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Well, I hate to bug, but are y’all hiding under a rock or something? People, there’s a giveaway going on with some AMAZING prizes and it ends tomorrow (2/29)!!! Pleeeaaaaaaase enter and tell your friends too!!! Did that sound whiny? Good.

Also, I’m guessing my sponsor prices were too high or else you’ve just spent too much on Etsy this month, eh? So I slashed them in HALF. In half, people! I put out a lot of dough this month to sponsor some pretty darn awesome blogs which will bring a lot more traffic here!

Should I give you a little sneak on all the exciting things that will be going on here this month?

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O.k. just a little sneak peak….

-I’ve got like 10 different posts I’m working on all about running a handmade business. A wealth of information, my friends! And did I mention it’s FREE?

-I will be adding a health and fitness section to the blog. It’s very important to stay healthy when you’re a handmade business owner. The first thing we neglect is ourselves!!! Can I get an “AMEN”?

-I’m brainstorming new ways to advertise YOU. Yes, you. Giveaways/intros/guest posts are getting old. Let’s think of some new and exciting ways to get the word out!

-In March I’ll also be working on all of the new spring/summer items I’ll be adding to my shop and I’ll be sharing fun behind the scenes stuff along the way.

-I’ll be revealing a completely new venture that pertains to my graphic design biz. It’s gonna be HUGE. Like Donald Trump, “HUGE”.

-I’m going to start putting more personal pictures, and dare I say, pictures of ME on my blog. Yes, I’m serious this time.

-I’ll be participating in “Jessica N Designs” “Spring Fling Gift Guide” which will bring a ton of new traffic to my blog.

Yahoo!!! I’m excited just talking about all this fun stuff!

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So what are you waiting for? Get on board and hang out at DondaLee’s this month!

SPONSOR

I gave myself a little chuckle last night thinking about that.

Maybe it’s just my crazy-obsessive tendencies, but I really love looking at and through my blog.

And isn’t that how it should be?

Shouldn’t our blogs be the kind of thing we would want to read? To look at, appreciate and enjoy?

Do you feel this way about your blog?

If you don’t, I hope you will someday! I think it’s important to love what you create…Whether anyone sees it or not.

Quality over quantity…even if it’s in BlogLand. =)

places we’ve lived:
Well… me & ty got married March 31st, 2006. the summer after we were married we left for Seattle, Wa for his job.. and every year after minus one.. we have left to somewhere new doing the same thing for his job while he finishes school…
Living in Idaho, Seattle, Raleigh, NC, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, LA, San Fran area.. and now back to where I grew up.. Memphis, TN.

Every place we move we make it a goal to make a list of all the things we want to see and do.. we try and take full advantage of living in a new place. I’m pretty grateful for all the things we have been able to experience!

favorite drink:
Dr. Pepper or a Cherry Coke.. or i like to mix them 1/2 and 1/2.

favorite place I’ve ever eaten at:
Ninja New York- a themed restaurant in NY
Well Tyson and I had seen an episode on Travel channel the theme was Extreme Bathrooms..  For some odd reason I have a fascination with the whole Asian/Japanese vibe and look.. so I loved it! And apparently I don’t know much about ninja’s because you walk in off the streets into this low lit room- you wait for your reservation and then they call you and you go down this elevator (just me and ty).. the lights get even lower as you go down. Tyson mentioned I bet they are going to do something.. I was thinkin ya right this is a restaurant. Little did I know right when we get out of the elevator we get a ninja yelling at us (keep in mind it is way dark) I of course screamed like a little kid [totally wasnt expecting it] and Tyson was just like “I knew they were going to do something like that”.. So anyways throughout the night we had sneaky little ninja’s randomly coming by and scaring us.. We also had two ninja-magicians come by to our table and did magic tricks to add to the experience. It was soo much fun and our waiter was hilarious! [very sarcastic & looked just like what I thought a ninja should look like]

