Studio Pebbles

Target Inner Circle in NYC

It's been just about a week since I returned home from my whirlwind 48 hour trip to New York City as part of the Target Inner Circle social influencer team meet-up, Target Media Day and the Target 50th Birthday Celebration...and I have been dying to share the details of my experience with you.  Up until the moment John dropped me off at the airport, I still couldn't believe this all was happening, and I consider myself extremely lucky to be a part of such an amazing group of women and such a landmark company. 

Target put us up at The Muse hotel in Times Square (where apparently, Daughtry and his band, were also staying) and after I checked in and cleaned up, I got to meet my fellow Target Inner Circle team member and new buddy, Jennie Lyon from MySweetGreens.com. She and I decided to take full advantage of our first time in NYC and see as much as we possibly could in 5 hours. So off we trudged, in the pouring rain, umbrellas in hand, to Rockefeller Center and the Top of the Rock! 

I think that's when I had my big "OMG" moment- standing up there, looking out at those amazing buildings in the clouds, stretching on and on. John summed it up when he said that New York City is "a monument to human achievement." It's like nothing else on this earth. I live in a beautiful part of the country, with magestic mountains outside my front door, but those skyscrapers are something else entirely. I was floored. And of course, that was also the moment I regretted not bringing my DSLR because my iPhone battery was at 20%. Rookie. 

After I finished kicking myself for not being able to take more pictures, we were on to our next adventure. From that point, we were like Laverne and Shirley, drunk on life and ready to go!! We tackled the subway! We made friends with the locals, and a rider who gave us play-by-play directions on her iPad between stops! We walked for blocks in the dark, rain pouring, clothing soaking wet, hair frizzing, to The Spotted Pig! One of the best restaurants in NYC and we got a table! We ate a burger made by food gods! I drank the best beer ever! Then it stopped raining, and we went for a 43 block walk back to our hotel, all the way from the Village to Times Square. AMAZING! 

The Target Inner Circle team (from Left to Right): Me- Jennifer Pebbles/ blog.StudioPebbles.com  // Jennie Lyon /  MySweetGreens.com // Patrice Yursick / Afrobella.com // Anne Sage / AnneSage.com // Jennifer Chong / blog.JChongStudio.com // Jenny Radosevich /  ISpyDIY.com // Jeanne Chan / ShopSweetThings.com // Alyson Seligman / TheAverageGirlsGuide.com // Amy Mascott / TeachMamma.com // Jo-Lynne Shane / MusingsOfAHousewife.com // Not Pictured: Jessica Shyba / MammasGoneCity.com // Katie Hurley / PracticalKatie.com // Kara Fleck / SimpleKids.net // Gina Homolka / SkinnyTaste.com // Ashley Brown / 7thHouseOnTheLeft.com

The next morning, we were up, bright and early to meet for our Target Inner Circle team breakfast. We got a chance to meet face-to-face with the people at Target who put this whole thing together, and get acquainted with each other before heading out to the Target Harlem store for a tour and shopping trip. I bought a battery powered phone charger. No way was I making that mistake twice. 

Then, after a quick break to change and grab a bite of lunch, we were back on our little bus to head to Media Day, where all the good stuff was waiting to happen! Members of just about every major media outlet (magazines, newspapers, television) were in attendance, but as Patrice put it, "We were the specificly invited guests"...Crazy! 

Media Day packets and nametag, with Jennie Lyon of MySweetGreens.com, Kathee Tesija, Executive Vice President, Merchandising and Supply Chain.

Media Day was where we had the opportunity to learn about the new Holiday promotions and store updates that Target is planning, which I will share with you in an upcoming post. As an information junkie, I loved this part the best, it was great to know how Target is working to improve the shopping experience for its customers, and is staying sensitive to the idea that frugality and saving time is important to us. 

There has already been a lot of press covering the Neiman Marcus collection for Target, (to see the designers and the entire collection, visit Neiman Marcus here) and it was great to get a chance to be one of the first people to see the items in person. The girls dresses by Marchesa was an instant favorite, as was the glittery Marc Jacobs clutches, and the Brian Atwood Studded Gloves.

My ultimate favorite item was a stunning blue sequin paisely top by Tracy Reese, but sadly it will have to remain a fantasy for me since none of the clothing items for women are available in anything larger than XL. This is one area in which I hope Target stores can improve in the future.

