52 lists in 52 weeks// week 12 (and discount journals)!!

Happy weekend all! As I mentioned last week, I am super excited for this week's list because it is a little different than the usual lists.... It comes with an interview AND a review from the awesome lady that is bringing us our list this week.

Katie, from Making This Home blog and Gadanke shop has been creating these lovely journals for some time and I have to admit, I have been in love with them since I first laid eyes on them. They are incredibly lovely and now that I am a proud owner of one (the She Journal, which is where our list for today comes from) I have to say, I'm even more in love. Her adorable journals have the most unique and awesome sheets to doodle and journal on. Plus, when you run out of pages to share, she has an expansion pack to buy so you can journal even more. I honestly can't say enough how awesome her journals are. I've thoroughly enjoyed using mine.

And now, the interview with Katie!!!

Q: What got you started in making these awesome journals?

A: A couple of years ago, NPR's StoryCorp was in town. It was also my grandma's 90th

birthday. The two of us decided to hop into the recording studio to capture some pieces of her story. I had all sorts of prompts to help her with her story telling. (I was always the listener, the one who asked question after question.) The only problem?

My grandma couldn't remember. Too much time had passed.

Later, my dad turned to me and said, "Katie, I need you to write down your story." I knew he wished he had his mom's stories. So I started writing.

I started wondering about all of the other women who have stories deep inside of them, and I started thinking about how my tendency to just listen and ask could help put those stories onto paper. Gadanke was born with fabulous writing prompts and recycled papers. I feel so lucky to be living my dream.

Q: How did you come up with the name Gadanke?

A: I was living in Berlin, Germany at the time. The name comes from the German word, Gedanke. It means thought, idea, or mind.

I have a teensy problem in German. Despite hours of studying the language, I still trip up. It's like I'm saying “ball” or “bull” when I'm really trying to say “bowl”. We'll be sitting in a restaurant with a group of Germans, and I'll look at the waitress and announce, “I'd like a ball of soup, please.”

Luckily, Gadanke has a big “thank you” in it. (Danke means thank you.) There's so much to be thankful for in life, and I want us to remember that everyday.

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Green. I think it's because winter is so looooong here in the Rocky Mountains (and Berlin!). I snowed on my high school graduation. And my brother's... And my sister's... After a while, you go crazy waiting for green trees and grass. So they're always my favorite.

Q: What supplies are your favorite to work with (either in crafting or in creating for your shop)?

A: My top priority is the source of materials - was it made with recycled or sustainable materials?

Q: What is your favorite thing about summer?

A: Do you remember what summer tasted like as a kid?

For me, it involved a lot of popsicles and marshmallows over the campfire. I think those little moments are still my favs.

Q: What's your favorite craft?

A: I like anything that involves paper, paint, and fabric. I used to adore pottery, but I just don't have the room or the time for such a big hobby. Maybe later!

Q: What is the hobby you most enjoy?

A: Oooh - my favorites are going ice skating, traveling, and reading. To relax or think about new projects, I like to take long walks.

Q: What lies in store next for you and/or Gadanke??

A: Oh gosh! My husband and I are gutting the back of an old airplane hangar. We'll have a little 750 square foot home, and Gadanke will have its very own office right over a couple of airplanes. It'll be really cool. But first there's some serious decluttering to do. There is years and years of clutter that has built up in the place.

Thank you Katie for taking the time to answer these questions and letting us know you and your shop a little better!

Before I get into this week's list, here are some more of her journals......

See an awesome journal you want??

Go to her shop and use the code KELLIST10 and receive a 10% discount (valid for 10 days only)!! Hurry!

And now this week's list (from Katie's She Journal):

My list:


Can't wait to see yalls! And don't forget to link up and add your photos to our flickr group!

xoxo
kel

inspiration thursday (with Sarah from Contently Consistently Chaotic)

This week I get to share with yall my pal (and another pen pal) Sarah! She's one of the sweetest gals you'll ever meet with the biggest heart. I've loved getting to know her these past few months and I just know you'll love her too. So, don't forget to stop by her blog and give her some love!!! :)

-kel

Your name: sarah dawn. i often go by sarahd.

