Oh So Silly! {I Heart Faces}

Meet The Haters.  This would be my Aunt Becky and sister Melissa.  They are always the ones to play the Devil's advocate.  Always the ones to encourage me by saying it will never happen.  Always the ones that annoy me beyond reason, yet I couldn't live without.

So naturally, during our Fall family photo shoot, they had to make fun by playing in the leaves themselves.  Seriously... It's SO hard to live with them... but I couldn't imagine living life without them.

And just a quick HELLO to Beck and Mo Jane... You may make fun of the blog relentlessly, but I KNOW you're reading it!!

Love you two!! :D

To see more Oh So Silly photos, click on the button below.

Prayer Request- Very Urgent!!

I have copied and pasted this from a friend's blog.  Please lift up David in your prayers today!

I am asking y’all to lift up David Bompart in prayer. Many of you already know about him and are praying hard for his recovery. Keep on praying! But for those who don’t know, David and his wife, Nicolle, run a charity – Eyes Wide Open International – that we have partnered up with through Wild Olive. These folks are rock stars in all they do and have done for “the least of these” in Haiti. David was shot in the chest and abdomen while working to build an orphanage in Haiti. He was taken by med-evac to Miami where he remains in very, very serious condition.

He needs all of our prayers right now… only God can completely restore him. To be kept up-to-date on specific prayer requests for David’s recovery, you can visit his Caring Bridge site, and Linny has been posting updates on her blog as well.

Thank you for standing in the gap on behalf of David and his family.

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Matthew 21:22

Kay Bratt Winners!!

Thank you so much for all who entered the Kay Bratt Giveaway.  I have read Chasing China and Silent Tears and they have absolutely changed me for the better.  I am currently reading Kay's The Bridge and cannot put it down! 

Via Random.org, the two winners are:

Chasing China- Leisha!!

&

Silent Tears- Mary Louis!!

Leisha- If you will email me your address, I will ship it to you.  ML- I will make a drive to B'ham and put yours in your mailbox this week!  :)   (ML- You are also the winner of the backpack!  Check out my comment on the auction blog to see how to order your fave!  If you have a question, just shoot me an email.)
As always, if you'd like to help spread the word for Ruby's Auction, please feel free to post our blog buttons (found at the bottom of the blog) on your sidebar!!

Thanks again and Happy Monday Everyone!

Life is But a Dream

Yesterday evening, there were only a few dishes left in the sink after dinner, so I decided to zap them clean before heading upstairs to get P to sleep. Justin and I were in the kitchen talking about our lethargic computer (yep- the Mac might as well be dead. It has an appointment with the doctor today at 4:30. I know this is petty, but I’d appreciate some well wishes on its health. I DESPERATELY want to get back to my mentoring lessons!) and P and Hank were in the living room playing with J’s IPad.

So, five minutes after the dishes were done, I went to get P, only to find him and H like this:

Is that not the cutest thing you’ve ever seen? It’s all the crazier because, it is no secret, this child NEVER sleeps! We carefully picked him up, placed him in his big boy bed, and kissed his cheek. We turned the fan up a smidge and didn’t pull covers up around him because we didn’t dare change him out of his play clothes!

Unfortunately though, this is just about where the smiles stop. P has been having night terrors (he’s had them before) more often lately. But, last night was an absolute episode that had Justin and I both scared and clueless. We absolutely could NOT wake P up as he cried and flailed about. It scared us so much that we called Mom at the hospital to see if she had any suggestions. Thankfully, about that time, Perry opened his eyes, saw me, then immediately collapsed back in my arms asleep.

Ya’ll, night terrors are SO weird and scary! This morning, P and I had this conversation with him to see if he truly had no clue what had happened last night:

M- Good morning Baby Love! Did you have a good night’s sleep?
P- Yes
M- Did you cry or did you sleep good?
P- I sweep good.
M- Did you have good dreams or bad dreams?
P- I have good dweems.
M- What did you dream about?
P- I dweem of twactors.

If anyone has any suggestions on night terrors and does and don’ts, Justin and I are both ALL ears!!

{thankful for}



13. a husband who stands beside me during scary times

14. a patient mentor

I Heart Faces {By the Book}

It's no secret that Perry eats, sleeps, and dreams tractors. 

I just hope those tractor dreams are as sweet as he is!

{thankful for}

11. my DSLR sidekick
12. a baby that finally sleeps- sometimes

To see more amazing By the Book photos, click on the I Heart Faces button below!

