Love. Obsess. Inspire.

It's Just a Little Crush - Erin From Design for Mankind

It's been awhile, but LOI's It's Just a Little Crush dialogue series is back with hopes of being better than ever by rounding up some of the "great!" First up is someone that I have enormous respect for and can only hope to be half the blogger that she has turned out to be... Erin from Design for Mankind. 

 

1. I don't know how to tie my shoes. Never really learned, and it's one of those things (I swear to this!) that, like riding bikes, become harder as an adult. I know it's ridiculous, and it's even more ridiculous when you see me try to tie them. I usually end up just stuffing them into my socks and go from there.

2. I'm incredibly low-maintenance. For Valentine's Day, the husband took me to Target for an all-beef hot dog and a slushie and let me pick out something from the 99 cent section (and I loved it!). Cheap date, right? Truly, I'm in heaven when it comes to the small things.

3. I've never eaten a Big Mac. Not that I'm opposed, just that I can never pass up the #2 meal. ;)

4. I haaaate shopping. More than anything in the world. If I don't buy it online, I won't buy it... ever. I don't know what I'd do w/out the Internet. I'm terribly anti-social, really.

5. Currently, I'm embarking on a craaaazy renovation with my husband. We bought an insane fixer-upper and I'm really so, so excited to share it with my readers. In April, I'll be re-designing Design for Mankind to make room for more... personal things. ;)

I recently did the math, and as it turns out, I spend about 80% of my week online. Sad, but very, very true. Writing keeps me pretty preoccupied (I write for AOL sites ShelterPop, Holidash, DIY Life and AOL Shopping full-time), as well as giving online businesses the push they need over at BAKERY (which I own with fellow blogger Jaime Derringer of Design Milk). When I'm not writing, I'm heading up AOL's social media efforts and working on side projects (at the moment this includes a very exciting book deal, still under wraps!).

So, that's a pretty round-about way of saying I'm a bit of a workaholic, but love what I do. And because I recently moved to such a small town, I haven't really made a lot of friendships to spend time with. Hopefully that will change, but for now, I'm living vicariously through my e-friends!  

Hmm, let's see. I'm a bit of an Internet rodent, so I come across a new blog almost daily that I can't live with (same goes for designers and books!). At the moment, I'm really enjoying Liam Jeff Rubio's Tumblr (he has a great eye for design!) and Werd.com, because I rarely see great design in men products. 

As for books, I'm devouring anything from Sloane Crosley, b/c man, that girl is hilarious.

I don't have an iPod, b/c I swear I'm a neanderthal when it comes to technology (which is sad, as a blogger). BUT -- let's pretend we're talking Pandora, so I'd say: 

K.T. Tunstall "Gone to the Dogs"/Beach Boys "God Only Knows"/Brandi Carlisle "The Story"

In love with? Feta cheese. Man, I put that stuff on everything. 

Obsessed with? The color 'yellow.' I've always used mustard accents in my home, but have recently graduated to 'lemon yellow,' which is equally inspiring and will look smashing (as you'll soon see!) in my new kitchen!

Inspires me? Social media. I'm amazed at how valuable just one voice is in the grand scheme of things. It truly is an incredible force to be reckoned with. 

Oh I'm full of advice for fellow bloggers! Here are a few things I'm really passionate about, although they're not super eloquent when written at 11pm... ;):

1. Write what you know. If you don't, you'll bore quickly, and without the knowledge to fall back on, you'll run the risk of growing tired of the research.

2. Make friends. Blogging is harder than it looks, and just b/c you're in your p.j.'s all day doesn't necessarily mean it's not work. It's always great to form a few allies that not only understand the tough times, but can pull you through and bounce ideas off of.

3. Ask for things. This is some new advice I gained from my fellow e-friend Maggie. Never be afraid to ask for what you want, b/c the folks that are front and center (speaking, blogging, writing) are the ones that asked to be. I think this applies to most things in life, but we tend to forget its importance. 

