Inspirational Interview, Lisa Leonard

 hello Lisa Leonard

Chances are that if you don't know this lovely woman's face, you know her jewelry.

When Lisa agreed to take part in my little series of interviews,

I thought I was dreaming.

Theres not a single day throughout this past year that I

can remember not waking up

and checking in on

Lisa and her darling family;

living their laid-back, super happy life in a

little slice of the California coast.

And, theres not a single day that I can remember

leaving her blog 

not feeling renewed and excited about life.

If that's not inspirational, what is?

(Thank you Lisa. Thank you, thank you, thank you.)

Please enjoy!

1.How did you choose the name of your business and or blog? What significance does the name hold?

When I first started my jewelry business, it was called ‘Petite Bijoux” which means little jewels in French. But everyone thought I was working for a larger company instead of my own little business. So I changed the name to Lisa Leonard Designs just to avoid confusion.

2. How do you take your coffee?

In a large cup with lots of cream. I love flavored creamers-right now I can’t get enough cinnamon vanilla. Yum.

3. What inspires you?

My family, smiles, sunlight, the ocean, beautiful music, photography, meaningful words.

4. Earliest childhood memory?

I have snippet memories {is that a term?} from being around four years old-sliding down a slide at the park, sitting a huge paper mache giraffe at Sunday school, being carried by my dad.

5. Favorite movie of all time?

Don’t judge me, but it’s Legally Blonde. Nothing gets Elle Woods down. I want to be like that!

6. How old were you when you gave birth to your first child? (If applicable.)

I had my first son David, when I was 26, right before my 27th birthday. He was born with a serious disability, so that was a crazy time for us. He is thriving and doing so well!

7. Sun rising or sun setting?

Oh this is tough, but I’ll do with sun setting. The light is so magical.

8. Greatest influence?

Probably my mom. She is so creative and isn’t afraid to try new things. She knows how to use tools, wallpaper a room, create an incredible centerpiece. And she’s the most generous person I know!

9. When did you know that you were ready to embark on creating your own business/blog?

It was a process of considering and being scared of looking foolish and wanting to be brave. And most of all, wanting to be home with my boys. The first leap I took was getting my business license. That felt very official to me.

10. Most treasured item?

I have a lot of things that are special or meaningful, but they all feel fairly replaceable. I love all the pictures we have taken over the years. I love our cozy little home. But mostly, I love our little family.

11. If there was a soundtrack of your life, what songs would be included?

It would probably be a Weepies Cd playing over and over.

12. Hopes for your future in both your business and your personal life?

I hope the business continues to thrive. I hope my product continues to be meaningful to people. I hope I can come up with truly original, creative ideas. I hope my family stays healthy and that my boys grow into strong men who love the Lord.

13. What is a little known fact about yourself?

My deepest, darkest secrets. Hmm. I sucked my thumb until I was 10 years old. I have a twin sister, a set of younger sisters who are twins, and a younger brother and sister who are twins. Three sets of twins in my immediate family.

14. By which is your favorite means of travel... Automobile, boat, airplane or hot air balloon?

If it’s a long distance, I’ll take a plane. If it’s a super short distance, I rather walk. I love to be able to walk to a restaurant and then back home.

15. What would be your everyday must have item?

Probably a pair of leather boots. I wear boots almost every day.

(If you are one of Lisa'a fans and are here visiting, please feel free to take a look around, 

even read a few more of my inspirational  interviews.

Also,

If you add yourself as one of my followers, and leave me a comment, 

you'll be entered to win the 

following giveaway...

Thank you and have a wonderful day! )

Inspirational Interview, Aura j o o n

meet Aura j o o n

If you have already had the chance to read Aura's blog, 

then you are in for a treat, with a chance to get to know her a little bit better today.

If you have not visited Aura's blog,

 you are also in for a treat,

 as the beauty of her work will both inspire and sooth you.

With the continuation of my inspirational interview series,

 I reached out to a small group of women

 that have made a large impact in my life.

(I was giddy when Aura decided to participate.)

Her blog is a daily destination for beauty and tranquillity.

 This month she opens doors to her new website, Bark and Leaves,

where she will invite her faithful following to shop various Aura inspired creations.

Then in just a few short months from now,

 she and her husband will welcome their greatest creation, 

a baby girl.

(I just cannot wait to see the sweetness.)

Without further ado... Aura j o o o n.

enjoy.

1.How did you choose the name of your business and or blog? What significance does the name hold?

I am a huge nature lover and spent most of my childhood outdoors, looking for adventures, camping with my family, and climbing trees. I was looking for the perfect name, and one night about a year ago I was listening to my music and "I Had A Dream" by Priscilla Ahn came on. I had heard it a hundred times before, but at that moment, brainstorming a name for a new path in my career, it really struck home.
The words to the song go:

"I was a little girl, alone in my little world, who dreamed of a little home for me.
I played pretend between the trees, and fed my houseguests bark and leaves,
and laughed in my pretty bed of green.
I had a dream... that I could fly from the highest swing. I had a dream."