When did you first find out that you’d be a parent? How did you feel?
We were technically not trying.. and not preventing… so we were leaving being parents up to chance I guess you could say.. We had been married for 3 1/2 years. One day, I was late on my cycle.. (tmi?), had random heart burn.. and thought hmm that’s odd wonder if it means anything?.. Headed to the dollar store to pick up a little test and headed on my way to school to meet a group.  Went into the school bathroom and took the little test.. took it wrong, apparently. b/c i couldn’t figure out if i was pregnant or not… soo another waiting game til i got back to my car after our “meeting” was over and re-read the directions.. it’s really not that hard.. and apparently it was a faulty stick.. went back home with the second stick… and realized there was two little lines… they were faint. still unsure so I went back to the store to get a legit test.. that READ IT OUT PREGNANT OR NOT PREGNANT.. and took the test again and I remember my exact reaction.. I was giddy and screaming/talking to myself  saying omigosh I am pregnant! most likely over and over again. 
It was a fun little surprise to share when Ty got home.. because we were both not expecting it.. he didn’t believe me :) until I showed him the proof.. hah  

favorite tv show:
I have always been obsessed with FRIENDS.. it’s pure timeless and something I could watch over and over and still laugh at their humor! we have all the seasons on dvd.. and not currently having tv they are getting watched a good amount!

favorite place we’ve been to out of the country:
Xel-Ha in Cancun.. I’m not so sure why I loved it there so much but it was just the perfect day with just me and my husband! The food was great and the exploring was even funner!

favorite place we’ve been to in the country:
Going to a Jimmy Fallon show in NY was pretty high on our list… 

Scariest experience of my life:
TIE between a creepy man experience and me & ty getting lost down-downtown Cancun at night.


Favorite Quote:
my sister pinned this on pinterest a little while ago and I think it is perfect!

Jobs I had before I got married:
I babysat, worked at Dairy Queen (ice cream place in the mall), Hobby Lobby, Express, & Abercrombie & Fitch.. sad to admit that last one.. but let’s just say I did it for the discount!

least favorite: Hobby Lobby- I was a cashier.. the owners didn’t believe in cash registers at the time so they only had “adding machines” let’s just say I messed up quite a lot & it was quite stressful!! It is the only job I have ever had where I had excessive dreams about being at work. Worst night sleep ever! (they got real cash registers shortly after I stopped working there though)
only pro was that I got dang good discounts!

favorite: Dairy Queen..
This was my first real job.. I worked their with my best friend & we had a fun little group we worked with! Lots of memories from that job!

let’s just say i like working on my own schedule a little better!!

Do you like your job now days?
Well I am a full time mom.. and yes I love that job!

I am also a photographer… I started out doing landscape photography and loved the growing experience.. Then I started doing family & friends.  Then I stepped into the bigger sea and took on sessions with people who would contact me. I have started to notice when I get “over booked” I start to dread sesions.. and get burnt out. MY BIGGEST FEAR. I do not ever want to get sick of taking pictures.. so I LIMIT how many sessions I will take on. I especially love {styled sessions} someone with a vision of what they want…

I want to enjoy what I do.. and I want my families memories to come first. I hate when I see photographers who get so “overbooked” they have no memories to show for of their own family.. that’s not why I got into photography. I want to capture MY life first and foremost.

Then I found another creative outlet that let me experience the same satisfaction my photography gave me and that is this little blog here. I love blogging, sharing, and findings inspiration.

SO for now… Photography as a business is something I love to do on the side.. but for now I am focusing on my family.. and blogging and see where this takes me! It is very therapeutic for me.

If you could do anything now, what would you do? Why?
I would love love love to be an editorial type of Photographer.. shoot fun products and create pretty environments! Would absolutely love to work with Sweet Paul Magazine.. their  stuff is right up my alley!!

Is there something about me that you’ve wanted to know? leave me some love over on my blog! I’d love hearing from you! 

((Thanks SO much for sharing your life with us, Lindsey! Be sure to visit her at “Pillow Thought“!))

I’ve never done a “my week in pictures” post before but since they are all the rage I figured I’d give it a shot. I don’t have an iphone or “instagram” but I think my “Canon Rebel” will do the trick. =)

1. A wonderful vintage find from a hidden gem of a shop, CircusBearVintage.

2. I’ve been eating more salads and I just love them! Kale, mushrooms, fruit, pine nuts and a dash of olive oil. Sweet and simple and all organic!

