Kari Lind Creations

Summer Vacation: Keeping Kids Busy

2011-05-09T08:47:00.000-05:00

Summer time is around the corner, and if you're like any normal parent, you are both excited and dreading this season. It's the time of pool days, vacations and the daily phrase "Mom, I'm BORED!"

How do you refrain from hearing this phrase, you ask? Here are some pointers to keep your kids busy and yourself from going nuts:

Give your kids responsibilities. Make a list of chores or tasks that your child/children will be in charge of. These could be small things like feeding the dog every morning and night, or bigger things like loading & unloading the dishwasher. Putting them in charge of household duties gives them a sense of ownership of what goes on in the home and teaches them responsibility. (It also gives you a break and keeps them busy!)
Have play days. Set aside one day a week when you do something special or fun as a family. It doesn't have to cost money. An afternoon at the local park with a picnic may just be what your kids need. Take the day off and go to a $1 movie. There are many theaters that offer afternoon matinee's over the summer. Make your kids earn it. Say if they complete such and such chores, they get a play day.
Have a list of fun activities and hobbies. Before the summer begins, have your child sit down and make a list of all of their favorite things to do and activities they would like to try. Stock up on construction paper, crayons, craft items and supplies that they would need to enjoy these activities over the summer. If you child tries the phrase above, refer them to their list and tell them to find something on that list to do. :)
Take them to the library. Too many kids nowadays neglect the millions of brilliant books in the world for the computer and video games. Limit their amount of time in front of the TV, and challenge them to reading a certain number of books over the summer. Reward them at each milestone of a certain number of books. Local libraries also have fun activities scheduled over the summer. Contact yours to get a schedule.

These are only a few ideas on how to keep your kids busy over the summer months! Remember to enjoy it, because they will go fast!

A Brand New Beginning

2011-05-09T08:25:00.000-05:00

     Ahh, Spring! In many ways, this time of the year is great for starting out fresh. The world is renewed with warmer weather, spring cleaning is in full swing, and baby birds and tulips are popping up everywhere. One of the other big events this time of year is High School Graduation. Every year, thousands of high school seniors celebrate the end of a journey and begin a brand new chapter of their lives.

   How do we celebrate it, you ask? Usually with the same old tradition of open houses, backyard cookouts and cap & gown adorned decorations, cards, and wrapping paper. How did such an important day get all summed up into a black and white icon of a graduation cap and diploma? I think it is time to take the age old tradition for a ride to the retirement line. The time of conformity has come to an end.

   Graduation is about taking that first step into a new world where you can be anything. You control your future with what you decided to do with your life. The parties and get-togethers should reflect the goals of that new journey. If your graduate is leaving to study acting or drama, use old Hollywood and musical posters, or create a new one with photos and some imaging software. If they aren't going straight to college and want to do some traveling, or they just want to work and save money, you can use old postcards, and passport stamps, or piggy banks and dollar signs to spruce up the scene.

   The sky is the limit when it comes to the future, and you can use your imagination to bring your graduate's goals and personality into the celebration! Happy planning, and Happy Graduation!

What's Cookin'?

2011-03-24T10:13:00.001-05:00

Available from Etsy Shop by RawElement

So, I've had 3 orders in the past two weeks for my "Bun in the Oven" themed invitations, party sets & guest of honor pins... This has me convinced that spring really is the season for babies and blooms! So I wanted to share... once again, some of my favorite things for this themed event. True to my whole concept of supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, all my recommended items are from Etsy shops.

One of my all time must-haves for a baby shower is giving the mommy-to-be a gift of her own. She spends 9 months of her life ballooned up, dealing with heart burn, nausea and sleepless nights. Mommy deserves some pampering! I recommend getting her this Bun in the Oven Belly Butter by RawElement and be sure to check out all the other lovely products available!

Available from Etsy Shop by Sweetbody Soaps

A great item for favors would be these amazing soaps by Etsy seller, Sweetbody Soaps. Package them up in cello bags with a ribbon and tag and you have yourself a sweet memento of your special day! I'm all about useful little gifts, and these take the cake!

Available from Etsy shop by damomomo

        How cute is this mommy-to-be shirt and bun in the oven combo? Mommy has a top to wear when the bun is in the oven, and baby has a little "bun" to wear when they arrive... What a super cute concept by Etsy shop damomomo. They offer other baby & maternity wear as well. Check them out!!