  
 

It's Just a Little Crush - Chelsea from {frolic}

Well I have had a lovely time post this weeks finds and thought that I would end our Friday posts with an interview with the very talented Chelsea of {frolic}! Have a great weekend!

 

Q #1: For many of us {frolic} is an a daily source of inspiration, what inspires you to blog? 

I like to have a place to put all of the pretty things I come across. And, it’s fun to share it with others who also appreciate them. 

Q #2: Besides running an amazingly successful blog, you also seem to be thriving as a prop stylist! Can you tell us more about your artist background and how you fell into this field?

Well, I would never call myself an artist! :) I am too impatient to draw or paint or anything like that so flowers have always been my medium. I owned a flower shop for about 5 years and after I closed that I started working in an office. I really wanted to return to a creative field but I wanted to move on a little from the flower thing. I’d always loved creating little vignettes around my house.. and even as I was growing up, I was always arranging my mom’s antiques and family heirlooms. I contacted a few stylists I knew through blogging to find out a little more about the field and began working on some just for fun projects with photographers to practice. Now I style products for small businesses and create wedding and party ideas for a couple of different websites.

Q #3: What keeps you busy when you are not posting your amazing finds?

Right now I am temporarily living in Sweden so I am trying to glean everything I can from this place. I love exploring both the city and the countryside, bicycling, boating, going to concerts, cooking and eating Swedish food and meeting new people.

Now for the fun questions...

Q #4: It appears that you are in Sweden for the summer and fall, how exciting! How would you compare your home town, Portland, Oregon, to Sweden?

Not sure they can be compared. I like them both very much. I love Sweden for the simple, pleasant landscape, the traditions that revolve so much around the seasons, the lovely people, the way they take care of their families and their citizens, and for all the history and beautiful buildings. 

I like Portland for all the individuality and vibrant creative community, the availability of local organic food, the restaurants, and because my family is there. I also love the mountains and the sea. 

Q #5: If you were to press shuffle on your ipod, what are the first three songs?

I don’t have an ipod:) but right now I am obsessed with the new album, Album by girls. I can’t stop listening to it!

Last, but not least...

Q #6: At the moment, what are the three things you are in love with, obsessed with, and inspire you?

Kryddost Cheese (amazing Swedish cheese with cloves and caraway seeds!), Peach Ranunculus- it’s back in season, and wearing dresses.

Bonus Question 

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

Don’t try to “sell” your blog to people. Have fun with it, enjoy the community and be yourself, the rest will come about naturally.

Love to Love- The Ladies from The Bright Side Project

Awhile back I did a post featuring the wonderful workings of Miss. B and Miss. K from The Bright Side Project. I thought it would be nice to get to know the ladies behind the blog that grabs your attention, puts a smile on your face, and a grain of hope in your heart! 

#1: Miss B. and Miss. K I am dying to know, how did the two of you meet?

We met almost three years ago on a business forum we both used to frequent. I [Miss K.] emailed Miss B. regarding a publicity issue. We bonded over our shared love for books, everything old fashioned, and elephants. We have been cyber besties every since. 

Q #2: Each month you have a giveaway "mission" or what I like to call theme, how do you come up with your monthly "mission"? 

We look to see what is relevant in the marketplace, of course, but we also draw from our own personal tastes and look for potential themes among our varied interests. The timing of the giveaway is important, too.  We want our readers to receive an item that is both beautiful and practical, which is why you won’t see us giving away snow boots in July. 

Q #3: The two of you seem to have and be leading such interesting lives. Do you mind telling us more about your career backgrounds before you started The Bright Side Project?  

Miss B. has been a high end/couture level publicist for 20 years. She is the creator of the cult classic perfumes Monyette and Coquette, and the first independent parfumier to develop a perfume for Sanrio. 

Miss K. has a master’s degree in Public Health and is a licensed attorney. She decided to leave the law while her sons were young, and to supplement her income fell back on her true love, writing. 

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

Miss B. and I are fans of Grandma Chic, a term we coined to describe a modern design style with old-fashioned sensibilities.  I think you will see a return to formality, but in a way that is not ostentatious or stuffy. 

