DOEHLER DAYS

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Letter to Santa

2011-12-16T08:11:00.002-07:00

Who are we kidding? "Santa" has been building/buying presents for over a month now, but tis the season for magic.

One special tradition is for your child to write Santa a letter. And I have created a printable letter that you can send.

Download file here.

Doehler Christmas Card 2011

2011-12-15T15:53:00.002-07:00

Our cards arrived this week from the printer I use, K2 Print Studio, and they are so wonderful! It can be hit or miss sometimes when using a linen paper, but the paper is covered with saturated ink and the linen texture adds a touch of elegance. I highly recommend using them for any design needs. I used them last year for our cards as well, and I have not been disappointed.

You can purchase this card design here.

(I was not compensated by K2 Print Studio. These are purely my thoughts and opinions).

Favorite Christmas Songs

2011-12-04T12:17:00.001-07:00

I love Christmas music. As soon as Thanksgiving is over, it's pretty much the only music I listen too. There are so many great artists out there, but I've put together a list of some of my top favorites! Enjoy.

Image Source

Angels We Have Heard on High -Josh Groban w/ Brian McKnight

Ave Maria - Jewel

Baby, It’s Cold Outside - Lady Antebellum, or Jessica Simpson w/ Nick Lachey

Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) - Point of Grace

Carol of the Bells - BarlowGirl

Caroling, Caroling - Nat King Cole

Christmas Must Be Something More - Taylor Swift

Christmas Time is Here - Barry Manilow

Go Tell it on the Mountain - Garth Brooks

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Barenaked Ladies

Hark the Herald Angels Sing - Jewel

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - Jessica Simpson

I Wonder as I Wander - Jewel

I'll be Home for Christmas - Rascal Flatts

It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas - Michael Bublé

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams

Joy To The World - Faith Hill

Last Christmas - Taylor Swift

Little Drummer Boy - Faith Hill

Mary Did You Know - Trisha Yearwood or Clay Aiken

O Holy Night - Jessica Simpson

PAT-A-PAN - David Archuleta

Riu Riu Chiu - David Archuleta

River - Sarah McLauchlan

Santa Baby - Kylie Minogue

Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Michael Bublé

Santa Claus is Back in Town - Trisha Yearwood

Santa's Got a Brand New Bag - SHeDAISY

Silver Bells - She & Him

Song for a Winter’s Night - Sarah McLachlan

Take a Walk Through Bethlehem - Trisha Yearwood

That's What I Want for Christmas - SHeDAISY

The Christmas CAN CAN - Straight No Chaser

The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole w/ Natalie Cole

Tinsel Town - SHeDAISY

Twelve Days of Christmas - Straight No Chaser

White Christmas - Bing Crosby

Where Are You Christmas - Faith Hill

Wintersong - Sarah McLauchlan

What's your favorite?

Advent Calendar

2011-12-02T08:02:00.001-07:00

It's not to late to put up your Advent Calendar, and luck for you I have a free printable just for you!

Materials I used:
Number prints - free printable
2 in circle punch
Cards - free printable
Ruler and Exacto knife
Twine
Clothes pins
Envelopes

Download PDF file here.

2011 Holiday Cards

2011-11-30T07:12:00.001-07:00

As a graphic designer, I understand the need and convenience of digital invitations and greetings. But there is something special about receiving a letter in the mail. Especially in December. I LOVE opening letters from family and friends and seeing all the beautiful pictures. Nothing will ever replace the feeling of holding a card or letter in your hand. Something tangible to keep and display.

And if you haven't already ordered your cards, right now is a perfect time to start.

Think pretty, ink. has a variety of designs for $15. And if you don't see anything you like, you can have a custom card designed just for you for $25.

What's great about these designs, are that you can change the colors, retouch the photos, and even change the wording if desired; and it's all included in the price. Then you can either print at home or send to your favorite photo place or an online printer.

