Sponsor Spotlight: Shenanigans

                                                                                            

Meet Elizabeth from
Shenanigans

1.  How did your blog come about?
The hubs and I have never lived near family. We had been living in Idaho and Utah attending school and apparently no one's too interested in visiting Idaho or Utah to see us. Ha. I got a travel job that was taking us to Hawaii and I thought starting a blog would be a way to document this new adventure of ours and allow our families to see what we were up to. I thought i would only blog for the time we were there but it turned into this journal for ourselves. Let's face it, blogging is more fun than writing in a journal (although I do journal in my girly diary--- i'm more frequent with our blog). We've lived in Idaho, Utah, Hawaii, traveled to Africa for a month and recently moved to Arizona and will probably be moving again this year. We love living in different states and seeing what all of them have to offer and sharing those things with anyone who's interested. :)

2.  What inspires you?
This is a hard one because there are so many things and so many people. I'd have to say though, nature and my husband. So cheesy right? I'll explain. I grew up in Arizona and I don't know if it was my upbringing or living in a desert but I was never an out-doorsy person. When I met my husband, everything changed. He took me fishing on a warm afternoon day and that was my first time, in the middle of idaho, at a beauitful river, FISHING. My husband inspires me because he's helped me appreciate the beauty around us.

3.  How do you spend your free time and what are your hobbies?
My free time is being outdoors, running, reading, trying new recipes, taking pictures of pretty things I see, and trying new places to eat. None of those big chain places. I'm talking about those places that you only know about because you hear about it through the grapevine or just happen to be driving around in a random area of town and come across this small restaurant. I like those places. Is that weird? And free time usually consists of catching up on sleep. Well, i shouldn't say catching up because i get a good amount of sleep already, i just love sleep so if i can throw in a nap here and there. :)

4. What word best describes you?
unpredictable.

5. If you could share one secret of your success, what would it be?
If this in reference to life, i'd have to say keep trying. If you don't, you're stuck in failure mode. :)

Here's where you can connect with Elizabeth:
{  BLOG  }

                                                                                                                     

Do you have a blog that you would like to 

have featured on Coffee Talks & Cat Walks?
...if so, Click HERE.

Sponsor Spotlight: Tastes Like Love

                                                                                                    

Meet Lauren from 

Tastes Like Love!

Lauren is an amazing illustrator!  After you're done here - hop on over to her blog and check them out!  She does custom illustrations too!  Her blog is a great collection of her adventures in life and all the fun stuff she comes across!  Enjoy!

1.How did you blog come about?
This time last year I started to draw little character illustrations of girls in cute dresses again and was really inspired to share my drawings. I've previously done a diploma of graphic design and knew that I liked the illustration components best and wanted to develop my own style in my own time. I've had a few blogs in the past, but I never really gave them any effort or time. So I started Tastes Like Love, and after a few months of getting back into the seeing of blogging, it became one of my main focuses and continues to inspire me.

2. What inspires you?
Colour schemes. Sometimes when I'm out and about and see really neat colour schemes, I can start to see drawings or designs or ideas come from them.

Typography. Give me a typographic poster design any day! I love browsing typography sites and playing around with different type faces. It really is one of the more exciting elements of design.

Lifestyle blogs. I love reading blogs about day to day happenings, thoughts and feelings of bloggers. Seeing how other people spend their spare days or weekends inspires me to be more creative with my time.

3. How do you spend your free time?
When my husband Luke isn't at work - which is rare as he is a chef - we spend our spare time together visiting different cafes, having movie nights and going on daily adventures. And the rest of my spare time is spent drawing illustrations, blogging and writing embarrassing postcards to my best friend Lara. I'm also a bit of a fussy cat, so if all the washing is done, i'll find something to wash!

4. Do you have a shop?
I don't have a shop, however, if you'd like to purchase a custom illustration of yourself or a friend, check out my custom page for more info.

5. What are your hobbys?
The older I get, the less guilt free time I have for hobbies. Blogging is definitely my main hobby, I love reading other creative, inspiring lifestyle blogs. Also, two of my old school hobbies are nintendo 64 Mario Party, and Tetris.

