Poppy Magazine June//July 2012 Issue

i s s u eo n e j u n e / / j u l y2 0 1 2

POPPYMAG | JUNE 2012

thoughts

“I want a life that sizzles and pops and make me laugh out loud. And I don’t want to get to the end, or to tomorrow, even, and realize that my life is a collection of meetings and pop cans and errands and receipts and dirty dishes. I want to eat cold tangerines and sing out loud in the car with the windows open and wear pink shoes and stay up all night laughing and paint my walls the exact color of the sky right now. I want to sleep hard on clean white sheets and throw parties and eat ripe tomatoes and read books so good they make me jump up and down, and I want my everyday to make God belly laugh, glad that he gave life to someone who loves the gift.”

SHAUNA NIEQUIST COLD TANGERINES

@poppylindsay canʼt wait for your launch!

- @TheSignatureBow Canʼt wait for this!

- Just Lovely Things

Let’s give them

SOMETHING to talk about @hilaryinspired how exciting! congratulations!

- @DressCourage

Digging the new logo, guys!

- Epic Thread

@poppylindsay canʼt wait to see your sneak peek!

- @17thandIrving

@poppylindsay so excited to see your first issue!

- @Abbey_Rodriquez

So excited for the first issue! It will be beyond lovely, Iʼm sure!

- Living for Pretty

the crew Lindsay Boland Editor-in-Chief Lauren Puskas Executive Editor Mackenzie Clarke Art Director Hilary Walker Features Editor Hannah Pobar Senior Lifestyle Editor Christa Morris Lifestyle Editor Sara Neely Fashion Editor

special thanks | fiona smith | alisha trimble | jc cerilla | v vernard | maddie hanssler | Jason Jordan | | madi mamaghandi | mackenzie neville | eleanor meloul | lizzi bradley | mary bradley | | Hilleary Jordan | Annabelle, Cara, Jillian, Leonie, and Sarah |dana at wonder forest | | and all of the amazing etsy shops... |

on the cover...

silk curl camisole by alissa smith; sequin tunic underneath, alisha trimble; shoes, derek lam; cuff from smith boutique in southampton, ny

Photographer // JC Cerilla Stylist // V Vernard

issue one TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

POPPY THOUGHTS

11

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

14 29

TWENTY FIVE UNDER $25

17

BLOGGING STYLE

SUMMER TRENDS

44 58

SUMMER HOSTING

53

COWBOY CAVIAR

PEOPLE, PLACES, MUSE

68

GETTING TO KNOW...

POPPYpalooza The poppy trend has officially taken off, and we want to share some of our favorite poppy-themed finds with our readers! Poppy Magazine will be giving away two of these lovely gifts each and every week for seven weeks!

Click here to get in on this lovely giveaway!

xoxo

The common phrase is that it ‘takes a village to raise a child.’ Well, in my expertise, it takes a community to raise a magazine - or start one at least. From photographers to bloggers and web designers to the teenage dreamer, Poppy utilizes the entire blogging community. The most important part is not the photographer, web designer (although she is quite great!), or even the blogger, but the dreamer. It takes only one dreamer to dream an idea. Once the idea is in place, the rest of the community can then come together. But that one dreamer gets the ultimate satisfaction of watching their vision come to life.

At one point, Poppy was that small idea. I dreamt an idea that almost all girls at some point in their life think of. But it took the support of one really awesome web designer (that’s Lauren!) and many hours emailing back and forth to really make it a reality. We conquered design block, writers block, technology block, and the everyday brain block to make Poppy something more than an idea.

It is always difficult to remember to thank all the people who help you shoot for the stars on the road to success. So, where should I begin? I believe the first thank you/shout-out goes to Poppy’s Executive Editor Lauren Puskas. I messaged Lauren a couple of months back with this crazy idea. Since then it has been nothing

LINDSAY BOLAND

co-founder & editor-in-chief

but excitement, inspiration, hard work, and hugs and kisses. I wish we could say that we are complete opposites or ying and yang, but the reality of it is that we are just as crazy as the rest of the dreamers in this world. It is difficult to find the anchor that keeps us on the ground versus floating into the clouds, but I think that is where our family, friends, and fellow bloggers come in.

They are the ones to step up and give up the reality check-slap-in-the-face. Without them, we wouldn’t have the loving support and the people there to tell us “a little hard work can go a long way”.

