tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52507719729054187052024-01-27T03:39:11.113-06:00Favor the BraveAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.comBlogger390125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-27150871504912030482014-12-09T10:26:00.000-06:002014-12-09T10:26:00.311-06:00my alliday wishlist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Way back in October I found out that I was one of the twelve artist selected to launch the new format of The Alliday Show, which I have been a part of for two years before but has been totally revamped this year to be extra cool! The event is coming up this Friday and Saturday and so I decided to scope out my fellow artist and put together my wishlist/gift guide for the event!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is from their home page about this year's show:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh, Tulsa. We sure do love you and we sure do love handmade which is why we're bringing you a brand new shiny Alliday experience for our fifth annual show! We're thrilled to share that this year, we're partnering with the goodness that is <a href="http://www.retrodentulsa.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Retro Den</a> to bring you a TWO-DAY show on December 12th from 6-10 and December 13th from 9-6 in their gorgeous shop. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Tickets are now available for Friday night's Holiday Alliday Party! If you only attend one holiday party this year, this is the one you'll want to be at! For sure. Saturday will be FREE entry with priceless fun to be had!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are my picks for gifts from Alliday 2014:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 36.4000015258789px;"><a href="http://petunkalunka.storenvy.com/products/5747983-large-ombre-braided-necklace">Large Ombré Braided Necklace</a> - </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Petunkalunka</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">2. </span><span style="line-height: 25px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/182130340/hand-embroidered-blue-mason-jar-pillow?ref=shop_home_active_8">Hand embroidered blue Mason Jar pillow</a> - Simple Splendor</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <a href="http://www.3elevendesigns.com/product/yay-cake-topper">Yay Cake Topper</a> - Three Eleven Designs </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/201283169/breathe?ref=shop_home_active_2">Breathe Print</a> - Scarberry Faire</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130313378/plush-crochet-strawberry?ref=shop_home_active_9">Plush Crochet Strawberry</a> - More Projects Than Time</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/209461359/romeo-and-juliet-book-page-stud-earrings?">Romeo and Juliet Studs</a> - Favoring Brave</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">7. <a href="http://bohemianromance.wordpress.com/about/">Airship Wing Necklace</a> - Bohemian Romance</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">8. </span><span style="line-height: 25px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/209478017/faux-taxidermy-elephant-head-matte-white?ref=shop_home_active_1">Faux Taxidermy Elephant Head</a> - FALTO</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">9. </span><span style="line-height: 25px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/181209790/the-quincy-scarf-in-rust?ref=shop_home_active_1">The Quincy Scarf in Rust</a> - </span><span itemprop="title" style="background-color: #f5f5f1; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">StudioXXVI</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">10. <a href="https://squareup.com/market/t-townteez/letterpress-of-tulsa-map-1">Letterpress of Tulsa Map Tee</a> - T~Town Teez</span></span><br />
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For more info on The Alliday Show this year check out their <a href="http://theallidayshow.com/">website</a> and <a href="http://theallidayshow.com/blog/">blog</a>.<br />
<img align="right" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" height="144" width="400" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-50313824473437073722014-10-22T22:36:00.001-05:002014-10-22T22:36:36.109-05:00the cat in the hat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, in a fit of insanity, I decided to build a six foot tall Cat in the Hat (out of book pages) while my baby napped a couple weeks ago. For a scarecrow contest. Because reasons. And insanity.</div>
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But I did it and now that it's done I LOVE it! I am planning to keep him on display year round and probably decking him out with seasonal decorations. </div>
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I made him with a PVC skeleton and a chicken wire overlay and then layers of book page paper mache and paper clay. I plan on posting a more exhaustive tutorial in the future once I get all the pictures organized.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YlVkyrxYTDU/VEhy9NDNKII/AAAAAAAAF8g/KfP-W5elZl8/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YlVkyrxYTDU/VEhy9NDNKII/AAAAAAAAF8g/KfP-W5elZl8/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
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All his detailing is done with pages of real Dr. Seuss books, especially "The Cat in the Hat" itself, which was a blast!<br />
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<img align="right" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" height="144" width="400" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-60268738153813138212014-09-18T20:30:00.000-05:002014-09-18T20:30:08.508-05:00welcome to the bookerie II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OOhLchItKmo/VBtl4lDNuuI/AAAAAAAAF6w/4uBa-iu6UsY/s1600/seating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OOhLchItKmo/VBtl4lDNuuI/AAAAAAAAF6w/4uBa-iu6UsY/s1600/seating.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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So August 2nd of this year I opened a <i>second</i> shop. I know, crazy. But after <i>uh, two minutes</i> of going to work with my then 7 week old son at our matchbox sized original store I knew the writing was on the wall. Either I quit working in the store completely and just made stuff at home (which was the scenario I opened the first shop to avoid originally) or I needed a new place that was more constant-companion friendly. Like the Tardis. But I digress. I started looking for a space when I was about 5 weeks postpartum and the building owners I talked to were all like, "You just had a kid and now you want to do <i>what?</i>" Crazy, I know.</div>