A personal favorite of mine is K2 Print Studio. I printed our cards on their linen cardstock last year and it was so rich in color and printed beautifully! And a great price.

What are you waiting for? Start shopping now!
Click here

Christmas Inspiration 2011

2011-11-28T12:15:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving is over and it's on to my favorite holiday. Christmas. There really is something magical about this time of year. I enjoy picking the perfect present for my family and loved ones, and seeing their faces on Christmas morning. I love decorating for the holiday and baking cookies and treats.

Here are a few things I've found on pinterest this year to help get the creative juices flowing. Enjoy!

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

My business - NEW LOOK!

2011-11-10T09:05:00.001-07:00

I am VERY excited to announce something that has been in the works since February. As many of you know, I am a graphic designer. My previous company, Bailey Doehler Designs has been rebranded.

Bailey Doehler Designs is NOW think pretty, ink. graphic design.

PLEASE hop on over to the NEW BLOG. (Doehler Days will stay the same, but if you're interested in the graphic design side of me, please become a follower at think pretty, ink.).

And the website is finally launched as well. Please check out thinkprettyink.com to find all the details and to view work samples.

And last but not least, the Etsy shop is fully restocked with Holiday Card Designs.

Thanks, and hope to see you there!

Favorite Halloween Decor 2011

2011-10-28T09:57:00.002-06:00

Below is a collection of Halloween decor and treats I have found and love. Unfortunately I didn't have time to do any of these things this year, but there's always next year...right? What is it about October that seems to go by so fast?

All of these items were found through Pinterest. You can follow my boards here.

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

My First Apple Pie

2011-10-25T11:23:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine has an apple tree and generously gave us some this year. So what better to make than apple pie?

I don't bake. And most times when I try it is never successful. Baking is too precise and too mathmatically involved. I followed Our Best Bites recipe for the apple pie filling, and bought pre-made crust.

It was amazing! Apple pie is my favorite pie and we never have it. I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And I think I did. ha ha.

Master Bedroom

2011-09-27T11:52:00.000-06:00

The Master Bedroom has been in the works for a long time. We will be living in our house 5 years this December and we finally got to our room this year. We are only about 75% done, with only needed some lamps, curtains, something above the bed, small accessories, and a writing desk. But I love my room and am so happy with how it turned out.

Before:

In Progress:

After:

First Day of Preschool

2011-09-08T21:53:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago was Emma's first day of preschool. She has been in daycare for a few years but she is now going to preschool three days a week while I'm at work. She LOVES it. Emma was actually begging to go to school and pack a lunch every day. She liked daycare too, but some days I would really have to make her go. But at school she is excited every day and even wants to go on the days she doesn't go...and weekends.

She is growing up so fast!

Fairy Party

2011-08-28T22:43:00.000-06:00

This party was so much fun to plan and Emma kept thanking me for her party. There are many words, but I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves (and there are a lot of pictures).

Enjoy!

Designed the invitations myself, but purchased the Petal Fold from Cards & Pockets.

Delicous food, complete with mini cupcakes, fruit salad, veggie tray, cucumber and tomato salad (with basil from my garden), rock candy, prestzels dipped in white chocolate, butterfly snacks, baked beans, chips and bbq chicken sliders.

The green napkins I bought from IKEA and I tied them around the plasticware. Other plates and cups were bought at Big Lots. And my mom had a ton of garland and fake flowers from years ago that we scattered all over the tables.

Girls got wands and wings as favors. Purchased from Halo Heaven for only a $1 each.

Pirate hats were also from Halo Heaven, and the swords were from Big Lots.

Made poms from tissue paper to decorate outside and inside.

Decal from the Dollar Tree added just a little something.

Pettiskirt from Dream Spun. Great quality! So full and fluffy. It's a good thing I also got this for her four year old photoshoot, otherwise I wouldn't have got my money's worth. Ha ha. With us having the pool last minute she wore this outfit all of 20 minutes before it was swimsuit time.