Thanks again for supporting us as we continue to have our head in the clouds but our feet on the ground. xoxo

Effortless style INFINITY SCARVES :: Hand Printed, Original Designs ETSY SHOP: Little MInnow Designs | littleminnowdesigns.com

WIN THIS

scarf...

blogging style Here at Poppy, we like to set ourselves apart from other online publications by focusing on the creative endeavors of the design and blogging community. Our team members are bloggers and entrepreneurs, photographers and small business owners. We'd like to recognize others out there - others just like you. We know what it feels like to work at something we're passionate about every day and not receive the traffic or sales that reflect our efforts. We look at blogs with higher rankings than ours, and while we're inspired, we wonder what makes someone an “expert.” Here at Poppy you can forget about numbers; forget about traffic, page rankings, number of sales, and followers; we’re looking for passion and believe that if you're passionate about what you do, that will be reflected in your writing, photographs, or outfits you piece together.

We’ll be scouring the internet for 5 personal style bloggers to answer a fashionrelated question and be featured in each issue of Poppy. It doesn't matter what your page rank is or how many followers you have, we’re looking for people whose passion for fashion really shines through in their photographs and writing. On that note, we would like to introduce you to our first set of fashion bloggers: Annabelle from Viva Luxury, Cara from A Fashion Love Affair, Jillian from Epic Thread, Leonie from The Signature Bow, and Sarah from City Gurl Secrets. Follow these girls for some serious style inspiration!

viva luxury

BLOG FEATURE

Meet Annabelle A few years ago I was working with a wonderful footwear designer who always complimented the way I dressed. One day, she suggested I start a fashion blog.

Until that particular moment the thought never crossed my mind, and to be completely honest with you, I was somewhat reluctant at first. But with time I realized just how passionate I am about fashion and also what a wonderful platform a blog could be to express myself creatively. I’ve been blogging for a little over a year now and I am eternally grateful to her for her advice and support!

FAVORITE SUMMER TREND...

feminine pastels One of my favorite trends for Spring/Summer 2012 is the return to uber feminine pastel palettes. Seen on every major runway, the sweet and pretty colour palette ranges from pale yellow, blush pink, soft blue, light lavender and of course my personal favorite - mint. My take on this season’s pastel trend is to maximize the impact by layering together two contrasting yet complementary sorbet shades.

Annabelle is Wearing...

Blouse Equipment Signature, Skirt Nanette Lepore, Bag Style by Marina, Bracelet Asos, Friendship Bracelet J Crew

the signature bow

BLOG FEATURE

Meet Leonie I have been reading fashion blogs for many years. It all started with a “membership” to a Dutch fashion forum online. It was the pre-fashion blogging era; we shared our outfits, new buys and inspiration on the forum.

Slowly I saw more (fashion) blogs popping up and I started following girls from all over the world. A couple years ago I start thinking of starting my own blog, but it wasn’t until last June that I finally took the plunge. After my move from the Netherlands to Vancouver, Canada, I figured it was the perfect time to start another little adventure for myself. It couldn’t have been better timing - thanks to my blog I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people both locally and all over the (online) world. I truly love the social aspect that comes with blogging!

FAVORITE SUMMER TREND...

Colour, Colour, Colour!

I never considered myself as a very colourful person when it came to my outfits, but since the start of my blog I have ventured out of my comfort zone and have discovered my love for brighter looks, pastels, neons, bold prints...I wear it all, and sometimes even mixed together; like in this outfit. It is one of my personal favorites - very colourful but not too overpowering. Plus it has the perfect balance between ‘girly’ and ‘sophisticated’.

Leonie is Wearing...

Blouse Zara, Skirt H&M, Heels ‘Cregger’ Aldo Rise Collection, Bag Rizk, Necklace H&M, Cocktail Ring Bracelet Social Experiment // Photographed by Graydon O.

a fashion love affair

BLOG FEATURE

Meet Cara Cara is a fashion buyer, stylist and blogger from Vancouver, BC Canada.

Cara’s blog, A Fashion Love Affair, depicts her style (a mixture of classic feminine silhouettes mixed with effortless West-Coast feel) and is where she shares her essential fashion tips that play with the latest trends to create a perfectly versatile wardrobe.

FAVORITE SUMMER TREND...

pastels + neutrals With so many bright colours and bold patterns being in trend this spring, it is nice that pastels are also big this season. Pastels give off such an airy feel, and can be mixed and matched with other pastels, or with some of the brighter colours of the season...you really can’t go wrong!

