Just a few more days, hours, minutes and even seconds before I am ON MY OWN! *My business* Rather than focus on the reasons why I can't wait to be dissolved from my business partner... I'd like to focus on all of the reasons I am excited and hopeful for a new and successful beginning on my own!
I can do it! I know I can! I've had a strong support system in place for a long while, but to actually create products that people love ---it's a dream come true for ME, and I am finally accepting the fact that my customers LOVE what I have to offer - sure, it helps that my friends support me, but now, I've had the chance to become successful on ETSY, through connections on Facebook, and referrals to family and other friends.....this is what has made me think....'hmmmm, I REALLY can live my dream!'
I will continue to live by what has taken me this far -
*I will only sell what I would purchase on my own
*Everything is better with a hint of sparkle
*Your pen should be as cute as your paper!
*You should LOVE LOVE LOVE your gift to give (and if you don't LOVE LOVE LOVE it, I'll fix it til' ya do
*See above for invites, announcements, save the dates, etc.
*Never stop writing thank you notes - on cute paper (made by me!)
*Thoughtful gift giving and creating - that's what I do best
*Appreciate customers and fans
*Give back! What am I if I don't give back - donate and support those who have supported me
Stay Tuned....Simple Joys by Joy ---will replace Liz Sage, LLC....the name will be different, but products will all still be created by me...I'm finally giving my name the credit where its long overdue. Watch out world....I'm in for a long ride and cannot wait to take you with me!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
I <3 Blogging
I'm not sure what I enjoy more --blogging or 'decorating' my blog full of Simple Joys. I feel like I've just moved into a 'new place' and I am carefully trying to fill it full of me. Sheesh - with slideshows and links and widgets, OH MY!.... I am overwhelmed! I don't want to clutter my space, I want it deliberately and carefully put together to reflect ME! So, in these early beginnings, you'll see a lot of changes here and there - for right now, I'm doin' the best I can!
I'm getting ready for the big transition and I can HARDLY wait! We will be dissolving the partnership - Liz Sage, LLC. My partner and I have decided to part ways. It will be a slow gradual change - I will continue to manage our twitter page, facebook site, etsy site under Liz Sage, LLC until I can finally officially turn everything over to Simple Joys by Joy. Most product will continue to be offered, and I'm even more excited to report I will be partnering with other fun, fab and fancy moms who own their own businesses ---many of which you'll see along the side - My favorite Links!
With the help of my Lovely Assistants - Sam and Rachel ---get to know them --- I've got their pics posted!!! We are ready to roll! I'll slowly be adding photos of product and will continuously take orders....just this week I'll be taking care of mocking up wedding invites/ printing another wedding invite order/ and printing some adorable notepads!
Watch out 2010, this is JUST the beginning!
I really <3 Blogging!
I'm getting ready for the big transition and I can HARDLY wait! We will be dissolving the partnership - Liz Sage, LLC. My partner and I have decided to part ways. It will be a slow gradual change - I will continue to manage our twitter page, facebook site, etsy site under Liz Sage, LLC until I can finally officially turn everything over to Simple Joys by Joy. Most product will continue to be offered, and I'm even more excited to report I will be partnering with other fun, fab and fancy moms who own their own businesses ---many of which you'll see along the side - My favorite Links!
With the help of my Lovely Assistants - Sam and Rachel ---get to know them --- I've got their pics posted!!! We are ready to roll! I'll slowly be adding photos of product and will continuously take orders....just this week I'll be taking care of mocking up wedding invites/ printing another wedding invite order/ and printing some adorable notepads!
Watch out 2010, this is JUST the beginning!
I really <3 Blogging!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Holi-daze.
The holidays are supposed to be filled with family, memories, gathering, gifts, and good times. I have two adorable girls who are perfectly aged for the magic of the season -- 4 and 2. They squeal each time a santa commercial plays on TV, and for an entire month I am able to negotiate good behavior by warning a quick phone call to the north pole to place a few lil' girls on the naughty list.
We listen to Christmas carols, made the cut out sugar cookies and tonight, shared in the tradition of Christmas Eve. Only, this year was a lonely Christmas Eve. We were missing a big part of what I used to know as Christmas spirit in my dad. This year, I've gotten through a lot of "firsts" - 'firsts without dad'....and I want to believe I've done it with strength and courage in the belief that he's in a better place.
But in addition to losing my dad, my family has fractured into something I really can't put into words. It breaks my heart, but as a parent, my sole responsibility is to keep my kids safe and make decisions within their best interest. Tonight was a small gathering - just the hubby, my kiddos, my brother and his girlfriend. You'll note one other important person absent in tonight's celebration. My mom.
