It was a busy weekend and boy am I glad it's over haha. Between getting our costumes finished and the shop decorated for halloween AND my birthday party, I'm whooped this week. Halloween evening we handed out candy at the shop for the annual "Halloween On The Square". I did a little mini Photo Booth outside. It wasn't too successful but I did get some cute photos out of it! We went trick or treating in our neighborhood afterwards. Conrad was so excited to be the Star Lord for halloween. I was a piñata and my boyfriend was Nacho Libre. My costume was a but of a pain to make because I kept running out of hot glue sticks, but it was very simple apart from that.  Lola was super woman of course! After the candy high wore off, Conrad passed out on the couch watching Casper.

My party turned out adorable. It was a blast and everything turned out really well. It was freezing cold on my birthday so I definitely think that kept a lot of people at home and kept the evening shorter than it would've otherwise been, but the band, October 5th, was FANTASTIC and the food was yummy. I made this recipe for some yummy Apple Pie Moonshine. I made the cute little heart shaped lights behind the band. I really got to see how wonderful our back patio space can be and the potential it has for future events and fun times.

 Now I've gotta make it through Christmas! Luckily there's still a handful of weeks til that. lol

What did you dress up as for Halloween?

It's almost November, which means its almost my birthday! Normally I don't make that big of a deal about it, but this is the first time in a VERY long time that I'm actually throwing a party at my shop! It's my big "Quarter Century Birthday Bash" .We're going to have a live band and I'm whipping up some yummy apple pie moonshine punch and a "Dip Bar". It's going to be a blast!

Anywhoo, all party excitement aside, I usually do the list of things to do before my NEXT birthday. Somehow I forgot to upload last years, but I did make one in my notebook! I accomplished quite a bit this past year! Like, really! It's crazy! I never would've thought that I would be where I am today, with a vintage store, a design job and life that I love. I still have a lot to work on personally and physically but I'm very proud of where I've come in just a year.

Well here is this year's list. I'm going bigger and better and going to really push myself to follow more dreams and do more things that make me happy. Because, if we're not happy and living a life we love, what's the point of all this hard work?

1.) Make Over An Old Travel Trailer
               &
2.) Start A Photo Booth side business
               & also use it to:
3.) Sell At A Vintage Market!
4.) Draw + Paint More
5.) Go to Colorado
6.)  Pay Off My Car
7.) Upgrade my camera
8.)  Lose 40 lbs!
9.)  Attend at least 2 conferences/blogger meet ups
10.) Finish up school! I took off this semester but I'm nearly done! Woo!
11.) Start a society 6 page + prints, invitations, stationary CHECK IT OUT HERE!
12.) Take Conrad to the beach
13.) Host An Art show
14.) Create an awesome work space/studio
15.) Get handy with power tools & building something!
16.) Go on a thrifting road trip adventure somewhere
17.) Try to cook healthier and more organic/local
18.) Start a savings account!
19.) Sew More
20.) Visit the West Coast
21.) Make More Movies/Videos
22.) Start playing piano again
23.) Go camping!
24.) Be More Confident & Secure with myself
25.) Relax! Breathe and enjoy things more!



Do you do any kind of annual goal list or special birthday tradition? Share!  I'd love to hear what you do!

I took the weekend off so I'm bit behind on the Feel Good Blogging challenge. So sue me. haha.
 
I've been compiling a list of helpful & life changing resources for creative business owners and bloggers for quite some time now, with the intention of sharing with you all. Today's challenge was the perfect opportunity to put it out there.  I've known for quite some time now that my ultimate goal has been to "quit my day job" and start my own business. I've done tons of reading and researching the how's, the whats and the why's of it all. It's scary and exhilarating taking the plunge so I'm happy to share some of the incredible blogs, apps, books and people that have pep talked, inspired and taught me along the way.

Apps - These are random apps that have come in handy so often! Whether your keeping up with hours, making lists or blogging, these apps have really enhanced my work flow and creativity!

Any.do - I love making lists, and so far this is my favorite. I like that it syncs with you account online so that you can access it from your computer or phone.
What The Font -  Imagine seeing a cool sign or lettering on a book. This app let's you take a picture of the fonts and helps you identify them!
Scanner Pro - How many times have you needed something scanned but didn't have access to a scanner?
Fax Burner - Need to fax said scanned documnet? lol Another handy office function. If you are a freelancer or you work from home, a fax machine may not be in your budget.  This comes in handy!

Blogs - These are blogs and people that I follow on a weekly basis for business, marketing and design inspiration, advice and tutorials.

Alex Beadon (of course!)
Braid Creative
Marie Forreleo
 Love Grows Design

 
Books - If you are business owner, blogger or freelancer, all of these books are incredible. From advice about financial issues to creative exercises and inspiration these books are absolutely a must!

1. Creative Inc
2. How To Blog For Profit Without Selling Your Soul
3. My So Called Freelance Life
4. Grow Your Handmade Business
5. The Handmade Marketplace
6. The Anti 9 To 5 Guide 

Do you have any blogs, books or resources that you'd recommend? I'm always on the look out for new and inspiring things!

As part of the Feel Good Blogging challenge, I'm sharing 10 things about me that you don't know. I didn't skip challenge 3, don't worry. I'll be posting it tomorrow.  I don't share a ton of personal things on the blog so I'm both relieved and nervous to finally be doing so!

•  I've never had a manicure or pedicure. I know right??
•  I talk to my cat when I'm alone at home and he loves it.
• As much as I love to travel and the idea of traveling, I've only been to 3 states outside of Texas: Arkansas, Oklahoma & Louisiana.
• My guilty pleasures in TV are the cheesy romantic dramas like The Vampire Diaries and Reign.
•  I procrastinate in nearly ever aspect of my life until the very last minute and then rush to get things done.
•  I eat beans and/or rice with nearly every meal because I can't stop myself.
• In high school I was on the volleyball team and could serve like a mad woman. Really! I was good!
• I'm really bad about being consistent with things like bed times, chores, and dinner times. We have no structure or schedule to our lives. ><
•  One of the happiest times of my life so far was being in theater in high school.
•  90% of the time my car is full of junk, clothes and things that will be re-purposed or sold in my shop. 

What are some things that others may not know about you? Join in on the challenge with me! I'd love to follow your journey!  Happy Friday everyone!