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	<title>My SoCal&#039;d Life &#187; Creative Profiles</title>
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	<description>travel, food, style</description>
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		<title>7 questions with the san diego museum of art&#8217;s sarah grossman</title>
		<link>http://mysocaldlife.com/san-diego-museum-of-art-events/</link>
		<comments>http://mysocaldlife.com/san-diego-museum-of-art-events/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2015 12:00:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Archana]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creative Profiles]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mysocaldlife.com/?p=6095</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Today I&#8217;m profiling Sarah Grossman, the San Diego Museum of Art&#8216;s manager of special events and stylish lady behind some of my most favorite events in the city, from Culture &#38; Cocktails, the quarterly soiree themed to a new exhibit (i.e. &#8220;Havana Nights for new Cuban artwork acquisitions), to the upcoming Art Alive, a weekend-long exhibit [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/san-diego-museum-of-art-events/">7 questions with the san diego museum of art&#8217;s sarah grossman</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/san-diego-museum-of-art-art-alive-culture-cocktails.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6098" alt="San Diego Museum of Art's Art Alive event // My SoCal'd Life, a lifestyle blog" src="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/san-diego-museum-of-art-art-alive-culture-cocktails.jpg" width="600" height="900" /></a></p>
<p>Today I&#8217;m profiling Sarah Grossman, the <a href="http://www.sdmart.org" target="_blank">San Diego Museum of Art</a>&#8216;s manager of special events and stylish lady behind some of my most favorite events in the city, from Culture &amp; Cocktails, the quarterly soiree themed to a new exhibit (i.e. &#8220;Havana Nights for new Cuban artwork acquisitions), to the upcoming <a href="http://www.sdmart.org/art-alive-2015" target="_blank">Art Alive</a>, a weekend-long exhibit during which florists reinterpret works of art via plants. I attended Art Alive&#8217;s opening event, Bloom Bash, last year, and it was one of the coolest events I had ever been to, and not just because the floral works were impressive. People go all out with their ensembles, which makes for great people-watching. I remember seeing a svelte, near-octogenarian shimmy around the dance floor in a tight sequined dress. Go, mama!</p>
<p>With an eye for all things artistic and fashionable, I wanted Sarah to share a peek into her museum-planning life. Today she talks about wearing heels constantly and her favorite vintage shop&#8230;among other things.</p>
<p><span id="more-6095"></span></p>
<p><strong>Name</strong>: Sarah Grossman<br />
<strong>Age</strong>: 31<br />
<strong>Neighborhood</strong>: Old La Mesa<br />
<strong>Job</strong>: Manager, Special Events at The San Diego Museum of Art</p>
<p><em><strong>What did you eat for breakfast today?</strong></em><br />
Greek Yogurt and an Americano…MUST have my coffee</p>
<p><em><strong>What&#8217;s the best thing about your job?</strong></em><br />
The creative outlet, the people I meet and the world class art I get to celebrate every day. I love being able to reach a new demographic and help to make art accessible and relevant to a wider audience through events like Culture &amp; Cocktails.</p>
<p><em><strong>The worst?</strong></em><br />
The working hours and having to last so long in heels.</p>
<p><em><strong>How do you tackle a creative block?</strong></em><br />
I’m a diehard art lover, so wandering the galleries can help with coming up with new ideas…learning for the masters themselves. Also, sometimes just pulling up websites and social media pages for music festivals, art fairs or other art institutions institutions I’m inspired by to see what types of activations resonate with their audience can help.</p>
<p><em><strong>What are you currently reading?</strong></em><br />
I’m constantly devouring fashion magazines. My favorites are <em>Vogue</em>, <em>W</em>, <em>Nylon</em> and <em>InStyle</em>.</p>
<p><em><strong>What&#8217;s your favorite spot in the city and why?</strong></em><br />
I love being at home with my husband in our mid-century styled house in Old La Mesa and because I’m fashion obsessed, I love scouring Buffalo Exchange and other resale stores weekly for designer finds and vintage treasures.</p>
<p><em><strong>What was the most awesome thing about today?</strong></em><br />
Goofing off with our box of photo booth props and supplies between the last-minute Art Alive tasks. It’s important to me to always have fun and laugh, especially during crunch time.</p>
<p>Thanks, Sarah! You can follow along with all of the Museum&#8217;s happening on <a href="https://twitter.com/sdma" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSanDiegoMuseumOfArt" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://instagram.com/sandiegomuseumofart/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. For information about Art Alive, which runs April 24-26, check out the <a href="http://www.sdmart.org/art-alive-2015" target="_blank">San Diego Museum of Art&#8217;s website</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/san-diego-museum-of-art-events/">7 questions with the san diego museum of art&#8217;s sarah grossman</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
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		<title>7 questions with jewelry designer katarzyna rosales of simply kasia</title>
		<link>http://mysocaldlife.com/simply-kasia-jewelry/</link>
		<comments>http://mysocaldlife.com/simply-kasia-jewelry/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2015 12:00:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Archana]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creative Profiles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[simply kasia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mysocaldlife.com/?p=5972</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>I&#8217;m sort of on a women-entrepreneuers-rule kick—you must read this, by the way!—so it&#8217;s only fitting that today&#8217;s 7 Questions With highlights a female business owner who combines a creative passion with self-employed power. Katarzyna Rosales&#8217; line, Simply Kasia, is a San Diego-based jewelry collection of delicate, handmade necklaces, bracelets, rings, and more. This ring [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/simply-kasia-jewelry/">7 questions with jewelry designer katarzyna rosales of simply kasia</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_8876.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5979" alt="IMG_8876" src="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_8876.jpg" width="600" height="400" /></a></p>