Tomorrow we go to the Hubby's family....it's a long day to travel a long way --- when what I would really like to do is sleep and have time to reflect on how I am really feeling about things. In having young kids and responsibilities, I never really have sat back to reflect on how I really feel. The holidays should be filled with family, love, togetherness and a time of joy. If that is true, why do I feel so sad and lonely this time of year? Maybe it's a 'bye' year....and all will be back to normal next year.
I am looking forward to seeing the kids' faces Christmas morning, nothing can take that 'joy' away.......but I wish, for a small moment I could remember what it felt like to feel whole again. Losing a parent takes a way a piece of you - a piece that you don't realize you have until they are gone and you ache deep inside. The holidays and family times only magnifies the pain and sadness. I really thought I had made peace with knowing this was our first Christmas without him, and I was ok with it.......when out of no where I've welled up with tears in my eyes on more than one occasion this week.
While I hear the Merry Christmases --- I think to myself --- what's so Merry about it? And then I remember what is most important....my two lil' angels sent directly to me. Without them, my world really would be empty. They are the greatest joys in my life.......and while it's my first Christmas without my dad ---it's the first Christmas my children will really begin to remember the memories we create as a family and a time they will believe in the magic. I want to be present, and be a part of the memories they will create and make for years to come.
For me, I remember a great loss, for my kids....they will remember a dream come true on a Christmas morning from being "nice" all season long - for - after all of the threats this month, I never did have to make the naughty call to the north pole!
We listen to Christmas carols, made the cut out sugar cookies and tonight, shared in the tradition of Christmas Eve. Only, this year was a lonely Christmas Eve. We were missing a big part of what I used to know as Christmas spirit in my dad. This year, I've gotten through a lot of "firsts" - 'firsts without dad'....and I want to believe I've done it with strength and courage in the belief that he's in a better place.
But in addition to losing my dad, my family has fractured into something I really can't put into words. It breaks my heart, but as a parent, my sole responsibility is to keep my kids safe and make decisions within their best interest. Tonight was a small gathering - just the hubby, my kiddos, my brother and his girlfriend. You'll note one other important person absent in tonight's celebration. My mom.
Tomorrow we go to the Hubby's family....it's a long day to travel a long way --- when what I would really like to do is sleep and have time to reflect on how I am really feeling about things. In having young kids and responsibilities, I never really have sat back to reflect on how I really feel. The holidays should be filled with family, love, togetherness and a time of joy. If that is true, why do I feel so sad and lonely this time of year? Maybe it's a 'bye' year....and all will be back to normal next year.
I am looking forward to seeing the kids' faces Christmas morning, nothing can take that 'joy' away.......but I wish, for a small moment I could remember what it felt like to feel whole again. Losing a parent takes a way a piece of you - a piece that you don't realize you have until they are gone and you ache deep inside. The holidays and family times only magnifies the pain and sadness. I really thought I had made peace with knowing this was our first Christmas without him, and I was ok with it.......when out of no where I've welled up with tears in my eyes on more than one occasion this week.
While I hear the Merry Christmases --- I think to myself --- what's so Merry about it? And then I remember what is most important....my two lil' angels sent directly to me. Without them, my world really would be empty. They are the greatest joys in my life.......and while it's my first Christmas without my dad ---it's the first Christmas my children will really begin to remember the memories we create as a family and a time they will believe in the magic. I want to be present, and be a part of the memories they will create and make for years to come.
For me, I remember a great loss, for my kids....they will remember a dream come true on a Christmas morning from being "nice" all season long - for - after all of the threats this month, I never did have to make the naughty call to the north pole!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Really?
I can't resist, I need to vent!
Now, I know money is tight and we are on a pretty strict budget, but as my birthday came and went I received a card from "the hubby" - one that asked me if I wanted a 'fuzzy navel' and on the inside there was a nasty piece of lint talking about something on the inside of his belly button. Humorous? Yes.......no gift --not even a little thing --not so humorous.
I mean, COME ON! SERIOUSLY? Not only is this shady-cat, but it's a bit frustrating since I married someone where birthdays are a big deal. I can't even begin to share with you what could/would happen if I failed to acknowledge the birth of my husband. The first year of "dating" his feathers were ruffled when he learned I would not be taking off the day from my professional career!
His birthday--It's bigger than xmas! I mean, truly --- when I first learned of his deep appreciation for his special day, I had to wonder early on....this dude is worse than a chick! This past year has been rough on us all....but for his birthday a few months back I kept the secret that I'd had his mom coming into town earlier than he'd expected (inlaws = Florida) ---so I had that surprise and then went out to purchase his much hinted about laptop he wanted...NOT my fault that the district ended up footing the bill for one so he took my birthday gift back.
This year, treated to an awesome lunch by my brother we spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out and shopping, we went to Tiffany & Co. so he could shop for his girlfriend. I was very tempted to purchase a pair of earrings for myself ---but in my mind I thought, "nope! I am sure my husband has something great in store!" - what planet was I on? Lesson learned: Never go with your gut in regard to gifting from the hubby.
