Phew! What a Week!!!

Wow - it's been a crazy week. But actually for me I'm feeling super crazy from pre-scheduling the past 12 posts & getting ready for camping, PLUS all the normal stuff in about 4 days time.  :-) And no, I didn't get much sleep! Lol. BUT.....the temporary sacrifice was well worth it for you to meet all of these wonderful ladies this past week and a half!!!  Let's recap, shall we? I'm going to make this lickity split!

If you didn't get to meet any of these ladies, please check out the past week's posts!

Melanie from Rustic Ruffles

Lenae of Silver Sage Design Studio

Katy from The Classic Farmhouse

Geneva of Geneva Diane Designs

Julie of 551 East Furniture Design

Steph of Bliss Mayberry

Thanks again ladies!

Seriously...if there were any weird things in my posts this past week and a half that I didn't catch in editing, I sooo apologize. I'm usually an editing Nazi, but craziness has a way of getting at the best of our traits. We're getting home this weekend and I'll be getting back to your comments as soon as I'm able - talk about laundry people.  Oiy!

Just a little snip here of a quick spray paint update

I did before we left for our trip.

BEFORE:

(free from a couch purchase, but in bad shape)

AFTER:

Rustoleum's Painter's Touch in Satin Oregano

Hopefully I've learned some new camera skills over my trip!

Pray for us to have a safe trip home please!!!

~Anneke~

You can now follow me via Pinterest and Twitter!

Today's Guest - Steph of Bliss Mayberry

Hello friends! And Happy Thursday!!!

Getting right to my last Feature Interview

I'd like to introduce to you

Steph

of

Bliss Mayberry

(their new website just launched this weekend ~

it's SO cute ~ I Love it!)



1. Can you briefly introduce yourself. Your family, what you do, how long have

you been doing this, etc.?

Why hello there! My name is Steph Sheraton, originally from California &

mostly raised in a suburb of Seattle, Washington. I am 24, a college graduate

with degrees in Pastoral Ministries & Communication, & happily married to my

first real boyfriend, Matt- he’s wonderful. And handsome. My parents live 20

minutes south of us & his live 20 minutes north. We are covered in the childcare

department for when we have babies someday! I am a social butterfly but have

great appreciation for occasional cozy days to stay home in my sweats. I own a

designer label called Bliss Mayberry. I design everything from purses, baby bags,

& messenger bag to dresses, scarves, & all things rustic & lacey.

Heidi Beth Loopdy Scarf

2. What is the story behind the name Bliss Mayberry?

Here’s the low-down on my label & why we call it as such:

BLISS MAYBERRY- darling for its reminiscence of rustic couture, positively

cheerful indulgences, & unexpectedly lovely contradictions. One could only

describe our need for simple fanciness as "Bliss." The term "Mayberry" was

embraced for its representation of the "good ole days": when people took time

to vacate front porch swings, shoot the breeze & enjoy the simple pleasures in

life (perhaps with an "ice cold Cherry Coke" in hand, as suggested by country

artist Rascal Flatts). Though the drink in hand may very well now be an iced

coconut latte (the lead designer's drink of choice), the need for such pleasantries

remains. The vision of Bliss Mayberry is simply this: To lavish it's wearers with

sidewalk-stopping pieces & to ensure that when all else fails on a bad hair day,

one can still look & feel daaang good.

Upcycled Vintage Military Messenger Bag

3. What do you like to do when you are not "working"?

And of course...what's your fav coffee? :-)

Fortunately, a large part of the “work” category gets to be my business! And I

LOVE doing it- so sometimes the line between work & play gets blurred. I adore

shifting through vintage treasures, traveling, writing cards, & being with my

friends & fam. My husband & I are thrilled when we get a free night to simply

be home together & snuggle up on the couch with a movie & snacks. I also love

farmer’s markets & trying out new coffee shops- I always seem to default to

coconut lattes or iced white chocolate Americanos with a splash of cream.

In fact- hold that thought... I’m gonna go grab one…

Just kidding, I’m back.

(he-he-he: silly girl ~A)

Little Lainy Hip Bag Mini for little girls
(isn't that adorable?!!! ~A)

4. How did you come about doing what you do

 and what do you absolutely LOVE about it?

