I'm so BUSY!!

As you can conclude from the title of this post I've been so busy this week. I had an install yesterday that didn't go as planned. What should have taken 4 hours tops is now taking 24 hours and counting. SO ANNOYING. But no fault of the client of course - just me and my slightly limited skills/ the stupid code that won't do as I tell it too.

People have been emailing me asking if I received their email yesterday. Grrr.... Yes. I got it, I've just been to busy to reply yet. This is also annoying because people can take weeks to reply to me but if I don't reply to them within a few hours they go ballistic. Slight (or major) exaggeration here, but still.

Okay rant over. Back to business for this busy butt.

I love my job, really I do!!

Drumroll please....

The winners for our latest giveaway are Cynthia, Mandy and Abby! Congrats girls!! Look for an email from us to discus the details.

For everyone else who entered but did not win - you are still winners today!! Email us within the week (dreamupstudios@gmail.com) and we'll send you a 20% off coupon to be used towards a DreamUp Studios design order of your choice!

Oh, COME ON!!!

Alright, I'm not MAD, so don't take this the wrong way, but I only have 6 entries (thanks you ladies, you are the best!) for my portion of our DreamUp Studios giveaway. The winner will get $100 worth of services for FREE. That's a lot of money (at least in my world it is) and I really wanted more people to want it... I've been busy and haven't had much time to announce it (plus I'm terrible at doing that) but you would think at least some of my readers would enter.... any advise?? Ashley has 6 as well and I want to BEAT her.

Okay rant over. Enter the giveaway here.

After Valentine's Day Give-Away!

Hi lovelies, hope your Valentine's Day was as lovely as you are!! My day was great as is every day spend with my sweet Hubby. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow without him though... anyone with me there?? But don't cry because it's over just yet, no no!! We (the team at DreamUp Studios) have a fun surprise in store for you!!

To keep the love going we thought today would be the perfect day for a give-away!! We are offering one $100 DreamUp Studios gift card to three lucky winners!! We will be hosting this giveaway on three blogs (DreamUp Studios Blog, Sunshine and Bubblegum, Little Things and Possibilities) and choosing one winner from each blog.

So how does it work??

It's simple really! Just leave a separate comment for every entry, telling us which entry it is (ie. I followed you on facebook). You may visit each participating blog and leave more comments there for more chances to win. In two weeks we will choose one winner from each blog (be sure to leave your email so we can contact you if you win) and give them their prize!!

To qualify for the give-away leave us a comment and tell us which DreamUp Studios services you would purchase with the gift card if you won.

For extra entries you may 1.) browse our past projects and leave a comment on the project that you like the most, telling us why you like it (then come back to this post and leave a comment so your entry gets counted). 2.) 'like' us on Facebook. 3.) Follow us on Twitter. 4.) Follow us via Google Friend Connect

For extra extra entries you may 1.) leave a comment on one of my past posts 2.) 'like' me on Facebook. 3.) Follow me on Twitter. 4.) Follow me via Google Friend Connect

Finally, to show our love and appreciation for our current followers (either of the three host blogs, facebook or twitter) we are giving you each FIVE extra entries just for being awesome.

Got my MOXIE back!

Hubby and I were finally able to execute the beach vacation we've been trying to plan. Didn't mention anything here on my blog because I didn't want to jinx it. Must have been a good plan because it worked. Yay!! The beach was so much fun, so relaxing and rejuvenating. Everything I wanted it to be.

Back to real life was surprisingly not-so-bad. It felt GOOD to be home - which was really weird considering how "sick and tired of being at home all day" I was before the trip. I've caught up with most everything (with ease, I might add. So needed a little break!) AND I was even inspired to redesign this blog. Take a look around (if you are reading this in a reader click through) and tell me what you think. It's the most "me" of any designs thus far and I LOVE IT!!!

Been having these random "I look pretty" moments when passing by a mirror. These are far and few-in- between as I get older so I'm trying to cherish them.  I think I might die my hair again, humm... Oh the giveaway for a new blog design is still going on, enter if you haven't!

Today I'm linking to Feel Good Friday and  Friday Fragments. Have a great FRIDAY!!!

Win a new BLOG DESIGN!!!

Aqua Blue Sunrise is Now Open!!!
In honor of this grand opening we are hosting a giveaway. TWO winner will be chosen at random and those winner will each receive a FREE project for the BLOG platform/CMS of their choice via Aqua Blue Sunrise. Visit our blog for details and to enter to win!!

My sister, my sister and me

My little sister is here.

