Valentine Photo Cards are HERE!

Who doesn't LOVE getting a cute customized PHOTO valentine in the mail? Its sure to warm up someone's heart even in this weather! These are sure to be a hit with family and friends - affordable too! So spread the word and order yours today in my etsy shop. You'll find all the details there. Coordinating envelopes and address labels available too!

Photos courtesy of Melissa Mooradian Photography

Headband & Ties found at Monkey Knots

Project 52 Date Nights - Sushi Night Out

Date #4

Theme: Sushi Night Out

Location: Sagano in downtown Brighton

Date/Time: Friday 6:30 pm

I had spent some time during the day looking at the menu. Okay REWIND I'll be honest. I had spent A LOT of time during the day READING the WHOLE menu. I love doing that - anticipation is half the fun!! And, this was something totally new to me so I needed to educate myself! I am the worst at deciding what to order. I often try and convince my hubby (or anyone else who will fall for it) to "split" what they are ordering with me & vise versa. I really think its a win-win. We get to try two dishes instead of one. We decided to sit at the sushi bar so I could watch and learn. I was super entertained and enjoyed watching the sushi designers (as I named them) "play with their food" - its like food art. It almost looks to pretty to eat. Key word being almost. Dinner was fun - something unique and different for us! We love dating each other again - one week at a time. Great idea Simply Modern Mom!

Meet Jill!

Meet Jill, of Jill Marie Originals, she is stay at home mom of two little boys yet still finds the time to make wonderful designs for your one-of-a-kinds! Bibs, burp cloths, combo sets, you name it she can make it happen. I have used her items and bought them as gifts! You won't be disappointed. Great quality, super unique and best of all you can't beat the price!

Project 52 Date Nights - Puzzle & Pretzels!

Every New Year I choose a challenge.

Last year I did this & was very glad I did! At times it was hard to keep up but I managed to get a lot of smiles with my little ones! If only they would've got the "say cheese" concept a little sooner. I still need to make a great collage but I've got a few of the pics already framed.
It was fun to always see and share ideas with Melissa - she is so creative too!

This year its Project 52 Date Nights and so far we are right on schedule!

Date # 3

Theme: Puzzle & Pretzels
Location: our house

Date/Time: Sunday 8pm

Since we already had dinner I wanted to have a snack for our date. We both love Auntie Anne's pretzels so I got the make you own at home kit. We started off our date by making the pretzels so we could snack on them while we chatted and worked on the 506 piece puzzle {thanks, dollar store}. I couldn't honestly tell you the last time we did a puzzle that didn't involve farm animals or the ABC's. We both grew up liking them but had never done one together. We had a great time and are looking forward to finishing the puzzle up on a future date - maybe we'll even try the homemade pretzel recipe I've had in the "To Try" recipe binder!

Snow Dots

The Snow Dot collection was my design for our family this year. I love polka dots! To compliment our Christmas card I added in both a photo thank you and coordinating insert for those hand written messages. Of course the great matching envelopes just wouldn't be complete without an address label! So there you have it! I will be adding to my holiday portfolio thoughout the year & be ready to offer various options come Christmas card time next year!

sneak peak at Valentine DESIGNS!

Fun Creative Gift Idea!

Here is fun creative gift idea that is sure to please and provide hours of fun! It is also something your kid(s) can help with too - whether they help pick out some of the items &/or assemble it. It has been both a hit with kids and moms alike!

My sister-in-law suggested a waterproof tote (9.99 at bed bath and beyond - cheaper if you use a coupon!) so its easy to wipe down and has a variety of pockets to add items into! You can totally make it what you want or go with a theme. This one is filled with the essentials - crayons, markers, colored pencils, ribbon, yarn, pom-poms, googly eyes (what kid doesn't love these?) kid scissors, glue sticks, regular glue, construction paper, doodle pad, stickers, chenille sticks, craft sticks, paints, sponge brushes, paper towel rolls, beads and string!Here is an easy example of a theme gift idea...the card-making tote. Filled with all the goodies one needs to make fun cards! Stamps, ink, pencils, stickers, card stock, decorative papers, envelope and envelope liners and of course stamps! So if your looking for a fun creative gift to give this year make one of these and share your ideas with me.

a great find...Monkey Knots Little Guy Ties

I bought my little guy a Monkey Knots Little Gut Tie and was SUPER glad I did. Not only was he as handsome as ever but it was a hit at all the holiday parties. I know a lot of you asked where did I get it from? Well here is the answer. Beth is great to work with, her ties are quality and perfectly priced - great for gifts and special occasions!

Ordering up a GREAT 2010!

Happy 2010!

This year I've decided I'm going to devote myself to establishing my blog - I will post at least once a week, maybe more but going to start with that! I have been inspired by following this blog last year and have come to truly enjoy connecting with others who have similar interests as myself. http://tomkatstudio.blogspot.com/

I made these great little pretend play menu's for my nieces and daughter, Caitlin, for Christmas gifts. They are a great educational tool and have been a huge hit. I have had some requests for additional menu's so stay tuned new designs will be up by the end of the month! Including a few "boy" designs and some older age modifications as well.