3. A new addition to my ever growing obsession collection of vintage deer. This one is in mint condition and might just be my absolute favorite.

4. My baby girl, Sissy-sue, soaking up some sun.

5. A secret new project that will hopefully be revealed sometime this week. =)

6. “Little Dorrit”, one of my all time favorite BBC dramas. I watched it all weekend while I worked.

7. Another secret project you’ll hopefully learn about soon!

8. Sunset on Sunday. The ending of the day and the starting of a new week…

9. Home-brewed peach tea and peanut butter toast. My supper on Sunday. Delicious!

And there you have it, my week in pictures! This was fun. I’m going to try and do it every Sunday from now on.

Now, onto some important business:

Have you entered the fabulous “Group Sponsor Giveaway“? Well, you best get on it! It ends pretty soon!

GIVEAWAY

Have you joined the “Inspiration Linky Party” for this week? Well, you best link up!

PARTY

Do you want to sponsor DondaLee’s for March? Well, you best let me know!

SPONSOR

I’ve been trying to come up with a cute and simple way to organize my jewelry, so I created a necklace organizer using a photo frame that was lying around the house. In fact, the only thing I needed to buy was the cork board. I already had all of the other supplies, so this was really inexpensive for me! All in all, it cost me about $2.50 for this project. {I got the cork board at Hobby Lobby for $4.99 and used a 50% off coupon!}

And voila! A simple and fun way to display jewelry! 

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Well, The ole’ GFC is going bye-bye for all non-”Blogger” blogs. I’ve already taken it off this blog in case you haven’t noticed. Here’s a run-down on what’s going on and what it means for you:

1. –>Most importantly: GFC is ONLY going away for non-Blogger sites…If you use Google’s “Blogger” you won’t be affected by this change. Don’t panic!

2. –>Everyone who is currently following a “non-Blogger” site (like a WordPress blog) WILL be affected by the change. I’m not positive, but I’m assuming that the non-Blogger blog feed will no longer show up in your Blogger dashboard after March 1st. It will simply disappear.

3.–> The changes are taking place on March 1st. Here is the official quote from Google about the change, “Friend Connect allows webmasters to add social features to their sites by embedding a few snippets of code. We’re retiring the service for all non-Blogger sites on March 1, 2012. We encourage affected sites to create a Google+ page and place a Google+ badge on their site so they can bring their community of followers to Google+ and use new features like Circles and Hangouts to keep in touch.”

 {You can find the rest of the article HERE}

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((Why the change?))

–> Google is basically wanting to streamline everyone into using “Google +”. But I’m pretty sure that even with Google + you still won’t be able to read a blog feed in your dashboard. Correct me if I’m wrong here…

((So what do we do now?))

–>There is a new and universal way to follow ALL blogs/websites and it’s called “Linky Followers“. I would suggest opening a free Linky Followers account and following all your favorite non-blogger sites through this. Yes, it’s annoying because it means you will have to look at some blogs through your Blogger dashboard and some through your Linky Followers dashboard…but it’s better than nothing! And if your favorite non-blogger sites aren’t already using Linky Followers- please tell them about it!

–>Follow by e-mail. Yes, I know, you don’t want your inbox cluttered with more mail. But it’s an option!

–>Follow on Facebook, Twitter, BlogLovin’ or RSS.

So see, there’s no need to freak out. There are still plenty of ways to keep up with your favorite blogs. If you really love them, you’ll find a way! And right now, the most similar thing to GFC is “Linky Followers”. I bet pretty soon everyone will use that instead of GFC because it’s universal.

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((So what should us non-Bloggers do so we won’t be forgotten?))

–>Tell all your followers about the changes and their options before March 1st.

–>Continue to advertise yourself on “Blogger” blogs (probably more now than ever)

–> Stay active in the community doing guest posts, giveaways, social networking etc.

You may see that you’re gonna have to put forth a lot more effort to be known and found. 