Cara is Wearing...

Dress T.Babaton for Aritzia, Clutch c/o Beginning Boutique, Heels Zara, Cary Sunnies House of Harlow, Heart Pendant c/o Albeit Jewelry // Photographed by Cara’s boyfriend

epic thread

BLOG FEATURE

Meet Jillian I’ve been interested in art and expressing myself for as long as I can remember. I studied Fine Arts at Missouri State University and the Kansas City Art Institute. I love to paint, design, draw, crochet, really anything that allows me to be creative. Fashion has always provided that for me. I loved being “different” in high school. I would cut up my clothes, sew on patches, wear my step-dad’s ties and made myself some crazy belts. I experimented a lot trying to find my own sense of style. I’m older now and I think I’ve finally settled ino a nice happy medium between craziness and trendiness. I started blogging very recently; in November. It has been such a great learning experience. I’ve learned to push myself even more creatively and I have so much fun putting together outfits.

FAVORITE SUMMER TREND...

Crocheted Pieces I found this crocheted vest at a local thrift store. It’s a little out there with the small flecks of gold intertwined with the yarn, but I fell in love immediately. I paired it with a fairly plain black and gray dress and a bright yellow belt. I like the idea of mixing short party dresses with casual pieces. You can go from a carefree, retro look in the day to a cute party outfit at night by just removing the vest and throwing on some heels. I’m also loving the Native American inspired prints and patterns that are in style right now, so I threw on this lovely long necklace from Forever 21.

Jillian is Wearing...

Crocheted Vest Thrift Store Find, Necklace Forever 21, Sandals Target // Photographed by Ross Kirkpatrick (Jillian’s husband)

city gurl secrets

BLOG FEATURE

Meet Sarah I have been involved in the fashion industry for quite some time now. I started modeling at the age of eleven for kids products and eventually grew into high fashion, editorial and commercial modeling. Being around wardrobe stylists, designers, etc has really influenced my love and passion for fashion. I want to be involved in this fascinating industry as much as possible, so I decided to start City Gurl Secrets. This serves as a creative outlet for my style tips, what inspires me, and to share ideas with fellow fashionistas. I live in Chicago and have been blogging for about three months now. CGS is definitely my pride and joy! CGS’s goal is to help women around the world feel like a City Gurl.

To me, a City Gurl is definitely on top of the latest trends, but makes up her own. She doesn’t need an unlimited supply of designer clothes or the most expensive beauty products to look and feel fabulous. This is where I come in, to share my style tips, at-home beauty remedies, budget fashion finds and more. I want to inspire others to be their own unique version of a ‘City Gurl’!

In this outfit, I layered a Rock & Republic knit sweater over an H&M bodycon dress. Adding layers always gives an outfit depth and extra texture. By throwing on a sweater over a dress, it gives the illusion that you are wearing a skirt. This is great if you want to re-wear a certain dress but want to give it a different look. I played it up with accessories since the clothes are pretty basic.

My Bakers heels are definitely eye catching - by wearing stand out heels with a skirt, it draws the attention to your legs. I also completed the look by using

and H&M pale, peachy-pink

stoned necklace. It balances

out the flow of the outfit and

really dresses it up a bit!

FAVORITE SUMMER TREND...

feminine neutrals Sarah is Wearing...

Dress H&M, Sweater Rock & Republic, Heels Bakers, Necklace H&M

DONATED BY...

ENTER TO WIN IT IN OUR POPPY-PALOOZA GIVEAWAY!

Summer Trends This season's trends are all about the two ends of the fashion spectrum; you can't go wrong with neutrals or neon, mini or maxi, bold or black & white, 20's or 2012‐ as long as you stick to a style. Summer is the time to look “artfully undone,” so there's no reason to try to cram every trend into one outfit.

Many of this season's pieces incorporate more than one trend without trying too hard: a neutral maxi dress, a 20's‐inspired white shift dress, or a pair of neon wedges. When it comes to trends, the only thing more fashionable than knowing what they are is interpreting trends in your own way. You don't have to wear every trend to be a fashionista; if this season's it color doesn't look good on you‐ don't wear it! Pick out the pieces that you love and make you feel confident and forget about the rest!

&

WASH & GLOW

WASH

GLOW

HELLO SUN...