I have always crafted & created things. For the most part of my life,

these “creations” ended up being gifts for girlfriends or simply projects to

entertain myself because I can’t seem to just sit still without crafting- a quality

my mom & I both share. However, I was given the opportunity to display a few

of my things @ a friend’s booth @ a local farmer’s market. Wouldn’t you know

it, along strolled a senator one afternoon. She purchased one of my Leah Hip

Bag & then returned the next week to invite me to be featured @ an upcoming

Women’s event. I sewed like crazy to prepare, & then went & had a blast. The

networking that took place enabled me to expand into several boutiques as well

as to have my own website & online store. It encouraged me that my design

concepts could eventually become a brand that would one day pay the bills &

be a fulfillment of one of my passions! And I can do a lot of it from home or on

my own schedule- & for a married girl who dreams to one day be a mom?

This is essential.

Sunray Beach Wood Mirror

5. What is one fashion trend that you are absolutely loving right now?

I love all things military surplus, so I’m thrilled that I can currently get away

with it with fewer funny glances from onlookers. I keep defaulting to tribal prints,

skinny jeans, boots, flannel, & all things lace or grey.

Leah Hip Bag

6. Who, what, where do you find inspiration from?

Usually? A material. I often will see a material or even simply a button, have

a picture flash in my head, & then I can’t stop thinking about it until I make

it. Other times, it’s to fill a need or hole in my wardrobe. Recently, I found an

awesome, buttery leather vintage bomber jacket that was way rad, but didn’t fit

my hubby. So… I took it apart & used the awesome leather to create awesome

little wristlets embellished in vintage doilies & buttons.

Ravonne Vintage Tie Wristlet

7. Color is a huge part of what you do - what's your fave?

I am drawn to all things turquoise- you’ll never find me without a turquoise

ring on! I also can’t get enough of mint, peach, & grey whether it be in clothing,

accessories, or décor.

Petite Carlee Satchel/Clutch

8. Flats or Heels?

I wish I could say heels, but I am SUCH a comfort fein. My defaults are flip flops,

gladiator sandals, & cowboy boot- yum.

Tony Lama Western Black Leather Cowboy Boot

9. Black, Brunette, Blonde, or Red?

Uhg, this one hits close to home. BLONDE!! However, don’t look @ me now! I

am emotionally recovering from a “hair flop” scenario this past weekend- ladies

we’ve all experienced these moments- where my appointment to add in a smidge

of natural brown resulted in all-over, nearly black hair. I am trying to endure.

Thank goodness for color stripping shampoo!

Ventura Tunic Dress

10. What is your dream travel destination or vacation?

A combo of Disneyland/world & a tropical local. I will have to check out that

new Disney resort in the Bahamas! And someday?? The runways of New York &

Europe for Fashion Week.

Leah Hip Bag in upcycled coffee bag

11. With the holidays around the corner, what is your fav tradition?

I was raised in a very, let’s politely say…"festive" family. My parents were

adamant about making birthday & holiday a big deal & that is a tradition I carry

on. One of our family’s sweetest Christmas traditions was a nightly sing-a-long.

As soon as we got our Christmas tree every year, our nightly ritual could begin:

we’d put on our cozy jammies, brush our teeth, & be all ready to hop into bed.

But first, the 4 of us would snuggle up on the couches around our beautiful tree &

we’d sing Christmas carols. We’d each get to pick one and if we were lucky?

We’d get to pick 2. I am blessed with a beautiful family & lovely parents!

Heidi Beth Loopdy Scarf in fall red jersey

12. What is a dream of yours in the next year for Bliss Mayberry?

As my designs have spread, I have had a difficulty keeping up with demand-

kind of a dream problem! Thus, one of my main outlets for sales has become my

online store because it’s so easy to update & incorporate new designs. As I take

on more seamstresses, I look forward to again embracing the boutique & shop

venues once more, & watch Bliss Mayberry expand!

Heidi Beth Loopdy Scarf in country flower

13. OH! What is a customer fav or #1 Selling item from your shop?

Currently, our scarves are flying off the racks! It must be the blundery weather-

we are all feeling fall-ish & craving our cozy comforts like perhaps a new scarf.

