The {FIZZY} Blog: Etsy

Showing posts with label Etsy. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

What's Your {HOT HOBBY} - Scrapbooking, Photography...what about FITNESS? // Loving Life (Vol. 2)

"Anyone Can Give Up!"

5.20.11

Most people have something that they like to do for fun that doesn't have anything to do with their regular "life routine." Maybe you have a passion for MUSIC, DANCE, HUNTING, ART, SHOPPING, BLOGGING, FASHION, SPORTS, COOKING, READING, KNITTING... the list could go on and on!

Some of you might have read a recent Fizzy Blog post called "My {TRANSFORMATION}Story." I wrote about my life challenges with chronic pain, weight loss and gluten intolerance. Earlier this year I decided to enter my very first Figure and Fitness Competition as something fun to do while I also worked hard on my Fizzy Glassware orders. Art and painting have always been my number one passion, but choreography and dance have been another huge love of mine. Now that I paint full-time for my career it has been so much fun to channel my creativity somewhere else to keep life vibrant and energizing.

I entered the Mr. and Ms. Natural Minnesota Competition on May 20. I competed in Figure Beginner Short and also Xtreme Fit. This was my very first competition and I truly had no idea what to expect! I went into the training, dieting and competition day with an optimistic attitude and I know that is why it turned out to be the best thing I've ever done.

My Xtreme Fit Routine was to Britney Spears' song, "Toy Soldier." So I went for an army-themed look and gave my choreography a military twist. I decided to order a custom dog tag necklace from an Etsy Seller to add to my costume. I wanted the necklace to also be a keepsake to remember my first show, so I researched some fitness quotes and found "ANYONE CAN GIVE UP!" I felt like this was a perfect mantra to live by since this had been one of the hardest things I had ever attempted to do. I love wearing the necklace post-competition and thought it would be the best theme for my Fitness Blog.

The night was full of anticipation, nerves, sticky-tanned skin, costume changes, pumping up my muscles and not forgetting to smile. I couldn't be happier having found my new fun HOT HOBBY! Read more about my experience and what I call the "Best Night of my Life!" (blog post from Fitness Blog).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best Benefit:

Seeing where I could take my body physically

and learning how to COOK more!

Best Investment:

30-minute personal training sessions

2 to 3 times a week with Al Norby.

New Guilty Pleasure:

A SHELLAC manicure at Salon Intrigue with Lisa

Hardest Hurdle:

Having allergic reactions to certain foods

even ones that are already gluten free.

Favorite Find:

BeautiControl Skin Care products.

Best Moment:

Seeing my "family of friends" during intermission

and then hearing my number called for the

Overall Figure Beginner Title.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Check out these fun ETSY items that I

ordered to use the day of my competition!

(This very first item came all the

way from a designer in Israel!)

FITNESS ROUTINE TOP

Butterfly Workout Bra by Underneath
$35.00

CUSTOM "DOG TAG" NECKLACE

Medium Mini Dog Tag Necklace by wsayle
$36.00

BUSINESS CARD DESIGN

Business Cards (for my Trainer) by Deidamiah
$10.80

ARMY HAT

Distressed Army Green Military Hat by IcyHats
$5.99

"LOVE YOUR JOURNEY" NECKLACE

Necklace that my girlfriend, Monica, gave me as a gift!
by sweetsimple
$20.00

FIGURE POSING SUIT

Figure Posing Suit by saleyla
$190.00

Special Mentions to my Trainers,
Fitness Instructors and Coaches!

al norby
curt dahlen
aaron callister
lenore theobald
katie haggerty
nick bez

Thank you for taking the time to
read about my NEW HOBBY!
I hope it has inspired you to take the time to find
your special hobby or get a little more FIT!

Friday, May 13, 2011

My {TRANSFORMATION} Story - How To Get LEAN Before Your Big Day // Loving Life (Vol. 1)

Even Marilyn Monroe had the right idea!

It's obvious that exercise and weight

training have been around for awhile.

So why is it such a new

concept for some people?

My Transformation Story:

Age 22 (2004) - 140+ lbs

Growing up I was a fairly active kid, dancing throughout my teenage years and into college. Specifically "working out" was something very foreign to me by the time I hit my early 20s. My body had a different metabolism and the weight started to climb right on. By the age of 23, I weighed in close to 145 lbs at only 5'1".

Age 25 (2007) - 122 lbs

I asked my friend who knew his way around the gym for some help. I started to lift weights regularly with him and found a fun cardio "dance class" to keep my body moving. I also started to eat a better diet with more protein and less junk. Within a year or two, I was able to slowly shed roughly 20 lbs. off of my very short frame. I had never felt better and I started to look much younger as I got older into my twenties. I used the photo on the right as a head shot for an NBA Timberwolves Dance Team Audition and it also marked my newfound healthy body.

