Email? I'll get to it later.

As I understand it, most people aren't as crazy as I am about upkeep on email inboxes. These 10 tips about email etiquette seem very useful for those who feel inundated with mail on a regular basis.

Here's to conquering email in 2011!

MySpace

My unsturdy bookcase full of literary gems like Wine Trails of Washington (should probably get the Oregon version now) and Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People by Amy Sedaris.

Yes, that horse is missing a leg.

The blank canvas either represents a world of possibilities or it's a sign of my procrastination.

This picture represents how cheap I am - or rather that I spend all of my money on musical instruments.

Couch made from a moving pallet, some foam from the as-is section of IKEA, wool from the sale bin at the Pendleton outlet and some wine boxes found in my mom's garage.

Coffee table compliments of Microsoft.

Paint by numbers of the ocean, 50 cents at the B Street thrift store in Aberdeen.

Nearly complete set of Seinfeld, won at trivia night.

I'm addicted to Pendleton Wool (curtains, 2 blankets and dust ruffle. Not sure where the rug originated).

I pray every night that these shelves don't fall down.
**UPDATE** The bottom shelf did, in fact, fall down.

The biggest bathroom I have ever occupied. I could probably fit a small bed in here.

Aberdeen

Oh, Hello 2011

I've been thinking for the last 2 hours about how bored I am and that I should just go to bed and then I remembered that I have a blog that needs some attention and here I am!

Needless to say, I'm in a bit of a writing slump. I've had some good ideas of topics to write about lately but I'm feeling less than inspired. I blame the year 2011... or maybe placing blame is a bad idea - don't want to get off on the wrong foot. But, nevertheless, I feel the weight of the year ahead on my shoulders and I've been working up the courage to get started on my many projects and goals.

I've been spending the last week trying to get my new apartment in order. It's coming along slowly. I am most excited about the little office/sewing space I'm creating in one corner (it's a studio, so this work space is far from perfect) of the apartment. I'm hoping this will open the doors to inspiration and some good old-fashioned hard work.

Also, I'm debating many things in my mind as always. Mostly, as far as career and business goes, I would like to get a clear vision for the next year and possibly further in order to decide on some goals and begin the pursuit. But I'll wait until I get the desk set up...

I'm Still Here

Well, I've been busy but it's no excuse. The good news is that I found a place to live in the CITY! So no more long commutes and country living/isolation from civilization. Lesson learned: I'm not a country dweller. I can't do it - mostly because it requires a lot of daily planning. A trip into town takes a lot of effort, so it would always require a great deal of thinking and long lists to make sure I got the most out of each trip. I also learned that my comfort level and general happiness seems to hinge on the distance between my home and a good coffee shop.

So, I'm excited to get to know my new neighborhood Foster-Powell. You'll probably find me hanging out reading some zines at Guapo Coffee or setting up my hammock at Mt. Scott Park.

It's Like Magic!

I FINALLY HAVE INTERNET AT HOME!

Let's celebrate with the best song in the world.

Sun

How can you not?

JK asks,

"It's like, how does anyone start their own business? How is it even possible? How do they deal with the crippling fear and harsh economic realities?"

Some people believe that if you have a good job, you shouldn't start your own gig, because it's foolish to give up a job you can't easily replace.

And some people believe that if you don't have a great job, it's foolish to waste time (and the money you can ill afford to lose) starting something when you'd be a lot better off getting a great job or going to school until you do.

And both groups are missing the point.

The people who successfully start independent businesses (franchises, I think are a different thing) do it because we have no real choice in the matter. The voice in our heads won't shut up until we discover if we're right, if we can do it, if we can make something happen. This is an art, our art, and to leave it bottled up is a crime.

I guess the real question, JK, is, "How can you not do it?"

-Seth Godin

Day of Rest

Working from home can often cause me to work all the time: late into the night, on weekends, at times when I'm tired but I just want to finish one... more... thing. So, today, I'm taking the day off. I put away all of my projects last night (around 11pm) and decided I wouldn't look at them for at least one day. It's been a relaxing day so far.

My life hasn't been all work though...

