Haute Lady... the blog

Happy Birthday Hunny!!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:11:00 +0000

Today is your 29th birthday. Can you believe how far we have come over the last 10 years. Did you think 11 years ago that we would be married with children... not just 2 or 3 BUT 4? I will admit during our early days I knew that we would wind up married but didn't think that we would be the proud parents of 4. Yes I did know that we would have at least 1 or possibly 2 but 4 never crossed my mind. LOL I want to thank you for giving me the best gifts ever, our 4 wonderful children! Wow here is the one time a year that you get to be actually "older" than me. ;o) I love you babe and here's to many more happy birthdays!!

P.S. Have fun watching the Lakers Vs. Spurs game tonight with your boys but you won't get to wear the new Kobe jersey that I bought. Hahaha!! Mwah ;o)

More on my epiphany...

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:13:00 +0000

I know you are thinking, what do you mean more on your epiphany?! There was a part that I forgot to mention in the last post. Plus I totally forgot about the conversation that I had with my hubby's teammate prior to the game. LOL This is how I came to my epiphany which capped off on the rider home.

I was talking to my hubby's teammate and I telling him of my hopes and dreams, how I want to have my clothing line and how I want to have my own shop where women can come and go shopping and get pampered. He was listening attentively and he said that I should pursue which of course I am already doing but he didn't know that until I told him that I already started and he was in amazement. Which made me feel real good about myself to be totally honest with you. He said that I should keep at it and before I know it my dreams will become a reality and that is when it hit me that I should turn Zen Luxe Design Co. into an all natural women's boutique that sells all my designs for clothing, handbags AND home décor. No that doesn't mean that all of that will be available next week or even next month but I plan to incorporate that into Zen Luxe Design Co.

The sky's the limit and we all know how high that is. :o)

I Signed Up for PPP!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:00:00 +0000

Have you ever come across a blog that had those initials before and wondered what it stood for or why it was on the blog? I know I have and thought to myself what in the heck is PPP or PayPerPost.

So, what does PPP stand for? PPP stands for PayPerPost. After seeing the reference to PayPerPost on numerous blogs that I frequently visited and never knew exactly what it was until one day I finally broke down and visited the site. PayPerPost is an exciting site that allows you to blog about different things including web sites, products, and services while earning money for expressing your opinions.

So why did I sign up for PayPerPost? Let's be honest, who couldn't use a little extra cash these days with our economy the way that it is. Not to mention I love to write and blog about different things. Hey this blog plus my indie artisans showcase blog, Haute Innovations, are proof of that. Also I would love for advertisers to get my feedback on what they are selling especially if the need to improve in some area.

If you are anything like me and like to write, I would recommend you check out PayPerPost and get paid to write on your blog!

I Had An Epiphany!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:14:00 +0000

Yes, I had a moment of clarity while driving home from my hubby's basketball game last night. His team won by the way. :o) Anyways, it's a little drive from where he plays to our house and while we making the trek on the freeway, my mind got to wandering. I think it may have happened because the full moon illuminated the sky. I began to do my mediation because the kids were watching a "Bee Movie" and I was overstimulated by the game to which I was ready to relax and call it a day. LOL

Anyhow, if you've been reading my blog any length of time then you already know that I'm always going on about how I miss designing and that I need to be able to incorporate it into my life again. If you are new to my blog, fashion design has been a part of my life for the past 7 years but last year I took a break to care for my new baby but now that she is older, it's time to get back to my passion... Fashion! My hubby already gave me the green light but he wound up getting sick and then I got sick. Now that I am healthy I am ready to venture into this thing called fashion/textile design again. :o)

My first I thought was that I would need to come up with a name for my line and start from scratch because I was a freelance custom fashion designer and that's when it hit me in the car on the way home last night, why come up with all new everything when I already have Zen Luxe Design Co. which I haven't really done anything with it. So Zen Luxe Design Co. will be undergoing a restructure and my focus will continue on the "Green" path. While I have loved designing digital illustrations and cards, I'm going to take Zen Luxe Design Co. into a different direction where I will still be able to do my graphic design but it won't be on paper but fabric instead. Yes you read that correctly, I will be doing textile designs but they will be for your home. Zen Luxe Design Co. is now a "green" home decor company. Everything is still in the works but I'm happy that I am finally getting everything together before it's too late. LOL

Stay tuned....

New Updates from Ana Aya & Co.