   My last pick is this adorable "Bun in the Oven" custom stamped necklace. It features a darling "bun" charm made with polymer clay and a hand stamped metal tag with the baby's due date. What a great way to commemorate the arrival of a new little bundle! See this item and many more adorable hand stamped jewelry pieces by Etsy shop Three Scoops of Love.

Available from Etsy shop threescoopsoflove

I love sharing finds from other Etsy shops and local business owners. If you have an item, or a theme that you would like me to feature, please send me a note! I'd love to hear from you! kari.lind@karilindcreations.

A Taste of the Irish!

2011-03-01T08:43:00.000-06:00

Do you see green when March comes around? Everyone could use a little Irish Luck once in a while. I guess that's why St. Patrick's Day is such a big holiday whether you're Irish or not. So when you're finished with that big plate of corned beef and cabbage and that frothy mug of green beer, consider chowing down on a pot of gold.

Yup, that's what I said...rich AND sweet... Golden Irish Cupcakes. See below for a yummy recipe and free printable cupcake toppers.

What you’ll need:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup milk

12 black cupcake liners

Frosting colored with yellow food dye

      Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 12 muffin tins with paper liners and set aside.

      In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.

     In a medium bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy with mixer on high speed. Gradually beat in the sugar until very light and fluffy. Reduce speed to medium. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, the egg yolk and the vanilla. I add a couple drops of almond extract for a little extra flavor, but this is optional. Reduce speed to low. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, just until blended.

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins 3/4 full.
Bake until the tops of the cupcakes are springy when lightly pressed with fingertip but not quite golden, 20 to 22 minutes. Cool 15 minutes in the muffin tin on a wire rack.

Once the cupcakes have cooled, Frost them with yellow colored frosting. Lemon flavoring would add a nice touch! Once the cupcakes are frosted, you can add a little yellow colored sugar dusting to add dimension.

To make the cupcake toppers, print the page of original designs. Cut out the rainbow design along the dotted lines. You may use a large 2" round or scalloped hole punch to cut out the beer mug and hat designs. Attach a popsicle or lollipop stick to the back side of the design with tape. Insert the cupcake toppers and you have adorable little “pots of gold” to serve! Happy St. Patty’s Day!!

Is it Spring Yet

2011-02-28T07:18:00.000-06:00

     If you're chomping at the bit waiting for the ground to thaw and the jacket weather to return, then you are probably more than ready to see the bright colors of spring.

     To welcome the next season and get you out of those winter blues, why not throw a "Wishing For Spring" party? Think of all the things that you enjoy when winter finally begins to die down and the world starts turning green again. Now, how do you transform that feeling into a party?

     Let's start with the food. When I think about the warming weather, my first thought is "I can't wait to use the grill!" Try to stay away from heavy and fatty foods. Chicken skewers with flavorful dipping sauces and glazes are a good start. Thin sliced beef with barbeque sauce or a balsamic glaze is another great meat to serve. Sides like pasta salad, fruit bowls and vegetable plates with dressing are always a great hit. If you want to go a little more upscale, try bruschetta, an antipasto plate and a cheese and fruit spread. Sweets like small cups of flavored mousse, mini cupcakes, and chocolate covered fruits and snacks will satisfy your guest’s craving without overwhelming them with sugar.

If you’re planning on serving alcoholic beverages, a light signature cocktail may be in order, or you can simply go with wine and beer. Sangria is a popular drink in the spring and summer and can give that air of warmer weather. If you don’t plan on serving alcohol, a fruity punch can be good as well as flavored iced teas and sodas.

When decorating your food table or sprucing up the place for the get-together, use fresh cut flowers and a brightly colored table cloth. You can make “garden picks” to indicate the different foods, or place settings at the table. Get small cocktail umbrellas and set a couple up on the table, or use a galvanized pail or watering can as your flower vase. Don’t go overboard. Simple and understated is always better. Even the smallest touches and a hint of color can make a nice setting. Most of all, HAVE FUN! Isn’t that what a party is all about anyways?

The Importance of a Personal Note

2011-01-08T09:35:00.001-06:00

Why sometimes an Email, Text or Instant Message just won't cut it.

Personally, I love getting mail. I am also obsessed with stationery and get a little tingle in my fingers every time I open an envelope. (My obsession with paper is a whole other topic.) It feels good to know that someone cares enough to take the time to drop a hand-written note in the mail just for you, and sometimes it just may make your day.

