The Gold at the End of the Rainbow

Well, I must admit that I did not have a glorious weekend of sales with my Black Friday deal. I'm not going to hide it or lie, or pretend it didn't happen. It is what it is.

Fast forward to today...I had an awesome exposure and sales day today, and wanted to let everyone in on my little corner of excitement! I know, I know, many of you get the exposure that I got today all the time, so it may not sound all that exciting to you, but just work with me here!

I was featured on the Front Page of Etsy twice:



And I sold the following items (some, more than one set!):









I hope everyone had a happy and successful Cyber Monday! The holiday season is upon us, and I am finally getting in the holiday spirit today!

xoxo

Operation: Utilize Supplies is Underway!

This weekend I finally got caught up on almost everything that I needed to do! What a great feeling that is! And since I got all caught up I decided to begin Operation: Utilize Supplies, thanks to Mel of Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities! This became like therapy for me. How nice to use all those extra supplies I've had lying around for years! My first project was to PAINT! It was so much fun, I haven't painted in ages. I painted a number of canvases that I still need to finish but it was great! I'll have to post more photos later this week. In going through my paints and supplies, I realized I was able to toss a few old, cruddy brushes, found empty, yes empty, tubes of paint I could throw out, and even used up the last of one of the tubes!

I definitely plan on selling the paintings I create. I am doing a series of three paintings thanks to OUS that is almost completed titled, Coffee Networking. I also made some mini canvas painting ornaments I will be selling at my upcoming craft show (you can see one of them here).

For those of you who have a mini craft store in your home or office, I highly recommend beginning OUS as time allows. I'll be posting progressive and finished photos of my creations from OUS later this week, so stay tuned!

xoxo

Gift Tags for Every Personality

This weekend is a great time to take advantage of my gift tags, since I am offering free shipping! I have a variety of styles, and can also do custom designs to match your wrapping and color choices! Many of them can also be used year-round after the holidays have come and gone so be sure to take advantage of the savings! I will also be including a free gift with every order.

This year I will be using the "Happy Holly Days" gift tags with solid and polka dotted paper and really pretty snowflake ribbon! I'll take photos (once I finally get my shopping done!) to show you!

Happy shopping!

xoxo

I Never Promised to Be Domestic

I'm not even going to justify this. It's absolutely ugly. I don't know what I was thinking. But it tastes delicious!

Note reads: "Worst cake EVER. Good thing you don't love me for my cake-baking abilities."

I got nothing but appreciation for the cake. But, I wouldn't be surprised if this popped up on Cake Wrecks later today!

Hope everyone has an absolutely delightful Saturday!

xoxo

Maddie's New Christmas Collar!

I was so excited yesterday was Thanksgiving for a number of reasons. One being that Maddie was finally able to wear her Christmas collar! I felt silly letting her wear it before Thanksgiving so I was REALLY anxious to put it on her. I ordered this adorable collar from Crazy for Collars about a month ago. The minute I put it on her she started prancing around and showing it off. No lie. I was worried the cute little bow would irritate her but with all her fur I don't think she even notices the bow there!

I tried to get some pictures, but she was just so excited to have a new collar she kept jumping around! So I did the best I could. You can at least see the bow and a glimpse of the collar.

And here is the collar from Suzanne's listing where you can actually see it without all the fur!


How cute! I was so busy getting pictures of the adorable collar that I completely forgot to get photos of the fam! Oops! Oh well, maybe next time. :)

xoxo

Gift Ideas for Unique Family & Friends

Well, folks, it's that time of year to start scrambling around for the best, most unique (and hopefully handmade!) holiday gifts! I've just recently added a variety of gift boxed stationery to my Etsy shop, and can even do a custom box at no additional charge! (Note: please inquire about colors currently available, and order quickly to ensure custom orders are done in time!)

And don't forget...now through Monday, November 30 I will be offering free worldwide shipping, as well as a free gift with every order!