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But after a surprisingly short search, I found a space that was perfect. It was the right size, had an open back room for dedicated studio space, and a little corner nook room to be the little guy's own special playroom. The price was right, the landlords are a darling couple excited to see me succeed, and everything seemed to be laid out right in front of me. The sweet, sweet lady that covered my maternity leave was willing to take over management of our Tulsa store (which has so many wonderful and loyal customers we knew we didn't want to close it unless absolutely necessary) and so that settled it. Baby and I would be the new owners of a shop in small town Oklahoma - Sapulpa, to be exact. </div>
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Above is our front window reading space and below are snaps of the rest of my space. I am so in love with it. I will be posting a studio tour soon too!</div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-74581433025801360382014-09-01T08:25:00.000-05:002014-09-18T09:59:07.940-05:00back from obscurityGood morning!<br />
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So a year of silence. Unintended but necessary. Turns out that I found out I was pregnant the day of my last post - August 28, 2013. I was initially planning to keep blogging, but much sooner than I like to admit all my clothes stopped fitting, the holidays ramped up at work, and I just fell out of the habit.<br />
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My life got complicated, and it is only more so now that I have a 4 month old munchkin in tow. This 4 month old munchkin to be exact:<br />
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And though he is crazy adorable and such a good natured kid, life is still a little, well, complicated. In a fit of what some would consider insanity I also opened a <i>second</i> shop this summer so that baby boy and I could have space to go to work together, which is what we do now five days a week. So when I am not trying to fix his currently horrible sleep schedule or entertaining during tummy time, I am managing a growing company, making two stores worth of handmade product, and trying to save a remnant of sanity.<br />
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And that is part of the reason I am coming back to blogging, but the focus of my blog is going to change. I don't really intend to become a "mommy blog," but I am a mom now, so some of that is bound to get in here somehow. I find myself wanting to share my experiences as a working mom, small business owner, artist, and crafty person on a budget trying to lose some baby weight and help my family eat healthy. But most of all, I want to starting writing again because all the people I love have been telling me that I should.<br />
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I find myself constantly faced with questions about what I should do in the hard situations I find myself in as a business owner, wife, and parent and the answer always comes back: you need to <i>favor the brave.</i> Do the hard and right thing.<br />
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So I am going to try this again. I am going to once again favor the brave.<br />
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<img align="right" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-7666491469461017582013-08-28T19:39:00.002-05:002013-08-28T19:39:48.807-05:00sparkling wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today's post is about taking a break. Taking a moment in the middle of your week to say "okay... here's what I need right now." Today I needed some freaking chocolate covered pomegranate seeds. So when I gave myself a break around 2pm today I made sure that they happened. </div>
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I am teaming up with <a href="http://arrowhead-deer-park-ice-mountai.linqiad.com/click/YIBXaGVKdnJk">Ozarka<i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">®</i> Sparkling Waters</a> to help you relax this Wednesday, so how do you like to treat yourself during the week? Do you have a midweek ritual that helps you make it to the weekend?</div>
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Every hump day Ozarka<i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">®</i> is sharing some of their favorite ways to feel good and escape the midweek hump. Head over to <a href="http://arrowhead-deer-park-ice-mountai.linqiad.com/click/YIBXaGVKdnJk">their Facebook page</a> every #HumpDay to have a feel good moment and share your own!</div>
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Happy Hump Day!</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><i>This post is sponsored by Ozarka® Brand Sparkling Natural Spring Waters.</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-47301891926962800532013-08-27T08:31:00.000-05:002013-08-27T08:31:03.623-05:00center of the universe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In July I had the pleasure of being a vendor at the first ever Center of the Universe Festival here in Tulsa. It was hot, hot, hot, but I decide to go to let people know about my shop grand opening. I handed out almost 1000 grand opening flyers and got heat sickness, re-sprained my ankle, and battled a thunderstorm with my products made out of - that's right - paper. </div>