She's half way through her teenage years, plus she's never visited me without the rest of the family, so I was a little nervous that she wouldn't have any fun. But the moment I saw her all those nerves quickly flew away (similar to the speed in which we ran into each others embrace).

I missed her.

We are having a blast! Games, movies, shopping, music, cooking and eating what we cook. Yep, we are having a blast. Like two little girls at a birthday party.



CLIENTS AND BLOGGERS: please be aware that my sister is more important than you. No offense, really I love you guys, but I love her with my whole soul and I plan on spending as much time together as possible while we have it. I'll still be working and commenting on blogs but if my response time slows down a bit this will be the reason. Just wait for me k? THANKS!!

And by the way, isn't this the cutest cake ever? I WANT one. Maybe my sister and I will make one, humm....

{images by ana gonzalez}

Friday Fragments

I love fragmenting! It's practically my blogging style, just look at my last post for proof. So here I go again, click the button to play along.

I get to teach ten 3-4 year old's for 2 hours during church this Sunday. Last time I did it, it went really well for the first 90 minutes but then all heck let loss. I'm hoping I can keep them entertained better for that last 30 minutes this time. BUBBLES I've decided might work. Anyone have any other ideas?

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! STOP!!!!!!!! I'm going crazy here today. They've been testing fire alarms all morning. That and the stupid 'backing up' beeping of the stupid little carts they use to drive two feet to the next apartment are getting very very old. I can't wait to get a house.

My sister gets here in 4 days. I have SO MUCH to do before then. Trying to finish up four blog designs in the next few days. Need to deep clean the whole apartment. Need to buy things. Need to make a list. I hope she still likes me and has fun here. Kinda nervous but super excited!

I need to start exercising again. Want to go swimming but it always seems to rain right before I want to go. Can't find the cable remote to work out to TV either. Insert third lame excuse here.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love my job. I'm so blessed that I can stay at home and make money. I get to meet amazing woman and use my creativity. I've added some new designs to my portfolio if you want to see what I've been up to. I've decided to charge more for WordPress designs. Most all designers do it and honestly WordPress is so much harder so it makes sense. We'll see how it goes.

Our shower curtain fell down a few days ago. Hubby and I were sleeping away and we are awakened by this huge "CRASH" and the screams of each other. It was terrifying (but a little funny looking back at it). The curtain still sits on the ground. I don't want that to happen ever again. Hubby suggested super gluing it but since we live in an apartment I don't think that would be wise. I can't wait to get a house. Humm... I think I added a theme here although totally unintentional. Have a great day!

put the lime in the coconut

Yesterday Hubby asked if I wanted to get out of the house for awhile. He's sweet like that. My meds are starting to work so I took him up on it!! We went to one of my favorite stores in the world - Yankee Candles. They are having a big sale right now and I loved every moment of my small shopping spree. Business has been good so I didn't even feel guilty, yippee!



I got 2 large candles, 2 medium candles and Hubby grabbed 2 of those plug-in things. I had a $10 off coupon that they took on top of the sale so it was a great deal. SCORE!! I LOVE candles. Here is the printable coupon I used if you are interested. Lime in the coconut is my fav. although Tulips smells great too and Berry Tangerine is a nice change of pace from my usual scents. I think I'm obsessed... and now I have that coconut song in my head.

ps: What made you feel good this week? Share at Feel Good Friday. While you are there check out the design, it's a yours truly.

Wordpress and Wonder

When I get busy I tend to procrastinate the not-so-important things. Like laundry, I used to do it every week, but recently I only do it when I run out of clean clothes. Some may call it prioritizing but I'm a realist. Plus when the procrastinated task is finally complete there is that huge weight that lifts off the shoulders.

One thing I've been putting off for weeks was designing and setting up the DreamUp Studios Blog in Wordpress. I finally got it done last night and it felt so wonderful. I would also feel wonderful if you could visit said blog and follow and comment and tell us how awesome we are. While you are there go ahead and check out our websites. Let me know if it all makes sense and flows together.

Thanks!

Hey There Good Lookin'

I got a makeover. The lovely Katie Lane of Lemon Cherry Blogs did a number on my blog. Do you like it, I do! I recommend her to everyone and their dogs and their cats and their... well everyone, cause Katie is G-R-E-A-T!!

Lol! I crack myself up.


But really do you like it?


I'm pretty much in LOVE :) Grab a new button and scatter the sunshine please!!!

What a Day

Monday was fabulous! Not quite perfect but as close as possible. I really accomplished a lot. That new years resolution list was looking mightily attainable on Monday let me tell ya. What a day, what a fabulous perfect day.