Where can we find you?
contently consistently chaotic.
facebook.

Tell us a little bit about you:
i just turned twenty seven. which is all to close to thirty for me.
i am from a small cow town in california called tulare.
but i now live in the most amazing city,
in the most beautiful state.
portland, oregon.

i am new to blogging. but i LOVE it.
i am horrible with grammar and punctuation.
i am a major procrastinator.
i love all things pink.
i am a dreamer.
i am honest & loyal to a fault.
my family & friends are my rock.

Favorite craft or hobby?
ive just started painting and i love it!
ive started drawing and journaling more.
i love making skirts! i have fallen in love with scrapbooking!

What's next for you?
i REALLY want to learn to make plushies


Also, I want to learn how to use photoshop cs4 well.
i will make time for BOTH very very soon!

5 things that make you happy!
monkeys.

Hearts

friends

nephew and nieces


this picture

Where do you find inspiration?
id like to find some more! i find inspiration is MANY things! my problem is just putting that inspiration into use! i find inspiration in art. other folks blogs. weheartit. friends. my momma! i like to pay attention to the small things!

How do you get and stay motivated?
i seem to stay motivated by what i want. if i want something BAD enough, i can usually make it happen. i just keep remembering what i want in my mind. and not stopping until whatever project is done. my family & friends do a good job at keeping me motivated. i love them!

If stranded on an island and you can bring one person and one thing with you, what would it be??
first of all can i please go here.

I would take my friend kris

He frustrates me sometimes - okay, a lot, buuuut he is like family. He would be able to make me laugh, but wouldn’t bug me all the time. He can do all the ‘manly’ things like fires, fish, fix what breaks, carry heavy things, but wouldn’t be overly annoying. He is a person i am comfortable with, and that i can tune out if need be.

The 'Thing' i would bring is a laptop with a internet connection placed into it. the laptop would have a web cam for skype, tons of music and a never dying battery! lol.

Give us 1 random or funny or interesting fact/tidbit about YOU:
i don’t know my left from my right. i can figure it out once i think about it, but i have to remember what hand i write with to know which is my right hand. no- the fact that my left hand makes a ‘L’ doesn’t help. lol. i also cannot spell MOUNTAIN without thinking the acronym ‘My Old Uncle Nortan Took An Interesting Nap’. and working for a company that has MOUNTAIN in the name of it, i think of it ALL the time.

xoxo

inspiration thursday (with Erin from Erin B. Inspired)

This week I am soo happy to be sharing with yall my real life friend, Erin. She's an awesome lady and so much fun to be around. She's incredibly crafty and inspirational and I just know you're going to love her! Don't forget to stop by her blog and etsy and leave her some love!!! And thanks Erin for being a part of this!!! :)
-k

Name: Erin -- aka Erin B. Inspired.

Where can we find you?
Blog - http://erinbinspired.blogspot.com
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/erinbinspired
Etsy - http://gumdropgreetings.etsy.com

Favorite craft or hobby.
I've really gotten into paper crafts lately, namely cards. They're pretty easy but yet there is so much you can do with them!

What's next for you?
Well, I start back to school in a few weeks to get my teaching certification. I'm pretty stoked (and I NEVER thought I'd say that about going back to school). I hope to ultimately teach high school literature but I'll probably start in middle school, maybe 8th grade.

5 things that make you happy!
1 - My dogs. It's impossible to be sad when they're around!
2 - Taking photos. I can't say that I'm really good but I love going on mini photoshoots.
3 - Social networking. I know that sounds pretty silly but I love communicating with people and being social. Sometimes I feel like the friends I never met but socialize with on social networking sites are better friends than my real friends!
4 - My boyfriend. J and I have been through a couple of rough patches but when I look at him I can't help by smile. He is so good to me. :)
5 - Finding great pieces at thrift stores, on Craigs List, or otherwise. I've gotten really into vintage and unique pieces. I got my craft desk on Craigs List and painted it Smurf blue. Talk about inspiration!