There is nothing better than a sunny summer day spent outside doing all the things you love. No matter what that is, make sure your skin has just as much fun with these great sun-lovers finds...

WASH & GLOW

2

1

GENTLE REMINDER Attempting a faux tan this summer? Don’t forget to exfoliate! When in doubt, combine extra virgin olive oil with sugar and you have yourself a moisturizing scrub!

3

1 SWEET LEMON BODY SCRUB Slough off dead skin with an invigorating summery scented scrub. $18, thebodyshopusa.com

EXOTIC COCONUT AFTER SUN BODY BUTTER Lock in your golden tan post pool with a thick layer of moisture. $8, hawaiiantropic.com

HONEY BRONZE SHIMMERING DRY OIL Give your skin an even bronzed glow with a hint of tan-enhancing shimmer. $22, thebodyshopusa.com

PINK GRAPEFRUIT BODY CLEAR BODY WASH Banish breakouts with a lather of pink grapefruit, vitamin C & salyctic acid treatment. $8, Neutrogena drugstore.com

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5 6

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5 SUN CARE PROTECTIVE HAIR VEIL Minimize hair color fading, damage and dryness with a lightweight mist. $26, aveda.com

SPF 50 FACE CREAM Protect your face from the aging effects of UVA and UVB rays with antioxidants to help prevent visible damage. $19, clinique.com

SUN PROTECTION WIPES Say buh-bye to the burn of sunblock in your eyes with a mess free way to apply broad spectrum UV protection. $14,shadydayinc.com

ANTI-AGING BODY BUTTER Nourish dry skin with a super rich body butter made from all natural ingredients. $13, yestocarrots.com

SUMMER HOSTING HOW-TO GETTING TOGETHER FOR IMPROMPTU GATHERINGS ARE WHAT MAKE SUMMER NIGHTS SPECIAL. PLAN YOUR NEXT WEEKEND GET TOGETHER WITH THESE ENTERTAINING TIPS...

PHOTOGRAPHY & COPY BY HANNAH POBAR HANNAH POBAR PHOTOGRAPHY

A SELF SERVE BAR MAKES GUESTS... feel at home and at ease to help themselves.

Stock your table with cute treats to munch before dinner is served. Our pick? Cupcakes!

Who says you can’t have a little dessert first?

ADD A FUN TOUCH OF COLOR... to your lemonade! Infuse with slices of various sized fruits ‐ grapefruit, limes & lemons ‐ by placing them in lemonade pitcher a few hours before the party.

BUMP UP THE CHARM... with mason jars as drinking glasses, These are a festive and classy alternative to plastic cups...Garnish with a lemon slice.

A TRAY OR PLATTER will help guests identify important aspects of the table ‐ like where to find glasses!

BE THE HOST WITH THE MOST...

Once the big day rolls around, keep these gentle reminders handy!

1. Tidy up your house/backyard.

2. Buy any last minute ingredients.

3. Set the table a few hours in advance.

4. Start cooking or preparing meals.

5. Wear something festive.

6. Relax & have fun!

MOUTHWATERING MENUS...

Use vintage frames to let your guests know what is displayed. Cut matching stationary or scrapbook paper to fit into frames. Handwrite or print onto white paper and fasten. Display next to the coordinating food or drink.

GENTLE REMINDERS •

Tie together silverware sets for each guest with color coordinating fabric for a festive touch.

•

A set of white mix matched plates gives your table a vintage feel while still looking organized and put together.

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Keep breads and side dishes in the middle of the table so they are accessible by all guests.

PREPARE A SUMMERY MEAL... that guests will love. Ginger lime salmon & brown rice is the perfect light meal for a backyard bash.

DON’T GET CAUGHT... using the bread knife as your own! Make sure that any silverware that will be shared, such as a bread knife, has a distinctive look so it doesn’t go missing during the meal!

USE A GLASS PITCHER... for ice water. Toss in freshly cut limes and strawberries to add color and flavor your guests will love.

DIY BANNER Need: •

1/2 yard of a few color coordinating fabrics

•

Rope nails to secure

Cut fabric into 1‐1.5 inch strips.

Tie to rope with a small knot at top. Alternate fabrics for a playful look. Secure rope to wall with a nail on each side.

STRAWBERRY SUMMER Prepare a simple and light dessert to follow dinner. Fill small glass jars with homemade vanilla pudding.

Crumble vanilla wafer cookies on top & garnish with a few strawberry slices.

