manzanita

Solo Feature and Giveaway with B.A.I.T Footwear!

Hi everyone! Today I wanted to introduce you to B.A.I.T footwear (if you haven't been already). This past month I have had the pleasure of working with lovely ladies behind this start up business and I can't rave enough about them, so sweet and so talented. Their designs are vintage inspired with a modern flare and I would like a pair of every single one of them please and thank you. Look out for their fall line debuting some time this month. The sneak peeks I have seen are to die for! Read on to get to know the ladies behind the scenes a little better.
How did B.a.i.t footwear begin?

B.a.i.t. Footwear was started with the vision and dream of our designer and owner Julie Kim in the summer of 2011. Julie had spent many years in the shoe business as a designer for numerous brands, but just last year decided it was time to create shoes that she personally loved and had a passion for; Vintage inspired lovely shoes!

What does a day at the B.a.i.t footwear office look like?

A typical day in our office consists of so many things..we are just a few girls here working towards a goal and dream so each day is filled with answering emails from our customers, packing boxes for shipment, working on design ideas for future collections (we all collaborate together), taking out the trash...eating cupcakes and drinking fruit punch..:) 

 

The day to day stuff is sometimes not as fun as we would like, but we are together and we lean on each other for support and that's what makes it so special! 

What would be a dream come true for B.a.i.t footwear?

A dream come true for us here at B.a.i.t. is really a simple one. To be able to continue doing what we love, while creating the kinds of shoes that all of you girls love! It's not easy being a small brand in today's economy. There are so many choices and so many bigger companies that have huge financial power for advertising and promotions. We of course depend solely on the support of our customers and therefore its a bit harder to do all the things we wish we could...but hopefully that will change in the coming years ahead. We just want to stay true to ourselves and true to our girl. That is our main goal, no matter what happens. 

Your shoes are "vintage inspired", where exactly do you get your inspiration from?

Our design inspiration comes from many places. We do a lot of research on vintage footwear, but we try to always put a modern touch into each style. We have an extensive library of vintage catalogs and magazines that we've collected throughout the years. We also find inspiration from old movies and music. We love the 50's and 60's and our Fall 2012 collection really has a ton of influence from those eras. It's really nice because Julie really works on our designs as a collaboration. We all sit around and look at the final line up and if something in the line doesn't feel right, it pretty much drops out. It's a simple formula. We have to all LOVE it, or else it doesn't work. 

Where should we expect to see B.a.i.t footwear in the next five years?

Where do we see ourselves in 5 years...? Well, we hope to still be designing the shoes that we love and making wonderful friends and customers along the way. We would be most grateful to be healthy and happy and working just as hard as we are today and making a living doing it! I think that's the dream and goal of any small start up business right?

 

Thanks so much Ladies!! Now time for a lovely giveaway! One lucky manzanita reader will win a pair of The Dennisse Wedges in winner's choice of color. These shoes are super cute and they come in a great colors! You can see me styling them in red here.

 Mandatory Entry:
 
-Visit B.A.I.T footwear and leave a comment telling me which color you would choose if you won The Dennisse Wedges.
 
Extra Entries:
 
-Tweet about this giveaway "Win a pair of @BaitFootwear shoes over at the manzanita blog, hosted by @rebeccacaridad"
-Like B.A.I.T footwear on facebook
 
This giveaway will run for one week and the winner will be announced shortly after. Open to US and Canada residents only.

 

Find B.A.I.T Footwear around the web:

 

website/facebook/twitter/instagram

besitos,
rebecca

follow along via

bloglovin, hellocotton, twitter, facebook

manzanita feature in The Boulder Journal

Hey everyone! I hope you are all having a great weekend. Today I am busy busy getting ready for the week and trying to stay cool. I wanted to share a little treat I got today.

Today I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I was featured in The Boulder Journal. The lovely Laurie Kay Olson interviewed me in my home last week and here is the result. Read the interview here.

In the blogosphere we get to feature each other and promote each other so much, and that is one of my favorite parts of blogging. People from all over the world can get to know  each other and help  each other. I have to say though seeing manzanita featured on local media has a different weight to it, its a little crazy.

I will be back later with a catch up post on my 52 week project!

