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!

{What is the FIZZ?} Bridal Party Design and Recent Reviews // Living The Dream (Vol. 4)

"We all loved our glasses!!

Thank you so much for all your hard

work getting these to me on time...

they turned out so perfect and so fun.

We had questions about them all night,

it's a good thing you sent those

business cards =) Thank you again!!"

Leah Tschabold Brunette

{Fizzy Bride}

When I meet someone for the first time they will usually always end up asking the question,
"So, what do you do?" (meaning: where do you work or who do you work for?).

With a smile and a quick deep breath I answer, "Well, I own a small business and paint custom glassware for people all over the world." The smile is because I absolutely LOVE what I do and the quick deep breath is because my answer seems to shock and puzzle people every time! It's pretty funny to see people's face contort a bit, their head will cock to the side and they'll say "Really?!" The conversation will then lead directly into at least 10 questions regarding what I do and how I've been able to support myself. Sometimes I'll feel like I'm being interviewed, which is fun, and other times I feel like I'm having to convince someone that I'm not making it up. Being an entrepenuer and business owner is Living The Dream and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Each day I feel blessed and also so overwhelmed by it all. The work load never seems to get any easier, but I know it will all be worth it in the end someday!

 "We all have our own life to pursue, our own kind of dream to be weaving. And we all have some power to make wishes come true, as long as we keep believing."

- Louisa May Alcott  

*******************************************************

Are you wondering "WHAT IS THE FIZZ?" or ...

"WHY DOES SHE CALL HERSELF THE FIZZYARTIST?"

Let me unpackage it for you a little bit.

*******************************************************

When you think of the word {FIZZ} you think about a carbonated beverage like POP. You hear the hissing sound, see the bubbles shoot to the top and feel the tingly {FIZZ} hit your lips! My passion is to make my art something that POPS and have people feel refreshed when they enjoy it! My FIZZYARTIST GLASSWARE DESIGNS are truly unique and stand out from any of the other hand-painted glassware you have seen before! The {FIZZ} is my signature art style which can be described as "whimsical, funky and colorful".

TOP 5 reasons my "Fizzy Style" is different from my competitors:
1. Not only are they cool to look at on the outside, but the inside looks good as well.
2. My signature design has a clear LABEL TAG, so you can appreciate the beautiful color of the beverage that you choose to sip on.
3. You can have your very own cartoon portrait done without having to visit the caricature booth at the next County Fair.
4. Your glass is designed around the colors you like or the colors of the wedding day. This alone will make you smile!
5. For a great conversation starter and simply for fun you will find inside your glass a suprise message ... "refill A.S.A.P."

RECENT REVIEWS OF THE FIZZ!

"The glasses looked absolutely amazing.

I was so extremely happy with them

and our guys and dads LOVED them!"
-Shannon Hughes{Fizzy Bride}

"Loved the glasses for my wedding.

Everyone was shocked!!!"

-Kourtney Sullivan {Fizzy Bride}

 {BRIDAL PARTY LISTING }

{ DEAR BRIDE AND GROOM }

"You are already working so hard on hundreds of custom details and planning for your Big Wedding Day. No need to keep looking for the most unique, custom and practical gift to give your BRIDAL PARTY to thank them for their love and support. The FizzyArtist's *Bridal Party Design* is promised to add the perfect touch to your wedding experience."

{ CUSTOM and MADE-TO-ORDER }
Each order is designed and customized by your provided details such as: The wedding colors, flowers, date, attire, theme, destination ... the possibilities are ENDLESS! Well, almost :)

Each glass will have a hand-painted cartoon portrait of the person the glass is made for. These glasses are made to look like the bridesmaids, maid of honor, groomsmen, the best man, flower girl, mothers and fathers, and most of all, the BRIDE and GROOM!

Special Feature: Look inside the glass and you will find a surprise message... "refill A.S.A.P."

{ F.A.Q. }
CAN I SEND YOU PHOTOS OR JUST DESCRIPTIONS? Yes, you can do both or either!


WHAT TYPES OF GLASSWARE CAN WE ORDER? This design can be created on a wine glass (perfect for red or white), beer pilsner (stien), pint glass (perfect for beer or water), low-ball (short), martini, coffee mug or water goblet (perfect for water or mixed cocktail). Feel free to mix and match!

Bridal Party (10 glasses)
by the FizzyArtist

HOW LONG DO WE NEED TO WAIT UNTIL WE GET OUR AWESOME GLASSES?

Orders are booked/reserved by your requested *NEED DATE* that you select on your order form. So many orders come in all at once that my schedule continues to fill up faster than I can paint the glasses! The Booking Schedule can be found in my SHOP'S ANNOUNCEMENT section and the estimated time frame is normally 6 to 8 weeks for the earliest arrival. Don't wait too late, my books fill up super fast!