Let’s face it, GFC is convenient. I wouldn’t remember to look at half the blogs I do if they didn’t randomly pop up and look interesting in my dashboard. I would think stats will drop, level off and then hopefully start to rise again once people catch on to “Linky Followers”. But I think you’re gonna have to spend some cash on advertising and really focus on social networking for a while. That’s my best advice! But don’t worry, GFC has been a great social networking tool but thankfully it’s not the only one out there…

We’ll all be in the same boat together! So let’s help each other stay afloat! =)

{planner picture via}

1. My new mission is to get ORGANIZED with my TIME. Very important. I’ve been wasting too much time. Piddling, tweaking, procrastinating, generally being a zombie. If I’m gonna run an at-home business, then I need to to treat it as a business. Being productive with my time is essential. Yes, I might spend the entire weekend decorating my newly made minute-by-minute schedule, but I plan on actually implementing it next week. Stay tuned!

2. By now you all know how obsessed I get with things, I call this an “inspiration” party but could just as easily call it “what-I’m-obsessed-with-this-week” party. =) Lately, I’ve been on a “Sense and Sensibility” kick. Like having it on all day every day while I piddle around in my craft space. Some lines just make me laugh so hard. You’d think I’m nuts! I’ve always loved this movie, but for some reason, lately I’m crazy about it. Buy it. Love it. Go nuts for it.

3. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but the “Love your business” series over at JustLovelyThings blog has been so, so SO inspiring to me. I glean something new from each person that does a guest post. I feel like I’ve been in a rut creatively and business-wise lately…But this series has been so encouraging and inspiring to me. I hope it does the same for you! I’m inspired to write a lot more posts about business-y stuff. =)

4. I LOVE finding new and inspiring blogs. Sometimes I just feel so stuck in a specific blogging circle. Know what I mean? It’s important to branch out and meet new people, see new ideas. Broaden your circle and be inspired! Here are my top 3 new blog finds for this week:The Dainty Squid, Freckled Italian, Little Chief Honey Bee.

Thanks to everyone who joined the party last week! One of my favorite, inspiring finds was this D.I.Y. bird mobile!

Now, it’s time for you to link up your inspirations! Link up whatever you find inspirational…

*You don’t at all have to write a new post about inspiration just to link up (though you can if you want to!) Here are some ideas for ya: tutorials, fashion, pretty pictures, colorful things, encouraging words, health and fitness, inspiring stories and testimonies…*

**Only family-friendly link ups, please**

Next week I’ll highlight some of your inspirations!

((Be sure to grab the button for this party on my sidebar so others can find the party too!))

]]> http://dondalees.com/2012/02/inspiration-linky-party-4.html/feed 3 http://dondalees.com/2012/02/inspiration-linky-party-4.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dondalees/~3/GdJvtFTlq1Q/sponsor-dondalees-for-march.html http://dondalees.com/2012/02/sponsor-dondalees-for-march.html#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:17:32 +0000 DondaLee's http://dondalees.com/?p=800

Hello sweet friends! I’m excited to announce that I finally got around to getting my new sponsor info up! I’ve spent the day figuring out who I want to sponsor for March and I realized I better get my act together! I’d be thrilled if you wanted to sponsor me! I have some exciting stuff planned-lots of fun posts, new sections for my blog (health/fitness for starters!), a slew of new items for my Etsy shop for spring, a website make-over for my graphic design site and more... So I will be busy, busy in March and there will be lots of activity on this blog.

In case you didn’t know, this blog has two main purposes, 1. to advertise my handmade business, and 2. to be a creative outlet for me. However, this blog touches a lot more than just those two things. I enjoy promoting and encouraging other bloggers and handmade business owners, brightening your day with my love of color and whimsy and generally being a place full of of fun, inspiration and creativity.

Won’t you be a DEER and sponsor DondaLee’s for March?

Click HERE for more info!

 straw picture {via}/table display picture {via}/keep calm poster {via}/fawn picture {via}

1. I’m obsessed with striped straws. Yes, I’m always a little behind the trend, but I’m glad for that. After everyone is sick and tired of something, I’m just beginning to fall in love with it. I just like what I like whether it’s trendy or not. And striped straws have finally caught my fancy. Especially PINK ones. So much so that I bought some and I’m gonna use them for some very fun upcoming projects! Wait and see!