Q #5: I see that each of you run additional sites; The Blah, Blah, Blagh, Pancakes and French Fries, and Besotted Brand. How do you find the time to do it all? 

We don’t!  The work/life/family balance is a tough one to manage.  We do the best we can, which means at any given time one project will receive more than it’s fair share. But, we both believe in happy endings, so even when we feel like lying down in the middle of traffic we trust everything will work out as it should. 

Q #6: In your opinion, what are the three rules of blog etiquette? 

1. Be original. Great ideas should be applauded, not copied.

2. Be appreciative of your readers. Reply to comments as often and as promptly as you can.  With The Bright Side Project, that can be hard since the comments aren’t really directed to us personally.  But, as a general rule, we always reply to comments on our personal blogs.

3. Be nice. You meet more people, make more friends, and earn more favors.

 

Now for the fun questions... 

Q #7: Any excited plans for the summer? 

This summer we will be working and strategizing! We have big plans for all the websites, and we plan to take all of them to the next level. 

Q #8: When you see each word, what is the first thing that comes to your mind. 

Pencil : Paper

Microwave : Oven

Ostrich : Egg

Tacky : Cloth

Hi-C : Powder

Poster Board : Science Fair 

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

Mr. Brightside, The Killers; Good Arms v. Bad Arms, Frightened Rabbit; Do You Wanna Touch Me, Joan Jett. 

Last, but not least... 

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

We love elephants, anything old fashioned, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

We are obsessed with finding the perfect mascara, living up to our potential, and the set design/wardrobe from Mad Men (okay, and maybe Don Draper, too). 

We are inspired by stories of true love, people who live authentically, and a good ol’ fashioned success story.  In other words, all of blog land.

 

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

Be yourself.  It sounds easy, but it’s not. We struggle with it, too! There are so many blogs out there to inspire you that it’s hard to walk away from so much stimulation without it making you feel a little inferior. But, the same things your mother loves about you will shine through if you keep at it enough to find your own true voice.

Love to Love- Whitney from Darling Dexter

One of my favorite features on Love.Obsess.Inspire. are the dialogues with fellow bloggers. I love being able to reach beyond a post and begin to see the person behind the great finds. Each person I interactive with becomes something of an inspirational figure and Whitney from Darling Dexter is no exception... see for yourself!

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

1) I'm terribly soft spoken and fairly shy.

2) I have the capability to not worry, at least that's what my husband says.

3) I'm probably one of the pickiest eaters you will ever meet.

4) I like to go to bed early and wake up before everyone else is up.

5) I'm restless -- I always need to have a new project or something along those lines going on in my life.

Q #2: You blog, Darling Dexter, is an a daily source of inspiration for so many of us, what inspired you to start blogging?

I had just graduated college, got my first job as a graphic designer, and moved into an apartment with my now husband -- I was looking for a way to connect with other creatives and to share the many design projects I had going on in my life. 

Q #3: I see that you are currently a graduate student at Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), can you tell us more about your experience at SCAD and what you are pursuing as a degree? 

During my first job out of college as graphic designer I quickly realized it was not for me. The 9-5, sitting at a desk, office life completely drained me so I decided to take photography courses at a local arts center. One class led to another and I eventually decided to go back to school. SCAD offers a MA in photography which seemed perfect for me -- a short program that got be up to speed with different techniques. While at SCAD though I've ventured over to the Fashion department and am actually becoming torn as to whether I should focus my attention (and money!) between photo and fashion. There  could be more to come in that... :)

Q #4: What keeps you busy when you are not posting your amazing finds?  

Sewing, sewing, sewing. Taking photographs. Eating delicious meals that my husband makes me. Spend the weekends shoot weddings with my photography business, Oh, Darling!. And cuddling with my 5 year-old Bichon Frise.

Q #5: What are some of the things on your to-do list?