It reminded me of how much we are affected by our childhood, and the things we find inspiring and important at the time. For me, it really struck a chord with how much nature, my imagination, and all the old trees I used to climb shaped my personality, today. When we're young, we are idealists with big dreams and aspirations. With age, something about that becomes jaded. This song reminds me that the happiness and wishes I had at 8 years old are not far from the ones I carry, today.


2. How do you take your coffee?

I have actually never had a cup of coffee in my entire life. Ever. But I drink tea quite a few times a week. I like it plain, hot, and black. No sweetener, no fruit flavors, just plain brewed tea. In my family's culture, you drink tea like water. We're talking 5 or 6 cups a day. I am actually surprised we don't all have brown teeth.


3. What inspires you?

Everything, absolutely everything. The way the wind sound in the trees, a bit of light coming through fabric, music, love, color, compassion, and anyone who is doing something that they absolutely love with no reservations.


4. Earliest childhood memory?

When I was a toddler, my Mom and Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and my sister and I lived in a house right around 1,000 sq. feet. We had a big garden, chickens, and grapes growing on our fence. Those are my very first memories, and they are still so vivid to me. They really shaped who I am today, and I think about our little house on Berry Street quite a bit.


5. Favorite movie of all time?

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the Gwenyth Paltrow/Ethan Hawke version of Great Expectations. The score, imagery, and the repetition of the color green just really get me. I first saw it as a teenager, and it encouraged me to dig into art and creating.


6. How old were you when you gave birth to your first child? (If applicable.)

I will be 28. I am due the first week of April 2011. It can not get here fast enough!


7. Sun rising or sun setting?

Setting. There is something incredible about a sunset - it is the start of a fresh, new day with endless possibilities. But you can not beat the sleepy romance of a sunset. Especially here in Oklahoma, where our horizon line seems to go on forever as far as the eye can see. It makes for some incredible sunsets.


8. Greatest influence?

My family, hands down. My parents escaped Iran during the Revolution in the late 70's. They left behind everything they had to come here and start over. We were very poor growing up, but our beautiful memories, family vacations, and simple endless love were all I needed to think we were rich. I owe everything I am and will be to them. They have inspired me in ways I can't even put into words. I spent my childhood learning that true happiness comes from good food, spending time together, and always sticking by your family.


9. When did you know that you were ready to embark on creating your own business/blog?

I always knew. But around the time that my husband Michael and I started talking about having a baby, I thought it was time to start putting things into play so that I could work part-time from home. It's amazing how much a hypothetical child can change you, even before they're here. We have dreams of taking Summers off (he is in school to become a middle school History teacher) and hitting the road.


10. Most treasured item?

I have a few pieces of jewelry that I really adore. A dove necklace and ring that belong to my Mom, a stone my Grandma purchased in Iran when she was young, and the diamond in my wedding ring. It's a family stone that belongs to Michael's family - a European cut diamond that was brought here and passed down many, many times before it ended up on my finger 5 years ago. For the first couple years we were married, I would have nightmares that I flushed it down the toilet or it went down the sink drain! I still panic about it, sometimes.


11. If there was a soundtrack of your life, what songs would be included?

Anything Jack Johnson, he has been part of my life soundtrack for the last decade. We went to see him in August, and I came home with hives. I still love him.


12. Hopes for your future in both your business and your personal life?

It has always been my dream to have a brick-and-mortar store front tucked away somewhere. I go back and forth between trying to decide if I want to own a children's book store, or a boutique that carries a little bit of everything. I guess I could always do both. In the next year I hope to work up stock in my online store, and then I will look into renting a space of my own. I dream about silly things like the music I will play, the way I will decorate the front window for the different seasons, and how much it will feel like a dream come true.
In my personal life, I am wishing for lots of years of good health, traveling, and memories to be made with my growing family.


13. What is a little know fact about yourself?

This Summer, Michael and I hiked to the top of the 2nd tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. It took 7 hours total, and was probably the most mentally trying thing I have ever done. Two days later, we found out I was pregnant. Good timing, because I now call it my labor preparation.


14. By which is your favorite means of travel... Automobile, boat, airplane or hot air balloon?

It's hard to decide. I love a good road trip, but seeing the world from a bird's eye view is pretty amazing. I will pass on the hot air balloon, I'm terrified of heights.


15. What would be your everyday must have item?

The sunshine. I am a gloomy monster if the sun is not out. I am always counting down the days until Spring gets here, again!

(If you would like to take a peek at the other amazing interviews that I have been so honored to conduct, you will find them on the right hand side bar of this here blog, tagged under "inspirational interviews.)

Thank you.

Inspirational Interview- Cheryl

I had the pleasure of reading Cheryl's blog, A Pretty Cool Life, for the first time last October. Her gumdrop wreath made my entire holiday season just a little bit sweeter. These days, this mother of two little ones is quite busy... Spreading her time between the day to day, as well as stocking her Etsy store, Just Pretty, and competing in the third session of 

So You Think You're Crafty. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Little Miss. Pretty a bit more throughout the interview process, and I hope the same for you!

Enjoy.