Fast forward a couple of years. I was currently working full-time when I had an onset of chronic, widespread pain and fatigue. I was so crippled by this disorder that I had to quit my job and couldn't really move myself at all. Over the next 2 years, I struggled with fibromyalgia and was forced to get my Fizzy Glassware business up and running because I couldn't hold a job.

While I was busy painting away, I wasn't working out because of my constant pain, and the weight quickly returned. By last summer, I was back at 135 pounds and it took a photo of me with my friends at my birthday lunch (below) to realize that my body fat had gotten out of control once again.

NEW BEFORE PHOTO - Last Summer

Age 28 (May 2010) - 135 lbs and 24% Body Fat

I knew I had to change some things quick! I really focused on eating better with more fruits and vegetables. This started to give me more energy and my pain began to let up a little. I was slowly able to be more active as well. By last fall, I had a new major onset of pain and made a discovery. GLUTEN had been attacking my body. I have been gluten-free since Thanksgiving and my pain... ALL of my chronic pain/fatigue has vanished from my body. Yes, the diet can be hard, but I feel like I got my life back! After seeing the changes in my physical health, once I took gluten out of my diet, I decided to take on a new life challenge. Enter my first FIGURE/FITNESS COMPETITION! So about 12 weeks ago I began a specific diet of protein while I rotated my carb intake along with working out five to six days a week.

NEW AFTER PHOTO - Fitness Training

Age 29 (2011) 110 lbs and 10% Body Fat

Meet My Personal Trainer:
AL NORBY

The biggest support I've had through this journey has been my consistent weight training sessions with my personal trainer. Al Norby has kept me motivated, encouraged and challenged throughout this whole adventure. He also kept things interesting with quick and intense sessions that were only 30 minutes long! If you are looking to achieve some personal goals for yourself, I STRONGLY recommend investing in a personal trainer who will show up when you don't feel like doing the work. Al trains at a Snap Fitness Club in Minnetonka, Minn. It is one of the largest Snap Fitness clubs in the Twin Cities and has access to excellent cardio and free weights, cables and other fitness equipment.

"Specializing in motivation, accountability and expert strategies, my passion is simply seeing clients ENJOY success." - Al Norby

If you are a BRIDE and GROOM looking to shed some of those extra pounds before your big day, check out Al's blog post, "His and Her Fitness Tips For Wedding Day Ready". He gives basic steps in very simple terms to give you the focus you need to make those changes happen. His latest post is about "Why People Avoid The Gym", the pictures are worth the read!

If you are located in the Twin Cities area and would like to see what type of program Al would suggest for you, simply request a FREE CONSULT. The results are totally worth the investment ... they were for me!

For more about Al Norby (Personal Trainer) visit alnorbytrainer.blogspot.com

Look Good While You Sweat!

Etsy Finds by the FizzyArtist

Sheer Bliss Yoga Tunic by LycheeGrove
$32.00

My Pretty Pretty Peacock Cropped Pants
by nicandthenewfie
$22.00

Felt Applicae Pillow 14 x 18 by alexandraferguson
$89.00

Friday, April 15, 2011

Wanna {ROLE-PLAY}? Bubblegum Pink, Seaside Blue and Orange Crush // My Dream Wedding (Vol. 1)

One of the BIGGEST QUESTIONS you will
ask while planning is

"What colors do we want
to use for our wedding?"

It's simple. Just choose your favorites!

If I were to have my dream wedding today I would use my favorite color Seaside Blue because my favorite colors as a kid were blue and green. The last few years I have found a new attachment to corals, oranges and even fuchsia. I would want my wedding to be filled with bright, bold and beautiful accents to ensure that my guests would smile the whole day!

These pictures would be the perfect inspiration for the decor because of the pops of color. As an artist, I have always known that blue and orange are complementary colors on the color wheel. You can see why they work so well together. I would want to wear super hot aquamarine heels under a fitted white lace dress with a bouquet full of hot oranges and pinks. The men would wear neutral suits in khaki or grey with hot pink ties and vests. I'm sorry guys, but you look pretty hot in pink!

The flower girl could wear a sweet coral party dress, the cocktail could be vodka-infused strawberry lemonade, and the reception could be poolside or by the lake (I'm dreaming here).

All I know is that if I could get my paint brush out for a "dream wedding" art piece, you would find these colors on my palette. Why not have such a special day reflect your mood and personality with the colors that make you happy?

{HERE ARE SOME GREAT ETSY FINDS!}
http://www.etsy.com/

SEXY heels in a bright color surprise

everyone under an elegant bridal gown!

Peacock Teal Satin Shoes by Parisxox
$122

You can't have a cute wedding
without a cute cake topper.
These birdies make me smile!

