Momathon Blog

The Best Thing to Hold Onto in Life

I met the creative folks at Caravan Shoppe—Alma and Mike Loveland and Melanie Burk—over the weekend at the Alt Summit conference. Inside a packet of goodies they gave me was this amazing Audrey Hepburn "Hold On" quote print and many more lovely things. This quote has been a fave of mine for years and the friendly folks at Caravan embody the message.

You can check out my short Vine video for the rest of the goodies from Caravan. Have you tried the new Vine app yet? I'll have a post about the  Vine video app coming soon. 

Match That Monkey Memory Game by CaravanShoppe.com

Caravan Shoppe is a great place to find beautiful art—and best of all the art is affordable because you print it out for yourself. Easy peasy! Pay just once for the artwork, and you immediately receive the file as a download. Their instructions help you through the process of knowing how and where to print. They also have several articles on printing do’s and don’ts. 

2013 Calendar by CaravanShoppe.com

Free Olliblocks Valentine by CaravanShoppe.com

Want to try out the shop for free? They also have cute freebies at the shop. Do you like the Valentine cards or the Hold On print above?  Find the adorable Valentine's Day cards by Alma here. You can get a version of the Hold On print at the shop for a limited time. (Caravan’s Hold On print at the top of the post is a special print with ALL funds going directly to children based charities.)

To hear the latest Caravan Shoppe news and see their new creations go to their blog or like CaravanShoppe on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

IMAGES: Top photo by me, the photos below via Caravan Shoppe.

Valentine's Day Printable: Pink Roses Box

Hello, friends. Today I'm offering a free printable gift box I created that features a bouquet of pink roses. Perfect for Valentine's Day! Link to download this printable below. 

Free Printable: Pink Roses Box

The digital PDF file includes one pillow box designed by me and featuring a photo image of roses taken by me. Box is the perfect size for holding a gift card.

Printables are easy to use. All you need for this craft is the free downloadable PDF file, 8.5"x11" card stock paper, glue or double-sided tap, and scissors. You can also embellish the box with glitter.  

Link to the downloadable PDF and directions for printing and assembling the box in the steps below.

TGIM: You Are in Charge

Hi friends! If you had told me a week ago that I would be practically bursting with new ideas, new questions, and new motivation, I never would have believed you. But thanks to the wonderful people at the Alt Summit SLC conference this weekend, I feel re-energized. (Is that really a word?) Well, you know what I mean... As a mentioned last week, I believe going to a class or conference is a great way to feed your creative spirit. I've got some links below to start the week.

Over the next month or so I plan on sharing some of the amazing ideas from the event. And I definitely hope to continue learning from all the new friends I made at the conference. Stay tuned :)

I can't talk about ALT without mentioning the awesome folks at Bing who made it possible for me to go. Yep, I was one of the incredibly lucky people to win a ticket! Thanks Bing! The image above was created by my wonderful new friends at Bing using a quote from this blog. How COOL is that!?!

Have a wonderful Monday. And choose happiness!

xo

Chris

Links to inspire

• If you attended ALT, check out Organize Your Inspiration & Get to Work by Sara and Top Tips for Alt Summit: When You Get Home by Melanie.
• I was fortunate to sit next to Jess Lively on the plane home from SLC. She has a great post today with a lovely image all about priorities and time.
• Do you ever feel a tad overwhelmed by all the great stuff out in the blogosphere? If you are a blogger here are Top 7 Tips For Finding Your Voice via Karen at chookooloonks
• I know this post is about the weekend, but Erin's ideas are wonderful for EVERY day use:  Happy {Cozy-Up} Weekend on Apartment34
• If you want to smile more, then read anything by Dooce. Today she writes: Someone in this house is not taking his Prozac. (Hint: One of my dogs does the same crazy things)
• And finally, if you crave lovely images here's some style inspiration: Sweet Look on Miss Moss. (I *need* the Earl Grey Cake right about now) and seriously dreamy fashion via Lookbook: Resort 2013 by Tory Burch.

Blogger Challenge {Join Me to Help Shelter Dogs Find Forever Homes}

 

As you know, I have a passion for helping shelter dogs find forever homes. I work with a local shelter as an adoption counselor. That's how I found out how rescue dogs can benefit from social media shout outs including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, blogs and Pinterest.