1. How did you choose the name of your business and or blog? I named my blog A Pretty Cool Life because I think it's true.  I hang out with my boys all day.  I make stuff.  My husband lets me and doesn't question my projects.  That's pretty cool. As for my etsy shop, Just Pretty?  It's just how I want to describe everything in it.  2. What is your morning ritual? I am not a morning person.  At all.  I stay up way too late and have to drag myself out of bed in the morning. So after my two little human alarm clocks wake me up at 6:30, we ease into our day slowly.  I get them dressed, we play, and then we have breakfast, all the while trying to be quiet so Daddy can get a few extra minutes of sleep. 3. What inspires you? Lovely photographs and other blogs always amaze me.  I have a huge envelope overflowing with pages ripped out of magazines and catalogs.  I also have a folder on my computer's desktop that is equally full of pictures I've bookmarked or saved.  Pictures really are worth a thousand words.  4. What is a little known fact about yourself? I've never eaten a Big Mac.  Really.  5. What is the furthest destination that you have traveled to from the United States? Maui is the furthest I've ever been from home, but I've never been outside of the United States.  6. What was your intention in starting your blog? I really didn't have a direction when I started my blog.  It was pretty much just me rambling.  Since then, I stumbled across the little world of creative blogs out there and mine quickly became about creating, too--mainly sewing and other crafts--and still plenty of rambling! 7. What is your favorite color? I have so many!  Navy, kelly green, raspberry...  And although I never wear it, red. 8. Greatest influence? My boys and husband influence everything I do.  I just want them to be happy. 9. Earliest childhood memory? The earliest I can remember is being 2, when my mom was pregnant with my sister.  I can remember laying on the couch with her with that big belly.  Little did I know how much my life was going to change... 10. Do you believe in love at first sight? Of course! 11. Everyday must have? Time at home with my boys.  I'm so grateful to be a stay at home mom.  I can't imagine leaving them to go to work every day.  12. Lucky number?   I'm not really lucky when it comes to games and contests (maybe because I don't have a lucky number??), but my high school and college volleyball number was always 6. 13. Hopes for your future in both business and your personal life? I hope we continue to have a happy family life and that my boys grow up to be nice young men.  I also hope to be able to devote more time to my shop and watch it grow and be successful.  14. Run, walk or skip? Run.  I have 3 and 1 year old boys.  I don't have much of a choice. 15. If you could live your life again, knowing what you know at this very moment, what would you do differently? I suppose I would re-think spending money in unwise ways.  Other than that, I think everything in my life has led me to where I am today.

Inspirational Interview- Lindsay

Living With Lindsay is one of my most favorite places to take in an eyeful of home decor and crafting goodness!

If you have not seen her work, or visited her blog, you are in for quite a treat!

I happen to be a huge fan of her Teach Me Tuesday series and I think that you will be too.

Her Etsy shop, Lindsay At Home,  is divine.

Mosey on over and take a peek at the wonders of her amazing ways,

and then go out and have an amazing day...

(I hope you enjoy her interview as much as I do.)

1. How did you choose the name of your business and or blog?  My blog is called "Living With Lindsay."  It originally started by talking about what a pain it was to live with me, since I was always roping my poor husband into helping me with some big project.  Over time, it has morphed into talking more about my projects and less about how difficult it is to live with me.  :)  The name still works though, because being involved in a never-ending list of projects is pretty much what it's like to live with me every day!


2. What is your morning ritual?  Coffee, coffee, and more coffee.  I am not a morning person at all.  I give my 4 year old his breakfast (dry cereal and a cup of milk - that CANNOT be mixed!), turn on a show for him, and zone out with my laptop on the couch until I hear my coffee maker beep it's beautiful "Come and get me!" melody.  Even though I'm pregnant and can only drink decaf, I think it's more the ritual of the cup of coffee than it is the actual caffeine.


3. What inspires you?  I'm mostly inspired by nature - trees, birds, flowers.  I don't consider myself an outdoor person, but I want my home to be decorated with natural elements.  I guess I am really an outdoor person...when it's inside in the air conditioning!


4. What is a little know fact about yourself?  I was the college mascot for the University of Texas in my college days.  Hook 'Em!


5. What is the furthest destination that you have traveled to from the United States?  I've been over to Europe, so I guess Germany is probably the furthest I've been.


6. What was your intention in starting your blog?  I really wanted to show people that you can have a beautiful, livable home without spending a ton of money.  All it takes is a little know-how and elbow grease!


7. What is your favorite color?  Green

8. Greatest influence?  My mom.  There is pretty much no major (or minor) decision that I don't run past her.  I am so lucky to have such a fantastic relationship with my parents.  I only wish we lived closer - I'm in Texas and they are in Tennessee.


9. Earliest childhood memory?  Gosh, that's hard.  There are memories that I don't even realize I have until I see an item in an antique store and can recall that my grandmother had that particular item!  I guess most of what I remember and love about my childhood were our family trips to the beach.  Destin, Florida constantly pulls at my heartstrings, and I hope my son will remember our same family trips to that gorgeous little city.