We completely lucked out with the bouncy house. My mom works with someone that owned one and let us rent it from her for an amazing bargain! It was a hit. And keeps the kids busy.

Houses bought from Michael's for $1 each, and the stickers, markers and glitter were from the Dollar Tree.

Made the cake. Emma picked out the flavor. Strawberry with cream cheese frosting. Instead of buying the expensive Tinkerbell cake toppers I just bought a Tink doll, and now Emma can play with it after the party.

Learning to ride on her new bike.

Let me say one thing...I had visions of the kids frolicking in their fairy wings and pirate hats, and painted faces. But the weather was too hot. We borrowed a bouncy house from my mom's friend which ended up having a pool section. So we texted everyone a few hours before hand and said bring the swim suites. It was a hit! I had to remind myself that it wasn't my birthday and all that mattered was that they had fun!

In the end, it was a success and my favorite birthday party.

Sharing at: A Bowl Full of Lemons,

Emma's 4-year bday photoshoot

2011-08-01T18:37:00.004-06:00

I know I haven't posted in about a month. I'm still around, but loosing weight and freelance basically take all my concentration so I don't have time for much else.

But my little Emma is turning 4 at the end of the month, so I have been planning her birthday. Which is going to be a Tinkerbell party at Emma's request. She has literally been talking about a Tinkerbell party all year long. Who am I to tell her no?

In preparation for the day, I wanted to do a photoshoot. Emma hasn't had a personal photoshoot since her six month shoot. And it's with the same photographer as her six month and our family photo back in 2009.

I cannot be more thrilled with how these photos turned out. Emma was sooooooooooo cooperative and Kim is just so talented. I knew it was going to be hard to pick just one fav.

Happy Anniversary - to me & dan

2011-07-08T09:26:00.001-06:00

Five years ago Dan and I tied the knot. It was a perfect wedding and I wish I could have a wedding every year (to Dan of course). It was so much fun. One of my favorite memories.

Every year we do something around town. We don't exchange gifts, but we take turns planning an evening out. And we usually get a hotel for the night. This year was one of our favorites so far.

Since I wouldn't be there for breakfast the day of the 4th, I made breakfast for Emma.

We then headed to the hotel and had to wait for our room to be ready. They gave us a credit to the hotel bar while we waited, which was worth the wait because the upgraded us to a suite! We were having a late dinner, at 8, so we split a turkey sandwich and fries.

Our hotel view was AMAZING! We were second from the top floor ( floor 36) and had a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains and downtown Denver.

We also had special access to the Regency Club which had snacks and drinks all day long. So we stopped by for some appetizers before getting ready for dinner.

We then went to dinner at The Melting Pot. It's my favorite. Last time we were there was for my birthday a few years ago with a group of people. I couldn't get any shots of the food as it was quite dark in there. But OMG...it's awesome!

After we got back from dinner at 10 pm (dinner takes two hours), we had champaign and chocolate brought to our room.

It was a wonderful anniversary. Everything was great and the bed was so comfy. I had a hard time leaving.

I wish I was in bed still...

Hope everyone had an amazing holiday weekend!

Choo Choo

2011-06-12T00:32:00.006-06:00

We went to a wonderful birthday party yesterday for a friend. I was lucky enough to create the invites for the party and Jamie took the art and turned it into a banner and cupcake toppers for the party. She did a wonderful job and it was so much fun!

I am happy to announce I did not eat a cupcake or the other cake. When I almost went for one I grabbed a cucumber instead.

The food there was amazing, but I loaded up on fruit and veggies and did not eat any carbs. I ate the brisket without bread, which was delicious, and had baked beans and a little cole slaw.

I really want some of that brisket right now. I'm craving it.

Emma says...

2011-06-01T14:22:00.000-06:00

"Mom, Daddy has The Single Ladies."