Solo Feature: Nicole of Pussycat Vintage and Giveaway!

1. Hi Nicole, tell us a little about who you are and what you do? 

Hi! I wear many hats as most mamas do. I am mama to my 11 year old son Logan and my two pups Waffles (8 month old Blue Pit Bull) and Bacon (4 year old Boston Bulldog). I'm lady to my man Gray and we live in an 80 year old house in a small city in Indiana! I work full time in accounting, do weekly digital media marketing consulting work on the side, run my blog, I'm a baseball mom and try to keep up with housework. I love to be outside, garden, thrift, avocados, coffee and traveling as much as I possibly can, even if it's a quick day trip! You'll find a little bit of everything on my blog. I talk a lot about all sides of being a mama, the good and the bad. I do outfit posts, our weekly household happenings, home inspiration, fashion posts and a whole lot of other randomness. My main goal with my blog is to be as open and honest about family life as a full time working mom as possible. I hope that people can come to my blog and feel like they can relate and maybe feel like they aren't alone in the daily struggles and awesomeness that life can be. We're all in this together, the more we can all support one another and relate, the better!

2. What specifically attracted you to working with vintage fashion? 

When I moved back to Indiana after living in Las Vegas for three years my friend Lindsay and I wanted to start a shop of some sorts. We decided on vintage since we had both always loved it so much. It started off with everything and anything vintage in the shop. Which was fantastic, we both have an eye for different things. After Lindsay moved on from PCV I decided to focus the shop more on what I truly loved shopping for which is women's clothing and accessories. Vintage clothing and accessories to me carry so much detail and beauty and I absolutely love finding a stunning dress with a beautiful pattern or a gorgeous clutch with amazing character. It makes my heart skip a beat every time. 

I am closing my shop for a few months though to prepare for a relaunch. There is a lot I need to do with my shop, which I talk about here, and need a few months off to recollect and get it all together. I am very excited to re-open! In the mean time I am selling everything in the shop for only $10 until the end of June! You can shop here.

3. Your blog is so welcoming! It's obvious that your family is very important to you. How has blogging influenced all your lives?

Thank you so much! They are the most important thing in my life and always will be. Well, it's made them both get used to letting me take their pictures a whole lot more! Which they both hate having their picture taken. I wouldn't say it's influenced our lives much at all. I think it has influenced mine though. For my entire life I feel like I have been wondering around searching for something that I truly love to do. Some people love sewing, bike riding, painting but I never had a "thing". Blogging is my "thing". I love it! I feel like I finally have a space that can inspire me to be creative and open. The people in this community inspire me each and every day too. I have met so many amazing people through blogging, people that have turned into close friends and the support you receive from this community is mind blowing. I can't imagine my life without it at this point to be honest. Blogging is not my full time job and my goal is not to make my blog my full time job. It's my outlet. I'm lucky enough to have a son and man in my life that love and support my blogging because they see that it makes me happy. I couldn't ask for anything else. 

4. Where did the name Pussycat Vintage come from?

Well, hmmm. . . It just kind of popped up and stuck really! 

5. Describe your perfect day. What would you do, with who, and what would you wear?

One of my favorite places is the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. My family has gone there almost every year since I was 13. I think my dream day would be to rent out a row of cabins in the mountains with my family, my friends from Indiana and friends that are spread across the country that I never see enough of. Spend the day hiking, floating down the river, fishing, having a picnic, driving into Pigeon Forge for some mini-golf action and cheesy souvenir buying. Then a big dinner and campfire. Yep, that would be perfect! What would I wear? Dark jeans rolled up, my vintage lace up hush puppy boots, a western plaid button up and an awesome leather belt. 

Nicole has not only stopped by today to let us get to know her a little better, she also graciously donated a couple lovely vintage items to a lucky manzanita reader! The blue bag is in great condition and has one front pocket, Nicole thinks it would be perfect for a camera or any other hobby bag. And, to look extra stylish while sporting your new vintage bag you could also win a beautiful aztec print scarf. 