The unveiling of the Neiman Marcus collection was just the tip of the iceburg when it came to the fun planned for the rest of the evening. As members of the Target Inner Circle team, we were invited to the exclusive Target 50th Birthday Party! We knew to expect a few celebs in attendance, but woah... talk about star struck...

People, I have rubbed sholders with a few famous folks over the years...I gave flowers to Princess Diana when she and Charles made their post honeymoon Canadian tour. I downed enough liquid courage to talk to Bruce Willis during a performance with his band in Haley, ID...and did you know that my pregnant belly got some love from the guys from Broken Lizard? I should be a pro at this by now...but no. 

From top left: Nate Berkus, Shaun White, Sabrina Soto, and Perez Hilton.

I was like a giggly little kid! There were so many celebrities at this party, I about died. It was hard to walk the line between, "Just another fellow party attendee, no one else is freaking out, why should I?" to "OHMYEFFINGGOD!!!SQUEEEEEEEEEE!!!" I think I hopefully settled somewhere in the middle? I was with Alyson and Jennie when they got pictures taken with Nate Berkus, and had the chance to talk to Sabrina Soto, where of course I probably babbled like an idiot, something I chose not to repeat when meeting Soleil Moon Frye, where I kept my mouth shut to avoid embarrassing myself. Later on I decided to put my composure and manners to the test and approach Shaun White for a photo...so glad I did, he was the NICEST EVER!!! He seemed genuinely happy to talk to us, and answered some quesitons about what it's like to design clothing for Target, and talked about the X-Games in Aspen and Target's participation. Considering I am married to a red-headed winter sports athlete, I was pretty jazzed to get a picture. 
 
Me and Shaun, Alicia Keys singing "Happy Birthday, Dear Tar-Jay" :), and me with the Target Musical Performers.

It was truly such an amazing, wonderful, fun filled 24 hours. So many times during this whole event, I kept wondering "Why me?" and to be honest, I'm still not 100% sure, but I plan on making the most of it. Target is a fantastic company (you know they give over $4 Million a week to charity?) and I had the time of my life! 

Top Row: Jenny Radosevich. Middle Row: Jennifer Chong, Jeanne Chan, Alyson Seligman, Jennifer Pebbles, Jessica Shyba. Front Row: Amy Mascott, Jennie Lyon, Jo-Lynne Shane.

Please note, As a member of Target Inner Circle, I was invited to attend this event and Target paid for my accomidations, but all opinions and thoughts are mine alone.

Nice To Meet You

I know you are waiting for me to tell you all about my trip to NYC- I can't wait to share...it was NUTS!! I still can't believe it actually happened. While I am in the process of working on that post though, I thought I would show you what I brought with me to NYC to introduce myself to the rest of the Target Inner Circle team. 

I will fully admit that I am right smack dab in the middle of a rather major identity crisis, especially when it comes to blogging and work in general, but I knew right away that I wanted to include a little something along with my basic contact information that would give the recipient a glimpse of my personality and taste of what they can find on my blog.

Being a long time crafter and "tech-geek," I fortunately had most of the supplies on hand to make these. It's amazing how the years of hoarding supplies can come in handy from time-to-time. :D The only thing I had to order was a couple packages of these print-your-own Silhouette Temporary Tattoo sheets!  I read reviews on a few different versions of this product, and while it was a bit more pricey, reviewers stated that it was worth the price, because they worked great! And now, after completing my own set, I can agree! 

There aren't any incredibly difficult instructions for printing and making the tattoos...you just need to mirror your designs before you hit print. For a detailed tutorial on making tattoos, check out this is a great one here. I didn't use my Silhouette machine to cut these out as individual tattoos...I just made a little group of them, and then cut them into squares with my paper cutter.

I have to tell you, I love 'em! As one of the only people from the Seattle area who made through the consecutive time period of the grunge 90's and my 20's without permanent body ink, it gives me a chance to cash-in on the street cred without the commitment fears! And with Halloween fast approaching, I am sure there are all kinds of uses for these sheets; you can even make them full-color!  I just chose all black because I'm edgy. ;P

-----------------------------------------

Aside from the Tattoos, I also included a 4"x 4"mini-print, which I printed using my Epson PictureMate 4x6 photo printer, and also a "stacked circles" business card set, that included a photo of me, my Pinterest user name, and my Studio Pebbles blog info. I printed these on letter size cardstock, using my inkjet printer, and used a variety of circle punches (ranging from 2.5" to 1.5") to cut them out. They were lovingly assembled by my indentured servant mother, using tiny multi-color American Craft brads. I think the envelopes are from Clear Bags, and then I just closed them up with washi tape strips in different patterns (as you can see from the photo above, I have a few to choose from). 

