1st Option in London...

I LOVE drinking cappuccino from my Tassimo machine while reading blogs....it's one of my favorite things to do! Today, while sipping on my cappuccino, I came across 1st Option on Decor8 and remembered it's been awhile since I featured their fantastic locations!  For those of you scratching your heads wondering who 1st Option is, they are a full service agency based out of London that scouts out locations for films, television, photographers etc. 


It's obvious 1st Option knows how to represent their locations by providing high-quality images on their website for one to look at. Below are some of the ones I've selected (that I love) from the dozens they have listed, enjoy! 

(click on images for larger pic)

images via 1st option

Photo Frame Clock....one for me please!

Thanks to Holly's post today over at Decor8 - I just bought this interesting photo frame clock for my home! I'm thinking of placing it in my family room behind the tv. I was going to get all white frames (which they have) but I already have a white wall. You can purchase this frame clock from a company called Dutch By Design. It cost me a total of about $98 USD (shipping included). Now to figure out what to place into each frame....decorative paper, more artwork, hmmmm

Ballooooooons

I was over at Decor 8 reading Holly's blog and I came across this post and was so inspired to paint again. I haven't painted or drawn in quite awhile....probably ever since I made the UK flag canvas painting for my family room. I love balloons and Holly's post inspired this 8 x 10 painting below. She mentioned that Joy from 'Oh Joy' had blogged about balloons being the next trend....hmmmm I have been seeing balloons in many places, maybe. Anyway, hope you like it.....I may place re-prints in my Etsy shop on Monday, not sure yet. So, what do you think of it ? I know its not what you all are used to seeing from me, but I do have a softer side and I kind of like it! Have a great weekend!

P.S. Now available via my Etsy shop for $9.50 each! 

To start off the New Year.....

I just wanted to say THANKS to all the blogs who were generous enough to feature my new line of Greeting cards! It really means a lot when people help each other the way you've all helped me so far.

This new year I am hoping to bring more awareness to my products and designs. So, if any blogger out there is interested in featuring my work, just let me know & i'll link you too! Hope this NEW YEAR brings everyone lots of success and to those people out there that want to start your own business, I say go for it!! In my opinion, if you feel lost, write to smaller companies and ask them questions like :

• How did you get started?
• What keeps you motivated everyday?
• What should I do if I've started, but then run into a situation where I don't know which way to go next?
• How do I believe in myself enough to succeed?
• Is my product good enough?
• I have a great idea, how can I market it without spending a lot of money?

These are questions I get asked by many women who email me after viewing my site or blog, I try to answer as many as I can but I realize I may have to post a blog about this so I can help others that may not bother emailing to find out. I hope this new year YOU will have the courage to take a chance at YOUR dream. Everyday in my email I receive daily inspiration from a website called "Charity Focus'. I will leave you with the email from today's Daily good that was sent to me. ' You may be whatever you resolve to be. Determine to be something in the world, and you will be something. "I cannot," never accomplished anything; "I will try," has wrought wonders. -- J. Hawes