I went up to Seattle to see Miike Snow at the Showbox a couple of weeks ago. Concerts at the Showbox Sodo are usually a good time. I went by myself, which was a little bit weird since I've never done that before, but I enjoyed it. I really had no idea so many people were such big fans. And there seemed to be a lot of "frat boys" which surprised me even more. Nevertheless... it was great.

Emily (my roomie) and I went on a winery tour at Ponzi Winery's new location, which isn't typically open to the public. I love wineries and this one was at a beautiful location and it was a unique experience to get so close to the wine making process. We got to taste a few of their Reserve wines and had lunch with the tour group.

After the wine tour we stopped at this extremely random farm event with a little pumpking patch, a giant inflatable apple and a couple of farm animals. I really want a goat.

Influencers

INFLUENCERS TRAILER from R+I creative on Vimeo.

Good News

I finally discovered the library and their high speed internet (ps - Starbucks internet is horrible).

Facebook for Small Business

I've been contemplating the endless possibilities of social media as a promotional and community building tool, so this case-study of a South Carolina restaurant, Bistro 17, seemed poignant.

How do you use facebook to promote your business without becoming an annoyance? I've been thinking a lot about that fine line and I'm in the process of developing my full strategy. Mostly, I'm trying to find ways to add value to my products and to the user's experience and of course, building community. It seems Bistro 17 did a really great job of choosing ways to add value to their business and that were targeted specifically towards the crowd they were looking to attract.

Profile Photo

I really like the idea of blowing up a photo... but what seems cute for a 5-year-old might seem more self-absorbed in my case.

(via sfgirlbybay)

Sideways

So. Crazy.

Life

Lots going on here! Here's an update...

-Moved down south to the countryside of Vancouver, WA. I'm planning on moving to Portland by spring because I have quickly realized that I'm not a country girl. I love the place and the quiantness of it all, but I'm just so darn far from any form of entertainment. Knitting is only fun for so long.

-I'm busy cutting and sewing with Queen B Quilts and hoping to get my name out here in Portland. It might take some time to build that up and I might need to do some strategizing. The good news is that I should be getting some awesome photos from my recent shoot with Mike Folden Photography and also a new website, coming soon!

-I had a recent sale at a craft fair with my Hey Jude Vintage and Crafts business and I'm looking for more opportunities. I really enjoyed spending the day socializing with the other vendors and showing people what I've got! I'm also looking into becoming a vendor with a Portland vintage shop, so I'll update you soon with that information.

-I got a part-time job working with fix studio in Portland and with their furniture exhibition called Show2010. Please stop by and say hello!

-I'm blogging about music for Culturemob.com in Portland. Thus far, I have written one article! I have been a slow starter but I'm hoping to get organized enough to start researching shows and actually attending them as well so I can really dive into the music culture of the area. I am so excited about this, especially discovering new local bands as well as supporting my Seattle favorites when they travel this way.

So, that's me in a nutshell. I feel like things are really taking off and I'm so excited about it. I also really really really love Portland. It's similar to Seattle in many ways, but it's even more down to earth, creative and friendly and that makes me really happy!

Picnic?

This is a fun and cute idea. Get the Urban Picnic Box from Boxsal.

Fall

(via Cuba Gallery)

(via MorBCN)

(via Pete Barr-Watson)

(via po-dad)

Afraid Not to Try

Should I be more stressed? I mean, I'm moving in a week. A WEEK! As of now, I have not packed. My apartment is actually in disarray as I work on multiple crafty projects and I always seem to be staying anywhere but home.

I had an interesting offer to return to work for a previous employer this week. I really really liked working at this place and the job offer wasn't so bad either. BUT... but... I'm crazy and I have decided to go ahead with my original plan to be a struggling artist and small business owner.

I used to make a point of always choosing the riskier or seemingly more challenging option but in past years it seems I have been making choices based on a need for security. It's hard to say when this change happened, but I'm putting a stop to it now.

So far, following my dreams has been really exciting, scary, strange, and confusing... and I'm barely getting started.

(via theresesennerholtshop.se)
(via bees knees)

Does Your Brand Have Influence?

What is Brand Anyways? from Urban Influence on Vimeo.

I Want One!

A horrible logo for only $5!