<p>I&#8217;m sort of on a women-entrepreneuers-rule kick—you must read <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2015/04/20-career-tips-from-female-entrepreneurs.html" target="_blank">this</a>, by the way!—so it&#8217;s only fitting that today&#8217;s 7 Questions With highlights a female business owner who combines a creative passion with self-employed power. Katarzyna Rosales&#8217; line, <a href="https://instagram.com/simplykasia/" target="_blank">Simply Kasia</a>, is a San Diego-based jewelry collection of delicate, handmade necklaces, bracelets, rings, and more. <a href="https://instagram.com/p/zsZ-3xP4zE/?taken-by=simplykasia" target="_blank">This ring</a> is one of my favorites!</p>
<p>Today Kasia (for short) talks about no-breakfast breakfasts and that butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling&#8230;among others thing:</p>
<p><span id="more-5972"></span></p>
<p><strong>Name</strong>: Katarzyna Rosales<br />
<strong>Age</strong>: 30<br />
<strong>Neighborhood</strong>: Little Italy<br />
<strong>Job</strong>: Jewelry Designer/Business Owner</p>
<p><em><strong>What did you eat for breakfast today?</strong></em><br />
Not a thing. Ran out for a client meeting at 8am. Welcome to my recent life.</p>
<p><em><strong>What’s the best thing about your job?</strong></em><br />
That I don’t really consider it one. Passion would be a better description.</p>
<p><em><strong>The worst?</strong></em><br />
Bookkeeping.</p>
<p><em><strong>How do you tackle a creative block?</strong></em><br />
Trips, trips, and more trip escapes. I’ve been fortunate to have lived and traveled a few different places and noticed they all have one thing in common: clearness of mind.</p>
<p><em><strong>What are you currently reading?</strong></em><br />
A Polish novel. <em>Houston, mamy problem</em> by Katarzyna Grochola. Reading unfortunately only takes place on special occasions—daily emails and client text exchanges are nowadays my main form of reading.</p>
<p><em><strong>What’s your favorite spot in the city and why?</strong></em><br />
There are a couple of benches in Encinitas on S. Vulcan Avenue that carry a sweet spot for me. It’s on a cliffside, right above the train tracks, overlooking the ocean. An ideal spot for sunset-watching, life-reflecting, and day-recharging spot. I am definitively more of a beach girl by heart and take a lot of inspiration from moments like that.</p>
<p><strong><em>What was the most awesome thing about today?</em></strong><br />
Meeting up with my web designer and having butterflies in the stomach about everything falling into place as I’ve envisioned for some time now.</p>
<p>Thanks, Kasia! And happy Friday, all!</p>
<p><em>Photo by Sarah Eli Holland  </em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/simply-kasia-jewelry/">7 questions with jewelry designer katarzyna rosales of simply kasia</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
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		<title>7 questions with the designers of sable &amp; snow</title>
		<link>http://mysocaldlife.com/7-questions-with-the-designers-of-sable-snow/</link>
		<comments>http://mysocaldlife.com/7-questions-with-the-designers-of-sable-snow/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2015 13:00:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Archana]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creative Profiles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sable & snow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stationery]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mysocaldlife.com/?p=5547</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Sable &#38; Snow is a San Diego-based stationery and paper products company launched by three talented gals who met at design school here in the sunny city and launched a collaborative line once they realized that their passion came from creating patterns and illustrations. The trio dubbed themselves Sable &#38; Snow, a nod to the [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/7-questions-with-the-designers-of-sable-snow/">7 questions with the designers of sable &#038; snow</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SS_Photo_web.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5549" alt="Sable &amp; Snow designers" src="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SS_Photo_web.jpg" width="660" height="550" /></a></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><a href="http://www.sableandsnow.com/" target="_blank">Sable &amp; Snow</a> is a San Diego-based stationery and paper products company launched by three talented gals who met at design school here in the sunny city and launched a collaborative line once they realized that their passion came from creating patterns and illustrations. The trio dubbed themselves Sable &amp; Snow, a nod to the fact that it all starts with a black and white sketch, and specialize in wedding invitations suites but also create whimsical, colorful cards for birthdays and more. (My favorites are the <a href="http://www.sableandsnow.com/collections/birthday/products/pinata-birthday-1" target="_blank">piñata birthday card</a> and <a href="http://www.sableandsnow.com/collections/art-prints/products/tepee" target="_blank">teepee print</a>.)</span></p>
<p>Today all three gals chime in on breakfasts, mental blocks, and more.</p>
<p><strong>Names</strong>: (left to right) Ashley Jorgensen; Katie Schultz; Jessica Nicholson<br />
<strong>Ages</strong>: 25; 26; 28<br />
<strong>Neighborhood</strong>: All in North Park<br />
<strong>Profession</strong>: Graphic designer; graphic designer; graphic designer + owner of <a href="http://www.sableandsnow.com/" target="_blank">Sable &amp; Snow</a></p>
<p><span id="more-5547"></span></p>
<p><strong>What did you eat for breakfast today?</strong><br />
Ashley: My coffee was much more exciting today than my actual breakfast. French press french roast with vanilla carmel creamer. YUM!</p>
<p>Katie: Greek yogurt with honey and fresh strawberries—both healthy and sweet!</p>
<p>Jessica: Granola with berries.</p>
<p><strong>What&#8217;s the best thing about your job?</strong><br />
A: I love that as a graphic designer I get to bring ideas to life. There&#8217;s nothing better than seeing a greeting card concept or a wedding suite sketch come together and bring joy to someone&#8217;s day!</p>
<p>K: Whether it&#8217;s brainstorming a new idea or giving creative feedback, I love being able to collaborate in our work every day. Our work environment is an open place where our creative input comes together to make finished designs something we are all truly happy with.</p>
<p>J: The best thing ever is when a bride lets us know she is completely in love with the wedding invitations we designed for her. We spend a lot of time and energy trying to make every little detail just perfect, and hearing positive feedback is the best reward imaginable.</p>
<p><strong>The worst?</strong><br />
A: My mac&#8217;s rainbow wheel and I have a love/hate relationship. I hate it, but love that it teaches me patience. :)</p>
<p>K: Deadlines! Having a big time crunch adds extra stress to my day, but on the flip slide I feel a good sense of accomplishment when we meet our deadlines—or even come in early!</p>
<p>J: Crunching numbers. It&#8217;s a necessary part of the job, but I don&#8217;t enjoy doing it.</p>
<p><strong>How do you tackle a creative block?</strong><br />