Facebook and Twitter were key to helping Benny the Chihuahua-mix pictured above find a forever home. Just by adding key hashtag information (eg., the name of the dog shelter, breed of dog, etc) helps potential adopters find the dogs on social media.

I used a basic photo editor on my iPhone (check out Phonto and InstaText apps) to add the name of the adoption organization to the photo of Betsy above and Amber at the top of this post. 

Please join me and promote truly amazing dogs who desperately need to have a voice. If we work together we can help these dogs find homes.

It's easy.
It's fun
 And if you do,
I promise you will have a warm feeling
in your heart all day long!

 

Here's what you can do. Pictures get noticed. That's why I recommend sharing the dog photos via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Flickr. Just make sure to include a link to the source and a hashtag explaining the photo. See the Instagram tips below.

1) If you like to take photos, grab your iPhone and stop by an adoption fair or go to your local animal shelter. (Adoption fairs are often held on Saturday afternoons at dog supply stores such as Wag n Wash, PetCo, and PetsSmart.)

2) Talk to the adoption counselors and snap some cute pics of the adoptable dogs—you can use Instagram or Flickr to enhance the photos if you want.

3) Post the photos on Facebook and Twitter, Pinterest or on your blog with a link to the animal shelter.

4) Include a search-able hashtag with the folowing information. Capitalizing the first letter of each word in your hashtags is critical for readability.

• breed of dog (eg., #Llab or #Dachshund)
• #AdoptDogs or #DogAdoption or #ShelterDogsAreTheBest
• name of the adoption organization (eg., #NationalMillDogRescue)
• if you want me to find your tweets or instagram photos, just add the hashtag #IHeartShelterDogs

 

Three ways to find RESCUE DOGS dogs to promote via social media about:

1. You can visit adoption fairs, talk to the adoption counselors and take photos of dogs you want to help.
2. Go to the shelter dog national listing at Petfinder.com. On this site you can search for dogs to promote on social media and get descriptions of the dogs, plus photos to include in your tweets and posts.
3. Go online and visit the site of your local Humane Society or another reputable adoption organized. The groups that are fully accredited with a nonprofit status are the ones to promote. Check for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

I am sharing special mommy hugs to all of you who help out. If you want, send me an email and I'll be sure to RT/LIKE your shout outs to help homeless dogs on social media.Thank you! xo Chris

 

Images: All photos are Instagram images by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

Decor Crush {Guide to Selecting the Best Table}

Have you outgrown your dining room furniture—or do you just want to update the rooom? The photo above gives tips to help you find the table that fits your family and your home.

Looking for more decorating ideas, check out more of my Decor Crush posts.

{This blog post is part of my BEST OF 2012 series.}

Image by Chris Olson featuring the Oslo Table via Crate and Barrel.

Instagram Guide {Finding the Best Filters for Each Photo}

Playing around with Instagram filters is a great way to add a personal touch to your photos. Here is my comprehensive guide to all of the Instagram filters and the features. Find out which filter works best with each type of photo—and what doesn't work. I take you step-by-step through the process of using this amazing photo app. 

Details on what types of photos work best with each of the filters here:

No Filter  Amaro Filter  Rise Filter  Hudson Filter  X-Pro II Filter  Sierra Filter  Lo-Fi Filter 
(more filters listed after the photo)

Earlybird Filter  Sutro Filter  Toaster Filter  Brannan Filter  Inkwell Filter  Walden Filter  Hefe Filter  Valencia Filter  Nashville Filter  1977 Filter  Kelvin Filter  Willow  Mayfair

Guide to Instagram Features

Enhance Colors and Details with Lux 

Add Some Glam in Instagram

Tilt-Shift Focus

Newest Instagram Features

Comparing 9 Instagram Filters {The Puppy Edition}

 

 

 

 

 

Make a Difference: Use Instagram to Help Shelter Dogs Find Homes

As you know, I have a passion for helping shelter dogs find forever homes. I work with a local shelter as an adoption counselor. That's how I discovered how rescue dogs benefit from social media shout outs.

Won't you join me and promote truly amazing dogs who desperately need to have a voice. If we work together we can help these dogs find homes. 

You can read about exactly how you can help in my post on Friday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images: All photos are Instagram images by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Make It Happen {Classes to Inspire You}

It's a brand new year. Time to be inspired—all year long—with AMAZING classes. I give all of the following online programs and location-based workshops/conferences my Momathon seal of approval. I have personally tested each program out—taking classes in a variety of subjects, getting to know so many awesome instructors in each of the programs listed below.

