[SOLVED] New Widget Area Above Side Bar + Spaces In Side Bar

Hello! I just changed my center area from two side bars (on either side) to one on the right.(with posts on left side) I'm wondering if it's possible to add a new widget area above my right side bar...I'm trying to get a search box at the top of the right bar and have the cats and recent posts side by side underneath the search bar.

Also how do I make spaces underneath widget areas - say if I want to place another widget underneath cats but don't want it to be butt up against it?

here's my site for ref.
animcareerpro.com/blog

Thanks,
Chris