Nowadays, people often neglect to recognize the importance of a personal note. The most neglected sentiment of the ma all is the "thank You".

Have you ever gone out of your way to do something nice and never received an acknowledgement of the effort you made? Not that you were expecting a parade, or a medal of honor, but a simple "thank you" would have sufficed, right?

Too many overlook the fact that whe you sit down to write a note on pretty stationery that reflects your style, you honor and celebrate the good that has come into your life, and lay the groundwork for more to come your way. When the note is received, your thoughtfulness and appreciateion will brighten their day, and probably inspire them to continue to give in the way that made you grateful in the first place. See how this fabulous cycle is a win-win?

The most common and appropriate occasions to send a hand-written note are upon receiving a gift or favor, and notes on congratulations and condolences. It is also lovely to send a note to your host after a party, or trip, as well as after an interview or business meeting. Some business owners send hand-written notes to valued clients. The sweetest occasion to send a personal note is when there's no occasion at all!

Once you see the benefits of a hand-written note, it will shift from being that pesky chore at the bottom of your list, to a joyous activity you look forward to! Never underestimate the power of a personal sentiment!

The Holidays Are Coming, the Holidays are Coming!!! What are we to DO??

2010-11-09T10:03:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm already in panic mode. November has already begun, and we only have one more month of paychecks to pay for Christmas gifts... With the economy in an enormous plunge and finances stretched to the limit, like many people, I am at a loss when I try to think about how to make the holidays happen for my kids. Are you in the same boat this year?

I think this year is a good time to start teaching your kids (and yourself) how to be less materialistic and be more creative! If you have to be a consumer, try to support those smaller shops and handmade markets where you can purchase more unique creations and think outside the box! Encourage your kids to make gifts for family members and put their hearts into it this year. The pocketbook can buy anything, but it means so much more when your handiwork goes into the gift! Need some ideas? Stay tuned for some craft projects and ideas that you can do together with your child. I'll also be posting templates and some graphic freebies along the way. Making your own holiday cards is a great way to save money and add some handmade cheer. Check out my new holiday stamps available at Queen Kat Stamps. More holiday stamp designs will be released on December 1st!

Another idea is to start buying craft supplies now. Use coupons that come in the paper and are printable online. Buy a little bit at a time. If you start shopping now, you can spread out that hefty holiday bill and refrain from racking up those credit card bills that will bite you in the you-know-what later!!! Now is the time to buy smart and start focusing on the things that matter! Only purchase things that you are sure will be used. Ask yourself a few questions before making the purchase, like "Will it be used often?" or "Is this something that can be done without?". If you put a lot of thought into your gifts, you'll be sure that the money you have invested is not wasted!

Stay tuned for some handmade holiday fun and some free printables!

Halloween Weekend Blog Hop

2010-10-30T12:02:00.000-05:00

Well, it's about time I share the love with some other wonderful bloggers that I aspire to be like. I am just starting to get the hang of this blogging stuff and I'm posting more often, but I could be doing better! So I decided to join this Halloween Weekend Blog Hop started by "Graphic Design by Tara" She's a talented lady on and off Etsy and I hope to one day be just as successful as she is!!

So.... join me in reading what some of these other talented women have to share. There are so many amazing people out there with wonderful ideas and a great outlook on life. It's hard NOT to get inspired!!! Please join me!!!

For those of you going out on Halloween night, or carting around some costumed cuties.... be safe and have a Happy Haunting Halloween!! :)

Baby Shower Themes: "Bun in the Oven" party ideas

2010-10-17T11:37:00.000-05:00

So if you're an "over the top" hostess like I am, you like to have all the matchy-matchy decor, modern and whimsical style and all kinds of little details. Well, that's what this post is ALL ABOUT. Whether you're planning a baby shower for your sister, a holiday party for your friends, or a huge birthday bash, the success of your get-together will be in how it all pulls together.

So... to inspire you and get your brain wheels working for the future party plans to come, here is a little sampling of a baby shower theme that I've been working on. This "Bun in the Oven" theme is cute, yet modern. This could be a fun Sunday morning event with pastries, coffee, juice and fruit. Emphasize your theme in the littlest things, but don't overdo it.

The key to designing a successful party is starting with stationery that will clearly state the tone of the event. You don't have to spend a lot of money to make your little soiree a huge success! It's all in the details!