Here are some of the boxed sets currently available, perfect for tween girls, coffee lovers, interior designers, owl lovers, and many more!

Act now! I have very limited quantities of each available! Be sure to get your custom orders in quickly, too - free shipping applies to those this weekend as well!

xoxo and happy shopping!

A Lovely, Cheerful Thanksgiving

I've been reflecting on the things I am most grateful for over the past couple of days, in light of today's Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for all my amazing, lovely, sweet, kind, and generous customers. Words are just not enough to describe how happy each of you makes me every single day. I am so thankful that my customers, followers, fans, and readers have given me the opportunity to make my ultimate dream come true.

I wish only a lovely and cheerful Thanksgiving for each and every one of my U.S. e-friends, and a calm and peaceful day for my international e-friends! Stay warm, smile, and be thankful for the little things we don't always remember we have!

In closing, I would like to leave you with this lovely Thanksgiving gourd from SeaPinks. Enjoy!


xoxo

'Tis the Season for SALES!

For those of you who know me well, you know that I am an avid shopper. If shopping were a sport you can bet I'd be at the Olympics! I've spent many a Black Fridays in traffic and checkout lines that last for days, all at the most outrageous hours of the day. This year, though, wait for it......I'm over it [GASP]. I've decided to make it a {almost} completely handmade holiday! To my delight, there are thousands of lovely handmade items on sale this weekend in honor of Black Friday through Cyber Monday!

So, after the turkey and pumpkin pie have been devoured, spend some time browsing through these lovely shops and get your list together, because beginning Friday you will find some amazing online deals! No need to get dressed, and no need to set the alarm for 5am!

I will be offering a sale for all my fabulously lovely customers! FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING on all items in my Etsy and Art Fire shops {excluding wedding correspondence and sale items}. All items will be discounted accordingly with the adjusted free shipping, so no need to worry about the hassle of adjusted invoices! I will also be throwing in a free gift for each order as well! Free shipping will apply to custom orders as well, so get your orders in THIS WEEKEND!

The shops below also have some fabulous items with amazing deals this weekend as well, so be sure to check them out!

BKD Signature - FREE SHIPPING on ALL orders over $20. BKD Signature specializes in glass tile pendants and crochet items, and I’m still creating new inventory to add daily. {I speak from first-hand purchasing when I say her glass tile pendants are absolutely lovely}!

Inspr’d Boutique - From now until Cyber Monday, get 26% off your purchase using discount code Thanks26. Inspr'd Boutique offers gorgeous handbags and bath products.

Kristen Stein Fine Art - Buy one item at full-price, receive 50% off the second item of equal or lesser value. Reserve items today, or visit Kristen Stein Fine Art this coming weekend when the promotion begins. You will also receive FREE U.S. shipping and discounted international shipping on all items.

Fashion Touch - FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING + 10% on your 2nd, 3rd, etc. item. Custom orders are always welcome, same discounts apply on the orders made on these days.

Rita’s Creations on Etsy and And More Bags - FREE SHIPPING

Momma Goddess Treasures - FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS 10% off all orders over $100. Momma Goddess Treasures is a great source for beautiful handmade jewelry.

Pink Fink - FREE SHIPPING. Pink Fink offers adorable polymer clay figures.

Need another reason to buy handmade and local with me? See this article on Etsy.

Anyone else have any promotions for the weekend? Feel free to post them in the comments below! Happy Shopping!