Happy Seollal! {The Year of the Dragon}

Today is the celebration of the Lunar New Year for South Korea (and most all surronding Asian countries).  You may be more familiar with the term Chinese New Year, however, South Koreans call it Seollal.  On Seollal, Koreans typically dress in beautiful traditional hanbocks.  They prepare a very elaborate meal that consists of tteokguk (rice cake soup) and galbijjim (braised short ribs), japchae (glass noodles with sautéed vegetables), pancakes, hangwa (traditional sweets and cookies), and a dozen other side dishes made with various kinds of vegetables, meat and fish.

Seollal is a very family friendly holiday and the roadways are normally very busy with everyone traveling back home to visit friends and relatives.  Children typically honor their elders and ancestors by giving them a sebae bow (a very deep bow) and offering wonderfully prepared dishes of food.  In return, the elders bless the children by offering them words of wisdom and money for the new year.  (I’m sure Seollal will quickly become one of Perry and Ruby’s favorite holidays!) 

The holiday continues as families gather together to play all sorts of traditional board and other fun games that consist of yutnori, a board game that involves throwing four wooden sticks, and go-stop, a card game that uses hwatu (flower cards) to score as many points as possible in order to win. Such traditional games as jegichagi (hacky-sack), neoltwiggi (see-saw), tuho (arrow toss), and yeonnaligi (kite flying) are also widely played at public and recreational parks. Finally, families wind down by going to a theater or watching Seollal Specials on television.

We are hoping and praying that the Year of the Dragon brings us our little Korean beauty.  Until then, we are wishing Ruby Grace the Happiest Seollal (as this is most likely her first) and doing a little celebrating of our own.  Although our meal isn't quite as elaborate as a traditional Korean Seollal meal, I still had a wonderful time whipping us up some beef and broccoli, crisping up some delicious spring rolls, and snacking on some delicious oranges- also a tradition for Koreans on Seollal.  Then, we winded down our evening with P playing with Hank and J and I watching a special on TV-The Bachelor... Nothing too fancy, but we are having so much fun already, embracing and learning all about Miss Ruby’s Korean culture!

{thankful for}

8. the call to adopt from South Korea

9. a traditional wok and Korean Cookbook

10. scrumptious spring rolls!

New Auction Items!!!

My friend, Amy, is just about as talented as they come, and she has a heart for God's waiting children that's even bigger!!  Amy creates these beautiful orphan awareness masterpieces with the desire to give back. She has given proceeds from her work to 147 Million Orphans and the Hoover Hope Foundation. Seriously- they are GORGEOUS!! She has graciously offered to donate a piece to Ruby's auction and even allowed me to choose my favorite. I chose this canvas with two little birdies that features one of my very favorite Bible verses.

Another friend, Larri, is fantastic with a sewing machine and has whipped up these adorable mug rugs and reversible coffee cozies for Miss Ruby's auction.  They are too cute!!  And, if you're like me and don't drink coffee, these would also be perfect for cider or hot cocoa! 

And last, but certainly not least, anyone heard of a little MEGA COMPANY called Organic Bloom?!  Oh yeah... Organic Bloom also has a very generous heart!!  They have donated this beautiful (and huge) frame!!  I was SO excited!!

{thankful for}

7. AMAZING Auction donors!!! THANK YOU!!!

To see these and other fabulous auction items, head on over to Ruby's Auction Blog HERE.

Don't forget to enter the Kay Bratt Giveaway Here.

And, to help spread the word, you can add our blog buttons to your sidebar!

Feel free to grab the codes at the bottom of the blog!

My Story {Sunday Snapshot}

"it's impossible" said pride

"it's risky" said experience

"it's pointless" said reason

"give it a try" whispered the heart

Our very first assignment over at Beyond Layers is to write Our Story.  Warning, this is probably going to be lengthy, but I want to capture all that is racing through my head so that when I look back on it in a year, I can evaluate my growth as a photographer and a person.

My story began as a young child.  I think I've always been some sort of an artist- if that's the right kind of word?.  One who valued being unique and one-of-a-kind.  In Kindergarten, I sat by a boy (who shall remain nameless) who copied everything I did!  Especially coloring sheets.  And. it. drove. me. nuts!!!  I remember coming home, day after day, complaining to my Mom that J. did EVERYTHING exactly like me.  "He just wants his work to be pretty like yours," she'd say.  That did nothing for me.  The day my teacher swapped around our seats was one of the best days of my life.