Which class is best for you? If you like to blog, take photos, scrapbook, sew, paint, embroider, create/design with adobe, or get organized, there is a class for you at surprisingly affordable rates. The class structure differs from class to class.

Things to consider when selecting a class

If you like lots of one-on-one interaction with the teachers, then a multi-week class with built-in class chat sessions and even project reviews/critiques will be the best choice.

If you like to see step-by-step how to do a skill rather that just read about it, then look for a class with video instruction.

If you want to explore a new topic or brush up on your skills, then a one-day seminar class like the ones at ALT Design Summit are a great option. (If you want a more in-depth class ALT also offers conferences, see below for more information.)

If you want daily prompts to develop your skills in photography or scrapbooking, then a month-long class at Big Pictures is a fun option.

If you want to improve your skills and apply that to your professional portfolio, then a multi-week (or multi-day) class at Nicoles's Classes or Media Bistro or Decor8 e-courses, Camp Pikaland, Pugly Pixel, or an Alt Design Summit  conference might be just the ticket.

 

Here is a listing of online classes (and in-person conferences) that rock!

Alt Design Summit

"Each week you can take classes from blogging and social media experts, the same kind of high-quality topics and content that you've come to expect from Alt Summit. You'll keep up on what’s new, get fresh ideas, and continually improve your site. The Alt Channel will bring you into contact with dozens of amazing presenters and thousands of fellow-bloggers through interactive online classes.

Each class is limited to 100 participants. They are live classes. Each class is an hour long and has a $15 registration fee." 

Weekend Playlist {Official Inauguration Playlist}

What does inauguration weekend sound like? President Obama released his official inaugural playlist with this tweet: 

Hear music from the artists who will be performing at #inaug2013 on the official@spotify playlist: http://spoti.fi/Wi2gPx 

The playlist includes songs from the musical acts scheduled to perform during the inauguration festivities and a few of his campaign trail favorites.

 

Click on the image to hear the inauguration playlist via Spotify

Here is a list of the music on Obama's playlist. 

Stevie Wonder – Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)
Beyoncé – I Was Here
Marc Anthony – Mi Gente
Fun. – Carry On
Alicia Keys – New Day
Brad Paisley – Mud On The Tires
Far East Movement – Turn Up The Love
Glee Cast – Edge Of Glory (Glee Cast Version)
James Taylor – Your Smiling Face
John Legend – Ordinary People
Katy Perry – Firework
Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway
Nick Cannon – My Mic featuring Biz Markie
Usher – Something Special
Walt Whitman – Higher And Higher
Smokey Robinson – Get Ready
Mindless Behavior – Future
Jennifer Hudson – Feeling Good
Soundgarden – Live to Rise
Black Violin – Brandenburg
Maná – Bendita Tu Luz
Jamie Foxx – Fly Love

 

Dior Couture {Jennifer Lawrence on the Red Carpet}

Jennifer Lawrence is the new face of Christian Dior so her gown selection for the Golden Globes was no big surprise. The Best Actress winner for her role in Silver Linings Playbook looked tres elegant in a strapless, waist-cinching Dior Haute Couture gown by Raf Simons. The scarlet gown's tight bodice and a black belt made me wonder why her critics keep pestering her about her weight. All I can say is: Jennifer, you look simply FABULOUS! 

Her stylist got it right on the red carpet. Jennifer's striking tousled up-do is both chic and modern. She looked elegant with the drop earrings and holding the small clutch bag. 

Marion Cotillard, who was nominated for a best actress award (for "Rust and Bone") wore another gown by designer Dior. Marion's dress had a slim black belt like Jennifer's, but she opted for a vibrant orange dress and a more avant garde style with an asymmetrical hem.

{Sketch above is by me and part of my Golden Globes Recap series}

More from my Golden Globes recap

Red Carpet Style: Taylor Swift
Red Carpet Style: Zooey Deschanel, Kate Hudson, Lucy Liu
Red Carpet Style: Jessica Alba, Sofia Vergara, Anne Hathaway

 

Images: Sketch above is part of my Golden Globes Recap series. Illustrations of Golden Globe fashions featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Pretty in Plum {Taylor Swift}

Taylor Swift opted for a more sophisticated glamorous look instead of her usual sparkly gown on the red carpet this year at the Golden Globes. Some critics dissed her more mature style, but I loved the deep-plum form-fitting Donna Karan gown with a mermaid hem. Instead of beachy waves and her signature blunt bangs, she wore her hair pulled off her face and neck into a sleek bun.