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But you know what? At least 50 people who went through my shop this week met me there. They have told their friends, and my network of supporters has grown and grown thanks to that two days of sacrifice. So that's what I'm reflecting on today as I wear my commemorative COU tank top - with a little bit of hard work and sacrifice up front you never know what might come to be.</div>
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-85630189024614041442013-08-23T12:08:00.000-05:002013-08-23T12:08:03.084-05:00flock of seagulls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This dress reminds me of Chandler's wonderful 80's hair in the flashback episodes of Friends (which were always my favorite). I saw a trend report recently that told everyone to throw out their bird prints and embrace "non-floral, natural prints," which I clearly listened to. Not really.</div>
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Truth is that this is the FIRST bird print thing I have ever owned and I just got it, so I'm not about to let it go that easily. Those lists are stupid anyway; who wants to sheepishly follow all fashion trends? Except for the bird print one. That one's okay because I like it.</div>
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-34007264598107847902013-08-21T13:59:00.000-05:002013-08-21T13:59:17.206-05:00be a little brave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I rode my bike to work, and for me, that's brave.</div>
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I only live about 15 blocks from my shop, but I was wearing a dress (with shorts underneath! Always!) and carrying a super heavy backpack, so the 15 blocks were plenty long. When I made it to work I felt like I have really accomplished something.</div>
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Then later on this morning a sweet girl came in to the shop to buy her sister a present. This sister, she told me, was constantly trying to conquer her fears and she did that by repeatedly skydiving, despite the fact she hates both heights and falling. When the girl checked out she had finally decided to get her sister a set of three charms that featured Thor and the two words: Jump now. </div>
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Fitting, right?</div>
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So what's that little thing that needs some bravery to conquer? Whether it's biking to work or sky diving, showing off some white Irish legs or facing an upcoming presentation, be a little brave and jump now. Conquering fear is always worth it.</div>
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-5081635067671591852013-08-20T11:49:00.001-05:002013-08-20T11:49:21.382-05:00fake first day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is my first regular day at the shop and it is so strange not to have a to-do list that needs to be frenziedly attended to in order to be ready for an upcoming <i>something</i>. Today I'm just here, at the shop, no pressing deadlines, and it feels amazing. It's the first chance I've gotten to just stop and look around at this place. It's still sinking in that it's mine.</div>
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Because that's what happens when dreams come true, isn't it? We look around and think, this is it right? This is what I wanted? And when the answer is yes you have to just slow down, get out of your head, and be happy about it. It's real and YOU did that. So today I'm just giving myself permission to enjoy my hard work and my real first day on the job.</div>
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So as I let you in on a few weeks ago, I opened a shop on Saturday. A real live shop, like with people who shop there and everything. I know there are a lot of shops in the world, but somehow I feel like this is revolutionary. My shop feels like something that's been inside of me for a long time. I've never lived anywhere I could paint the walls or the furniture as an adult and this little room is the one place where everything is exactly where I want it to be.<br />
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This is my shop.<br />
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-12407639480086823092013-08-02T11:55:00.000-05:002013-08-02T11:55:00.298-05:00new home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When we got married I moved into John's apartment, so this feels like <i>our</i> first house. It's an adorable duplex 13 blocks from my new shop, which makes it feel like we've moved to a whole new city without leaving Tulsa. I've been unpacking like crazy to get everything ready before I have to unpack like crazy at the shop. Here are a few quick snaps.</div>
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Alright, you miss me yet? I know it's been a good long time, but I am finally back to a point where I can start blogging again! New home is almost all settled (pics to come!) and my closet looks like a place one could actually track down something to wear. </div>
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Tommorrow (TOMORROW!) I get the keys to my new shop! We're cooking with gas now - literally. My new stove is gas. But anyway, having the shop keys is going to mean leaving the house in real clothes, so back to blogging it is!</div>
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Here we go!</div>
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-87197663009964585312013-07-04T15:39:00.000-05:002013-07-04T15:39:28.907-05:00a big dream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So after a year of staying home and making book-y goodies, I will be opening my own shop! Could not be happier or more blessed. I am so excited!</div>
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I am also excited because the shop will make me a so much better blogger - hello great downtown Tulsa photo backdrops and a daily reason to wear cute clothes! Excited!</div>
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In the meantime, expect me to continue being a little invisible, but come August, it's gonna get real!</div>