I've always had a passion for photography, in particular.  It is pretty much in my blood.  Though not professionals in the photography world, my Mom and Grandmommy had the art of family photography down to a pat.  They both spent hours upon hours each week photographing our lives, developing film, and organizing photos and negatives into hundreds of albums.  You could literally stack all the photos they took and flip them quickly and watch our family grow up before your eyes.  The memories they captured are priceless and have always intrigued me.

Growing up, I wanted to be just like Mom and Grandmommy.  I asked for cameras numerous Christmases in a row and loved composing shots and capturing memories.  My field days at school were always so much fun for me because it was a prime opportunity to click away and capture amazing memories!  (With great natural light, nonetheless- though I cared nothing about lighting at that time in my photog career.)  

As I got older, I was gifted with fancier and fancier cameras.  When Perry was born, Justin got me a top of the line point and shoot camera.  And though the thought of such a precious gift meant the world to me and I loved my new camera, I still wasn't getting the shots I longed for.  Wanting to capture every precious moment of his existence, I began delving in research to try to figure out what the problem was.  The answer?  A lack of a DSLR.  I had no clue what that meant, but I was dying to find out!  After a few months of price comparing, we took my camera and two new lenses home, and I got busy learning. 

 (Perry's very first digital camera, given to him by his Grammie & Grampie- Christmas 2011.)

I have taken a few photography classes since 2009 and have LOVED every single one of them.  When it comes to photography, it's literally like I can't quench a thirst.  I long to know more, and I rejoice at every tiny photoshop accomplishment.  I have BIG plans with photography.  I want to document our daily life, create beautiful and unique photos, grow in my art, own a small business, and give back to the adoption world.  I have no idea where all God plans to take me in my photography life, but I can guarantee this- it's going to be an amazing journey!

{thankful for}

5. a happy story

6. teaching Perry about things I am passionate about

Don't forget to enter the Kay Bratt Giveaway Here.

Also, we have some amazing auction items that are ending this week.  Check 'em out on Ruby's Auction Site!

To see more Sunday Snapshots, please visit Stephanie's blog by clicking here:

Just Enough

In an effort to grow my photography, I have started a mentoring program with my friend, Lisa.  I had my first class last Wednesday and absolutely had the time of my life.  L-O-V-E photography, and even more so, love learning about it!!

I have also started a class called Beyond Layers that is a Photoshop/Creativity challenge that lasts an entire 52 weeks.  I am SO excited to have a year's full of lessons and inspiration!!  Eeek!!  I feel like the nerdy kid who always sits in the front of the classroom and always has her hand in the air, eager to answer the question and soak in as much knowledge as she can!

Our first assignment is titled Just Enough.  Just Enough to engage the viewer, but not so much as to overpower the senses.  I couldn't be more tickled about this prompt, as I am incredibly into "shabby chic" decor these days.  I'm literally DYING for a white couch, but realistically know that our sassy red ones are much friendlier when it comes to Pman's ever present grape juice cups.  This also happens to be one of my favorite types of photography.  When looking at Just Enough photos, I catch myself exhale.  Photos done in this style are so calming and regenerating.  Ahhh....

I took a photo that I captured this summer at Mom and Dad's house.  I love the pink whispy blossoms and all that creamy bokeh.  I lightened the exposure, and took down the saturation a bit.  Then, I added a smidge bit of texture to make it Just Enough!

{thankful for}

4. inspiring photography classes

It's the Little Things...

Tonight, Justin surprised me with a beautiful little happy, reminding me of just how lucky and blessed I truly am each and everyday.  And for God's many blessings, we should give thanks just as often.  I am going to make it a point to start adding things that I am thankful for at the bottom of each of my posts.  I first saw this idea on Tara's blog at Between You and Me, and I've always smiled when reading her thankfuls.  Doing this will help me focus on all the blessings God bestows upon me and my friends and family, rather than only recognizing the frustrations in life.  

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 106:1

{thankful for}

1. a beautiful ring reminding me of mine and Justin's past, present, and future love to come!

(Thank you baby for such a beautiful surprise tonight!  I love you to the moon and back!!)