2.  Right now I’m realizing I need to create things for FUN and not just for work. It’s so easy to create things like a drone and lose the passion and joy you started out with. I keep reading people’s stories of how they realized they needed to do something new, go to a new place, take a day off and just make things for fun to revive their creativity. I want to do this. I feel kinda “blah” about my shop right now. Just being honest. I’d rather make a few things I absolutely love then a bunch of things that are just “o.k.”. So I’m gonna start focusing on being creative and hope that new ideas and new excitement springs from that…

3. I know I told you before I’m obsessed with all things “deer”. But I’m even more so now if that’s even possible! I’ve always loved deer and sweet little fawns but somethings snapped and I’m just darn crazy about them. Now, I know everyone seems to be nuts about them right now because everything “70′s” is trendy- deer, owls, forest creatures…But it will all pass and I’ll still love deer. So much so that I’m going to really incorporate them into “DondaLee’s”. I’m excited to work on new projects for the spring that are inspired by deer!

4. Beautiful, bright, whimsical table displays. Be-still-my-heart. My new project that I will be working on that’s just for me, to get my creative juices flowing and to be inspired, involves beautiful table displays. I can’t wait to show you!

Those are my inspirations for this week, folks!

Thanks to everyone who linked up last week! Here’s one of my favorites:

The cutest most inspiring nautical fashions for your whole family! You will be SO ready for summer after seeing this post!

Now, it’s time for you to link up your inspirations! Link up whatever you find inspirational…

*You don’t at all have to write a new post about inspiration just to link up (though you can if you want to!) Here are some ideas for ya: tutorials, fashion, pretty pictures, colorful things, encouraging words, health and fitness, inspiring stories and testimonies…*

**Only family-friendly link ups, please**

Next week I’ll highlight some of your inspirations!

((Be sure to grab the button for this party on my sidebar so others can find the party too!))

]]> http://dondalees.com/2012/02/inspiration-linky-party-3.html/feed 6 http://dondalees.com/2012/02/inspiration-linky-party-3.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dondalees/~3/1t9rysNoGLk/guest-post-flower-tips.html http://dondalees.com/2012/02/guest-post-flower-tips.html#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:48:34 +0000 DondaLee's http://dondalees.com/?p=735 This fabulous post was done by my lovely sponsor Sarah of “Moonbeams and Stardust“! Check out her fabulous BLOG and SHOP!

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Many of you will probably receive flowers this week. (If not, go buy yourself some…you totally deserve it!) So today I wanted to share a few of my secrets with you for getting the longest life out of those beautiful blooms. And the best part? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4!

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1. Keep all leaves out of water level.
Leaves left under water breed bacteria, which will lead to an all-too-soon end for your flowers. So make sure that the stems left under water are all trimmed and clean.

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2. Change the water every-other-day.
Keep the water as fresh as possible, and make sure that the flowers drink themselves out of water!

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3. Add a little nutrition with each water change.
My favorite recipe is to mix a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of bleach into the water, but adding two teaspoons of a lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7 Up) works as well.

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4. Keep your flowers out of bright sunlight and drafts.
As proud as you are of your lovely blooms, keeping them away from windows and doors is best. And make sure that they are clear of heat/ac vents as well.

((Thanks for sharing these awesome tips with us, Sarah!))

Just because I LOVE you!

SHOP now!

First, I’ll make you a special breakfast…

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Then we’ll get started on the SWEETS!

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Will you be MINE?

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Let’s have a cupcake together…

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And maybe some cookies and milk (though mine would be soy)…

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Well, I at least saved you HALF the cake…You should feel loved!

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Sorry, but I don’t share my ding-dongs...You can have the wine. Well, some of it.

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 Brownie? Don’t mind if I do!

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Then we’ll finish off our SWEET day with some tea!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, my friend!

I don’t know if you’ve been keeping up with the “Love your Business” series over at “Just Lovely Things” this month- but you should be! The information is priceless if you’re a handmade business owner. The series is a conglomeration of different bloggers/ business owners sharing their expertise on different business topics.

