Dear House,
Please stay clean. Seriously.
Dear Wordpress,
Please work. Pretty pretty please. With a cherry. Or sprinkles. Whatever you like. Just please please please please please work. Because right now I think you really suck and I really don't like fighting with you anymore. And the people I keep bugging to help me are really regretting they ever mentioned they know you- do you REALLY want to be THAT kinda blog? Whadaya say? Why don't you work for me and keep the friends you already have, yeah? We don't have to be friends if you don't want to be- see how reasonable I'm being? I'm willing to accept that someone doesn't like me (but, I mean, seriously? How could someone NOT like me?) if you'll just work. That can be the end of us... you working properly. Win-Win situation- whadaya say?
Dear Little Miss,
Please grow out of your I-don't-want-to-wear-clothes phase soon. That's all I ask. I know my reasoning is selfish... fall clothes are out and, COME ON little girl! How CUTE will you look in most of them?! You saw them at Gap yesterday- you even pulled one off the hanger and carried it around the store. See? You know those clothes were made with you in mind. Do it for your Mama, little girl.
Dear Junk Food (aka best food ever),
Please leave me alone. I mean it... I even said "please."
Dear Walking Shoes,
Please show yourself. I need you right now.
Dear Motivation,
Please hang on a little bit longer. I promise we'll see results soon- well, I can't promise, but a girl can dream. But that doesn't mean you should bail on me now.
thankyouverymuch
Showing posts with label Life in General. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life in General. Show all posts
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Happy Birthday Little Miss!
My little one may still be Little (in more ways than one), but she's becoming such a big girl! Happy Birthday Charlotte!
No shop talk... just birthdays :-)
(P.S. but somewhat shop talk... in honor of all the birthdays in March, free shipping all month in my shop!)
No shop talk... just birthdays :-)
(P.S. but somewhat shop talk... in honor of all the birthdays in March, free shipping all month in my shop!)
Friday, March 13, 2009
Big Fat Failure... Literally.
I'm sucking, you guys. SUCKING at Biggest Loser. SUCKING at winning my $400 plus a new dress plus new shoes to match. SUCKING! so i'm having an intervention on myself. But let's take a look at my efforts thus far.
1. I use my elliptical. I actually get on the thing and sweat for at least a half an hour in the smelly basement while my fat dog lays down there with me to keep me company and my sweet neurotic pooch sits vigil at the top of the steps with her head peeking around with sad eyes, terrified that I will flee the premises at any given moment. Remind me to get those pooches some extra treats when I'm out again.
2. I've cut my food intake by 1/2 (i haven't calculated this, but it has to be at least half. it feels like half. it has to be half.)
3. And i've substituted my beloved pop for coke zero. and water. and crystal light. none of those semi-quenching beverages have anything in them (okay coke zero has a pinch of sodium, so shoot me).
4. I literally count out a serving of baked ruffles. BAKED RUFFLES you guys. i've become numb to the artificial taste and devour them as if they are mikesell's groovy reduced fat potato chips (oh how i miss my mikesell's- which by the way, the reduced fat taste EXACTLY like the regular chips and not taste-the-same like coke zero tastes like real coke. um, no. this time it's the truth). I make sure each chip last as long as possible because I can only eat 9 friggin' chips. NINE CHIPS! i ran out of my beloved reduced-fat wheat thins- a food so forgiving you can eat 15 for the same effect as 9 chips, so I've been even more careful with my chip consumption.
5. I chose a SALAD over CHICKEN N DUMPLINGS at my birthday dinner... at Cracker Barrel... the leading factor in clogged arteries across America. Come on- that right there deserves at least $150, right?
6. I even measure out my servings of pasta and mashed potatoes! I get the stupid measuring cup out, pack it full of my mac n cheese or noodles and dump it on my plate. You guys, that is BIG for me because i'm the girl that eats mac n cheese for breakfast.
7. I've succombed to printing out photos of my blue dress and hanging them in strategic places to remind me of what will appease the depth of my soul.
And let's look at what I haven't done
1. I haven't been able to resist dipping my finger into the tub o' frosting in the fridge leftover from my adventures in cupcake baking. just one *heaping* scoop after work to tide me over the 15 minutes before Hubz gets home. luckily for me, he polished it off last nite while watching "Doom" (really, Doom. don't ask. Everyone else in America was watching the 6OT UConn/Cuse game and my hubs was watching Doom on TNT.)
2. I haven't had a consistent work out routine. Last nite I blamed it on getting work done (which I really did need to do). Every other nite I've blamed it on being lazy. PLUS I haven't had soccer in FOREVER which means I need to be abusing that machine on Thursdays in lieu of having a game. I do not.
3. I had a whole doughnut this morning. And I'm considering a piece of my Diet Coke cake and a small piece of brownie. Nuff said.
4. I may have cut back on the amount of food I eat, but I haven't really incorporated the healthy stuff much. I need to get some veggies and dips for my snacking impulses.
5. I honestly haven't felt the motivation (as if STILL wearing maternity jeans wasn't enough) It's very hard- I think- to watch what you eat when the whole house isn't involved... and the whole house doesn't eat healthy stuff unless it's the last bit of food to be found and the house is really only eating out of boredom (as much as you argue that you're hungry, house, you're not. you're bored). There is little motivation to go down into the smelly basement when the rest of the house is upstairs watching more than 3 fuzzy channels on tv. And it doesn't help when the rest of the house blames their indecisive food choices for a meal on not knowing "what you can eat". I can eat food, thank you. I'm just sayin'.
6. And damn you girl scout cookies for falling into the season of Lent AND Biggest Loser!
What I vow to do.
1. Buy veggies this weekend for my new veggie and fruit enriched adventure. my struggle is my palette is not very adventurous, so "fancy" food is out for me... which leaves me few choices (and YES, i've tried fancy food and I don't like it.)
2. Read the suggestions on "filling foods" and take those suggestions (what about reduced fat triscuits? think those will work? regular ones fill me up to the brim and maybe I can eat MORE per serving of the reduced fat? yeah?).
3. Schedule the workouts and stick to them as close as possible, pending Little Miss' bedtime stays consistent (I like to workout after she's gone to bed to ensure maximum playtime with her after work). In the instance that she becomes like her mother was at her age and decides that nite time is play time, I shall come up with a Plan B that does not include getting up before my regularly schedule time.
4. i'm sure there's more, but i'll have to figure out most of that in time.
so there you have it. my failure as a dieter. i'm sure there will be more to come on this.
side note :: can i just say that i passed up CHICKEN N DUMPLINGS AGAIN for SALAD! i'm serious here!! but i still had some Diet Coke cake and a small brownie... :-)
another side note :: i promise i'll get back to the work as well. i need to take some photos this weekend to make that possible, but trust me... i've been working like a dog. here's proof
that's not the final (or her photos... those are mine from our zoo trip) but close enough. see. i'm working.