{ PLEASE READ }
Please make sure to see my shop's POLICIES before placing your order. You will find details on How Things Are Made, Booking Schedule, Shipping and more. Thank you!!
Your ordering process will only be complete once you submit your Custom Details and Need Date* with the "WEDDING ORDER FORM" at -- www.fizzyartist.blogspot.com


*Your selected {NEED DATE} is also when you can EXPECT your glasses to arrive in the mail. Your order is reserved for the week prior to be started and finished before shipment. When the order is shipped you will receive an e-mail from stamps.com with tracking information (2-3 day Priority Mail).


{ FEEDBACK }
“I absolutely LOVE our wine glasses and pilsner glasses that you made for my wedding party. My bridal party loves them and loved using them at the reception. This was hands down the best gift I have ever seen a bride and groom give (pat on my back). The attention to detail on them is amazing and I appreciate you getting my large party done in a short time. Thank you so much! They were all the rage at the reception!


A very pleased and thankful couple, Adam and Monica Barker"

Click Here for more FEEDBACK at my Etsy Shop

{FACEBOOK CHALLENGE}
If you are interested in ordering some FizzyArtist
Glassware and would like to save 10%
on your purchase all you need to do is
SHARE this blog post on FACEBOOK!

FizzyArtist on FB

Simply tag me
(@CUSTOMGLASSWAREBYTHEFIZZYARTIST) 
in your comment so I can see the post
and I will send you the Coupon Code
so you can save on your FIZZ!

Custom Glassware by the FizzyArtist

Watch Out Bettie Page! - {PIN-UP} Photo Shoot for Business Brand // Living The Dream (Vol. 3)

A {Pin-Up} has the perfect combination

of CLASSY and SEXY mixed together.

It's the best kind of HOTNESS;

a signature cocncoction, if you ask me!

I've always been fascinated by vintage pin-ups! Since I was a teenager and a young artist I found myself sketching and painting classic images of women like Marilyn Monroe. My decor and fashion sense have always been inspired by vintage themes. When the skinny jean and legging look hit the runway it was just like having the 50's cigarette pant back on the radar. Since this theme and look are a big part of my personality, I thought it would be ideal to develop my business brand around the same retro, vintage style!

{A Little Business History} My business was formerly known as the "SODAPOPSHOP" because I was a muralist for a couple of years and specialized in themed rooms for nurseries and kid spaces. I wanted a fun theme for my business because I had more fun with branding and marketing that way. That is how the name "The FizzyArtist" was created. Mostly because http://www.fizzyartist.com/ was an available domain for my website. My business tagline was: "I add the FIZZ, you get REFRESHED!"



The last two years, my business has been solely dedicated to my line of custom glassware and I have wanted to create a fun new look for the FizzyArtist brand. I found a local photographer, Traci Palmer through a friend of mine and hired her to do a fun pin-up-inspired photo shoot to use the images for marketing purposes. 

To prepare for the photo shoot I put three fun outfits together with my own wardrobe ... shoes and all! Yes, that's how much I love the pin up look. I did, though, go out and purchase a cute coral flower pin for my hair. I decided to get my hair done professionally for an affordable price at my regular salon. This took a load of pressure off of me! I met my stylist, Lindsay Mathison that day and we hit it off! She did an outstanding job and really polished off my entire look.

 

Here are some of the fun 

images that Traci captured

during the photo shoot!

http://www.tracipalmerphotography.com/

Floral and Heart Peasant Top - Forever21
$19.99

Denim Jeggings with Gold Zipper - H (and) M
$19.99

Striped Pin-up Heels - Forever21
$29.99

Red Vintage Blouse
by topdrawervintage

Gold Vintage Mesh Belt
by thevintagemistress

 

::BONUS FASHION TIPS::

Seven simple ways to add a pin-up

look to your wardrobe this Spring!

Finds from etsy.com

Romper it up! Anything sailor-esque will

give you an instant Bettie Page look!

Vintage 80's Romper by NodtoModvintage
$26

 Sexy Open-toe or Platform

Heels will NEVER fail!

Leather Peep Toe Heels by DigVintage
$36

The Trench Coat is a signature

staple for looking seductively CLASSY!

Trench Coat Peachy Pink by TigerVintage
$40

Wear Leopard or Zebra loose or belted
for a roaring bombshell look!

Safari In The City Blouse by sukisukivintage
$21.00

{The Classic Pin-up Formula}
Statement Belt + Cinched Waist
= Curvy Pin-up Knockout!

Hickory Leaves Belt by TheLadyCarl
$10

A cute, 50s-inspired blouse with

a small print is simply sweet!

Vintage Navy Polka Dot Blouse by vintagecarliss
$14.50 (What a steal!)