PERFECT HOSTESS GIFT Invited to a little get together this summer? Say “thank you” with a bouquet of flowers.

WE SNAGGED THESE JARS ON HOBBYLOBBY.COM

BE PREPARED Keep extra things to munch on and plenty of drinks on hand to restock as the party continues.

Drinks keep the party going!

Don’t run out!

WHAT TO WEAR As the hostess, most likely you’ll be back and forth preparing, setting up, greeting and being the life of the party! Change into your party outfit 15 minutes prior to the start & wear an apron to ensure you don’t spill or ruin your party clothes!

ONE WITH NATURE Short on table decor? A bundle of flowers or greenery in vintage jars or jugs are simple and chic.

RECIPE

COWBOY CAVIAR Summer is full of gatherings, BBQs, summer hosting, and fun.

Cowboy caviar is an easy, fun, and most importantly HEALTHY, way to contribute to or add to your summer party!

Photography & Recipe // Christa Morris

WHAT YOU’LL NEED • • • • • • • • • •

1 can of corn 1 can of black bean small bunch of green onions small bunch of cilantro 2 tomatoes 2 avocados balsamic vinegar oil salt pepper

HOW IT’S MADE • •

• • •

use a colander and drain your corn use a colander and drain you black beans – run water through these to make sure you completely wash away juices. dice your tomatoes & avocados chop your green onions + cilantro* set your oil + vinegar off to the side

* the amount of green onions and cilantro depends on your liking of them. I generally only put a small bunch like shown in images. Remember it is better to add more than to have too much to start with!

MIXIN’ IT UP When you are ready to start mixing your ingredients, place your avocados, oil + vinegar off to the side. Put your corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, chop green onions, chopped cilantro into a large mixing bowl.

With a spoon, mix those ingredients together.

Periodically add a little oil + vinegar. Don’t add to much, again better continually add more to taste’s liking than to have too much to start with!

Add salt + pepper in the same manner as oil and vinegar.

Once you have your mixings with the oil+vinegar and salt +pepper to your liking, add diced avocados! Give it one more small mixing and wah-la!

GRAB THE RECIPE CARD HERE

Silk Chiffon Shift Top Alissa Smith, Sequin Chiffon Camisole Alisha Trimble, Silk Shorts Alissa Smith, Necklaces Too Shea, Wicker Heels Zinc

PEOPLE, PLACES, MUSE learning about the creative people that inspire us

Copy by Hilary Walker Photography by JC Cerilla Styling by V Vernard

Alisha Trimble is among the new generation of clothing designers interested in more than simply the fabrication of apparel but the implementation of a creative force!

Besides her immediately recognizable skill as a fashion designer, Alisha also plays in the fields of styling, web media and print creative direction, and film production. “My job is to be creative and I love what I do. What comes with years of practice is a facility to use media as a signifier for contemporary society as women and creative individuals.�

With a strong line of pieces ranging from of-the-moment swimwear to flirtatious party dresses, Alisha has been presenting her distinctly youthful high fashion collections on schedule with New York Fashion Week since 2005. Her clientele now includes a loyal fanbase on both East and West extremes of the States. It goes without saying that she’s one to watch! Now, let’s dig in and learn more about what makes this Renaissance woman tick in our inagural edition of Person, Place, Muse!

Left: Crochet Onesie Alisha Trimble, Stud & Rope Bikini Brain Waves Right: Pintuck Sundress Alisha Trimble, Necklace Alyssa Norton

Silver Wrap Swimsuit Brain Waves, Resin Feather Necklace Lauren Rassel

Q&A THE PERSON // Alisha Trimble THE PLACE // Brooklyn, NY YOUR MUSE // Ever-changing: right now it’s Maya Rudolph WHERE IT STARTED // Reading Harper’s Bazaar in Romeo, Michigan WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING // Collaboration THE SOUNDTRACK // Amateur Blonde YOUR DRINK OF CHOICE // Coffee SOMETHING ONLY YOUR FRIENDS KNOW // That I’m a volunteer DREAM VACATION // Australia: Melbourne, Cairns, then Perth REAL-LIFE GETAWAY // Southampton & Montauk ONE ITEM ON YOUR BUCKET LIST // B&W Miu Miu shoes (size 38) READING OR WATCHING CURRENTLY // Mad Men IN YOUR HANDBAG // Almay Mascara & a Chanel compact for applying on the train PERSONAL STYLE IN FOUR WORDS // Always look your best DINNER DATE WITH YOUR HERO...WHO WOULD IT BE // Bruce Willis WHAT’S NEXT // Music Videos

Stud & Rope Swimsuit Brain Waves, Silk Chiffon Pants Alisha Trimble, Shoes Dollhouse Footwear, Necklace Smith Boutique, Model's own umbrella

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I L A R Y •.