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:40:00 +0000

It's a tug of war when it comes to adding new products to the Ana Aya & Co. line. The products MUST complement each other, be ALL natural and vegan friendly. This is where the problem lies in making lotion. Have you looked at the ingredients in your lotion lately? Did you know that it may contain mineral oil which isn't that great for your skin but I think the most disturbing fact that I found is about the preservatives that are used to keep the lotions in pretty, pristine condition actually contain parabens which are possibly CARCINOGENIC!! This is very scary because while I know it's not like you are "smoking" the lotion, you are basically rubbing into your skin which can't be too good. This isn't an anti-paraben post just a think about what you are putting onto your body.

I have researched high and low for alternatives and luckily came up with a few NON-PARABEN preservative because I strive to keep all Ana Aya & Co. products as NATURAL as possible. With that being said, the new lotion goodies will arrive when very soon!

On a different note, I'm really excited about the body butters. Why am I so excited you ask? Ana Aya & Co. will introduce the NEW whipped body butter line, just in time for the upcoming summer shorts season. They will be available in our Spring/Summer 2008 scents but there will also be two limited edition scents exclusive to our body butter only but you will have to stay tuned for that one.

Also arriving at Ana Aya & Co. is the limited edition "Summer Diva" eyeshadow collection consisting of 10 fun and sassy shades that will be available from May 30th until August 31st! So when the clock chimes 12 midnight PST on September 1st, the collection will be retired.

A lot is in store for you beautiful women in the next couple of weeks, so be sure to check back to see when the new goodies arrive.

New Product Added to Ana Aya & Co.!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:02:00 +0000

I have been wanting to add some bath & body products to my line of beauty goodies and I finally started this process by introducing our vegan Brown Sugar Body Scrubs!

I am currently working on adding lotion and body butter too. I hope to add them by the end of the month pending the testing results are OUTSTANDING! So be on the lookout for those new goodies soon :o)

What I've Learned!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:20:00 +0000

I have learned that it's best to not only backup your sites but to download them onto your own computer in case catastrophes happen. If it ever happens all you have to do is upload them on your current web host or if you choose to use a new one, upload it there. I have seen it on various websites before but I never really paid it any mind but I have DEFINITELY learned my lesson.

One good thing that came out of all of this is that I got a new host and with my perseverance, I was able to get both Haute Innovations AND Ana Aya & Co. back up and running within in a week. LOL Oh I guess I forgot to mention that Ana Aya & Co. is back up and instead of a Grand Opening Sale, I'm running a Celebrate Summer Sale! So stop on by and pick up some new beautification goodies and don't forget that there is Free Shipping on ALL Orders within the U.S. and to Canada!

The Unthinkable Happened!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:44:00 +0000

I don't even know where to begin on this one. Why is it that all of my hard work is down the drain? If you don't know what I am talking about, why not check out http://hauteinnovations.com! Did anything come up for you? I know it hasn't come up for me in almost a week. It appears that my web host decided that it no longer wanted to be in business and virtually disappeared the day of May 1st, 2008. I wanted for approximately 5 days and then decided that I can't wait for it to come back up because it's gone. So I had to re-register my domain name for Haute Innovations... it is now http://hauteinnovation.com there isn't a "s" in the web addy anymore. The site is back and running so please update your bookmarks accordingly.

Also the grand opening of Ana Aya & Co. was also affected by the web host disappearing so I am currently rebuilding my shopping cart and will announce when it's ready to go.

Thanks everyone for your support!

Officially Open!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 01:27:00 +0000

Click to Enter

I am happy to say that I have finally tweaked the Ana Aya & Co. website to where I am happy to say that it's finally ready for it's Grand Opening! There are still a few details that I need to finish up but for the most part, it's ready to go! YAY!!!

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look!

I Need HELP!!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:00:00 +0000

Move over Blythe and Pullip there is a new 16" girl stealing my heart and her name is Ellowyne Wilde by Robert Tonner.

Essential Ellowyne �?? Redhead
Photo taken by Wild Imagination

Isn't she pretty?? I was looking on eBay the other day for some eyes for my obitsu and I don't know how I came across this beautiful doll but I did. I came across a repaint of this doll and she was GORGEOUS!!!! I can honestly say that I want one of these dolls more than I want a Pullip or Blythe!! The one that I really want is the Redhead, so I am going to save my money for this doll!!!!

My Latest Fixation...

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:38:00 +0000

is on the Natasha Moore doll. She is GORGEOUS and I want her. Isn't she beautiful???

Photo taken by Blytheworld.com

I am thinking about putting money aside to purchase her. I have to take care of the household bills first BUT once those are paid for this month I'm going to start a doll till for my dollie addiction!