1. I use my elliptical. I actually get on the thing and sweat for at least a half an hour in the smelly basement while my fat dog lays down there with me to keep me company and my sweet neurotic pooch sits vigil at the top of the steps with her head peeking around with sad eyes, terrified that I will flee the premises at any given moment. Remind me to get those pooches some extra treats when I'm out again.
2. I've cut my food intake by 1/2 (i haven't calculated this, but it has to be at least half. it feels like half. it has to be half.)
3. And i've substituted my beloved pop for coke zero. and water. and crystal light. none of those semi-quenching beverages have anything in them (okay coke zero has a pinch of sodium, so shoot me).
4. I literally count out a serving of baked ruffles. BAKED RUFFLES you guys. i've become numb to the artificial taste and devour them as if they are mikesell's groovy reduced fat potato chips (oh how i miss my mikesell's- which by the way, the reduced fat taste EXACTLY like the regular chips and not taste-the-same like coke zero tastes like real coke. um, no. this time it's the truth). I make sure each chip last as long as possible because I can only eat 9 friggin' chips. NINE CHIPS! i ran out of my beloved reduced-fat wheat thins- a food so forgiving you can eat 15 for the same effect as 9 chips, so I've been even more careful with my chip consumption.
5. I chose a SALAD over CHICKEN N DUMPLINGS at my birthday dinner... at Cracker Barrel... the leading factor in clogged arteries across America. Come on- that right there deserves at least $150, right?
6. I even measure out my servings of pasta and mashed potatoes! I get the stupid measuring cup out, pack it full of my mac n cheese or noodles and dump it on my plate. You guys, that is BIG for me because i'm the girl that eats mac n cheese for breakfast.
7. I've succombed to printing out photos of my blue dress and hanging them in strategic places to remind me of what will appease the depth of my soul.
And let's look at what I haven't done
1. I haven't been able to resist dipping my finger into the tub o' frosting in the fridge leftover from my adventures in cupcake baking. just one *heaping* scoop after work to tide me over the 15 minutes before Hubz gets home. luckily for me, he polished it off last nite while watching "Doom" (really, Doom. don't ask. Everyone else in America was watching the 6OT UConn/Cuse game and my hubs was watching Doom on TNT.)
2. I haven't had a consistent work out routine. Last nite I blamed it on getting work done (which I really did need to do). Every other nite I've blamed it on being lazy. PLUS I haven't had soccer in FOREVER which means I need to be abusing that machine on Thursdays in lieu of having a game. I do not.
3. I had a whole doughnut this morning. And I'm considering a piece of my Diet Coke cake and a small piece of brownie. Nuff said.
4. I may have cut back on the amount of food I eat, but I haven't really incorporated the healthy stuff much. I need to get some veggies and dips for my snacking impulses.
5. I honestly haven't felt the motivation (as if STILL wearing maternity jeans wasn't enough) It's very hard- I think- to watch what you eat when the whole house isn't involved... and the whole house doesn't eat healthy stuff unless it's the last bit of food to be found and the house is really only eating out of boredom (as much as you argue that you're hungry, house, you're not. you're bored). There is little motivation to go down into the smelly basement when the rest of the house is upstairs watching more than 3 fuzzy channels on tv. And it doesn't help when the rest of the house blames their indecisive food choices for a meal on not knowing "what you can eat". I can eat food, thank you. I'm just sayin'.
6. And damn you girl scout cookies for falling into the season of Lent AND Biggest Loser!
What I vow to do.
1. Buy veggies this weekend for my new veggie and fruit enriched adventure. my struggle is my palette is not very adventurous, so "fancy" food is out for me... which leaves me few choices (and YES, i've tried fancy food and I don't like it.)
2. Read the suggestions on "filling foods" and take those suggestions (what about reduced fat triscuits? think those will work? regular ones fill me up to the brim and maybe I can eat MORE per serving of the reduced fat? yeah?).
3. Schedule the workouts and stick to them as close as possible, pending Little Miss' bedtime stays consistent (I like to workout after she's gone to bed to ensure maximum playtime with her after work). In the instance that she becomes like her mother was at her age and decides that nite time is play time, I shall come up with a Plan B that does not include getting up before my regularly schedule time.
4. i'm sure there's more, but i'll have to figure out most of that in time.
so there you have it. my failure as a dieter. i'm sure there will be more to come on this.
side note :: can i just say that i passed up CHICKEN N DUMPLINGS AGAIN for SALAD! i'm serious here!! but i still had some Diet Coke cake and a small brownie... :-)
another side note :: i promise i'll get back to the work as well. i need to take some photos this weekend to make that possible, but trust me... i've been working like a dog. here's proof
that's not the final (or her photos... those are mine from our zoo trip) but close enough. see. i'm working.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Bad blog lady
I've been a very bad blog lady... but I'm getting there!
This next month is going to be a tornado of cupcakes, tutu's and sugar highs!
My Little Miss is turning 1 in 21 days.
In 21 days, I will have a 1 year old little spring chicken.
So, before my entire house is covered in frosting and streamers, I'll get a good and decent post up here... and that free download I've been yammering about.
Until then...
no, this is not appropriate to the post, but what am i if not random?
This next month is going to be a tornado of cupcakes, tutu's and sugar highs!
My Little Miss is turning 1 in 21 days.
In 21 days, I will have a 1 year old little spring chicken.
So, before my entire house is covered in frosting and streamers, I'll get a good and decent post up here... and that free download I've been yammering about.
Until then...
no, this is not appropriate to the post, but what am i if not random?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
It's Go Time
The Deadline:
The Objective:
this dress
Current State:
this dress
The Difference:
In an effort to not totally kill what's left of my self esteem, I decided posting clothes felt a bit less... exposed... than pictures of yours truly.
i.
can.
do.
this.
The Objective:
this dress
Current State:
this dress
The Difference:
In an effort to not totally kill what's left of my self esteem, I decided posting clothes felt a bit less... exposed... than pictures of yours truly.
i.
can.
do.
this.
Friday, January 30, 2009
It's Bone and Biggie... and Paula
So many people say you can tell a lot about a person by their playlist.