I N S P I R E·D

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a blog about style, ar" & life

art social

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I .. contemporary art I gallery hopping I gangster crafts

Nathalie Causse

getting to know ...

POPPY: Tell me about yourself before you started Wonder Forest DANA: Before Wonder Forest, I was pretty much being boring and working away at my desk every day. There was nothing too exciting about it. I would work on client’s websites and graphic work and call it a day. There was nobody (besides my fiancé) to share my work with and quite frankly, I just started feeling as though there was something more I could be doing.

Something to keep the creative juices flowing!

P: What made you want to start Wonder Forest?

Why? D: I actually started Wonder Forest as a little retro style plush business before the blog was born. I was basically experimenting with creating cute little plush deer for my own enjoyment, and after seeing a great response to the photos I shared on my Facebook page, I thought I might be on to something! The blog

emerged shortly after, solely as a place to display my latest creations. After becoming more and more involved in the blogging world, I fell in love and decided that I wanted to share more of myself with others, and so Wonder Forest was converted into a ‘lifestyle’ blog and I started offering my design services to other bloggers. Suddenly my creative juices were filled and that boring work day seemed less boring.

P: What is your main inspiration behind Wonder Forest? Where do you get your inspiration?

D: I think I’m just inspired by daily life. I’ve always tried to stay true to myself and not compare myself to other bloggers or business owners. I think that when you start doing that, your inspiration turns more into duplication, and you stop being as creative. I’ve always been a girl with a million ideas (just ask my mother!), and I can’t exactly pinpoint one thing in

particular that inspires me besides my own will to keep creating and grow!

P: You take amazing photos! What are three tips to give Bloggers about taking photos?

D: Thank you! My first tip would be to try to use natural light. Don’t use your flash ever, it just washes everything out completely. Invest in a tripod and a remote, especially if you’re going to be taking outfit shots or self portraits. They are priceless. Lastly, think about your backgrounds. A cute backdrop or a gorgeous landscape can really make a photo!

P: You took your passion for design and turned it into a business. What made you want to share your design expertise with the world?

D: Design is just a huge part of my life. It’s been my career for over ten years now. I started my actual design business about six years ago simply because it was what I loved to do. I am a natural born entrepreneur and focused all of my attention on building it. After my successes with that business, I decided it was only natural to offer the same types of services to the blogging community as well. It’s still my job, after all!

P: There are thousands of bloggers who offer design services. What is your biggest tip to them about making their design business stand out from everyone else’s?

D: Number one is to know what you’re doing.

There are so many of them who are great

designers but do not know what to do with a design once it’s complete. If they are creating a blog design, they should make sure they are educated in the coding area as well. I only say this because tons of bloggers come to me asking me to help fix their blog designs that were done by somebody else. Take the time to learn your programming, it’s so important. Other than that, develop a great portfolio with unique designs!

P: How do you juggle blogging, two stores, and a design business?

D: It gets pretty hectic sometimes! At the same time though, I am pretty good at managing my time. During the morning, I’m a blogger. In the afternoon, I’m a designer. and at night I am packing up orders for the shops! I promise I still have free time though. I make sure I don’t let

P: What came first, Wonder Forest online store or Fawn & Flora?

D: Wonder Forest came first. Fawn & Flora was just launched this past February by myself and Heather of Just Lovely Things. We were both involved in the handmade industry and wanted to open up a little shop that offered supplies and cute things to others who made stuff! It’s only been a few months but it’s been amazing working with her and seeing our little shop grow!

P: What made you want to create two stores?

What was your inspiration for each?

D: The Wonder Forest shop was born after I saw that demand for my little plush critters on Facebook. I was super inspired by those vintage style stuffed animals and wanted to bring them back to life, in a sense. Fawn & Flora was inspired by the handmade community and Heather and my own needs for supplies.

P: Do you think it is important for bloggers to eventually expand into creating shops?