- Launch my own clothing line

- Expand my baking skills

- Visit old friends more often

- Move back to NYC for just awhile longer

- Then move back to my home state and buy a fixer-upper home in the mountains of NC

 

Q #6: When you see each word, what is the first thing that comes to your mind.

Picture Frame : urban outfitters -- I opted for one of their plastic wall photo holders -- I love it! I'm able to show off SO many photos without losing counter space.

Purple : fashion! I'm so into purple clothing right now.

Donkey : farm, I would love to live near one of those one day :)

Crafts : not enough time! so many crafts, so little money & time

Apple : golden delicous, my fav.

Postcard : Savannah -- you can't walk into a store here without running into a postcard rack

Q #7: If you were to press shuffle on your ipod, what are the first three songs?

I and Love and You - Avett Brothers

Flowers in the Windows - Travis

Silver Lining - Rilo Kiley

Last, but not least...

Q #8: At the moment, what are the three things you are in love with, obsessed with, and inspire you?

Sewing - I've always sewn but I've taken a few classes lately and really perfected my skills. It's so therapeutic and inspring

Large Format Photography - Though it can be a bit hefty and right now really hot in Savannah to lug around, I've really enjoyed learning how to use the 4x5 camera and it's endless capabilities.

Tumblr -- I don't post as much as I use to but I don't have to! There is so much inspiration flowing on that site

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

Be true to yourself. Blog about things you love and don't get caught up in trying to make it pleasing for others. I have to constantly remind myself of this. If I start looking at my reader stats or check to see how many comments I get -- I get lost in what it's not. For me, Darling Dexter is my little place online where I share my work, highlight people who are making cool things, and anything that sparks my interest. If I start thinking about it too much or try to make it more than what it is, I feel I'm not being genuine to me. 

P.S. Whitney has been kind enough to supply us with an original piece of artwork. If you would like, post a comment and magically an amazing piece of Whitney's work will be sent to your inbox ;)

Joanna from Simple Blueprint is a fellow new-bee to the blogging world, but is already making quite the impact. By diving right in and showing no fear, she showcases everything from striking photography to beautiful typographical pieces. Her blog does not only offer inspiration, but also some very fun goodies ranging from free downloadable desktops to her first ever giveaway (make sure to enter)! 

Joanna is bursting at the seems with creative energy and it shows in each and every on of her interview answers. So please, read on and see what she loves, what she obsesses over, and what inspires her! 

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

1. Travel - I am Swedish-American, with a Swedish mom and an American dad. You could say that I am "split down the middle". I have lived in both countries and have moved back and forth across the Atlantic many times. If you were to ask me where I will be living a year from now, I wouldn't be able to give you an answer. I have learned that life has a way of opening doors to amazing opportunities and therefor I have no idea where in the world the next door might lead me to. At the moment, I am living in Luxembourg because my boyfriend was recently offered a great job here. Who knows where we will end up next. 

2. Busy bee - I always have 101 projects going on. I love being consumed by them.

3. My wonderful dog - Brooklyn is a 4 year old Ridgeback. She makes me a better person: happier and more loving. 

4. Laughter - I laugh a lot. I laugh really loud. I giggle. I chuckle. Sometimes I laugh so hard that it makes me cry, takes my breath away, and gives me a tummy ache. Laughter fills me with energy and makes me... me.

5. Clothing + stuff - I really did not want to admit to this one at first. In fact I almost changed my answer to list 4 random things instead of five, but honestly I would be lying if I didn't confess that things like clothing, magazines, beautiful things, paper, cute boxes, nick-nacks, bags, tables, shoes plates, bottles and so on take up a lot of my time and make me a very happy girl.

Q #2: Your new blog, Simple Blueprint, is a real gem! Can you please tell us how it came to be and where you would like it to go?