6.What word best describes you?
I get 'childlike' a lot.

7.If you could share one secret of your success what would it be?
Its hard to stick to your guns and do what you want to do. But it sure is better than doing what others are doing, or what other people what you to do. When I was studying design, I received very little encourage with my work. In fact, one of my teachers was really mean about illustrations and the girls I drew, and it even crushed my interest to draw them at all. When I finished studying and I moved away, I wasn't under any deadlines or within any creative guidelines so I could draw whatever. And that was when I started to draw again, and to blog again. And doing these things makes me happy. And my idea of being successful with anything is a result of being happy within yourself and sticking to your own guns!

Here's where you can connect with Lauren:
{  BLOG  //  TWITTER  }

                                                                                                    

Do you have a blog that you would like to 

have featured on Coffee Talks & Cat Walks?
...if so, Click HERE.

Sponsor Spotlight: Dragonflight Dreams

                                                                                                                            

Meet Amanda from 

Dragonflight Dreams!

Amanda has an amazing shop - stocked full of fabulous screen printed tees & totes!  So cute - you must see them for yourself!  Make sure you swing by her shop when you're done here!

1) How did your blog come about?

It started as a way to document my screen-printing adventures, and then just sort of grew into an 'all about my life' kind of blog. Now there's everything from recipes to What I Wore posts to highlights of fun/pretty things I find, to keeping track of my hobbies and goals.

2) What inspires you?

Stories. Everything from old myths to books I read or movies I see, to the stories I write.  Nature is also a pretty big influence.

3) How do you spend your free time?

I don't have a whole lot of that, since I run my freelance graphic design business full time. But when I do get free time, I spend it reading, hanging out with my boyfriend or friends (catching a movie, going out to eat, grabbing coffee), screenprinting, going to Pilates classes, playing with my puppy, etc.

4) Do you have a shop? If so, please share.

Yes, I do! It's where I sell all the things that I screenprint. It's also called Dragonflight Dreams and can be found here: http://dragonflightdreams.etsy.com

5) What are your hobbies?

Reading, writing, watching movies, playing piano, doing Pilates, screenprinting, taking photos, learning to cook better, learning to sew, etc.

6) What word best describes you?

bibliophile

7) If you could share one secret of your success, what would it be?

Persistence, and willingness to learn.

Here's where you can connect with Amanda:
{  BLOG  //  SHOP  //  TWITTER  //  FACEBOOK  }


                                                                                                                            

Do you have a blog that you would like to 

have featured on Coffee Talks & Cat Walks?
...if so, Click HERE.

Sponsor Spotlight: Life as Twiggy

                                                                                                                            

Meet Celeste from 

Life as Twiggy!

Celeste has a beautiful blog full of inspiration - and to be honest, her shop is just down-right adorable.  Read below and get to know her a little better - then make sure you swing by her blog and darling little shop!  You will love it!

1) How did your blog come about?

I started blogging as a college student a few years ago as a way to keep in touch with my distant family. It also became a way for me to relate and connect with other inspirational people from all around the world. I enjoy sharing my story through blogging with hopes it inspires others.

2) What inspires you?

Different colors, patterns, and textures whether it's fabric or paper. A lot of old rustic pieces, like end of the driveway furniture, doors, and windows also inspire me.

3) How do you spend your free time?

Even though I graduated a few months ago, I still keep myself busy with babysitting and working part time. In my free time I love to take new craft classes (knitting 101 or sewing), go to the movies on a weekly basis, or work on DIY projects that I keep in the basement until I have the time to complete them.

4) Do you have a shop? If so, please share.

I do! I own a small shop on Etsy, Ruby Key.  It is filled with handmade paper goods and some vintage finds. I use my passion of sewing and crafting by incorporating fabric, scrapbook paper, and machine stitches on most pieces.  I also do a lot of custom and personalized work for customers. So if you're interested, please don't hesitate to inquire!

5) What are your hobbies?

I love being creative so anything that has to do with being crafty or working with different materials. I also love photography and take way too many photos.

6) What word best describes you?

