Interview from Freya's Studio

One of the other giveaways I won recently was a dog collar from Freya's Studio.  You all know how much I love Louie and so I was so excited to give him a fancy new collar.  Breanna even custom sized one for me since the pattern I loved didn't come in a small for my tiny pup...great customer service!

Meet Breanna and her pup Freya:

What Inspires You?I would have to say my dogs.  If I can show the patience, kindness, and honesty that my dogs show me everyday I think I'll be the person I think I should be. 
I also get inspired by going into fabric shops!  It is so much fun to look at all of the fabrics and see the potential collars that could be made.  It's even more fun to see the finished product in use and a smile on our customers faces (whether they're fury or human!)

What motivated you to start your own business?
Freya Dog and I are both very accident prone.  Unfortunately, both of us have had injuries that prevented us from playing at agility, freestyle, or other dog sports.  Luckily, I picked up sewing again and found a passion for creating collars.  Freya is very hard on things so she's the perfect test subject.  I wanted to make collars that were beautiful and fun but wouldn't fall apart.  I'm happy to report that I think we've succeeded!  I only make Freya a new collar when we feel like it rather than out of necessity.  This was a welcome change for my pocket book and it's great to know that others can enjoy the same benefit too! 

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What advice would you give to someone starting their own creative business?
Find something you love to work on in your spare time and then look at the other folks out there offering it.  See if you can find a special niche that will help you stand out.  For us that niche is durability and the fabrics we use.  I try to use fabrics that I haven't seen used before (while also keeping in mind current styles and color coordination).  We're still very small fish in a very big pond so we're always learning more!
My other advice is to not try and do everything at once.  Focus on one thing and then branch out as you find what folks like/dislike.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would love to have the opportunity to go to Europe, I've never been out of the USA (not even Canada and I live in Montana)!  It would be fun to put my French Language classes to work!  I'd especially love to get to learn some traditional Irish Music, as a flutist this would be a dream come true.

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Anything else you'd like to share?
One thing I always tell folks is to look into activities to do with their dog.  Whether it be dog freestyle (dancing with your dog), Agility (obstacle course performance), Rally (jazzed up obedience), or just getting out on more walks there is a ton to do!  Just because they're older or a hard to train breed doesn't mean you can't do more!  Look at Freya Dog, a lab/coonhound/heeler, she's as wild as they come but she's a joy to work with.  Every success we have is even better because of the journey to get there.  Even five minutes of positive training a day can change you and your dogs life.

I love Breanna's philosophy and passion for dogs.  So far the collar has held up really well and looks super snazzy on the Lou Man. 

Don't forget to also visit Breanna's blog

Interview from Beautiful Blendings

I recently won a few giveaways which is amazing since I never win ANYTHING...I'm thinking of playing the lottery.

Anyway, the women who sponsored these giveaways were so sweet, and I was so pleased with their products that I just had to share them with all of you!  First up is Tara from Beautiful Blendings.  She sent me the cutest headbands and a pretty flower clip

What Inspires You?

 I am inspired mostly by all the beautifully talented people that are around me and I feel as though seeing what others can create only motivates me to work harder at what I do to make it better or more exciting. I have also been working with children my entire life and creating pretty items for them that are also functional for the adults in their lives is a huge goal for me!
What motivated you to start your own business?
I decided to start my own business only four months after joining the blog world because I knew I had found my sense of community. This was the place where I could express myself creatively and receive the feedback I needed in order to grow myself artistically. And honestly when I turned 25 this year I got the bug to stop waiting for the world to hand me out a better life. If I wanted change I had to make it happen for myself. I would say the same to anyone wanting to start a business.  Just start with what you know and find people (in your day to day life or virtual friends) that will give you support and feedback. It's fun and rewarding and a lot of work but TOTALLY worth it!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
This list grows everyday!!! My fella and I talk about it all the time because we really LOVE to travel but don't have the budget to support it all quite yet! I need to see New Zealand most definitely though. It's where I  already know I want to be married. ;)
Anything else you'd like to share?

I just want to tell everyone that the most important thing you can ever do in life is to be true to yourself. My days don't always run smoothly and sometimes (all times) I wish I were working on more items for my shop instead of grocery shopping; but it's a balancing act. I could never imagine my life now without my blog and business and the sense of happiness it gives me. And no one can take that from you. And I promise this: nothing beats the feeling if seeing something sold that you created and knowing someone out there WANTED that. Makes my heart happy every, single, time.