So, ladies, I ask you ---at what point is it ok for your husband to only give you a birthday card with nasty belly-button lint --even if it is just cotton and dirt? Let me answer that for you -- NEVER!
And as for Christmas? I think that lint is coming out of my card and getting regifted. To him. For Christmas.
Now, I know money is tight and we are on a pretty strict budget, but as my birthday came and went I received a card from "the hubby" - one that asked me if I wanted a 'fuzzy navel' and on the inside there was a nasty piece of lint talking about something on the inside of his belly button. Humorous? Yes.......no gift --not even a little thing --not so humorous.
I mean, COME ON! SERIOUSLY? Not only is this shady-cat, but it's a bit frustrating since I married someone where birthdays are a big deal. I can't even begin to share with you what could/would happen if I failed to acknowledge the birth of my husband. The first year of "dating" his feathers were ruffled when he learned I would not be taking off the day from my professional career!
His birthday--It's bigger than xmas! I mean, truly --- when I first learned of his deep appreciation for his special day, I had to wonder early on....this dude is worse than a chick! This past year has been rough on us all....but for his birthday a few months back I kept the secret that I'd had his mom coming into town earlier than he'd expected (inlaws = Florida) ---so I had that surprise and then went out to purchase his much hinted about laptop he wanted...NOT my fault that the district ended up footing the bill for one so he took my birthday gift back.
This year, treated to an awesome lunch by my brother we spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out and shopping, we went to Tiffany & Co. so he could shop for his girlfriend. I was very tempted to purchase a pair of earrings for myself ---but in my mind I thought, "nope! I am sure my husband has something great in store!" - what planet was I on? Lesson learned: Never go with your gut in regard to gifting from the hubby.
So, ladies, I ask you ---at what point is it ok for your husband to only give you a birthday card with nasty belly-button lint --even if it is just cotton and dirt? Let me answer that for you -- NEVER!
And as for Christmas? I think that lint is coming out of my card and getting regifted. To him. For Christmas.
Simple Joys - My photo card designs!
I began designing photo cards about 4 years ago...here is my portfolio - thanks to beautiful families, new babies, engaged couples, etc. who have allowed me to share in their life-altering event. I THANK you and take great pleasure in it!
**How it works.....I charge $25 - design fee
**You tell me what size you want your design formatted to and email me photos for your photo announcement
**You provide me with pertinent details such as dates/times/vital birth info/greetings
**I create a proof for you to review...we work via email until you LOVE your finished product
**Upload and print at your local photo store for minimal costs!
**I now offer Print services - JUST ASK!
Click here to view these pictures larger
**How it works.....I charge $25 - design fee
**You tell me what size you want your design formatted to and email me photos for your photo announcement
**You provide me with pertinent details such as dates/times/vital birth info/greetings
**I create a proof for you to review...we work via email until you LOVE your finished product
**Upload and print at your local photo store for minimal costs!
**I now offer Print services - JUST ASK!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Decisions
In life, we are faced with decisions --- sometimes they are as easy as "Coke or Pepsi?" --and then there are others, the types that effect others and their feelings.
For me, I firmly believe people make decisions that are right for them, and while I may find disappointment in them, I genuinely support the decision-maker when I am left disappointed from time to time.
Unless this is in regard to my hubby - because isn't he supposed to make me happy? JUST KIDDING! We all know that any man will simply make a decision based on what's in it for him or what it will do for him ---it had to be said. For the first 5 years of my marriage we played "Monty Hall's Let's Make a Deal".....what will you do if I do this? Now we both try to make decisions so not to piss each other off.
...Anyhow, last night I was faced with a decision... and it ended up involving my daughter and time with her. When faced with any decision that goes up against my two favorite "Simple Joys" - it is a no brainer, the decision will always be won by my two little darlings. It's not even a question.
But here, I hurt someone I love to no end, a very near and dear friend. It wasn't the decision to not go and be there with her....it was simply the decision to be with my daughter in a moment where she wanted to be with me.
Maybe, too, I'm still broken. Losing my dad was a hard time. My time with my girls, and decisions I make are those made not only with my head, but with every inch of my heart.
After leaving my job of almost 8 years, many things in my life have changed...but the one thing that remains most important to me - my two little girls...leaving that job - one which I was married to, and one that also took much of my time - emotionally and the presence of me, allowed me to really stop and look at how lucky I am to be able to spend time with my kids. When I stop and remember days from when I grew up...it's the small things. I hope my children will remember the same.
The other night, the decision I made, was in one of those moments....one of those moments that my daughter will look back and say, "I got to be with Mommy".
