vol.25

Balloon Rally Weekend 2011

The balloon rally was really enjoyable as always... The weather was perfect again...

My girls with my sisters kids. :)

My battery died just after taking the above picture, so no more pictures of balloons for me. :( We did however drive home so I could grab my spare battery before walking downtown to the Harvest Festival.

Journey was being really cuddly, and Jaydon was enjoying every bit of it. :) We watched them set-up the ponies, but we were too early and planned to come back- but it didnt happen.

The cowgirl boots Journey was wearing was bringing out her spunky self, and she started putting on a show...

We walked into 6th Street Coffee and I bought a Chocolate Muffin, (YUM!) and Jaydon and I shared a heath Big Train... He also got a ham and cheese croissant... and it was SO good. Made my yummy muffin not taste as good. :) The kids got chocolate milks and shared a big Chocolate Chip Cookie. Everyone was much happier loaded up on sweets! ;)

arrow used is from the Blog Elements Set TWO

Gotta love an unplanned family shot! :) You can see me snapping the picture, AND Jaydon off to the left. :)

The garbage under the table was so graciously left behind by someone else...

My girls are growing up too fast. Seem like only yesterday I posted this family picture taken in this same spot.

Ironically, Journey is wearing the same pink coat that Trinity wore in the above picture. That coat has seen some love over the years. The girls were up for taking more pictures on the way home. I wasnt surprised! ;)

I used two overlays from the Comic-ness set on the above picture, and the one below...

I should also note, that Trinity decided on that pose all on her own...

Can we say "Camera Ham?" I was never like that as a child (mom, Shannon, Heather, or anyone else reading this who knew me growing up... there is no reason to comment) I think she gets it from her daddy. Anyhow, the above pose was purely her idea as well. :D

Gotta love Converse and Cowgirl Boots, they go together like Chocolate and Peanut Butter! :)

Well, that was our weekend, bunches of fun and pretty relaxing... wish more weekends could be like that.

a quote for your week chap 74 + last day for the etsy shop sale!

I never EVER make any mistakes... but I thought everyone else would appreciate this one! Hah... I kid. ;) I make more mistakes than I care to admit! Anyhow... I wanted to drop in and remind everyone that today is the LAST day to purchase your art prints from my etsy shop at 40% off!! :) Tomorrow everything will be back at full price.

The sale really has been a huge success! It brought us closer to our dream home... but unfortunately at this time the odds are not so good that we'll be buying the house. There had already been an offer made and accepted but the buyer backed out, so we put in an offer and apparently they accepted another offer that came in the following day without giving us the chance to counter.. have NO idea why any seller would want to do that? Why not say "hey, give me more money and I'll sell to you instead?" But anyhow, we're still hoping that the other offer may fall through, and we can grab it then. Is it bad to wish that on the sellers? lol So anyhow, that was a big dissapointment. I took quite a few pictures of the property and house when we looked at it on Thursday... when I'm feeling better about the whole thing I'll share them on here! :)

We're just trying to stay positive, thanks to the sale we are even more prepared... and we'll have more time to squirrel some extra money aside for an even bigger down. Our little town is loaded with suuuper cute Craftsman Bungalow's and victorian style houses, something else will come along. We're also debating on just selling our house. We'll see. We're picking up exterior paint tonight and I think we'll be having a new roof put on as well. That needs done wether we rent or sell.

Well, how was YOUR weekend? The balloon rally was fun! I'll post some pictures today or tomorrow. :)

The balloon Rally is this weekend + new In Bloom Overlay set

 

This weekend is a big weekend for the small town of Prosser. :) We have the balloon rally weekend and street painting/harvest festival going on. It seems hard to believe that it was 2 years ago that I was preparing for my first real craft show... 

It was tons of work, but really lots of fun. Wasnt very profitable for me though. Maybe another time down the road I'll reattempt!

So, are any locals getting up early and meeting at the airport to watch the baloons go up?! We'll be there... half asleep probably... but there! ;) Trin has been counting the weeks and days, and I really dont think she would let us miss it. ;)

wasnt journey so little? aww... just a year ago too.

Hope you have a fun weekend planned, even if it doesnt involve any hot air balloons. :)

Dont forget about the current sales:

40% off your total order in my etsy shop: CODE401 EXP 9/26 (3 days from now!!)

50% off the entire digital shop: use code STOREWIDE50 EXP 9/25 (day after tomorrow!)

oh- and this should have an entirely new post... but I released a maternity focused overlay set:

You can pick it up in the digital shop right HERE along with anything else for 50% off.

p.s.s unfortunately, there isn't any new house news... will keep you updated!

40% off sale and behind the scenes look!

Hey guys!! It has been such an emotional roller coaster of a ride these past few days. I launched the sale on monday and you guys were SO beyond supportive! I loved reading all the little notes some of you were leaving in the message to seller:

"hope this gets you a bit closer to your dream... : ) "

"Good luck with the house :) Thanks for the great deal, love your work!!"

"Here's to your dream home!!! :)"

Seriously! You guys are the best. :D I wish I had some good news to share with you all, but things are still so up in the air, that I havent felt like I could take a deep breath! lol ... but I know if it is meant to be it will work out, and I'm trying to not get my hopes up too much... Really though, thanks to you guys, you have made this dream seem almost within reach.. so thank YOU!

 
I also want to thank everyone who re-shared this link or re-posted the sale via your blog/facebook. It was so sweet to see everyone being so supportive. It truly made my day, because Monday evening we were greeted with pretty lowsy news... more on that later when I feel like I can share! At any rate- I felt the warm fuzzies!! ;) I snapped this picture this morning while I was packaging the last of the orders:

Gotta love my kitchen table. No print goes out without first landing on my table! I stand here at the end and package the print, checking the order one last time on my laptop. I still make mistakes (yep I do) but fortunately not nearly as many now that I have the order directly in front of me while I package. I use my touchsmart to send the art to my big printer, and also print shipping labels from that same computer but with a smaller printer. It works, but for the last few years I keep thinking how nice it would be to close the door to a room and say goodbye to the mess/work. Right now it is much too easy to not forget it with everything being in my kitchen. :) Not to mention, that table needs cleared when I fix lunch, breakast, and dinner... because we actually use that table... LOTS! :) So, this house we're looking at is 3 bedrooms... and I could use one room for my studio. PERFECT. :)

In other dreamy news... these two prints have been ordered together alot these past couple days, and I just HAD to take a picture and share how amazing they look together:

 

live simply   and  Young Love Deer Couple

Theme wise and color wise, they just look compliment each other so much! I'm seeing quite a bit of the rustic industrial look popping up online, and I'm diggin' it! :) Would totally love to go that direction in my decorating style!

Live simply seems to be a hit with everyone and that totally makes my day! :)

Anyhow, I'm completely caught up on all my orders!! Woohoo... feels awesome, during sales I try to print and package as they come in. Keeps me from becoming buried, and keeps you guys happy too! ;) You still have a few days to take advantage of the 40% off sale in the etsy shop. Rock bottom pricing for gorgeous hues on lush canvas paper... :)

40% off all prints in my etsy shop + NEW art!!

This post just might go down in history... I've NEVER offered a PUBLIC 40% of sale in my shop, and I have to say I'm getting nervous butterflies/jitters as I write this post! We *think* we just might have found a house we would like to put an offer on. (Yes- I'm BEYOND excited!) We're going to take a closer look this evening with my parents, but we've started the pre-qualification process, and trying to have as much of a down payment as possible... Which is why we're running a 40% off sale in the etsy shop!! I can honestly say I will probably never offer a 40% off sale again. Not even for black friday, so maybe you can get some holiday shopping done super duper early? ;)

I just listed this print:

Live Simply

It has been a work in progress for months, and I wanted to make sure and list it to kick off the new sale!! I absolutely love the motto, and think I should have it somewhere visible so I can see it everyday! ;)

Also, this whole house buying business also prompted me to finish up this little guy:

 

TUDOR STYLE- Wherever We Are Together Home Series

Another print to the Wherever We Are Together home series, tudor style and the first in a horizontal format. :)