D: I don’t think it’s important per‐se, but it is a great option if you have some talents and want to go for it! Not everybody has that sort of business‐type mentality, so no I don’t think it’s important for every blogger to open up a shop… but if you want to, then go for it!

either of these things consume my entire life. I think taking breaks throughout the day is important to help refresh your mind and energy.

P: What is your biggest time management tip?

D: Make lists! I would be totally unorganized and lost if I didn’t write down all of my design jobs I have to do, or mark off orders that I’ve shipped. Staying organized is key to getting things done efficiently. Split your days into segments if you need to and concentrate on completing tasks before you jump on the next one.

P: You recently wrote a blogging e‐book. In one sentence, tell us what it is about.

D: My eBook is called Blog Wonderful and it’s basically an online reading experience about becoming better at blogging, with tips, tricks, and knowledge I gained during my first year of blogging. There are also some great hints in there that I share as a professional web designer.

P: What made you want to share your blogging expertise?

D: I was asked constantly by my readers how to do certain things, or even how my blog grew quickly in the first few months. I wanted to actually take the time to write it all down in eBook form (and hopefully help others) instead of just trying to do it post by post on my blog.

P: What was the most difficult blogging topic to write about?

D: I have a chapter in there on Expectations. It was kind of difficult to write because I didn’t want to ruin anyone’s dreams, but at the same time I didn’t want them to assume that certain things were just going to automatically happen because they have a blog. For example, I’ve had people tell me they’re starting a blog and then immediately ask how they go about charging for advertising or setting up paid ads. I have to tell them, I’m sorry, it just doesn’t work like that.

You can’t expect that you’re going to start making money with your blog as soon as you launch it.

P: What was your favorite topic to write about?

D: Design and Photos! Obviously! I love sharing knowledge like that because I think it’s what I’m most experienced with. I also really enjoyed doing the Adsense chapter because it helps people better understand exactly how Adsense works, and what they can expect.

P: If you had to pick one section of your book that bloggers MUST READ, what would it be?

D: Oh gosh, there are a lot. There are five chapters with a bunch of sections in each. I’d say the entire first chapter “Getting Started With Your Blog” would be a must read because they prepare you for the more advanced stuff that you’ll get into as you blog.

P: What goals did you hope to accomplish when you started the Wonder Forest blog?

D: I just wanted to grow! I wanted to connect with tons of people and I really wanted them to find my blog enjoyable. I wanted it to look like a place they’d want to come back to, and I wanted them to stay because of the content.

P: What has been the most rewarding part about your blog, stores, design business, and now, your e‐book?

D: Getting to do what I love to do and make my own rules as I go. I’ve always said that you truly need to love what you do, and if you don’t, why are you doing it? I love that my life consists of all of those these things and that I always have something to look forward to.

P: Where do you see Wonder Forest in 5 years?

D: Hopefully still as a blog and design business. I don’t think I’ll ever stop designing, that’s for certain. The shop, I have no idea where that will take me but hopefully by then I’ll be creating even more cute critters inspired by a family of my very own.

Find Dana at thewonderforest.com Images courtesy of Dana Fox Copy by Lindsay Boland

JAE THE NOT ALWAYS THAT EXCITING LIFE OF GRAPHIC DESIGNER+PHOTOGRAPHER CHRISTA MORRIS.

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17 INCH HEART WWW . 17INHEART . COM

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A LETTER TO MY GIRLS

Only a few months ago I had no idea what Poppy Magazine was going to become. More importantly, I had no idea where to begin. It took many hours of searching through blogs and a couple of emails to pull together the most amazing team any Editor could ask for.

Lauren is brilliant, creative, and a computer genie. Without her help to push my idea along, it would not exist. Hannah is a smart, creative, and talented photographer and blogger. Her constant energy helps to bring a fresh perspective and light to a stressful job. I think of Hilary as an old soul tucked away into a spirited young body. Her poise and utter sophistication is something that every girl dreams of having.

Christa is a creative and free-spirited photographer. Her creative eye is always spot on. Sara is an enthusiastic spirit with notebooks full of ideas. Her passion for life is always apparent. Mackenzie is a hardworking designer. She refuses to accept failure and is always up for the challenge.

The difficulty is, how do you thank the people who have helped turn your dream into a reality? You can’t. There is not a price or present that can say “thank you for fulfilling my dream.’ You can only give them the utmost gratitude and thanks.

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.. www. Bii ou-B ride. com