Calm. I'm often mistaken as a quiet person but more less I enjoy listening to others.  I can be thinking a million things and usually express my ideas and thoughts through my creativity

7) If you could share one secret of your success, what would it be?

Blogging and owning Ruby Key is still very new to me & I'm still trying to learn and figure everything out. I have found that staying positive (even on those days you feel like nothing is working) is the most important thing if you want to continue what you love doing. Something great is bound to happen!

Here's where you can connect with Celeste:
{  BLOG  //  SHOP  //  TWITTER  //  PINTEREST  }


                                                                                                                            

Do you have a blog that you would like to 

have featured on Coffee Talks & Cat Walks?
...if so, Click HERE.

Sponsor Spotlight: Paisley Boulevard

                                                                                  

Meet Colleen, from Paisley Boulevard

(She had me at "Paisley")
FYI - Her vintage shop is to die for!

1. How did Paisley Boulevard come to be?  I fell in love with blogs from the day I discovered them. Like, wow, they are all different and funny and creative! I just knew the blogging community was something that I wanted to be a part of and I knew that I wanted a blog of my very own. The whole process of learning html, photo editing, story telling, design...I have googled my way through the whole thing without a lick of outside help. It's such a rewarding creative journey.

2. What Inspires you?  Everything! When I shop, read, listen to music, walk outside...I'm always taking photos and mental notes of things that I find beautiful or that spark an interesting thought or idea that I want to build on.

3. How do you spend your free time?  I thrift, sew, do something crafty, family things. In my most lazy free time I enjoy a good VEG. Hot bath, cozy clothes, stacks of dvds and books, the couch, good takeout, and my blankie! :)

4. Do you have a shop? If so, please share.   I do have a shop! It's a brand new baby Paisley Boulevard Vintage!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaisleyBoulevard

5. What are your hobbies?  My hobbies are found by the dozens. My most favorite is thrifting. Always.

6. What word best describes you?  Eclectic

7. If you could share one secret of your success, what would it be?  Well, I'd LOVE to, but I don't think I am even close to successful! Seriously, what keeps me going so far is in the fact that I am sticking with this, because I am so smitten with blogging. It's something that I am truly passionate about.

Here's where you can connect with Colleen:
{  BLOG  //  SHOP  //  TWITTER  //  PINTEREST  }

                                                                                                             

Do you have a blog that you would like to 

have featured on Coffee Talks & Cat Walks?
...if so, Click HERE.

Sponsor Spotlight: Sew Beastly

Today I want to introduce you to Citlalli from:

      Sew Beastly! 

 Make sure you stop by and visit her 
blog and adorable shop!  

She is one stylish lady and super talented too!

Her advice in the last question is priceless!

1.How did you blog come about?

I first discovered the blog world after my one and only sewing class where they provided us with a list of sewing blogs.  I soon decided to start my own blog where I could record my sewing adventures, and it has morphed into a place where I share my life, what inspires me, and the handmade goodness that surrounds me.

2. How do you spend your free time?

Sewing, doodling, spending time with the family and boyfriend.

3. Do you have a shop?

I do!  I currently sell through storenvy, and also have my products at a local Dallas store....and hopefully many more to come!

4. What are your hobbys?

Doodling.

5. What word best describes you?

Reserved.

6. If you could share one secret of your success what would it be?
Educate yourself, via books, internet...any way you can!  Network!  It is in my opinion one of the most crucial steps to make your brand a success.

 Here's where you can connect with Citlalli!

{ Shop // Blog // Facebook // Twitter }

                                                                               

Do you have a blog that you would like to 

have featured on Coffee Talks & Cat Walks?

...if so, Click HERE.

                                                                               

Sponsor Spotlight: Life In Technicolor

Today I want to introduce you to Cassie from:

       L I F E    I N    T E C H N I C O L O R ! 

Cassie has a beautiful blog!  It is clean & simple. Ahh - so refreshing! 
Confession: I'm a bit jealous of her for her 
study abroad opportunity in AUSTRALIA!  How Sweet! 
I dig her answer to my last question below.  
Clearly the world needs more people like Cassie!

