In Review... February!

February 2013

The month of L-O-V-E has reached its end, and I wanted to do a little re-cap of the goings on over here at KaeleighBee. I thought it would be a fun way to look back someday and remember what the heck I did! And that day may come in, like, 3 weeks, but thank goodness I will have this record! :)

I thought I would start with a look at how I did in accomplishing the goals I set for myself back at the beginning of the month.

Monthly Goals

• Get blog up & running! As I mentioned in my mid-month check-in, this one is a resounding success! And I am closing out the month with 21 posts in 28 days. Not bad, not bad... although I still hope to post more often! I just have to say, it has been such a pleasure writing all of these things and I have gotten more joy than I even expected out of sharing myself with all of you!
• Finish commissioned Keshi. Ok, so I may have said I had made time to do this last weekend, buuuuut.... I sorta didn't do it! :( So, this one is going to slide on over into the March goals! For whatever reason, I just could not get motivated! I have everything I need, and I am super excited to see what she becomes, it is just the getting to the end product thing I keep struggling with. But I will prevail!!
• Pay off surgeon bill! Yeppers! A whole $1200 was deducted from my bank account to FINALLY pay off this ridiculously old debt... I am so glad to be done with it! Now I just have to put my other plans in motion and soon I shall be debt free! Yippee!!
• Update Etsy shop with 15 new listings! Another one to check off! As you have probably seen, I have been posting liking a mad woman, slowly filling my shop to the brim with all sorts of fun things. I have updated you here with the first 10, and I shall unveil the last 5 shortly. I have had all of these things waiting here since last summer when I was preparing for the 2 shows I did, and it is nice to actually get them listed!
• Submit app for November show! Still have to check this one off only halfway. The app is completed, I just need to send it in. I have to wait until mid-March when I have the extra funds to pay the booth fee though. 

Now for some "just for funsies" stuff!

Movies I watched:

I am not a HUGE movie person, I really have to be in the right mood, but I watched several this month that I really enjoyed.

• Skyfall - This was the first of the Daniel Craig "Bond" movies I had seen, and it was pretty good! The theme song was my favorite part though, I have to say. Watching this movie sparked M and I to do a mini-Bond marathon and we watched the other 2 Daniel Craig films, GoldenEye, and Die Another Day. I have to say, I don't really like Daniel Craig as Bond. He is kind of a bumbling idiot, not smooth and classy like Bond is supposed to be!
• Flight - This was very good! Denzel Washington is great as always, although the crash scene was incredibly intense. And I am not really afraid of flying, but that freaked me out! It just goes on and on, and it is so realistic! Spooky!
• Mommie Dearest  - I had never seen this movie until yesterday! We came across it on TV, a little less than halfway through, and then I watched it again OnDemand to make sure I watched every insane meltdown! 
• Chocolat - Such a beautiful movie! I forgot how much I love this movie, and I HAVE to get the soundtrack! I got sucked into this yesterday when I had planned on working on upcoming blog posts. Teehee! Oh well, I got them done anyway!

Books I Read:

I do most of my reading in the shower (I am sure some of you are asking how!) and there are several that I read over and over again!

• Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen - I have all four of her books, and I love every one of them! This one is my favorite, but they are all fantastic. They are full of subtle magic and Southern charm. I HIGHLY recommend them!
• The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen - Like I said, huge fan! :) 
• Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling - This is probably the 15th time I have read this book (and the rest of them for that matter), but I just can't get enough! They bring back such sweet memories of when I was younger, especially the first 3. I received them as Christmas gifts from my grandparents in 1999 and I can remember cracking open the first one that night. My mom and I were having a "sleepover" in her room that night and, this may sound weird, but the smell of the pages of this book bring me back there to her huge wood-paneled room, where I slept on an inflatable mattress that took FOREVER to blow up with this ancient little air compressor we had. Good times!! :)

New Adventures:

• I switched banks finally!! In fact, M and I, between the two of us, opened up five new bank accounts! One of which was a... duh duh duh... joint account!! That's right folks, I feel like a real grown-up! :)
• M got a fantastic new job and I couldn't be prouder! It is a huge step up from what he was doing before, and he already has several other opportunities opening for him with this company. So exciting!
• I am starting a SUPER COOL new collaborative project! I am keeping it a secret for now, but it involves my keshis and a form of expression I never would have thought would be possible to do. I am so excited, and I promise to give you more details soon!

Whew... This has been a pretty busy month! I hope you have all had a good one too, and I truly can't thank you enough for joining me on this ride. Here's to you and to many more months of re-caps! :)

Cheers! 