This giveaway will be open until next Monday 2 July 2012

mandatory entries:

-follow manzanita on twitter

-follow nicole of pussycat vintage on twitter

extra entries:

-tweet about this giveaway "enter to win a lovely vintage bag and scarf c/o @pussycatvintage hosted by @rebeccacaridad"

-follow manzanita on bloglovin

-follow pussycat vintage on bloglovin

Thank you so much Nicole for being on manzanita today! Find Nicole elsewhere:

blog/shop/twitter/facebook/pinterest

Don't forget everything in Nicole's shop is only $10 right now!

The winner of the Shabby Apple Dress giveaway is Christie of City Birds Nest. Congrats lady!

besitos,
rebecca

follow manzanita via

bloglovin, hellocotton, twitter, facebook

ashley brooke toussant interview and giveaway!

So excited to introduce those of you who are not already acquainted with the lovely Ashley Brooke Toussant! 

1.Hi Ashley! Tell us about yourself and what you do?

I am 28. I am a newly married lady. (this all happened on my Birthday on April 21st) I am a singer-songwriter. Several times a month I play at venues, art hops, house concerts. I write my own tunes. I released my first full length album, Sweetheart last September. I play mostly in Northeastern Ohio but have played outside the state quite a bit. This June I'll be traveling to The Pacific Northwest (on my Honeymoon) to play a few shows in Portland, Pendelton (Oregon), Olympia, Seattle and Vancouver (British Columbia). I play solo (singing and playing guitar) or with a folky sort of Soft sweet Country style band.

2.When did you start playing music, who was your most important teacher?

 My Mom and Dad were/are great singers. They sure taught me to sing and be proud. I took voice lessons. I had two wonderful teachers Laurel and Jean who noticed the uniqueness of my voice, two teachers that taught a classical style but paid attention to my likes, my style and made sure I honed in and taught me to be my own voice as well as how to stay in tune and breathe correctly.. etc. They were both great teachers in paying attention to what worked for me.

3. You have such a unique style of singing, what musicians would you say have influences your style of music?

I grew up with Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston, Neil Diamond, Andy Williams. I would not only memorize their songs but if they were LIVE Concert albums, I memorized their banter in between. I always have that showiness mentality in the back of my mind, ha..for good or bad...I like to perform. Today and really for the past eight years, I have paid such close attention to what the singer is saying. I love lyrics!!! My favorite stories are songs too. I started striving to be a better writer because of Patty Griffin and her album, "Impossible Dream." I love all (well most) things old. My album Sweetheart was heavily influenced by my appreciation for Henry Mancini. What beautiful melodies he wrote. They are classic and undeniably romantic! I like to bring some old fashion romanticism to my acoustic guitar..I am so certain of what I don't want to sound like but I hope to continue to strive and develop what I want to say..I love El Perro Del Mar, Laura Gibson, Camera Obscura, Feist, Arcade Fire..

4. Tell us about performing, have you always felt comfortable on stage or was it something you had to learn?

I've always had a sort of comfort on stage. It has heightened, lowered and come back through the years. When I was really young I would sing for anyone and was quite the ham. I have gotten more shy for the most part as I have aged. But it doesn't take me too long to reach a satisfying comfort when I sing for people. I am so thankful for this outlet. I am myself (the self that after I get to know you I'll open up and relax and be fun:)) when I am playing a show. 5. Besides music, what other passions do you have?

  I love vintage. I have a strong passion to fill my closet with gems from the 50's and 60's. I love reading Autobiographies of old film stars. This has matured from having an obsession of reading about Presidents when I was younger. I had President flash cards. What a solid way to end this interview on. Ha. I love learning about people and the journey that brought them.

Thank you so much Ashley! Patty Griffin is one of my all time favorites, I love the stories she tells through her music. 

Well the lovely Ashley is giving away a copy of her full length album sweetheart to a lucky manzanita reader.

To enter simply make sure you are following manzanita via bloglovin, hellocotton, twitter, or facebook and leave a comment saying so.

After that visit Ashley's website and leave a comment telling us about something lovely you found!

For an extra entry follow the lovely Ashely on twitter and Facebook.

Leave a comment for each entry so they can be counted please and good luck! This giveaway will go until next Tuesday, May 8th, 2012.