How did your blog come about?
I originally started my blog in 2009 as a way to keep in touch with friends and family. I was preparing for a semester in Australia and it was such a useful way to share my stories and photos! I really enjoyed using the blog as a platform for creative writing, so I decided to continue it when I came home. Since then, itʼs turned into a huge place of comfort and freedom as I sit at my non-fulfilling desk job all day. When I get the chance, I enjoy posting about design, fashion, green-living, the outdoors, and some personal updates to stay true to my original intent of connecting with family and friends.

What inspires you?
The serious ones? Missionaries serving to spread their faith around the globe, those who live a thrifty lifestyle so they can give their money to worthy causes, and people who manage their time and resources wisely. The less-serious-but-still-very-honestones? Kendi Everyday, the minimalist style and design trends of the Swiss, the Pioneer Woman, and Pinterest.

How do you spend your free time?
Since getting married in July, I now spend most of my free time with my husband, Will.  We love playing outside (weʼre kids for life), watching FRIENDS, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, reading, and playing Scrabble. I know, weʼre fun.

What are your hobbies?
I like to ride my bike, rock climb, hike, drink tea, write, play the guitar, sing, travel, and learn new things!

What word best describes you?
I asked the person who knows me best, and my hub says, “astounding.” Heʼs a winner.  While thatʼs awfully sweet, Iʼll pick one that might actually give some actual insight to who I am: “excitable”. It doesnʼt take much to make me laugh and I share in other peoplesʼ joy very easily.

If you could share one secret of your success, what would it be?
The concept of success is so relative. By the worldʼs standards, it may not look like I have a long list of successes to brag on. But by my definition of success, I would say that I have experienced success in relationships with others. My advice in this area would be to be vulnerable with others, share the deepest parts of yourself, and prioritize others above yourself.

Here's where you can connect with Cassie:
{  BLOG  //  PINTEREST  //  BLOGLOVIN  }

                                                                                                                                           

Do you have a blog that you would like to 

have featured on Coffee Talks & Cat Walks?
...if so, Click HERE.

                                                                           

Sponsor Spotlight: Bubblewrapp'd

It is my pleasure to introduce you to 

~ A N D R E A ~

from...

Bubblewrapp'd!

                                                                                                                         

Check out her amazing blog!

...& when you're done, swing by her lovely shop. 

Andrea is a wife and mother to two boys.

In a nutshell...this busy momma loves sleep, coffee, 

(she had me at coffee)  vodka, mexican food and football.

Below is a glimpse at some of the adorable 

things that she keeps stocked in her etsy shop.

P R E C I O U S !

....& very well priced too!

Here's where you can connect with Andrea:
{  BLOG  //  SHOP  //  TWITTER  //  FACEBOOK  }
                                                                                                                            
Do you have a blog that you would like to 
have featured on Coffee Talks & Cat Walks?
...if so, Click HERE.

Sponsor Spotlight: So Chick!

                                                                                                                            

Meet Melissa from 

So Chick!

Melissa and I share an obsession with sewing.  She is an absolute sweet heart.  When you're done reading about her below stop by her blog!  She is a super crafty lady that I find very inspirational!  Enjoy!

1) How did your blog come about?

I started my blog in 2009 as a way for my friends to see what fabrics I had on hand to make

bags, etc; posting was sporadic . In May of 2011, though, I made a commitment to blogging regularly as a way to connect with my readers and now, hopefully, to inspire others to buy and create handmade.

2) What inspires you?
I am inspired every day, my daughters inspire me, my family, my surroundings. I am also inspired by many things southern (though I grew up in New York), I love southern architecture and traditions; cities like Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC also inspire me with their timeless grace and charm.

3) How do you spend your free time?
I love to be with my family, I enjoy the beach since we live so close... when I get a chance I'm happy to sit and read a book by a sunny window. Of course, I also enjoy sewing in my free time! I'm currently taking a Free Quilting Lesson as well as working on a smaller quilt for my daughter. I like to set aside time for creative sewing and projects like these.

4) Do you have a shop? If so, please share.

