Studio 4:13

Spice Girl and I Say "Crap" A Lot...

Food:  Still enjoying that instapot/pressure cooker!  Hubby is now infamous for his mashed potatoes, which went perfectly with this steak last night!  I've been in a creative (creating "things") rut and I think my creativity is being expressed in the kitchen lately.  I normally haven't been a very good dinner planner (which makes the InstaPot perfect), but the past couple of weekends I scan my Pinterest feed for a few new dinner ideas for the coming week.  So far this week we've done the steak mentioned above, and Lemony Chicken Soup in the InstaPot, both winners!

Podcasts:  On the rotation this week are Happier with Gretchen Rubin and Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert.  Liz's book "Big Magic" has been on my library wait list for what seems like an eternity, SO, that said, I am committed to purchasing it because based on listening to the podcast conversations, I have a feeling I'll need a copy to highlight the crap out of!

Feeling:  In my previous post I highlighted the Golden Lotus Healing Center.  One visit changed so much and has put me on a quest to learn more.  I've enrolled in Natasha's August workshop and am excited and open to learning and applying all of it.  (If you're nearby, I highly encourage going to their Open House next Wednesday, August 10th, and see what it's all about!

When I look back at life so far, even the past year, how one thing leads to another and another.  How maybe you can fall out of love with something - a hobby, a relationship, a career, whatever, but not ever say "I wish I hadn't done that" because it often leads to discovering other interests and loves.  I see and feel so many who afraid of change, or quick to cast judgment based on a single experience or someone writing the 'wrong' thing on a Facebook post or whatever.  But you be true to you.  For so long I worried about what others thought, like, here's this girl and she makes jewelry.  Oh wait, she's no longer making jewelry and now she's selling candles!  Oh wait, now she's advertising her sign business.  Oh wait, what IS it she does?  Who cares!  What I do or create or live has nothing to do with you and what you create/live/change has nothing to do with me!  (insert Oprah aha! moment)  Can't live your life feeling stuck based on what others may think of you or being afraid to try something new.

Starting to experience the benefits of energy healing, I'm also speaking the truth a bit more.  For so long I practiced KMS (keep mouth shut) and hoped what I was feeling would disappear.  But that mentality is toxic.  But I digress...anyway, when you try things and discover what you DO like, often times people or things will start appearing in your path and amazing crap can happen.

So here's to another great week and wishing everyone experiences some amazing crap!

Things I Love Right Now

Cooking:  The Instant Pot Pressure Cooker - if you follow me on Instagram, you'll be sure to see some posts on what's cookin!

Listening:  Still listening to podcasts - if you loved Serial Season One, check out "Undisclosed" on iTunes!  Pretty much anything of interest can also be found in podcast form - this week I've been researching "Whole30" and came across a great podcast with the creator of the program, Melissa Hartwig, on Andrew Zimmern's "Go Fork Yourself" podcast.

Feeling:  And in my last blog post there was a quick mention of doing some energy healing and holy crap that stuff works!  It's one of those things you have to be open to and want to experience.  I visited Natasha at the Golden Lotus Healing Center in Prescott, WI based on a recommendation from my chiropractor.  Since then I've continued the journey of healing, becoming aware of what I'm feeling vs keeping it all hidden, and overall desire to have and deserve joy and love in my life.  I'm picking up articles and podcasts and soaking up what I can about it - Google or Pinterest search "energy healing" or "chakra balancing" or "myofacial unwinding".  If you're in the Twin Cities/Western Wisconsin area, I highly recommend this center and you can always have a free personal call with Natasha to see if this is for you.  I look forward to continuing this growth!

 

Sorta Creative

I've discovered podcasts.   I know, welcome to 2016.  What started out as listening to some company training via podcast became an exploration of "who else is talking about stuff out there?"  

Earlier this year I binged on Serial, season one (never got into season two).  I remembered that one of my favorite former bloggers, Hollywood Housewife, participated as a guest every once in a while on a podcast called "Sorta Awesome".  Probably because "Totally Awesome" sounded too 80's, but it is pretty descriptive because I'm finding these podcasts totally awesome.  With well over 60 episodes to catch up on, you'll find me listening to these and asking my girlfriends "have you listened to this?!"  I would say it's geared toward women, there's laughter, there's seriousness, topics from favorite books, how to throw a great party, to anxiety and friendship break-ups.  It's all out there and it's awesome.  Totally.

