Hello sweet friends!
Ah, I love this lady that we are having tea with today. She is a sweetheart and so very talented. She makes lovely & personal things for us all to enjoy but, did you know she is also an architect? And does gorgeous architectural renderings on her other etsy shop? Yes, she is talented, lovely and sweet! So, grab a cuppa and settle in....it is time to get to know Vana a little bit better! :)
Melis's questions:
1. 3 living things you treasure
- My boys
- my family (who unfortunately lives far away from me, sigh*)
- the ocean (actually the sea would be more accurate)
2. 3 non-living things that you treasure
- the letters my mother wrote to me during my first year in the States. They kept me going and made me believe in myself.
- pictures of my family (they remind me of the past, my childhood)
- my father’s ring (we share first initials). He gave it to me on my wedding day. I rarely wear it but it’s there to give me comfort when needed.
3. favorite time of the year and why
I would have to say Fall. I love the different colors and the aroma in the air. It’s the perfect weather in Chicago too.
4. favorite things to wear
-layered tops
- jeans
- flip flops
- cute summery dresses
5. are you a perfume wearer ? If yes, which one? / top 3 favorite smells
- I used to…my scent was Lacoste Femme but since the birth of my son I don’t like wearing much perfume. He likes to be close to me and I don’t want to confuse him with a scent other than my own.
6. favorite animal
- my family’s dog
7. top three events in your life(so far)
-my wedding day
-the birth of my son
-starting my own business
8. top three favorite small pleasures
-getting between white/freshly laundered linens.
-taking naps with my son
-snacking on cheese and sipping wine with my hubby when our son calls it a day. It’s the only time the two of us can spend some good time with each other without interruption.
9. top 3 favorite places in the world( you have visited or would like to visit)
-Greece/Albania (they go together-I visit them every year and I love it every time)
-Paris (want to go there with my man!)
-Spain (want to go there….with my man!)
10. top 3 favorite sounds
-my son calling me in the morning
-the sound of the waves (I will never grow old of this sound – i miss it terribly!)
-the sweet little voices of my niece and nephew who live in Greece and I get to see once a year.
11. top 3 favorite things to eat
-cheese
-bread
-grapes
12. 3 favorite favorites right now! (from etsy or elsewhere)
- everything with a silhouette on it (silhouettes are making a comeback and I love seeing all the different ways to display them)
-I love everything from this shop
-my bonbon
-my Andrea ring (Melis's note: Aw..thank you so much sweet Vana!)
13. 3 small ways someone has made your day lately
- the kindness of my fellow blogger friends. Their support and sweet words keep me going
-my dear hubby who would take our son for a couple of hours so that I can work in peace.
-having a phone conversation with an old friend.
14. 3 small habits/quirks you have that make you specifically you!
- I freak out if accidentally my hubby sleeps on my pillow. Vise versa I can’t sleep on someone else’s pillow…EVER..
-I am good at making important decisions, but I can’t decide between a brown or black pair of sandals…Seriously, it takes me hours and than some more!
-I smell everything before putting it in my mouth (it’s strange how my son does this too now!)
Ez's Questions:
15.-Describe your life using 6 words maximum (for each time frame).
PAST: insecure, scattered, unhappy
PRESENT: found, happy, secure, in love, complete
FUTURE: complete, achieved, in love
16. You are truly passionate about indie and handmade goods, tell us how that interest was formed:
As an architect I was trained to have an eye for design. As a mother I find myself in love with anything simple yet timeless that surrounds me.
I am always inspired by the talent out there. Etsy is my number 1 source of inspiration but I also follow a handful of blogs that fit my taste.
17. favorite books, films, and music... list 3 of your favorites in each category here:
Books: Bridget Jone’s diary, and Bridget Jones –the edge of reason
Films: Amelie, Under the Tuscan Sun, Mama Mia,
Music: anything Greek ( the older the better).
Seventeen – by Keren Ann (such a sweet voice!) anything really by this singer.
Ordinary Day by Emily Mover…
My all time favorite is the soundtrack from Amelie. It has the ability to pick me up at any given moment.
18 .Name 3 words that you can't stand, and 3 that you love:
Words I can’t stand: hate
Words I love : lovely, blissful, white, clean
19. What are a few of the goals you have for your future and how do you plan on making them a reality?
-right now I am trying to find some way to cut back on some of the work I do…I am eagerly waiting for some part time help which will help me delegate some of the work.
-I want to take a photography class
-take a trip to Paris and Spain.
20. What is the best piece of advice you've ever heard?
Your job won’t take care of you when you’re sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch!
21. what is your favorite quote and why?
"Every time you smile at someone,it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."
~ Mother Teresa
This quote makes my day every single time. It reminds me of the small, simple things in life we so often take for granted. A smile can make a difference at any given moment. It can brighten any day.
That is so true Vana, I love that quote and thank you SO much for being a part of this series! It s such an honor to have you my friend. And a complete pleasure to get to know you a little bit better! Have a fantastic wednesday friends and I will see you back here tomorrow for "the little things".
xo
Melis & Ez