I do! My online shop is SoChick! Handbags. (http://shop.sochickhandbags.com)
The shop will be re-opening on Monday, January 30th.I am currently updating my inventory of fun & fresh handmade handbags & accessories. My items feature fresh fabrics paired with classic/timeless designs. "Everyday Chic for Everyday Chicks!"

5) What are your hobbies?
Sewing, machine embroidery, sewing, quilting... did I mention Sewing? *wink*

6) What word best describes you?
One word? Hmmm.... It's way hard to pick one word! I don't generally meet a stranger, I will talk to most anyone that will listen, am passionate about what I love and am happy to share that... So, my word is going to be: Outgoing. 

7) If you could share one secret of your success, what would it be?

Be aware of your surroundings in your market, but don't get hung up on the competition and don't stray from what is in your heart/what you are passionate about.  You should love what you do/the products you create, because if you don't, it will show.

Here's where you can connect with Melissa:
{  BLOG  //  SHOP  //  TWITTER  //  FACEBOOK  }


                                                                                                                            

Do you have a blog that you would like to 

have featured on Coffee Talks & Cat Walks?
...if so, Click HERE.

Sponsor Spotlight: The Doubtful Pixie

                                                                                                                            

Meet Sabrina from 

The Doubtful Pixie!

It was a pleasure getting to know you! 

1) How did your blog come about?
Two years ago, before we were married, my husband and I moved into our first apartment together. I was searching online for decorating ideas when I came across blogs like "sfgirlbybay" and "dottie angel". I was immediately smitten, and decided to try my hand at blogging. In the beginning, the blog was simply called "brina's blog".

2) What inspires you?
I've always been a creative girl, and I love all things pretty, bright, and crafty. I spend a lot of time browsing sites such as flickr and Pinterest. I also get inspiration from other bloggers: Laura of VioletBella, Elsie and Rachel of Red Velvet, and Tif of dottie angel, to name a few.

3) How do you spend your free time?
I work in retail and have to deal with the public on a daily basis, so I sort of "hibernate" at home when I don't have to work. I usually spend my time there working on some sort of art or craft project, or online, blogging, looking through etsy, or browsing flickr and Pinterest.

4) Do you have a shop? If so, please share.
My shop is also called "the doubtful pixie". Right now I have a few items listed, but it's my goal to eventually have at least one full page. I would like to specialize in home decor items.

5) What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include drawing, painting, crocheting, sewing, graphic design, photography, and decorating.

6) What word best describes you?
Crafty 

7) If you could share one secret of your success, what would it be?
Don't give up. For a long time, no one read my blog. It was kind of upsetting, but I didn't let it stop me. I kept writing as if someone WAS reading, because what if someday someone DID? I haven't made a lot of sales out of my Etsy shop either, but I keep trying. Sometimes you have to put out a lot of effort in order for anyone to notice your work. I keep telling myself every little step is worthwhile, and I keep going.

Here's where you can connect with Sabrina:
{  BLOG  //  SHOP  //  TWITTER  //  FACEBOOK  }


                                                                                                                            

Do you have a blog that you would like to 

have featured on Coffee Talks & Cat Walks?
...if so, Click HERE.

Sponsor Spotlight

WANTED TO TAKE A MOMENT & INTRODUCE 
YOU TO MY NEW LOVELY SPONSORS:

JUST BECAUSE by leelee 

My name is Liliana, best known as Lili or as I like to write it: LeeLee.  I graduated as a Fashion Designer at the Miami International University of Art and Design. I've been living in Miami for almost 4 years. I am from Cartagena, Colombia. A tropical Paradise, too bad I hate tropical weather and I hate the beach and the sun. Maybe that's because I've never lived in a cold place before,well just once, just 2 years of my life, when I used to live in Bogota, Colombia during my first years of fashion studies.