My custom military bags have recently been a hit as of lately as well! These are

listings that people can purchase, & then they ship me their personal (or that

of a loved one’s) military uniforms. I in return create for them a custom hip or

messenger bag- I guess you could say I’m sentimental but I love hearing the

stories that are coming in with these garments. I love supporting our military

families in love!

Leah Hip Bag in upcycled Army jacket

~~~~~

Wow Steph! I'm seriously feeling all happy and cozy just reading that.

Plus, my friends, I've met this girl in person

and she is way rad.

Oh, I just had to get that in there! :-)

And you look GORGEOUS girl ~

no matter your hair color!

What's YOUR fave?

Well guess what?

It's your lucky day!

Steph is offering

10% off any and all purchases

for all readers specific to RustiChic's blog

Enter "RUSTIC10" at checkout

from Bliss Mayberry's online store!

Muah!

{from Steph :-)}

(And can y'all share with your friends via FB, Twitter, or wherever

since I'm gone and away?! Thanks a bunch!)

Bliss Mayberry on Facebook.

All of Steph's beauties would make great gifts

for the upcoming Holidays,

not to mention birthdays and, ahem,

your own personal enjoyment. ;-)

My faves:

Yeah ~ I couldn't pick just one!

And my hubby's list is

loooooonnnnnnggg after all of my guests! hehe

&

And yes...I didn't add links on purpose. :-p

Thanks again Steph!

{Bliss Mayberry}

www.blissmayberry.com

Steph Sheraton

Here's to a great day! If it seems a bit blustery,

head on over to Bliss Mayberry. :-D

Please pray for safe travels -

I'm comin' home!

~Anneke~

You can now follow me via Pinterest and Twitter!

Today's Guest - Julia of 551 East Furniture Design

We're onto our 5th Feature Interview today, which I, again, am SO excited about! Do you think I love my guests or something??? Of course! Just when you didn't think it could get better, I get to introduce you to a pretty amazing gal today.

Today's Guest Interview is with

Julia

of

551 East Furniture Design

Welcome!

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself.

Your family, what you do, how long have you been doing this, etc.?

Hey friends! I'm Julia, and I am the girlie girl behind 551 East.

My little fam bam and I recently moved to Arizona.

My husband works for Edward Jones,

and I am a stay at home momma to our little man Rhett.

As a family we enjoy wrestle time, sharing a bowl of dry cereal,

wandering around the mall and going out to dinner.

We started 551 East in May of this year and it's been a family affair.

Even Rhett likes to carry a paint brush (sans paint) around.

(Anneke here saying, SO cute!)

2. How did you come about doing what you do, and what do you absolutely LOVE about it?

When we got married we were so poor. OK we haven't come that far,

but at the beginning we really needed some extra income.

We also had a lot of friends getting married,

and we couldn't afford amazing wedding presents for all of them.

So we decided to restore some furniture as presents.

Because lets face it, it's kind of hard to start married life with no kitchen table. :)

We loved doing it so much that when our son was born we made the choice for me to stay home,

and we decided to start restoring pieces and reselling them.

We honestly didn't expect to be as blessed as we have been

or for it to become a semi "career" for me.

I LOVE all aspects of restoring furniture

(except when I get little boogers of saw dust in my nose).

Probably my most favorite part is when I'm painting or staining.

I prefer to paint/stain by hand because I love the time it gives me to get to know the piece.

Maybe that sounds silly, but really I love getting to know

the history the piece had before it came to me.

For example, in the interior of one of the drawers of this piece

I found a little pencil message that said "I love Coco and Gus."

I don't know who Coco and Gus were,

but I love finding little treasures that give the piece it's personality and history.

As a side note, I chose to leave the little comment in the drawer.

It wasn't conspicuous and it was to sweet to erase. 

3. What is your absolutely fave piece you've refinished and why?