Find inspirational invitations, plan easy to eat food and drinks, be creative with presentation, but keep it simple! Here are some fun items that I found from Etsy crafters that will inspire you. These cinnamon roll soaps were found on Etsy in HowardsHome's shop. I think these would be perfect for favors, don't you?

And how about this darling necklace with a hand stamped date for the mommy-to-be? What a perfect gift to commemorate such an amazing life event!! You can find it in threescoopsoflove's etsy shop.

And for the baby when out of the oven, this adorable onesie from jencdesigns fits the bill!

You can find so much more on etsy, or do an internet search for more inspiration. The sky is the limit on how fun your party can be, and when in doubt, DIY!!!

New Designs and Inspiration

2010-09-21T13:12:00.000-05:00

Wow... I've been slacking in the blog-writing department!!! I deserve severe punishment.

:( Well I have a good excuse, I've been designing my cute tushie off! I've got a lot of really fun and new ideas and a ton of inspiration to yet burn off, so stay tuned for a bunch of new designs!

With Halloween almost a month away, I created a new festive party set as well as a darling new "Bun in the Oven" themed baby shower design. I did a little research on all things available for a Bun in the Oven shower, and boy was I pleasantly surprised!

There are soo many darling ideas and a lot of products available from the handmade community! I will be posting some of these things in the next couple days!!! FUN STUFF! Also, stay tuned for some Halloween Freebies. I'm posting some printable items that you can use for some scary fun and get your neighbors involved.

Party and Shower Themes

2010-08-02T08:16:00.000-05:00

I love planning a party! I enjoy every minute of it, from planning and preparing the menu to creating the decor and ambiance. When planning a get-together, there are so many ways to get started. Some people come up with a theme or idea first and plan around it, or start with the menu and pull their inspiration from the food they plan to prepare. However and where-ever you get your inspiration, it's so much fun to see it all come together!

Lately I've been thinking a lot about the latest trends associated with baby showers. I have some people in my life who have both had babies and are getting ready to, and I've been inspired to work on adding some new designs to my website.

A few months ago I was asked to create a baby shower invitation design inspired by this bouncer and swing set by Fisher Price... It's made with a fabric called Woodland Animals. I immediately fell in love with this theme, and it seems to be popping up everywhere now.

I created a really cute set for this client complete with the invitation, thank you note and cupcake toppers. I'll be creating more accessories to complement the party kit including a banner, door sign, party hats, favor bags, stickers and more!

Meanwhile, I'm posting some other sites that have matching decor, favors and fun stuff for this adorable theme! One of my go-to places for specialty items like these is Etsy! I am completely and totally addicted to this site and the wonderful people who have shops here. All of us are trying to make a living doing what we love and are passionate about. Who couldn't love a site based upon handmade products by artistic people? I certainly can't pass it up!

Free Drawing Results

2010-08-01T13:32:00.000-05:00

Hello all!

Today is the first of August... and what a beautiful day it is!!! I started my day off right with a yummy breakfast of banana and strawberry french toast with my Daddy for his Birthday today. Mmmm mmmmm! He's 66 years young today. I can only hope that I will be as active and fit as he is when I get to be his age.

After breakfast, I got some grocery shopping done, and now I'm adding more products to my website and working on some new articles! Later it's homework for my Figure Drawing class. :( Not my favorite, this session. I've never attempted drawing realistic human figures before and this is tough stuff. Mabe I'll post some examples. We're drawing bones and muscular structures... ugh!

Anywyas...I'm sure you all have been anticipating this... Right now I'm about to draw the name of one person to receive a free stationery set! (drumroll please)

Using random.org's "True Random Number Generator" The winner is... Beyond Magical !!! yaaay! Thank you for taking the time to comment on my blog. You may email me at kari.lind@karilindcreations with an mailing address where I can send your prize!!!

Thank you to all of my new followers and friends on Etsy for your comments. I'm looking forward to adding more freebies, drawings and contests in the future as my following gets more widespread. I love to share my passion for color, design and life, so thanks for listening to my rambles! :)

On that note.. time to work on some more content for the future. I missed my "fashion friday" post this week, so be looking for a make-up article later today! I reallyhave some fun ideas planned to go along with the new fall colors!

Happy Sunday everyone!

Comment for Entries!!!