2. that our bed is large enough for Perry to snuggle up beside us after a night terror

3. yummy chicken and rice soup from Grandmommy

Seek Ye First

*I want to preface this rambling with the fact that I absolutely 100% do not have the eloquence of a preacher. In fact, most of the time when I’m trying to explain scripture or tell how it’s effected me, I feel like I completely ramble and no one gets anything out of it, except me. That is why I teach the 3-4 year old Sunday School class. I teach with crayons and finger paint. They get it. But ultimately, I just want to document this “conversation” with God in hopes that it might possibly, hopefully, also touch someone else.*


One thing that I have been trying to do more of this year, is to look to God’s word for comfort and guidance. Kim, from 3 Peanuts, ironically just did a post on what I’ve been challenging myself to do for a while now, which is going to God first.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:33

I’ll be the first to admit, when something significant happens in my life, often God isn’t the first to “hear” about it. I tend to rejoice, cry, and gripe to people first, instead of the God who loves me most.

With that being said, I have caught myself once again telling others my plans and dreams without sharing them with God first. So, for the past few weeks, I have been diligently praying about some things. And, I still have some unanswered questions. That’s ok, right?

I found this verse a few days ago, and I absolutely love it:

(I tape scripture to my desk at school.  I love reading over them and remembering what the conversation with God was about when I needed/prayed that particular verse!)

And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.

1 John 5:14

I do have complete and total confidence that God hears every whisper that goes up to Him. He promises that He hears me...and you! And, ultimately, that’s all I need to know. I hope to get an answer, and I feel confident that at the right moment and time, I will. Ultimately, I just think God wants and desires His children to seek His approval and will for our lives. And at the moment, that’s what I’m trying to do.

Hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday!! I am starting my mentoring classes with Lisa tonight and I absolutely cannot wait to see all she has in store for me!!

J & L Fish Tales

My Dad and Justin have started this little “business” that has absolutely taken off before their eyes.

It has been a lot of fun seeing Justin so passionate about creating something. Last night, I jumped in on the action to help him keep up with all his orders.

This meant quality time together making fishing lures (Which I now deem myself a pro at.

And just in case you’re wondering, no, fishermen do not want all sparkly lures) and more quality time later in the evening since we got them all finished a lot quicker.

I have to say I’m proud of Dad and Justin for finding something they both enjoy doing so much, and then, instead of daydreaming about doing it, they got the materials, and actually did it!

So happy that they are fulfilling their fishing goals.

Now, if they could only win a Bass Master Classic, then I could become a stay at home Mom… I digress. ;)

Perry's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Poor Perry's day went like this:

He woke up with a mystery scratch down the side of his face and an eye that was swollen nearly shut for no reason.

Then, he ran into the stairway banister and bruised his lip and cut the inside of his jaw pretty badly.  There was so much blood that, at first, I thought he might have knocked out a tooth.

Thank goodness we had some ice-cream to keep the swelling down as much as we could.

Then, little one ran smack into the car door as we were loading up to go to Grammies.  Insert another little battle wound on the temple of his face.

But wait, there's more...

On the way home from Grammies tonight, Perry's tummy decided to get sick in Daddy's truck.  Twice.

Needless to say, he's finally sound asleep in Mommy and Daddy's bed tonight.  (For the first time this year!  GASP!!  I was SO afraid to post that he's been sleeping in his 'big boy bed,' as I thought I might jinx us.  Hoping this doesn't throw a kink in his routine.)

Mommy Always Wins the War... {Sunday Snapshot}

But, sometimes, this little face wins the battle.

I'll admit, I'm a bit of a pushover.  When P wanted some bubble gum this evening, my answer was a strict "no".

That turned quickly into an, "after dinner."

But, when said child looked at me and said, "Maybe he [Perry] doesn't want dinner, Mommy.  Maybe he [Perry] only wants bubbuh gum.  Pwetty pweeeez Mommy?"

.... Notice that tiny little tear trickling down that adorable little cheek?

I'll give you one good guess as to who is currently in the living room chomping on a very big pink and yummy piece of bubblegum?

Don't forget to enter the Kay Bratt Giveaway by clicking HERE!

To see more Sunday Snapshots, visit Stephanie at Ni Hao Ya'll! by clicking the button below.

Tag! You're It!!

{The Rules}

one\ you must post the rules.

two\ post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

three\ answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

four\ tag eleven people and link them on your post

five\ let them know you've tagged them!