Oooo....I would have to say this one.

I love how it truly was a diamond in the rough. I love the grain of the wood

and how amazing the drawers smelled. (I love the way good wood smells :))

4. What are your top three tools or products that you just can't live without?

Does diet Coke count? No, just kidding. :)

I love my 5 inch random orbital Royobi sander. I think it might be on it's last legs actually. Sniff.

I also love Howards Citrus Shield Wax....it smells like oranges!

And I love Behr paint and Tung Oil.

I love all the color options Behr has and Tung Oil can really bring out the natural beauty in wood. 

5. Who, what, where do you find inspiration from?

It might sound a little nerdy, but I get a lot of inspiration from watching movies and TV shows.

I mean let's face it, very little expenses is spared in creating a fantastic set

so often times there are some killer pieces. But I warn you,

looking for inspiration in movies usually means I miss some of the plot.

And it drives my husband crazy.

I'm like "Ooo! Ooo! Look at the hutch! It's amazing! What do you think? Huh?"

Also of course Pinterest is AMAZING and I blog stalk lots of amazing women. 

6. What is the story behind the name 551 East Furniture Design?

That was our address in Utah where this all got started. Not super creative huh?

But it was the first house we lived in as a married couple,

our son came home from the hospital to that house

and I got to paint the red front door, which I've always wanted, so it means a lot to us.

7. Flats or Heels?

I love heels. My husband says they bring out my sassy-ness

which I'm not sure if that's a good thing, but I'll take it.

Also, I'm quite short and my husband is quite tall so I kind of need them.

Plus lets face it, they make your backside look a lot better. :) 

8. Black, Brunette, Blonde, or Red?

I'm naturally a brunette. When I was little I thought that meant I could only wear brown

so I wanted to be a red head. And to this day if I could pull it off

I would LOVE to be a red head.

Something about auburn hair is so gorgeous to me. 

9. What is your dream travel destination or vacation?

Right now I'd take the Hampton Inn down the street

just so I could sleep in tomorrow morning.

(Our little guy wakes up at the crack of dawn some mornings.)

But one day I want so desperately to spend 2 weeks on the coast of Greece

wearing white linen and going for scooter rides. 

10. With the holidays around the corner, what is your fave tradition?

Every Christmas my husband and I choose a family or person

who we know is struggling and we try to provide some kind of help

be it financial, emotional or even just offering to watch their kids

so they can go on a date. Most years we are able to do it anonymously and we love it.   

11. What is a dream of yours in the next year for 551 East Furniture Design?

I hope that 551 East continues to be something that my husband and I love doing together.

I hope that in the next year we find a place to have a shop or a booth.

I hope we continue to make friends and that we create pieces

that help people create the home that they always wanted.

Along with that, not to sound totally lame,

but I just watched the Justin Bieber movie

and I really liked his saying "Never say never."

This might sound crazy but I hope that we establish our niche in the blogging world

and that one day I maybe could have my own show on HGTV

showing people how to transform what they already have. It's a big dream, but why not? :)   

12. OH! What is your advice for someone just getting started in the blogging world?

I did a post on this recently! You can check it out here.

But the biggest thing I would say is don't get discouraged.

Some days I look at other peoples work and think "man, how can I even compete with their talents?"

But the thing is we are all so different so we all have something to contribute. :)

Wow - such great advice Julia! Your work is beautiful and I say go for it!

Oh! And as for products,

I'm definitely not as productive without my triple mocha, for real. :-)

You can catch Julia

at 551 East Furniture Design

Hop on over to say hello and follow her amazing work!