2010-07-24T13:27:00.000-05:00

Alright guys! I have only 2 comments, so that means only 2 entries are submitted for my FREE stationery drawing on August 1st! All you new followers, be sure to make yourself known! Comment and get an entry now!

Trend Watch: Fashion, Colors and Design

2010-07-23T15:07:00.000-05:00

Do you sometimes get annoyed at fashion? Do you ever take a look at racks of clothes and shake your head and wonder what the heck the designers were thinking? I went on a shopping trip with my sister-in-law yesterday for her birthday and was quite appalled upon going into a store and seeing so many hideous things! We even made a game of it, going to each rack and picking up the worst looking frock and making a smart comment. I have to say that it was the most fun afternoon I've had in a while! (Yeah, I don't get out much!) I have to say I DID find some really cute stuff, too!

The picture to the right is from a site called Fashion Trend Setter. I found it interesting to read about some of the designer's "themes" for their fashion lines and understand more about what they intended to portry with the designs.

My trip to the mall made me start thinking about trends, how they repeat and morph and how colors and patterns and little details rub off into other markets and industries. In my little line of work, stationery design, we also tend to take our inspiration from fashion.

When brides come to me wanting custom invitations, they usually are requesting a combination of the "in" colors with little added touches that reflect their fashion sense and design style. Stationery, home decor, fashion and design all go hand in hand. I go out and buy fashion magazines and bridal magazines about ever 3 monts just to stay on top of the trends. I have to confess I'm a bit addicted to them, too!

Anyways... here is some inspiration for your own wardrobes, home decorating projects and anything else. I present you with... the Fall/Winter 2010 Color Palette. Pretty, huh? I love the broad range of colors here, and so many things can be done with it!!! I'll be posting some more inspirational pictures and ideas with this new color palette over the next few days.

I have also decided to do a weekly post about color, fashion and trends... "Fashion Fridays" is what I'll call it. Stay tuned... this will be fun!

New Place, New Products!

2010-07-18T10:17:00.001-05:00

I am FINALLY set up in my new home office, and ready to get down to business! I'm organized, refreshed and INSPIRED! I have so many fun new things in the works for my website and I'm so excited to get everything made and listed...

So..... to celebrate new beginnings, I'm doing a drawing for a free gift! My new "Fresh Floral" notecard set will be shipped to one lucky person!! This set includes 12 notecards, 24 assorted greeting tags, and 15 envelopes with a printed return address. This set sells for $18.50 folks!

Comment on my blog anytime from now until July 31st and get one entry in the drawing. I will put all the names in a bowl and draw a winner on August 1st and announce it here on my blog! Be sure to check later to see if you won!

Also, stay tuned for new products being posted daily. I'm working hard to get a new design up every day as long as party packages and accessories. This will end up being a one-stop shop for all party, wedding and shower stationery and decor! I'm excited to show it all off! No mass-manufactured stuff here, folks! All of it is handmade and high quality stuff! Stay tuned!

New Home and New Products Coming Soon!

2010-06-29T08:05:00.000-05:00

Sooo, I'm in the process of moving to another apartment. My 2 boys, boyfriend and I are really excited to get into our new place and set up our home. :) We're just moving across town, but it's a move that will make us feel SO much better about where we are and where we're headed... There's a lot to look forward to!!!

On that note, I have the same feeling about all the new products I'm getting ready to roll out onto my website! Wedding Stationery Sets!!! Yes... this has been my goal all along and finally I'm getting to it!! I have designed custom wedding invitations for over 80 brides, and create about 4-5 different mock-up designs for each... so that means I have a LOT of design ideas just sitting around waiting to be seen!!!

Now, it's time for them to shine! I will have pictures of the sets together in package deals on my site as well as have the designs available ala carte. All of these can be tweaked to fit anyone's style and budget by changing colors, fonts, accessories and papers. Stay tuned and check out my site to see the first wave of new products hit the shop!!!!

To the right is a design I created for a couple that was tying the knot and had children already. I love this design, because it has a beautiful quote that means so much to me. I hope that eventually I will have the opportunity to use it again for my own wedding one day. It says "The roots of a family tree begin with the LOVE of two hearts." They were getting married in the winter time and I created this tree to symbolize a family tree. The finished product turned out beautifully! The cover was printed on silver cardstock, and I hand painted snow on the branches and around the trunk of the tree. The monogram tag was then attached after the paint had dried... This is a creation that goes down as one of my VERY favorites!