Yikes.
my "training*" mix...
rodeo clowns :: g love and special sauce
break anotha :: blake lewis
crazy chick :: charlotte church
break the ice :: britney
since you've been gone :: kelly clarkson
circus :: britney
tambourine :: eve
single ladies :: beyonce
rumors :: lindsay lohan
breathe, stretch, shake :: mase
body language :: heidi montag
toxic :: britney
reach out :: hilary duff
about us :: brooke hogan
stronger :: britney
(all nite) don't stop :: janet jackson
low :: kelly clarkson
shake ya body :: tyra banks
balla baby :: chingy
dirty dancing :: NKOTB
i hate this part :: PCD
mercy :: duffy
valerie :: amy winehouse
whole hearted :: extreme
wait a minute :: PCD
womanizer :: britney
SOB :: lisa marie presley
piece of your heart :: natasha bedingfield
elevator :: flo rida
shake it :: MC shy d
full service :: NKOTB
head sprung :: ll cool j
live your life :: t.i.
gimme more :: britney
naughty girl remix :: beyonce
girl you know it's true :: milli vanilli
naked :: debbie gibson
tilt ya head back :: nelly and christina
give it to you :: jordan knight
step by step :: NKOTB
top back :: t.i.
this is me :: dream
forever your girl :: paula abdul
screwed :: paris hilton
son of a gun :: janet jackson and carly simon
wanna be startin something :: MJ
don't stop til you get enough :: MJ
drop :: timbaland
let's ride :: bone thugs n harmony
victory :: p diddy
freedom :: george michael
maneater :: nelly furtado
give it to me :: JT, nelly furtado, timbaland
party people :: nelly
hello :: alex m.
if you would like a copy, let me know. i'm happy to share.
nice little mix, huh? i like random and from people that have no business recording music (um, paris hilton? alex m. from laguna beach? tyra? heidi montag?). i also like rap. this goes back to my BMX days and why my husband almost didn't continue to date me. (she ain't nuttin but a hoochy mama- hoodrat, hoodrat hoochy mama). whatev. and then there is NKOTB, extreme, paula, debbie gibson and dream. i will love them forever (i'm forever your girl, late 80's/90's). EV-ER i tell you- and they aren't the only ones.
there were so many others i wanted to add to the list, but they weren't "workoutable" so i will just have to make myself another list. and then i was worried that it was a bit long (3.7 hours! gaaah!), but then a realized that when my workout ADD kicks in and i quit WAY ahead of schedule, this will be perfect. i won't be listening to the same songs over and over and i won't get bored of them.
so there ya go. a small window to my soul (because i'm the put-on-a-show kinda girl).
did i miss any?
p.s. check out dizzlefig's post that inspired me to share.
*not sure what i'm training for exactly, but whatev
Yikes.
my "training*" mix...
rodeo clowns :: g love and special sauce
break anotha :: blake lewis
crazy chick :: charlotte church
break the ice :: britney
since you've been gone :: kelly clarkson
circus :: britney
tambourine :: eve
single ladies :: beyonce
rumors :: lindsay lohan
breathe, stretch, shake :: mase
body language :: heidi montag
toxic :: britney
reach out :: hilary duff
about us :: brooke hogan
stronger :: britney
(all nite) don't stop :: janet jackson
low :: kelly clarkson
shake ya body :: tyra banks
balla baby :: chingy
dirty dancing :: NKOTB
i hate this part :: PCD
mercy :: duffy
valerie :: amy winehouse
whole hearted :: extreme
wait a minute :: PCD
womanizer :: britney
SOB :: lisa marie presley
piece of your heart :: natasha bedingfield
elevator :: flo rida
shake it :: MC shy d
full service :: NKOTB
head sprung :: ll cool j
live your life :: t.i.
gimme more :: britney
naughty girl remix :: beyonce
girl you know it's true :: milli vanilli
naked :: debbie gibson
tilt ya head back :: nelly and christina
give it to you :: jordan knight
step by step :: NKOTB
top back :: t.i.
this is me :: dream
forever your girl :: paula abdul
screwed :: paris hilton
son of a gun :: janet jackson and carly simon
wanna be startin something :: MJ
don't stop til you get enough :: MJ
drop :: timbaland
let's ride :: bone thugs n harmony
victory :: p diddy
freedom :: george michael
maneater :: nelly furtado
give it to me :: JT, nelly furtado, timbaland
party people :: nelly
hello :: alex m.
if you would like a copy, let me know. i'm happy to share.
nice little mix, huh? i like random and from people that have no business recording music (um, paris hilton? alex m. from laguna beach? tyra? heidi montag?). i also like rap. this goes back to my BMX days and why my husband almost didn't continue to date me. (she ain't nuttin but a hoochy mama- hoodrat, hoodrat hoochy mama). whatev. and then there is NKOTB, extreme, paula, debbie gibson and dream. i will love them forever (i'm forever your girl, late 80's/90's). EV-ER i tell you- and they aren't the only ones.
there were so many others i wanted to add to the list, but they weren't "workoutable" so i will just have to make myself another list. and then i was worried that it was a bit long (3.7 hours! gaaah!), but then a realized that when my workout ADD kicks in and i quit WAY ahead of schedule, this will be perfect. i won't be listening to the same songs over and over and i won't get bored of them.
so there ya go. a small window to my soul (because i'm the put-on-a-show kinda girl).
did i miss any?
p.s. check out dizzlefig's post that inspired me to share.
*not sure what i'm training for exactly, but whatev
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A day of firsts...
first snow and first snow angel! (couldn't get a decent picture because the nugget doesn't weight enough to make a decent enough impression!)
i also got a few things finished up... (none of these are color corrected- i apologize)
i drew this panda a while ago, but wasn't 100% convinced what i was going to do with him. i think i have a pretty good idea now, so once it gets finished up, i'll post. i sewed in the whites of his eyes, but they really just didn't look right, so i spent at least 2 hours ripping them out last nite being careful not to rip out the black stitches holding the black eye patches on. i was going to add in the mouth and nose detail with thread as well, but i think i like him how he is.
some hang tags for one of my FAVORITE sellers... BeanPickleSprout.
new invite package...
the red line on the left of the add-on pieces is actually ribbon. i did this one as a sample and not for a particular bride... yet! i used my invitation information just because it was available and i wasn't worried about the whole confidentiality thing.
i must now keep an eye on a little one that is doing wind-sprints in her walker from one end of the house to the other.
anyone have any good home remedies for a little girl that is going hoarse?
Friday, January 9, 2009
25 Things...
we're friends, right? you won't judge... right?
1. I do most things in pairs: I drink with 2 straws, eat M&Ms by like color or complimentary color in 2s or 4s, pretzels eaten in pairs... the list goes on. It's part of my charm.
2. I could never be a stay at home mom. I would have to be a work at home mom that drops her kid(s) at daycare. I would be worrying too much about what I'm not getting done instead of enjoying my kid(s).
3. I worry that the longer I wait to become self employed, the harder it will be to leave and not because I'm worried about succeeding, but because it will stress me out that I'm not making the equivalent of what I would be making working for someone else- even though all I want to do is be self employed.
4. Then I worry that T$ will feel that I do not pull my weight in the cash flow department, silently hate me for spending money, in turn depriving me of one of my true loves- Target.
5. I hope that Charlotte will call T$ "T$" instead of "Daddy".
6. I thoroughly enjoy space planning and have a plan for each room of my house. I will soon space-plan the house as if it were my studio/office and we lived somewhere else.
7. I would love to flip houses (due to #6 and the ability to knock down walls in my mind).
8. T$ said he almost didn't continue to date me because he thought I was too "ghetto"
9. I have the worst stage fright ever possible. I took voice lessons in college and didn't really sing like I could because I was terrified my voice coach was judging me.
10. I rarely mix my groups of friends. If we're having people over, we have one group at a time. I stress out that they won't like each other and no one will enjoy themselves.
