Helping a Doctor of Chiropractic in Eugene, Oregon launch his web site! I've enjoyed working on developing this site, drafting up content, formatting, and making it look nice for him. It's been a while since I've done a full project, so it's been super fun getting "back into the saddle," so to speak. So if you get a chance, stop by and check it out. Sign up for his newsletter too, if you want some extremely valuable health information! 

www.dranthonycutting.com

I used to be pretty technically competent. Being a stay-at-home mom for nearly five years now, I've been able to get by with the basics. Buuut, it hit me yesterday. I am officially out-of-date! Noooo! Does this mean I'm getting old? I feel like my parents, when we all started using pagers (yep, I said it), and cell phones and they had no clue how to use them!

I found an awesome new online service for a couple of my clients' newsletters, to make them more streamlined, smartphone-friendly, etc, etc, so I was anxious to get familiar with it and get the first newsletter launched. Then I got stuck. I couldn't drag the "content boxes." Welp, an hour later, after chatting with the support team, downloading this and installing that, it turns out Safari is beyond outdated...and I didn't even have Google Chrome! So now I have it. And I am using it. Except I keep getting notices that it will no longer be updated because my computer software is outdated. Oh the joys of tehnology.

But it got me thinking...what do you all do to ensure your home computer is up to par? And for those of you who run a home-based business like I do, how do you go about your "IT" needs? I'd love the feedback!

Anyhoo, aside from my little setback, you will be pleased to know the online newsletters are looking fabulous. If you ever have a need for direct email campaigning, check out Mailchimp (www.mailchimp.com). It's totally free, and, from what I've seen so far, is pretty awesome and "old-person-friendly" at that! 

I'm working on a super fun project for an amazing start-up from right here in the Valley - Glendale, to be exact! FirstCor Apparel is the brainchild of husband and wife team, Levi and Tany Tafoya. They specialize in fashion gospel apparel for men, women and kids, the designs for which are all inspired by messages found within scriptures. Insert shameless plug: check them out on facebook, or stop by their web site! Their stuff pretty much rocks, and I am honored to share this journey of helping them grow their business while spreading the word of God throughout the Phoenix area and beyond.

It's been a little nerve racking, though. After taking a few years' hiatus focusing solely on my girlies, with the exception of a few small events here and there, it's fun jumping in, getting my feet wet again. When Tany approached me, my first thought was, "Oh gosh, what if I forgot everything I knew???" I was so nervous, but it's crazy what God will do when He brings people together for His good. I admit I had to dust off a few books and brush up on my skills, but I can confidently say, "I've still got it!" Well, kinda. And it's certainly not me, it's definitely the Lord. We're working on a few solid leads and landed a story in a local paper. Not too bad for starters. But those of you who know me know I want more. So now it's time to focus and brainstorm and let my mind run wild. If you have a moment, I'd appreciate your prayers, that God will continue to bless my efforts and use my talents for His glory!!! Please and thank you. 

I'll keep you posted on our progress. In the meantime, remember to check them out!
www.firstcorapparel.com
facebook.com/firstcor

I had sooo much fun planning a bridal shower for this lovely lady, who just happens to be my bestest girl friend from high school! I'm so excited to share this special time with her, and even more excited that she will be marrying a wonderful man who adores her, and who makes her happier than I have ever seen her. Less than a month to go! 

Back to the shower... since the bride- and groom-to-be aren't registering for gifts (they are both grown adults who have lived on their own), I decided to host a "Game Day," during which guests would purchase tickets to play lots of various games I'd put together. I was skeptical at first, thinking guests would roll their eyes and not understand the idea. Boy was I wrong! Everyone seemed to love it, and really enjoy themselves... WOO HOO! 

For starters, I made invitations that resembled raffle tickets, with a vintage print on the front, and an explanation of the event on the back. Guests were prepared to bring cash in lieu of gifts, in order to play games, all in an effort to raise money for the guest of honor.

Fast forward to party day... when guests arrived they mingled and ate and drank and were merry. We gathered as a group to play one game together. I had emptied my junk drawers a week earlier, and decided to recycle the treasures! We divided the lovely ladies into three groups, gave them their basket-o-crap, and fifteen minutes to work, and that was that. It was hilarious.

After judging the awesome cakes (they all won, because they all pretty much rocked), I explained the tickets and remaining games to the guests. We then broke up and began selling tickets.

We had a 50/50 raffle, a raffle for a one-hour massage, and a few gameboards, where guests could approach, grab a form and complete it at their leisure. It worked great, because ladies who didn't like the typical shower games (word scramble, etc), could put all their tickets in for either of the raffles. I also had random trivia going on throughout the course of the day. 

Overall, it was a hilarious success, and a great time of food, fun and fellowship. And the best part, Jenni walked away with almost 500 bucks for her honeymoon! Success? I think YES! 

I love thinking outside the box for events, and I can't wait to help you with yours! 

Congrats, my bestie. Can't wait for borcote henterhith...or something like that. :)

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted anything. I feel like the days, weeks, months and even the last year have just flown by, unbeknownst to me. Where have I been??? Cooking meals, wiping tooshies, fixing owies, snuggling babies, reading stories, teaching letters, songs and numbers, and just loving my girls. I love being a mommy, and I know, by the grace of God, I'm doing a pretty good job at it. But I also want and need to proactively pursue new clients. I have a heart for publicity and event planning, and I know I have a natural knack for it. I pray everyday for God to open doors, and close them at that, according to His will. I know the right projects will come at just the right times, but how much is too much? How much am I supposed to market myself? What if I get too busy and begin to neglect my kids? What if I don't do well enough for clients? What if I can't deliver? These are all fears that hold me back from pursuing my dream. Anyone struggle with this? Any advice? 

So much fun planning a Minnie Mouse birthday party for the most beautiful girl in the world - my Addie! I can't believe she's already turning two; where, oh where has the time gone? I know she will absolutely love it! We sure can't wait to celebrate with you all. Please check back soon for photos!

On a side note, we also had her two-year-old pictures done this week. If you are looking for a phenomenal photographer, please visit http://www.lilyphotographydp.com. Dusty Perez is a wonderful woman and the best photographer I know. Support a local artist and business owner and, trust me, you won't be disappointed!