A Sweet Refreshing Treat

2010-06-18T08:51:00.000-05:00

So we have 16 days 'till the big holiday. I started to think about what favorite things I like to bring to a barbeque, and my mind went way back to one of the first get-togethers I had with good friends and neighbors.

I experimented with a recipe I found for lemon bars. They were such a huge hit that I had to type up my recipe and hand it out to all the women there! Needless to say, this sweet treat is one of my most favorite things to share.

The recipe is a big one, but you won't mind once you try them. I suggest you leave some in your fridge if you want a little leftover because you won't be bringing any home!!

You can download the free printable recipe card HERE. Enjoy and please pass it on!!!

Be sure to stay tuned for more recipes and free printables in the next couple of weeks!

The Big Day is coming... are you ready?

2010-06-14T12:26:00.000-05:00

I'm talking Independence Day, folks! lol...not the Apocolypse! :) This is the time to gather with family and friends, grill your favorite meats (or vegetables), soak up the sun and enjoy life... Do you have everything you need for your holiday get-together? Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing some favorite recipes and free printables to make your holiday fun!

Today I'm starting with a free printable of the new "it" item that party planners are looking for... cupcake toppers! Since cupcakes are the new favorite dessert for weddings, showers and all parties alike, it only makes sense to have all kinds of cool accessories to top them off!!

So... download this free printable sheet of 12 toppers. There are 3 styles, four rows of each. Print them out on 8.5 x 11 cardstock and either cut them out, or use a 2" circle or scalloped punch. Mount them onto popsicle or lollipop sticks with mounting foam or glue dots and stick them into your cupcakes!!!

Your guests will love them and it'll add a little extra touch to your food table! These are for personal use only. :)

Dowload the printable sheet HERE.

Self Flogging

2010-06-11T14:30:00.000-05:00

Okay... I have been TERRIBLE at keeping this up.. BAD BAD Kari!!! I have, however been extremely busy with my newest adventure.... College! :) Yes, after starting this blog, I started attending the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online to obtain my Bachelor of Art's degree in Graphic Design.

I have to say that it's going quite well and I am loving every minute of it. I'm already about one semester into my first year of school! Man, it flies by fast! Here in about a week I will have 3 full weeks of rest and then I'll start semester number 2!

So, before that happens, I plan to get things back up and running on this blog of mine and start a routine that I can't mess up! If you can't tell, I've done some rearranging and redesign work on here with hopes that all of my online presences will now be cohesive. I did some much needed updating to my logo and added some color! :)

My next venture is to kick this blog up a notch and start posting some beautiful products, fun events and inspirational content to keep you coming back for more... I'm gonna start with some free printables for the upcoming patriotic holiday... July 4th!!! So stay tuned for some fun cupcake topper printables, a printable banner and a few crafty items. :) I'm thinking DIY pinwheels?!

I'm looking forward to interacting with my readers and finding my own inspiration along the way!!! Until then... have a good weekend!!!

Kari B.

Still Working On It

2010-02-03T09:11:00.001-06:00

Okay, I'm still not sticking to my resolution, but at least I'm trying! :) I don't have all the kinks ironed out in my schedule, so bear with me! With attending school online, raising two young kids, attempting to run a small business and other daily commitments, it's hard to find time for everything!

For those of you more organized folk, what is some advice you can give for fitting everything into your daily schedule? I found this article today by Brandy Myers on helium.com and found it helpful in managing my attitude towards tackling it all. You can read the article in it's entirety at the link below.

http://www.helium.com/items/1428332-time-management

Stay tuned. I have a couple free printable valentines on the way, as well as my first "Deal of the Week". More coming up, and lots to discuss... 'till then, have a wonderful day!

Kari B.

Let's Try This Again...

2010-01-20T07:30:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I haven't been a very good blogger. I guess I let the excitement of school and my business get away from me!!! Sooooo..... I'm gonna try this again!

How many of you made New Year's Resolutions that you've already broken? My main one was making my dream of going back to school happen. Thankfully, I am now attending classes at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online. I've been wanting to do this for years! I am grateful to finally get this chance and hopefully graduating with a bachelor's in graphic design will give me a good start to a successful career!

My second resolution was getting this blog off the ground.... Well, you see how that's going. Not very well! So, I'm giving myself a second chance. Many people think that if you mess up once... "oops, there goes that resolution!" But then you're letting your self fail. I'm determined to make myself accountable for the things I tell myself to do! :) Sounds a little psycho, but if you can't be honest and true to yourself, who CAN you be true to?

