Interview with Alexia

Without further ado here is Alexia. She has designed my business cards, blog header, and the store headers/avatars for both my Etsy and 1000Markets stores. She is wonderful to work with and I highly recommend her.

1. Who are you and where are you from?

My name is Alexia and I am from the Kansas City metro area. I grew up in Leavenworth, KS and moved to KC after my marriage to my husband, David. I liked the small town feel of Leavenworth, but I wanted to live in a larger city.

2. Why do you do what you do?

I currently am a freelance graphic designer. I work out of my home. I consider myself a stay-at-home mom. When my 3 year old goes down for a nap, I work. When my daughter goes to bed, I work. I don't watch TV too often, so designing is a great way to spend my evenings.

3. When did you start your craft?

I have always enjoyed the subject of art. In college, I realized that I would actually have to pay my own bills one day, so graphic design was the perfect medium. I could earn a living as a professional, and earn a solid income at the same time. I have always monitored design trends and been very conscious of color trends and patterns so it was a good fit for me. I have always been a bit of an entrepreneur, so it seemed the perfect thing to do once I began staying home with my daughter.

4. Would you rather miss the beginning or the end of a movie?

I would rather miss the entire movie! I laugh. I do enjoy movies, but I would never go see a move without being coaxed. Really and truly I enjoy a beer out on the porch with my husband on a warm night full of laughter.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop?

My new favorite item is a new listing for blog design. The imagery is sophisticated and trendy. The colors are neutral but the design would look great with any color scheme.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27766044

6. What do you think of the phrase "Handmade Revolution"?

I believe it's a solid reminder that certain subsets of the American population won't let Walmart-esque corporations rule our economy, therefore our lives. It's a fight that we are all willing to partake in little by little and together we are a revolution. It's also an emotional phrase. When a piece of artwork, clothing or craft is handmade and sold, it means that a piece of the crafter/artisan goes with their product to a new home. I create work with my heart and soul. So do toy makers, clothes designers, jewelry artisans, it never stops. It's part of who we are. We are not factory workers (though if business is good it may feel like it!). We are artisans and crafters.

7. Where can we find you on the Internet?

My Etsy store: http://www.babeeling.com/

My blog portfolio: http://avdportfolio.blogspot.com/

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shawnee-Mission-KS/Babeeling-Design-Boutique/93526381444

Here are a few of my favorite picks from Alexia:

Interview with Moxie Rotten

There is a new Bad Cat in this household. She actually isn't that that new, she's been here about 6 months. I gathered some past history on her and wore a longsleeve shirt and protective goggles before the interview.

Moxie Rotten is about 2 years old and was adopted from PetSmart. Apparently she had two litters and was pretty much neglected. The numbnut who adopted her was taken in by her fiesty personality, pretty coloring and vibrant yellow eyes (some people call them creepy). Since bringing home a new cat really needed the okay from the rest of the household, the woman left and whined on the phone to her husband on how the current feline resident needed a friend. Since he wasn't yielding very well, the big guns were brought out in the form of a phone call to the the Husband's Mother***. She has a history of adopting cats and dogs, so additional support was given, another phone call was made to the Husband, and he was told, "Your mother thinks it is a good idea", or something along those lines. So the little thing was brought home and it is happily ever after...yeah, right.

***Only try this tactic if a) you get along with your MIL and b) you think she will agree with you.

Name: Moxie Rotten. She was originally named Moxie Chutzpah, but after she peed on the bed, with the human in it, the second moniker was dropped and "Rotten" was put in its place.

Birthday: Undetermined, although her age is likely to be around 2.

Weight: She's 10 pounds now because she eats like there is no tomorrow. The Vet Tech was crazy enough to put her on the scale.

Favorite person: Noone. She hates people, especially the woman who picks her up, gives her kisses, and tells her "I love you". You would think the woman would get smart after being bitten on the nose several times, but she doesn't.

Favorite sports: Sleeping, all you can eat contests, and scratching.

Favorite food: Pretty much anything that falls on the floor.

Biggest dislike: Besides human beings, she doesn't like loud noises.

Hobbies: Beating up the other cat, peeing on beds, and looking for food.

Vice: Gluttony and commandeering the red chair.

Bad Habits: Scratching, biting, peeing on beds.

Fears: None whatsoever...did I mention she has sharp claws and a nasty bite?

Best feature: Obviously not her personality. She is just the damn cutest thing. Her whiskers are long and droopy and make her look adorable.

Favorite Accessories: The black and white gingham collar the little guy picked out...it has a bell (so the humans can run away when they hear her), and her up to date vaccinations.

Quoted as saying: "Better inside and fat, than outside and flat" and "Go to your local shelter and adopt a pet today".

Favorite Celebrity: Bob Barker aka. Mr. "Don't Forget to Spay and Neuter your Pets".

Note...to get pet stains out of virtually anything try Nature's Miracle. I've used it time and time again (unfortunately), it really does work ,and I highly recommend it.

Although Moxie's personality leaves a lot to be desired, she is quite loved. She is so freaking cute and is actually quite inspirational to me.

My update...

Holy crap! I just climbed out from under my rock and realised I have not updated this since they invented sliced bread... You would not believe how much more of a drama I could make that. Seriously! I am totally and utterly flat out with learning to play lawn bowls, spending my husband's money, and just generally being a hindrance to anyone unfortunate to cross my path. My day starts with the dawn patrol from 8am to 11pm at which point I fall asleep on the couch. I am wearing my budgie smugglers. but who cares. I won't promise anything to you but that when the weather turns bad, I will blog more often. Seriously! This is for my ever faithful, devoted public.

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