~~~~~~~

And last, but certainly not least -
tomorrow I get to share my Feature Interview with

Steph of Bliss Mayberry

Here's a sneak peak:

Have a GREAT day and see ya tomorrow!

~Anneke~

 

You can now follow me via Pinterest and Twitter!

Today's Guest - Geneva of Geneva Diane Designs

Happy Tuesday everyone! I imagine I'm probably at that point where I really wish we were at a place with hook ups for our trailer. We're not totally roughin' it or anything, but no hook-ups over a week's time is roughin' it enough for me! Yes - I am a girly girl.  :-) We'll be making our two day trip back in a couple days (a smart choice with 3 kids and a doggy crammed in a truck for a 10 hr. drive - break it up for sanity!).

So today I introduce to you the lovely

Geneva

of

Geneva Diane Designs

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself. Family, interests, hobbies, etc.

My name is Geneva Sipes, I am a florist/interior designer. I have an
amazing family with loving parents and 3 fun & crazy siblings. I'm an
aunt of two great kids. In my spare time I love spending time with
friends and family, going to church, gardening, hiking, and going to
antique stores.

2.How did you come about doing what you do,

and what do you absolutely LOVE about it?

I worked at a floral and gift shop while I was in college getting my
degree in Interior Design. My passion for interior design set in at an
early age when I read the Boxcar Children.I love how the characters
made a home out of found materials. I found that the two passions of
Interior Design & Floral design blended wonderfully. What I love is
coming up with creative concepts that are unique to every individual
client. I love working with flowers and I love making events unique
and special.

3. You have various services that you offer -

can you briefly describe eachof them?

&

4. Is there a favorite season in which you work?

I'm sure they are all different!

I decided to answer both question in one answer. Instead of florist or
interior designer, I prefer "creative consultant". I have done a
variety of design work;  from flowers for weddings, corporate
Christmas decor, residential interior design, and banquet design. Each
season and event brings with it a unique creative element. I love it
all, I cant pick my favorite...OK, maybe I can, I LOVE Christmas!

5. Who, what, where do you find inspiration from?

Everything, I love art and nature. Rich colors and textures make me so
happy! That is why fall is one of my favorite seasons and Van Gogh is
one of my favorite artist. I love unique plants and art work. I love
art that makes you emotionally connect to the artist or the subject.

Client preference is a crucial inspiration, so picking up their
personality of my client in whatever project I'm doing is really
important.  In weddings this comes in when the client wants their big
day to represent who they are as a couple. In Interior design its
about making a sanctuary of sorts. Having a home be a place of
hospitality and comfort.

With that being said that is where an act of service becomes my
goal.My faith is the number one drive of my business, and it always
needs to be my number one inspiration.

 6. You have a passion for particular outreach opportunities.

Can you briefly highlight these and your involvement with them?

Growing up I was always blessed to be able to go on missions trips. I
have loved the opportunities I have had to serve in Kenya with
Christian Ministries in Africa. (www.christianministriesinafrica.org).
Locally I work with a great organization called CFC, its a bunch of UW
grads who meet construction needs of non profits around the world. I
am on their banquet planning committe.
(www.constructionforchange.org), and lately I have loved learning more
about the New Beginnings Home in the south end. Its a great
organization that provides care and housing for young pregnant women
and their babies. (www.newbeginningshome.org) I am really excited to
find more ways to serve, and hope my business always keeps service at
the forefront.

7. Flats or Heels?

If it was summer all the time I would live in flip flops,

but I like a little bit of both. Tennis shoes for running around

 and heels for church and special events!

8. Black, Brunette, Blonde, or Red?

On me or the opposite sex?

I am and forever will be a brunette (God willing)

In the opposite sex, I don't discriminate- Im not spoken for.

9. What is your dream travel destination or vacation?

My number one is Italy - I love art and architecture.

But going to New York during Christmas is pretty high up there.

10. With the holidays around the corner, what is your fave tradition?

Spending thanksgiving cooking and putting up Christmas decorations
while watching Home Alone and Elf with my family. But my absolute
favorite time during Christmas is midnight church on Christmas Eve.

11. What is a dream of yours in the next year for Geneva Diane Designs?

To create a business plan for a soon to be expansion.

12. OH! And I'm dying to know - fake tree or real tree and why?!

How do you plan to decorate yours this year?  :-)

Fake trees are easier to work with and give you a lot more options to design with,

but this year will bring a real family tree- still deciding on color and theme. For
my office I have a mini fake Grinch Christmas tree, My mom collects
Lennox Grinch ornaments and I love my mini grinch tree!

Wowza Geneva!!! Those are some drop dead gorgeous

arrangements and design! Wouldn't you agree?

You can visit Geneva's website here

or

chat with her via Facebook

or

Contact her directly

Geneva Sipes : Designer
Geneva Diane Designs
425.273.0812

Head on over and say hello!

I know that always makes my day!!! :-)

~~~~~

Up tomorrow you get to meet the amazing

Julia of 551 East Furniture Design

She definitely has her own special niche with furniture,

so see you tomorrow and have a GREAT day!

~Anneke~

(And remember, I'm here, but I'm away, so comment away,

and I'll get back to you when I get home!)

You can now follow me via Pinterest and Twitter!