Thursday, January 31, 2008

Newsletter: BIG Sale on Basic Ribbons!




Click newsletter to read the full-size version.
Now, go shopping!!!

BIG Sale on Basic Ribbons!


Shop now for up to 40% off your favorite Solid, Polka Dot and Basic Striped ribbon accessories!
Sale ends 2/4/08!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Annoying Reality of the Day

I'm convinced that my laundry has the ability to reproduce. Why, it was just 3 weeks ago that I washed and folded our clothes, sheets and towels and now it looks like I need to wash them all again. The nerve of that pile, getting dirty like that. Wouldn't it be easier just to buy all new stuff?

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Who needs transitions?

I'm having one of those weeks where there are 101 things floating around in my head and it's keeping me from concentrating enough to get a single one of them done. Actually, I've been meaning to write a few blog entries all week because there is a lot going on, but I feel too scattered to get anything sensical written. Note: Is sensical even a word? Some thoughts:

I need to figure out the key to getting myself to blog consistently. Maybe I need to make sure I work outside of the studio more. Maybe it is just a matter of adding it to my To Do list everyday. I think this week I'm going to experiment and see.

My flight is booked for a somewhat last minute getaway to San Francisco in 2 weeks. It was the very first place I traveled to alone, after college, back in 2001. 10/11/01, actually, so the flight over was a bit ominous, but I never once considered canceling. The Dungeoness crab and sourdough contingencies will be greatly diminished after this trip, I can assure you.

The studio is an absolute disaster and needs attention desperately. Part of me wants to post a picture to shame myself into getting on top of it.

Rather than procrastinate like I have for the past 3 years, I have already started our taxes. I truly miss the days when I could pop in the numbers from a few W-2s and wait for our check. The sheer amount of paper and calculator time is mind blowing, though clearly not quite enough to get me to set up a more efficient system or hire an accountant. At least I shouldn't be sweating it down to April 15th like usual!

Wow... I guess I can make it through a blog post without use of transitions between thoughts. Just not sure it was all that fun to read!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Annoying Thought of the Day

There is nothing like a pair of fresh-out-of-the-dryer jeans to remind you that it is not *just* water you are retaining these days.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

A shopping kind of mood

It's one of those days, again, when I feel the need for a little retail therapy. The fact that it is not even 8am here and I am already window shopping does not bode well for my willpower. In my own defense (not that I need to defend myself), I have some money left over from Christmas burning a hole in my wallet. And that's just not healthy to have it hanging around, right? I didn't think so...

Boatman Geller Notepads at See Jane Work


Doscher's Famous French Chew Vanilla Taffy


Flight Wrap / Top at En-Day


Starburst Wire Wall Mirror at Wrapables



Fused Glass Platter from iFuseSolutions


I refuse to make promises that any number of these items will not be in my possession by the end of the day.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Give me down to there hair

I have a small confession to make: I haven't had my hair cut since we moved to Dallas well over a year ago. For years I've kept my length somewhere between a chin-length bob and just at my shoulders. You see, I really adore my stylist Farrah in No. NJ and have been going to her for years. She just knows my hair and how it acts and which cuts I'd like. I had every intention of having her cut my hair when I would be back east to visit. I wouldn't cheat on her, not in a million years.

But you see, I just haven't been back home. When I was in NYC in November I didn't have time for an appointment. I might be up sometime in February but who knows for sure. My hair has just been growing and growing and I resigned myself to keeping it back/up/in a headband. Then, it came to my attention that it looked like this:



OK... in fairness to me, I usually blow it out straight and it never looks all wavy and greasy but I had it up that day. Bottom line is that it was WAY long for me and needed to be dealt with.

So I did something I promised I would never do. I found a new salon. Ouch, it hurts just to type it (sorry Farrah!!!). But let me tell you something... my hair looks fabulous in it's new, Andy inspired cut!!

Seriously, people.

What could our upstairs neighbors be doing at 1:38am that sounds like stampeding elephants running back and forth across the living room? And what is up with them moving heavy furniture across the floor ALL freakin' night long, every night for weeks. I know there are no small children living up there so what gives? I can't wait until we can afford to buy a place and move out of Animal House. What was funny and tolerable in college is not quite so charming 10 years later. Even if my kitchen is beyond fabulous.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Like a bat out of...

I am blogging to you "live" today from the Cafe in Central Market in Southlake. It is amazing the amount of work I've gotten done by simply getting out of my studio for a few hours. The 5-foot proximity to free refills of Diet Coke (with fresh lemons!) isn't exactly hurting my morale, either.

I managed to do a quick update of my blogroll (see on the right) but there are lots more to add. Particularly my fellow crafty/indie businesses with some fabulous blogs. Baby steps, I guess.

Not much on tap for Mr. Cupcake and me this weekend, but I *did* find the cable to connect my camera so I will have photos of some of the Spring 2008 lines for you next week. Lots of florals (poppies and daisies) as well as a huge bump in the number of vintage-style patterns. Super cute, I promise you.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

What you are buying

Ever wonder what other people are buying from The Creative Cupcake as you shop? I've been looking at my sales figures and stats from 2007 and with over 600 unique items to choose from, you might be surprised to know there are some definite customer favorites:

Favorite Preppy Ribbon
Nantucket - Run a "Style Search" on the main page for everything available in this pattern.

Most Popular, Headband
Pink & Green Argyle (Medium), $12.50


Most Popular, Hair Clip
Preppy Mini Calla Bows in Norwalk & Sanibel, $4.50


Most Popular, Key Fob
French Damask in Black on Turquoise, $10



What is your favorite Creative Cupcake item?

Traveling Fool: 2007 Edition

Continuing the tradition from last year, here are the places I've traveled during 2007 (using the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex as "home") :

San Antonio, TX**
San Diego, CA*
Minneapolis, MN
Austin, TX
New York, NY
Durant, OK

Rules: One or more days were spent in each location and cities marked with * were visited multiple times on non-consecutive days.

Last year I wanted to up the non-East Coast travel -- which I think I've accomplished. This year I hope 2008 will bring me abroad. We shall see...

Where was your favorite spot to visit in 2007?

Monday, January 07, 2008

Updating my blogroll

It has come to my attention that my blogroll (hanging out over there, on the right side) is a little, shall we say, lacking. There are lots and lots of fun blogs that I read on a regular basis but I guess I never got around to updating my list here.

Since it's now on my To Do list for this week, leave a comment or email me if you want your blog or site included in my update. Stop by and check it out later this week for some funny/inspiring/educational/nerdy/preppy/celebrity/foodie/business/decorating/crafty reading.

Missed me?

Long time, no blog! How was everyone's Chanukah/Christmas/New Year? I'm still catching up from the time off I took for the holidays and the week my family came to Dallas. I have lots to blog about but just need to find the time to sit down and write it all. Best of all (for you), there will be a few new headband and belt styles to share before they go live on The Creative Cupcake. If only I could find the darn cable to connect my camera...

Check back later this week!