For more Golden Globes fashion images and sketches from the red carpet, see my post featuring Jessica Alba, Sofia Vergara, and Anne Hathaway. And my post featuring Zooey Deschanel, Kate Hudson, and Lucy Liu.

 

 

Images: Illustrations of Golden Globe fashions featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Red Hot Styles at the Golden Globes {More Sketches}

A chilly Sunday evening in Hollywood for this year's Golden Globes was no match for the red hot styles. The women of Hollywood sizzled on the red carpet in the boldest red hues. "New Girl" star (and co-founder of the creative women site HelloGiggles.com) Zooey Deschanel wore a stunning poppy red gown by Oscar de la Renta.

Mother of two and star of some of my favorite movies, Kate Hudson pulled off the perfect sleek silhouette on a very cool night with her elegant long-sleeved black gown by Alexander McQueen. The decorative gold beading highlighted her sun-kissed blond waves. The gown's strategically placed chest baring cut-out added to the glamorous look.

Sometimes a gown wears a celebrity. And some of the fashion bloggers out there didn't like the voluminous Carolina Herrera ball gown on the petite Lucy Liu. I might have agreed with them, but when Lucy walked down the red carpet and glanced back over her shoulder, that's when she owned the gown! Her dress fell in lovely cascade of roses on a light blue background as she walked. And I must not forget to mention my favorite detail of the dress--when Lucy slipped her hands in the gown pockets I wanted to wear the dress too.

Check back later today. I'll be adding more sketches to this post. 

For more Golden Globes fashion images and sketches from the red carpet, see my post from yesterday featuring Jessica Alba, Sofia Vergara, and Anne Hathaway.

 

Images: Illustrations of Golden Globe fashions featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Red Carpet Style at The Golden Globes {My Fashion Sketches}

 

Did you dress up for the Golden Globes last night? The celebs rocked the red carpet with stunning designer fashions. Even though it was chilly in LA, skin was in--plunging necklines and strategic cut-outs. I'll be sharing my favorite looks all week with illustrations from my sketchbook.

Actress and The Honest Company founder Jessica Alba looked stunning in a coral-colored Oscar de la Renta mermaid gown with a ruffled hem with some serious bling thanks to the Harry Winston necklace (reportedly worth $5 million). And I just gotta add that Jessica and many other lovelies at the Globes are moms too!

(I met Jessica at the Alt Summit Conference in Salt Lake City one week after the Golden Globes AND her natural beauty shines through in person too. She definitely doesn't need a glamorous gown or any bling to be a show stopper. Kudos to Jessica for spearheading the effort to be healthy with eco friendly products for moms and their families.) 

Body hugging gowns were on the best-dressed list. Sofia Vergara's form-fitting black sequin gown fits her va-va-voom style. I love the fact curves are definitely back in fashion. And why not, curves are beautiful. Sofia plays a mom on Modern Family and she's a mom herself.  

White was another show-stopping look at the Globes. Anne Hathaway's classic, simple strapless white Chanel Haute Couture gown perfectly matches her dazzling smile. Tiny white pailettes and beads gave the gown a splendid luminescence. Her tall lean figure rocks the elegant two-piece style.

More of my Golden Globes sketches here: Zooey Deschanel, Kate Hudson, and  Lucy Liu

My sketches from the red carpet at the Oscars here:

Jennifer Lawrence and Helen Hunt: Oscars 2013 {Red Carpet Sketches}

Charlize Theron and Jennifer Aniston: Oscars 2013 {More Red Carpet Sketches}

 

 

Images: Illustrations of Golden Globe fashions featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

My Motto for the Month {Dream Big}

What keeps you going when life goes kinda crazy? For me, slowing down for even just a moment and giving myself permission to mentally make a list of what IS working in my life. Remembering what I CAN do always results in a positive boost in my outlook on life.

xo, Chris

 

Images: Illustration above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

Teaching Your Dog Manners {The "Focus" Command}

Did you know your dog likes to learn new tricks? Learning to FOCUS is a basic lesson all dogs can learn and once they have mastered the skill you'll be impressed!