10. Do you believe in love at first sight?  Of course!


11. Everyday must have?  Did I mention coffee?


12. Lucky number?  I guess I really don't have one.  I gravitate towards '3,' so I guess that's it.

13. Hopes for your future in both business and your personal life?  Personally, I hope we can bring up our little family in such a way that they have as much joy and warmness in their hearts as I do about my own childhood.  I just don't want to look back and think, "Gosh, we really screwed that up, didn't we?"  It's certainly a challenge, but we are doing the very best that we can.  As far as my blog, I just want to continue to inspire and teach people about making the best of their homes 


14. Run, walk or skip?  It used to be run, but these days it's walk...it's hard to do much else when you are 23 weeks pregnant!


15. If you could live your life again, knowing what you know at this very moment, what would you do differently?  Not a thing.  Mistakes and missteps are what brought me to the wonderful place where I am.  :)

Inspirational Interview- Deborah McCarthy

I remember the very first post that I read of Deborah's. It was this one.

Awakening.

After reading through her entire archive, I was not only throughly impressed with her writing ability, but her ability to make her readers feel as if they are a part of her memory; part of the story.

In addition to her amazing depictions of life, Deborah and Thomas are the proud owners of 

The Fairfield House, an absolutely stunning home that was built in the 1880's.Throughout the last year I have had the pleasure to get to know Deborah through weekly correspondence and feel quite happy to call her a friend. I strongly suggest that you pay her a visit over at The Fairfield House, and become her friend as well.

(P.S. I  love the picture below that she included of herself...)

1. How did you choose the name of your business and or blog?  

The blog is named after our home. The house was built in the 1880s and named prior to us purchasing it. I am still researching its history, including who named it and when. I have a writing business. It's named Inkling because the business is about putting my ideas, thoughts and notions down in ink.

2. What is your morning ritual? 

Usually, I wake early and drink a cup of freshly ground, French pressed coffee (cream, no sugar) before taking the 'boys' out for a mile walk around the property behind the house. (The boys are Buster, my 13 year old Cairn Terrorist and Scout, a two year old Rat Terrier.) 

3. What inspires you?

Inspiration can be found in anything that stirs the senses and touches the soul: child's contagious laughter, tears, an old person's eyes, gardens, the ocean, the forest, a city street, antiques, a baby, kindred spirits, music, love, pain, animals, white sheets on a clothes line ... the list is endless.

4. What is a little know fact about yourself?

 I am studying Law. 

5. What is the furthest destination that you have traveled to from the United States? 

British Columbia -- God's Country! Although, I have gone around the world via reading and writing. Imagination is a wonderful and the cheapest travel I know!

6. What was your intention in starting your blog?

 Obviously, to share the many wonders of me. (Yes, I am joking!) Blogging gives me a forum to write what I want to write about. It's an online journal of my journey with this house and all that goes on in and around it.

7. What is your favorite color? 

That would depend on what I am using it for -- clothes, walls, furniture, vehicle, flowers. If it's an artist's pallet of colors, I am always drawn to the palest of pale pinks and sea glass hues.

8. Greatest influence? 

This is a hard question because EVERYTHING influences us in one way or another. I would say, my (only) brother's death. I was three years old. He had just turned eleven. It was an early November morning. I was awake but still in bed. My sister was still asleep in her crib. I clearly remember him standing in my bedroom doorway smiling at me and waving goodbye before he headed off to school. I didn't want him to go. I somehow knew this moment mattered. I sensed it was the last time I would ever see him. It was. 

I learned at a very young age that change is the only constant and to trust what I 'know'.  

9. Earliest childhood memory?

 I was two years old. My father had two 13 inch beagles (for hunting), Lady and Duchess. They each had a litter of puppies days apart! I remember sitting among all 13 puppies and playing house. I named each one after a Nursery Rhyme -- Jack, Jill, Miss Muffet, etc.  I was the mother and Lady and Duchess were the babysitters. I would walk away for a few moments and come back and ask if my babies behaved. Whatever puppy the mother dog glanced at, I would scold: "You bad baby. I told you to be good."

10. Do you believe in love at first sight? 

Yes, and love at last sight and everything in between! I also believe in one and onlys, special someones and soul mates.

11. Everyday must have? 

Beyond hugs and kisses, to know that I did something that mattered.

12. Lucky number? 

Five. 

13. Hopes for your future in both business and your personal life? 

I hope to have a book published. I also hope to be done with 'round one' of the renovation process. (Don't tell Thomas, we will never be finished!) Depending what mood I am in I either want to inspire, motivate and give people reason to pause and reflect or make them laugh.

14. Run, walk or skip? 

Walk; you miss too much of life running and skipping.

15. If you could live your life again, knowing what you know at this very moment, what would you do differently? 

Focus on the gifts I've been blessed with and not be distracted by the things that don't matter at the 'end of the day.'  Remember what we all intuitively know as young children - we are all connected and how to give and receive love. Last but not least, never ever look at a carnival mirror during an urgent search for a rest room. 

Inspirational Interview- Darleen Meier

Meet Darling Darleen.