Inspiration from Inspr'd Boutique

Last week, I had the pleasure of "meeting" Tawana, owner of Inspr'd Boutique when she joined Unique Women in Business. Tawana requested some custom gift tags for her business through me, and I just had to share them with you because I think they turned out beautifully! If you check out her website, you'll immediately get a feel for her business - clean, classy, and inspirational! Tawana wanted to create some gift tags that matched the colors and look of her business, so we came up with this:



Tawana is preparing for an Inspr'd Boutique event in December, and I've really enjoyed learning more about her event and her company. Be sure to check out her website for some amazing products!

xoxo

Switching It Up

Hi ya'll! I hope everyone had a fabulous week. I've been doing some thinking this week and I think I am going to do a little switcheroo on the blog. I am loving the features I have been doing for the past few weeks, so I certainly don't want them to go away completely by any means, but I also want to do some other things. So, that being said I will be trying to develop some new features this week! I am excited about featuring some new artists and new ideas, and I hope you all are too! In the mean time I want to leave you with a lovely item from Marisolspoon to look at, so enjoy!

xoxo

Fashion Friday: I Heart You

I was doing some surfing earlier this week and came across this awesome plush heart on Mod Cloth. This thing is so cute, and what a unique little gift! I think I am partial to it, also, because I am currently in the middle of designing some stationery with hearts on it that look just like this. I'll be sure to post it once it's done, but for now enjoy this cute little fella! Happy Friday!

xoxo

Wacky Wednesday Interview: Ella Scott Jewels

This week I am so excited to feature a new friend of mine, Janet, of Ella Scott Jewels! I met Janet at the Steward School Craft Show about a month ago and bought quite a few of her pieces! Not to mention she is lively, energetic, funny, and the mother of twins! How she does it, I don't know, so let's get a little insight into her daily schedule! You can also visit her on her blog.

1. What tools are a must in your day to day business? Coffee, chocolate, ear plugs oh and all my tools and beads...can't forget those :)
2. If you were an animal, what would you be and why? Octopus, the more hands the better!
3. What is your favorite color combination? Blue and green and blue and orange...my shop colors and my blog colors.
4. What's your favorite drink? Hot chocolate made lovingly by my hubby every night
5. What could I find in your refrigerator right now? Not much, I actually shopped for two weeks of groceries but somehow it never seems to last that long.
6. What is the last book you read? Probably something by Dr. Seuss :)
7. What blogs do you like to keep up to date with? Well of course, Dawn Correspondence! but I also have a lot of wedding blogs, jewelry blogs, and moms of multiples blogs...too many to list but there are lists on my blogs.
8. If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be? My husband, for one day I would like to be in an office where people aren't constantly under your feet and you can think, and I would like for him to see what a day in the life of mom is.
9. What are the first three things you do in the morning? The last three before you go to bed? First three things in the morning...snuggle in bed with two very sweet two year olds, change diapers, fix breakfast for two cranky two year olds (how they go from sweet to cranky so quickly I will never know). Last three before bed...check emails and blogs, try to relax a little, snuggle with the hubs.
10. What time do you typically wake up and go to bed? If i had my way I would be up closer to 8 or 8:30 but usually someone is in our bed between 6:30 and 7; usually in bed by 11; that actually looks like a decent amount of sleep, wonder why I am always still tired.
11. What's your favorite movie? Sound of Music. I always remember watching that every Christmas at my grandparents' house, since then it has been my favorite.
12. What's the best part about selling online? All the fabulous people that I am contacted with all over the world!
13. What's the biggest challenge being in business for yourself? When problems arise you are the only one to answer the questions.
14. Tell us a little about how you manage your time. Since I have two toddlers, a hubby, and house to take care of there isn't much time for a lot, so I try to fit things in here and there when I have a few minutes of down time, and when the kiddos are sleeping.

Thank you, Janet, for giving us a peek into your life! You sure have your hands full with those twins, so we want to know how you manage to make such amazing jewelry in the meantime??!?