 Add a Vintage Pin Up Flair to your wedding

with a romantic flower hair pin!

Deep Red Rose Hair Clip by BellaDivaCouture
$12.75

Thank you Traci and Lindsay for

making this pin-up photo shoot

such a success!

What a {SWEET} year! // Announcing My Top Buyer for 2010: Lauren Hamblin



I opened my Etsy shop to sell my handpainted glassware in February 2009. I started to make sales here and there later that summer. So this last year has been my first solid year of being a full-time business owner of the FizzyArtist Custom Glassware. Lots of changes have come about since I opened nearly two years ago, but there has been pivotal growth since last January. 2010 has been such a sweet year in so many ways! As I get excited to start fresh with 2011, I thought I should stop and reflect on all of the "fizzy" moments over the last 12 months.

Medium Planner Book
by mod86designery

As the year began, I took ownership of the new title entrepreneur very seriously and became involved in a business owner small group that gave me accountability and resources to set me up for new successes. I quickly realized that my business was about to go to the adolescence stage. Even though the growth became overwhelming, I did my best to take things day by day. I love dreaming about where my FizzyArtist Glassware will take me and what my brand will look like someday!

I started the year with a surprising not-so-slow January. Spring wedding orders slowly started to pour in. One of my goals for 2010 was to get an ad in a magazine and by mid-January, I was contacted by Wedding Style from California to see if I was interested in being featured!

April was my first slammin' month of sales,

they creeped right under 10k.

I took time of over the Easter Holiday to visit my sister,
brother-in-law, and to meet my new niece in NYC.

By June my schedule was booked solid for the next eight weeks with orders. My schedule continued that way until late October.

In late June, I took my first international vacation
to Australia. I visited with two girlfriends from
high school who lived there at the time.

After my trip to Australia things became a bit blurry! I already had July and August completely booked when I got home and the orders kept coming in. It was a never-ending snowball effect. Every week I would paint and ship out approximately 60-80 glasses and in the same breath that many were purchased for upcoming orders in the fall. Some days I would paint large orders of 20 glasses and would work on them all day and into the evening. Sometimes I couldn't get them done with enough time to ship so I would have to Express Mail the order to arrive when they were requested.

By fall, I was exhausted and energized by the non-stop pace at the same time. Not only was I painting at least 80 glasses a week, I also was managing the business the best that I could. Thankfully, I had assistants that I could rely on for help. Over the year I have had several friends work for me a couple of hours each week. They have helped me with packaging, post office runs, shopping for glassware, organizing, blogging and painting. I also had to hire a financial advisor, bookkeeper and accountant. Without all of the help that I have had, I know I wouldn't have been able to make it. 

At least by the end of the year, things began to slow down a bit. My holiday season was not as crazy as last year and I am very thankful for the break. Now I am refreshed and ready to go. Bring on the weddings! The FizzyArtist is ready for another sweet year!

Announcing My Top Buyer for 2010:

Lauren Hamblin

Lauren has been a repeat buyer for as long as I can remember! I would see her name on an Etsy order with a note saying, "I'm back and I love your stuff!" Being young (like myself) many of Lauren's friends have been getting married. Some of them have had weddings that are out of town. So Lauren has purchased a couple of my "Bride and Groom" sets and had them shipped straight to the couple in another state. As my business has taken off, she has watched how busy I've become compared to the early days when she made her first purchase.

"Hi!  Thanks again! I always love ordering from you -

and I'm so glad your business is doing so well! :)"
 - Lauren

As the year came to an end, I saw a holiday order come in from Lauren for some of her family. She had purchased my "About Me" designs and I somehow got the greatest idea. I decided to make Lauren her very own glass, but wanted it to be a surprise. So I sent her an email saying that I would like to feature her on my blog as my top buyer and would like to use a picture of her. What she didn't know was that I would also use that photo to make her an "About Me" glass! I was so excited to wrap it up with the rest of her order the week before Christmas. Of course, the day the package had arrived I had a lovely "thank you" email from her and this adorable picture of her and the glass. The perfect touch, my plan had worked!

Thank you Lauren for your business and support!

I hope everyone has an even sweeter 2011!
- The FizzyArtist

Check out my latest treasury below.

Click on the title to see it in all its glory.

'What a {SWEET} year!' Treasury by the FizzyArtist

kikuike $100.00	tomkatstudio $7.50	NestPrettyThin... $20.00
wiyomu $25.00	CharmingNecess... $18.50	SoStinkingSwee... $8.50
cakepopbakesho... $33.00	mcgino $38.00	dearmachine $10.00
mojospastyle $28.00	vintagescrapsh... $2.00	DearGoldenVint... $64.00
YourVinylAnswe... $12.99	skeptis $25.00	GwenDelicious $32.00

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