11. I really want to learn to sew my own clothes
12. For the longest time I rarely participated in conversations because I couldn't get my words right. I would start talking and completely forget what I was saying and what I had just said. So I would listen, pipe in when necessary and that was it.
13. When I was younger, my mom said I wanted to be a doctor and a cheerleader. I can also vaguely remember wanting to be a semi driver as well because I wanted to honk the horn for little kids pulling the invisible chain as they passed by.
14. I subscribe to 196 blogs... and counting.
15. I'm obsessed with handwriting. Entire notebooks filled with handwriting makes me giddy.
16. I want to spend more time with my letterpress this year, but because I haven't had enough time to devote to adjusting it to get an even impression, I keep putting it off... and then I worry T$ will get mad that I bought it.
17. I've lately become obsessed with my Domino Deco File.
18. I like to think I'm very witty, though very few can really figure out what I'm saying. (For instance, a friend that was dating a reverend's son that was a coke dealer received a mixed CD entitled "Simon Camden took the Pepsi Challenge and lost")
19. I believe that almost all great actors got their start on Lifetime.
20. I have a slight OCD complex that makes me match things. For instance. I bought particular containers for all of Little Miss' clothes- Clear bin, purple top and pink handle. If they ever stop making these containers, I will buy all new containers that match each other because having 2 different containers will drive me crazy. Same goes for if they change the style of that container.
21. I used to keep my shoes in individual clear tupperware shoe boxes.
22. I have 47 first cousins on my dad's side. (What was the tally on second cousins??) He is 1 of 15. This gives us a total of 150 family members alone at weddings.
23. My wedding was the first time all those cousins (with the except of Jen) were in the same place at the same time.
24. When I do things like this or post on my blog, I pretend I'm writing for people I've never met and will never meet. I can't comprehend that people I know and talk to all the time would read things I post.
25. This took way too long to think up 25 things about myself... mostly because I was worried they wouldn't be interesting enough.
1. I do most things in pairs: I drink with 2 straws, eat M&Ms by like color or complimentary color in 2s or 4s, pretzels eaten in pairs... the list goes on. It's part of my charm.
2. I could never be a stay at home mom. I would have to be a work at home mom that drops her kid(s) at daycare. I would be worrying too much about what I'm not getting done instead of enjoying my kid(s).
3. I worry that the longer I wait to become self employed, the harder it will be to leave and not because I'm worried about succeeding, but because it will stress me out that I'm not making the equivalent of what I would be making working for someone else- even though all I want to do is be self employed.
4. Then I worry that T$ will feel that I do not pull my weight in the cash flow department, silently hate me for spending money, in turn depriving me of one of my true loves- Target.
5. I hope that Charlotte will call T$ "T$" instead of "Daddy".
6. I thoroughly enjoy space planning and have a plan for each room of my house. I will soon space-plan the house as if it were my studio/office and we lived somewhere else.
7. I would love to flip houses (due to #6 and the ability to knock down walls in my mind).
8. T$ said he almost didn't continue to date me because he thought I was too "ghetto"
9. I have the worst stage fright ever possible. I took voice lessons in college and didn't really sing like I could because I was terrified my voice coach was judging me.
10. I rarely mix my groups of friends. If we're having people over, we have one group at a time. I stress out that they won't like each other and no one will enjoy themselves.
11. I really want to learn to sew my own clothes
12. For the longest time I rarely participated in conversations because I couldn't get my words right. I would start talking and completely forget what I was saying and what I had just said. So I would listen, pipe in when necessary and that was it.
13. When I was younger, my mom said I wanted to be a doctor and a cheerleader. I can also vaguely remember wanting to be a semi driver as well because I wanted to honk the horn for little kids pulling the invisible chain as they passed by.
14. I subscribe to 196 blogs... and counting.
15. I'm obsessed with handwriting. Entire notebooks filled with handwriting makes me giddy.
16. I want to spend more time with my letterpress this year, but because I haven't had enough time to devote to adjusting it to get an even impression, I keep putting it off... and then I worry T$ will get mad that I bought it.
17. I've lately become obsessed with my Domino Deco File.
18. I like to think I'm very witty, though very few can really figure out what I'm saying. (For instance, a friend that was dating a reverend's son that was a coke dealer received a mixed CD entitled "Simon Camden took the Pepsi Challenge and lost")
19. I believe that almost all great actors got their start on Lifetime.
20. I have a slight OCD complex that makes me match things. For instance. I bought particular containers for all of Little Miss' clothes- Clear bin, purple top and pink handle. If they ever stop making these containers, I will buy all new containers that match each other because having 2 different containers will drive me crazy. Same goes for if they change the style of that container.
21. I used to keep my shoes in individual clear tupperware shoe boxes.
22. I have 47 first cousins on my dad's side. (What was the tally on second cousins??) He is 1 of 15. This gives us a total of 150 family members alone at weddings.
23. My wedding was the first time all those cousins (with the except of Jen) were in the same place at the same time.
24. When I do things like this or post on my blog, I pretend I'm writing for people I've never met and will never meet. I can't comprehend that people I know and talk to all the time would read things I post.
25. This took way too long to think up 25 things about myself... mostly because I was worried they wouldn't be interesting enough.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
to Resolve or not...
I'm horrible about being held to things I say when it doesn't really involve anyone else. Need me to show up to help you move furniture around? No problem. Need me to pick you up at 3am from the airport and then drop you at your great Aunt Trixie's house 45 minutes the other way? No problem. The end result benefits you. When the end result benefits me... I could really care less if I follow thru. I'm not lazy. Just... well, whatever.
So everyone makes these great resolutions right about now. They vow to do this, say this more often, not do this and then get super super skinny. So... will I do it this year? Sure, I always make goals for myself. Do I make New Year's Resolutions? Not really... but it never stops me from putting a few ideas down that I'd like to keep in mind.
Business-wise... the goals are important. They give me a timeline and they allow me to visualize where I'm going. Just like I made my monetary goal last year, I make milestone goals scattered thru out the year to keep me moving forward. So... here they are.
:: Spend wisely ::
This is actually two fold with the next goal. Everyone is spending less these days, I'm not an exception. I feel like I have all the necessary tools to run my business efficiently- anything else at this point would be an "extra bonus". I would love to find a paper cutter, seeing as how I outsource larger cut jobs right now, but if it doesn't turn up, I can still provide service to my clients that doesn't have disruption.
:: Maintain ::
In some ways I feel like having the expectation that Five Dot will grow (i.e. me put more money into marketing, advertising, etc to reach more clients) is a false hope. Referencing back to the first goal, spending is down everywhere and I do not expect to thrive in a poor economy. Don't get my wrong- if I take off I'm not pulling the reigns back. I just don't think it's wise to put money into something where I can only hope there will be a return. Maintaining what I have now will allow me to secure relationships and plan for the next year.
:: Internal Growth ::
This is the year of internal growth. Processes, research, network- all of those things and more. I want to push my wedding line a little bit more (seeing as how most designs are already done and becomes a matter of listing them in the shop.) I'll take this year to rework my website, build my catalog, build my "to contact" list for wholesale and pull my look book together. It's all do-able... I just need to build that time line.