Moody Monday: Cheerful

Hello, loves! I must say I am feeling quite cheerful today. I accomplished quite a bit over the weekend, and still had time to go see Where the Wild Things Are, and spend some time with the family. I also had a consultation for wedding correspondence last night, which is always quite fun. And on top of that I realized I am off work this Wednesday, which will be a nice crafting day/break in the middle of the week! And who can forget that Thanksgiving is right around the corner? Thanksgiving is certainly one of my favorite holidays, so I am definitely looking forward to that! In honor of my Cheerful Monday, this week's item is brought to you by Sharma Designs. The color of these gorgeous earrings just popped out at me, and I could not resist them! Enjoy!

xoxo

Things I am Thankful For: Week 2

This week, I would like to do something a little different. The holidays are the time of year for family, friends, giving, thankfulness, and charity. This week, I'd like to highlight the latter. There are a number of charities I am passionate about, for various reasons. I think we've all encountered an event in our lives that makes us thankful and appreciative of various charitable organizations. If you have any you'd like to add to this list, please do so in the comments!

1. Alzheimer's Association - My very dear grandmother passed away almost 2 years ago to the day (November 9, 2007) today. She suffered from Alzheimer's, and it was very difficult both for her in the early stages, as well as my family. I hope that one day a cure is discovered to rid other families of this heart-wrenching disease. November is also Alzheimer's Awareness Month, so it's a great time to learn more about the disease and how you can help.
   
2. Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - We also had a family friend fight a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He gave up his fight 2 years ago this spring, and ever since then his family, as well as mine, have been very much involved with finding a cure for this terrible disease as well. My mom plays an integral role in making strides to find a cure for pancreatic cancer in our local area, so I know for a fact how easy it is to make a difference! In addition, November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, so I urge you to learn more about ways you can help!
   
3. Innocence Project - Not long ago, I watched a very raw documentary about wrongfully convicted individuals whose lives have been ruined from jail time. The Innocence Project is a public policy organization dedicated to helping exonerate these individuals. Another good resource related to this program is http://www.exonerated.org.
4. National Kidney Foundation - My brother-in-law lives with kidney disease, and I have ran into some kidney problems myself over the past 8 years. For this reason, I have learned a lot about kidney function and health. If nothing else, this is great information for you to know, so I urge you to learn more about kidney function and health, and how to tell if you have signs of kidney disease or other kidney problems.

While I value and appreciate all the various organizations available to us for knowledge and possible cures, these are the ones I am truly passionate about.

Do you have a story you'd like to share about an organization that has become a part of your life? Or even just the link to the organization for us to learn more information! If so, please feel free to share!

xoxo

It's Fashion Friday!

For this week's Fashion Friday, I wanted to do some searching for Fall fashions for 2009. Through my search, I came up with this outfit that I thought was very eloquently photographed. I like that it is not just about the outfit, but also about the woman's style, and the art of the photography. I don't really have the need to wear an outfit like this, but if I did, I totally would! Paired with some sleek black stilettos this ensemble would be a showstopper!
Now it's your turn. What do you think?


Photo courtesy of Marie Claire

Wacky Wednesday Interview: SewSweetStitches

This week, I am so excited to introduce to you Melissa of Sew Sweet Stitches! You can also find Melissa blogging and tweeting! Now, let's go chat with Melissa and take a peek into her life...

What are your necessary tools?
I'd say diapers, coffee, and ice cream. Crafting? Ohh ok, then just a pair of super sharp scissors.

If you were an animal, what would you be?
Does Cookie Monster count? Okay then, a cat. One word: (ok, 4 words:) Sleep. All. Day. Long.

What is your favorite color combination?
Ooh this changes every day. Recently it was pink and orange. Now I'm kinda diggin' pink+bright blue+red.

What is your favorite drink?
Coffee. Yeah right, it's an amaretto sour! Wait maybe warm vanilla cream soda...

What could I find in your refrigerator right now?
TONS of yogurt. Yoplait makes delicious coffee-flavored yogurt.

What is the last book you read?
I just finished browsing through some Calvin and Hobbes. Good stuff. Does that count as reading?

What blogs do you like to keep up to date with?
Anything that makes me laugh: Attack of The Redneck Mommy, My Milk Toof, and of course Cake Wrecks. And the most beautiful blog eva, Nostalgic Organics' Joyful Living. That's my secret blog crush.