Last year I found myself in a creative rut.  No desire to take on custom orders, no desire to make all the things I've jotted down in my notebook.  No desire for any creative element.  So I've been working through that because it is a big part of me.  I've missed painting, cross-stitch, candle-making, writing, all of it.  Baby steps in getting the creativity flowing again, I've been reading and listening to podcasts, I've got a couple custom orders in the works this month and a vacation up to the cabin away from technology to hopefully re-connect with my creativity.  Oh, and I'm getting my chakras balanced today.

Recommendations:  listen to the Sorta Awesome podcasts, and sign up for Laura Tremaine's (Hollywood Housewife) "Secret Posts" - while she's retired from blogging, these Secret Posts are jam-packed with greatness!

What are you listening to or reading these days?

2.5 years...

My original intent in starting a blog was to have an outlet for my thoughts and creative business, Studio 4:13.  In an effort for work/life balance (or rather, unbalance) I quickly figured out that when I was creating new signs, I got writer's block, and when I sat down to write a blog post I got sign-painter's block.  So the blog went to the backburner.

2015 was a successful year in the sign-making business as far as new and returning customers, but I hit a road block that fall when I realized I was starting to become unmotivated when new orders came in.  Especially since I always found joy in creativity!   Something needed to change.

Through a conversation with a girlfriend, complaining about how I was tired, needed to lose weight and just feeling blah, she referred me to another friend who was having a lot of joy and energy and overall healthiness on a superfoods nutritional system.  We got in touch, I signed up with my first pack as I figured I had nothing to lose with their money-back guarantee, and a week later the skies parted and my body responded well to good (and easy) nutrition.  I immediately started sharing this with everyone I could because when you feel good, you want everyone to feel good!

And so here we are, 2.5 years after my last blog post, and nearly 8 months since I started this nutrition and there's no turning back.  It's easy to keep in my repertoire, the benefits are amazing and the lives this company is impacting are growing exponentially.  I'm excited to also find joy in creativity again.   Would love to share more of my journey with you!  E-mail me at [email protected] for more information!

 

 

My Stitch Fix Experience - Fix #5

Let's get right into it!  When I opened this month's Fix, based on looks alone, I was super excited and hopeful.  The stylist sent exactly what I was looking for (dresses/skirts and a plaid shirt), but what would happen once I tried them on...

Item 1.  41Hawthorn Maddy Ponte Fit & Flare Dress, $78:

No.  In fact, I think a very similar dress, if not the same, sent in a jade color, came a couple fixes ago.  The color was not flattering on me at all and the fit was just meh.  Going back.

Item 2. Ella Moss Ryleigh Geo Print Skirt, $55:

Pass.  It was a hoochie fit.

Item #3. Caramela Macy Tribal Print Dress, $48:

Boo hoo :(  I was so hoping this one would work, I loved the funky print, the material was great, could imagine this with some great tights and booties, the price was perfect, but alas, not all mediums are created equal, and I need to lay off the Christmas coookies.  Pass.

Item 4.  41Hawthorn Ivy Birds & Tree Print Blouse, $68:

This is something I don't have in my wardrobe.  But it's sheer and I'm not really sure what to do with it, maybe put a black tight tank under it?  It's navy with a gold funky print on it.  It fits ok, but I'm not totally sold.  Will try on again today to determine and also scope the internets to see if anyone else has gotten it in their Fix and what they did with it (this is the only item I received where I got no "how to Fix this" card with it.  Maybe.

Item 5. Fun2Fun Colibri Plaid Printed Tab-Sleeve Shirt, $48:

This is a definitely maybe-to-yes.  I wanted a plaid shirt and this is not what I had in mind so was pleasantly surprised (I was thinking ,more "manly" looking plaid flannel this year.).  This one is a perfect fit and the mandarin v-neck collar is flattering.  Will try on again today and determine.  Maybe.

So that is this month's fix!  I love this shopping experience, but am going to take a month off (you can do that, it's easy!)  with holiday spending underway the closet is going to take a little break.

I've been hearing from so many friends on Facebook who have tried Stitch Fix and are loving it, have you signed up yet?