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-59866461310796149182013-06-06T16:11:00.004-05:002013-06-06T16:11:56.148-05:00i've been mia...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Like really super MIA - but I promise I have a good reason! As you may or may not have followed along and learned, I got a job that I had to leave almost immediately for personal reasons. In the wake of that, I have recommitted myself to my business with new fervor and I am hoping to expand in new ways while continuing to teach next year. In the past two weeks I have doubled the number of recycled book products that I offer and I still have more on the drawing board! Check out my updated shop <a href="http://www.favoringbrave.com/#!gallery/ctzx">here</a>!<br />
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I am preparing so much so quickly because I am also getting ready to take two separate weeks of vacation - next week with family in Iowa, and the next week at a cabin with the hubby in the Ozarks! So basically, I'm trying to do three weeks of work in one, and the blog is getting "back burner-ed" for the time being. Stay tuned for more stuff when I actually start having some kind of schedule again later in June.<br />
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Sometimes, just like that, everything changes. I thought I knew exactly what my next 12 months were going to look like, and suddenly it all changed. Now I'm facing a time in my life that I haven't planned for, and it's all exciting, but it's scary too. So just like the colors I'm wearing, I'm feeling a little, well, <i>unusual</i> lately. So here's to jumping and hoping the net will appear.</div>
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-81617955813725017432013-05-19T10:14:00.000-05:002013-05-19T10:14:00.031-05:00the saltys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just wanted to share a quick post about these awesome "trophies" husband and I made for his school service awards. John teaches middle school religion at a Catholic school and so he wanted to do something extra special to acknowledge the kids that had gone above and beyond with their service hours this year - thus the "Saltys" were born! They are based on the Biblical ideal of being the salt of the earth and the light of the world - so salt and light bulbs! We did different size bulbs for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd most hours in each grade and the kids loved them!</div>
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-49559393558465864022013-05-16T09:34:00.005-05:002013-05-16T09:34:47.842-05:00oh, shoes and bags, let me count the ways I love thee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shoedazzle.linqiad.com/click/YNZQaGVKdnJk"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuOTZJlG2vw/UZTsxXV89wI/AAAAAAAAFoE/BpJ4YVBTjR0/s400/Screen+shot+2013-05-16+at+9.15.55+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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In my very brief stint as a working women (more on that later) I have already rediscovered my love for shoes that seem weird to just wear around the apartment, and therefore have gone utterly unworn for the longest time - but no longer! Even though my job was short lived, my love for these shoes will not be, and I'm thinking some new ones might be forthcoming now that I've found a new site to fall in love with. Ummm, check these out.<br />
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<a href="http://shoedazzle.linqiad.com/click/YNZQaGVKdnJk"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3r-Sfta9PE/UZTtDcUA6vI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/7QZJnxpJrAQ/s320/Screen+shot+2013-05-16+at+8.07.55+AM.png" width="303" /></a><a href="http://shoedazzle.linqiad.com/click/YNZQaGVKdnJk"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZKQzevVhj0/UZTtDfpL-FI/AAAAAAAAFoM/leZ8RziNXd8/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-16+at+8.08.15+AM.png" /></a></div>
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I'm a shoe and bag girl, so ShoeDazzle is like my dream store. Prices are super reasonable (Look at them!), styles are cute and - this is a big one for me - the styles aren't what you would find at the mall or in chain shoe stores. Shoes are about the only thing I don't often buy used or vintage and so they are my most likely splurge item - i.e. ShoeDazzle is dangerous. The two pictures above are my #1 picks!<br />
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Here's what ShoeDazzle has to say about itself:<br />
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<i>ShoeDazzle is the original online personal-styling innovator treating millions of women to a monthly showroom filled with on-trend, personalized shoe and accessory recommendations.<br />By building an intimate, customized experience through creative innovation, social engagement and world-class service, ShoeDazzle aspires to make women feel pampered and beautiful.<br />Fashion icon, designer, and world-renowned stylist Rachel Zoe serves as the company’s Chief Stylist. The company’s founders include Brian Lee, Robert Shapiro, Kim Kardashian and MJ Eng.</i></blockquote>
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<a href="http://shoedazzle.linqiad.com/click/YNZQaGVKdnJk"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktMaM8I0PdQ/UZTtaV1Cr_I/AAAAAAAAFoc/RRzulCRmXCo/s400/Screen+shot+2013-05-16+at+8.04.52+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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So here's how it works: You take a fun quiz so ShoeDazzle can get to know your style and based on the results of the quiz, ShoeDazzle gives you your first showroom of shoes and handbags they think you’ll love. At the beginning of every month you will receive a new selection that fits your individual style, and as new styles get added to the site throughout the month, they continue to tailor your personalized recommendations!<br />
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I don't know about you, but I love styling quizzes. It's worth it to take the quiz just to see what a professional stylist would pick for you to wear and sometimes it helps you look at something in a new way. And hey, free professional styling? Who couldn't use that!<br />