Tara is also offering a discount code in her shop: 10% off using the code sunshine10.  Happy Shopping!f
And don't forget to also check out Tara's Blog!

Farm Share: Week 3

After a GREAT winter season with our Greensgrow Farms Farm Share we decided to go with Landisdale Farm for the summer and fall.  It's closer, a little cheaper, and allows for pick-up every week for a small share.  So far we're pleased with the hauls we've been getting, although I'm looking forward to some more variety in the coming weeks.  The first 3 boxes were nearly identical, so here's the scoop:

• Green Cabbage
• Lettuce
• Swiss Chard
• Garlic Scapes (those green curly things)
• Onions
• Summer Squash
• Zucchini
• Blueberries

Pretty yummy stuff--the berries are great in my yogurt in the morning and I've been using the garlic scapes in almost any sauteed meal we've made.  They have a very light, warm garlic flavor that is also slightly sweet.  Perfect for adding just a bit of garlic.  (Although I could probably eat a whole clove like an apple I love garlic so much...)

I'll be sure to let you know what we get tomorrow!

This weekend we have a trip to the Farmer's Market at Clark Park to pick up our Farm Share
Happy Hour at Biba--omg the shirred egg is something I dream about!  Looking forward to the sangria!
A friend's birthday party Saturday night at R2L--first time there so I will be sure to post a review
Sean's mom visiting Sunday night which means a great dinner out, hopefully somewhere new!

What do you all have planned?

Friday Ramblings

JULY?! ALREADY?! This is just craziness, people.

July is going to be an exciting month!!

• The 4th! duh! Who doesn't love fireworks?
• Sean's birthday...although I've arranged for him to get the greatest gift ever (no spoilers yet), I have no clue what I am actually getting him.  Any ideas for a man's man turning 28?
• My badass friend Juliette's birthday.  We are thinking of doing a Philly food tour to celebrate!
• My 1 year anniversary at my job that I love.
• Our Louieversary--we've had him for 2 years!
• We'll also be seriously looking at our finances in preparation for a major purchase in the next 6 months

Sean is working on the Fourth, and so far I've had no luck inviting myself to other people's BBQ's.  Everyone is out of town--what is up with that, Philly?!

I think we're going to try to go to The Super Scooper Ice Cream Fest- 1 spoon, all the ice cream you can handle?  Yes, please!


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 I'm linking up for Happy Hour!

Next to Normal

Last Thursday Sean and I went to see Next to Normal, a broadway show that won about 8gajillion Tony's a few years ago.

With Sean being a counselor and me working with college students--a show about mental health was a great fit.  We both had stories to share and people we knew who dealt with serious mental health issues.  The show was amazing...hilarious and heart wrenching.  Plus the rock music was totally on point. 

I have seen a ton of musicals in my life (my dad was a theater buff), but this is absolutely at the top of my list.

Here are some high points:

Do you go to the theater?  What other ways do you infuse "culture" into your life?

Friday Ramblings

Last night Sean and I had a date night. 
I love date nights!
We ate at Barbuzzo and my favorite part was dessert...omg was it amazing!  Unlike anything I've ever eaten!

Salted Caramel Budino from Barbuzzo

Then we saw Next to Normal.  Now I'm a gal who loves my musicals but this was fresh, unique, and realistic. It made me laugh, and cry, and want to see it again. 

I just joined Pinterest...any tips or suggestions as I add another time suck to my day?

It's hot and humid in Philly which means pony tails EVERY. DAY.

I joined a program called "Colorful Choices" at work, with the aim to eat more colorful produce.  It's really made me realize how few servings of produce I get a day and helping me eat more mindfully.

I need to have phone dates with several important people.  I miss them.

I'm hoping this weekend will be filled with sleep, workouts, and maybe a little shopping.  What are you up to?

Dreaming of the beach...

It's been a long time since Sean and I took a REAL vacation--one where housekeeping made the beds and my mojito glass was bottomless.  We are saving up to go on an amazing getaway once Sean finishes his Master's degree--which God willing will be this time next year.

Until then, here are some images to inspire and dream about.


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Tickle Me Tuesday: Dog Days of Summer

So being in Georgia last week was amazing!  I had a fantastic time and learned so much.  However, I desperately missed my little furball!  So in honor of the Lou-man, this week's Tickle me Tuesday post is devoted to him!