Thrifty Thursday!

Good morning everyone! Today I have a comedic edition of Thrifty Thursday for you! Although technically, these items were found in an antique mall, but whatevs... I can bend the rules a little!

Remember how I told you M and I went to this amaze-balls antique mall a while back? Well, I have to show you a few items we saw (and left) there.

First up, we have this epic old sailorman doll:

Looking at his goofy little face now, I REALLY wish we had bought him! But, it was the end of the night, they were about to close, and I was running low on funds. Perhaps if we go back he will still be there! M said that this is what he was going to look like when he gets old, including the pipe oddly shoved all the way inside his mouth! I thought I was going to pee my pants laughing! Thank goodness no one was around, otherwise they would have thought I was insane!

This gem was found by M, hanging up in the corner of a booth. I don't really have any words to describe this, so I am going to let the picture speak for itself: (and please forgive the poor quality, it was not the best lighting and I couldn't get very close to it!)

Yea, see what I mean? What can one say about this... it is purrfect? Meowgnificant? Hissterical? Ok... I'm done with the cat puns!

And last but not least, an adorable set of S & P shakers:

In case you don't know, these are the little mushroom dudes from Fantasia! :) They are so stinkin' cute!!

We definitely need to go back and spend several hours in this place... it was huge! I actually got lost several times and thankfully M has a fantastic sense of direction, or else I might still be stuck in there. If any of you are locals, it is located on Hwy 99 in (I think) Shoreline. It is located above the Burlington Coat Factory.

Well, that's it for this edition of Thrifty Thursday. Stay tuned a little later in the day for a recap of February!

See ya real soon!

KaeleighBee Shop Update Part Deux!

Well folks, I am well on my way to achieving my February goal of 15 new listings! In fact, I am working on #12 as we speak!

However, I am only going to highlight five in this listing, to continue with the theme of the last update post I did. You know, because sticking to a pattern is always funsies!

The next 5 listings I am going to share are my Pocket Journals; adorable little blank journals. They are only 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" and fit perfectly in your purse! They were actually a fantastic accident! I meant to have the covers cut twice as big, but told the woman helping me the wrong measurements. I didn't even realize until she had finished cutting all 50 of them. :) But, I am definitely glad I effed up!

• Pocket Journal - Little French Girls

• Pocket Journal - Woodgrain Roses

• Pocket Journal - Sock Monkeys!

• Pocket Journal - Bicycle of LOVE

This one is one of my FAVES! It has been very hard to let it go!

• Pocket Journal - Stop to smell the roses!

That's all for this update folks! Stay tuned for the final 5!

LOVES!

KaeleighBee Shop Update!

So, I have posted the first 5 of my goal of 15 new listings in the KaeleighBee Etsy shop! And so what if it is all going to happen in the last week of the month... it is still a win! :)

Here are the 5 lovely ladies who made their debut in the shop on Saturday:

• Keshi (50) - Fae

She gently blows the dust of years off the perfect blue jar, thoughts of wild flowers and burlap bows on the reception tables swimming in her head. The sweet whimsy of this beautiful mason jar is the perfect piece to finish her wedding decor. True love awaits!

Fae is a beautiful girl, standing tall and proud, in the perfect shades of turquoise and soft pale yellow. The flowers and her little dragonfly friend complete her fairy-like aesthetic.

• Keshi (51) - Chelsea

It's so quiet, here in this grand library. The power and majesty of all of man's existence is all around her, tucked away between gilded leather covers. To be a part of preserving, cataloguing, and treasuring this history is something she has always wanted. She has finally come home and is at peace.

This sweet girl is dedicated to my amazing cousin, who also happens to be her namesake! Chelsea is painted in a beautifully strange combination of mint green and sky blue, with a deep mustard hair-do. Her polka dots are subtle and reflected in the tones of her elaborate hairpiece and floral brooch.

• Keshi (41) - Ambrosia

The mountain towers over the land and is home to all those who watch over it. She is basking in the hot sun, eating grapes and drinking cool water out of a gold chalice. Her striking beauty is a power she uses wisely.

Ambrosia is an amazing keshi incarnation of a greek goddess, wearing flowing robes of snow white and sandy golds. Her gold collar and pearls are a luxurious finishing touch.

• Keshi (10) - Rose

"But friendship is the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold."
- Oliver Wendell Holmes

Welcome my little Rose into your home and you will forever have a friend by your side! She is an old soul, and has been distressed a little to reflect her vintage personality. Her sweet wooden button hat is adorned with a tiny lacy heart, and the dusty purple, sage green, and rose-colored accents are a stunning complement.