Also what I am doing to try to raise funds for this new addiction is sell stuff that I am no longer using. I am even going to dust off my sewing machines and crochet hooks to make some stuff to help generate the needed funds to purchase some dolls. I mean I have over 15 years experience in the sewing department and 8 in the crochet department. So I can say that I know what I am doing here. LOL I have decided to use my etsy shop, Zen Luxe Design Co., where I am selling graphic design stuff on to sell my sewn/crocheted designs.

Doll Addiction?!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:05:00 +0000

I think I just may have a doll addiction. I now find myself on the computer looking at all the pretty dolls that I would like to get. My obsession doesn't stop at Pullip or Blythe dolls either because I am looking at Dollfies too. I even bought a Dollfie Plus with green eyes and black hair. Shsssh, don't tell because I got it for a really great deal! LOL

I have now found myself stashing money away so I can be able to purchase dolls, is that bad or what? I mean I don't even care if I have to purchase a fixer up as long as I get a doll. LOL This could mean some real trouble for my household. I mean will my doll collection one day be bigger than both of my daughters? I know mine will DEFINITELY look better than theirs. LOL

Here is how badly I am obsessed with these dolls... I want the big girls and the petites. I also stalk the different message boards, flickr groups and livejournal communities to see what I can find to help satisfy my newest addiction. I have even traded for an obitsu 27cm head, 23cm obitsu body, a Chill Pullip body (once it arrives) and a Takara Blythe body (once it arrives). I am going to use these to make clothing to sell to be able to afford this new addiction. See I told you that I am going to get me a doll, one way or the other!! LOL

I think the reason why I am soo smitten with these dolls is because they allow me to take time for myself! It's really hard to find time for oneself when you have 4 little people (7, 4, 2 and 13 mos) running around under foot all day. It allows "mommy" to just relax and not worry about who's doing what, why they are doing it and if they are going to get hurt. LOL I mean I am willing to save up my little pennies so that I can have just a few moments of enjoyable relaxation!

Ana Aya & Co. Complete Set of 28 Shimmering Eyeshadow Sampler

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 05:49:00 +0000

Have you wanted to try out the Ana Aya & Co. pure loose mineral eyeshadows but didn't know which one to choose? We know how hard it is to make a decision off of a photo without actually feeling and seeing the product. Here is your chance to receive a sample packet of our entire shimmering eyeshadow collection consisting of 28 shades. A perfect, cost effective way to try them out and see which shades you like best.

New Direction for Zen Luxe Design Co.

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:02:00 +0000

I've decided to take Zen Luxe Design Co. into a new direction to satisfy my heart. While I enjoy graphic design which I will continue to do, my passion and heart really lies in fashion design. We all know how girls love to dress up and look good, as well as, live in the lap of luxury. LOL

I have been creating all kinds of patterns that I want to use to create fabric for clothing and home decor designs but have been afraid to take the chance on them. With this new doll obsession, I can test out my textile design ideas but on a much smaller scale. This way I won't feel disappointed if the pattern doesn't have the look I originally envisioned.

I'm going to use my skills and ideas to create a clothing and home decor line BUT for dolls and the people who love them! My sweet Cayenne will not only have a couture to knock your socks but her home will be the best decorated too. ;o)

Etsy Artists of Color Scavenger Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:27:00 +0000

Come play this week to win wonderful handcrafted items in a variety of media. Discover some great new artists and have fun along the way! You must be an Etsy member to win, both buyers and sellers are welcome! No purchase is necessary to win. Members of the Artists of Color Team are not eligible to win.

How to play?
Visit each of the participating EAOC shops below and look through the pictures in their shop listings (recent sold items included). Some shops will contain one picture of a "letter" hiding in one of their shop listings. Search through the participating shops and jot down the "letter" and the name of the shop you have found the letter in.

After you have found all of the letters (15 total), then unscramble them to complete a word. When you think you have solved the puzzle, please convo me (http://callidora.etsy.com) with your entry and your name, if you are correct your name will go into a drawing to win the prize basket. (Only one entry per member.)

What's the prize?
Everything has been handcrafted by member artists. From the top going clockwise:

Reversible headband by Callidora
Golden crocheted earrings by Bklyn MOMOs
Kiwi magnolia soap and satin cream by The Ivory Magnolia
Four occasion greeting cards by Handcrafted by LaMar
Earrings and heart pendant by Marcia Palmer
Spring poker chip magnet by Ginger Lime
Coin earrings in a tin by Satin Doll Co.
Mother of pearl coin earrings by Jamilary
Snap clutch by Urbanknit
Small mosaic votive by Mosaics by AH

Contest ends at 12 midnight EST, March 31st. All correct entries will be entered into a drawing and the winner will be selected at random and announced on Tuesday, April 1st. The lucky winner will be contacted by �??convo�?? on Etsy and the results will be posted in the forums and on our team blog.