Thank you, Lexi. I am new to the blogging world. I have no idea how I had missed it initially but somehow I did. As soon as I stared Simple Blueprint, the whole blogging world unfolded in front of my eyes. I started Simple Blueprint as a place to log all of the beautiful things that I came across. I wanted to build some sort of order so that I could keep inspiring myself and hopefully others as well. My plans for the future of Simple Blueprint is to keep inspiring the readers that I have and to encourage new readers. Simple Blueprint gives me so much energy. I have many ideas in my head, but I am going to have to let them unravel slowly.... if I didn't I would have to kiss my work, my boyfriend and my friends good bye. The next big thing for Simple Blueprint is our first ever giveaway (please, click the image to your right to be directed to Joanna's giveaway). I've also just started a new series of downloadable calenders, both desktop and wallpaper, which I'm very excited about.

Q #3: I would love to hear more about your life outside the blogging world. Can you tell us about your design work and what keeps you busy when you are not posting your amazing finds?  

As I mentioned above I always have 101 projects going on at once. When I am not posting finds on Simple Blueprint I am designing, coming up with fashion ideas, scouting locations and at photo shoots. I love my job! I love that I get to change things up from day to day. Lately I have also been working on a little design project that I hope will develop into something bigger. Aside from my design life, I spend a lot of time planing vacations, playing with my family and living life.  

Below, are some great sample of Joanna's design and art direction pieces... to see more visit her online studio (believe me when I say... you wont be disappointed).

Now for the fun questions...

Q #4: What are some of the things on your to-do list?

Wash my car, rearrange my office, book a few dinner dates with friends, pay some bills, buy some supplies (but that will all have to wait since I am taking a few days off and heading out to the Stockholm's breathtaking Archipelago).

Q #5: When you see each word, what is the first thing that comes to your mind. For example, you see the word phone and the first thing you think of is text message, it would translate to... I say phone : You say Text Message.

Pencil : sharpener 

Door : bell

Giraffe : I'm taller than you

Chic : Le Freak 

Milk : white

E-mail : me

Q #6: What is your favorite color?

Green. All shades of green: grass, moss, forest, lime, tea, celadon, mint. Oh, also turquoise! And rasberry red. Do I really have to choose?! As a designer I often go through phases with my colors preferences and at times I obsess over certain colors/color combinations. 

Q #7: If you were to press shuffle on your ipod, what are the first three songs?

At the moment, I am in Sweden and have forgot my ipod at home, so I will press shuffle in iTunes instead... 

Jack Johnson - Fortunate Fool

Hello Saferide - I Thought You Said Summer Is Going To Take The Pain Away

Sophie Zelmani - Got To Stop

I was hoping that A Tribe Called Quest song would have popped up since I am in the mood for some old school hip-hop.

Last, but not least...

Q #8: At the moment, what are the three things you are in love with, obsessed with, and inspire you?

In love with my amazing boyfriend, my super cute dog and sipping champagne (preferably in the rocks on our balcony with good company).

Obsessed with jumping in the sea, photography and chocolate.

Inspired by all the fabulous blogs out there and all the wonderful finds I've posted on Simple Blueprint and of course my readers. 

Bonus Question: 

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

Go for it! The people you will meet via blogging and the inspiration you can get through it can be so rewarding! Blogging has definitely given me a new creative kick. Also, be prepared to learn a lot. It can be a challenging process, but what you gain makes it completely worth it!

Love to Love- Ellie from Mint

The end of the week is finally here and I don't know about you, but I could use a little celebration! And what better way to celebrate then with a dialogue with Ellie from Mint. 

Ellie is not only the creator of the blog Mint, a contributing author to OK Great and Indie NC, but also the owner and designer of the new shop Hello Tenfold. I don't know about you, but that is what I call an all-around very talented and busy women! With that being said, I was so pleased to hear that she has found time in her very busy schedule to provide an original piece of artwork that can only be accessed via responding to the post. 

Well enough out of me! Let's hear more about Ellie and what she loves, what she obsesses over, and of course what inspires her!

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

1 - I like to be busy. I really like to be busy.
2 - I have a wonderful, loving, supportive husband who is my best friend.
3 - I can eat all day long.
4 - I'm pretty (ok, really) introverted. I like watching.
5 - I'm captivated by pretty things.