Find Ashley elsewhere

website/bandcamp/twitter/facebook

photo credit: #2 & #5-Shannon Sullivan

For now I will leave you with one of Ashley's lovely videos...

besitos,
rebecca

follow manzanita via

bloglovin, hellocotton, twitter, facebook

 

February Solo Feature & Giveaway: Barnacle Bags

*********because of the major shift that has occured during this giveaway I have decided to extend the deadline to Monday March12, 2012. I do have all entries safe and ready to be counted in the order they have been received, even thought they can not be seen in this post:) Good Luck!*****************

1. Tell us a bit about your self Lissa?  Hello All! My name is Lissa and  I live on Lopez, a small island off the coast of Washington State. I have a small sewing business called Barnacle Bags. Where I sew organic canvas and wax canvas bags. (mostly backpacks) I also have a blog where I share my adventures and love for documenting things that I find pretty and what inspires me! I spend a lot of my time these days sewing and working on my business. But when I am not inside sewing I am outside exploring the island in the woods or on the beach with my childhood friends. My boyfriend and I recently bought a piece of raw land on Lopez Island so that also occupies much of my time!

2. How did you start working with your medium? Did you have teachers or are you self taught?

I have always loved textiles. In middle school my teacher taught us all how to knit so all through high school I knit in my classes. It helped me concentrate, it was great. When I moved off of Lopez after high school I began to venture into fabric stores and loved looking at all the fabrics but had no way to use them. I went on a trip to Nicaragua one winter a few years ago and began having dreams of myself becoming a seamstress. I went to fabric shops in Nicaragua and bought pretty yards of fabrics and lace. I went to the markets and there would be vendors selling tables full of sewing supplies. Trays filled with buttons, rolls of colored threads for miles and I began to collect an amazing collection of pretty sewing tools and fabrics while there. I got home and asked my friends dad who restores old sewing machines if he had any extras to sell. He gave me one and from that day on I began to sew. I had never used a sewing machine before but was determined to learn and my goal was to have stuff by that summer to sell at the islands local farmers market. It is quite amazing how much my bags have improved from that first summer at the farmers market until now. I am actually in New York City at the moment taking some sewing classes, so this will be my first sewing class!

3. What inspired you to take this venture to the internet?

Because I live on such a small isolated island I needed some way to sell my bags. I heard about Etsy through a friend and in May 2011 I began my online adventure. It has proved to be a great way for me to live on Lopez but still get my bags out there. Sending my bags all around the world has been pretty exciting!

4. What are some things you have learned being a small business owner?

I have learned so much it is hard to know where to begin but I guess the biggest this is  that if you believe in yourself and your product it can be successful. That you truly can live off of what your love if you are determined enough. I think this idea that you have to have a 9-5 job is so ingrained in our society. But if you do not enjoy your job then what is the point?  Working for yourself is so much work. It really never ends, but I love all the different elements to it. There are so many amazing talented people out there it has been great to see the world exploding with handmade items again!  

 5. Where do you hope to be in 5 years with Barnacle Bags? I hope that I will be surviving off of my own creations. I hope that my designs and knowledge of sewing will have grown greatly. I hope to venture into clothing, comfy organic cotton clothing. I also want to have a dyeing space where I use plants from my garden to dye my fabrics. Thanks for reading and Thank You Rebecca for featuring me this month! Thank you Lissa, I love how much integrity you have in what you do! And, I completely share in your excitement when seeing the world explode with handmade items again. Thanks so much for being on manzanita this month and for generously donating one of your lovely bags to a lucky reader! 

You can find Lissa here:

blog/shop

Barnacle Bags Giveaway! 

Lissa has donated this beautiful handmade Canvas Stripe Shoulder Bag to one of you readers out there! Here is how to enter.

 Mandatory Entries(these must be completed for extra entries to be counted):

 -Be a follower of manzanita and leave a comment telling us what you would wear this adorable bag with.

-Check out Barnacle Bags Shop and take a look around, heart away!

 Extra Entries:

 -Tweet about this giveaway mentioning @rebeccacaridad

-Follow Barnacle Bags Blog

 Please leave a separate comment for each entry so they can be counted. This giveaway will be open until Thursday March 8th! Good luck everyone!

