Wednesday, December 3, 2008

FAQ Round Two.

Can we call them FAQ even if one one person asked the question?

Anyway, a few more questions and their answers...

Lily asks: What were the first changes you made to your life(style) when you decided that living green was a priority for you?

What a great question, Lily! The very first, most important change for me was reducing waste. This has taken different forms as I've grown and learned more in this lifestyle. At first, it was simply getting a water bottle to avoid all the plastic water bottles I was going through. I started to refuse bags at the store if I could just throw what I'd bought in my own big purse-slash-bag. It slowly, naturally spread to other things. One day my senior year of college, we ran out of paper towels in our house. We just started using normal towels instead. And never bought more paper towels. I didn't think twice about it. And we saved tons of money. I am convinced that no one has an excuse to not be doing these things. It's insanely easy to get a water bottle. Or wash your towels instead of getting disposable ones. It saves money and resources. Win-win.

Now, I avoid most all disposable plastic containers (particularly if they're non-recyclable). I make a ton of my own stuff, including cleaning exclusively with baking soda and vinegar. It's all come so easily and has made so much sense.

I still have some areas where I know I can improve - less driving, not getting coffee if I've forgotten my reusable mug at home, keeping the house colder, and so on. I think the more you become aware, the more you are inclined to want to do. And that makes me happy. Nothing seems to take an unusual amount of effort or thought - it's just the way things are done.

Ashley asks: What about your top 5 fave blogs to read and what your fav blog post you've written so far.

Ah! A hard one. I hate picking favorites - because then someone ALWAYS feels left out, you know? Since I am often one who feels left out (I am so sensitive that I am sad when a blogger I love doesn't have me in their blogroll. It's pathetic.), I'm going to a few awesome blogs that might be under the radar, how's that? Those bloggers who I love and think, More people need to read this!

Hilary @ Alt Christian.
Callina @ The Gingerbread House.
Sara @ Walk Slowly, Live Wildly.

And a few bloggers I've discovered fairly recently and love them to bits. (Hi Kyla Bea and Nicole Antoinette!)

My favorite blog post I've written might be my post for Steph's summer contest about summers at my grandparent's growing up. I had such a unique childhood with my growing up overseas, and sometimes that part of me gets buried, so it was kinda of romantic to remember.

Laura asks: How did you find the courage to open your shop & how do you keep yourself motivated?

Ha. Truth be told, I often act and then think. So, with my Etsy shop, it wasn't so much an issue of having courage - mostly because I figured, Eh, let's give this a shot. We'll see how it goes. Maybe people will like what I create?

I haven't sold a ton yet, so I'm probably not the best person to ask about motivation. I get so much inspiration from books and photos and other Etsy creations that if I happen to be successful with my Etsy shop (when, not if! power of positive thinking, right?), I'm not concered about motivation. There are so many beautiful things in the world. Plus, I aspire to do many things - add candles, soap, and graphic design services. So, I already have big plans and motivation!

I say you go for it, create that Etsy shop! What have you got to lose, honestly?

And I want to share my latest creations for my brand-spankin-new Etsy shop.
My creation
Blue Dots Tote $13, Purple Birds Boxy Pouch $5, Hot Pink Star Mini Pouch $4.25

14 comments:

  1. Aw hi! Thank you for the shout out! I lurve your blog too - and I really enjoy the FAQ's!

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  2. you need to hold a contest and giveaway an etsy piece, so i can win it. *ahem*

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  3. I love these FAQ's! I love all the random things people want to know. Makes me happy.

    And really? Half the fun of the etsy thing is just having a little creative outlet. It took me a year to feel really comfortable with what I had, and to really discover what it was I wanted to focus on. And there's nothing like knowing someone wants to purchase something you created with your own two hands! It's amazing, isn't it?

    You're a dear. And incredibly inspiring and talented. You know that, right?

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  4. I love your FAQs. :] I especially loved your answer about living green. You inspire me, completely, as I still use paper towels. & because of your bold statements here, I will not be buying them anymore.

    Also, a big thank you, too, for your etsy enlightenment. I'm really considering getting my own shop to sell my jewelry & your motivation has helped give me more guts to just do it & stop talking about it.

    I love your blog. :]

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  5. I am kinda in love with the pouches. I do need a new make up bag, so don't be surprised if I come back for those. They're really cute.

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  6. I cannot wait to get my bags! I love them already so much, and my gals will love them too!

    You are amazing lady. Hil will be so excited to see you love her!

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  7. How fun! I really enjoy that you have an etsy shop. I am not crafty AT ALL or I would have one, too, because I think they're a lot of fun.

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  8. I'm totally bookmarking this post, first of all for your go-green tips (I want to make sensible changes like this!) and then for the new blogs to check out! Thanks for answering my question :) This also reminds me how much I need to update my blogroll to match my reader! There are so many new blogs I've found (and stalk!) in the last couple of months, and while I am subscribing, I feel as though I should be pimping them out too! That will be a weekend project along with other blog things I keep meaning to do... You're fantastic! Thanks!

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  9. Ashley, thanks for the mention! I am already slacking on the new blog though, but your post gave me motivation!

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  10. Yay Etsy shop! All your stuff is so nice.

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  11. That reminds me, I seriously have not updated my blog roll for gosh over 6 months! I need to get working on that!

    Great answers once again!

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  12. Ash, thank you SO much for the blog love! I saw that and almost fell over. That really means alot to me. Please know that the feeling is quite mutual! Now I better get my act together and get going tomorrow. :)

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  13. Lovin all the FAQ! So much fun!

    I also really enjoyed the post you wrote for Steph's contest. Your childhood sounded like SO much fun!

    And that new birdie bag is ADORABLE! Hmmm... maybe I should buy it!

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  14. your questions and answers are so fun and informative. What a great idea to let others get to know you better!!

    I've been meaning to tell you for some time now that your Etsy shop is simply adorable, and I am so adding you to my favorites. you make such cute things! I love the shop name you picked too... somehow anything with "joyful" in it just has the best sound. Perfect!

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C'mon, leave a comment. They're the best part!