Custom Bride and Groom Cake Topper by CountrySquirrelsRUS
$55.00

I LOVE a non-traditional wedding

invitation. These would be perfect

for my dream wedding! 

Modern Wine Invitation by vohandmade

$3.00

Give them a REASON!

Custom signs that direct your guests

to areas with ease. They will thank you!

Wedding Sign Wood Drink by OldNewAgain
$68.00

The FLOWER GIRLS can look
like soft, girlie princesses!

Pettiskirt Dress by Dream Spunkids
$75.00

The men will look SHARP in these fun,

bold and UNEXPECTED neckties.

People will have to smile!

Everyday Necktie Bubblegum Dots by MeandMatilda
$29.00

Decorate with these adorable POMS and

let your guests take one home with them!

100 Tissue Poms by SweetTeaPaper
$325.00

Add color with charming ANTIQUES,

DECOR, and CAKESTANDS.

These are items you can keep forever!

Cake Stand Dessert Pedestal by elizalee17
$29.00

Perfect POPS of color with

these MAGICAL necklaces!

Olivene's Rosie Necklace by octaviabloom
$29.00

Beautiful BRIDESMAID DRESSES

with a unique TWIST!

Martha's Vineyard Convertible Dress by CoralieBeatrix
$79.99

{SPRING SALE}

Are you keeping an eye on a FIZZY listing?
Well, now is the time to Spring Ahead
and get on my schedule!

Book your order to arrive in
July or August so you can use this
COUPON CODE: SPRINGAHEAD
for an amazing 10 percent off your purchase!
(expires 4/30/11)

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Are You Related To A Modern-Day {MARTHA STEWART}? Well, I AM! // Gift Guide (Vol. 2)

Do you know someone who

can bake a delicious cake, have a

tidy and well-decorated home,

re-upholster his or her own furniture,

and paint antiques to look

like shabby-chic perfection?

I believe that most of us know a superwoman like this! A woman with the magic for creative thinking and artistic talents puts her in the "Martha Stewart" category, which is something to be proud of. Some women are gifted in decor or cooking or organizing, but a few out there were blessed with a couple of these gifts.

My sister, Heather, and I have been artistic and creative since we were very young. The artistic gene was definitely passed down from generation to generation. In our family history we have artists, seamstresses, furniture makers, carpenters, remodelers, and more. We watched our parents remodel and refurbish all of the time. One of my favorite projects they did was take a vintage dresser and make it into a sink vanity for our guest bathroom. They would envision things and then just go for it! Without a doubt, this gift stuck with Heather and I. I have had my painting career for almost 10 years now and Heather has now taken her love and gift for chic design to another level.

My siblings and I in 2002. Notice how my head tilts the same
towards Heather just like the baby shot of us above.

Heather is now the proud mommy of beautiful Olivia Grace and married to her multi-talented husband, David Reed. Heather has lived in New York City for the last 10 years and recently moved with her adorable family to Nashville, Tennessee. While living in New York, my sister learned how to master the art of finding salvaged pieces for next to nothing and revamp them into lovely, shabby-chic, one-of-a-kind treasures. Stepping into the Reed home is like stepping into a Martha Stewart Magazine of a trendy, young, modern home decor article.

I went to visit my sister and her family in Nashville this January for a late Christmas. While Heather showed me around their home I kept saying to her, "You could totally market and sell these pieces on Etsy!" During my visit we made a strategic trip to a thrift store and just had a BALL looking for "chachkies" as she calls them for her to re-paint and sell. I had so much fun with my niece, Olivia, in the stroller that day! Right before I left for my flight back to Minnesota, I helped the Reed's open their Etsy storefront and took pictures for the first listing. Since then Heather has been busy painting and creating new items while David helps promote, package and ship. They have had more than 50 sales with exceptional feedback! I think things look like they are off to a great start and now two of the Nelson kids have Etsy businesses!

"I love my new job here of staying home
with my beautiful baby girl while making
wonderful pieces for other peoples' homes!
Such a dream!" -Heather Reed (ReedLove)

The Reeds (David, Olivia, and Heather)

Their beautiful living space in Nashille, Tenn.

My niece, Miss Olivia Grace.

Olivia's magical bedroom with all of her mommy's original creations!

P.S. I bought her that cute rainbow
tutu for her first birthday from Etsy!

Check out the Reed's blog http://www.reedlove.wordpress.com/

and read about what they are doing.

Here's a description of their shop:

We relove items with our very own creativity and
personal care to make beautiful adornments for
your home! We search far and wide for the best
little treasures - then take them home -
clean, scrub, fix, and paint them to give
them our very own signature vintage chic.

::INSIDE REEDLOVE'S ETSY SHOP::
A "re-loved" gift guide from yours truly!

The Hot Trend right now is a
"trendy chalk/message board."
A great gift for ANY occasion!