Blogging Woes // What constitutes as inspiration in the blogging world anymore??

Hey guys! I know a little while back I said that I was going to start out scheduled posts. I thought quite a lot about it and I think I'm going to retract that statement. Why you ask? Because I have thought quite a lot about it and I feel that blogging (at least for me) should be something that should come to you inspirationally and at random. I've been noticing a recent trend in some of my favorite blogs and I am feeling quite disappointed in this said trend..

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Usually when I find a blog for the first time that I really like, I read almost every post they have. You see a certain pattern that popular bloggers have. Their very first posts are staggered, random and not perfect. Yes, I am guilty of this, too. I may even still be in that stage myself actually. Then these bloggers morph into something very close to blogging greatness. They finally found their blogging niche. Their blogs are interesting, unique, personalized and very much their own. But then, those blogs turn into (at least how I see it), a wee bit robotic. 

- Sponsor Posts

- Constant Giveaway Posts 

- Outfit posts (which most of the time I do really enjoy, so I'm not gonna hate, buttttt, I'm not a fan of this being the ONLY thing they post about. Especially if it's a lifestyle blog..)

- Sponsor Highlights

- c/o c/o c/o EVERYTHING. 

I mean, yeah, it's cool to see these things here and there. And I know that as your blog grows, these posts need to be there, but that shouldn't be the only thing you post about. I feel that sponsor posts are great for new bloggers, but when it's mainly all they're posting about, it gets kinda annoying. I even feel like unfollowing some of these bloggers because of the lack of personalized posting. You don't see 'them' in their blogs anymore. You just see $_$ with all the c/o's and sponsor me this month for a crazy amount of money. 

I really mean to not be negative regarding these unsaid bloggers, especially because I've been in this part of the internet for a very short amount of time...but the fact of the matter is, I don't want to be this kind of blogger. Scheduled posts, lack of inspiration and just plain, dull. I just feel that blogging should come within, and I will most certainly try to keep to that as much as humanly possible. Will I still do nail posts and polaroid posts? Of course, but this shouldn't be the only things I blog about. I love when something sparks into my head and I want to share it with you guys. I don't like if I can't get to a scheduled post, I may disappoint someone down the road. That's my last intention. I want you guys to come here and get to know me. I may not be that interesting, but sometimes I like to think I am ;) Hehe.

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I've been debating whether or not to even post this, but I feel that in a way, I need to explain myself and my blogging motives. I've been putting it off to be honest with you, especially because I've seen this type of post before, but I assure you, everything I said here has come from my own noggin and is my own frustrations with the blogging world. I will still do Friday Fancy, because I do love doing it, and I think it's fun to post about some creative shops on Etsy. But you get the idea...Ok, rant over!! 

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Is anyone going to watch American Horror Story tonight?? To be honest, I have no idea where this episode is going to go! I can't wait. And in other news...I'm really sad that the Walking Dead had it's mid-season finale last Sunday. Now what am I going to do until February :( Sigh. 

xo.

Cyber Monday!

Hey everyone! Make sure to use the coupon code above at my shop to get 25% off your entire order! 
I hope everyone's Thanksgiving weekend was wonderful here in the States! Mine went really well. We had spent the holiday with a ton of family members. My mom and I went to my Aunt's house for dinner. It was a first (at least from what I can remember) eating Thanksgiving dinner by her and her family. It was wonderful to spend time with everyone. I know we needed each other in this difficult time. We tried laughing as much as possible and sharing a ton of smiles. I couldn't have asked for a better day with my family. I know this coming month I will be working my butt of making a ton of Christmas presents. I'm going to try to do a "homemade" Christmas as much as possible. 
I hope you all have a great Monday! 
xo.

Life is so unexpected!

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I had the strangest experience at work today. I was facing shelves at work and one of my customers walks past me. She ends up kneeling down and shaking. She told me she was having a seizure. I remained calm until it subsided. I had asked her a few questions regarding it (had she had them before, does she need me to call 911, etc). She said she had them before and she should be okay. 

She said that she was surprised at how well I took the whole thing (I was calm and didn't freak out). I told her I've seen and dealt with this before with my dad. She asked if he was still around and I told her no. She told me she was so blessed that I was there right at that moment to help her. That comment touched my heart on so many levels. She continued to explain how grateful she was that I was able to watch over her and make sure she was okay. She liked the fact that I didn't freak out and get scared. 

She said that all my experiences with my father's loss had shaped me into a different person. She said that I can handle things differently and that I have a warm compassionate heart. I sat there thinking wow, this lady knows me good and I just met her! I was so blown away at the things she was telling me. It's like she was there throughout everything, even though I never seen her before. She said that my dad was probably up in heaven rooting me on and saying "Way to go, daughter." And the scariest thing is, my dad would always call me "daughter." How freaky is that?? 