Have you made something like this to introduce people to your blog or business? Have you seen other marketing sets like this that inspire you? Next time you have an event to attend, even if you have to make something the day before (...coughcough.) try digging through your supplies and tools and see what you have. You might surprise yourself with what a little last minute motivation can produce. 

The Big Huge Awesome | Target® Inner Circle

Peeps!!! Are you DYING???

I am SO EXCITED to announce that Target® (Yes, THE Target!!) has asked me to be part of  Target® Inner Circle, a small select group of social influencers who get to bring you inside scoop and exclusive access to Target!!!

...and, as our first official activity, Target® is flying me to ...wait for it....

New York City!!!

(can you believe it??)

I will be there to participate in the Target® Media Day and 50th Birthday Celebration on Tuesday, October 16th!! (Yes...like, THIS TUESDAY!!) As part of the Target Inner Circle team, I will be spending the day mingling with Target executives, fellow media members, and celebrity partners! And I get to share it all with you!! We'll be getting an exclusive look at Target's unprecedented Holiday Collection, previewing upcoming plans and products and much, much more!! 

Then, later, I will be bringing my personal style into the equation in a variety of on-line activities here and on Pinterest, where you'll be able to join in and enter giveaways for the chance to win! Later this fall, I will also be taking a trip to Target's headquarters in Minneapolis to get a behind the scenes look at what makes Target tick! 

I have had a love affair with all things Target for as long as I can remember, back to the days when Micheal Graves made those hot looking kitchen appliances and told us that design was for everyone, everyday, at any price. How often do we all drop what we're doing to get to the $1 spot when there is a new batch of awesome stuff? Remember that Missoni collection? I personally include the day my Target opened their new grocery section as one of the better days of my life. And, maybe, just maybe (okay, more than maybe)...my weight loss goal isn't a number on the scale, it's "be able to fit into a Target size XL." I triple-dip love TARGET! This is such an amazing opportunity for me, and I am so humbled and honored to be included.  

And since this is as close to an Oscar acceptance speech as I will ever get, I have to say Thank YOU. The internet has been so good to me, it's where I found my husband, it's where I found my favorite hobby, where I continue to connect with my passion for design, it's where I make my living, and most of all, it's where I have met some amazing friends. Without my blog readers or followers on Pinterest, this wouldn't be happening. We all get to have different experiences in our lives, I feel like this one I get to do for US. I hope you will be excited to follow along! 

XOXOXO- J.P.

Post #499

Hi Friends! What's new with you? Did you have a wonderful summer? Are you getting back into your normal routine now that school is underway?

I've been back to working on some design projects and also dealing with changes in our routine at home. We decided not to send Maggie back to daycare this fall- we have mixed feelings about it. I know she misses her friends and teachers, and I have worried a bit about the lack of structure and how that will affect us, but the good news is that my Mom has agreed to be our Nanny for the time being! We're still working out the details to make sure everyone is happy, especially Maggie...but her help is so appreciated, it cuts out a major expense and allows me to get back to working with a predictable schedule again. 

and speaking of getting back to it...

This is my 499th Blog Post.

If you have been a regular visitor, you know how unstructured and sporadic my posts have been.  I have had a hard time defining the purpose of my blog and the content I want to share, especially since life has changed so much for me since I started back in 2006. There is a definite cycle that keeps repeating itself, it brings the progress and the stalls. It has been a lot of "One step forward, Two steps back..." At times I have felt as though I didn't have anything to offer here that isn't already being done by someone else. I have suffered from my fair share of self-doubt.

However, I'd like to think that 2012 has been different. Even if the progress has been super slow, it  has been really positive. I think that by taking time away, I now have a fresh perspective. Personally, I am on an entirely new level when it comes to creativity and motivation. I know myself better. And so I have been looking forward to the end of summer, and coming back to the projects I left behind in the spring, like my website and more mini paper releases and Pinterest projects and other fun stuff.