I would love to own a tudor someday, but the house we're looking at seems perfect for us and I'm really hoping it works out. Jaydon is just as excited as I am, and that is something.... because it seems like he has been in no hurry to leave our humble abode. :) I really want to share more details, but I think I'm still afraid of a big let down... so I'll just have to keep you guys updated!! ANYHOW, like I said I'm pushing aside the buy 2 get 1 free sale and making way for the big sale: :)

 So... use code SAVE401 and save 40% off your total order! :) Sale expires a week from today: 9/26

Jump to my etsy shop by clicking:

HERE

If you guys feel like tweeting or sharing the sale on facebook, I would be ever so appreciative. :)

Hope you guys had a great weekend!! I have before and after pictures of the motorhome I need to share! :)

Comic-ness a new overlay set!

I've been as busy as a bee these past few days creating new art for my etsy shop, keeping up with a buy 2 get 1 free sale, working on card templates, and overlay sets for the digital shop. We're taking steps towards possibly buying a new place, (saving a big down payment) and I'm in overdrive more! I've had so much caffeine today ( a McFrappe and a SLAP frost flavor energy drink) that I think I'll be up half the night! :) I guess Friday night would be an ideal time to do so! :)

Aren't these photos so bright, bold and colorful!? I'm loving Kelly Anderson's work! I really had fun playing with this new Comic inspired overlay set! :) I know I say that each set is fun to create, but this set... takes the cake. Hands down. Well... I'm not sure how you could take a cake with your hands down... but I guess that really isnt important. :)

The bubbles and boxes are all separate so you can combine them for a variety of effects. You can even add your own text inside the bubbles, to say whatever you'd like. :)

Goodness, I love all these bright colors... you almost need sunglasses!! ;) Anyhow, they are listed in the digital shop and like all new releases they are marked down 50% they're first week. Use code COMIC50 to pick up the entire set half off. :)

I hope you have a fun weekend planned. Our little town is having a community yard sale, and I'm hoping to find a treasure or two... fingers crossed! ;)

Regal- a new print + bedroom decor update!

  Regal available here

I listed a new print this afternoon. :) You might remember seeing the initial sketch I posted awhile back. I've been waiting to take pictures of Regal framed in our bedroom!

I am still loving the color lilac. :) I paired it with the Parachute Duvet cover in Feather Gray from West Elm... which I might add is the first big splurge I've made in our room in quite awhile! :)

The lilac sheets/pillow cases I picked up are from Wal Mart. They were really wide pillow cases, and I kind of prefer they were smaller. The Gray shams are actually Square Euro shams. They are pretty big, but you cant tell because the pillows in front are sooo long! :) Not happy with that set-up... I'm sure I'll eventually change it.

I found this vintage horse trophy on etsy, and spray painted it silver to make it feel a little more cohesive. :) I really love the little guy!

The curtains are from Target and I really love them! Did you notice the square pillow on the bed?

I used iron on printing fabric and transferred the design to the back of a linen tote bag, grabbed a pillow to stuff inside (it is TOO big) cut the straps, and tied the four straps and 2 sides together. It'll do for now. :)

I was SUPER excited to find this lilac covered flower pot on clearance at wal mart for $1.00. I picked up this succulent plant to go inside of it. It is hard to tell in the picture, but it actually has lilac undertones. :)

Love to have it updated some, and I've been wanting to de-clutter those shelves for MONTHS now, but kept putting it off. Feels great to finally have it done. :)

I still cant decide if I should list the other artwork I included on the shelves. The silhouette of the horses head, and the Always Kiss me Goodnight quote next to the horse art?

Would there be any interest in that? Not quite the normal style of my art, but it seemed to pull everything together, and really seemed to compliment each other.

Well, I have a few things I need to get done around the house today, and some orders to get out! :) The sale in the shop is going well. :) If you've been wanting to purchase a couple prints, now is definitely the time to do so! Buy 2 get 1 free.... I've added quite a bit of new artwork in the last couple of months. :) You can jump to the shop via this handy dandy link.