For me, I firmly believe people make decisions that are right for them, and while I may find disappointment in them, I genuinely support the decision-maker when I am left disappointed from time to time.
Unless this is in regard to my hubby - because isn't he supposed to make me happy? JUST KIDDING! We all know that any man will simply make a decision based on what's in it for him or what it will do for him ---it had to be said. For the first 5 years of my marriage we played "Monty Hall's Let's Make a Deal".....what will you do if I do this? Now we both try to make decisions so not to piss each other off.
...Anyhow, last night I was faced with a decision... and it ended up involving my daughter and time with her. When faced with any decision that goes up against my two favorite "Simple Joys" - it is a no brainer, the decision will always be won by my two little darlings. It's not even a question.
But here, I hurt someone I love to no end, a very near and dear friend. It wasn't the decision to not go and be there with her....it was simply the decision to be with my daughter in a moment where she wanted to be with me.
Maybe, too, I'm still broken. Losing my dad was a hard time. My time with my girls, and decisions I make are those made not only with my head, but with every inch of my heart.
After leaving my job of almost 8 years, many things in my life have changed...but the one thing that remains most important to me - my two little girls...leaving that job - one which I was married to, and one that also took much of my time - emotionally and the presence of me, allowed me to really stop and look at how lucky I am to be able to spend time with my kids. When I stop and remember days from when I grew up...it's the small things. I hope my children will remember the same.
The other night, the decision I made, was in one of those moments....one of those moments that my daughter will look back and say, "I got to be with Mommy".
Thursday, December 17, 2009
11 Minutes to 32!
It's the eve of my birthday--I have 11 minutes to be exact, and what better gift to myself than to begin a Blog! I'm not sure where this will go....whether I'll attract a following, be humored by friends who will read just to appease me, or if it will help grow my small business. One thing is for sure....I want to fill it full of the "Simple Joys" in my life!
Tomorrow I will be 32, it's one week from Christmas and 2 weeks until New Years....who needs a resolution now that I've got a blog! I've got the entire world to be accountable toward!
So, for the next 9 minutes, I'll introduce myself to you!
I'm a mom of 2 little girls - Kenzie and Allie. I plan to 'blog' about them alot, they are my greatest "Simple Joys"....although, nothing about being a mom is simple, nor are my two little darlings simple. Kenzie is 4 and Allie is 2. Just like any siblings they couldn't be more different than each other. I'll leave getting to know them to future posts...isn't that how I get a following? Leave you readers on edge?
I'm married 8 years ...I won't give my husband's name, because really---how many Joys are in the world with two girls named Kenzie and Allie......we'll just refer to him as "the hubby". He doesn't even know I've started blogging. I should take bets...how long until he figures it out? I'll put $50 on the fact I get thru the New year before he even realizes......
I'm self employed --- my third child---and other favorite "Simple Joy" ---my business......the first of the year begins my venture out on my own. This past year I was a part of Liz Sage, LLC....I am ready to begin on my own. To get an early glimpse check out my past work at: www.lizsage.etsy.com - Don't worry---Simple Joys will have the same product and add a few fantastic NEW THINGS!
4 minutes to go ----
31 - was a bad year for me....I lost my dad, my whole world changed.....
32- I envision a year with good things in store....heck...I'm beginning my journey (to share with you) my Simple Joys....
Happy Birthday to me!
Tomorrow I will be 32, it's one week from Christmas and 2 weeks until New Years....who needs a resolution now that I've got a blog! I've got the entire world to be accountable toward!
So, for the next 9 minutes, I'll introduce myself to you!
I'm a mom of 2 little girls - Kenzie and Allie. I plan to 'blog' about them alot, they are my greatest "Simple Joys"....although, nothing about being a mom is simple, nor are my two little darlings simple. Kenzie is 4 and Allie is 2. Just like any siblings they couldn't be more different than each other. I'll leave getting to know them to future posts...isn't that how I get a following? Leave you readers on edge?
I'm married 8 years ...I won't give my husband's name, because really---how many Joys are in the world with two girls named Kenzie and Allie......we'll just refer to him as "the hubby". He doesn't even know I've started blogging. I should take bets...how long until he figures it out? I'll put $50 on the fact I get thru the New year before he even realizes......
I'm self employed --- my third child---and other favorite "Simple Joy" ---my business......the first of the year begins my venture out on my own. This past year I was a part of Liz Sage, LLC....I am ready to begin on my own. To get an early glimpse check out my past work at: www.lizsage.etsy.com - Don't worry---Simple Joys will have the same product and add a few fantastic NEW THINGS!
4 minutes to go ----
31 - was a bad year for me....I lost my dad, my whole world changed.....
32- I envision a year with good things in store....heck...I'm beginning my journey (to share with you) my Simple Joys....
Happy Birthday to me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