Here’s a re-cap so far (it will continue for the rest of the month of February)

Love your business: Identity part 1

Love your business: Identity part 2

Love your business: Identity part 3

Love your business: financial goals

Love your business: Identity part 4

My very favorite post so far was by Dana of the “Wonder Forest“. Her topic was “branding“! Now, call me weird but I get super excited about business branding! Having “branded” my business I now truly understand the importance of it. When I first started out I tried very hard to keep everything matchy-matchy. I made sure my Etsy shop banner matched my blog banner, that my blog buttons all matched and that all my graphics were somewhat a reflection of the things I was selling.

However, my business cards and address labels didn’t match my web graphics, I used all different kinds of fonts and colors, the tags I handmade for my products were of a completely different style and the pictures in my shop just didn’t quite flow.

Take a look at some of my miss-matched branding. None of it is terrible by any means but it’s just not cohesive…

Albeit, looking back, all these things were really a reflection of my scattered goals and aspirations for the things I was making. I struggled with keeping my focus on what I wanted to make and what style I wanted to maintain. I was torn due to my love of all kinds of styles. I still struggle with this today. Though I’m closer to the mark then I was before…However, for me, doing graphic design for others has really allowed me to express other styles that I love but can’t incorporate into my business. If you struggle with maintaining one particular style, find other creative outlets where you can express your ideas…

Here are some business branding areas you should consider:

Everything must FLOW. People need to recognize your colors and style as well as your product. It’s a package deal.

You may have an amazing product but if there is no cohesion in your branding it won’t sell as well. Think about your favorite shops or brands. What is attractive about their branding to you? Try and figure out how to best capture your style through your branding. And if you need help, there are plenty of people out there who would love to help you! Sometimes, it helps to bounce our ideas off of others and get a different perspective.

When a customer receives their order from you, every single thing you send is part of your overall branding. It’s all a reflection of you and your business. Even what type of box or envelop you use! Think about your tissue paper, tape, stickers…does it all match? Do you even put for effort with your packaging? People want to feel special. Does the presentation of your product make them feel that way?

Here are some things I’ve incorporated into my packaging:

The end result:

In case you were wondering, here is where I get my branding supplies:

Business cards/ stickers/address labels: Vista Print

Twine: Etsy seller “In the Clear”

Tissue paper and packaging: “Dollar General”

Bubble wrap: it’s all recycled (Never buy bubble wrap. Ask a business if you can have their lefts-overs)

Washi tape: Etsy seller “Pretty Tape”

There you have it, folks! More than you ever wanted to know about “branding”. =) If you have any tips, share away! I’d love to hear ‘em!

10 things about me

1. I have a crazy sense of humor. Slightly perverted but not dirty. I laugh at myself and with myself all the time. A person or an animal getting hurt is NOT funny to me. However, me running into a sliding glass door IS. (true story) =) I just love to laugh even if it’s at the expense of myself.

2. Speaking of “laughing”, most everyone tells me I have the BEST laugh ever. I just wish I could hear it someday. =)

3. I’m allergic to pretty much everything: food, chemicals, air, people…you name it. But above all, my Kryptonite is “bleach”…Oh, and “sugar”…but not together. Bleh!

4. My greatest goal in life is to be the ultimate “Crazy Cat Lady.” And I’m on the right track. I’m practically a hermit and I have 7 cats.

5. I love to reeeeeeaaaad. “Read” that is. Though it comes in spurts. Sometimes I’ll go months without reading a single thing and then all the sudden I start devouring books like I do the last cookie in the jar. Right now I’m stuffing myself with “Lorna Doone” by R.D. Blackmore. It’s actually my second time reading it (the first was an abridged version). And it’s one of my all-time-favorite books. Ever.

6. If you came to my house at noon you’d most likely find me sitting at the computer like a zombie wearing my new plaid pajamas from Old Navy. Though I am t-r-y-i-n-g  to stop my wild ways of staying up til 2am and sleeping half the day away…It’s just not working for me anymore.

7. I secretly want to be an aerobics instructor, specifically a “Step” instructor. I’ve wanted to ever since I was about 13 when I did my first classes. And maybe someday it will happen. But first, I have to get myself back into shape and more balanced. I would just love to get paid to act like I’m on crack and make people writhe in agony…while simultaneously encouraging them, of course!