A: When possible, I love working on several different projects concurrently. When I get stuck I can hop over to another task, and then later return to the original task with some perspective. When that fails I can always find something totally unrelated on Pinterest to re-spark my creativity.</p>
<p>K: Switching over to another project for awhile or taking a quick break to get my mind off of the design problem. Then I&#8217;ll come back to it with a fresh eye and usually new ideas will start to pop up.</p>
<p>J: I&#8217;ve found the best way to fight creative blocks is to get outside and get some exercise. Usually a long walk somewhere pretty. The bigger the block, the longer the walk.</p>
<p><strong>What are you currently reading?</strong><br />
A: Anyone who knows me can attest to my love for audiobooks. I am excited to start <em>Scary Close</em> by Donald Miller.</p>
<p>K: I just finished reading <em>The Kite Runner</em> by Khaled Hosseini—it was a fantastic book, I couldn&#8217;t put it down—and now I&#8217;m listening to a new podcast series called <em>Invisiblia</em>. Not exactly a book but sometimes it&#8217;s often refreshing to listen while you work.</p>
<p>J: <em>Gone Girl</em> by Gillian Flynn. Promised myself I would read it before seeing the movie.</p>
<p><strong>What&#8217;s your favorite spot in the city and why?</strong><br />
A: Recently, my favorite place in San Diego has been my friend&#8217;s living room. So many good nights spent soaking up as much joy and wisdom as possible while laughing with friends.</p>
<p>K: The coffee shops. There is a huge variety in San Diego and each one has its own unique feel. They are also a great place to meet people who are working on something that they are passionate about.</p>
<p>J: I love Balboa Park. It&#8217;s the perfect place for just about any activity: picnic, reading, frisbee, exploring, birthday celebrations, walks, taking photos, lounging, sketching, thinking. Plus, it&#8217;s beautiful.</p>
<p><strong>What was the most awesome thing about today?</strong><br />
A: I went on a run after work today and saw the most amazing sunset over the park! It&#8217;s easy to forget to be grateful for our beautiful city, but today was a nice reminder that we&#8217;re so lucky to have springtime in February!</p>
<p>K: I met all my deadlines! Mission accomplished—and now I&#8217;m settling down with some hot chamomil<span style="color: #000000;">e tea and my sketchbook. </span></p>
<p>J: I spent some time this morning working on a new wedding invitation design. Any time I can get out the pens and pencils and do some illustration work is usually the most awesome part of my day.</p>
<p>Thanks, ladies! You can also find Sable &amp; Snow on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SableAndSnow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SableandSnow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/sableandsnow/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/sableandsnow/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.</p>
<p><em>Photo by Limelife Photography</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/7-questions-with-the-designers-of-sable-snow/">7 questions with the designers of sable &#038; snow</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
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		<title>7 questions with fashion blogger paulina of lil bits of chic</title>
		<link>http://mysocaldlife.com/fashion-blogger-paulina-of-lil-bits-of-chic/</link>
		<comments>http://mysocaldlife.com/fashion-blogger-paulina-of-lil-bits-of-chic/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2015 13:00:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Archana]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creative Profiles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lil bits of chic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[paulina]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mysocaldlife.com/?p=5512</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>In January 2013, I was fresh to San Diego, knew maybe two people, and was relearning how to drive after years of New York City life (for real). My technique for fighting this fish-out-of-water feeling? Attend networking and creative events like it was my job because, hey, I didn&#8217;t have a job anyway. One of [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/fashion-blogger-paulina-of-lil-bits-of-chic/">7 questions with fashion blogger paulina of lil bits of chic</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/paulina-lil-bits-of-chic.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5513" alt="Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic via My SoCal'd Life, a lifestyle blog" src="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/paulina-lil-bits-of-chic.jpg" width="660" height="471" /></a></p>
<p>In January 2013, I was fresh to San Diego, knew maybe two people, and was relearning how to drive after years of New York City life (for real). My technique for fighting this fish-out-of-water feeling? Attend networking and creative events like it was my job because, hey, I didn&#8217;t have a job anyway. One of the first events was a San Diego fashion blogger meet-up at the W Hotel, and it was there that I met the lovely Paulina, a financial analyst who moonlights as a fashion blogger over at <a href="http://www.lilbitsofchic.com/" target="_blank">Lil Bits of Chic</a>. She was so sweet and welcoming, and in these past two years and I run into Pau all over town at events. It&#8217;s always such a joy to see her smiling face.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m also so impressed that she holds down a busy day job and still has the time to have grown an impressive blog following. She&#8217;s been featured in <em>Lucky</em>, <em>People StyleWatch</em>, <em>Redbook</em>, and other outlets, and today I wanted to feature her on My SoCal&#8217;d Life. (That&#8217;s better than <em>Lucky</em> anyway, right?)</p>
<p>Today the born-and-raised San Diegan talks about the book she&#8217;s re-reading and the place that makes her get all the &#8220;I love San Diego&#8221; feelings&#8230;among other things.</p>
<p><span id="more-5512"></span></p>
<p><strong>Name</strong>: Paulina<br />
<strong>Age</strong>: 33<br />
<strong>Neighborhood</strong>: Eastlake, Chula Vista<br />
<strong>Profession</strong>: Financial Analyst by day, Fashion &amp; Lifestyle Blogger at <a href="http://www.lilbitsofchic.com/" target="_blank">lilbitsofchic.com</a> by night!</p>
<p><strong><em>What did you eat for breakfast today?</em></strong><br />
Today I worked out of our office building in La Jolla, so I treated myself to a bagel and a cup of regular Starbucks coffee from the cafeteria downstairs. I swear, I’m starting the diet tomorrow! *wink wink*</p>
<p><strong><em>What&#8217;s the best thing about your job?</em></strong><br />
Best thing about my day job as a financial analyst is the stability (steady income and work). Best thing about my “after-hours” job as a fashion blogger is that it keeps my creative side fulfilled and allows me to tap into my passions.</p>
<p><strong><em>The worst?</em></strong><br />
The worst part about my day job is it can be stressful with deadlines, projects, and meetings. The worst part about being a blogger is the time management; wanting to do more but not having the time to do what I feel I’m capable of doing in that area.</p>
<p><strong><em>How do you tackle a creative block?</em></strong><br />
I change gears. I’ll take that time to do stuff around the house, work on my day job, watch the <em>Real Housewives</em> of whatever—basically do anything that has nothing to do with being creative. As I see it, a creative block is my artsy side telling me to take a break and refresh. I have to trust that the ideas will start flowing again and they usually do.</p>
<p><strong><em>What are you currently reading?</em></strong><br />
During our recent move I uncovered a box full of books I acquired during my college days and found a book that was given to me by one of my career mentors called, <em>The Starbucks Experience: 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary</em> by Joseph A. Michelli. I remember reading it then and forgot where I left off, so I started from the beginning a couple of weeks back. It’s interesting because I’m reading it from a whole new perspective as a “bloggerpeneur” wanting to take my blog from ordinary to extraordinary.</p>
<p><strong><em>What&#8217;s your favorite spot in the city and why?</em></strong><br />
My absolute favorite spot is Harbor Island (like Island Prime, Tom Ham Lighthouse area) with a gorgeous view of the San Diego skyline, sunshine, boats, and all of those quintessential San Diego activities. It always evokes a “I love San Diego” from the fiancé and I.</p>
<p><strong><em>What was the most awesome thing about today?</em></strong><br />
The most awesome thing about today was that I got a lot of stuff done and I had enough energy to do it! Typically after a work day filled with conference calls followed by about an hour of traffic, all I want to do is be a bum at home, but today I went to get a manicure, met with my friend to give her an old futon, had my 11-year-old niece over at my house to work on her speech about how kids today take things for granted (how cute is that?!), and I even wedding planned. It was a day full of random productive activities!</p>
<p>Thanks, Pau! You can also follow her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LilBitsofChic" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/lilbitsofpau" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/lilbitsofpau" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/LilBitsofPau/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/fashion-blogger-paulina-of-lil-bits-of-chic/">7 questions with fashion blogger paulina of lil bits of chic</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
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		<title>7 questions with mimi &amp; lu designer michelle watson + a giveaway! [now closed]</title>
		<link>http://mysocaldlife.com/michelle-watson-mimi-lu/</link>
		<comments>http://mysocaldlife.com/michelle-watson-mimi-lu/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2015 13:00:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Archana]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creative Profiles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[giveaway]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[michelle watson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mimi & lu]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mysocaldlife.com/?p=5446</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>For jewelry designer Michelle Watson, it all started at Cirque du Soleil. More specifically, it started backstage, where she worked behind the scenes in props and wardrobe at the famed Canadian circus company. It was there that the performers kept asking Michelle where she got her self-made jewelry, and the idea for an official jewelry [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/michelle-watson-mimi-lu/">7 questions with mimi &#038; lu designer michelle watson + a giveaway! [now closed]</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Mimi-lu-jewelry-michelle-watson.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5447" alt="Mimi&amp;Lu jewelry designer Michelle Watson via My SoCal'd Life" src="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Mimi-lu-jewelry-michelle-watson.jpg" width="660" height="982" /></a></p>
<p>For jewelry designer Michelle Watson, it all started at Cirque du Soleil. More specifically, it started backstage, where she worked behind the scenes in props and wardrobe at the famed Canadian circus company. It was there that the performers kept asking Michelle where she got her self-made jewelry, and the idea for an official jewelry line came to life.</p>
<p>She launched <a href="http://mimiandlu.com/" target="_blank">Mimi &amp; Lu</a>—a combination of her name, her husband&#8217;s name (Michael) and her dog Lucca&#8217;s name—in San Diego in 2007 and has since been featured in <em>People</em> magazine, <em>Exquisite Weddings</em>, and other publications. Her line of delicate, handmade pieces includes charm necklaces, cuffs, dangly earrings, and rings. (The <a href="http://mimiandlu.com/collections/rings/products/esther-ring" target="_blank">Esther ring</a> is my absolute favorite!)</p>
<p>Today Michelle talks about her love/hate work relationship and being a city girl at heart&#8230;among other things. Plus, read a head for a giveaway and special discount for My SoCal&#8217;d Life readers!</p>
<p><span id="more-5446"></span></p>
<p><strong>Name</strong>: Michelle Watson<br />
<strong>Age</strong>: 37<br />
<strong>Neighborhood</strong>: Little Italy (home), Gaslamp (studio)<br />
<strong>Profession</strong>: <a href="http://mimiandlu.com/" target="_blank">Jewelry Designer</a>/Business Owner</p>
<p><em><strong>What did you eat for breakfast today?</strong></em><br />
That saying &#8220;But first, coffee&#8221; could be stamped on my forehead. A coffee with cream, no sugar, followed by yogurt, berries, and granola (my go-to for any meal), scarfed down on my walk from my home to the studio.</p>
<p><em><strong>What&#8217;s the best thing about your job?</strong></em><br />
At the end of the day, everything is up to me.</p>
<p><em><strong>The worst?</strong></em><br />
At the end of the day, everything is up to me&#8230;it&#8217;s a love/hate.</p>
<p><em><strong>How do you tackle a creative block?</strong></em><br />
More materials and more coffee. If that doesn&#8217;t work, I clean my space. I work best on a clean and organized surface, but my jewelry workspace is generally a little chaotic. Believe it or not, I&#8217;ve had more than one design come out of simply the way things were piled onto the table. In the middle of the pile, a certain stone might be lying next to another unexpected element and in that moment the design clicks. So maybe chaos is not so bad after all.</p>
<p><strong><em>What are you currently reading?</em></strong><br />
I have a two-year-old, so <em>Goodnight Moon</em> or <em>Goodnight Ocean,</em> and then I tackle the 28,000 unread emails in my inbox.</p>
<p><strong><em>What&#8217;s your favorite spot in the San Diego and why?</em></strong><br />
There is a section downtown, it&#8217;s maybe four square blocks around 7th and B, that when I walk through reminds me of a larger metropolitan area. It&#8217;s the combination of many things—the diversity of people, the busyness, the way the height of the buildings create shade—I love it. I am a city girl at heart.</p>
<p><strong><em>What was the most awesome thing about today?</em></strong><br />
The online retailer, Revolve, received our opening order today! We are thrilled to be working with them and look forward to seeing Mimi &amp; Lu live on their site.</p>
<p>Michelle and I are also partnering up to <strong>give away $50 in credit</strong> to her online shop (for a purchase of $50 or more, excluding tax and shipping). Here&#8217;s how you can win:</p>
<p>1. Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. There are multiple ways to enter, so the more times you enter, the better your chances of winning.<br />
2. The contest will run until 11:59 p.m. PST on Thursday, February 12, after which a winner will be chosen at random.<br />
3. Open to U.S. residents only.</p>
<p><strong>We&#8217;re also offering a special 15% off your order for any My SoCal&#8217;d Life reader through the end of the month! </strong>Just enter SOCALD15 at checkout (ends 2/28/2015).</p>
<p>Good luck and happy Friday!</p>
<p><a class="rcptr" id="rcwidget_li2pez0d" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0f6ff5645/" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="0f6ff5645" data-theme="classic" data-template="">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>***This giveaway has closed. Congratulations to Allison K.!***</em></p>
<p><em>Photo: <a href="http://www.jenandbec.com/" target="_blank">Jen and Bec Photography</a></em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/michelle-watson-mimi-lu/">7 questions with mimi &#038; lu designer michelle watson + a giveaway! [now closed]</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
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		<title>7 questions with florist claudia cruz of la belle bloom</title>
		<link>http://mysocaldlife.com/claudia-cruz-florist-la-belle-bloom/</link>
		<comments>http://mysocaldlife.com/claudia-cruz-florist-la-belle-bloom/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2015 13:00:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Archana]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creative Profiles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[claudia cruz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[floral designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[florist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[la belle bloom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Little Italy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mysocaldlife.com/?p=5395</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>A European-inspired flower cart bursting with bright blooms smack dab in San Diego&#8217;s Little Italy—could there be anything more charming? That&#8217;s the idea behind Claudia Cruz&#8217;s solo flower operation, La Belle Bloom, located in the pedestrian-friendly &#8216;hood, where customers become friends and people-watching is a wonderful perk of the job. But Claudia&#8217;s also a very [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/claudia-cruz-florist-la-belle-bloom/">7 questions with florist claudia cruz of la belle bloom</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claudia-la-belle-bloom-little-italy.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5396" alt="Little Italy flower cart, San Diego // My SoCal'd Life" src="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claudia-la-belle-bloom-little-italy.jpg" width="660" height="884" /></a></p>
<p>A European-inspired flower cart bursting with bright blooms smack dab in San Diego&#8217;s Little Italy—could there be anything more charming? That&#8217;s the idea behind Claudia Cruz&#8217;s solo flower operation, <a href="http://labellebloom.squarespace.com/" target="_blank">La Belle Bloom</a>, located in the pedestrian-friendly &#8216;hood, where customers become friends and people-watching is a wonderful perk of the job. But Claudia&#8217;s also a very in-demand floral designer, creating custom arrangements for special occasions (ahem, Valentine&#8217;s Day) as well as weddings. In fact, she designed the flowers for one of the <a href="http://exquisiteweddingsmagazine.com/2015/01/15/la-jolla-cove-museum-wedding/" target="_blank">recent weddings I blogged about</a> in my side gig as a blogger for <em>Exquisite Weddings</em>&#8216; <a href="http://exquisiteweddingsmagazine.com/category/bride-suite/" target="_blank">The Bride Suite</a>. Oh, and she makes a killer Frida Kahlo costume, no?</p>
<p>Today she chats about chilaquiles and finding peace in tall buildings&#8230;among other things.</p>
<p><a href="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/la-belle-bloom-san-diego.jpeg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5402" alt="La Belle Bloom flower cart in San Diego // My SoCal'd Life" src="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/la-belle-bloom-san-diego.jpeg" width="660" height="991" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Name</strong>: Claudia Cruz<br />
<strong>Age</strong>: 23<br />
<strong>Neighborhood</strong>: University Heights, San Diego<br />
<strong>Job</strong>: Owner/operator of <a href="http://labellebloom.squarespace.com/" target="_blank">La Belle Bloom</a></p>
<p><em><strong>What did you eat for breakfast today?</strong></em><br />
This morning I ate chilaquiles (fried tortillas with a spicy sauce) with mushrooms and avocado. I&#8217;ve recently gotten into waking up early enough to make and enjoy a good breakfast!</p>
<p><em><strong>What&#8217;s the best thing about your job?</strong></em><br />
Best thing about my job is getting to work and play with flowers all day, it really doesn&#8217;t get old. Having friends and regulars come by and have a coffee and a chat. I also love crazy go, go, go days (hello, Valentine&#8217;s Day!).</p>
<p><em><strong>The worst?</strong></em><br />
Interestingly the thing I like least about my job is being a business owner. You take your work home with you, there is never an OFF button. It&#8217;s also scary to never really know what kind of a sales week/month you will have.</p>
<p><em><strong>How do you tackle a creative block?</strong></em><br />
The only way I can really tackle a creative block is to walk away from a project. Sleep it off and when you are ready, talk to people because even if they are not in the same creative industry, they have insight to offer.</p>
<p><em><strong>What are you currently reading?</strong></em><br />
I am currently reading <em>Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital</em> by Eric Manheimer, M.D. which are true stories by told by a doctor at Bellevue Hospital in New York about patients he has helped or failed to help. I love hearing/reading stories about people&#8217;s lives. I am also reading <em>Mexico: The Cookbook</em> by Margarita Carrillo Arronte. There is an entire section dedicated to sauces and salsas!</p>
<p><em><strong>What&#8217;s your favorite spot in San Diego and why?</strong></em><br />
Anywhere <em>in</em> the city. I get a sense of calm when I am anywhere within the confines of the big buildings, it&#8217;s odd to describe. I&#8217;ve felt this way since I was in middle school and learned to ride the bus and could go anywhere I wanted! Downtown was always it.</p>
<p><em><strong>What was the most awesome thing about today?</strong></em><br />
This is cheesy, but I am so so thankful for the opportunity to be alive. And an even bigger bonus, that I am healthy! Totally and completely priceless.</p>
<p>Thanks, Claudia! You can also find her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/labellebloom" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/labellebloom" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/labellebloom/?z=1" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.</p>
<p><em>Photo via Claudia Cruz</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/claudia-cruz-florist-la-belle-bloom/">7 questions with florist claudia cruz of la belle bloom</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
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		<title>7 questions with food blogger holly haines</title>
		<link>http://mysocaldlife.com/7-questions-with-food-blogger-and-maker-holly-haines/</link>
		<comments>http://mysocaldlife.com/7-questions-with-food-blogger-and-maker-holly-haines/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2015 15:42:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Archana]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creative Profiles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beyonce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FMITK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holly Haines]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mysocaldlife.com/?p=5310</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>A culinary ode to Beyonce is what first caught my eye. An appreciation for food that&#8217;s equal parts beautiful and ooey-gooey comfort was the other. I stumbled upon both in Holly Haines&#8217; Instagram feed, and that&#8217;s how I knew this was a gal I should be following. Holly is a self-proclaimed &#8220;foodmaker&#8221; who shares her [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/7-questions-with-food-blogger-and-maker-holly-haines/">7 questions with food blogger holly haines</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/holly-haines-FMITK.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5311" alt="holly-haines-FMITK" src="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/holly-haines-FMITK.jpg" width="660" height="440" /></a></p>
<p>A <a href="http://instagram.com/p/s2vBHyxREQ/?modal=true" target="_blank">culinary ode to Beyonce</a> is what first caught my eye. An appreciation for food that&#8217;s equal parts <a href="http://instagram.com/p/utiASkRRMB/?modal=true" target="_blank">beautiful and ooey-gooey comfort</a> was the other. I stumbled upon both in <a href="http://instagram.com/frommyimpossiblytinykitchen/" target="_blank">Holly Haines&#8217; Instagram feed</a>, and that&#8217;s how I knew this was a gal I should be following.</p>
<p>Holly is a self-proclaimed &#8220;foodmaker&#8221; who shares her recipes on <a href="http://www.fmitk.com/" target="_blank">FMITK</a> (From My Impossibly Tiny Kitchen) and has been featured on <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/2014/6/10/holly-haines-asks-will-it-pretzel" target="_blank">FoodandWine.com</a>, thanks in part to her wildly popular <a href="http://www.fmitk.com/2014/02/pretzel-sticky-buns-with-nutella-and-hazelnuts-a-k-a-the-pretzky-bun/" target="_blank">Pretzky Bun recipe</a> (a pretzel meets a sticky bun). If that shouldn&#8217;t give you a clue about her creative twist on things, then take a look at this <a href="http://www.fmitk.com/2014/09/we-like-to-party-culinary-ode-beyonce/" target="_blank">Beyonce-themed dinner party</a> she cooked up. Drunk in Rub chicken wings, anyone?</p>
<p>Today Holly talks about why feeding people is so special and people-watching&#8230;among other things.</p>
<p><strong>Name</strong>: Holly Haines<br />
<strong>Age</strong>: 32<br />
<strong>Neighborhood</strong>: University Heights, San Diego<br />
<strong>Job</strong>: Foodmaker @ <a href="http://www.fmitk.com/" target="_blank">FMITK.com</a></p>
<p><em><strong>What did you eat for breakfast today?</strong></em><br />
Coffee. I&#8217;m horrible at eating breakfast, but it&#8217;s something I&#8217;m trying to work on this year.</p>
<p><em><strong>What&#8217;s the best thing about your job?</strong></em><br />
Experimenting with different flavors and spices, then getting to share those experiments with the people I love. Feeding people is my higher vibration.</p>
<p><em><strong>The worst?</strong></em><br />
The food fails. Nothing hurts more than looking forward to a dish and having it turn out horribly.</p>
<p><em><strong>How do you tackle a creative block?</strong></em><br />
I usually meditate. Or try to focus on something completely different—that&#8217;s when a spark of inspiration usually happens.</p>
<p><em><strong>What are you currently reading?</strong></em><br />
<em>The Professional Chef—</em>it&#8217;s the textbook used at the Culinary Institute of America. There are so many technical terms I have yet to learn!</p>
<p><em><strong>What&#8217;s your favorite spot in San Diego and why?</strong></em><br />
My favorite spot is anywhere with delicious coffee and people-watching.</p>
<p><em><strong>What was the most awesome thing about today?</strong></em><br />
Waking up and breathing. The day exists, and so do I&#8230; that&#8217;s awesome enough for me.</p>
<p>Thanks, Holly! You can also find her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fmitk" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/frommyimpossiblytinykitchen" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/itsfmitk" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/fmitk" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.</p>
<p><em>Photo Credit: Mikee Catacutan</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/7-questions-with-food-blogger-and-maker-holly-haines/">7 questions with food blogger holly haines</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
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		<title>7 questions with writer-photographer kate bello</title>
		<link>http://mysocaldlife.com/kate-bello-writer-photographer/</link>
		<comments>http://mysocaldlife.com/kate-bello-writer-photographer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2015 13:00:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Archana]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creative Profiles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kate Bello]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mysocaldlife.com/?p=5282</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Kate and I first met on a press trip, and soon after we exchanged info, we realized we had a lot in common—a love for travel, writing, natural beauty, and healthy eating. I know, one could say you can throw a stone and find people like that in Southern California, but I really connected with [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/kate-bello-writer-photographer/">7 questions with writer-photographer kate bello</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/kate-bello-DIY-lotion-scrub.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5284" alt="Kate Bello" src="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/kate-bello-DIY-lotion-scrub.jpg" width="660" height="660" /></a></p>
<p>Kate and I first met on a press trip, and soon after we exchanged info, we realized we had a lot in common—a love for travel, writing, natural beauty, and healthy eating. I know, one could say you can throw a stone and find people like that in Southern California, but I really connected with Kate&#8217;s thoughtful, meditative style. She seemed smart, focused, and talented. A quick glance at her excellent <a href="http://www.katebello.com/" target="_blank">writing-photography-DIY site</a>, and you&#8217;ll see that all of the above rings true.</p>
<p>In the spirit of the new year and healthy starts, you should check out her inspiring post on her <a href="http://www.katebello.com/blog/2014/04/my-daily-wellness-routine" target="_blank">daily wellness routine</a> and details about <a href="http://www.katebello.com/blog/2014/8/announcing-my-first-book?rq=book" target="_blank">a book she&#8217;s writing</a> (!). And in the spirit of my 7 Questions With series, Kate talks about the opposite of a creative block and why her North County neighborhood is so dang special&#8230;among other things.</p>
<p><strong>Name</strong>: Kate Bello<br />
<strong>Age</strong>: 35<br />
<strong>Neighborhood</strong>: Leucadia, Encinitas<br />
<strong>Job</strong>: <a href="http://www.katebello.com/" target="_blank">Writer/Photographer/Blogger</a></p>
<p><strong>What did you eat for breakfast today?</strong><br />
Homemade banana ice cream with dates and cacao nibs.</p>
<p><strong><em>What&#8217;s the best thing about your job?</em></strong><br />
Being creative. Everything that I truly want to do comes back to that feeling of being a kid again when all I did was draw and make up stories. Now I take photographs and write stories.</p>
<p><strong><em>The worst?</em></strong><br />
I put a lot of pressure on myself, which is something I need to work on.</p>
<p><strong><em>How do you tackle a creative block?</em></strong><br />
Honestly, I rarely have a creative block. I have the opposite problem where I think of way too many projects I want to do. So, for me, I have to tackle decision-making and really only choose projects that deep down I want to do as opposed to what I think I should do.</p>
<p><em><strong>What are you currently reading?</strong></em><br />
Just finished <em>Wild</em>. Loved it. Now I want to do something drastic and crazy in 2015.</p>
<p><em><strong>What&#8217;s your favorite spot in the city and why?</strong></em><br />
Hands down, Leucadia. This place reminds me of my childhood in Ventura, CA. Can’t beat the laid-back vibe.</p>
<p><em><strong>What was the most awesome thing about today?</strong></em><br />
Hmmm, the fact that I’m here in beautiful San Diego, that I have people I love around me and that I haven’t given up on my dream.</p>
<p>Thanks, Kate! You can also find her on <a href="http://instagram.com/kate_bello_" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/katebello" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kate_bello/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/kate_bello_" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/kate-bello-writer-photographer/">7 questions with writer-photographer kate bello</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
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		<title>7 questions with beverage director terri wedell</title>
		<link>http://mysocaldlife.com/waters-fine-catering-terri-wedell/</link>
		<comments>http://mysocaldlife.com/waters-fine-catering-terri-wedell/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2014 13:00:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Archana]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creative Profiles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[terri wedell]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mysocaldlife.com/?p=5217</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Terri Wedell has a job most people fantasize about, serving as a marketing coordinator for a fine foods cafe/catering business while sipping and sampling wine all day as the brand&#8217;s beverage director. I&#8217;m so used to seeing men dominate the restaurant and wine scene that it&#8217;s so refreshing to see a woman running things. And as I soon [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/waters-fine-catering-terri-wedell/">7 questions with beverage director terri wedell</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/terri-waters-catering.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5218" alt="terri-waters-catering" src="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/terri-waters-catering.jpg" width="660" height="440" /></a></p>
<p>Terri Wedell has a job most people fantasize about, serving as a marketing coordinator for <a href="http://www.waterscatering.com/" target="_blank">a fine foods cafe/catering business</a> while sipping and sampling wine all day as the brand&#8217;s beverage director. I&#8217;m so used to seeing men dominate the restaurant and wine scene that it&#8217;s so refreshing to see a woman running things. And as I soon learned after meeting her a few months ago, Terri&#8217;s also fun, smart and charming to boot.</p>
<p>Today she chats about drinking champagne in bed and social media addiction&#8230;among other things.</p>
<p><strong>Name</strong>: Terri Wedell<br />
<strong>Age</strong>: 28<br />
<strong>Neighborhood</strong>: Golden Hill/South Park<br />
<strong>Job</strong>: Beverage Director &amp; Marketing Coordinator at <a href="http://www.waterscatering.com/" target="_blank">Waters Fine Catering</a></p>
<p><em><strong>What did you eat for breakfast today?</strong></em><br />
Organic eggs and green tea. I am definitely not a morning person, so I need a very strict breakfast routine in order to make it out of the door in time. Although if today were Saturday morning, I would be sipping a glass of champagne… in bed!</p>
<p><em><strong>What&#8217;s the best thing about your job?</strong></em><br />
Without a doubt the people that I work with at Waters, and all the people I have met in this industry over the years. There is such a camaraderie between the people that work in restaurants. I think it’s really hard to completely understand all that we do and the mindset behind it, unless you have experienced it for yourself.</p>
<p><em><strong>The worst?</strong></em><br />
That the wine cellar at Waters isn’t my own personal sipping cup?!? It’s pretty drool-worthy to say the least.</p>
<p><strong><em>How do you tackle a creative block</em>?</strong><br />
Instagram &amp; Pinterest! I love scrolling around throughout the day, even if it’s just looking at things that are completely unrelated to what I am working on. I feel like I always come away inspired. #SocialMediaAddict</p>
<p><em><strong>What are you currently reading?</strong></em><br />
<em>Gone Girl</em>. Yeah, yeah, I know I am a couple years behind on this one, but I am completely addicted! I even read it while I am stopped at red lights.</p>
<p><strong>What&#8217;s your favorite spot in San Diego and why?</strong><br />
Without a doubt Torrey Pines. I grew up right across the lagoon and it reminds me so much of my childhood. Busting out a morning workout while breathing in that view is so refreshing.</p>
<p><em><strong>What was the most awesome thing about today?</strong></em><br />
The aromas wafting from our kitchen doing some heavy holiday prep! It’s a combination of everything festive you can imagine… Brioche Bread Pudding, Fresh Cranberry Compote, Roast Turkey &amp; Gravy, Salted Caramel Valrhona Brownies, I could go on and on. It&#8217;s a pretty dangerous place to work and stay in shape!</p>
<p>Thanks, Terri! You can also find her on <a href="http://instagram.com/terriwedell/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/terri_wedell/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, and Waters on <a href="https://twitter.com/WatersCatering" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/waters-fine-catering-terri-wedell/">7 questions with beverage director terri wedell</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
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		<title>7 questions with designer ashley ann bennett + a giveaway! [closed]</title>
		<link>http://mysocaldlife.com/artist-desginer-ashley-ann-bennett/</link>
		<comments>http://mysocaldlife.com/artist-desginer-ashley-ann-bennett/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2014 13:00:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Archana]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creative Profiles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[accessories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ashley ann bennett]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[giveaway]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p>To go along with Wednesday&#8217;s small business-themed gift guide, today I&#8217;m sharing a 7 Questions With artist and designer Ashley Ann Bennett, whose shop includes hand-painted and hand-cut leather accessories as well as hand-painted clothing, like tanks, scarves and leggings. (Must add this to my yoga wardrobe.) I met Ashley at a holiday shopping event [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/artist-desginer-ashley-ann-bennett/">7 questions with designer ashley ann bennett + a giveaway! [closed]</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/ashley-ann-bennett-etsy.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5170" alt="artist/designer Ashley Ann Bennett // My SoCal'd Life" src="http://mysocaldlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/ashley-ann-bennett-etsy.jpg" width="660" height="452" /></a></p>
<p>To go along with <a href="http://mysocaldlife.com/2014-gift-guide/" target="_blank">Wednesday&#8217;s small business-themed gift guide</a>, today I&#8217;m sharing a 7 Questions With artist and designer <a href="http://instagram.com/p/vj_-wSEDP6/?modal=true" target="_blank">Ashley Ann Bennett</a>, whose shop includes hand-painted and hand-cut leather accessories as well as hand-painted clothing, like tanks, scarves and leggings. (Must add <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/157005997/peacock-yoga-tank-top-hand-painted?ref=shop_home_active_15" target="_blank">this</a> to my yoga wardrobe.) I met Ashley at a holiday shopping event at <a href="http://theheadquarters.com/" target="_blank">The Headquarters</a> recently and was so impressed by the detail and creativity in each of her designs.</p>
<p>Today she talks about setting her own schedule and watching seals in La Jolla&#8230;among other things. Plus, we&#8217;re giving away $50 to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ashleyannbennett" target="_blank">Ashley&#8217;s Etsy shop</a>! More on that below&#8230;</p>
<p><strong>Name</strong>: Ashley Ann Bennett<br />
<strong>Age</strong>: 27<br />
<strong>Neighborhood</strong>: My studio is in Point Loma &amp; I live in La Jolla<br />
<strong>Job</strong>: Artist/Designer</p>
<p><em><strong>What did you eat for breakfast today?</strong></em><br />
Greek yogurt with fresh berries &amp; gluten free granola, yum!</p>
<p><em><strong>What&#8217;s the best thing about your job?</strong></em><br />
The best thing is getting to paint and create everyday, it’s how my mind has always worked and being able to make a living from ideas that just pop into my head is just amazing! I also love being able to set my own schedule and travel when I want to.</p>
<p><em><strong>The worst?</strong></em><br />
It takes a lot of energy and time to run the business side of things: shipping, customer service, inventory, ordering. It’s a lot to do on top of designing and painting every item.</p>
<p><em><strong>How do you tackle a creative block?</strong></em><br />
When I feel my creative juices are blocked it’s always related to stress. Being outside breathing the fresh air some how puts things in perspective for me, I take my dog, Hercules, to Sunset Cliffs or to the park near my house and we just run around.</p>
<p><em><strong>What are you currently reading?</strong></em><br />
<em>Mine Until</em> by Jessica Yaffa. Jessica is the founder of a San Diego non-profit (<a href="http://nomore.org/" target="_blank">No Silence No Violence</a>). Her book outlines her life and story that drove her to help women &amp; children escape the hold of domestic violence. It is heart-wrenching but so moving!</p>
<p><em><strong>What&#8217;s your favorite spot in San Diego and why?</strong></em><br />
I love walking around downtown La Jolla, watching the seals sun bathe, popping in and out of the shops. Plus there are amazing restaurants!</p>
<p><em><strong>What was the most awesome thing about today?</strong></em><br />
Today I got to play around with a new design, a snowflake cuff for the upcoming holiday. I get so much energy and excitement when an idea comes to life and goes from being a doodle to becoming wearable art!</p>
<p>And because it&#8217;s the holiday season and I love my readers so, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>I&#8217;ve partnered with Ashley to give away one $50 gift card to her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ashleyannbennett" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>!</strong></span> Yes, you can pick <em>anything</em> you want from the shop, and here&#8217;s how:</p>
<p>1. Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. There are multiple ways to enter, so the more times you enter, the better your chances of winning.<br />
2. The contest will run until 11:59 p.m. PST on Thursday, December 11, after which a winner will be chosen at random.<br />
3. Open to U.S. residents only.</p>
<p>Good luck and happy Friday!</p>
<p><a class="rcptr" id="rcwidget_xxk1ue27" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0f6ff5644/" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="0f6ff5644" data-theme="classic" data-template="">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></p>
<p><em>Photo by Pablø Gándara Pizá</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***Congratulations to the giveaway winner, LaMesha Staples***</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com/artist-desginer-ashley-ann-bennett/">7 questions with designer ashley ann bennett + a giveaway! [closed]</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mysocaldlife.com">My SoCal&#039;d Life</a>.</p>
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