:: Experiment ::
I want to experiment with different materials- fabric, felt, metals, etc. I think this year will be a good year to play. I already have a few ideas I'd like to pursue- things that I think will be received well. Many involve pattern work and attention to detail which will be a nice break from my work now. I've hit a bit of a wall with what I have now and breaking out of that box, I think, will help me build on my collection. This is the first year I've started to put together an inspiration board (I'll show it once everything's up and organized)
:: Continue to have fun ::
I'm having a great time building my brand and my company. I feel like I'm heading in a direction that I'm comfortable going and I feel like I'm finally asking the right questions and putting those answers to good use.
Personally...
These tend to be the same as everyone else, but I'll put 'em down on paper- er, blogland.
:: Spend Wisely ::
Time to glue that wallet shut. Don't get me wrong- we want for not (or whatever the saying is) and we're not eating saltines and peanut butter every nite (even though they're soooooo good). We live. We buy things we like. I buy things I like but don't need. This HAS to stop. I have plans for that money now... a new house with a studio to call my own. (and Hubz, if you're reading, please don't remind me of this post when I've been at Target for an hour and I'm still not back.)
:: Declutter ::
I got stuff and I like my stuff. I like my stuff with me. I have too much stuff. Someone else needs stuff. I'll give you my stuff. The past few weeks I've done a very good job of letting things go. We recently took advantage of some good deals on plastic bins and switched over all the old cardboard boxes to labeled plastic bins. But I must say, Hubz took the prize for oldest-stuff-kept-that-was-meaningless-to-everyone- involved: timesheets from the early 90's. Yeah, we shredded those.
:: Stick to my Plan to win Prizes ::
let's just say this goes along with everyone else's "... and end up super super skinny" pledges. 'nuff said.
:: Be Content ::
If none of this ends up panning out, I want to know that I at least had fun this year... which so far, is going very well.
(I know, posts with no pictures aren't really as fun, but I haven't done much creating. I spent my time watching all 19 episodes of My So-Called Life and flipping thru magazines.)
So everyone makes these great resolutions right about now. They vow to do this, say this more often, not do this and then get super super skinny. So... will I do it this year? Sure, I always make goals for myself. Do I make New Year's Resolutions? Not really... but it never stops me from putting a few ideas down that I'd like to keep in mind.
Business-wise... the goals are important. They give me a timeline and they allow me to visualize where I'm going. Just like I made my monetary goal last year, I make milestone goals scattered thru out the year to keep me moving forward. So... here they are.
:: Spend wisely ::
This is actually two fold with the next goal. Everyone is spending less these days, I'm not an exception. I feel like I have all the necessary tools to run my business efficiently- anything else at this point would be an "extra bonus". I would love to find a paper cutter, seeing as how I outsource larger cut jobs right now, but if it doesn't turn up, I can still provide service to my clients that doesn't have disruption.
:: Maintain ::
In some ways I feel like having the expectation that Five Dot will grow (i.e. me put more money into marketing, advertising, etc to reach more clients) is a false hope. Referencing back to the first goal, spending is down everywhere and I do not expect to thrive in a poor economy. Don't get my wrong- if I take off I'm not pulling the reigns back. I just don't think it's wise to put money into something where I can only hope there will be a return. Maintaining what I have now will allow me to secure relationships and plan for the next year.
:: Internal Growth ::
This is the year of internal growth. Processes, research, network- all of those things and more. I want to push my wedding line a little bit more (seeing as how most designs are already done and becomes a matter of listing them in the shop.) I'll take this year to rework my website, build my catalog, build my "to contact" list for wholesale and pull my look book together. It's all do-able... I just need to build that time line.
:: Experiment ::
I want to experiment with different materials- fabric, felt, metals, etc. I think this year will be a good year to play. I already have a few ideas I'd like to pursue- things that I think will be received well. Many involve pattern work and attention to detail which will be a nice break from my work now. I've hit a bit of a wall with what I have now and breaking out of that box, I think, will help me build on my collection. This is the first year I've started to put together an inspiration board (I'll show it once everything's up and organized)
:: Continue to have fun ::
I'm having a great time building my brand and my company. I feel like I'm heading in a direction that I'm comfortable going and I feel like I'm finally asking the right questions and putting those answers to good use.
Personally...
These tend to be the same as everyone else, but I'll put 'em down on paper- er, blogland.
:: Spend Wisely ::
Time to glue that wallet shut. Don't get me wrong- we want for not (or whatever the saying is) and we're not eating saltines and peanut butter every nite (even though they're soooooo good). We live. We buy things we like. I buy things I like but don't need. This HAS to stop. I have plans for that money now... a new house with a studio to call my own. (and Hubz, if you're reading, please don't remind me of this post when I've been at Target for an hour and I'm still not back.)
:: Declutter ::
I got stuff and I like my stuff. I like my stuff with me. I have too much stuff. Someone else needs stuff. I'll give you my stuff. The past few weeks I've done a very good job of letting things go. We recently took advantage of some good deals on plastic bins and switched over all the old cardboard boxes to labeled plastic bins. But I must say, Hubz took the prize for oldest-stuff-kept-that-was-meaningless-to-everyone- involved: timesheets from the early 90's. Yeah, we shredded those.
:: Stick to my Plan to win Prizes ::
let's just say this goes along with everyone else's "... and end up super super skinny" pledges. 'nuff said.
:: Be Content ::
If none of this ends up panning out, I want to know that I at least had fun this year... which so far, is going very well.
(I know, posts with no pictures aren't really as fun, but I haven't done much creating. I spent my time watching all 19 episodes of My So-Called Life and flipping thru magazines.)
Monday, December 22, 2008
I'll be back soon
I know I've been away for awhile now, but December took my by surprise...
I'll be back soon. Don't you worry.
And I'll have lots to share. I promise.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Allow me...
to introduce you to the "Baby Mullet"
Everybody loves a mullet. Especially a baby mullet.
I woke up on Saturday to this:
Now, I know that this isn't that bad. But around here... it's White Death. I went to my show anyway... and ended up just dropping my stuff off and I'll find out this week if anything sold. Not my ideal situation, but it is what it is. I even managed to bite it down the school stairs, resulting in a bruised backside and a sore back. Awesome.
Nugget spent the day with my parents, so Hubz and I drove up to retrieve her and went see Santa (aka my Uncle Bill playing Santa in my hometown) before we headed home. I was thankful for the snow then because a local park (where I grew up playing soccer) has a drive-thru light show and the snow made it a bit more "believeable". No meltdowns on Santa's lap, but we came close! Thanks Santa and Mrs. Claus!