8. Some days I want to delete my blog. It’s true. I think all bloggers are constantly going through these cycles. I always second guess everything I do anyway. Sometimes I want to stop blogging because it seems pointless, trivial, a time-waster, frustrating…you name it. I struggle a LOT with how much I want to share. I feel pressured to share personal info because that’s what big-time bloggers do. But then I just remind myself that I don’t care about being a “big-time” blogger. That’s not my goal. And if I spend an entire day stressing over a semi-personal post and revise it a thousand times, then I shouldn’t post it. I put so much pressure on myself for things that aren’t that important. I could have used that time to actually make something! I recently read someone saying that they decided to never let themselves feel bad for neglecting their blog because of working on their shop. I need to get that in my head…

9. Speaking of revision, I spent way too many hours yesterday filling out and revising a “50 things about me” questionnaire. And I just hated how it turned out. I didn’t like the questions, I felt like you wouldn’t really learn anything about me that was important and I just felt weird about it. That’s why I’m doing these 10 facts instead. =)

10. I struggle a lot with self -doubt and comparing myself to others. I try and keep myself in a bubble with my handmade biz and graphic design. I don’t want to be so influenced by others that I stop creating things solely based on my gut and intuition. I’m very competitive so I have to keep myself in check and calm myself down a lot. I guess due to my lack of confidence I feel threatened a lot. I try and turn that around though and encourage and compliment the person I feel threatened by…It changes my attitude completely and is very freeing!

Well, this was a pretty wordy 10 facts. But I feel much better about it than the “50 questions” I almost shared. Thanks for bearing with me. And thanks for enjoying my blog despite the fact that it’s not an explosion of personal stories and pictures. =)

{Pin it or print it!}

**My goal for this blog has always been that it would be a bright, creative space where people leave feeling happier and more inspired to create**

and the prize isn’t even the best part…

How sweet is that?

What are you waiting for, ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

The giveaway ends 2/11 at midnight. So hurry!

1. First up on my list of inspiring things is “pretty font“! I’m completely obsessed with font. Pretty font that is. I love finding new fonts, playing with them and admiring them. Crazy, huh? Guess it’s just the designer in me. =) If you want some fun free fronts to use for your blog, check out www.dafont.com.

2. I’ve FINALLY started using my new camera and I’m in love! The very first picture I took was just magic! And I had no idea it had a flash that would pop up. Sweet! Maybe I’ll start taking self portraits now. Eh? If you’re wondering why I look so fabulous and fancy in this picture it’s because I took it after working out…Which leads me to inspiration #3…

3. I’ve been working out with Jillian! I LOVE the 30 Day Shred! Well, I love the results. It’s like boot camp on crack. But if it’s fast results you want, than this is your workout DVD! Just don’t hold it against me when she makes you scream and cry in agony. I desperately want to stay consistent with my workout routine and healthy lifestyle and so I think I just might start incorporating “health and fitness” into this blog. What would you think of that? I know I need encouragement in this area and I’d love to somehow encourage YOU!

4. COLOR! You know I’m a sucker for color! I found this “Pantone color report for 2012“. I have no clue what or who “Pantone” is but I’m guessing they call the shots when it comes to the season’s fashion color trends…Interesting. Well, trendy or not I love all colors and have fun pairing different ones up. Speaking of color, I’m inspired to completely make-over my graphic design site. I’ve been thinking about it for a while now and I’ve decided that I want brighter, bolder colors that fit more of my style. I love, love everything I created for the site, and my intention was to make it really different than this one…But it looks more bridal than my bright and funky style…So expect big changes in the coming days. =)

Now, it’s time for you to link up your inspirations! Link up whatever you find inspirational…

*You don’t at all have to write a new post about inspiration just to link up (though you can if you want to!) Here are some ideas for ya: tutorials, fashion, pretty pictures, colorful things, encouraging words, health and fitness, inspiring stories and testimonies…*

**Only family-friendly link ups, please**

Next week I’ll highlight some of your inspirations!

((Be sure to grab the NEW button for this party on my sidebar so others can find the party too!))

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Just thought I’d brighten your day with a bit of God’s gorgeous creation…Kinda takes your breath away, doesn’t it? =)

Have a colorfully inspired day!