{Facts About Me}

1. My name is Elinda Brooke.  The Elinda part is a family name, coming all the way from my Great, great, great, great, great Grandmother.  (That is five greats, right?)  We are also naming our little girl Elinda Ruby-Grace (given name.)  SO excited to give her such a special and beautiful (or in Justin’s opinion-weird) family name! ;)

2. I’d like to think of myself as pretty artistic.  I was a candy cane in the Nutcracker, I was a state champion gymnast growing up, I have sang at five weddings, and I was also UAB’s Feature Majorette, and now that I’m a big girl, I would do monogramming or photography everyday for the rest of my life.

3. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to cook!!  I always try to channel my inner Rachel Ray while I’m rocking my big chef’s knife back and forth.  I also use fresh herbs that I grew in nearly every dinner meal I make. 

4.  I can do a heel extension while water skiing.  I figure you have to see it to believe it.

5. Justin and I were high school sweet hearts.  We will be celebrating our five year anniversary this May!!

"Will you marry me?" -Justin

(through tears) "ARE YOU SERIOUS???"-Me

"Well, yeah, I bought you the ring and all..." –Jusitn

"YES!!!!!!!"- Me

6.  I am EXTREMELY clumsy.  In fact, I actually feel like Ruby’s getting another family name too- Grace.  If I make it through a full 24 hours without managing to get hurt in some shape, form, or fashion, I’d consider the day a success.

7.  Everything I own is pink: Jewelry, wardrobe, cell, phone, and even my computer.  If you are buying me something, you can bet I’ll love it if it comes in pink!

8. I LOVE my jewelry- it’s my love language… no seriously.  (I have a post on that to come soon.)  Every piece of fine jewelry that I own was a very special gift and has a story behind it.  If held at gun-point to give away my jewelry, I might possibly try to negotiate with the gunman.  I was devastated to have lost the very first ring and piece of jewelry that Justin ever gave to me.  (I had planned on letting my girls wear it as their something blue in their weddings one day.)  We are 99% sure it wasn’t lost, but actually stolen when our house was broken into when I was pregnant because I had a bad habit of laying my jewelry on the TV stand after coming in from work.  The window the robber broke in through was right beside the TV stand.  Unfortunately, I can’t remember 100% if I had left it there that night, but seeing as how the intruder was in our house when we pulled in our driveway and didn’t make it very far in our house (we could tell by muddy foot prints and other CSI work by us and our neighbors), we are pretty positive that was the only valuable they were able to swipe before being scared back out.  I still cry over not having it every now and then and go on random rants searching every tiny nook and crevice in our house.  Justin says its fine and to let it go because it wasn’t that expensive anyway, but it meant the world to me.  Didn’t mean to get on a soapbox.  All that to say, jewelry is very special to me.  When I open up my jewelry box every morning, it’s kind of like flipping through a scrapbook of happy memories!

9.  I don’t drink alcohol except for the incredibly sporadic strawberry daiquiris I might enjoy with the family every now and then.  However, after a particularly hard day at work, I am known to come in, go straight to the fridge, and chug a few sips of malt vinegar!  My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

10.  In honor of the Miss America pageant, my senior year, I competed in the Alabama Junior Miss Pageant in Montgomery, AL.  It was truly one of the best weeks of my life.  Not only did I have a great time, but I also completely fell in love with my amazing host family!! (The BEST host family of all time!!)  I was also so honored to earn the title- Alabama Spirit of Junior Miss aka Miss Congeniality!

11.  And if you are new to the blog, my husband, Justin, and I have one little boy, Perry, who is 2 ½.  We are currently in the process of adopting a little girl, Ruby-Grace, from South Korea!! We are hoping and praying to have her home by the end of the year!!

{Questions for Me, From my Tagger} 

1.) What Is One Thing You Can’t Live Without?

I am embarrassed to admit, but my cell phone.  I L-O-V-E my Iphone!!!  I think mainly because it has everything: phone, texting, email, blogging, camera, video, alarm clock, Pandora, and any app I could possible imagine.  It’s dreamy, really.

2.) Where is Your Favorite place to shop?

Hands down At Home Furnishings & Three Sheets Linen in Homewood (they are sister stores).  I’m really on a house decorating kick this year.  I don’t actually shop in there too often because they are a bit pricey.  Although I rarely purchase anything from these two stores, many of their items tend to end up on my Christmas list each year. 

3.) What is Your Favorite Nail Polish Color?

