For my very first post, I wanted to, well first, introduce myself. My name is Samantha Differ, I’m a full time MAC makeup artist and I was inspired about a year or so ago to start my own blog! So why am I just now starting this blog after all this time you may ask? My simple answer is this, I didn’t think I would be successful, creative, tech savvy or even mentally capable of carry on with a blog. Blogs are a lot of time and work and it seems like all the amazing bloggers I follow really know their stuff. I’m 33 years old and there are so many great technical factors that I’m still learning. My boyfriend bought me this amazing camera LAST Christmas (Canon SX530 HS) and a photographer friend of mine told me it’s a really great camera. Now do I know how to use it yet? Nope!! So I also suffer from slight depression and it keeps me from motivating and pushing myself at times. I’ve gotten better with age but as you all can see it’s taken me quite some time to really say “Samantha, you can do anything you want to do!” So ladies and gentlemen, if there is something you have your heart set on and you just can’t bring yourself to it yet, it’s ok to give yourself some time and space. Start out one step at a time, know that great things take time. Surround yourself with people who inspire and motivate you! My top favorite bloggers who I give credit to for inspiring me is Emily Ann Gemma @Thesweetest thing.com, Hilary Rose Elrod@byhilaryrose.com, Khanh Cagley @sweetand petite, and Caitlin Covington @Southerncurlsandpearls.com. Great bloggers to follow. Thank you ladies for being sweet and inspiring! I really look forward to continuing on with My Emerald Diaries and chatting about life, fashion, food, travel, wine, friendships, relationships, and of course, MAKEUP!! Chat soon!