And it just so happens that during all this planning and dreaming and self-discovery, apparently there were some "people" who happen to like my boards on Pinterest, and they asked if I would be interested in collaborating with them on a new little project they are working on...

So, over the past few months, I have been holding back on what I like to call, a major "Legally Blonde" moment. I am sure I have referenced it before...the scene where Elle Woods reads her name on the highly-sought-after summer internship list. Where she stands there and exclaims, "Me....Me!!.....MEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!"

Yeah, it happened. It's happening right now, as I type this. 

My little tiny blog, has some major big news. 

It's so big, in fact, that I couldn't just open up a new post and let it spill, especially after such a long break. You know how it is when you're expecting company? You need to dust and vacuum and pick up your dirty socks! I had to come in and clean up a little bit. 

And, I figured that since it's such momentous occasion in the life of this blog, what better way to commemorate this shining moment than by saving the announcement for Post #500!!  I super duper can't wait to tell you!! You should just probably check back tomorrow, I don't think I can sit on my hands much longer. 

I'm so excited, I feel like I should celebrate by giving something away!! How about a printable? Sound good?
Here you go (personal use only please): 

50 Shades of Ssshhh!

Let's talk, Ladies...

Don't you hate it when you're reading your paperback "Mommy Porn" at the pool or beach, and that super gossipy chick from your church totally busts you!

Or when you're on the bus or the subway trying to unwind after a hard day at work and some skeevy weirdo is leering at you after seeing that notorious book cover?

You're not alone.

Sometimes it might not be appropriate to fly your freak flag out in the open, especially in places like church, your in-laws house, or quiet reading time in the classroom. It can lead to embarrassment and unwanted advances or "Judgey-McJudgerson" getting all pious on you. Nobody wants that. 

Well, today is your lucky day!

Introducing the "50 Shades of Ssshhh!" designer book cover from Studio Pebbles:

 Go from, "OH NO SHE DIHN'T!" to "Oh, how nice!" in a matter of moments. 

For the low price of $0.00, you can download and print your very own!

Simply print the .pdf using legal size paper (8.5"x 14") or larger, on landscape and borderless setting (or take it to Kinko's or Staples and have them do it), be sure not to choose the Scale to Fit option. Then, trim along the outside edges and along the cutlines, fold and place on your book!

TA-DA!

You're days of being judged for being openly horny will be over, and if you run into your pastor in the waiting room at the doctor's office, you won't have to turn 50 Shades of Red with Shame while trying to stuff your book into your purse in warp speed!

The Ladies version comes in your choice of 4 Designer Prints, with the socially acceptable title of "Daily Spiritual Devotions: A Woman's Guide to Rejuvenating the Inner Goddess" By Anastasia Steele.

and Gentlemen, we didn't forget about you!

Why hide your copy inside the latest issue of The Economist, when you can slip on a "Fifty Shades of Ssshhh!" for Men, aptly titled "The New Guide to Contract Negotiation: 50 Unique Actions to Increase Results." by C. Grey.  In your choice of Shade of Grey, or Silver Tie.

Don't wait! Get yours today!

 

Download links: 

• Ladies Blue Straps 50 Shades of Ssshhh! book cover. (.pdf)
• Ladies Floral 50 Shades of Ssshhh! book cover. (.pdf)
• Ladies Soft Limits Chevron 50 Shades of Ssshhh! book cover. (.pdf)
• Ladies Orange Straps 50 Shades of Ssshhh! book cover. (.pdf)
• Gentlemens Shade of Grey 50 Shades of Ssshhh! book cover. (.pdf)
• Gentlemens Silver Tie 50 Shades of Ssshhh! book cover. (.pdf)

("50 Shades of Sssshhhh!" Designer Book Cover is property and copyright of Studio Pebbles 2012. All Rights Reserved. For Personal Use Only, not for Resale or Redistribution. Please direct all inquiries to jenniferpebbles AT gmail DOT com.)

ENJOY!

