Tour Through Blogland
I was so excited to be asked my my friend Ashley from 3 Little Greenwoods to take part in the Tour Through Blogland. This is a great opportunity for you to get a sneak peek into the inner workings of how things are done here at Chic California and introduce you to a few of my friends along the way. First let me introduce you to Ashley!
Ashley blogs from South Carolina and I love her southern style. She always has creative projects and colorful decor. So if you get tired of all the white and gray design schemes, she’s your girl. I first began to admire her work when she linked up her Camping Themed Birthday party. This cake at me at hello!
Backyard Campout Birthday Party
Be neighborly and pay Ashley a visit and comment on her post. Let her know that I sent you on over. I’m like the Welcome Wagon in that way!
Now on to a little bit about the Whatnots and Tidbits here at Chic California. I am charged with answering 4 questions so here goes…..
1) What are you currently working on?
What am I not working on? My priority project is my Renu Challenge Home Office/Craft Room Makeover.
The deadline is fast approaching and I am starting to feel the pressure! But I am also working on keeping up my inventory at my retail space by feverishly painting furniture so I always have a back up piece when something flys out the door. It’s never ending and there are times when I wish I wouldn’t sell anything in a week just so I could catch up. (Not really, but really!) And I have 2 commissioned pieces for clients to paint as well. I’m also trying (with not much success this summer) to become a certified Interior Designer by taking some online courses. Did I mention I am getting the kids ready for school and all that jazz?
2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I think my projects have a distinctive look to them because I am always trying to incorporate some type of vintage find. I love the vintage look and I have loved it since well… forever. But I think that look has evolved over the years. I want everyone to have a little something vintage in their decor. Not just old junk. But something stylishly vintage, that means something to them. So I want to help my readers learn to incorporate that into their homes. Whether it’s inspiring you to try to paint some of your old furniture with Milk Paint or find some cool stuff at the thrift store or snag something sweet from your Mom’s attic. Everything old is new again, sometimes it just needs a little rehab!
3) Why do I write and create what I do?
This all stemmed from my search for “What do I want to be when I grow up?”
Except I really only asked that question seriously when I hit my 30′s! I had to think back to the things I really loved doing all my life. Not what I thought others wanted me to do or expected me to do. I remember rearranging my furniture in my room often when I was a kid. I used to sit on the couch and watch Style by Elsa Klensch on CNN (Anyone, remember that one?) I used to doodle outfits in notebooks. I used to be the editor of my high school paper and I loved to write. I graduated with a degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences but my heart was never in it. I eventually became an esthetician. And then that evolved into selling jewelry which morphed into painting furniture which led me back to where I am today. Painting, designing and creating. Now I use the phrase, “Do what you love and the money will follow.” Not much money yet, but I’ll keep you updated!
4) How does your writing/creative process work?
I get the best ideas in the shower! I need to keep a waterproof tablet and pen in there with me. Because sometimes I can hardly wait to get out to put pen to paper (fingers to keyboard?) and let the idea flow. I’m always afraid I’ll loose the idea somewhere between the shower and the rest of my day getting in the way. I jot things down for projects and posts on scrap paper and napkins and I try to keep track of them. As far as controlling my day and getting it all done. Well, I’m working on that one. I tend to hummingbird around the house and at the end of the day I have nothing to show for it but tired wings. I am trying to discipline myself into working my blog like a business and therefore keeping business hours. But this is real life and that doesn’t always work.
So that’s how it goes around here. Now it’s my pleasure to introduce you to 2 bloggers that I have invited to take this tour. Say hello to my blogging friend Jamie from Anderson + Grant.
I found a post from Jamie on a link party a few weeks ago and I have been admiring her blog ever since. Jamie has a great blog dedicated to home decorating and organizing with some delish recipes thrown in for good measure. And she has a great eye for vintage style!
Painting a Vintage Table
And also let me introduce you to my blogging friend Jeanette from Baycreek Boutique.
She’s a Michigander but this Ohio raised girl won’t hold it against her. How could I when she paints furniture like this?
September Blues and Some Really Good News
Don’t forget to pay these lovely ladies a visit. And follow their blog or follow them on one or more social media channels. You won’t regret it! Hope you enjoyed the tour!