I . Heart. Her. Blog.

and....

Her amazing jewelry.

I love the beauty and the simplicity of her designs.

I love her creativity and her imagination.

I love thinking about her dashing around New York, with her husband and their children...

Ok. I love everything about her.

I hope you will too.

1.      How did you choose the name of your business and/or blog?

My blog name comes from a childhood nickname.  Actually, when I was a baby my mom wrote a song for me called Darling Darleen.  So I thought it would be appropriate.

2. What is your morning ritual?

Sneaking out of the house before my husband and kids wake up to go work out or run.  It’s nice to wake up when everything is quiet and peaceful.  It gives me personal time to think and meditate.  

3. What inspires you?

My children.  Blogging.  Other moms.    

4. What is a little known fact about yourself? 

I love the outdoors—hiking, camping, snowboarding, mountain biking, wakeboarding.  If only I lived closer to the mountains. 

5. What is the furthest destination that you have traveled to from the United States?

The Caribbean, but I’ve been trying to convince my husband to take me to Europe for years.    

6. What was your intention in starting your blog?

I live on the other side of the country from my family and friends, so I started blogging to stay connected to them.  Since then it’s evolved into things I love, things I have an interest in and my jewelry business.  

7. What is your favorite color? That’s a hard one because I like to think of me as a colorful person who needs color all around.  But I guess if I have to pick just one I’d say blue.

8. Greatest influence?  My mom.  She raised nine kids with elegance, grace and patience.  When finances got tough, she started her own successful at-home business.  She always put her children first and never complained about it! 

9. Earliest childhood memory?

When my older sisters were at school, I’d play dress-up (every.single.day of my four-year-old life) with their prom dresses, shoes and jewelry. 

10. Do you believe in love at first sight?  Yes.  But honestly it didn’t happen to me.  Don’t get me wrong; there was definitely a connection between my husband and I the first time we saw each other, but no wedding bells going off.  

11. Everyday must have?

Kisses from my husband and kids.  A hot cup of yerba mate.  Exercise.  Fresh air.

12. Lucky number?

Sorry, but I don’t have one. 

13. Hopes for your future in both business and your personal life? 

I hope to keep them both balanced while being successful.  Since having children, I’ve realized there is a time and a season.  Right now, my children are my primary focus then my business.  And that’s okay.  As my children get older, I will be able to put more and more time into my business.   

14. Run, walk or skip?

Run, run, run!  I love to run.  And I love fast pace.  I use to work in New York City, and I felt right at home with how everything was so fast paced.  It’s definitely a boost of energy.

15. If you could live your life again, knowing what you know at this very moment, what would you do differently?

Listen to my parents more often.  It would have saved me a lot of heartache. 

Insperational Interview- Melissa Harding

This woman is sheer genious. She had the idea to create a platform for creative women all over the world. A ten week craft compititon, where crafters go head to head as weekly competitors. The concept is so popular that it is headed into it's third session. Her blog, So You Think Your Crafty, is hugely inspirational. I was honored to work with her early this year and remain a huge fan of hers. Her answers to my questions are lovely. What a treat!

1. How did you choose the name of your business and or blog?
I toyed around with the names of a lot of reality TV show titles.  I wanted it to be something that people would immediately pick up the point of what the blog was. When I got to So You Think You're Crafty (and it was available!) I knew I had it.

2. What is your morning ritual?
Seeing as I am NOT a morning person I usually wake up long enough to kiss my husband goodbye then stay in bed until I can hear my little girl yell for me to come get her.  Then we come downstairs and I get her some breakfast and milk while she watches an episode of "Dinosaur Train" and I check my email.  Then we'll play until she gets sick of me.  That's my cue to start cleaning the kitchen.

3. What inspires you?
I know it's cliche, but everything around me.  A beautiful day, my faith, the success of a loved one, the amazingly talented women that I come in contact with through my blog...everything!

4. What is a little know fact about yourself?
My Grandpa taught me how to dribble a basketball when I was 3 and I got hooked!  I even quit my dance classes when I was a little older so that I could join a basketball team.

5. What is the furthest destination that you have traveled to from the United States?
When I was 14 my Dad and Grandparents took me to Australia for 2 weeks. I loved it!! Looking back I realize that I may not have appreciated it as much then as I would if I were to go now.  Maybe I'll put it on my "To Do" list :)

6. What was your intention in starting your blog?
I wanted to do something fun to share all the talent that I was coming across while blog stalking.  You people really are amazing!  I was truly inspired and wanted others to be too.  I honestly didn't think it would become much, just a small forum for crafty folk.  I'm humbled by the response I've received.

7. What is your favorite color?
I love Green. Any shade, tone or hue.

8. Greatest influence?
My Mom.  She was a truly inspirational woman to me, and everyone around her.  She suffered with breast cancer for about 10 years before she passed away when I was 20.  During all those years I never once heard her complain.  Not once.  Even when the pain was so bad we couldn't touch her she still had a smile.  She continued to serve others in our community, to teach and care for her family and friends and share her inner strength with everyone right to the end.  She is the one that introduced me to a love of knowledge, and to art and daily encouraged my talents.  She was always reading something and our home was full of paintings and cross-stitches that she had created.  She was a shining example of everything that is right and good and I thank God everyday that I was blessed to be raised by her.