Maggie's Playroom Side | Shared Office

Last post I shared my side of our office/playroom, I finally found some time to post the pictures of Maggie's side:

• We used the chaise part of our IKEA Karlstadt sofa because we had it, and it fit, but I don't love how low it is and would prefer an overstuffed chair or a small loveseat, but it's good enough!
• Her desk was made using the top of an old IKEA Lack console table, which they don't make anymore (it's kind of like a cheap parsons desk, without the drawer). We painted it and secured it with two heavy shelf brackets.
• The chair was something Maggie's Opa found at a garage sale, we spray painted it teal using Rustoleum, which I prefer to Krylon.
• The Expedit was left over from my office previous to this makeover, but new to moving to North Bend.
• The paper chain was made on a rainy sunday using some construction paper to add some color and fun to the room.
• We also added the cable and clips over the window to hang Maggie's Art, which was an idea from Pinterest. 
• I have a tutorial to show you how I did the wall lettering too, I will post that shortly. 

Maggie loves coloring and painting, and she loves reading and she loves Playmobil, and she loves stuffed animals. Everything else is a lukewarm second. She's not into any licensed characters at this point, thank goodness. It's pretty funny to watch her come out with personality quirks from both John and I, and the stuff she picks up at Daycare...some cute, some not quite...but watching her grow into an amazing little girl is the best thing ever! I love spending our free days together.

The other major project I am up to my chin in these days, is trying to finish websites for both John and my businesses. I have his about 70% finished, it's at least up and has contact information, which is perfect for him at this point. Here is a screen shot, you can see it at www.MadronaPaintworks.com:

and as for me, I am launching my graphic design services site and big cartel shop, which I will have pre-designed logos, marketing templates (for small biz and photographers), printables, prints, etc. 

I am really trying hard to just get it done, but it's taking a long time, mostly because I keep changing my mind about how to showcase my services, and which platform to use. Boy oh boy, being your own client is much harder than working for someone else. I am hoping to be done by June 15th, and will start taking clients immediately. 

Anyway, you can see a preview at www.StudioPebbles.com, and sign up for the mailing list if you like: 

My posters for the Touch-A-Truck event turned out super cute, the Junior League was selling them at the event as a fundraiser, I think they printed 1000, and they SOLD OUT!  I tell ya, it does one's ego good to see people at an event walking around with your art in their hands. I am planning on printing a short run as well, so if you would like one, stay tuned. Of course, part of the proceeds will go to the JLS for their work in the community. 

And in daily life, when we're not all scrambling around with work or "school", I am trying to walk/jog my way down to a normal weight, and I am trying to make the most of the days I am a SAHM with Maggie by planning at least one fun event a week and taking her to drop-in at the "bouncy houses." And I am keeping up with pictures on my iPhone and still sharing on Instagram. Here's a few recent snaps:

1. Sneak-Tickle-Attack on Mommy from over the back of the couch. 
2. Last burst of nighttime giggles.
3. A good week of walking/jogging.
4. Family Night at Si View.
5. Post Workout Glow. 
6. Straight hair and someone who shouldn't be on the couch.
7. Alki Beach.
8. Seattle JLS Touch-A-Truck at Magnuson Park.
9. Swingin'.
10. Laying in my bed with my Kindle, singing, "Diarrhea, Diarrhea, Diarrhea!" 
11. Sunday yogurt and hot cocoa at SBX w/ Mommy.

Oh, and if you didn't notice, I gave my blog a mini-makeover, the yellow striped header that was up before was way too loud and made this thing just too busy to look at. I like this version better, and it hopefully ties in a bit better with the new website. :D

That's the latest news from the Pebbles house! I can't wait to be finished with the website so I can get on with my other projects, I am especially excited to work on some cute party printables, and hoping for some adventuresome clients who need rebranding...if that's you, I hope you'll consider me! 

Until next time...
(((((hugs)))))) 

Where I Hone My Genius

While most men in the U.S. were sitting on the couch, beer in hand, watching the Superbowl on February 5, 2012, my man was building me a new office! 

After pinning an extra large batch of inspiration, we went to work to create a standing height desk and shelves along one wall in my office. My desk and gear and supplies used to take up the entire room, but now we are down to this and the closet...the rest of the room is Maggie's Playroom (will share when it's finished, work in progress).