 

January Solo Feature: Tumbleweeds

Hello friends, so excited to introduce this months featured sponsor! Beca of Tumbleweeds is here to answer a few questions and tell us a bit about her and her man Doug's lovely shop and business. If you have yet to come by Tumbleweeds be sure to check it out. They make the most unique wood veneer glasses, I can't wait to get my hands on a pair of those cat eye frames!

Hi Beca, tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?  

Hi there friends, my name is Beca and I am one half of the tumbleweeds empire. Doug is the other, and we are currently living in a tiny, tiny fishing town in Northwest Florida where the closest Target is an hour and 40 minutes away. {I know, I die!} But we are in the middle of moving to Chattanooga Tennessee and will be setting up shop and residency there in early February. We own and operate a small handmade business making wood veneer sunglasses and eyewear; we also owned a vintage + handmade storefront in San Diego Called Tumbleweeds Odd Shop that we plan to re-open in Tennessee this spring. I have a little blog called Tales of a Tumbleweed. We spend a vast majority of our time filling orders, but in our free time, we collect taxidermy, take lots of photos and I spend a lot of time baking - before I ran this business, I worked full time as a pastry chef. We're simple folk who like playing with our dogs and drinking ice cold coca-cola.

-Your designs are so unique, what inspired you to start working with wood? 

 Doug is the best person to answer this question, since he is the one who created our product and does most of the craftsmanship, although I have been helping more and more. Doug has been building with a variety of materials since he was a kid, but during his time working with the furniture maker, Victor Di Novi, he developed a stronger interest in working with wood. It wasn't until we moved to San Diego and he worked in a panel shop that he began really delving into veneer. He spent a good amount of time experimenting with veneering, well, just about everything! Since he had already made several pairs of all wood glasses years ago, and realized their fragility, putting 2 + 2 (durability + environmentally conscious materials) together led us to making the veneer sunglasses. He has taught me everything I now know about working with veneer.  -What motivated you to take your talent to the world wide web? 

Ah, this is more my field. We had been selling vintage and little handmade oddities on etsy for about a year when we started making sunglasses. I love the internet, I love everything it stands for - connecting people to people, and people to products and services they wouldn't otherwise be connected to. The blogging community has been pretty key to our success, and having a shop on etsy, which is such a large community, has really taken our business to corners of the worlds that I never imagined. We have sold sunglasses in South Africa, Croatia, Bosnia, and the list goes on. Because of the exposure our shop has gotten, we were able to participate in New York Fashion Week with the designer Suzanne Rae, have been featured in The Thrillist Best of the Nation, The Huffington Post, a handful of local Southern California magazines and Newspapers (before moving home to the south, we lived in San Diego for about a year,) and several international press releases. Thatt never would have been possible without the internet. And trust me, I never, ever imagined that in 8 short months, we would have this kind of response to our product. We are nothing short of eternally grateful. -What are the ups and downs of having a business partner?

Thankfully, my business partner is my best friend and the person who I am spending my life with, so the expected issues with money/credit/big decisions haven't really effected us. We already get along so well, that having a business together just works. However, I will say, that if you want to maintain a successful business AND a successful relationship, I have a few tips for you. Take breaks from each other. When you live and work together, there is nothing wrong with taking some time for yourself. Also, don't let business and the relationship mix. It's hard to turn the business off when you live and breathe it, but take days off, go out to eat, go to the zoo, do things that don't involve work because when it becomes all consuming, it isn't fun anymore. Oh yeah, and don't ever stop having fun! -What advice to do you have for small business owners?  

The more you take yourself seriously, and your business seriously, it's more likely that the rest of the world will. We still combat the question "So what are you going to do for work when you move?" and we don't mind explaining that this is our work. We both have a full time job, and it's running this business and it's many facets. We live by the ideology that we will do this until it isn't fun anymore, and then we'll do something else. But that doesn't mean that we don't take it seriously. Every business started out as a small business, and can only grow. The more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it. And all cheesy sayings aside, do what you love. If you don't love it, what's the point? Fads come and go, but if your heart is in it, nothing else really matters. 

Thanks so much for featuring us and happy, happy New Year! XO Beca & Doug

Thank you so much for taking some time to be on manzanita Beca and Doug! You guys really do have an amazing brand and I love the advice you have for those of us just starting out. I agree I think you will only be taken as seriously as you take yourself.