• Keshi (17) - Esmeralda

“We are all wanderers on this earth. Our hearts are full of wonder, and our souls are deep with dreams.”
― Gypsy Saying

This sweet, slightly mischievous gypsy girl dreams of traveling the world. Want to give her a new home to explore? Her dress has been "embroidered" with teeny little flowers, and the scarf on her head is adorned with beautiful charms and single coin for prosperity.

I plan on listing some journals, and maybe some cards... I will post the rest of the updates this week!

Ciao! 

Tips & Tricks - Craft Show Apps

*Just a note before I get started, I am in no way claiming to be an expert, I just love to do research and I also love to share the knowledge that I do have, just in case someone finds it useful!*

Well, with that disclaimer out of the way, let's get to it! :)

I wanted to put together a short post of some (hopefully) helpful tidbits of knowledge I have picked up about applying to art and craft shows. Since I am sending out my first application of the year, I felt it would be appropriate timing!

Here it is! The first app of 2013!

The first tip I have is to DO YOUR RESEARCH. Make sure the show you are applying for is going to be a good fit for you and your products. Here is a list of some do's and don'ts when it comes to picking the right show for you:

• DON'T apply to a show JUST because it is local. They may be more convenient, but that cannot be the only deciding factor.
• DO take risks. And what I mean by this is, just because maybe you think the show is too big and you feel inexperienced, doesn't mean that it hurts to just try. You never know what the organizers are looking for... it could be YOU!
• DO pick an appropriate GENRE of show. If you are selling rustic birdhouses, you may not want to apply to the fine art show. If you sell items that make great gifts, choose a holiday show or two. Selling candy, garden art, or jewelry? The summer fairs may be a fantastic spot for you! 
• DO think about your audience. This one kind of ties into the one above, but you not only want to think about the show and what other vendors may be there, but also who is going to show up. After all, they are why you are there!
• DON'T choose an outdoor show if your items are not weather proof! Ok, this one is slightly sarcastic, (and probably a little obvious) but it comes from a very stressful real-life experience. Long story short, paper products do not do well outdoors... even when under a tent and in the middle of the summer! At the first hint of humidity, the paper on the journals and cards I spent weeks working on started to buckle. I was pushed very close to tears that day! Thankfully M came to the rescue with an ingenious idea of putting them in Ziploc bags to protect them. At that point, I had to get over my desire for perfect packaging just so that all of my efforts were not wasted. Lesson learned!
• DON'T over-extend yourself. Especially if you have a day job, make sure you are not getting in over your head with the demands on your time that preparing will make. If you are just starting out, try a 1-day show to get the feel. Are you ready to have enough stock to keep your tables looking full at all times, for 2 or 3 days in a row? Go for it! Just make sure you are realistic with yourself!

Again, this is just a short list of some of the things I have picked up over the years!

Now that you have found that perfect show for you, it's time to fill out the application and dazzle those organizers!

The first thing to remember, read all of the expectations and needs that go along with the application. Organizers see stacks and stacks of apps, and they are very specific as to what they need. You don't want them to count you out just because you forgot a small detail.

Print as nicely as you can, or type it out if that is an option. This is like walking up to that person and shaking their hand, you want to make a good first impression! Fill out each space as completely and succinct as possible, especially when describing your items. You want them to fall in love with your stuff and know that their show would be incomplete without it. Check your spelling! :)

Now that the application is filled out, if you are applying for a juried show (or if the organizers just ask for it anyway) collect some unbelievably stand-out pics of your gorgeous wares. Remember, these people are not going to get a chance to see your items in person (more than likely) so make sure the pictures give them an excellent idea as to the quality of what you are bringing to the table. Also, DO NOT just give them a link to your Etsy shop, website, or Facebook in lieu of actual photographs. They cannot be expected to spend extra time surfing the web for every single applicant. Throw in a business card, and if they want to check you out further, they can.

Ok... so you have filled out your application, you have chosen the best 3, 4, or 5 photos (or however many are requested) and now it is time to drop that baby in the mail.... or press submit if the show has an online app. I like to say a little thank you to the good people who will be receiving this application, envision myself setting up shop in their show, and send it off with boat-loads of good vibes!

Photo Credit: www.daintywildthings.blogspot.com

Now all you can do is take a deep breath...... and wait! :) Start preparing your inventory now; even if for some crazy reason you are not accepted, you can always apply to another one. And it NEVER hurts to be ahead of the game on preparation!

Remember.... you may not get accepted to every show that you apply for, but please don't get discouraged! Just find another one, try it again, and you can be successful! It just takes the perfect avenue and sometimes you may not even know what that is... so don't give up!