Q #2: I just adore your blog, Mint! What inspired you to start blogging?

I was inspired by all the beautiful blogs I was reading, and I thought it would be a great way to encourage myself to be more creative in my every-day life outside of work. I wanted a little bit of accountability... something (or a bunch of readers!) to encourage me to come up with crafty projects and take more pictures. Also, I had recently become a graphic designer, and I was spending so much time learning from and being inspired by other designers, that I thought I should have a place to "store" everything! 

Q #3: I see that you work at Flywheel Design, can you tell us more about the company's blog, Ok Great? 

We started OK Great just for fun, to share the things we find when our minds start to wander away from work projects. Fortunately, Flywheel is the kind of company that encourages soaking-up inspiration, so we were all spending a lot of time reading design blogs and looking through design books and websites anyway. It's great to have an internal project that we can all get behind and help grow... Also, we like to have long, rambling "meetings" about it (preferably over popsicles) which I enjoy very much. The popsicles, that is. (Just kidding. I heart OK Great.)

Q #4: What keeps you busy when you are not posting your amazing finds?  

Well, lately Hello Tenfold has been keeping me busy! Hello Tenfold is my new stationery shop, and I've been doing some freelance wedding invitations, programs, etc. in my free time. Between Mint and the freelance work, it's kind of like a second full time job! But, you know you're doing the right thing when work becomes so much fun. I also have a super husband and sweet dog to hang out with... both of whom are very patient with my increasingly busy "side jobs."

Now for the fun questions...

Q #5: What are some of the things on your to-do list?

Design some invitations, gocco some notecards, pay a few bills, and repot some plants.

Q #6: When you see each word, what is the first thing that comes to your mind. 

Keyboard : Song
Tissue : Clean
Hummingbird : Green
Shabby : Not too
Pop : Soda

Letter : A

Q #7: If you were to press shuffle on your ipod, what are the first three songs?

What ipod?

Q #8: At the moment, what are the three things you are in love with, obsessed with, and inspire you?

Photography, hand-drawn elements in design, and gin & tonics!

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

Pour your heart into it, and get excited! Be always thinking of new ideas and projects to really make it your own. Lastly, remember that it's just a blog and above all it should be fun!

Love to Love- Jena from Modish

Well this is turning into one very exciting Friday. Not only were we able to feature the fabulous works of Christy from Farouche, but we also have a new and very exciting interview to add to our It's Just A Crush Interview series.

It is truly a honor, not to mention a highlight in my blogging career, to introduce Jena from Modish. Modish (pronounced: mode-ish) is a daily design and style blog full of art, craft and inspiration. Created in April 2006, Jena has fully grown and establisted herself as someone with great stature in the blogging world! So let's get the ball rolling and find out what she loves, what she obsesses over, and of course what inspires her!

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

Hmm, well I'm not sure if these things make me "me" necessarily, but they're 5 random things that people may not know unless they meet me in person or get to know me a bit:

1- I'm bi-racial- my dad is black, mom is white and I came out an easily tanned, curly haired red-head. Go figure! ;) I have ancestors from both Nigeria and Sweden and I think that's pretty cool.

2- I'm a vegetarian and have been since I moved out of my parent's house when I was 18. Part of the reason why I moved to Portland- so much GOOD vegetarian food here! 

3- I'm an only child and grew up out in the mountains with not many other kids around, so I had to learn to entertain myself from an early age. I was always playing by myself, making up games and had tons of "projects" going on. To this day I still don't get lonely or bored easily, I can always find something to do to occupy myself- like blogging or starting a business, for instance! :)

4- Music is a big part of my life and if I could start all over again, I might try to be a rock star instead of a blogger ;) I used to be able to play lots of instruments- the saxophone, guitar, bass, I sang in the choir and for 10+ years I played piano- that's what I loved the most, the piano. I ache to have one in my house again someday so I can get back into it. And maybe write some cheesy songs for my cat's ears only!

