Undiscovered Talent

My brother... the photographer.
I've always struggled taking pictures. I over think the composition, lighting, angle, subject matter, etc.. Like singing... I just can't do it. So I decided to feature some undiscovered talent who has no problem taking photos and does it quite well. These photographs were taken by my brother, Manny. He has always been great behind a camera. For now he does it for fun but I'd love to see him take it further. He lives in Santa Fe. If you've been there you know there are so many great shots around every corner. Here are a couple of examples of some great black and white shots... and from his phone. Wish my phone pictures turned out like that. Hope you enjoy the work, can't wait to see what he shoots next!

Halloween Invites - Too much fun!

Grab some attention with a modern invitation!

Enjoy matching cupcake toppers!

It turns out I have really been enjoying getting ready for the Halloween season. It's actually exciting to  be ready ahead of time. Hope I can keep my momentum when it's time to get ready for Christmas in October. I have a couple more ideas for some fun vampire invitations and a new witch card. And new to me, cupcake toppers... who knew I would be so drawn to these. So I am giving it a go with my new invitations, we'll see how they do. Stay tuned for more paper Halloween goodies!!

Be My 200th Sale and Get FREE GOODIES!

200th Sale Giveaway Promotion - Night Owl Note Card Set

200th Sale Giveaway Promotion - Eco-Friendly Playdate Note Card Set

I can't believe it... I am so close!
And to think my goal was to make it to 100 sales by my 1-year anniversary and hear I am just a couple of sales away from 200! I am one happy camper! Starting my own business has been an incredible experience and journey. I've enjoyed every minute of it and I am so grateful for all the wonderful customer's I've had.

So it's time to pay it forward... be my 200th sale and get these FREE goodies! Two sets of note cards... keep them for yourself or give them as a gift! (A $20 value!)

Halloween's Around The Corner

It's gonna be spooky! 
I realized it was time to get going on my Halloween line once I went to the grocery store and saw that they already had candy out. I love Halloween... so many great kiddos out in some really cool and creative costumes. Still not sure what my little one wants to be but I think it's in the witch family.  See more invitations and cards here.

Friday Treasury Feature

I love Paris in the Fall.
Come take a look at all these lovelies in this Etsy treasury. Thank you retrospectphoto for putting it together. I am feeling the need to make another treasury myself... just need to find the time.

Have You Treated Yourself Lately?

theshagbag creative packaging

Jade cuff bracelet Asian floral blossoms, handmade jade jewelry by theshagbag on Etsy

Beautiful blue translucent Asian floral earrings, handmade jewelry by theshagbag on Etsy

I just did! Can't wait to get my earrings in the mail. 
I have been working around the clock... not only on my Etsy shop but with tons of custom freelance design and to throw in the mix, new school clothes shopping and summer vacation with my little one. The house has suffered a little... oh well. Can't do everything and never planned too. I guess what I am trying to say is, don't forget to treat yourself right every now and then. Now that I work for myself... I need to remember the praises, accolades, and bonuses need to come from... me. As my own boss, I wish I let myself slack a little or take that three hour martini lunch or call in sick and then go to the movies.

So short story long, take care of yourself. Your joy and positive energy will spread to the people around you and so on. I can't wait to get my special package from theshagbag! Take a peak at this amazing Etsy shop... so many lovelies. It's hard just to pick one item.

Friday Favorites - Back To School!

Think outside the lunch box this year!
You wait so long for summer vacation... and puff, it's over! We had a fun-filled summer full of bike rides, picnics, movies, and tons of swimming! School starts next week. So it's time for new clothes, new backpack and of course the signature lunch bag/box that all the kids see you with. How many Hannah Montana's and Hello Kitty's can you take... this got me thinking... when I want to find something cool and unique where do I shop... that's right Etsy! Send your sweeties off to school in style this year! I fell in love with these snack sacs and lunch tag... so fun!

Lime Mao-Mao the Cat Lunch Bag/Box Tag by WeiOpenSecret
Hedgehog Meadow Eco Friendly Reusable Handmade Sandwich Bag by sacksavers
Gnoming Around Gnome Ecofriendly Reusable Snack Bag by sacksavers