NEW Blog

2011-05-28T12:23:00.001-06:00

As most of you know I recently was a contestant on Win, Lose or Blog. It didn't go how I thought it would, but I am happy with what I mentally achieved. Having to blog about it really kept me accountable and made me come to some realizations about myself.

With hopes of continuing down the right path I have made a new blog for my weightloss journey.

Join me at Bailey's Belly Battle and encourage me along the way!

HomeGoods

2011-05-28T09:49:00.000-06:00

I recently had my first trip to HomeGoods. And while I didn't buy any of the things I am showing you, I buy things I 'needed'. But boy do I WANT a lot of things from there.

Look at these treasures:

I REALLY wanted one of these fans. And at $30, not bad at all. They had them in so many colors. I might have to go back and get one...or two.

This is a deviled egg dish, but it's so pretty it could be a jewelry holder too.

Always and forever

2011-05-15T11:33:00.001-06:00

Finally put up two pics and the vinyl I've had for over a year now. Slowly, but surely, the room is coming together.

Just Dance

2011-05-09T14:34:00.003-06:00

For mother's day I got something I REALLY wanted!!!

Just Dance 2!

Let's just say I'm REALLY good at this. Ha ha. I've missed dancing sooooooo much! I have had so much fun dancing yesterday and today, that my arms are so sore. It's a little ridiculous!

It also came with Just Dance for Kids, and I am so impressed with how well my daughter, who is 3, is following along and doing the moves. She danced by herself for a whole hour this morning while I did some work. She is too skinkin cute.

Denver Furry Scurry 2011

2011-05-09T14:34:00.001-06:00

Today was a great day! We went to the Furry Scurry this morning and I was a little afraid of how Brady (my dog) would act. He has barely been around other dogs and he is not even one-year old yet. The walk was like a dog parade. It was so much fun. There were sooooo many different breads and even a chihuahua in a tutu. Since this was my first year doing it I was a little lost getting to registration and to the starting line, but it was a GORGEOUS day and I was enjoying being outside. And Brady was AWESOME. I even was able to attached him to the stroller and he just walked along. I was a proud mama today.

I think I need new glasses. Not as flattering as I thought. Ha ha.

At the finish line.

Happy Easter

2011-04-26T19:33:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had a good Easter weekend.

Our weekend started with dying eggs which Emma is getting really good at.

Then Emma decided to dance on the table/Stage and perform for us. She even had a costume change. It was hilarious. I can officially say that she is going to be a singer, or actress or some type of performer.

Our tradition is Easter brunch with Eggs Benedict. I tried to make it healthier by having a low-cal multi-grain English muffin, and not going back for seconds. If I was hungry (which I was) I had more asparagus, strawberries and pineapple. YUM.

And I specifically asked that I do not get a candy basket, so this is what my mom gave me:

Although, I did sneak a few peanut M&Ms from Emma's basket.

And it snowed on Easter which is somewhat of a Colorado tradition. So the bunny stuck to the porch and deck.

Starting my frame wall

2011-04-22T08:07:00.000-06:00

I recently ordered a print from Vol25 and wanted to get it up on the wall right away! That led me to put together what I already had. This doesn't even take up half of the wall.

Here is the start of the wall:

I still can't get a very great picture of the wall color. It's a celery-ish green.

I'm still here....

2011-04-22T07:57:00.000-06:00

I am been very busy with work and concentrating on trying to lose weight that I have neglected posting here. I also haven't been checking in on everyone elses blogs, so I'm sorry about that too. With Easter around the corner there are so many great projects that I know I'm missing out on.

Last weekend I went to Michael's and really scored on some purchases!

I first saw these birds for about $6 and almost bought one.

But then I spotted this one for only $3.50

Then I went over to the frame section because I need to start collecting frames for my frame wall in my bedroom. But I spotted these HUGE frame for only $35. It's normally $150. Can you believe that?! So I had to get it. It is so stinkin heavy.

And here is my bird in it's home: