Love to Love!

Hi all! Well it's official, I have absolutely have no willpower! I was trying very hard to hold-off until June 27th, the one month anniversary of Love.Obsess.Inspire., to showcase this very exciting dialogue... but I lasted less then 24 hours, lol.

Creature Comforts is a daily stop for yours truly, as well as many others from all around the world. I think it is safe to say, that I am not the only one who finds constant inspiration in the blogs finds, printable goodies, and overall wonderful design. That is why I formally invited Ez, the author of Creature Comforts, to take part and jump start my blogs new dialogue series, It's Just a Little Crush!

Below, Ez has answered ten random questions and I must say I am in love with each and everyone of her answers. She has also been kind enough to provide an original piece of artwork that can only be accessed via responding to the post.

Well enough from me, I know you are all beyond ecstatic to know more about Ez and what she loves, what she obsesses over, and of course what inspires her! So here we go...

Q #1: What are the 5 random things that make you, well you?

A: Wow...only 5? Well, I guess I'd have to say:

1. My daughter (and being a mom) challenges me and has shaped me into a much better person that I would have been otherwise... this is also the reason why I get up every day and try to put a little bit of beauty into the world. I hope to make it a better place for her to grow up in.

2. I'm a vegetarian and LOVE animals (alive ones). I rarely ever kill anything, not even insects. We generally scoop up spiders and such and put them outside where they belong. I just can't bear to think of ending their tiny little life when they are only minding their own business doing spiderly things and such. I don't take pity on mosquitoes though... ouch!

3. I think it is void if I actually say this... but I've been told that I'm very funny. At my funeral some day the 3 things I hope people will say are, "she was a good mother, she cared for all living things, and she made us laugh."

4. I'm picky. Not in an annoying way (I hope)...but I just know what I like and don't like. I try to trust my intuition on things because it generally leads me in the right direction.

5. I'm moderately psychic and I don't really like it all that well. Most of the time it's just for little things like knowing when the phone is going to ring, but there have been bigger things that really freaked me out. I try not to focus on it too much because it's a little overwhelming.

Q #2: In your opinion, what are the three rules of blog etiquette?

1. Being inspired by someone is great...copying them is not.

2. Whenever possible credit the original source where you found your information. It creates goodwill within the blogging community and doesn't not go unnoticed.

3. In life (and blogging) you get back what you give...so just remember that if the temptation strikes you to badmouth another blogger or take someone's ideas/content, ask yourself if it's really worth it. It probably isn't.

Q #3: What makes a blog worth of your attention?

A: Choosing content for my blog is very random for me. My brain is very scattered and it's hard for me to stay focused on one design or concept for a long time. Generally I collect up little snippets of inspiration over a course of time and then look to see if I spot a trend emerging (like color, theme, etc.)...if I see something I like, I set to work making a post out of it.

Q #4: What are some trends you see emerging in the art/craft/design world?

A: I think I'm supposed to pay attention to trends, but I really don't. A trend is really just a ripple effect that started someplace a good time ago. The person or people who start the trend in the first place are already on to the next thing by the time everyone has caught on, so I think it's good to set off on your own and just see what inspires you. Start your own trends! : )

Q #5: How would you compare your "first-ever" post to one of your more recent posts?

A: Oh man...my first blog posts were so different than they are now. For one thing the focus was on softies (little stuffed animals) with a sprinkling of other things mixed in...and the pictures were itty-bitty. I had no clue what I was doing. Now, I still don't feel like I know what I'm doing, but at least my images are large enough to see.

Now for the fun questions...

Q #6: Do you have any hidden talents?

A: Hidden talents...hmmm? I can play the piano by ear (but can't read a note to save my life), I like to draw and am okay at it but don't usually show my work to anyone, I designed a collection for a contest that got me a scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (but I'm horrible at sewing), I can make silly cartoon character voices (kids love that).

Q #7: I say (blank)... you say (blank).

I say button : You say cute as a...

I say Bird : You say my favorite animal...

I say Chic : You say chick (this is how I thought the word was pronounced until college)

I say Tea : You say Ruby Red Chai please.

I say Lists : You say all over my desk, in my bag, around my house...all the time.

Q #8: What is your favorite Pantone Color?

A: I have no idea... (I'm sure I'm getting an F in design savvy for that). But my favorite color of all time would be described as a Misty Aqua.

Q #9: If you were to press shuffle on your ipod, what are the first three songs?

A: Ooo...let me check. Okay, they are: Speeding Cars (Imogen Heap), Stronger (Kanye West), Numbers (Great Northern)

Last, but not least...

Q #10: At the moment, what are the three things you are in love with, obsessed with, and inspire you?

In love with: My daughter and dogs, the roses blooming everywhere, and possibilities

Obsessed with: Japanese masking tape, dove gray paint, and finding the perfect coffee table

Inspired by: All the wonderful readers (new and regular) to my blog, photography, Kiva

Bonus Question: Any advice, for people who are taking the plunge and starting their own blog?

A: Find something that you are passionate about and run with it. Enthusiasm is contagious and others are sure to love it if you do. And...have patience. It takes time to develop a following. : )

Thank you so much Ez for your time and great feedback!