It's really nice to know that there are people in this world who appreciate the simple things in life and that they recognize a helping hand when they see it. I was really touched and happy to help her, I don't like seeing people in pain, but I was so happy to assist her. She was so nice and thoughtful. My heart always gets a bit warmer when I am in situations such as these. I love my customers at work so much because most of them are so sweet and kind. I had to share this story today because I can't seem to get it off my mind. I'm just glad I could make someone's day :) I think the quote fits perfectly with today. It's like my dad is saying "hey kid, I'm here." I miss him so! 

xo.

Friday Fancy

AtomicAttic

I really love this upcycled kitty bed! I love the look of old suitcases, but them as a cat bed? Awesome!

BeanTownHandmade

Oh em gee! I really wish Lady would wear something like this. It is too cute!

doggydetail

How awesome are these kitty toys? Chocolate dipped strawberries filled with catnip! My cats would go crazy for these!

AoDesigns

I really love this pet ID. Perfect for my girl Lady!

CatAteller

I love how cute this is. Their site has so many cute kitty bow ties too! I think my boys are in need of one...or five!

xo.

The Things I'm Thankful For...

First and foremost...I am thankful for my mom. This woman has stuck by me through so much and has been there for me through the worst and the best. Things I thought I'd never would make it out of, she assured me it would get better. I love her so much and I would be lost without her! 

I am thankful for my family. I'm glad that now my brother's and I are all grown up and can finally be close and not tease each other. I'm so glad to have them in my life, even if they still irritate me to no end! I'm so glad that I have them as my brother's because they shaped me to be who I am today. And for that, I'm thankful!

I'm so thankful for my niece Brooklynn and my nephew Miles. I love these guys more than words. They make me laugh, brighten my days, remind me what it's like to be a kid and show me how to love unconditionally. I don't have any kids, but man, I love these two like they were my own. I'm so so so thankful I get to see them so often and that I'm able to be in their lives! 

Crandon...how I am so thankful for this place of serenity. This place got me through the toughest year of my life. Just a simple reminder that good times would be ahead, it made me get through. This place means so much to me, especially because I got to spend so much time with my cousin, Nick. I'm thankful for that on so many levels. It brought me closer to my family, taught me how to appreciate life and not to take things for granted (like plumbing)! I can't wait for Memorial Day...

I am thankful for my best friend, Ashlee. Oh man, I love this girl SO much. I've known her for the last 23 years and I don't know what I'd do without her in my life. She makes me happy and is someone I know I can count on. She is genuine and honest and has the biggest heart I know. She is my sister and for that, I'm thankful. <3

Last but not least...my dad. I'm thankful to have had him in my life for 20 years and to learn so much from him. He and I were so close and I miss that a lot. But now he has me pushing forward and to always live optimistically. He showed me compassion and how to love unconditionally and how to always put people, not yourself, first! He had such a great heart and I want to be just like him in that respect. I'm forever grateful to have had such an amazing father and I can't wait to see him again one day! I love you paw <3

I am thankful for so much more, but these are what's most important to me. I'm thankful for my shop, for you guys, for my friends, having a roof over my head and food to eat. The list seriously goes on and on. Please spend this great day with the one's you love. You may have them taken from you sooner than you think! Never take a moment for granted <3 xo. Happy Thanksgiving!

Seriously? You guys are THEE best!!!

I can deep down honestly say...I have thee BEST customers around. I can't even begin to explain how humbled, honored, touched and all around HAPPY I am to have so many great people say so many sweet things about my shop (and my blog, too)! I worked so hard creating this tiny shop, and I love that people enjoy what I've created so much! It means the world to me. 

To be honest, I had no clue what I've wanted to be when I 'grew' up. Heck, I still don't know. But I knew that I wanted to help people, touch people in some way or just plain make their day. I think Autumn Balm Botanicals has helped me in the right direction. I've had so many sweet kind words from so many of you that I can't even begin to explain the gratitude I have for all of you! I love when someone randomly stops by to my blog just to say hi. I love the sweet comments I get and it just shocks me everyday that anyone cares to hear what I have to say or what I've made in my shop.

Arielle from Humble Pie Vintage just featured me on her blog today. I would love for all of you to check it out! Her sweetness has blown me away and I love that you can find really great sweet people online! Now I can truly say that I don't have many friends. Enough to count on one hand, but I feel that number will start to grow soon because of all the sweet people I've met on here so far! You are the best! I want you all to take 25% off from my shop for the holidays. Treat yourself, because you've all made me truly so happy and that's something I am very grateful for in this time in my life. Please use "AMAZING2011" Upon checkout! Have a great and happy holiday, everyone!! Thank you SO MUCH <3

xo,

Rachel :)

Things I Fancy

The Black Swan...I seen this movie in the theaters over a year ago, without having any knowledge about the movie, and needless to say, I'm still so in love with it. It's dark, and it goes to a place I wish more movies would go to. I was in such a dark spot this time last year, so I related to this movie so much. I still have a soft spot for it...

Puscifer...Conditions of my Parole. I just got my hands on this cd (Thank you, K) and I can't stop listening to it. And the thing is, it's the first time in about a year that I've had any passion to listen to something. I haven't had that drive to listen to anything anymore. I miss those days when you listened to a song and you instantly felt alive. Finally this cd has done that. And not to mention, I love this band. The lead is the frontman to Tool and A Perfect Circle (both my favorite bands). I recommend you check it out, if you're into that genre. 

I can honestly say, I can't believe I'm about to blog about chips...but I have to say, these babies are GOOD. I was first drawn by the design of the bag to try them. I love the vintage look of them. I actually like them a lot better than original Doritos.

The new Titanic poster AND trailer. Oh lordy-bee. I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SO excited. I mean, I want to cry because I can't wait until April 6th, cry! I CAN'T WAIT! The trailer even almost made me tear up. And I tell you, I've watched this movie 100's of times. I know every flippin' line, and that trailer pretty much got me as if I never seen the movie once. I will be counting down the days until I get to see my beloved Jack & Rose on the big screen again...IN 3D!!!! Only 13 years later...ah!

xo.

Knitty knit knit knit!

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I have found a new muse...Knitting. Although, I am very VERY terrible at said craft, I hope to make some great things one day. I don't foresee this bypassing my love for crochet, but it's fun to make something rather different, in the terms of yarn. 

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The stitch above is all I know how to do for now (not very well I might add). I'm thankful that my mom knows how to knit, so I'm totally going to be bothering her until my knitting is perfected :) 

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I hope to one day make really great things. There are some items out there that I know I'll never be able to make, but who says you can't try, right? I've spoken to many people who knit and crochet, and I'm surprised at how many people say that knitting is easy. I found it very difficult. It doesn't help that I'm not at all coordinated enough :p I think using two needles instead of one is what's intimidating me! But I will go past it! I can't wait to post a finished knitting project on here soon! 

Do any of you knit or crochet? Which one do you prefer?

xo.

I feel like I just saw a ghost.

Ugh. Ugh Ugh Ugh. Today is one of those hard days that I am trying to just get through. It's been about 2 and a half years since my father's passing. And though I've been very close to my dad, some memories do fade with time (which I was afraid of). I try to speak of him in my everyday, think about him and see things that remind me of him. But sometimes that's not enough. So then you turn to pictures. To see his face, his smile. To remember things you can't with just your mind. Then the pictures just aren't enough. You want more. You wish to hear the sound of his voice because now you can't remember it anymore. Then what? You turn to home videos. 

My dad had a camcorder back in the 90's. He ended up giving it to my Grandma. I had no recollection of this until the last month or so. I had no idea there were any movies with him on it. She said that there was one of my communion and one of him and his friends when they went down to Florida. Knowing that I had a tape with him on it meant the world to me. But I didn't get my hopes up. Just because she said there was something with him on it doesn't mean there is. 

I watched the tapes (man, I forgot how to use a VCR, how sad is that), and at first, I couldn't find anything. I began to panic. I thought she had accidentally recorded over it, or that they never worked to begin with. My hopes of hearing my dad's voice was pretty much shattered. I sat here sad and depressed, knowing the last chance of hearing his voice was now, gone. But then I remembered something, TRACKING! When sometimes the tapes won't play, you have to mess with the tracking. I finally got it to work! But the video wasn't of my dad, it was of my cousin Luke. Then my cousin Nick, who just passed away. I sat there in shock. I was excited to see Nick, but at the same time, really sad that it wasn't my dad. I continued through the video, and eventually it made it to his part. Instantly I cried. I really did forget his laugh, how he talked, how HAPPY he was. Granted, this video was from 1993, but my dad didn't change much. I can't even tell you how many times he said "Hi Rachel" on there. My heart is seriously broken into a thousand pieces. I just want to jump through my TV and give him the biggest hug imaginable. I really hate how hard life is without him and I hate that God took him so soon. I just don't find it very fair, but I know I can't think like that. I'm just forever grateful to hear his voice again. It makes it almost seem like he never left me. I'm glad to have one video of two people I lost recently to remember them just a little bit more than my mind would allow. Life is funny sometimes. I am sitting here now not sure how to feel. I guess I'm more sad than anything else. It's a hard reality, and I feel like I made so much progress of dealing with his loss in the last two years, and now (in a way) I feel like I just moved backwards. I hope I don't get tossed into a deep depression again. I probably won't (I hope!!), but if I do, I do. I just miss him so much! Eeep. Just so many emotions right now...I guess now that my VCR is hooked up, I can toss in an old Disney movie I haven't seen in years and crochet to boost my sad spirits! I hope I didn't make anyone sad/depressed reading this. Totally not my intention. 

xo.

ps. Yeup, that's me and my daddy back in the day. Aren't we cute?? :)

Friday Fancy

nearmoderndisaster

I simply loooove this deer print. I love animals mixed as humans. So fun!

awberry

I love this fox hat! I may have to get myself one!! 

TheSpangledMaker

I love this neat necklace. It's so unique!

collageOrama

How cute is this Steampunk kitty? My cats need to look this rad!

MiChiMaLAND

Aweeeeee how adorable is this little lion?? I LOVE lions, they are my astrological being ;) 

Lately I've been just OBSESSED with a few (new to me) blogs. If you haven't checked them out, I recommend you do so! OneSheepishGirl's blog is so amazing. I love how simple it is. I relate to this girl quite a bit! 

I also have been reteaching myself how to crochet. I had no idea how wrong I was doing it (okay, not that wrong, but still). I came across CraftyMinx's blog and right now she has FREE, I repeat, FREE crochet school. She explains how to crochet so well with vlogs and lists. I hope one day she does knitting school so I can learn to do that, too! I've been crocheting my butt off since stumbling upon her blog. It helps with the cold, too ;) Happy Friday and thank a Veteran!

xo.

Oh What a Week...

Man, it's only Wednesday (it's Wednesday, right??) and I'm so worn out. A gnarly cold has been swimming around in my house and it finally caught me. I haven't been this sick in at least a year. Runny noses, coughing, aches and pains. Just no fun! But today I had to peel myself from my bed and get work done! I packaged orders, did the dishes, vacuumed, painted a few muslin bags, printed stuff for my shop, and I still need to run to the post office and shower. Eeep, and that's only the half of it! I'm not complaining though, I like staying busy :) 

This week mostly consisted of cuddling with my Bogart.

Updating my iPhone to the new iOS. That was a mission all in itself. It took me HOURS to do. Not fun. But I love the new system!!!

And my muslin bags in mid-paint. :)

Sorry, my posts have just been off since getting sick, I assure you next week should be back to normal!!!

xo, 

Rachel.

End of Summer

I think today has been the first day in a long time that it has hit me that summer is really over. I was just sitting outside with Lady enjoying how nice it is. This is actually pretty abnormal for Wisconsin. It feels like spring outside. The sun was warm on my skin, bugs are still flying around. I'm really going to miss that. 

I'm normally the type of person who hates summer and loves winter. But not lately. Winter here the last couple years have been brutal. Last year we had our "Snowpocalypse." Our entire city was shut down, and Milwaukee is not small by any means. Snow hits us hard here, and I really hate that. Don't get me wrong, I love how pretty it is and all that, but I hate cleaning my car off and shoveling it out day after day. 

I'm going to miss flowers. They always brighten my day when I see them. I'm going to miss how they smell and watching them bloom. I'm going to miss picking them and putting them in my hair. I'm going to miss watching my own flowers bloom that I planted just from a seed. 

I'm going to miss storm clouds and thunder. I'm going to miss the rain. I'm going to miss the pretty sunsets and bonfires.

I'm going to miss fishing with my cousins. I'm going to miss being on the boat and remembering my childhood with my dad. I'm really going to miss Crandon and my cousin Nick. I'm not ready to say goodbye to summer. I'm not ready for ice, snowstorms, shoveling, frozen noses and driving in the snow. I will welcome hot chocolate, yummy homemade meals, soup, Christmas movies, pumpkin pie and snuggling with my pets in bed. I guess I'll just have to dream about Crandon everyday, like last year, to get through this winter! 

xo. 

A Day at the Dog Park

Yesterday I had taken my pup Lady to the dog park. This was our first time ever going to a dog park. I was very excited, and also nervous. I wasn't sure how she'd react to a lot of other dogs roaming around. I usually do doggie dates with one of my good friends and her dog, and they are pretty good together. 

I kept her on her leash at first, just to test the waters. I wasn't sure whether or not I was going to let her roam around on her own yesterday. But she did so well, I eventually let her go. 

I felt like a mother taking her child to the first day of Kindergarden. I didn't want to at first, and I even got a little sad, but I knew she would love to run around. 

This park was simply gorgeous. I was glad to see that there were some trees with leaves still on them. 

This park was really large. The dog area was much larger than I expected. They even had hiking trails, too. 

Lady stayed by me for most of the time. I think she didn't feel comfortable roaming too far. 

We had so much fun. We both needed the fresh air! Do any of you take your pups to dog parks? Aren't they awesome??

xo.