Here's where you can connect with Lee Lee:
{  BLOG  //  SHOP  //  FACEBOOK  }

                                                                                                                            

My name is Jahnavi, an Indian living  in Dubai with my hubby.  I'm a management graduate by choice,  a photography enthusiast actually Photography-oholic.  I love taking pictures.  I use a Nikon D90 SLR and I edit my pictures using Adobe photoshop.  I enjoy travelling, reading, painting, drawing but mostly learning and trying new stuff.  I can never stop creating and imagining.  a beautiful feather is my way of sharing my interests: photography, fashion, design, arts, food, travel and the things that inspire me everyday.
Here's where you can connect with Jahnavi:
{  BLOG  //  TWITTER  }

                                                                                                                            

 I’m Arvee.  I started my blog, May 2010.  I used to be on Blogger but I finally had the guts to transfer to wordPress. I am a tweaker, which made me love wordPress even more.  So many possibilities with this little baby. Enough said.  Flutter happy consists of little tidbits of Arvee's  life, inspirations, the web, and all sorts of awesomeness!
Here's where you can connect with Arvee:
{  BLOG  //  TWITTER  //  FACEBOOK  }

                                                                                                                            

BLYTHE PONYTAIL PARADES 
My name is Violet. God is the most important part of my life. He gets me through everything and has blessed me so much! I am 22 years old and work at Wiley Book Publishing as a reprint technician. I went to school for Graphic Design and I'm working part time as a Photographer. I am in love with a boy named Grant. He's an amazing husband and I love him more than life! I have a wonderful family and a puppy named Marshmallow that I'm obsessed with. She's featured a lot. MY blog is pretty much a compilation of my photography business (Violet Short Photography), it's progress, life, art, work, fashion, and other obsessions!
Here's where you can connect with Violet:
{  BLOG  //  FACEBOOK  }

                                                                                                                            

My name is Tara and I am the one little lonely person operating Deer in a Bottle. Just joking - I'm not really lonely because I live with my dashingly handsome boyfriend (think Adam Scott mixed with Jude Law minus the nanny fetish). We live in Seattle on top of a big hill and yes, we enjoy coffee just as much as you probably assume Seattlites do. 

I love dogs, especially French Bulldogs, more than I love blogging, jewelry, and sometimes my boyfriend (only sometimes). I'm not too fond of cats. Please don't send me hate mail. Anyways, I hope this blog inspires you to be creative. There is nothing more important than discovering and creating beautiful things in our daily lives.  If you are reading my blog, I already love you to bits and pieces.
I am at your service. Forever.
Here's where you can connect with Tara:

{  BLOG  //  SHOP  //  TWITTER  //  FACEBOOK  }

                                                                                                                            

I'm Kait, a blogger, photographer & graphic/web designer, obsessed with damask, chandeliers, vintage, fashion, handmade, tea, tacky patterns, typography, Apple, DIY & eco-friendly things. I’m a firm believer that sandwiches taste better cut diagonally.  I’m from the Greater Toronto Region.  Whats my blog about?  Everything!  You’ll find posts about anything that interests or inspires me – from everything listed above, music, random ramblings  and yes, perhaps there might even be something about the kitchen sink.  People I admire: Oscar Wilde, Aubrey Beardsley, Lady Gaga and my sister, Lauren.
Here's where you can connect with Kait:
{  BLOG  //  TWITTER  }
                                                                                                                            

 I'm Betsy.  I'm a recent college grad with too many interests to count and just a few ideas of where life is taking me.  Four years ago, I was a college freshman who had every intent of fulfilling her childhood dream of majoring in biology, going to med school, and becoming a pediatrician.   Somewhere along the road those dreams and intentions changed, and now I'm a grad student working towards my Masters in Multicultural Education and elementary certification.  My blog originally started as a way to share thoughts and goings-on with family back home in Pennsylvania while I was at school north of Boston.  Now, it's become this mash-up of photography, crafts, food, and fun, with a healthy dose of those original thoughts and goings-on.  I suppose it would be considered a lifestyle blog, if one were to categorize it.  When it comes down to it, though, I pretty much just write about growing up and the surprises, heartbreaks, and treasures I'm discovering along the way.
Here's where you can connect with Betsy:
{  BLOG  //  TWITTER  }
                                                                                                                            

Do you have a blog that you would like to 

have featured on Coffee Talks & Cat Walks?
...if so, Click HERE.

H A P P Y    F R I D A Y ! ! !