9. Earliest childhood memory?
I was probably 2 or 3 and my Aunt Penny and Uncle Dane had come to visit us in Utah from California around Christmas time.  They gave me and my siblings a stack of Children's World Books and a sled.  All I remember is my aunt pulling me around in the backyard while I laid in the sled and looked at the pictures in my new book.

10. Do you believe in love at first sight?
You bet I do!  My husband and I met on a blind date and were engaged within a month and a half.  We've been married for almost 4 years now and I've just fallen more in love everyday :)

11. Everyday must have?
My shiny new camera. I decided to try my hand at the whole "Project 365" thing and I'm addicted.  I am by no means a professional (I am taking classes though), but I love to have a record of the small daily things that happen in our little family, not just the big events.

12. Lucky number?
It's always been 3.  I'm not sure why. It's never brought me luck before, but I love it so it will continue to be my lucky number.

13. Hopes for your future in both business and your personal life?
I would love to have a large (meaning 4 or 5 kids) family.  I would love to finally be done with school (my husband is getting ready to start Grad school here pretty soon) and be settled near family.  I would also love to always be able to make the time to continue sharing all the talents that are contained in blog land.

14. Run, walk or skip?
I like a nice leisurely walk on a beautiful day myself.  My husband, on the other hand, loves to run (long distances too...lunatic) while my little girl enjoys a good skip.  So I guess my household has it all.

15. If you could live your life again, knowing what you know at this very moment, what would you do differently?
Pay more attention to how my parents handled things while running the household and raising us kids.  They have done an amazing job and I wish I had taken notes on how to better emulate that success.

Inspirational Interview -Gabrielle Blair

Design Mom. Mother of five, with number six on the way. Loving wife. Nesting contributor for Cookie Magazine. Answerer of questions. Provider of advise. Source of inspiration. Amazing. Design Mom is the very first blog that I started following on a daily basis, this being nearly two years ago now. Gabrielle is remarkable and I am beyond honored to have her participation. May you enjoy her answers as much as I have...

1. How did you choose the name of your business and or blog?

As a designer, I find I filter many of my motherhood decisions and choices through a "design lens." So the title Design Mom was the perfect fit.

2. What inspires you?

How my children think. Fresh flowers. The color spectrum.

3. Favorite day of the week/why?

Saturday because I am most likely able to sleep in.

4. Greatest influence?

My mother. She raised 8 very healthy, creative children. With almost no money at all.

5. Earliest childhood memory?

Watching a wasp on the tiled border between the hot tub and the pool.


6. When did you know that you were ready to embark on creating your own business?

I've had my own business in one form or another since I graduated from college. I always knew I wanted a big family and would need to be able to work from home if necessary.


7. When was the last time that you laughed until your belly hurt?

Last night. And the night before that. And the night before that. Ben Blair is funniest person I know.


8. When was the last time that you cried?

Yesterday. I couldn't stop throwing up and I was really worn out.


9. How old were you when you gave birth to your first child?

It was 2 months after my 23rd birthday.


10. Everyday must have?

Sugar. Attention from my husband. The internet.


11. Most treasured item?

I don't think I own a single item I would cry over. Maybe a few sighs, but no tears. So I'm not sure if I treasure any of my items. Probably, if I ever own a vintage convertible VW bug. In red. It will be my most treasured item.

12. Hopes for your future in both business and your personal life?

A solid gold house and rocket car. (Do you watch the Simpsons?)

Hopes for business: to stop doing what I'm doing before I dislike it. Hopes for personal life: to keep my family healthy and happy. And to make sure my husband knows how much I adore him.

13. Advise for others who might be contemplating following their dreams?

Go for it. Especially if your dream = blogging. Blogging is free and pretty much without risk. If you don't like it, you'll stop. Easy peasy.


14. Chocolate... Dark, Light or white?

No thanks. I like caramel. Or sour patch kids.


15. Middle name?

None.

Inspirational Interview -Alyssa Welch

I found Aylssa's blog,Resolved To Worship, months ago now. She had me hooked at her header. All seven of these beautiful blonde children can not be her's, right? Wrong. Mother of seven, loving wife, homemaker, photographer and dedictaed follower of Jesus Christ. Her blog is genuine beauty. The way she speaks of her family and the world that surrounds her, brings me a daily dose of inspiration and a reminder of how very simple and pure a woman's heart can be. Alyssa also owns and operates her own photography business, Kiddosphotos, the images are stunning. Take a peek. (This series titled, Blue, are some of my favorite) I enjoyed reading her answers to my questions, I hope you do the same.
1. How did you choose the name of your business and or blog?
My personal blog "Resolved2Worship" I named because I began it at a very rough time in my life - things were really difficult and I felt like the Lord was telling me to be resolved, no matter what came my way, to keep my head up, and keep going and worship Him in the midst of the storm. As for my business site - kiddosphotos - I really didn't mean to name it that! And I am thinking of changing it because I do so much more than just kids photos these days. My actual business is called "Alyssa Welch Photography." I'm in the process of working to get a business site that corresponds with my business name.~

2. What inspires you?
Anything out of the box creative. Art. Nature, God's creation. Sunsets and people.

3. Favorite day of the week/why?
Would have to be a tie between Saturday and Sunday because my man is home and I absolutely love being with him and doing stuff together as a family whether it be just hanging out at home or going out and doing something fun.