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<a href="http://shoedazzle.linqiad.com/click/YNZQaGVKdnJk"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PXo7q-YbVhQ/UZTtjxcKiTI/AAAAAAAAFok/EYDoTkCKpBU/s400/Screen+shot+2013-05-16+at+8.12.31+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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And so here's another perk: if you make a purchase within 2 days of taking the quiz you get 25% off your order! YES PLEASE!<br />
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" /><br />
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<i>This post was sponsored by <a href="http://shoedazzle.linqiad.com/click/YNZQaGVKdnJk">ShoeDazzle.com</a>.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-70060188162062137132013-05-14T15:19:00.000-05:002013-05-14T15:19:00.213-05:00illustrations: andrew hamilton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8617596062/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="smsayingless by favorthebrave, on Flickr"><img alt="smsayingless" height="493" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8617596062_c99f389257_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I have always loved to draw with words and so I have decided to challenge myself to share at least one illustration of a quote each week with you, my dear readers. Today's quote is from Andrew Hamilton, "Art is the only discipline where saying less means more."</div>
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All of my illustrations will be free for your personal use. To download the full size picture you can visit <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8617595450/in/photostream/" style="color: #5e8b91; text-decoration: initial;">this link</a>. Please attribute where you got them from if you share.</div>
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Hope you have an inspired Tuesday!</div>
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<img align="right" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-32809562154718342882013-05-13T22:09:00.001-05:002013-05-13T22:09:24.607-05:00first day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8737531688/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="firstday2 by favorthebrave, on Flickr"><img alt="firstday2" height="747" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8737531688_2831dd92c4_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Two weeks ago I got offered a job I was so excited to take and I am bittersweetly happy to take a step back from working full time for Favoring Brave. Today was my first day and I am excited! I think I will really love being back at work full time - especially somewhere with a super fun dress code! I will have a lot more new outfits to share now that I have to be dressed for the public everyday.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8737531570/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="firstday3 by favorthebrave, on Flickr"><img alt="firstday3" height="497" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8737531570_62e1c425bc_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8737531764/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="firstday by favorthebrave, on Flickr"><img alt="firstday" height="605" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/8737531764_a1f8feca96_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-85896272907631409572013-05-07T09:15:00.000-05:002013-05-07T09:15:00.684-05:00illustration: ralph waldo emerson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8616488195/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="smledbydreams by favorthebrave, on Flickr"><img alt="smledbydreams" height="580" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8616488195_2fabb9b6b8_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I have always loved to draw with words and so I have decided to challenge myself to share at least one illustration of a quote each week with you, my dear readers. Today's quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson., "Don't be pushed by your problems, be led by your dreams."</div>
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All of my illustrations will be free for your personal use. To download the full size picture you can visit <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8617596002/in/photostream/" style="color: #5e8b91; text-decoration: initial;">this link</a>. Please attribute where you got them from if you share.</div>
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Hope you have an inspired Tuesday!</div>
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-70002985624989826442013-05-02T07:08:00.000-05:002013-05-02T07:08:00.018-05:00twice around dresses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8696616400/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="watercolor4 by favorthebrave, on Flickr"><img alt="watercolor4" height="915" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8696616400_0872f1d82c_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I wore this dress to a Spring event at the Garden Center a few weeks ago and a sweet older lady came up to me to comment on it. "I had a dress pretty much - no - exactly like that one in the early 1970s... I should have just given it to you so you didn't have to buy it." "Well next time you come across it," I said, "Look me up! I'll take it off your hands!" </div>
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I love how trends seem so new to us, when they've actually been around one, or more, times before. I've realized it's been over a year since I bought a piece of new clothing off the rack because I can find just about whatever style I'm looking for in a lot better quality at the thrift store, leftover from it's first round on the trend wheel.</div>