Stich Fix - see what it's all about!

Let me know if you have any questions, I'm happy to share about my experience!

My Stitch Fix Experience - Fix #4

Hello and welcome from my blogging hiatus! 

I love Stitch Fix.  I have been sharing my experiences on Facebook, and have heard from a few friends who have signed up and are now enjoying this service as well!  But besides just hearing about it, it's fun to see what items we get in our monthly fixes and the decisions around keeping/passing.  So here we go!

This is my fourth Fix and each month gets better and better.  I mean this month, if it were based on looks/taste alone, I could've kept all 5 pieces.  These stylists really take your feedback into consideration to make each month's fixes become new wardrobe staples.

Please note, I am not a photographer, so welcome to my closet iPhone photos.  First up, the note:

I have requested a couple things in my comments to Stitch Fix:  1 - great black work pants and 2 - a denim shirt/tunic that could become a wardrobe staple.  When I saw this Bella Dahl Chambray Shirt Dress, I got excited.  It's incredibly soft and can easily become a versatile staple in the wardrobe - paired with fun tights and boots; leggings and a belt; skinny jeans and cute flats, etc.  My deterrence?  The hefty $118 price tag.  I don't doubt the quality and I have scanned the interwebs to see if I could find it cheaper.  I do have $42 in fix credit at my disposal too.  Hmmm...

Again, please don't judge the pictures, some day I may get around to actually photographing myself in these Fix outfits!

These Margaret M Arthur Trouser pants were awesome.  High quality material, fit perfectly with a nice wide waistband.  I know multiple washings will not fade these pants.  BUT there is the price tag - $108.  If I take into account that Fix credit, yes, I would pay $65 for a pair of pants.  Hmmm again...

Next up the Daniel Rainn "Alicia Arrow Print Front Pocket Blouse".  Truly a fun print with attention to detail.  $68.  I liked it, but it was tight in the chest, so it has to go back:

Then came the electric blue blazer.  I was like, say what?  But then I tried it on.  Fit like a glove!  Katherine Barclay "Bush Ponte Blazer".  When I got my receipt in the box the price was $128, but when I logged in for my online check-out the price was down to $98.  A great blazer is a great wardrobe staple; however, electric blue just not my color.  (I'll tell you why in a moment...)

And finally, my fifth item, an awesome cardigan by Ellison, "Davis Leopard Print Button-Up Cardigan".  $68.  It is my style, but I know I can find boyfriend style cardigans at my favorite boutique, Target, so I couldn't justify the price tag.

Ok, let's just talk for a second about what else makes Stitch Fix so great besides convenience and having a personal stylist at your fingertips.  It's for those like me who want to be fashionable and don't know how.  So with each item you get, they show you 2 ways to style it, and from there can find similar items in your own wardrobe to mix and match to create your own unique look:

OK, remember how I said electric blue was not my color?  A couple years back, I, and many other girlfriends, used the services of a great local personal stylist, Ditto & Co.  Although she's taken a styling hiatus, we all hope she'll start back up again soon!  A couple of the takeaways from that service, though, was knowing my colors that will look great on me, saving me time from trying on other colors I someday hope will look great on me but never will; and the other takeaway was knowing what cut/fit will flatter my shape the most.  So for you girls that know your colors and have "the book", you can easily compare what you get in your Stitch Fix to your "rules":

While I know my price point, I also know that it's ok to spend a bit more on items that look great on you and have a quality to last a long time.  Would I spend $100 on a trendy print blouse I can only wear twice?  No.  On black pants I'd probably wear to work weekly for a year?  Definitely.

While I type this, I still have a day left to return my items (see Stitch Fix FAQ for the rules), I'm debating between the black pants and the chambray shirt dress, one or both, I know something is staying for sure!

Haven't tried Stitch Fix yet?  Sign up today!

