   

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. Don't forget to enter the Zara gift card giveaway in conjunction with Wantr on yesterday's post.