4. Greatest influence?
My mom and dad, my oldest sister.

5. Earliest childhood memory?
swinging on our swingset with my stuffed dog, with my older sister - who loved to play dolls, but I didn't - so I played "stuffed dog." I think I would have been three or four.

6. When did you know that you were ready to embark on creating your own business?
In highschool I had a dream to have my own business - in anything artistic. I went to Newport Beach CA. Interior Design Institute right out of highschool - I dreamed of starting a business in interior design. Then eleven years ago, I had my first son. I didn't have a camera but  my husband had a camera in our closet, one he'd gotten when he graduated from highschool 12 years before. I got it out and discovered I loved photography. It fit with all the other artistic things I loved to do. About six months later, I started my own business.

7. When was the last time that you laughed until your belly hurt?
Last Tuesday night when my second born son was playing a scrimmage game in football.

8. When was the last time that you cried?
Can't remember. I'm so not a crier.

9. How old were you when you gave birth to your first child? 
Twenty. Wouldn't change it for the world.

10. Everyday must have?
just a little time to be quiet and reflect.

11. Most treasured item?
"item?" like a thing? Well, I'd typically say my husband/children but they're not an "item" :) so it would have to be my Bible/books/writings/journals/memories in pictures. Something like that.

12. Hopes for your future in both business and your personal life?
I do my business for two reasons - one, because I love art and creating pictures is like drawing a picture to me. I love to draw - create anything - I am passionate about creativity - it is who I am. Secondly, I do it because I desire to make my husband successful - we're a team - we work together in all we do in one way or the other - he also has his own business. I love that I can help support and encourage him by adding to our income and making life fun for our seven children. What I earn I put completely into our children - whether it be for their clothing, a fun outing, a family vacation. I LOVE watching them enjoy things in life and my business has helped give us some really fun times together - making memories and loving on each other. My hopes for my business are more of the same of what I have been doing: providing for my children (and my husband and I) fun times together that will give us memories for a lifetime, as well as giving me a wonderful outlet for my passion for creating things.

Hopes for my personal life: to become more and more like Jesus Christ - a loving person to all those around me. To honor the Lord in how I live my life - making each moment count for eternity. To be a loving wife and mother, blessing those around me with the giftings God has given me -- making the world a better place by reaching out to others.

13. Advise for others who might be contemplating following their dreams?
Make sure your dreams line up with your giftings, and not just something you see someone else being successful at - or that you think would be "fun." Be yourself - at the same time think out of the box, go within yourself and see what God has put there and use it for His glory and to bless others - and let the person God made you to be, be what shines through in your business and life. Have a vision in one way or another to give to others through your successes - this is so rewarding! more than anything.

14. Chocolate... Dark, Light or white?
Would have to be dark chocolate. with peanut butter. . . or with mint. Love a mint chocolate anything.

15. Middle name?
Ann

Inspirational Interview- Tracey Hageman

This is Tracey. She owns and operates a beautiful business called Tiny Sprouts. I have been a huge fan of her work and have had the opportunity to own many different pieces from her collection of goods. All of the clothing is both hand dyed and hand embroidered. The clothing and accessories that I have purchased from her are simply beautiful. Her attention to quality and detail are second to none. She also keeps a lovely blog where she keeps the fans of her work entertained with details and stories from her personal life. We readers have followed her throughout the past years in her determination to conceive and one day be a mother. In reading the answers to this interview, it was revealed that Tracey and her husband are in fact expecting their first child. What a thrill. Congratulation to you Tracey. Keep up the wonderful work, your inspiration is abundant...

1. How did you choose the name of your business and or blog?

this took a lot of thinking. I didn't want anything that had the product
name in the name of my business. just something that was simple to
identify with my products. my sister, our friend mandy and I narrowed it
down and when we heard "tiny sprouts" it clicked.

2. What inspires you?
photography. I love a good picture.


3. Favorite day of the week/why?
saturday. I love the weekend and this day off with my husband. I promised
myself not to work on saturday's and it is always a nice treat. especially
when it starts with buttermilk pancakes!

4. Greatest influence?
my friend dyan. I have learned so much for her. how to be a better person,
kinder to people and a more generous person (I hope).

5. Earliest childhood memory?
breaking my leg in florida when I was 4. I was on one of those carriers on
the back of my mom's bike and my ankle got stuck in the spoke. needless to
say, I broke my ankle. I  vividly remember my mickey mouse shoe flying off
into the road.