2 NEW Overlay Sets Released + ALL overlays 50% off

Hey guys!! I just posted a buy 2 get 1 free sale in my etsy shop, but in addition to that I also released 2 new overlay sets. They are focused on improving images you post on your blog. They work great for before and afters:

and work just as well on your actual pictures...

image provided by simply rosie

I have to thank Heather Roth Photography for giving me the idea of creating this set. A simple e-mail asking if I had any hand drawn arrows available quickly inspired me to develop this series. Heather was in the midst of re-designing her photography website/blog and was looking to add a more personal feel. I was thrilled to accommodate! 

This set includes several elements enabling you to update your personal/business blog/site. Add the elements to your site design, or use them to dress up/personalize photos you post to your blog.

These are really fun sets to play with! :) You can find them both in the digital shop:

BLOG ELEMENTS ONE

BLOG ELEMENTS TWO

Generally I provide a 50% off code exclusive to the new product release, but in this case because I released two overlay sets I had to apply the code to one product or an entire collection, so ALL overlay sets are 50% off for the next week. :)

I hope you had a great day! Mine was eventful, 3 posts in one day- talk about a record! :D

 

 

CAMPING LABOR DAY 2011 Part TWO

Continued from my previous post... we finally made it to the Moonrocks! It is always really pretty up there, and it seems you can always count on a slight breeze.

We ate lunch:

The guys played around a little...

and I took pictures! :)

We didnt stick around very long at all, before we headed back to camp.

I really can't explain to you how dirty I felt. I had soo much dust on my forehead, in my ears etc. etc. Shaela and I were bragging about having survived the Moon Rocks two years in a row! :) Honestly, I think my mom handled the trip there the best. She is always such a good sport. Well that and I think they're seats are 100% more comfortable then ours! ;)

The next day the guys went out by themselves, and us girls had a quiet relaxing day. The cousins needed a break from each other so I took the girls inside the motorhome for some "quiet time"

This gave me some time to work on the scrapbook I've been keeping on the motorhome and our trips. :)

That night I hosted a Rio Movie Night with the kiddos. I used my absolute FAVORITE tent making blanket from ikea to put together somewhat of an indoor fort, and used my laptop to play the cartoon. They had fire popped popcorn (which left ALOT to  be desired...) and used they're little lanterns that my parents bought for them.

I think they enjoyed it! :) The next morning we packed up and left! :) But not before taking some more pictures. On our last trip I started the tradition of taking pictures of the girls (and cousing jada and Noah) in the doorway of the motorhome:

Can I just say... these girls are goofballs!!

I made them be serious for a couple pictures:

and believe it or not... we actually managed to get Noah (my nephew) in a picture... with both puppies! My parents' and my sister's...

There were even kissed shared!

...even if they were quickly wiped off! ;)

 
Journey with my mom... and I have to say, her band-aid was covering an imaginary owie...kids... and the grandparents that spoil them... ;)

oh... I forgot to mention, the guys had quite a long- short lived adventure the day they went out. I hear it involved a much deeper then it looked mud puddle, a broken important part on the landcruiser, part of a day spent locating said important part for replacement... and then replacing the part in the muddy deep puddle. They did fix it just before dark, and ate a rather late dinner when they got back to camp. :)

The trip was complete after a stop at the Yakima Miner's. It was busy as usual... but so worth it! :)

Have you been to Miner's before? Had any recent camping adventures yourself?

p.s. I am getting groceries today, and when I get back I'm sending out September newsletters, releasing TWO new overlay sets, and launching a sale in my etsy shop!! :)

a quote for your week chap 73 + new art

I bet you guys thought I had stopped posting my monday quotes... it has definitely been long enough. I wouldnt blame you one bit for thinking that way... BUT I guess I'm here to prove you wrong today! ;)

So, how did your weekend go? My parents bought a 2007 Jeep Rubicon:

They traded in my moms Tahoe, so technically the Jeep is moms grocery getter. :) It is much easier/smaller to drive than the Tahoe was... they're enjoying it! The top comes off in pieces, so you can have a sun roof, and leave the backseats covered, or you can take it all off. :) Fun, Fun!!

I also listed a new piece of artwork in the shop... Not All Who Wander... you can find it here. :)

I've ALWAYS loved this quote, so it was neat to finally USE it! :) Any favorite quotes you would like to see used in a future art piece? :)