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This dress, however, was a notable exception because it was $1, newish, but badly damaged at a closeout store - so, since I basically rebuilt it, I don't have to count that, right?</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8696616866/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="watercolor3 by favorthebrave, on Flickr"><img alt="watercolor3" height="839" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8696616866_4d49bed44e_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-26127799310097261332013-05-01T17:59:00.001-05:002013-05-01T17:59:22.523-05:00mini bit of glam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8696616328/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="glammy by favorthebrave, on Flickr"><img alt="glammy" height="830" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8123/8696616328_8652624e47_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Nothing like a little bit of glam for your Wednesday. I wore this to a sales event at the University of Tulsa last week and I put the outfit together while asking myself "What will look cute even if I have to run with huge boxes in the rain?" Nothing like quality 90s synthetic mini dresses and some red lip stain to keep you covered in all situations.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8695496125/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="glammy4 by favorthebrave, on Flickr"><img alt="glammy4" height="851" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8125/8695496125_7b64f2f2e7_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Hope your midweek quickly speeds into the weekend!</div>
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-5828385651245929052013-04-30T09:26:00.000-05:002013-04-30T09:26:00.702-05:00illustration: h. jackson brown jr.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8450979075/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="smalladjustyoursails by favorthebrave, on Flickr"><img alt="smalladjustyoursails" height="642" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8450979075_0aef7cf5d9_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I have always loved to draw with words and so I have decided to challenge myself to share at least one illustration of a quote each week with you, my dear readers. Today's quote is from H. Jackson Brown Jr., "When you can't change the direction of the wind - adjust your sails."</div>
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All of my illustrations will be free for your personal use. To download the full size picture you can visit <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8452070386/sizes/o/in/photostream/" style="color: #5e8b91; text-decoration: initial;">this link</a>. Please attribute where you got them from if you share.</div>
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Hope you have an inspired Tuesday!</div>
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-67809199576507585302013-04-23T12:21:00.001-05:002013-04-23T12:21:05.448-05:00get out the vote for Favoring Brave!
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Izo8iiwYwfc/UXbCwujGacI/AAAAAAAAFk4/YDmB93bO70E/s1600/springfest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Izo8iiwYwfc/UXbCwujGacI/AAAAAAAAFk4/YDmB93bO70E/s400/springfest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Favoring Brave's booth at a recent show in Tulsa.</div>
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Hi friends!</div>
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I think it's horribly obnoxious how companies think it's a good idea to do every contest by voting now, but it is what it is. I am writing you today to ask a favor - to vote for me in a competition to win a free booth space for my business, Favoring Brave, at a huge show in the hometown, Tulsa, Ok.</div>
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Here is the link to vote on Facebook - make sure you're logged in to vote. Just two clicks!</div>
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<span class="s1"><a href="https://apps.facebook.com/contestshq/contests/319377/voteable_entries/66789017">https://apps.facebook.com/contestshq/contests/319377/voteable_entries/66789017</a></span></div>
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A little bit about what this means - I currently work full time as an artist, but that is becoming harder and harder to do. It looks like I might have to go back to work if I don't find some more avenues to share my work with potential buyers. This show could save the full time status of my business, as I would be able to be a vendor at this show 4 times a year after having been accepted this once through winning. Someone virtually has to die to make space in this show and this is my ONE shot!</div>
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Please vote. It take one click on the link and one click on my entry - Favoring Brave by Jill Simons. Also, please consider sharing this with YOUR friends. Together, we can make this happen.</div>
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250771972905418705.post-56754333694821724092013-04-23T08:26:00.000-05:002013-04-23T08:26:00.063-05:00illustrations: never give up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8452070332/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="smallnevergiveup by favorthebrave, on Flickr"><img alt="smallnevergiveup" height="755" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8452070332_6c9d90f22e_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I have always loved to draw with words and so I have decided to challenge myself to share at least one illustration of a quote each week with you, my dear readers. Today's quote is, "Never give up for that is just the time the tide will turn."</div>
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All of my illustrations will be free for your personal use. To download the full size picture you can visit <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67784225@N08/8452070318/sizes/o/in/photostream/" style="color: #5e8b91; text-decoration: initial;">this link</a>. Please attribute where you got them from if you share.</div>
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Hope you have an inspired Tuesday!</div>
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<img align="right" height="115" src="http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y456/favoringbrave/siggie1_zps91ff06b2.png" width="320" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06114980693966124694noreply@blogger.com0