This week is much quieter. I have 3 custom orders to get out, I'm off work Thursday and Friday and seeing as how Hubz finished the manual labor on the loft, I can start cleaning it and arranging it for Nugget to use. I have friends coming over on the 16th, so it was extremely important Hubz finished his work up there. I told him he had until the 14th to complete or he had to move out, but couldn't go somewhere that required rent because I was going to need that money to pay someone to finish up :-) He's used to these strict deadlines and consequences, so he takes it with a grain of salt... but he also wouldn't put it past me to actually put him out for a few days. hehehe. I know Hubz and he needs a deadline and a consequence. But, like I said, we only really need to arrange the furniture, clean everything up and move everything into the loft to call it complete.
I'm just so happy to have my closet back.
I just realized that my DVR'd show ended and I've been watching the Home Shopping Network for the past half hour.
Everybody loves a mullet. Especially a baby mullet.
I woke up on Saturday to this:
Now, I know that this isn't that bad. But around here... it's White Death. I went to my show anyway... and ended up just dropping my stuff off and I'll find out this week if anything sold. Not my ideal situation, but it is what it is. I even managed to bite it down the school stairs, resulting in a bruised backside and a sore back. Awesome.
Nugget spent the day with my parents, so Hubz and I drove up to retrieve her and went see Santa (aka my Uncle Bill playing Santa in my hometown) before we headed home. I was thankful for the snow then because a local park (where I grew up playing soccer) has a drive-thru light show and the snow made it a bit more "believeable". No meltdowns on Santa's lap, but we came close! Thanks Santa and Mrs. Claus!
This week is much quieter. I have 3 custom orders to get out, I'm off work Thursday and Friday and seeing as how Hubz finished the manual labor on the loft, I can start cleaning it and arranging it for Nugget to use. I have friends coming over on the 16th, so it was extremely important Hubz finished his work up there. I told him he had until the 14th to complete or he had to move out, but couldn't go somewhere that required rent because I was going to need that money to pay someone to finish up :-) He's used to these strict deadlines and consequences, so he takes it with a grain of salt... but he also wouldn't put it past me to actually put him out for a few days. hehehe. I know Hubz and he needs a deadline and a consequence. But, like I said, we only really need to arrange the furniture, clean everything up and move everything into the loft to call it complete.
I'm just so happy to have my closet back.
I just realized that my DVR'd show ended and I've been watching the Home Shopping Network for the past half hour.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Don't be Tardy for the Party
i have no idea where in my life i was before now. i have no idea what my last post was about (if about anything) and i have no idea what i promised before now (but i DO know i didn't promise to loan you money, babysit or tell you all the deep-dark secrets that i know.) so i'm just going to pick up where i think i left off.
*disclaimer* i cannot vouch for the order in which these events happen as i have been lucky to match my shoes each morning. our household was hit with the nasty cold running ramped thru the city and it took 2 of us OOC for a good solid 5 days. there is a good chance i may even go backwards in my happenings because that's really the best way my mind thinks.
let's start with black friday.
i hate it.
every bit of the 5 foot nothing me hates large crowds of elbows, forearms and big purses. angry, crabby shoppers that awoke WAY too early to save a few bucks make the experience even worse. i have considered teaching nugget the phrase "scuze me" so that she can ride in the stroller and scream it at the top of her lungs while her mother pushes her about pretending to be embarrassed and apologetic only to be secretly high-fiving her and promising her a pony on her tenth birthday. i would LOVE to teach her to just yell "move," but that might be taking it a bit far.
however.
we venture out every year to meet the hubs family for lunch and then to hit the mall to see what kind of deals there are to be had. only once did we get up before the birds to go to home depot to get a shop vac and a cordless drill. the cordless drill is a god-send and i want one in pink. the shop vac is somewhere in the house smelling of mildew and disgustingness.
this year the deal was in the books. some genius decided to pull all their bargain books, overstock and whatever else was collecting dust in their warehouse, price them under $10 and put it in one spot. (my company is doing this as well, but i don't know that we publish "popular" books... but i could be wrong). all in all, we spent almost $80 and got some great stuff, including this this little number that i've been eyeballing like the last brownie. we also scored a ginormous copy of the little engine that could (i would guess close to 3 feet tall) that retails for $85 for a cool $19.99. i picked up bill cosby's book and a few other fun ones for nugget to add to her collection. they had madonna's 3 bookset there, but she's been acting questionable lately and cannot justify shelling out $10 to a 50 year old woman desperately grasping at her youth by wearing leotards and sharing "spiritual" connections with married athletes.
there.
i said it.
we knocked out a few christmas gifts for the kids, found a few more things for the nugget and headed for home... only to get ready to head back out to my hometown (m-town!) to go to my aunt's house for a little post-shopping dinner and drinks. i handed nugget off, got me some wine and all was good. nugget was also one wind machine and 2 outfit changes short of a photoshoot with all the flashes going off. she's a ham and it warms my heart. wonder where she gets it from... somewhere in the nite there was a family member tally (i think we came up with 47 grandkids) and another nugget (not from this girl!) coming out to play around june.
that's it for now. i'll sprinkle posts of my whereabout for the past few weeks through out this week so that we can all get caught back up and on the same page. i'll just leave you with some baby feet. because everybody loves baby feet
P.S. anyone else watch Housewives of Atlanta on Bravo? i'm DYING to voice my *ahem* opinion on a few matters.
*disclaimer* i cannot vouch for the order in which these events happen as i have been lucky to match my shoes each morning. our household was hit with the nasty cold running ramped thru the city and it took 2 of us OOC for a good solid 5 days. there is a good chance i may even go backwards in my happenings because that's really the best way my mind thinks.
let's start with black friday.
i hate it.
every bit of the 5 foot nothing me hates large crowds of elbows, forearms and big purses. angry, crabby shoppers that awoke WAY too early to save a few bucks make the experience even worse. i have considered teaching nugget the phrase "scuze me" so that she can ride in the stroller and scream it at the top of her lungs while her mother pushes her about pretending to be embarrassed and apologetic only to be secretly high-fiving her and promising her a pony on her tenth birthday. i would LOVE to teach her to just yell "move," but that might be taking it a bit far.
however.
we venture out every year to meet the hubs family for lunch and then to hit the mall to see what kind of deals there are to be had. only once did we get up before the birds to go to home depot to get a shop vac and a cordless drill. the cordless drill is a god-send and i want one in pink. the shop vac is somewhere in the house smelling of mildew and disgustingness.
this year the deal was in the books. some genius decided to pull all their bargain books, overstock and whatever else was collecting dust in their warehouse, price them under $10 and put it in one spot. (my company is doing this as well, but i don't know that we publish "popular" books... but i could be wrong). all in all, we spent almost $80 and got some great stuff, including this this little number that i've been eyeballing like the last brownie. we also scored a ginormous copy of the little engine that could (i would guess close to 3 feet tall) that retails for $85 for a cool $19.99. i picked up bill cosby's book and a few other fun ones for nugget to add to her collection. they had madonna's 3 bookset there, but she's been acting questionable lately and cannot justify shelling out $10 to a 50 year old woman desperately grasping at her youth by wearing leotards and sharing "spiritual" connections with married athletes.
there.
i said it.
we knocked out a few christmas gifts for the kids, found a few more things for the nugget and headed for home... only to get ready to head back out to my hometown (m-town!) to go to my aunt's house for a little post-shopping dinner and drinks. i handed nugget off, got me some wine and all was good. nugget was also one wind machine and 2 outfit changes short of a photoshoot with all the flashes going off. she's a ham and it warms my heart. wonder where she gets it from... somewhere in the nite there was a family member tally (i think we came up with 47 grandkids) and another nugget (not from this girl!) coming out to play around june.
that's it for now. i'll sprinkle posts of my whereabout for the past few weeks through out this week so that we can all get caught back up and on the same page. i'll just leave you with some baby feet. because everybody loves baby feet
P.S. anyone else watch Housewives of Atlanta on Bravo? i'm DYING to voice my *ahem* opinion on a few matters.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Now that's what I call Supportive
Little Mrs. :: I sold another calendar
Mr.Little :: Sweet! That's like 5, right?