There are some issues, but it's 90% ideal. I shouldn't have bought the barstool... defeats the purpose of "standing desk" but the height keeps the items I am working on out of reach of Little Miss Grabby Hands... and since her toys and books and desk are in the room, she's not interested in my stuff very often. 

oooh...clean...it never looks like this! :D 

 Some info: 

• The shelves were free. They were offered by a client of John's who was renovating and we were so very lucky to get them. The system is by Rakks, but we cut a piece of 20" wide MDF for the desktop. 
• The barstool, rug, round side table and the white boxes are from IKEA. 
• The chevron and teal blue containers are from Target. 
• The image in the frame on the desk is from this pin: http://pinterest.com/pin/3518505928704856/ 

Since taking this photo, I have moved a few things around...the clock is now over by the photo printer and the file sorter is between the lamp and my laptop so I can have files close on hand and stay organized. I bought some vertical file folders from Martha Stewart for Avery at Staples and they work great, but that thing is so full, it's bursting. 

I am contemplating filling the back wall behind the desk area with pin boards in-between the vertical rails. For now it's fine without it, but I have a lot of stuff I like to keep in front of me, and I am running out of room on the desk. 

The other half of the room, as I mentioned before, is Maggie's playroom- it's still under construction/organization, so I don't really have finished photos to share, but you can sneak a peek of it here in this photo of her stamping: 

She's a busy little bee. :D 

...so...did I mention I finally got an iPhone?...

I am obsessed with my new lovely. It proved to me, in one fell swoop, that money really can buy happiness. I now use it as my primary camera, and I can't imagine very many situations where I am not satisfied doing just that. The DLSR is nice for some situations, but it's big and heavy and I hate hauling it around. I love Instagram, and I love how Kelle Hampton does a photo dump...so here is mine: 

1. New haircut.
2. Making oversize fabric flowers for a Moms Group "Pinterest Party." 
3. Wearing said oversize fabric flower. 
4. Maggie sleeping on our way to Grandma + Grandpa's house. 
5. Maggie and I on the Seattle/Bremerton Ferry. 
6. Maggie decorating cookies with Grandma.
7. Family picture with the Easter Bunny.
8. Maggie delivering a beer in her new apron and chef's hat. 
9. Riding on the "horsey" with Grandpa.
10. Pushing her baby in the stroller with her purse in hand...just like Mommy! 
11. My KONY 2012 activism kit. 

Life actually looks interesting for a change! 

And with that, I am going to put on my KONY 2012 T-shirt and crawl into bed. We'll have to save some of the interesting for another day. Let me know if you have questions about the desk set up, and I will be happy to answer! 

Smooches.
-Jen 

 

Getting Things Done

Tap, Tap, Tap...

Hello out there!! 

How is 2012 treating you so far? 

Mixed reviews from us at the Pebbles house. Q1 was filled with some smiles and some frustrations- worked on a rebrand for my friend Kelly's photography business, got snowed in and lost power for almost a week, then headed up to Canada for another wonderful trip to Whistler (of which I maybe have 4 photos), back for a week full of cleaning and reorganizing, and then our whole family was down with the flu. From about Valentines Day, until Maggie's birthday, we've all been varying degrees of sick. BLECH!!

March was a bit kinder to us, and April is looking up so far. 

We have a 2 year old now. If you have or have ever had a 2 year old, then you know of which I speak. Life is very, well, let's say...rich with experiences!  I love being a Mommy so much, and I remind myself 10x a day just to keep sane. :D 

When I can, I have been sneaking in some designing here and there...March had me working on a project for a friend, who is a member of the Junior League of Seattle. They are hosting an event in June called, "Touch-a-Truck," which is free to Seattle families and kids of all ages. There will be all kinds of construction trucks, service vehicles and emergency responder vehicles for kids to explore! I designed the branding for this years event, and produced some posters and information packets. 

Here is the sponsor packet: 

and the poster: 

It was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. So glad I had the opportunity to volunteer! 

2012 has also included a lot of focus on living simpler and healthier lives...thwarted by weeks eating comfort food while fighting our flus...but everyday is a new day and for me, losing weight and finally healing my hormore issues is at the top of my list. I will go into more detail in a later post, but this week especially has been off to a good start. 

I have so much to share...(and it's funny, because before I sat down to write this post, I was thinking that life has been busy but unproductive lately...however, now that I think about it, it's actually been really productive. Amazingly productive in fact! So productive, I acutally have enough things to blog about that I am going to save them for the next post, or two or three!! YAY!!) 