6. When did you know that you were ready to embark on creating your own business?
after I had embroidered a birth announcement for my friend. it inspired me
to jump in. I didn't know much, never took a business class, but was ready
to be my own boss. it was the best decision I've ever made for myself.

7. When was the last time that you laughed until your belly hurt?
my niece & nephew make me laugh all the time. one of my favorite moments
from my niece was when she said to my sister, "whoa mom, nice jeans, where
did you get those, costco?" she was 3.

8. When was the last time that you cried?
when I told my husband I was pregnant. it was the single best moment I've
been able to share with him.

9. How old were you when you gave birth to your first child? 
I will be 31 (baby is due on may 28). it was a long road to get here but I
am so glad to have the opportunity. I am so looking forward to being a
mama.

10. Everyday must have?
a little time to myself in the morning with a big cup of chai before I
begin my day .

11. Most treasured item?
old letters & cards. I have a big box of them that I have carried with me
from high school to college to now. it is so nice to go back and reread
all the letters or cards I have received over my life.

12. Hopes for your future in both business and your personal life?
I hope to continue making people smile when they receive their order. I
truly love what I do and it makes me happy when others feel happy.
for my personal life, I hope to one day live on a lot of land in an old
farm house with our dogs running free and a few kids to share our life
with.

13. Advise for others who might be contemplating following their dreams?
don't let anything hold you back. if you feel you have something to offer
the world, go for it! you will never know unless you try.

14. Chocolate... Dark, Light or white?
I will take them all, please. I have the biggest sweet tooth.

15. Middle name?
michelle.

Inspirational Inverview- Courtney Kendrick

 Many of you reading this probably recognize this lovely lady. You may know her by her blog-land alias, cJane... Her name is actually Courtney Kendrick and she is every bit as sweet and gracious as I had thought that she would be. I started reading cJane Enjoy It, about a year ago. I found Courtney's talent through the talent of her sister and am so glad that I did. Courtney's blog is a realistic portrayal of a woman's life day in and day out. She shares, she reveals and she exposes herself for the world to see. Her ability to write is a gift. Her attention to detail in the order and arrangement of her words is both thought provoking and awe inspiring. She has made me laugh, she has made me cry. If you have not had a chance to meet cJane, today is your lucky day... You are in for a treat.

1. How did you choose the name of your business and or blog?

Way back when (way back when I don't know what) my sister Stephanie created an email address for me and called it cjane. C is for Courtney and Jane is my middle name. I kept it as my online profile, so internetly, I am know as cjane. My blog is called Enjoy It because I started it when I was trying to get pregnant and was NOT enjoying the fact that it wasn't working. If I wrote about the happy moments, the enjoyable moments, I thought I could endure it better. So, "c jane Enjoy It" is the name of my blog.

2. What inspires you?

Innocence, mostly. Also, nature never ceases to inspire me.

3. Favorite day of the week/why?

Thursday, it is the day that brings promises of the weekend. Thursday is deep-breath-almost-there day.

4. Greatest influence?

A Mormon writer named Emma Lou Thayne. I admire everything she pens, even the stuff she has yet to write. I love it already.

5. Earliest childhood memory?

Walking across the street with too tight of jeans on my hips (I think I was five). I've never quite made sense of jeans (I prefer skirts and dresses.)

6. When did you know that you were ready to embark on creating your own business?

 I am forever the stay at home wife with a secret life of blogging and emailing. I don't think I'd make much sense of business.

7. When was the last time that you laughed until your belly hurt?

Last Saturday morning my husband and I were in bed. My mother-in-law had gotten up with our 16 month old so we could advantageously sleep in. While they were downstairs playing, our son somehow escaped. He quickly climbed the stairs, jaunted down the hall, and burst open our bedroom door with an excited "HAAAA!"  There was a definite sly smile on his face. Like, "I caught you!" (He caught us sleeping in, nothing else, I promise.) We laughed for twenty four hours after the moment.

8. When was the last time that you cried?

When I told my husband I wanted to move to a farm so our children could have a simple life of milking and plowing and darning their socks. I know it will never happen, and that is why I cried.

9. How old were you when you gave birth to your first child? 

Thirty one. Thank you very much. In my family of nine, all the women had their first child at 24 or younger. This makes me proud to be an older mommy. Thank you very much (again).

10. Everyday must have?

Quiet time. Me and my brain, alone. No sharing.

11. Most treasured item?

My plastic pink peep toe shoes. I have had them for years, I will have them for eternity. Or however long plastic lasts.

12. Hopes for your future in both business and your personal life?

I want to find a place where motherhood and blogging meet for me. Right now they seem separate and I'd like them to co-exist. I'd like to feel that blogging enhances my mothering and vice-versa.

13. Advise for others who might be contemplating following their dreams?

Don't listen to advice.
(Wait, am I advising?)

14. Chocolate... Dark, Light or white?

Usually dark, but the minute I found out I was pregnant (this time) I could've even smell my drawer full of exotic dark chocolates. These days milk chocolate is my pregnancy sickness redemption. Cadbury milk chocolate. Who needs Zofran?

15. Middle name?

Didn't I already answer that?