Little Mrs. :: Something like that
Mr.Little :: You'll be able to quit your job and work from home pretty soon!
Little Mrs. :: Yeah... those 5 calendars really put me over the edge.
_____
Isn't he adorable? He dreams so big.
Mr.Little :: Sweet! That's like 5, right?
Little Mrs. :: Something like that
Mr.Little :: You'll be able to quit your job and work from home pretty soon!
Little Mrs. :: Yeah... those 5 calendars really put me over the edge.
_____
Isn't he adorable? He dreams so big.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
I told you!
Get 'em while they're hot.
And I'd like to give a shout out to Mr. Little this fine day as it's our 2nd year anniversary. He was so kind to send me flowers yesterday (to try to throw me off) as his way of saying thanks for my nagging, whining and just all around pain-in-the-ass ways. He loves me so.
So, hubs... I'm pourin' one out for you, homie. You're great and I'd like to keep ya around.
now, drink chug-a-lug!
And I'd like to give a shout out to Mr. Little this fine day as it's our 2nd year anniversary. He was so kind to send me flowers yesterday (to try to throw me off) as his way of saying thanks for my nagging, whining and just all around pain-in-the-ass ways. He loves me so.
So, hubs... I'm pourin' one out for you, homie. You're great and I'd like to keep ya around.
now, drink chug-a-lug!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Workin' like a dog
This weekend was one of manual labor and a little design. I also got a photoshoot in there too. And it was with one of my favorite ladies.
Miss Matilda is a bit camera shy. She's a sweetheart, but your typical rescue dog... a little skiddish around strangers and very VERY attached to me.
I honestly have no idea what I did on Friday. Seriously. No clue.
Saturday, we shipped off the nugget and went to work.
This was my job.
This.
To this.
Add a little of this.
And end with this.
I only have one coat on right now and it needs another, but I can't wait. The walls are going to be the green in my logo
so to say it will be a vibrant room will be an understatement. I'm going to recover that rocking chair seat with something fun like heather bailey.
This is what hubs did.
This.
To this. (With my contribution!)
One more coat of white and we'll be able to start on the closet in the front. Once that's done, it will be time to move in the toys and let the nugget take over!
With 2 curious dogs, we only ended up with one white streak on the butt (Marvin), some white whiskers and some white AND pink on the pads (Matilda).
and this is what happens when you ask him to watch the nugget for awhile while you get some work done
And Matilda thought she hit the jackpot because not only was someone paying attention to her, but this person couldn't run away. Nugget just wanted to eat her ball.
Miss Matilda is a bit camera shy. She's a sweetheart, but your typical rescue dog... a little skiddish around strangers and very VERY attached to me.
I honestly have no idea what I did on Friday. Seriously. No clue.
Saturday, we shipped off the nugget and went to work.
This was my job.
This.
To this.
Add a little of this.
And end with this.
I only have one coat on right now and it needs another, but I can't wait. The walls are going to be the green in my logo
so to say it will be a vibrant room will be an understatement. I'm going to recover that rocking chair seat with something fun like heather bailey.
This is what hubs did.
This.
To this. (With my contribution!)
One more coat of white and we'll be able to start on the closet in the front. Once that's done, it will be time to move in the toys and let the nugget take over!
With 2 curious dogs, we only ended up with one white streak on the butt (Marvin), some white whiskers and some white AND pink on the pads (Matilda).
and this is what happens when you ask him to watch the nugget for awhile while you get some work done
And Matilda thought she hit the jackpot because not only was someone paying attention to her, but this person couldn't run away. Nugget just wanted to eat her ball.
Friday, November 7, 2008
2008 Wrapped Up
This entire year has been a whirlwind and it's that time to start preparing for the next year. This is about the time I start getting my paperwork ready for taxes, take my inventory and start tallying. Last year's meeting with HR Block taught me a lot on how to prepare for this year. I think I did pretty darn good.
It's also time for me to set my goals for next year. I didn't really set goals-goals last year because I wasn't sure when I was going to be able to jump back in the saddle after having my little girl. I did tell Mr. HR Block that I was hoping to make a particular amount this year (after taxes and such) and I'm happy to announce that I met that goal- with only working 7 months out of the year.
Working a full time job, raising my little nugget and keeping designs and inventory fresh took a bit of work, but it's manageable. If you don't force the work or designs and let them flow naturally, it works with you and not against you. I think that some (note: some- not all) designers put pieces out there for the sake of having inventory. My first year I did that, it backfired on me and I vowed not to put out anything I didn't love. That was the reason my calendar took 2 years to complete and the reason that I have 3-4 concepts that I haven't released yet: i don't love them and I can't market and sell something I don't believe in. I'm so close, but I can't justify sacrificing the final product just to have "numbers" in my shop.
I edit very often and very meticulously. in theory, i COULD offer everything possible... and i probably already have it designed, but if I'm not "feeling" it, it doesn't go up. money also drives what gets put up. i know you have to spend money to make money, but I'm not at the point where I'm ready to go out and buy a lot of supplies and not be able to have multiple uses for them.
With all that said, I'm extremely proud of the buzz I managed to generate for my shop. I participated in giveaways, blog features and promoted wherever I could. I just put my product out there and let it work for me. Many say hearts and views don't matter- and they don't really... on the business end. But they do matter on the ego and motivation end. And i don't mean ego in the "I'm popular" sense. I mean ego in the sense that these people ENJOY your work. They see what you see in your work. They LIKE what you've dreamed up in your mind and they APPRECIATE what you do. So yes, hearts and views matter. They remind me that I'm doing okay. Not everyone is going to love what you have to offer, so knowing there are others that appreciate my work pushes me to create more. So those of you that have hearted me... know that I thank you for showing your appreciation for my hard work.
I have so many ideas dreamed up for this next year and I'm not going to lie... I'm a bit worried that I won't be able to make those dreams come true. Some are a bit ambitious for my schedule, but I'll still work hard and I'll still put my best foot forward, whatever design might be on that foot. I have textiles, thread, felt and mix media on the mind, but it's all hazy still. I would love a collaboration of sorts with someone, so if anyone reading has any ideas, I'd love to hear them.