Where do you find inspiration?
Since I've been into card crafting lately, I browse a lot of card crafting and supply sites for ideas. One of my favorite card crafters is Kristina Werner (kwernerdesign.com). She features videos twice a week of card making tutorials. It's a great place to start to get ideas. Also, Two Peas In A Bucket (twopeasinabucket.com) is a great place to go for supplies and ideas.

How do you get and stay motivated?
I stay motivated by doing a little at a time. I often find myself wanting to spend hours upon hours in my craft room making cards but after a while I lose creativity so I step back and pick back up at a later time.

Where's once place you would LOVE to travel if you could?
This answer is always easy for me because I've had a fascination with Italy since my sophomore year of college. I love the language and the culture. I would love to go and browse the museums and architecture.

Random fact about me:
I'm a natural strawberry blond but I've had blond, brunette, red, and purple hair. It's bleach blond right now. I've only had one dye job that I loathed and that was dark brunette with blond highlights. I looked like a skunk!

inspiration thursday (with Amanda from Time for Tea)

This week I'm sharing with you one of my pen pals, Amanda. She is truly an inspirational gal and just all around awesome. Even her letters are original and beautiful. So read all about her and then go show her some blog love, trust me you'll fall in love with her style too. :)
-kel



Name: Amanda Rundels

Where can we find you?
Blog- http://www.timefortealove.com/
Twitter- @timefortealove
Flickr- flickr.com/amandamicheller

Tell us a little bit about you!
I'm just a small town girl, born and raised in Ohio. I love my family with all my heart, they are the most important thing in my life. I love to read, and learn new things each day. I would say I'm a pretty friendly person, considering I have a love for all people (and I love to talk!) I also love art, it's always interested me since I was a child. In my spare time I love working on new projects, taking walks, listening to music, craft mall shopping, going to art exhibitions and really enjoying my life :) Currently, I work part time at a non-profit art gallery, and I am preparing for my freshman year of college at Ohio University-Chillicothe.

Favorite craft or hobby?
My favorite craft would have to be scrapbooking. I just love it, it takes design to the hands on level (as well as digital) and has endless possiblity when it comes to compisition. I also love collaging on canvas.

What's next for you:
Heading to college this fall to start my major in Early Childhood Education, I'm also leaning on double majoring in Fine Art.

5 things that make you happy!
-My family
-smiles
-Jack Johnson
-the color yellow
-antiques

Where do you find inspiration?
I wouldn't say I have a style icon or crush, fashion wise but I draw inspiration daily from nature, my family, literature, music and works of art.

How do you get and stay motivated?
I get motivative by thinking postitive always. I'm a very upbeat person, so not a lot brings me down. I set goals constantly as well, say one week I don't accomplish one I simply dust myself off, refocus on that goal and start on it again the following week.

My family is also a huge motivation in my life, my mom, sister and I are very close, and accomplishing my goals shows my sister she can do the same as well, on top of making our mom proud :)


Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself graduated from college, and a year into my profession as a teacher. I also see myself setting goals to buy my own house, and possibly re-enrolling in college online (I'm pretty sure I'll never want to stop learning, there's so much to study!)

Give us 1 random or funny or interesting fact/tidbit about YOU!!!
Hah, one random fact about me, I am very very OCD when it comes to washing dishes. I've always felt it was a tad weird, but since I was 12 (when I started washing dishes as a chore) I have had an OCD about washing all the plates first, then all the bowls, all the cups & lastly all the silverwear :P

-Amanda

inspiration thursday (with Kara from Once There Was a Tree)

Hi loves! The lovely lady being interviewed today is none other than one of my new pen pals, Kara. I've loved getting to know her so I just had to share with yall more about the awesome lady she is. Don't forget to stop by her blog after and leave some love!!!
Oh and did I mention she did a sweet post about me not so long ago?? You can check it out here.
xoxo
kel


_____________________________

Name: Kara Hooker

Where can we find you? http://www.oncetherewasatree-kara.blogspot.com/

Tell us a little bit about you!
I am 24 years old and in August I will have been married for 2 years - although I have been with my husband for a total of 10 yrs! We live in Richmond, VA and I can see the James River from our loft. I am a vegetarian {only sometimes I cheat & eat fish} and also a Buddhist. I don't have any kids, but I do have two adorable pups and a ferret that I love to spoil!