The poop bag holder is essential.  It never leaves the end of his leash because there is NOTHING I hate more than dog owners who don't clean up. Seriously folks, get it together!

The necklace is more for me, but isn't it to die for??  My birthday is in a few months people...make it happen.

dog stuff by ScarletCardinal on Polyvore.com

If I get neck bling, I guess Louie should too.  Snazzy!

And of course some stylish toys make them less obtrusive when they inevitably become part of the decor.
What are your favorite pooch accessories?

Sugar Head-Little Dog - ACCESSORIES Youreyeslie Online store> Shop the...
£26 - youreyeslie.com

paul smith accessories Vintage Multistripe Leather Dog Collar
£62 - vanmildert.com

Fun facts

Since I have several new followers, I thought it would be good to share some fun facts and deep dark secrets.  So first I'll share...then you share!

I have an Etsy addiction.  It's getting bad.  I am becoming a handmade snob.


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I LOVE cucumbers in my water.  It makes it look and taste super fancy. 

I refuse to follow a blog only to enter a giveaway.  I will only click that button if I actually intend on reading the blog.  So if I'm one of your followers that means I really really love you!

Although, I have never won a giveaway so maybe I should reevaluate my technique. 

Pecans are my favorite nut.  Everyone should have a favorite nut.

I worked at an ice cream shop all through high school.  So not only do I have a mean right forearm, but I also know that you should always put mint on the bottom of the cone so you can taste all the other flavors first.  The mint makes your taste buds wonky. 

I have about a bajillion blank cards for all types of occasions.  1.) Because I always forget to buy cards and this way I always have them on hand and 2.) because I feel that handwritten sentiments are way better than whatever Hallmark has to say about it!


So tell me what your fun facts are!

Wednesday and Thursday are some super sweet guest posters.  Make sure to show them some love!

Friday Ramblings: It's gettin' hot in hurr

Ok, folks.  It is friggen hot in Philadelphia. 

You'll remember that as a Resident Director, I live on a college campus...in a Residence Hall.  This usually means that my apartment is kept in tip top shape as far as maintenance since we have folks on call 24/7 to fix every leaky pipe, squeaky door, and clogged drain. 

However--my AC has been out since yesterday which means my apartment is a balmy 84 degrees.  Too hot to be in, too hot for my dog to stay in. 

As a result, yesterday and today Louie is in my office with me, allowing me to do exactly NO work when I have an end of year report due and two buildings to close.

My boss (who is the most awesome man alive) put me up in a hotel last night while Louie stayed with one of my colleagues. 

But seriously...I need one of these today...anyone wanna send me?  please?



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In other news, I will be out of town most of next week at a conference that I'm super psyched about.  I'll be in Athens, GA so it's only going to get hotter.  Great. 

But!  I have some awesome guest posters for you all so stay tuned!

Is it hot where you are?  Ice packs, ice cream, iced tea, and really anything iced are welcome.  Send them here stat!

Friday Ramblings

Wahoo!  The weekend is here again!

I can't fricken wait for the NKOTBSB concert!!  It's going to be epic.  EPIC, I tell you!
I hate spring/I wish we had a screen door.  I am constantly squealing for Sean to kill the bugs that the furball is playing with in the apartment.  I will try to capture one of those moments on video for you all...hilarity always ensues.
Since I'm a new Twitter addict...are we twitter pals yet?...I thought this news on the new photo sharing with twitter was AWESOME! 
I'm off to a staff retreat today...good thing I like the folks I work with!

Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY...only a few days left!


What are your weekend plans??

Quit Playin' Games...I got the Right Stuff

So, by some lucky coincidence, I ended up with a ticket to this weekend's New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys Concert... (I'll pause to allow you to squeal).


Ok, now that you got that out of your system, can I just say that I am SO. FRICKEN. EXCITED. to go to this concert?!  I mean, I also feel a little old--I used to play with the NKOTB dolls as a kid since my Barbies definitely thought they were hotter than Ken.  However, I can't wait to scream like a 13 year old girl when they come on stage.  I promise not to shame this blog by throwing my bra or anything...but I have thought about it, just for the record. 

And so, I want to leave you all with this little gem... Don't worry, next week I'll have all the crappy stage pics my little cell phone can manage...and we can squeal together!

