Startup Princess Retreat

OK. Here is the chance of a lifetime. Mark your calendars and sign up for the Startup Princess Academy retreat featuring classes, workshops and networking with some of the most inspiring women entreprenuers. Here is what Kelly, founder of Startup Princess has to say about this event:

Women influence over 85% of all purchases, and they need to be communicated with in new ways–one size does not fit all. Please join us to Learn the Magic of Marketing to Women Online with TOP EXPERTS in a way that translates into MORE Consumers and BIGGER Profits! Be on the cutting edge in your campaigns to maximize your marketing budget for 2009 and learn how to create effective and free word of mouth campaigns.

Sounds perfect right? Well add meeting these FABULOUS WOMEN to the mix:

Barbara Jones, Holly Buchanon and Michelle Miller and my personal favorite who I can't wait to meet in person:Gabrielle Blair (aka Design Mom). Now picture that with 3 gourmet meals, slumbering in an amazing resort, and a chance to rub shoulders with women as passionate as you are, and voila! A perfect getaway. But more than that: Much inspiration and information. And from personal experience, these retreats are 450% better than just reading a blog or book. Trust me.

To view the agenda click here

To register click here

See you there!

Up-up and away!

Just when you thought I would never post new art again....We are on our way to some pretty great activity going on here. I am hoping to have a big shop update on Friday...but in the mean time...feel like making some homemade vintage-y rockets? Yes? Great! But first, you gotta join the club.

toasty, toasty.

Our first snow was this weekend...and our little ones have come to already associate cold brisk air with a cup of cocoa. Although...not until this weekend did we actually venture into making our own homemade marshmallows. Oh wow. I am not too keen on marshmallows, but these are something else! Almost like creamy vanilla taffy. The recipe we used is here. I just love this time of year!

An autumn wedding story.

This weekend was spent with my husband's sister and her charming new husband. I love weddings, especially autumn weddings. The air was cold...but no matter. Our sister bride was beautiful and we just love our new brother in law! Addie was particularly entranced by the lovely dresses, flowers and lights. She pranced around the gardens looking for her "prince" which when she called, Ian soon came to her side. My children are quite the romantics which ensured us all a wonderfully fulfilling weekend!

Happy Site Friday: Vintage children's books

It's been a while...Happy Friday!

Today, I bring you a treasure chest. You are going to love it. www.vintagechildrensbooks.com. This is a gold mine folks. I have made one purchase from them a few months ago, and I got some books from the 50's, 40's and even one from 1746. Yes. They didn't make 'children's books' then, but they made religious songs for children to learn about how to behave in society. Such a great find. The books I am showing above are all $5 (except for Sara Crew, which is a mere $100) but you could do some major Christmas shopping here (ah -hem...for me...ah-hem). Seriously, I have to restrain myself here. I have a complete passion for vintage children's books (really?) and this is a gold mine. They are adding new stuff all the time, so check back every once in a while. Have Fun!

winners!

Wow! Thank you for all your WONDERFUL responses! ! So many of your suggestions I already have plans for, and many of them, I had never even thought of...so thank you!!! I am so excited to get cracking on new products and designs....I am just itching!!! Random.org selected four random winners for me.

And the 4 calendars are going to: (drumroll please)

Rebecca, Elizabeth, Sarah and Kathleen. You have all been sent emails and your calendars will be on their way next week!

Thanks again for all your wonderful support! Be watching soon for a buy 2 get one free. I can't say when...it will be a surprise, but I am giving you heads up to be on the look out:)

Happy Birthday Sarah Jane.

No, it isn't my birthday....it is Sarah Jane Studios 1 year anniversary!! WOW! I still can't believe the shop has been going for an entire year! And what an amazing journey it has been the past 365 days! I truly believe that what you feel most comfortable doing as a child, you will find yourself doing as an adult...or wish you were doing, which if that is the case listen to your inner wishes! That is what I did. If you asked me when I was 7 what I wanted to be when I grew up, it was to be an artist and a mom, and maybe even have a shop. And presto: 22 years later, that is what I am doing! No...It hasn't been easy...but it has been SO rewarding on so many levels!

So, the actual anniversary of my shop opening was on Oct. 4 (but I have been sick as well as husbandless the past several days which means ZERO mommy time) But we can't have a birthday without a celebration!!! I just feel so grateful for the past year...the friends I have met, the support you have given...it is truly overwhelming sometimes. Thank you!!

This year's present...in honor of the 12 months that have transpired...I am giving away 4 of my new calendars from my "month by month" series.! Yes, they are finally completed! I think you will just love them. These calendars are really more like a piece of art for your wall, with a few numbers that happen to be on the bottom. Just darling!

They will be in the shop by tonight for only $24. They will make the perfect gift, or mini art peice for that empty wall next to your phone or desk. Each page measures 8.5x5.5 inches and is completed with green grosgrain ribbon perfect for hanging!

But for you, my dear friends: A free gift from me!

To win a calendar, all you need to do is:

  • enter a comment below with a suggestion for something you would like to see in my shop for next year
  • Your name and a way to contact you (email, or blog link)
  • Comments will be closed on Oct 10th at Midnight EST
  • Check back on October 11th at to see the 4 lucky winners!

Thank you so much for all your support over this past year! I have loved getting to know you, and if I haven't met you yet, pop in and say hello! I am nice...I promise:) In the mean time...Happy commenting!

Handmade Christmas.

I know. It is only October. But last year I PROMISED myself (after many sleepless nights) that I would do Christmas in September. Um....September, what happened to you? You could have warned me you were going to be in an out in a flash (how rude!) October is now all I have before the made rush of activities, baking, visiting, (packing and shipping) and of course...ENJOYING THE SEASON!!

So, in my efforts to really be PREPARED for the holidays, I made myself a little ELF to remind me that October will no doubt rush as fast as September did! And, I am determined to make a HANDMADE CHRISTMAS this year. That is right. No last minute stops to Best Buy, or surfing AMAZON. We are making and giving from our hands this year (and hearts) or supporting handmade from our dearest friends. And in order to do that, I really must get started today!

This little ELF friend of mine (doesn't he have the greatest hat?) will be soon available as a set of cards to let your family and friends know that you spent time (not money) on your Christmas gifts this year! I should have these in the shop soon, but I want to get them perfectly ready just for you...I am adding in a few little extras! So, Merry Christmas...Think Handmade...Happy making!