I”m linking up with:

Meet: Lindsey

“I’m Lindsey Marlor, I am a full-time mom, a part time photographer, and I have fallen in love with blogging. I love anything and everything creative and I share my favorite things on my blog!”

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Meet: Nicole

“I’m a wife and momma to twin one year old girls, Brooklyn and Isabella, who are the inspiration and namesake for my shop, “Bip and Bop,” where you will find handmade jewelry and wool felt hair accessories.”

{BLOG} {SHOP} {FACEBOOK} {TWITTER}

Meet: Becky

“Hi there!  I’m Becky, the girl behind Petals, Lace and Pearls. Designing, crafting and a good playlist take me on an escape to my happy place. I have ventured into the “handmade” world and started my Etsy shop as a creative outlet and something FUN for ME! (Oh, and maybe actually use my retail marketing degree, ha! ) On my blog  you will find my creations, thoughts, inspiration,  things I find fabulous, and a little about my life. I’m married to my high school sweetie, have an 18 month old baby girl, and a mini dachshund.  I love the handmade community, and the people behind it, and am excited about my journey to be a part of it!”

{BLOG} {SHOP} {FACEBOOK}

Meet: Donna

“I am happily married to David (28 years) and we have one son Dillon. We live in a small Texas town. One precious dog Duchess. My grandma taught me how to sew when I was a little girl. I have been quilting for 14 years. When I am not working you can always find me in my sewing room. I just love love to quilt and collect vintage things.”

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Meet: Luisa

“My name is Luisa, Italian wife and mom of 4 little children. I left Italy 10 years ago and I now live in California as a missionary.”

“I’ve always loved crafting but I decided to become more serious about it when my grandma passed away. She was the best! I learned a lot from her… I love crocheting, sewing, drawing, painting and cooking. I thank God everyday for how good He is with me and my family.”

{BLOG} {SHOP} {FACEBOOK} {TWITTER}

Meet: Angelina

Angelina makes the most fabulous vintage inspired aprons! In her shop you can find ruffly, feminine aprons perfect for any fashionable homemaker. On her blog, Angelina hosts giveaways, has several linky parties a week and puts together the most adorably creative posts incorporating her hand-sewn items.

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Meet: Sarah

“Hi, I’m Sarah, and I’m the girl behind the online store, Moonbeams and Stardust.  All of the accessories that I create are made using vintage, re-purposed goods- everything from costume jewelry, to scarves, to lace and buttons.  I also offer a selection of vintage treasures that I find in my exploring.  It’s everything that you need to be the shabby princess that you are!”

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Meet: Julie

“Aunt Bea is my hero, Goober and Barney make me laugh. “I Love Lucy” is one of my favorite shows. I think I was supposed to be born in the 30′s so I could wear the fabulous 40′s and 50′s clothing! I love to sew, quilt, make dolls, crochet, knit, embroider, and paint. I love to bake and make jam, sometimes wearing a vintage apron!”

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Meet: Jennifer

“I’m a Georgia Peach, wife & mom of 2. I’m also a 5th year Girl Scout leader. I love working with tween girls. My Etsy shop and blog were inspired by the girls that I work with. I make and sell a line of hip accessories, soda can jewelry, juice pouch wallets and braided ribbon barrettes for tweens and teens. On my blog I share fun ideas and tutorials for girls. I hope you’ll stop by and visit. I love making new friends.”

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Meet: Jessica

“I left full time ministry at McLean Bible Church to be a SAHM to my son Judah and wife to Scott my nerdy/worship leader husband. I love thrifting, crocheting, drinking coffee, making new friends and laughing.”

{BLOG} {SHOP} {FACEBOOK} {TWITTER}

Meet: Holly

Holly lives on a beautiful farm and loves to make crafts with adorable vintage pictures. On her blog she shares about life on the farm and her many vintage finds!

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Meet: Eva

“Hello My name is Evelyn but some people call me Eva. I love Jesus, adore my husband, cherish my children and love anything crafty! On my blog I share my Ideas, DIY, Recipes and a few desserts along the way. I hope you join me in this delightful journey of crafting. “

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There you have it folks…My fabulous sponsors! Show them some love and visit their blogs and shops!