PS...The GIVEAWAY ends this weekend!  Go enter!

Best giveaway EVER!

Well, at least I think it's the best giveaway ever!! 

You'll remember this post where I talked about all of my gardening desires.  Well, when I told Jennifer from etsy shop GemSprouts that I had featured her on my blog, she was sweet enough to offer a giveaway for all of you!  But before we get to that, a little bit about Jennifer:

Tell a little about yourself, your life story in a nutshell.My name is Jennifer and I am a 28 year old computer geek living in central Florida with my boyfriend and two cats. I work at a software company during the day, go to school full time at night and in my spare time garden, work with animals, paint, and design web sites.

What inspires you?
Nature. I absolutely love nature and the beauty around us. It doesn't matter how good, or bad my day has been - just stepping outside into my garden seems to make everything a lot better. I work in a small space with no windows, so I surrounded myself with moss terrariums, and photos of forests and flowers, which is where my inspiration from GemSprouts came from... a small piece of nature that is with you no matter where you go.

What motivated you to start your own business?
I really wanted to get out of the corporate environment and do something that truly makes me happy. To be honest, I have created several other Etsy stores, which fell flat and didn't make it anywhere, It wasn't until I gave up trying to start my own business and just enjoy my hobbies that GemSprouts were born. I started making them out of different random plastic containers I found, and received so much positive feedback and suggestions, that I finally came up with an idea that stuck.

What advice would you give to someone starting their own creative business?
Don't do it for the money, and never give up. If you can find something that makes you happy, keep doing it, because there is an audience for everything, you just need to find them. And once the sales start coming in... give back. I donate a portion of all of my sales to Conversation International - an organization that helps with all kinds of great causes such as reforestation, helping animals, and feeding poverty stricken areas.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would love to go to England. I dream of the day I can visit the British country side and shop in London. I have become overly enamored with BBC travel shows and to actually visit the places I get to see on TV would be awesome.

Anything else you want to share?"Nature is so powerful, so strong. Capturing its essence is not easy - your work becomes a dance with light and the weather. It takes you to a place within yourself." -- Annie Leibovitz

For one of you lucky ducks, Jennifer is letting you pick any pendant from her shop!  With so many different shapes, sizes, and plants the options are endless. 

To enter the giveway, visit GemSprouts and leave a comment below letting me know what your favorite item is!

Extra Entries: (leave a comment for each)

1. Become a follower of TheScarletCardinal, or let me know if you already are one
2. "Like" TheScarletCardinal on Facebook
3. Follow @ScarletCardinal on Twitter
4. Tweet about the giveaway
5. Blog about the giveaway

The giveaway will end at midnight on Sunday June 6th and a winner will be announced on Monday June 7th. 

GOOD LUCK!

Friday Ramblings

TGIF folks, for realz. 

This has been a long week and I'm looking forward to three days of blissful relaxation!
Saturday is Sean's Grandpa's 80th Birthday!  So we're going up to New York to wish the old guy a Happy One. 
He is the man who has everything so we ended up naming a star for the birthday boy.  Yes, it's cheesy but I'm pretty sure he's going to love it.
We're hoping to stop by a friend's BBQ on the way home.  My college roommate Morgan is hosting and she's the best.  She's also a budding event planner so this is bound to be a great partay!
On Monday I will be announcing my giveaway!  WAHOO!  So if you're not a follower, you should totally get on that.

Confession: I keep bubbles in my office at all times.  I use them to relieve stress.  It's an awesome thing and you should try it...plus it's definitely a conversation starter. 

Therefore, this is on my wishlist:

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Cleaning is also on the agenda for the weekend...my Mother-in-Law is coming to visit and she probably wouldn't appreciate having to walk over heaps of clothes and dog toys to get to the bathroom.  Although an unexpected test of agility is great for keeping in shape. 

Happy long weekend everyone!  Hope it's filled with sunshine and picnics and bubbles!

The R Word

I'm sure many of you have seen this video by now, especially if you caught the Season Finale of Glee!  However, just in case anyone missed it, I absolutely had to share.  The message is a little shocking, a lot powerful, and very relevant.  Working with college students I regularly pull my residents aside to have a conversation about an inappropriate word choice, and so I'm seriously considering putting this PSA on repeat in my building's lobby--it would definitely save me a lot of jabbering.