Favorite craft or hobby?
I love to be outside in nature! I live right on the flood wall next to the James River and I always try to spend most of my weekends in the water. Since it's often nice and sunny outside, I love river floats, laying out at the pool & hanging out at patio bars! I can't wait for it to get a little cooler so I can start going on camping trips again!

What's next for you?
Well, right now I work with teenagers as a Substance Abuse Case Manager. I can't really say I *love* my job... but it definintly comes with a lot of great stories! Right now I am sort of in a discovery stage with myself... I want to go back to school, but before I do that I want to take some time to think about what I want my career to look like. I want to do something that offers a little more creativity and would LOVE to work from home... I'm kind of over the "nine to five" scene right now.

5 things that make you happy!
1. Live Music. I think I feel the most alive when I'm snuggled in a crowd, singing at the top of my lungs and cheering on some of my favorite {and also new found favorite} bands. Some of my favorites include - Copeland {best.shows.ever! so sad they recently broke up!}, Counting Crowes, Coldplay, Damien Rice, & Death Cab. I'm also a huge supporter of local music & love hearing new people for the first time!

2. Nature. I love being outdoors. Nothing compares to the feeling I get walking in my bare feet or sleeping outside under the stars. Sometimes I flirt with the idea of going on a week long camping trip by myself - I think I would be a changed person after something as intense as that.

3. Astronomy. I have a super dorky fascination with outer space... and after a few cocktails I will talk your ear off about crab nebulas and black holes {whether you care to listen or not}. My favorite constellation just so happends to be Orion, and my biggest dream come true would be able to travel to the moon. I even have a quarter sleeve dedicated to this obsession...

4. Tattoos. I have 8 of them and probably won't stop there. I have a henna-inspired flower on my foot, a swallow on my hip, the Giving Tree along my side, stars across my lower back, the lyrics to Imagine on my shoulder blade, the HRC Campaigne logo on my left wrist, the symbol for Alpha & Omega {beginning and end} on my right wrist, and the previously mentioned solar system quarter sleeve.

5. My friends. No matter what anyone else says, I have the best ones!

Where do you find inspiration?
I find most of my inspiration throughout my everyday life and the people in it. In April I donated my kidney to my god-brother, Mitchell, and he has always been so inspiring to me. He has a weird kidney disease and has always been really sick, but you would never know it. He never complains about being in pain and is always smiling. He is seriously one of the strongest people I know!

How do you get and stay motivated??
I am easily distracted, so I have a hard time staying motivated unless it's something that really interests me. I think the most important thing that I do to keep myself on track is to take a few minutes everyday to just breathe and center myself. The biggest motivator for me is knowing that after all the work and boring stuff gets done, the fun can begin. I'm one of those people who lives for Friday night... at 5 o'clock my work phone gets turned off, my paperwork gets pushed to the side, and whatevers left gets saved for Monday. I am the opposite of a workaholic & I kind of like it that way. I try my best to make the most of every moment, because life is too short & there are so many things I want to see and do!

Where's one place you would LOVE to travel to if you could?
I have recently adopted this weird obsession for Washington State. I don't even really know a lot about the area, but I do know that the scenery is to die for. I want to visit a small town surrounded by mountains. And the Space Needle. Also, I really want to see the Grand Canyon... I think everyone should visit that before dying. I also have a really strange and totally unrealistic fantacy of moving to an island and learning how to surf. I would support myself by selling coconuts and would live in a shack on the beach!


Give us 1 random or funny or interesting fact/tidbit about YOU!!!
I have a really awkward fear of condensation. Yes, that nasty stuff that gets all over the side of cold drinks or on the walls after a hot shower. I always take baths so that I don't have to worry about any of it getting on my skin from the shower curtain, and I keep the door open so it doesn't get misty. Blahhh it makes me creeped out just thinking about it. My friends think it's funny to rub their drinks on my arms when I'm not looking... jerks.