5- I'm a carb-o-holic. Pasta, bread, potatoes, rice, tortillas, gnoochi, I love them all to an unholy degree. The whiter and starchier it is, the better. And if it has cheese on it too? Woo doggie, I'm in trouble. I just hope my metabolism doesn't catch up with me anytime soon.

Q #2: What was your life like before you decided to become a full-time blogger? What made you explore this career path?

I had just graduated college and was working customer service for a company that is awesome, but the actual job just sucked. Sucked the life out of me, sucked my creativity down the drain, sucked my years of schooling into a big empty void of why'd-I-even-bother-getting-a-degree-ness. I wasn't making much money on top of it, so I decided to start making jewelry on the side for some extra income and to do something creative in my free time. Then, to help get the word out about my jewelry shop, I started Modish and eventually that took over and became a big part of my life. The busier and more involved Modish got, the more depressed I'd get behind my desk at work, just yearning so deeply to be doing what I wanted to be doing with my time. 

After a couple years of blogging (and I also had an online shop open at the time) I felt that I was making enough money, and had enough saved up to take the plunge and quit my day job. I never imagined blogging as a "career path" and I still don't know where it'll take me, but I'm very happy to be here at this point in my life. And I'm especially happy to feel like I'm in a career where I can learn something new and push myself everyday. 

Q #3: How would you compare your "first-ever" post to one of your more recent posts?

Oh my goodness, those first posts are so funny to me! The ethos was the same from the start, to help bring attention to handmade creators and indie designers, but I was way more "talky" at the beginning and I definitely have better graphic skills now and figured out that bigger images are better!

Q #4: I see that you have a wonderful sister site, ModishBizTips. How do you come up with all your great marketing tools? What are some of your favorite tip that are featured in the site?

To find ideas to write about, I do a lot of research on the web and read books, I listen to what my readers request via email or in the comments, I notice questions popping up around the web in forums and such. I have way more ideas than I will ever have hours enough to cover them all, and I don't get the time to blog as often as I'd like to on Biztips. Every Friday though I try to do an "encouraging words" post, which are my favorite. Those deal with the more emotional, less practical issues involved with running a business. I like writing those the most because they come from the heart and my own experiences, and they seem to speak to readers and address topics openly that aren't really discussed elsewhere. 

 

Now for the fun questions...

Q #5: When you see each word, what is the first thing that comes to your mind. For example, you see the word phone and the first thing you think of is text message, it would translate to... I say phone : You say Text Message.

Marker : sharpie

Camera : makes me look at the world in a new way

Elephant : Africa 

Savvy : being a smart marketer

Coffee : french press, every morning 

To Do Lists : my friend and foe, oh how I love them and hate them at the same time! Oh won't I ever complete you, dear lists?

Q #6: What is your favorite color?

Ooh, I've been obsessed with mustard yellow for the past few years- that yummy dijon-ish, kind of 70's earth tone yellow. I have a wardrobe full of it. It matches my hair :)

Q #7: If you were to press shuffle on your ipod, what are the first three songs?

Oh my gosh, one of my favorites came up first! Marry Me by St. Vincent (totally the kind of musician I wish I could be), then No Moon by Iron and Wine, then Anywhere You Looked by Au Revoir Simone

Last, but not least...

Q #8: At the moment, what are the three things you are in love with, obsessed with, and inspire you?

In love with: my favorite man Justin, all my silly pets, this beautiful city of Portland

Obsessed with: the idea of buying a house, Ben & Jerry's Cupcake Batter ice cream, True Blood

Inspired by: fellow bloggers, flickr and all my incredible readers who keep me plugging away!

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

Originality will get you everywhere: be true to yourself, find your own voice and write about something you truly enjoy and are passionate about because your readers will be able to tell. Work on creating fresh content and coming up with new ideas so your blog can stand out from the crowd- don't just copy what you see is working for others. The most unique thing you can bring to the table is you! Your voice, your experience, your creativity, your viewpoint. Use that to your advantage- be authentic and your blog will be a reflection of that. 

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!