Answers: Part Three

I'm almost through answering all the questions from my Ask Away post, here's the third batch... :)

19. Do you have any advise for me about how to be positive, focused and happy?

My advice would be to always be checking your attitude. Being positive boils down to making the decision to be positive. If I felt like being down on myself, or to find things in my life that suck, I would find them! We have to keep CHOOSING to stay positive and look at all the things we can be so thankful for. My family is a big part of keeping me positive.. so when I'm in a bad mood, I'll browse through Simon's baby scrapbook to remember fun times, or I'll sit down with him to read a book. Also, making sure to include close friends in your projects takes stress out of deadlines, and makes it much more fun! For example, find a great sewing pattern with a friend, and make it together! Sometimes I can get lost in my crafty to do list... and feel like it's never going to get done, so I make a master list. Write down all the projects you start, and all the ones you plan to start, and check them off as you go. This helps keep me focused on what I'm working on, and keeps me from getting frustrated. If you put your mind to it, you can do it.

20.Have you ever had this kind of time when you aren't able to create anything? and if so: What do you do about it?

Great question. Being pregnant, I know how it feels to lack inspiration and motivation! I've DEFINITELY experienced those times. I try to be easy on myself when this happens, because I know it's going to come back. These periods of time are great for your mind to rest, and get re-charged. Maybe a clean slate means a whole new adventure in something is on the way. I often browse inspiring websites like Flickr to spark inspiration (ex. Red Velvet Art Flickr Group, and Crochet Flickr Group), or I'll e-mail a crafty friend to see what their currently working on, and shoot ideas back and forth to get the juices flowing. Often a walk will do you good too! Take time to go outside for 20 minutes even, spend the time in prayer, or just admiring nature and the surroundings. This can sometimes motivate me, plus, how often do we busy people take the time to do that anyways!? It's good for the soul and mind. So don't think of these uninspired times as a bad thing! Think of them as an opportunity to refresh, and relax for a little bit.

21. How do you keep yourself inspired? I have trouble with that! And what is your favorite craft supply store?

The above answer pretty much answers the first question. For my favorite craft supply store? I usually find my supplies on various Etsy shops (hardly ever the same one), and Michaels. It seems that there aren't very many great craft supply stores around me... but I find most of everything I need at Michaels.

22. What is your favorite childhood memory?

woah.. don't think I could pinpoint just one...

I loved going on leaf hunts with my mom and sister.

I loved going for KFC picnics at Assiniboine Park with my mom and sister.

I loved staying over at my Grandma's place for night.

I loved trips to bookstores with my Dad.

23. I was just wondering what products you use. and what is your normal styling routine...

I use Sexy Hair products for styling. When my hair is still wet, I spray in Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus at the root/crown, then I put one squirt of Marrekesh Oil (argan oil) in my palms and rub together, then evenly distribute throughout my hair. This adds shine and protects it from the heat of a flat iron/blowdryer. Then I blowdry it in sections with a round brush to get volume, and use my flat iron just for my bangs, and for a few layers around my face (my hair is very straight to begin with, so I don't need to very much) and then I add some texture to it with Short Sexy Hair - Frenzy, which is a paste. I'll finish off with a light mist of Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Harder.

Add bow. :) (not always, but I feel pretty when I wear a bow)

24. I did ask recently where you find your nose rings I was hoping I could find one on etsy or something.

I order all the body jewelry for the salon from Rage Body Jewelry.

25.what is Morden like? Where is it? How big is it? Are you close to major cities? How do you keep so inspired and crafty in a small place where sometimes the choice in materials/inspo is on short supply? Would you ever consider moving somewhere else (like the US?)

Morden is a great little town. It's population is around 7000. It's in Southern Manitoba, about an hour and a half south west of Winnipeg, which is the capitol of MB. I keep inspired by my online friends/blog community, as well as the people I'm surrounded by. If I can't find any good craft supplies locally, then Etsy is an awesome resource. I would most definitely not consider moving anywhere else. No offense, but Canada is such a wonderful country, and I love being close to my family, and close to my awesome hospital, and in a community that I can feel safe in, and feel good about raising my family in. :) Good question Gen!

26. must say I love your haircut and the color...wish I was that daring....what color is it?

I use Schwarzkopf Igora Royal haircolor. 1 part 6-88, 1 part 9-998. Sorry that won't make any sense to you who aren't in the hairstyling business, lol.

Seriously, who designed your blog...I LOVE IT!!!

Aw, thanks so much! I designed everything myself, with the occasional HTML help from my technically advanced husband, lol.

I use photoshop to create my headers and backgrounds.

How would describe your style?

If you're a Style School student, you can look forward to my feature on January 21st!

I would describe it as unique, fun, somewhat girly, and bright.

Ok, time for bed... I'll finish with Part Four later this week.

I seriously enjoy all these questions!

I was pumped when I saw OPI's newest collection of polishes!! Can't wait to try them, I ordered this for the salon today:

and if you haven't already, be sure to check out Elsie's camera makeover, I LOVE it! So much.

cute, huh?

I gave macarons another go tonight, with my Mother inlaw. We made Lemon ones, and I'll blog about the experience tomorrow. Maybe share another recipe for them if you guys are interested at all. :) Let me know! I think I've almost got them down.