Welcome again to another question and answer post. So many good questions this week, and I'm excited to answer them, so read on:
Randoms
Q: What's your favorite rainy day album?
A: Billie Holiday 'Lady Sings the Blues'Q: What is a 'seablanket'?
A: I used to be quite the book worm. Once in an old novel, I read about the stars and the wind and waves, and how Vikings and Pirates used them to determine direction and temperature and the seasons. One of the things they mentioned were called "seablankets" and when translated, meant the top layer of water the ocean, aka, what the human eye can see, while knowing that the ocean goes vastly deeper below. I have always been enamored with large bodies of water, and I fell in love with the term, it's almost like saying that a seablanket is the gatekeeper to the entire world below. Since then, I've also heard the term used in reference to thick fog that sits on the ocean, and also the clouds that rest on the horizon.
Q: What is your biggest inspiration?
A: Oh man... I'd have to say my family, especially my sister. She inspires me to work harder, be kinder and stretch my imagination. I always appreciate her opinion and look up to her so much, even though she's a shorty. ;)
Q: What are your favorite things about yourself?
A: I really like my freckles, my ambition and my laugh.
Q: What are some of your dreams and goals for your life?
A: Some dreams and goals are-
1. Open my own boutique
2. Own a home in a city
3. Write a book
Q: What are ten things that always make you smile no matter what?
A: Only 1o?! Geeze!
1. Cute animals
2. Hugs
3. Arrested Development
4. Indian food
5. Thunderstorms
6. Live theater/music/dance performances
7. The seaside
8. New tattoos
9. Girls nights
10. Snowflakes on my nose and eyelashes
Q: Hi! I love your blog:) I was wondering if you have a daily routine?
A: I'm not sure what kind of routine you'd like to know about..so here's my average day:
I wake up at 6:3o am, to get ready for work. I work from 7:30 or 8am to at least 5pm on weekdays. After work I jog and do yoga, then make dinner. My evenings either involve preparing my blog for the next day, enjoying time with friends, or crafting. I generally get tired around 10 and get ready for bed, trying to get to sleep by 11 or Midnight. Rinse and repeat. Weekends are different. I usually go thrift shopping on Saturdays to get new materials and find new inspiration, spend time with friends, enjoy some time with my family, or go on day/weekend trips. Hope this is what you were looking for! xo
Q: What's a typical work out routine for you? How often do you work out on a weekly basis?
A: I try to run every weekday after work, 2-5 miles each time. After my run, I do yoga stretches and some pilates for about :30 minutes. I also started running on Sunday mornings, which I enjoy very much!
Q: Of the two elements, fire and water, which do you prefer?
A: Water. It's hypnotic and magical.Q: Will you tell us some of the meanings behind your tattoos?
A: Sure, sure. Most of my tattoos are memorials to events in my life that have shaped who I am today.
My sleeve is representing purity and manipulation. The upper half contains icons of purity, innocence and peace. The lower half represents manipulation, lies and deceit. These two characteristics represent a big event in my life that has changed me and now defines how I live daily. I thought it was important to always reflect upon it, so I chose to place the message to myself on my arm.
My shoulder piece is inspired by the band Eisley. The tattoo is of a one man band, drawn in cartoon style. I got it to remind myself that the voice inside of me will always shine through, even in the darkest of places.
My rib piece is a compass rose with two skeleton keys crossed with wings, and represents family. The piece was inspired by the song Eleanor Rigby by the Beatles and the design has reference to my mom and to my sister. It reminds me, I'll always have home, no matter where life may take me.
Q: I saw in a couple of posts back that you're trying to quit smoking. I was wondering how that's going? I totally believe in you and this goal. From what I've read of your blog, you're such a strong-willed lady, and I know you can tackle this! xo
A: That made my heart melt, thank you for the sweet encouragement. I am actually overcoming my smoking habit, and today marks day 21 of not smoking a single cigarette. I have started pointing all my frustration and stress into my running, instead of smoking a cigarette for temporary relief. It's really helping and I'm encouraged. Everyone has been so helpful and supportive of my decision, I can't help but try for myself and everyone else who's offered support.
Crafts/Blogging
Q: About the Ruched Pouch DIY: Do you have to wash or treat the fabric beforehand to stop it from fraying? I want to make sure it lasts.A: I would always recommend washing your fabric before beginning any sewing project. It ensures the shape and size of your project will stay the same.
Q: Do you have any advice for getting people to read your blog when you've just started it and nobody has read it?
A: I would suggest having a clear vision for your blog. Think about the kind of person you'd like to read it, and what content they'd appreciate seeing. Make sure that you are being unique and yourself...people really appreciate genuineness.
Q: Whats a basic, beginning, no frills sewing machine you'd recommend?
A: I'd recommend to purchase a simple to use, yet good quality machine. I use a Brother, and I really like my machine. If I were to choose just one, I'd go for this one. It's good quality and comes with 35 decorative stitches. The free arm feature allows you to sew pants and shirts and small projects. It is lightweight and compact, and I think it'd be a great beginner machine and could take on bigger projects as your skills develop. Don't be intimidated by the price of a sewing machine, save up your money or check Ebay, or used linen district shops.
Thank you all for your fun questions!
xxoo chelseablanket