I'm also going to be looking to adapt my Signature Series into somewhat of a true collection. I want to expand and look at the whole "desk" so to speak- think about what I use in my daily routine and see how I can incorporate those items into my designs. I may even redesign things a bit and see if I can introduce something tactile and interactive. These are the things I perceive as taking a bit of time, but I know that if I'm patient and true to the design... it will all work out.
I, honestly, haven't made my 2009 Goals yet. Maybe that's something I'll do tonite while I wait for the ball to drop. I have a few ideas rolling around right now, but I'm not ready to commit to my list. Once it's settled upon, I'll be sharing (which I'm sure everyone else will be, too!) I honestly, like to see what others come up with to see what might also inspire me for the new year. Last year I broke it down into months- by X month I wanted this done and that was a real motivation, so I might carry that theme out again. I'll also be starting my "35 by 35" list which could be pretty interesting given what a huge year I had this year in terms of events, accomplishments and experiences. (warning: some things I've accomplished will also be on that list because I need the motivation of boxes checked. Plain and simple.)
Either way I hope you all have a great new year in 2009 and I hope that I can keep your attention in the year to come! Below you will find some of my favorites from the year.
It's also time for me to set my goals for next year. I didn't really set goals-goals last year because I wasn't sure when I was going to be able to jump back in the saddle after having my little girl. I did tell Mr. HR Block that I was hoping to make a particular amount this year (after taxes and such) and I'm happy to announce that I met that goal- with only working 7 months out of the year.
Working a full time job, raising my little nugget and keeping designs and inventory fresh took a bit of work, but it's manageable. If you don't force the work or designs and let them flow naturally, it works with you and not against you. I think that some (note: some- not all) designers put pieces out there for the sake of having inventory. My first year I did that, it backfired on me and I vowed not to put out anything I didn't love. That was the reason my calendar took 2 years to complete and the reason that I have 3-4 concepts that I haven't released yet: i don't love them and I can't market and sell something I don't believe in. I'm so close, but I can't justify sacrificing the final product just to have "numbers" in my shop.
I edit very often and very meticulously. in theory, i COULD offer everything possible... and i probably already have it designed, but if I'm not "feeling" it, it doesn't go up. money also drives what gets put up. i know you have to spend money to make money, but I'm not at the point where I'm ready to go out and buy a lot of supplies and not be able to have multiple uses for them.
With all that said, I'm extremely proud of the buzz I managed to generate for my shop. I participated in giveaways, blog features and promoted wherever I could. I just put my product out there and let it work for me. Many say hearts and views don't matter- and they don't really... on the business end. But they do matter on the ego and motivation end. And i don't mean ego in the "I'm popular" sense. I mean ego in the sense that these people ENJOY your work. They see what you see in your work. They LIKE what you've dreamed up in your mind and they APPRECIATE what you do. So yes, hearts and views matter. They remind me that I'm doing okay. Not everyone is going to love what you have to offer, so knowing there are others that appreciate my work pushes me to create more. So those of you that have hearted me... know that I thank you for showing your appreciation for my hard work.
I have so many ideas dreamed up for this next year and I'm not going to lie... I'm a bit worried that I won't be able to make those dreams come true. Some are a bit ambitious for my schedule, but I'll still work hard and I'll still put my best foot forward, whatever design might be on that foot. I have textiles, thread, felt and mix media on the mind, but it's all hazy still. I would love a collaboration of sorts with someone, so if anyone reading has any ideas, I'd love to hear them.
I'm also going to be looking to adapt my Signature Series into somewhat of a true collection. I want to expand and look at the whole "desk" so to speak- think about what I use in my daily routine and see how I can incorporate those items into my designs. I may even redesign things a bit and see if I can introduce something tactile and interactive. These are the things I perceive as taking a bit of time, but I know that if I'm patient and true to the design... it will all work out.
I, honestly, haven't made my 2009 Goals yet. Maybe that's something I'll do tonite while I wait for the ball to drop. I have a few ideas rolling around right now, but I'm not ready to commit to my list. Once it's settled upon, I'll be sharing (which I'm sure everyone else will be, too!) I honestly, like to see what others come up with to see what might also inspire me for the new year. Last year I broke it down into months- by X month I wanted this done and that was a real motivation, so I might carry that theme out again. I'll also be starting my "35 by 35" list which could be pretty interesting given what a huge year I had this year in terms of events, accomplishments and experiences. (warning: some things I've accomplished will also be on that list because I need the motivation of boxes checked. Plain and simple.)
Either way I hope you all have a great new year in 2009 and I hope that I can keep your attention in the year to come! Below you will find some of my favorites from the year.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
I hearby find you GUILTY!
It has been decided that I am not allowed to go to the mall by myself. I have agreed to these terms and though I may not agree 100% with the reasoning behind these actions against me, for the greater good of my household and my bank account I must oblige.
Below you will find some of the evidence against me.
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit D
Case and point.
Why I cannot be a millionaire and buy my way out of this will haunt me forever.
Explain to me how someone is supposed to raise a daughter in this world and teach her that objects and material goods and THINGS are not important... when places are offering these amazing pieces of fabulousness? I
If this collection came in my size, I'd break my no matching outfits rules.
images courtesy of Janie&Jack ... click if you dare- you'll get sucked in.
Below you will find some of the evidence against me.
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit D
Case and point.
Why I cannot be a millionaire and buy my way out of this will haunt me forever.
Explain to me how someone is supposed to raise a daughter in this world and teach her that objects and material goods and THINGS are not important... when places are offering these amazing pieces of fabulousness? I
If this collection came in my size, I'd break my no matching outfits rules.
images courtesy of Janie&Jack ... click if you dare- you'll get sucked in.
Miss Artsy Fartsy...
never disappoints
checkitout.
Miss Blog Buddy, Erika, wrote up a great little mentioning of Five Dot on her Artsy Fartsy Shopaholic blog today. I never really know what to say when someone does something like this- I'm so flattered and humbled to find someone that likes my work as much as my mom does. And word to the wise- subscribe to her blog... it's definitely a great read and she ends up showing some fantastic Etsy sellers- um, hello? She found me didn't she :-)
So, thank you Erika! I can't wait to snatch up an apron when she's back in business. I hope see's back in time for Christmas shopping! Check out her flickr here.
And love on this painting here.
checkitout.
Miss Blog Buddy, Erika, wrote up a great little mentioning of Five Dot on her Artsy Fartsy Shopaholic blog today. I never really know what to say when someone does something like this- I'm so flattered and humbled to find someone that likes my work as much as my mom does. And word to the wise- subscribe to her blog... it's definitely a great read and she ends up showing some fantastic Etsy sellers- um, hello? She found me didn't she :-)
So, thank you Erika! I can't wait to snatch up an apron when she's back in business. I hope see's back in time for Christmas shopping! Check out her flickr here.
And love on this painting here.
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