Good Luck!

List of participating shops:
http://mosiacsbyah.etsy.com
http://brefour.etsy.com
http://wsirarts. etsy.com
http://ayanacreations.etsy.com
http://theivorymagnolia.etsy.com
http://satindollco.etsy.com
http://jamilary.etsy.com
http://lamarlynch.etsy.com
http://marciapalmer.etsy.com
http://springcartde signs.etsy.com
http://origamicentral.etsy.com
http://bklynmomos.etsy.com
http://callidora.etsy.com
http://thehandoffatima.etsy.com
http://tyramade.etsy.com
http://reign.etsy.com
http://urbanknit.etsy.com
http://gingerlime.etsy.com
http://feille.etsy.com
http://stormeejean.etsy.com
http://anaaya.etsy.com
http://raghousenternational.etsy.com
http://liviastreasures.etsy.com
http://cassowaryjewelry.etsy.com
http://africanfashions.etsy.com
http://beadsinthebelfry.etsy.com
http://ladiestheytalkabout.etsy.com
http://precioust.etsy.com
http://soleilrouge.etsy.com
http://hilari.etsy.com
http://takeyceart.etsy.com
http://marcuskwame.etsy.com

Ana Aya & Co. Website Coming Soon!!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:30:00 +0000

So I have been trying to figure out what I want to do with Ana Aya & Co. because after listing on etsy, I have noticed that it will begin to get a little expensive if I were to list everything that I make in both sample and full sizes. Plus I add to my eyeshadow collection every day because there is always a need for a specific color to match whatever you are wearing. LOL Like right now I have over 15 eyeshadow shades that I still need to add to my shop. LOL

After much thought, I have decided to go ahead and open up my own website to showcase the full product line where you can purchase both samples and full size products. I will be adding that you can purchase full size products plus samples in my etsy shop. It will be a little easier for me in regards to the time spent. I mean I will keep my samples up on etsy of course but the majority of my products will be on my website.

I have been working diligently on the Ana Aya & Co. web shop. Since I want to create brand identity,I am using zen-cart as my shopping cart and I have had loads of fun customizing it and giving it the look and feel that I want instead of keeping the standard look of most shopping cart. I do need to tweak a couple of things on the site though. It looks almost as good as the Ana Aya & Co. Blog but not exactly where I want it to be so I am hoping that it will be ready by the beginning of next week.

I have also been retaking all of my pictures and let me just state for the record this is some tedious work. LOL Just when I thought that I had the shot I upload it to the computer and it is nowhere near where I wanted it to be. LOL Not to mention that I have close to 30 shades of eyeshadow that need their pictures re shot. I know that in the end all of my hard work will pay off it's just frustrating at the moment. LOL

Back to work....

Happy Spring from Ana Aya & Co.!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:43:00 +0000

New to the etsy shop today, our line of Pure Loose Mineral Foundations and All Natural Bronzer!

Be sure to check them out as we are offering them individually as well as in sample kits which is an excellent way to test out not only our foundations but all natural bronzer too!

Lastly, we are now shipping packages TWICE a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays. This is a small, one woman owned and operated business with 4 very small children (7, 4, 2, and 13mos) and this will be the easiest not to mention most efficient way to ship out packages. Thanks for your understanding and we look forward to your continued support.

Pullip Dolls Wishlist

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 20:38:00 +0000

While I think Blythe dolls are beautiful and hope to get a few. I will have to say that my favorite JP dolls are Pullips. I would love to design for them. I take that back, I am going to design for them once my Chill body arrives. Here are the Pullips currently on my wishlist. ;o)

Little Red Riding Hood

Nomado

Cornice

Stica

Souseiseki

Rida

Afternoon

Withered

Theres is one more doll that I would love to welcome into my home EXCEPT she�??s unattainable right now. I will get her in the future. Without further ado, meet Miss Prunella.