SO... my challenge for all of you so-called "failures" is to give yourselves another chance to "make good" on your New Year's Resolutions. Here are some tips on how to go about it. I'm adding in an example below each tip to show you what I am doing in order to reach my goal of keeping up on this blog.

Come up with a plan in order to reach your goal. If you actually sit down and think about how you're going to go about it, then you are taking the first REAL step toward doing it!

My goal is to be consistant with my new blog, add new content regularly and eventually gain a following. I want to talk about being creative, parenting, saving money and also things that pertain to graphic design and my small stationery business.

Make sure you give yourself stepping stones, and be specific with dates and milestones.

I will write on this blog at least every other day. I will create a calendar and make a few set themes that will be posted regularly. I will research topics and ideas on my "off days" and post my findings the next day. Every week I will submit articles to other bloggers or venues to promote my own blog and gain a following. I would like to have 10 followers by the end of my first complete month of blogging. My first complete month will end on February 20, 2010.

BE REALISTIC! Being a little too ambitious could set you up for utter failure. Start small and once you reach your goal, set the bar higher.

I know my blog won't be a "hit" right away or bring in any revenue, but I would like to share my ideas as well as meet new people along the way. By being true to myself and sharing who I am, I hope to make some sort of a mark on the world.

Cut yourself some slack! Give yourself breathing room and a little extra space for setbacks. If it takes a little more time to reach your goal, don't stress about it! Small setbacks are a lot better than utter failure. Keep at it and know that trying is better than giving up!

I'm hoping that a month is long enough to gain 10 followers. I'm thinking it will be fine. I'm sure I'll have good friends help me attain my goal. :)

Be sure to reward yourself along the way. Tell yourself that if you reach a certain milestone in your plan, you'll treat yourself to a mani/pedi or a new pair of shoes. Space your rewards out so you have a real sense of accomplishment when you get there!

Okay, well I really can't afford a mani/pedi or need a new pair of shoes, but I can reward myself by investing a little more in my blog and business. I will purchase some ad space for my website if I reach my first goal of getting 10 followers within a month.

So now that I have a plan, and you have an idea of how to create one, let's reach our goals together! Post your ideas and plans here and we can hold each other accountable for our resolutions! I wish you all the best, and keep up the good work! Happy 2010! May it be a wonderful productive year!!!

Kari B.

Well, it's over....almost!

2009-12-26T11:51:00.000-06:00

Well, Christmas is over. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. I had a nice morning with my boyfriend, kids, mom, brother and new sister-in law. My poor dad had to work all day plowing the roads for all the busy travelers. I wish he could have been with us, especially since I couldn't spend last year with him and the family. :( I guess we'll have to make it up to him with a special Gpa day in the near future!

My boys really raked it in this year! I had no idea they would get as much as they did! WOW! We had to do a big room clean up to make room for all the toys. It's time to send old toys to charity. I have a nice mound of stuff in the back of my car ready to be dropped off...

Now it's time to focus on organization and cleaning. I always do this around New Year's. I put all my Christmas stuff away, dust, clean, organize and figure out what's sitting around that I don't need so I start the year out fresh and neat!

So... on that note, I'll be posting a few templates that can be printed out to make cute notepads so you can make your list of New Year's resolutions, or honey-do lists.... You can NEVER have too many notepads. That's my philosophy. (Although I'm sure my boyfriend begs to differ. lol! they're all over the place!)

It's almost Christmas..Why not start a blog?!

2009-12-23T09:54:00.000-06:00

So, okay I know it's an odd time to start a blog, but for me it's the perfect time. A time to get things off my chest and get a head start on the coming New Year. Around this time I'm always looking inward at myself trying to figure out what I need to change about my life, my attitude towards life and how to go about it.

This year I'm starting off with this blog. I think it will be a great way to vent as well as share my ideas and finds with others. I am a hip, young single mom of two young boys and am trying HARD to get a small business up and running smoothly. So I am constantly struggling to pay bills, get what my kids need and do it with style. I love to save money... I also love to shop! So any way that I can stretch my income while looking good is GREAT!

Soooo... stay tuned to see what I have up my sleeve. I'm looking forward to sharing my fabulous finds, decorating ideas, party and event tips, and more! Happy Holidays!