And so I'd love to know how this commercial made you feel.  Is there EVER an ok time to use these words?  Do you correct people when they use offensive language around you?  I love our discussions, so I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts!

So I've been looking around forever for some prints for our kitchen.  I live in a dorm and although my apartment is pretty fly (like how I brought that terminology back?) there are a few things that aren't exactly aesthetically pleasing.  For example, the giant fusebox in the middle of my kitchen wall. 

And so I wanted to get some prints that would be fun, modern, and cover up that damn ugly box.  Plus any project that feeds my Etsy addiction is worthwhile, no?

And by George I think I've found them!

The first one will be in my shopping cart as soon as my paycheck hits the bank!  Sean and I love shopping our local Farmer's Markets (new Farm Share starts in June!!) and so this would be perfect for us!  I love the colors, the letterpress, the fact that it's repurposed....swooning over this badboy.

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Kim from Albie Designs has the most gorgeous city series of prints (among other amazingness in her shop).  She has a bunch of cities, including Chicago--my hometown!--but no Philly yet.  However, Kim has assured me that it's next on her list of creations, so I will be waiting hopelessly on my Etsy homepage until it's ready. 

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After this, the kitchen/living room area will be fully decorated!  You know, only about a year since we moved in.  No biggy. 

Do you have any favorite etsy items you're pining for lately?

Friday Ramblings

It looks like we will finally have some sunshine after rain, fog, and thunderstorms all week.

I'm not complaining though...it seems as though the rain has knocked a lot of the pollen out which makes my sinuses super happy.

This weekend I have a big event with my staff, and then it's off to the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival.  Lot's of yummy food and of course, great people watching!

Although I've been fighting my cookie craving, Lauren over at The Elephant's Trunk posted a recipe so amazing sounding I absolutely need to try it.  So I will be doing that this weekend as well. (Hopefully the gym too....maybe...Bueller?)

I have a GIVEAWAY coming up!  Wooo!  I'm pretty psyched.  I'll give you a hint...it has to do with this post.

I got the exciting news that one of my friend is expecting a baby BOY!  Which makes me think of all the fun boy things there are...I love a baby in a tie!





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Here's hoping for good weather and fun times this weekend!  What are all of you up to?

Tickle Me Tuesday: Gardening

Living in the city with a teeny tiny patio gives us limited options for gardening.  But I can't help but pine for a lush garden of my own!  We are  currently growing a few edibles in pots and baskets (yum, strawberries!) but it makes me wish for even more.  So I thought I'd share what's tickling my fancy today by sharing some things I'd like to bring into my urban space to green it up a bit. 

I would SO rock this pendant:

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A live plant to carry around with me all day?! Love!  Plus part of the proceeds go to help with reforestation. 

Our "balcony" is actually a glass wall and so this bird feeder would be perfect for viewing the surprisingly diverse population of feathered friends we have nearby.

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And how fricken cool are these?? I would love to cluster these on the wall with various succulents in them.  Such texture and so unexpected. 

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I'm linking up over at Yes, Teacher!.  What's tickling your fancy, today?

Friday Ramblings

Thank you tech gods over at blogger for saving the system!  We are back up and running for this weeks ramblings...and oh boy are they random.

Man, coming back from vacation sucks! 
Work has been a monster...hence the sporadic posting
Next week will be better.  So so much better
Did you read my post on Justin Bieber and his Death Metal premier?  Go now!
This weekend is the Italian Market Festival in Philly, aka my heaven. 

Kami over at Searching for Serendipity is having a heck of a time at the end of her pregnancy.  Thoughts and prayers are being sent her way!

I am going to an Amish Smorgasborg at 6am Saturday morning...I must really love my staff to get up that early!

How fun are these candlesticks?!

A link party is coming...right here...next week.  Be ready!

How was your week friends?  Any fun plans for the weekend?

The Biebs-Death Metal God?

My friend Aileen was here for a visit, and since she is a social media whiz as well as a fabulous musician, she shared some seriously amazing videos with us.  Sean is definitely a fan of metal and rock, where as I am generally a Top 40 kinda gal.  So when Aileen showed us Andy Rehfeldt's YouTube Channel it was the perfect mash up of our tastes.  Not to mention the jaw dropping amazingness...

Now, to be honest I'm not a huge fan of videos on blogs...but trust me when I tell you, these are worth the time to watch them.  A.MAZE.ING.

Let me know what you think!