Prunella

All photos are taken from Pullip Style Online Shop

A New Obsession?!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 20:30:00 +0000

Thanks to a pattern drafting class that I took awhile back, I started looking at various fashion dolls to test design ideas on but it was pushed to the back of mind until recently when I was browsing around flickr. I came across some really awesome outfits. It got my wheels turning and my mind going a little more on my own designs. What a great way to test out my designs and expand my knowledge? Best of all, I get to play with dolls again! At this point I still don't know which doll I wanted to use as my muse but I know that her name would be "Cayenne" because it came to me in a dream.

Coming Soon to Zen Luxe Design Co.!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:33:00 +0000

In my spare time which is very little, I started to work on the Zen Luxe Design Co.website. I think it's coming along very well.

I have also been working on some customized stationery and note cards. Here are some note cards that I made up recently which well be available for sale soon in our etsy shop.

New Goodies added at Ana Aya & Co. Etsy Shop!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:57:00 +0000

Here are the latest additions to the Ana Aya & Co. etsy shop!

New goodies are on the way, so be sure to check out Ana Aya & Co. for the latest scoop!

What's On Tap...

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:54:00 +0000

from Ana Aya & Co. for the month of March?

Within in the next week we will be adding our line of all natural, vegan lip balm available in 6 exciting flavors: Green Apple, Manic Mango, Piña Colada, Root Beer, Strawberry Smoothie, Vanilla plus Unflavored for those wanting a non frills lip balm.

Also available soon, samples of our Spring/Summer Collection of natural roll on body fragrances for those wanting to give them a test drive.

Be on the look out for our Spring/Summer Collection of Pure Lush Lip Gloss available in two sizes: full size - .33 oz net volume tube with wand applicator and sample jar - enough for multiple applications (approx. 10-15) .

Last but not least, our foundations will be added to Ana Aya & Co.!

Don�??t forget to sign up for our mailing list to be notified of new arrivals, special sales and discounts only available to newsletter subscribers.

Build Your Own Sampler

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 04:39:00 +0000

Have you wanted to try out the Ana Aya & Co. pure loose mineral eyeshadow? Here is your chance to choose your own 3 shades with ALL sample orders receive free shipping!!

Don't forget to sign up for our mailing list to be notified of new arrivals, special sales and discounts only available to newsletter subscribers.

I've Been Inspired!!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:15:00 +0000

Awhile ago I talked about writing/illustrating my own collection of children's picture and early reader books. Well I have been kinda discouraged because I really thought that you would have to have them printed by the big publishing companies but I have come to the realization that I was really misinformed. I have researched a lot since my first post and not only do I not have to get my works published by a big publishing house but I could be my own publisher. LOL

But what really inspired me to go ahead with my collection came from the works of Tiny Island Books. I received an email from one of the message boards that I am part of and I normally delete them but this particular message struck me. So I opened it and I was happy when I read it and clicked the link to Tiny Island Books!

Look it can really be done! Thanks Tiny Island Books for giving me the added inspiration and motivation that I needed to pursue my writing/illustrating career.

Be sure to stop by Tiny Island Books to see their whole collection of works including 3 additional books, coloring pages, greeting cards and more.

Etsy Artist of Color Leap Day Promotions

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Innovations) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Leap Day is special! It only comes around once every 4 years. The shops of the EAOC Team are celebrating with a Leap into Savings. These Specials are good for ONE DAY ONLY, so be sure to take advantage. Starting at 12:00AM EST on 2/29/08 and ending at 11:59PM EST the same day, the shops listed below will offer their Specials.

Mention code �??EAOC Leap�?? in the Message to Seller to receive your discount and wait for an adjusted invoice. This is a great way to stock up on favorites and or buy gifts for upcoming holidays and birthdays.

http://mosaicsbyah.etsy.com - 10% Off trivets and small votives
http://ayanacreations.etsy.com - 20% Off all flowers (sale items not included)
http://theivorymagnolia.etsy.com - 29% Off all orders. Free roll-on perfume oil with orders of $29 or more (after discounts and excluding shipping)
http://lamarlynch.etsy.com - Buy 4 blank floral cards set, get any card free
http://jamilary.etsy.com - 15% off any order
http://origamicentral.etsy.com -20% off any order
http://callidora.etsy.com - $2.29 Shipping on any first item, $.29 for each additional item
http://raghousenternational.etsy.com - 20% Off all scarves
http://anaaya.etsy.com - Buy One, Get One 1/2 off!! That�??s right for one day, not only will you receive FREE SHIPPING but Purchase any one of our items and the second one for 1/2 price!!
http://zenluxe.etsy.com - FREE SHIPPING on all orders!!

These savings are so fantastic, they only come around once every 4 years.

Happy Leap Day from the Etsy Artists of Color Team!