• We re-did my office into a shared playroom/office.
• We had a little family birthday party for Maggie's 2nd Birthday.
• I got an iPhone.
• I've had Laser Hair Removal :)
• I've worked on some fun design projects.
• I took a Typography class.
• etc., etc., etc.... 

...Most importantly, we've added a day of daycare for Maggie so I can have a more productive schedule to get things done. And to keep my eye on the prize, as a reminder, I made this print for my wall:

Which you can download and print for your wall if you would like :
(personal use only please) 

I'm so glad I have the time to blog again, (well, at least the time today) because I have been away for a really long time and I miss it and feel guilty about not posting more often. I don't like it when things get left hanging, as most things do, in my life of many interruptions, so hopefully now I can be better about being consistent and offering something of value to my readers. I don't need to post everyday, or make them too long, or whatever I do that makes it too hard to keep up- simplify and get things done. That's my motto for 2012. 

Until next time...
Love + ((((hugs))) + World Peace! 

Hell Week + Holidays

Well, I survived my week from Hell!!

Never, ever again people. I must have been clinically insane when I decided to do that fair with only 4 days to prepare. in. sane. 

Here's a couple pictures, this first one is from the Si View Parks, the director sent me a copy: 

Here are a few I took: 

We did okay with sales, nothing spectacular. I have made much, much more at my scrapbooking garage sales! :D But the experience was worth it, because now I can make an educated decision about future participation in markets and fairs. What is that decision? Well, I haven't made it yet. I think the wounds are too raw for me to be objective. 

I am tired, and I am ready to hunker down and enjoy this December. 

Part of enjoying December, for me, is to be crafty! Not "prep-for-fair" crafty, but "just-for-me-makes-me-happy" crafty. I have been making decorations, (some of those prints up there ^ were copies of the ones I made for my mantle), I have made a wreath, and I just finished making this year's December Daily album!

I made the whole darn thing! I cut up a priority mail box from the post office, and recycled a binder mechanism from a recyclable binder from Office Depot. I wrapped it in batting, then the yellow fabric...I just hot glued it together, no sewing...too lazy for that! :D Then I added the sheets of wool felt inside the front and back covers (the front cover has a little pocket) and then I decorated the front. I bought some suede elbow patches and toggle buttons and made the title art and closure. And, .just to keep things real around here..I should also say that I am about 6 days late on starting this album and I was making that album at 2am.

I am using my Awesome Christmas products as part of my album and in the inside I will be mixing up a bunch of Project Life Photo Pocket pages that have been trimmed down from 12x12 to about 12x6 or 12x9, and then letter sized sheets might be included as well. As soon as I have some completed pages, I will take more pictures and explain further what I am talking about. 

Speaking of Awesome Christmas, I am going to re-list all of the items in the Etsy shop tonight, so if you didn't get it on the first round, here is your chance! This is all that is left, I didn't want to over order on this first release because honestly I wasn't sure if anyone would like it! 

So that's what's up with me! I hope you are having a great december...I have loved looking at all the great Holiday ideas on Pinterest, this really is the most wonderful time of the year!

 

Thanks + No Sleep Till Craft Fair

Thank you so much for the warm welcome back, and for the GREAT response to the new Awesome Christmas line! I have had a few people ask if I will be restocking- I have two "bazaars" this week (I am insane and have agreed to take a last minute table at one this Saturday,) so I will know after that what I have left.  I will keep you posted! :D 

Yeah...last minute craft booth...what was I thinking???? I was looking forward to a "slow" week this week, and instead it's just as crazy as last week. If I get to bed before 2am, it's a MIRACLE! It's nuts. I am going to have my slow down next week if I have to tie myself to the couch. :D 

I really want to sit down and make my December Daily album for this year... I have been collecting ideas on Pinterest, here are two I really like. 

Source: f*yeahpackaging.tumblr.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

 

Source: reavespartyofthree.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

 

I have some ideas in my head of what I want to do, I just need to make the time to sit down and get it done!! I did great last year, for me at least, I got about 90% of it done...did the photos and journaling, which is most important, just never got around to decorating it. So, being honest, I probably won't have my book done until next week sometime, but I won't forget to start taking pictures on Thursday! :D 

When do you make time to work on your December Daily? I would love to hear your ideas and advice. Just don't say, "I do it at 3am." because currently, that spot is reserved for blogging. :P

PS: Happy Birthday Mom!! Hope you had a wonderful day!! <3