You’ve witnessed the pandemonium. With the TV blaring in the background, cell phones ringing, and one of the kids practicing the trombone, no one is going to listen to you until you get their attention first. Teaching your dog to “focus” on you is the first step to training your dog. When your dog learns to FOCUS on you, then you can begin to introduce dog manners including waiting when you open a door or set down their dog bowl. I'll cover the advanced skills of WAIT and STAY in another post.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Before you start training, grab some training treats. The treats should be on the small size—one-bite size. Dog-training treats are small easy-to-digest treats that come in a variety of flavors. Some brands to check out are: 

• Newman's Own Organics Chicken and Vegetable Dog Training Treats 
• Zukes Mini Naturals Training Treats
• One-bite size kibble—use your dog's favorite dry dog food

I like to keep a dozen or so small training treats in a snack baggie in my pocket so they are always ready when I need them. Just make sure you don't put them in a container so they rattle in your pocket—this often gets your dog overly excited about the treat and not the lesson.

Click on the audio player link below to listen to How to Teach Your Dog to FOCUS:

 > • > • > AUDIO LINK:  Teaching Your Dog to FOCUS

Step-by-step written instructions for how to teach your dog to FOCUS below.

Instagram Guide {What's New in Filters and Features}

Instagram made two updates to their app in December including two new filters and improved editing features. The newest updates to Instagram include these enhancements:

• new sleek in app camera redesign with Instagram-themed viewfinder shutter and shutter release button

• preview of the most recent photo on your camera roll

• new "Mayfair" and "Willow" filters (more on the filters below)

• improved tilt-shift blurring with a more realisitic depth of field effect and your preview of the shot will more accurately match the final image

• optional grid rulers to help you finesse live shot composition (includes a rule of thirds grid overlay) 

• redesigned news feed

• profile pages have infinite scrolling on grid views

• adds a new album in your iOS camera roll titled "Instagram" automatically saves Instagram-filtered photos

• iPhone 5 users get an improved image selector with camera roll

• locations of live photos will open up in Foursquare for more information

• Facebook iOS 6 integration

• available in 25 languages

 

Willow Filter

Filter effect: “a monochrome filter with subtle purple tones and a translucent glowing white border.”

Works best: portrait-style people shots, still life, and architecture photographs—think scenes with contrast

Similar filter:  Inkwell

 

Mayfair Filter

Filter effect: "warm pink tone, subtle vignetting that brightens the center of the photograph, and a thin black border."

Works best: images with good lighting—think scenes with no harsh shadow areas for even lighting. If you want to boost the intensity of the blues and greens, this filter is a good choice.

Similar filter:  Hefe.

Update your Instagram app: the latest versions — Instagram version 3.4.1 for iOS and version 3.4 for Android — are available for download here:

• Instagram for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad on the iTunes App Store
• Instagram - Android Apps on Google Play

 

IMAGES: The Instagram images are by  me, Chris Olson using an iPhone + Instagram. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

You can find other posts in this Guide to Instagram series here:

 Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

Day 14: Hefe Filter

Day 15: Valencia Filter

Day 16: Nashville Filter

Day 17: 1977 Filter

Day 18: Kelvin Filter

Get The Look: Add Some Glam in Instagram

 

Momathon Blog: Instagram Guide: Tilt-Shift Focus

Life Is Short {Buy the Shoes}

You might imagine I love buying shoes... The truth is, I have a love-hate relationship with shoes. I don't like shoe shopping. But I like shoes. Due to a serious ski racing accident years ago and subsequent surgeries, finding the right shoe is tricky. Buying shoes for me is like the dreaded shopping trip to try on swimsuits when nothing ever looks right. (More about my shoe issue in a later post.) The idea behind this post is to keep a sense of humor in life. Even about shoes. 

 

Images: Illustration above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Last Day of Vacay

Today is the last slow day before the rush of 2013 hits my house. And to start the day, why not  make something sweet and a little bit indulgent without all the fuss. Here is an easy recipe that uses a mix.

