At the risk of being totally cliche as we approach the New Year, I have to tell you guys something…

I’ve been working out like a maniac (and I kinda like it!)

I started going to spinning classes regularly in the summer and have kept up the work twice a week since.  If you are thinking about picking up a new activity, I’d highly recommend spinning.  It’s a killer workout overall, and it’s enjoyable (a total bonus!)

Want to know more? Learn more about spinning here.

The second thing I just recently started in mid-November is training for a 5k that’s happening April 2012.  I never wanted to “train” for a 5k because I’m one of those people that either wants to run a marathon or skip running altogether.  However, my doctor told me that she was training for a 5k, and it gave me some inspiration.

I downloaded this app for my iPad and started training.

And I seriously love it.

Don’t worry, I’m not one of those “I run everyday” people (yet), but I am genuinely enjoying it!

The app is great, and the training plan is super easy.  It promises to turn non-runners into 3.1-mile runners in 2 short months.  I was slightly skeptical since I really hate running, so I am doing the training over the span of 4-5 months.

So far, so good people. I’m shocked.

I think too often we do cool things and don’t tell anyone about it.  I wanted to share this new excitement over exercise not to brag, but to give a pat on the back where it’s due.  Plus, how many of us have picked something up because we heard someone else liked it?  Maybe you guys will try out spinning or running!

After all the New Year’s Eve booze and yummy food though, right?  Right!

- Jackie

Meet Etsy seller Ioanna Pattichi, the amazing graphic designer and illustrator behind the Etsy shop Loukritia. I met this seller via my Etsy Item of the Day shop submission page.

“I use the computer a lot, so when I get my hands dirty with paint and markers, I’m in heaven!” Ioanna told me.

When she’s not making cool bags for her Etsy shop, Ioanna likes to do a number of activities.

“I love learning languages. Currently i’m learning italian and french. I also like scuba diving, reading books, theatre and being with friends!” she said.

When I asked Ioanna about where she likes to shop on Etsy, she told me about a shop called JulieAnnArt.

“Even though I’m new to Etsy and I haven’t explored much, I really like JulieAnnArt,” she said.  ”I love the messages on her cards and the illustration style.”

This shop rocks! I featured her handmade cards awhile back, and I’m happy to see there are other fans out there!

So what’s coming up next for Ioanna’s Etsy shop Loukritia?

“I am thinking of selling handmade scarfs that I am currently creating,” she said.

Be sure to check out her website and Facebook page to connect with her!

- Jackie

Loving the Etsy items listed by seller Miguez Tabora!  I heard about this shop via my Etsy Item of the Day shop submission page.

“I’m Miguez Tabora from Pasadena, CA,” she told me “I am the indie artist behind shopmiguez.com. Everyday is another day of learning and pursuing my love for arts and crafts. I have this love and great passion for everything handmade, vintage home accessories, trends and photography. I have an online shop of handmade handbags and jewelry called http://miguez.etsy.com.”

My favorite item in Miguez’ Etsy shop is this awesome carry-all tote, which is selling for $40.00.  Isn’t it lovely?

When Miguez is shopping at Etsy.com, she told me she likes to visit a shop called NanLawson.

“I love her artwork. I have to be honest, but I am more of jealous of how she illustrates images of fun people around,” she said.

If you are a seller on Etsy.com, Miguez has great advice for you:

“I believe that being active is the most helpful trick to get sales going. From experience, the less I visit my Etsy shop, the less I get sales. The more I am on it, the more people recognize and see my work,” she said.

So what’s next Miguez’ Etsy shop?

“I have been selling at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, but I still want to expand and try specialty stores or I can dream big and have my own storefront,” she told me.

You can see more of her handmade work, including really pretty jewelry, on Etsy here.  You can also visit her website, check out her Facebook page, and follow her on Twitter @byMiguez. You can also check out her Pinterest and Tumblr.

- Jackie

Saw this handbag on the home page of Etsy.com today and fell in love with it!  How cute is the animal print detail in the lining?

This Etsy shop has great items – be sure to check them all out by clicking the shop link (FineThreadz) at the top of this feature!

- Jackie