I hope you all enjoyed getting to know the man and lady behind Tumbleweeds. To get to know them and their product even more check out these links: blog/shop/twitter/

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you have a good weekend.

5 things, over at Maie Dae

The lovely Savannah of Maie Dae asked me to participate in a post series she is calling 5 Things. It is this great and inspiring interview series where people such as myself give advice on running a small business, a handmade shop, blogging, or staying inspired. I chose to write about running a handmade shop. I hope you will head over and give it a looksy.

If you would like to get motivated for the new year be sure to read the other interviews as well! I am really flattered to be a part of the project. Thanks so much Savannah!

December Solo Feature and Giveaway: Tabitha Emma

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

I'm Tabitha, I live in Sydney and love to create and collect. I draw, sew and design. I do quite a range of work including, web design, branding, illustration and textiles.  I just love creating an making things. 

Your design work is stunning, where did you learn this skill?

Thank you! From a young age, my mother taught me to draw, paint and craft. (She is an artist) I then developed these skills as a grew up. From a combination of my own research and experimentation and formal training. I studied fashion design at the Whitehouse Institute of Design in Sydney, and Graphic Design at the Enmore Design Centre, Sydney. 

When and why did you start blogging and selling online?

In 2007. I started after finishing my fashion course. I worked in the fashion Industry for a few months, but the job dried up and I was left looking for another more permanent role. While on the job hunt I came across etsy, and decided to start selling my designs as a way of making money and keeping myself creating while I looked for a job. I then got into blogging around the same time, as a way of promoting my shop. it's funny to look at my first ever post   . After a year I decided fashion wasn't my thing, and I went on to study graphic design, and kept my shop and blog running while I studied. It was always my dream to have my own business, but I never thought it would happen that soon. 

How does your community and/or environment inspire work?

I live in the inner city suburbs of Sydney. It is a very arty, urban environment. I'm inspired by the urban textures, the local markets, and the history. The area has a lot of history, as it was one of the early suburbs of Sydney. So it has a lot of lovely historical aspects that inspire me, such as architecture and vintage treasures.

Do you have any advice for people such as myself just starting out?

Never stop learning and developing your skills. There are always ways you can improve and get better at what you do. And always new ways to promote your work as well.    Have a lovely Christmas, Tabitha Thank you so much Tabitha! Be sure to check out Tabitha's beautiful blog and shop. This talented lady has generously donated three darling handmade brooches to a manzanita reader!

How to enter: 

 

(these must be completed before extra entries can be counted):

 

-Be a GFC follower of manzanita(just click join site on the right hand side bar)

 

-Be a GFC follower of Tabitha Emma's beautiful blog (be sure to leave your email address in case you win)

  

 

For extra entries:

 

-Follow manzanita on Bloglovin 

 

-Follow me on Twitter

 

-Tweet about this giveaway mentioning @rebeccacaridad

 

-Mention this giveaway on your blog or facebook.

 

-Follow Tabitha Emma on Twitter

-Like Tabitha Emma on Facebook

  

Just a note: 

 

This giveaway will run until January 3rd. I will announce the winner shortly after. Please leave a separate comment for each entry so they can be counted. Thanks everyone and good luck!

 

November Solo Feature: Oh So Lovely Vintage

I am more than excited about November's solo feature! I am sure you have come across the lovely Erin and Stefanie of Oh So Lovely Vintage on your gallivanting through the blogosphere. These two are some of the sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure of connecting with. They are so helpful, so friendly, and they have the best style! If by chance you have not crossed paths with them visit their blog and shops and stick around to get to know them a bit more.

Tell us  a bit about yourselves?

Hi there! We are Erin Thiessen & Stefanie Hiebert, the girls of Oh So Lovely Vintage! We have a 1956 trailer converted into a mobile vintage shop, as well as a new brick & mortar shop called “Rhymes with Orange”! We also have a blog about vintage fashion, housewares and other lovely things.

How did you both meet?

We technically met almost 10 years ago, at local shows that we would go to because our boyfriends at the time were in a band together! Later on in life we worked side by side at a boutique called Para Mix here in Winnipeg where we worked together for the next 3 years. Over those years we became inseparable and realized we shared a love of all things vintage and knew that one day we wanted to open a shop of our own! Little did we know that day would come sooner than we thought!