-Kara

inspiration thursday (with Jeff from content unrelated)

This week I'm sharing with you one of my bestest friends, Jeff. He's an awesome guy and one of the best friends I've ever had. He's one of the sweetest people out there and has really been there for me- he also is hysterical and just fun to hang out with. I totally miss having him in Jax- but luckily when he moved back home he met this totally awesome gal who's now his pretty and awesome girlfriend...so I guess I can't be too upset he left. :) Anywho.... here's his post, enjoy :)

Oh, and if you haven't read his blog before, you should- it's dark and funny and just plain awesome-so read the post here and then stop on by his blog or twitter, check 'em out and show him some love! :)

________________

Name: Jeff

Where can we find you?
Content Unrelated (http://www.contentunrelated.com/), Twitter (www.twitter.com/jeff_unrelated)

Tell us a bit about you!
I'm a 25-year-old college graduate with a degree that has so far served me better as toilet paper than a step up in the real world. I've been carrying trays for shitty tips for the better part of a decade, and I'll continue to do it until that (literal and figurative) B.S. degree lands me a career.

Favorite hobby?
Favorite hobby is writing, and I wish I did it more than I do now.

What’s next for you?
I'd like someone to take me seriously enough to let me write for them professionally. Kind of difficult though, because I rarely take myself seriously as it is.

5 things that make you happy:
Naps, sick guitar solos, blue box Kraft mac and cheese, writing and a good movie.

Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in other small-scale blogs. I feel like those writers are still putting out material for quality's sake, not quantity, and I like to see what they have to say. If I enjoy it enough, it usually gives me the opportunity to formulate my own take on the subject and write about it myself -- and a lot of times they'll inspire me to tweak or improve my own writing style.

How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated because I believe one day it'll all come together. It'll all make sense, and everything I'll have done up until that point will finally pay off.

Where's one place you would LOVE to travel to if you could?
Having lived in Florida my entire life, I wouldn't mind traveling to a place that doesn't skip two out of the four seasons every year. Give me a place with a high of 70, no humidity and free coffee, and I'll book the next flight.

inspiration thursday (with Beth from when sparks fly up)

Yes, I know- it's Friday. Yesterday was INSANE, so sorry for the delay. But I think this interview will more than make up for my slacking.

Beth is such an awesome gal and her blog truly inspires me. She also use to live in Jacksonville too! :) So here she is! :)

Name: Beth

You can find me here:

http://whensparksflyup.blogspot.com/ and occasionally http://www.160grams.com/

About me:

I'm 20ish and currently living and working in Atlanta, after relocating from Jacksonville. I contribute to an online fashion and art magazine called 160grams and also work for H&M. I'm starting back to school soon for Communications and hope to end up somewhere working as fashion journalist. Ive also spent the past 12 years taking martials arts, which I love. Aside from that you can usually find me in vintage stores, at concerts, reading, or shopping, of course =)

Favorite Craft/Hobby:

If I have the time, I love to bake and sew! Aside from the fact that I live in a house, these are pretty much my only domestic qualities, haha.

Up Next for Me:

All sorts of awesome things! New place, starting school, continuing to write for 160grams hopefully. And in my immediate future? Some cheap red wine and Fleetwood Mac on vinly with my best friend. Definitely can't complain.

5 Things That Make Me Happy:

coffee, good music, sample sales, fall weather, old friends


My Inspiration: Style wise:

I love people who look effortlessly put together. People that have something unique about them without taking themselves that seriously. Think Sienna Miller, Erin Wasson, Emmanuelle Alt. Otherwise, I draw inspiration from everything! People walking down the street, a quote I found in a book I've read, a really great song. It's just a matter of paying attention to what's in front of you I think. Not missing the little things =)

Motivation:

This is a hard one for me because I'm such a procrastinator! Seriously it's ridiculous. So usually I have to break things down into lists. Gosh, this is such a boring answer, haha. But yeah, being able to set small little goal lists and cross things off as I accomplish really help to finish what I start.

Where would I wanna travel if I could?

I would love to go to Germany or Amsterdam. Or Thailand. Or Greece. haha.

Funny/Interesting fact about me:

I've never had the chickenpox or broken a bone, and I still have my tonsils and wisdom teeth. =)

Take care!
-Beth

Thanks again Beth!!!

Go check out her blog if you havent yet and leave her some love :)

Have a great Friday!!!!

xo

kel