My Stitch Fix Experience

I recently heard the hubbub about www.stitchfix.com, a site where you create a style profile and every month they'll send you a package of stylist-selected clothing and accessory items right to your door.  I hate clothes shopping, trying on clothes, but also always stay with the same style of clothing, I need help branching out.  I knew this would be a perfect thing to try, no obligations, I'd be out $20 for the entire experience if it didn't go well. (To read more about what Stitch Fix is, read their FAQ site)

I filled out my style profile and worried a bit, would things fit?  Am I being too optimistic or pessimistic on my sizing?  Within a week, I had my first style fix in hand! (Please excuse blurry iPhone photos ahead)

This cute box arrived at my doorstop and when I opened it, there were instructions in easy-to-follow steps of what to do.  Every month a stylist sends you 5 items based on your profile.  You can put specific notes for your stylist (i.e. "I'm going to a casual wedding this month and need a dress") for them to work on.  In my profile I had put a note that I was looking for a classic white button down shirt and a denim shirt for fall.  The cost for this service is $20 a month, or "per fix" if you want to skip a month or go more frequently.  If you choose to keep any of your fix, that $20 will be deducted from the charge of clothing.  If you send it all back, that $20 is non-refundable.  So above the instructions are telling me to try on my things and decide within 72 hours if I want to return anything, and if I do, use the included pre-paid envelope.

Included in the package was the stylist who hand-picked these items, as well as the receipt and instructions for what to do next.  Once you've assessed your goodies, you can go online immediately and rate how well they picked, giving explicit feedback to help your stylist for future pickings.  As well you can state what you're returning and get the payment out of the way even before you ship the items back.

 

My pick was great and essentially I liked most of the items.  Those red jeans there?  FABULOUS.  And totally a brand I would have never tried on.  The only glitch?  Style Fix's $88 price tag, when I found them on Amazon for $40.  Not a problem, I returned the pants and bought them off of Amazon instead!  What did I keep from above?  The white button down shirt with a denim/polka-dot cuff.

They did send a high-low denim shirt, and I loved the fabric of it, but the "low" part in back clung a bit too much to the booty.  The brown knit top above was just ok.  The fabric was great and generally a good cut, but I didn't think the color/fit flattered so much.  They also sent a great gold necklace, but I had a similar item already in my personal stash.  All of this feedback I'm telling you here, I filled out online so my stylist would know for next time.  The $20 stylist fee was deducted from the price of the white button down shirt that I kept, and my next "fix" is scheduled in 2 weeks, can't wait!

If you'd like to try this out, I'd love it if you'd use my referral link!

Leave a comment here or shoot me an email at [email protected] if you have any questions!

That's what she said

Recently I received an email from a gal who I did a custom Christmas order for last year.  This time there was a request to make a sign that would be used as a wedding photography prop, and a "Pinterest re-creation".  Below are the final products.

For this one, we stained (husband again, I like to delegate when he has time to help!) the board in a dark walnut.  I then cut the design on the Silhouette out of vinyl.  I did this because I wanted the letters to show as the stain, versus painting on the lettering as I normally do.  Vinyl's usually easier to work with for that reason.  I carefully stuck the vinyl on as I wanted and painted over with a white wash.  Peeled off all those letters, coated with a seal of poly and voila!

This Pinterest re-creation was the inspiration for the "Playroom Rules" seen in an earlier post:

(Feet courtesy of me and my helper!)

What the doctor ordered

Earlier this summer, I was referred to a chiropractor looking to create some custom signs for his parents cabin.  You've seen those cute "how many miles to" signs pointing in different directions on a country road?  This was our take on that.  He gave me names and mileage but I had free reign on design/colors/etc.

Knowing that he was installing a 6" post, I tried to keep the total height in mind of how much the height of each sign would take up, making room for some space between each sign, so he wouldn't have to start at the top, and they wouldn't be hitting the ground un-readable for passers-by.  Then I went through my stash of wood and remnants:

Then it was paint color time, and a few I kept as-is:

I then measured all boards and determined what would go on each based on their length of names.  Designed them on my Design software and cut with the Silhouette and finally painted!

Each project I do I swear is my favorite.  My styles of design have grown so much in the past 2 years since I started and I love seeing that transition!  Once the signs were all painted, my husband helped me by coating them with many many coats of poly, as we knew these would be outdoors and exposed to the elements.  Here is a photo of the final installment!

More custom designs!

I really enjoy doing "my hometown" custom 12" x 12" signs.  I've created them for Hudson and Baldwin and now, Spooner!

And this here was a custom order for a housewarming present:

You can take the simplest of designs and make it look fabulous on a piece of old barn wood!