What is currently playing on your ipod?
I have an assorted playlist, including Eva Cassidy, System of a Down, Feist, Led Zeppelin, Patsy Cline, Deftones, NIN, Rosemary Clooney, 311... Wow I like lots of different kinds of music!

If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be?
My toddler. Think about it- you get to watch Disney movies all day, run around pants-less, and are actually FORCED to take a nap! And you get to eat an unlimited amount of Goldfish crackers. Does it get any better than that?

If Hollywood made a movie about you, who would play the lead role? Who else would star in it?
I've been told I look like Anne Hathaway. (I think they need their eyes checked.) Maybe Tina Fey? My brother could be played by Topher Grace, the kid from "That Seventies Show," they're EXACTLY alike! And my sister-in-law would be played by me. Cus everyone thinks we're sisters. Kinda weird, huh?

What are the first three things you do in the morning? The last three before you go to bed?
Morning: Drink coffee. repeat. The waking up part is what I do right before I'm supposed to be going back to sleep.

What time do you typically wake up and go to bed?
THEORETICALLY, I "wake up" around 10am, or whenever my kid breaks through my pillow barricade. I nap from 2-5, and try to be back in bed by 11. Yeah, I've been diagnosed with slothitis. It's very serious.

What's your favorite movie?
Gone With The Wind (okay, really Anchorman, but don't let that get out.)

What's the best part about selling online?
When you get raving feedback! Just knowing someone loves something you made enough to give you money for it!

What's the biggest challenge being in business for yourself?
Sneaking away from the most mischievous 2-year-old in the world long enough to actually MAKE something. And when I get a chance to finally craft, I'm not in a creative mood.

Tell us a little about how you manage your time.
Yeah, right. See above. :)

Melissa, thank you so much for giving us a peek into your life! I am certainly going to have to check out those blogs you mentioned!

xoxo

Tuesday Treasury: Pumpkins

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, I am excited to get all my pumpkin recipes out to start fixing up! My good Plurk friend, Dawn of Into the Dawn also sent me a wonderful pumpkin stew recipe this week that I just cannot wait to try!

In honor of these delicious pumpkin recipes, I have decided to feature some of my favorite pumpkin items from Etsy this week. Be sure to visit these lovely shops and see what other great items they have to offer!

1. Homemade Soy - This Pumpkin Souffle soy candle makes my mouth water just thinking about the delicious scent! And I will only buy soy candles, so that's an extra bonus!
2. Faith on Earth - I am a sucker for good bags (and I think I even mentioned that last week!), so when I saw this bag, in ALL my favorite colors, I fell in love. The mixture of the pumpkin orange, the moss green, and the chocolate brown are neutral enough for most outfits, but bold enough to make a statement! I think this will be going on my Wish List.
3. Cozy Moments - Not only is Cozy Moments a fellow UWIB, but her products look absolutely delectable! This Pumpkin Cheesecake Goat's Milk Soap is a delicious flavor for Fall!
4. Dalim - I absolutely adore the vintage/antique look of these gorgeous earrings with a splash of pumpkin color! I have quite a few outfits I think these earrings would look gorgeous with!
5. Kylie Parry - I have been really into using bikes in my designs lately, if you have checked my Etsy shop. That's why I just had to feature this sweet bicycle necklace in a great pumpkin orange! This would be a fun conversation piece!
6. Amy 987 - I am a sucker for wood bracelets, so when I saw this gorgeous hand-painted wooden bangle, I fell in love. I love that it is painted on the inside as well, in a different pattern, so you get a hint of it when the bangle moves. Gorgeous!
7. Sewu - With a new niece in the family, I love checking out little girl's clothes. This little dress is absolutely adorable for a sweet Autumn outfit!
   
8. Nubby Cakes - Don't these look mouth-watering? These pumpkin spice whoopie pies are served with maple cream filling...and even better they are vegan!
   