I hope you found something useful out of this post, and as I get ready for my shows this year, perhaps I will post other little Tips & Tricks. Are there any other topics you would like me to talk about? Throw out suggestions and I can see if I can be of help! :)

Friday Faves!

TGIF!

And to celebrate, here are a few of my favorite things this week!

1. This shop on Etsy: HungryDesigns

She makes and sells the COOLEST wearable art and crockery! And the prices are crazy reasonable! I especially love the animal mounts she does. Over at love, Elycia they are doing a giveaway for a gift certificate to spend in her shop! :) (btw, her blog is awesome, a must read!)

2. Chimes Ginger Chews

I am so unbelievably obsessed with these right now! The original ones are scrumptious, but the mango ones are like little bites of sweet, sweet heaven! And, bonus, they are good for digestion! (you know, the ginger and all!) I get them at Central Market, but you can order them straight from their website if you want. And I think there is a list of stores that carry them too.

3. This place: Pine River Ranch in Leavenworth

Photo Credit: Memory Montage Photography (posted on PRR website)

The other day at work, I was a little bored, so I decided to resume my search for wedding venues and came across this magical place... it is EXACTLY what I have been looking for, and just enough of a "destination" spot to feel extra special without having to exclude a lot of people. They also have a bed and breakfast that you can stay in, and with the 2-day package, you get the whole place to yourself! The pictures are breathtaking, and they even have horseys!!! I can't stop looking at this place! SWOON!

4. Orla Kiely Ginger Pear products from method

I am sad to say that this amazingly scented stuff is a limited edition at Target, but oh dear lord does it smell good! And I love all of method's products anyway! The all-purpose cleaner is completely sold out online at Target and in their stores, but it appears as though the method website still has it in stock... I may have to order several bottles!!

That's all I've got for you folks today, quite the random assortment of items!! :) I hope you all enjoy the weekend.... I am off to paint my nails and go to bed! :)

TTYL!

Tattour!

Ok, so I thought I would be soooo clever and combine the words "Tattoo" and "Tour" in the title of this post, because I wanted to share the few pieces of ink I have. Hence the really weird title....

Anyhoo!!

I am by no means totally "tatted up", but I have a couple fun little pieces of body art to show off. And I have several more planned! Most people do not expect me to have the type of tattoos that I do, so it is fun to share them. :)

My very first tattoo was actually free.... score! And I know what you are thinking, but no, it was totally legit! To celebrate Dia de los Muertos, this amazing tattoo shop, Under the Needle, was offering a selection of free tattoos to whoever wanted them. I had wanted a tattoo for several years, and I thought it would be a fun way to get started!

As I have mentioned in my About Me page, I have always been very drawn to Hispanic culture. So even though I am as white as the driven snow, I still felt a connection to the images of the sugar skulls they were offering. A whole group of us stood outside the shop for hours until it was our turn. The artist that I had the pleasure of working with, Matt Lentz, even let me customize my tattoo just a little bit. Instead of red, I asked him to use pink and he graciously obliged. 45 minutes and half a bag of Jolly Ranchers later, I had my very first piece of ink!

About 8 months later, M and I went back to the shop to cash in birthday and Christmas gifts from our respective mothers. (How cool are they??) And that is when I had the stars added around my skully friend. I made my appointment with the same artist as before, gave him literally 2 directions for what I wanted (14 stars, and swirly bits) and this is what he created. I was so excited!! This one took about 2 hours, and the last 20 minutes I was definitely feeling the pain, but it was so worth it!

My 3rd tattoo was also free! And in case you are keeping track, this means I have yet to pay a penny for any of my tatts! The next November, they decided to do the 2nd annual free tattoo for Dia de los Muertos thingy, and I got this cute little dude:

This one took literally 4 or 5 minutes, in fact I think laying the stencil down took longer than the actual inking did, but hot damn it hurt worse than my first one! This is the closest I will ever get to my foot!

I plan on going back someday and getting a second one, shaded in pink instead of red, and with a little bow on its head. Then the 2 love-bats can fly among some simple little red and pink hearts! :)

In addition to getting the little girl bat, I want to do a sleeve of butterflies. They will be flying up and around my right arm from my elbow, up over my shoulder, with the last one in the hollow of my collarbone. I want them to not be outlined, so they look more natural, and in all sorts of bright, beautiful colors. That one is going to be my celebration for losing the weight that I want to lose! :)

Do YOU have any tattoos? Have you ever wanted any? I would love to hear what you think about the ink!