Disclaimer:
Since this fabulous Monday I've accomplished almost nothing :)

Want to Hire Me?

Thanks!

I'm a freelance graphic designer. I specialize in women illustrations, but also love designing blogs, logos/branding and websites. I work for DreamUp Studios which consists of two design companies:

1. Believe and Bloom (business branding and web design)


2. Lemon Cherry Blogs (fun • fresh • sweet • unique blog design)

Email me directly (katiekatielane@gmail.com) or stop by my shops and check me out anytime!

Ketchup and Mustard

Ketchup: For those of you who can relate to my last post I suggest you post about it too. If you're like me the realization and guilt will kick in soon propelling you off your butt!!

I got all caught up on work & emails (there is nothing like having an empty inbox), did all the laundry and cleaned the whole apartment in the last two days.


Mustard: I've been 2 away from 100 followers for a week now. Anyone want to help out??

Lazy Daisy

Ever have so much to do and so little to do at the same time? That's how I've been feeling lately. Some reason that feeling has made me lazy when it comes to blogging and reading all of your fabulous posts. Prioritizing maybe? I don't know. But I miss it. And then at the same time, it's been nice. No that's a lie. I feel out of the loop, lost and confused like.

But then again all this thinking and typing is making me want to lie down with that polar bear up there. And then of course there are the work deadlines screaming in my head to be kept. Get back to work Katie. Oh Katie go ahead and take a nap. You haven't been around blogland recently... If I didn't feel so lazy I might scream!!!

Infected affected

My computer is INFECTED!!!! At least that's what all the gazillion pop-ups say. I can't get any of my browser to open. Fortunately I have this old computer that I'm using now. But I have no access to any of my bookmarks or my photoshop. Hubby doesn't get home till way late tonight - and he isn't answering his phone. I'm totally freaking out. I need my computer so I can work, I need those bookmarks and especially I need my photoshop files!!!! Pull out your tiny violins I'm about to have a melt down!

3 days left!!

I'm so far behind! My family is flying in on Tuesday night, that's in 3 days!! I am super excited but at the same time I am not even close to being ready. We all know that jotting down a list helps keep us on track so here is part of my to-do list:

• Wash dry and put away at least 3 loads of laundry.
• Sweep, mop and scrub scrub scrub the bathroom.
• Clear and wipe down the desk, table, counter and breakfast bar.
• Pay rent and other bills sitting around.
• Vacuum all carpets.
• Clean, organise, sweep and mop downstairs entrance.
• Hang a shelf down stairs.
• Work on two blog designs.
• Shop for groceries.
• Clean bedroom and hide stuff.
• Throw all trash, including old desk, away.
• Catch up on my Google Reader (I have 75+)

Wish me luck, and feel free to come over to help!

Lemon Cherry badges

I love the support and power of fellow bloggers. I think it's amazing that a few hours after writing a post for advise I received multiple answers and opinions. With your help, Hubby and I purchased a mattress that we are going to love. It was comfortable for both of us, we took our time and dished out the money. You ladies are life-savers, thank you.

Thank you all for telling me that my blog is cute. Did you know that I designed it? You all loved it so much that it inspired me to start a personal blog designing company. I don't like to brag or use this blog to promote myself but... my co. is called Lemon Cherry Blogs and once again I am asking for your support. Here are my Lemon Cherry badges, please please please copy the code below your favorite and paste it onto your blog!

<a href="http://www.lemoncherryblogs.com/"><img src="http://www.lemoncherryblogs.com/images/award2a.png" /></a>

<a href="http://www.lemoncherryblogs.com/"><img src="http://www.lemoncherryblogs.com/images/award1a.png" /></a>

If you or someone you know wants a blog makeover {everything is massively on sale right now} go check out Lemon Cherry Blogs. I am really proud of my work and hope that everyone else will love it too.

p.s. While you are there let me know what you think, find any spelling errors, something doesn't make sense, a link doesn't work, something seems to be missing?

Life is {grand}

I have some super exciting news! As you may have heard I had the honor to redesign this blog for Juls. Go check it out and let us know what you think.

If you like it then you HAVE to get one too! Insert Self is having a {grand} giveaway in honor of their grand opening. I am the designer for them and they rock, you don't want miss it.

blog affair

It's 6:35 am; I haven't slept yet. But I don't care. I love my blog. Isn't it pretty?! I've been up all night working on it. I had to get it just right. I believe I have. I LOVE my button!! What do you think?