I actually am not a nail polish person at all.  It flakes off within a day or too and drives me nuts.  Every now and then, I’ll wear acrylics, but I always prefer the pearl French tips over colored polish.  I just think it’s so classy and elegant.  This question kinda makes me want to get my nails done.  (This is one thing that Justin loves for me to do, actually.  I don’t think most men really care one way or another, but my sweet hubby loves some well- manicured fingernails.) 

4.) Do You Prefer Coffee or Tea?

Sweet tea with lemon any day.  But not syrup sweet.  I HATE coffee!  Bleck!!  LOVE the smell…HATE the taste.

5.) If you could only pick one blog to read a day which would it be? {I can never choose}

The Long Road to China.  This is my friend and mentor, Lisa’s, blog.  She has one teenage son, one preschool age daughter that was adopted domestically, and another toddler age daughter who was adopted from China.  She posts the most gorgeous photos that are so well articulated and inspiring! 

6.) Best Vacation You Have Ever Been On?

Disney World/Disney Cruise with my Mom, Dad, and sister when I was in 7^th grade.  I want to take Justin, Perry, and Ruby, hopefully sometime in the near future!

7.) Do You Have a Bucket List? If So, What Are 2 Things On Your Bucket List?

I have a 101 in 1001 days list that I’ve been working on.  I’m debating on actually posting it or not.  Without a doubt, two things on my list are to have four children (or more!  Justin willing…) But, definitely at least two biological and two adopted and to become a bigger advocate for orphans around the world.  I think it would be amazing to be a part of a sponsorship program or find a way to send large donations regularly to orphanages and foster care programs. 

8.) Something You Are Afraid Of?

I am horribly, phobic-ly terrified of needles!! Like full blown panic attacks, with hyperventilation and a massive amount of tears- even in a valium induced state of mind.  It is horrible.  I’m not sure I will ever go to the doctor without my Mom.  (I wish I was just one of those people that passed out at the site of needles.  That would be so much easier for me… and my poor mother.)

9.) If You Could Only Eat One Thing For The Rest Of Your Life, What Would It Be?

It’s a tie between lemons with salt and nachos and cheese with lots of jalopeno peppers!  YUMMY!!!  I eat at least one of these a day.

10.) Favorite Movie?

The Holiday and The Wedding Planner.

11.) What Is The Last Item You Bought?

Underoos- Victoria’s Secret is currently running their Semi-Annual Sale!!

{Questions from Me to Those I Have Tagged}

1. What is your favorite go to date place?

2. What is your favorite Bible verse?

3. If you could spend five thousand dollars selfishly on yourself, what would you buy?  (No giving to charity- though I know that’s what you all would really do!)

4.  What is your pet peeve?

5. Describe your morning/bedtime routine.

6.  If you could meet anyone (alive), who would it be and why?

7.  What is your favorite book and song?

8.  What is the best place you’ve ever traveled to?

9.  If you were given three wishes, what would they be?

10.  You are on a deserted island.  You can have three things only.  Go:

11.  Who is your role model and why?

People I am Tagging:

1. Mary Louis- The Quinn House
2. Becky- From Mrs. to Momma
3. Tara- Between You and Me
4. Kim- Three Peanuts
5. Lisa- The Long Road to China
6. Shay- Everything Beautiful
7. Jamie- This Kind of Love
8. Anna- Hewett's Happenings
9. Stephanie- A Day in the Life of the Letter 'Q'
10. Sarah- Madeline
11. Brittany- Just a Thought

Rags to Ruby Etsy Shop {To commit or Not to commit?}

As I’ve said before, I have been asked to be a vendor for my school’s Young Author’s Conference this year.  I am SO excited to be able to display numerous monogramming items, and I have had so much coming up with the new designs/appliqué patterns.  Like all things I do, I also get so excited about the “business” aspect of it.  I enjoy selling my creations to family and friends to make an extra buck or two to help offset some of the adoption expenses. 

(Once again- this design isn't completed yet with its ric-rac on the bottom.)

But, since I’m currently mass producing anyway, I’ve really had the bug to expand my business to Etsy.  I figured that was a safe way of testing the business waters and putting my name out there a little more.  Who has any ideas, suggestions, or concerns they want to throw my way?  Good idea?  Bad idea?  Any clue how I would get started?  Thanks in advance for all your comments!  I’m really excited to hear what you have to say!!  And lastly, HAPPY FRIDAY!! (I honestly wasn’t sure it would actually get here this week!)