My Homemade Twist for Baking Cream Cheese and Cinnamon Breakfast Rolls

My cream cheese and cinnamon rolls are an modified version of the Pillsbury Cream Cheese Cinnabon rolls. The pre-made rolls already have a cinnamon sugar flavoring, but I add a little extra cinnamon and sugar topping that I whip up from my pantry—in a small bowl mix together approximately 2 Tbsp sugar with 1/2 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle over the rolls before baking. And instead of baking the rolls 2" inches apart, I group them together in a circle on a greased cookie sheet. No need to fuss with a round baking dish either. Bake them on a flat cookie sheet so it is easy to remove and serve on a pretty dish. I bake them for about 10-12 minutes, let them cool for an extra minute or so and then ever so gently slide them off the pan onto a serving dish.

While they are still warm I add the pre-made white icing so the icing drips down the sides of the rolls. My kids and my husband like lots of frosting on the rolls, so if you want to make the rolls even sweeter, mix up your own cream cheese frosting with butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Try the simple recipe for cream cheese frosting here. Just remember to add the frosting to the rolls while the rolls are warm.

The calorie count for the rolls before you add extra frosting is approximately: 140 claories.

Photo by me, Chris Olson.

 

DIY Inspiration: Sewing with Sarai Mitnick at Colette Patterns

My mom was a home-ec teacher so I started sewing—or really playing—with one of her older Singer sewing machines when I was about six or seven. She stored a big box of fabric remnants in the closet for me to use in my sewing creations. When I wanted to make something really adventurous, I remember going to my neighbor to get fabric remnants from their daughter's fancy and often sparkly prom dresses. 

Fast forward a few years—don't ask me to specify—and I still love to sew. One of my sources of inspiration are the "little sewing epiphanies" via Sarai Mitnick at Colette Patterns. Her book Colette Sewing Handbook is an amazing guide for sewers of almost any skill level to create your own unique wardrobe: 

"Five simple fundamentals can help you perfect any sewing project: a thoughtful plan, a precise pattern, a fantastic fit, a beautiful fabric, and a fine finish. With these five core ideas,The Colette Sewing Handbook shows you how to start sewing the wardrobe of your dreams." 

 

I'm a fan of the classic lines of Colette patterns. My favorite patterns by Sarai are the double-breasted Anise jacket and the simple slim Clover pants—so amazing because they both go with practically anything. (See images above.) Sarai even ranks the sewing level needed for her patterns. The jacket is best for intermediate level sewers and the pants are beginner and above skill level. 

Even though Sarai's sewing handbook says on the cover it is for the new seamstress, I think the detailed information she gives about how to finish a garment places it on the must-have list for sewers of ANY skill level.

Monica Lee interviews Sarai Mitnick 

I love a good behind-the-scenes story about artists and finding out how creatives get their start in the biz. That's probably why I'm a huge fan of Monica Lee's video interviews at SmartCreativeWomen.com. Recently she interviewed Sarai Mitnick from Colette Patterns on how and why she started her own pattern company.  

Be social. Get the latest Facebook updates from Monica Lee at Smart Creative Women and Sarai Mitnick at her page Colette Patterns.

IMAGE: The sweet double-breasted Anise jacket and Clover pants via Colette Patterns.

 

Invest in YOU

Why not make 2013 the best year ever by investing in YOU. I am intrigued by so many of the classes available online. Joining a class is a great way to explore new skills or build on strengths—and also meet some exceptional people too!

Invest in YOU: Check out these seven amazing online courses for bloggers that pass my test for outstanding instructors, user-friendliness, and top-notch instruction.

WRITING, BLOGGING AND MORE
Alt Design Summit (psst... the classes are free at ALT in January), Holly Becker's classes at Decor8 e-courses (her next blogging e-course will be in March 2013 and they will begin registration on February 1st) and Mediabistro online classess.

DESIGN, PHOTOGRAPHY, PHOTOSHOP, and more ADOBE SKILLS
Nicoles Classes, Big Picture Classes, and Pugly Pixel

CRAFTS, SCRAPBOOKING and HANDMADE
Etsy Events and Online Labs and Big Picture Classes

Now is a wonderful time to dream big and invest in yourself. 

 

Image: DREAM illustration by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

Count Your Blessings

Count your blessings. Treasure those dear to your heart. Collect moments, not things.

Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
~Dick Smith, Felix Bernard, 1934

As the holiday season begins, I am counting my blessings. And you, dear friends, are just the ones who make my days so sweet. Happy Holidays. 

For auld lang syne. 
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne, 
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
~Robert Burns

IMAGE: Illustration by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!