What is the most important lesson you have learned being  a small business owner, what advice do you have for those of us starting out?

The thing we learned straight off the hop and that has proven to be important no matter what we do is to stay true to ourselves and to stay positive! It’s easy to get down in the dumps if your numbers for readership aren’t where you want them to be, or you get negative feedback.  As long as you are producing work that you are proud of, then hold your head high and keep going! It’s not easy, but it can be so rewarding.  Just stick with it, work hard and reward yourself for the little things! Another key piece of advice that we have to offer is to network! Be friendly and make online friends! That’s how we met Manzanita- it started off as one sweet email and now she’s one of our good “online friends”!

What are some of your favorite blogs to read?

Some of our favorite blogs to read are: A beautiful Mess, Skunkboy Creatures, Freckled Nest, Pugly Pixel, & Miss Moss.

Where do you see Oh So Lovely in 5 years?

We hope that in 5 years, our shop and blog will continue to grow and be successful!  We are also hoping to travel with Olive (our mobile shop) a lot more, especially down into the US! We are also wanting to one day create a vintage inspired clothing line! As long as we’re happy we don’t really mind where Oh So Lovely’s at!   Thank you so much Erin and Stef! I wish you all the luck in the world with Rhymes With Orange. Hopefully I can make it up north sometime to try on some of your pretty dresses:) p.s. You can see Erin and Stefanie looking lovely in The Ingrid here! 

October Solo Feature and Giveaway: Oana Befort

Oana Befort is a lovely artist who writes one the most beautiful lifestyle blogs around! There, you will find sneak peeks at her new prints, stunning photos of her baby boy and husband, and some very innovative DIY posts! If you have not yet checked her out, please do so, and get lost in the wonder that is Oana Befort.

Lets get to know Oana a little better:

 

When did you start painting? Was there a teacher or person that was very influential when learning?

Basically from the time I could pick up a pencil I have enjoyed drawing, painting and all kinds of artistic activities.  I can't say that I had just one teacher or person that was the most influential.  From my high school years through college I had teachers from whom I had many things to learn.  One very important thing though that helped my learning process was being able to learn to teach myself through a steady diet of research and documentation outside of the classroom.

How do you paint? Do you have a specific spot, type of music, or supply that you need in order to do it? 

Hmm... I like painting at my desk but I can end up painting on the couch or the floor too. But, since I have a 15 month old baby that runs everywhere and gets into everything I have found that it is a lot safer to keep my painting to my desk area, for now.  I usually have music on (experimental, instrumental, jazz or alternative rock, depends on the day) while drawing and I have to have my paper, pencils, brushes and watercolors laying out beside me.  Sometimes, when I do digital illustrations or different design work, I will use a drawing tablet.

What inspired you to open your Etsy shop?

I started having people ask me if I own an online store were they can buy my artwork, so I decided to start an Etsy shop.  But, this is all new to me since I just recently opened it. Your blog is full of such beautiful photos! What kind of camera do you use? Any photography tips for us?

Thank you!  Most of the time I am using a Nikon D90 for the blog but sometimes I use an iPod.  A few tips:  know your camera settings, practice a lot and use natural light.

Describe your absolute perfect day.

It would be somewhere outdoors relaxing with my dear ones.

Thanks Oana! It seems like you have the sweetest little family!

Alright it is giveaway time! Oana has generously offered a print one of her lovely paintings (winners choice) to a lucky manzanita reader. Her shop is temporarily closed so please refer to this post for guidance. 

How to enter: 

(these must be completed before extra entries can be counted):

-Be a GFC follower of manzanita(just click join site on the right hand side bar)

-Visit Oana's beautiful blog and tell me which print you would like if you win. (be sure to leave your email address in case you win)

For extra entries:

-Follow manzanita on Bloglovin

 

-Follow me on Twitter

-Tweet about this giveaway mentioning @rebeccacaridad

-Mention this giveaway on your blog or facebook.

-Follow Oana Befort on Twitter

-Follow Oana's blog

Just a note: 

This giveaway will run until next Monday 31 October. I will announce the winner shortly after. Please leave a separate comment for each entry so they can be counted. Thanks everyone and good luck!