9. Eva Foreva - How gorgeously well-made is this pumpkin neckwarmer? I love every little detail, down to the sweet button! And it looks so snuggly and warm for those cool Autumn days!

I hope you enjoy these pumpkin items! Have any pumpkin-inspired items you are loving right now? I'd love to see them! And be sure to check out these wonderful Etsy shops to see all their other amazing handcrafted items!

xoxo

Moody Monday: FAIL

Well, my weekend didn't go quite as planned. I had hopes of getting so much done - bridal show book for a wedding consultation, craft show inventory, some cleaning, and enjoying the little kiddos costumes as they came to the door.

Well, Saturday I woke up feeling absolutely horrendous. I couldn't move, which is very unlike me. Needless to say, I got none of the above done. The only productive thing I was able to do was to write some articles for the Examiner, get some blog posts written, and I did get a few items listed on Etsy that I had already photographed. Not quite what I needed to get done, though, so this weekend was just an all around epic FAIL.

Thank you to Pink Flower Cube for having the perfect item to portray my feelings of this weekend! I feel like I need to be wearing this lapel pin all week long!


Hopefully next weekend will be a little more productive. I hope, however, that you all had a wonderful Halloween weekend, and have a fabulous week ahead!

xoxo

Things I am Thankful For

I can't believe it, but November is already here! I've spent some quiet time this week reflecting on the things that I am thankful for, in preparation for the big Thanksgiving feasts coming up! I will be doing a weekly post of new things I am thankful for and really hope ya'll will join me and leave comments for things you are thankful for, or links to your blog where you have posted something similar! So, since I will be doing this weekly through November, this is by no means a comprehensive list, but just things that have come to me as I write or through my quiet thoughts this week!

1. My extremely supportive family and friends. I am lucky enough to have a very supportive group of loved ones who are there for me every step of the way. Not only are they behind me through the exciting, happy, and joyful times, but they are also there for me during the frustrating, sad, and annoying times!
2. Sunny, warm Fall days. In Virginia, we are lucky enough to have warm, sunny days well into the holiday season, on occasion. It's so uplifting to feel the excitement of Fall and the holiday season, but to still have the warm Spring air.
   
3. Target. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have a Target nearby at all times. When I need something and don't know where to get it, Target is my shop of choice. I have bought everything from the obvious toiletries, groceries, and electronics to party outfits, home decor, and shoes!
4. Laughter. One of my most favorite things in the world to do is to laugh. And I'm not talking the little chuckle you do when you don't want someone to feel bad, I am talking a huge side-splitting laugh that puts you in a great mood for the rest of the day. I constantly surround myself with individuals who make me laugh this way on a daily basis.
5. Chocolate chip cookies from Ukrop's. For those of you who do not know what Ukrop's is, I urge you to make a trip to Richmond just for that experience! I have been completely obsessed with their homemade chocolate chip cookies lately.
6. Pantene Pro-V Clarifying Shampoo. I have yet to find a shampoo that cleans my hair as good as this shampoo does! I love it!
7. Project Runway. For those of you who know me well, you know I never watch television. Ever. But I must catch Project Runway every single week. I get so excited on Thursday afternoons when I remember I get to watch PR that evening.
8. Coming home to a package. Whether it be new supplies or something I ordered from a fellow seller, it is so exciting to come home and open a package at the end of a busy day!
9. Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks. I am a huge Starbucks addict. I go more often than I should. October 1 is always a treat each year because they begin selling their Pumpkin Spice Lattes. The first sip is glorious - like taking a sip of Fall. If you aren't a coffee drinker, you probably don't understand...
10. Completely finalized and packaged orders. It's such a proud moment to see my creations through the process, but even better is to see them completed and packaged. It brings a sense of accomplishment that all you handcrafters out there probably share with me!

While I could go on and on, I am going to leave you with those. Now, your turn. What are you thankful for?