Week 8 : Design Days - Phases of the moon

Well you guys, I'm still in to moons. It's true. This design is actually a block print, and therefore it has great texture and organic edges.

Let me know what you think!

This moon phases print is available for free for one week...staring now! Click here.

Week 7 : Design Days - Greenery Sillouettes

Two for one Design Days this week! :) These two prints are digital drafts of some larger acrylic paintings I'm planning for our bedroom. Basically they are experiments. 

Both prints are available for free download this week.

The fern print is here, and the leaf print is here.

The free period for these designs is over :( But don't worry! You can still grab them over at my etsy store! 

Week 6 : Design Days - La Luna Moon Painting

This project is a great time to experiment, yes? So I'm going back to watercolors.

Moons and galaxies have been inspiring me a bit lately. Chalk it up to Star Wars or The Martian - or maybe it's just my internal way of pretending I'm the astronaut I planned to be. Whatever it is, they are lovely.

Week 6 is a watercolor moon.

For one week, this 5x7 download is free! Enjoy! 

Never fear! The print is still available on my etsy store :)

Week 5 : Design Days - Let the Adventure Begin

Hello again! I am having such a blast with my personal Design Days project! I haven't been this free-form creative in a long time.

This week's design is a hand-lettered piece I created for my daughter's room. It's about starting the day with a vigorous perspective. Ready for adventure!

For one week, this is design is available for TOTALLY FREE download! Click here.

The one week free download has expired on this print. But don't worry! You can still grab it on my etsy store. 

Week 4 : Design Days - Micha 6:8

Have you ever read the Bible? It is so chalk full of amazing wisdom. This verse has stuck with me for a while :

And what does the Lord require of you? Seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. - Micha 6:8

Not perfection, not prayer at every meal, not a certain number of good deeds : the Lord requires these heart pursuits. To me that may be harder, but it's also better.

As a personal reminder of this to myself, I created week 4 of my Design Days project. You know that cool calligraphy thing that seems to be everywhere? Here's my first effort. Enjoy!

This quote is available for download - absolutely FREE - for one week form the post date. Get it here!

The free download period for this piece is expired, but you can still purchase it on my etsy store! 

Week 3 : Design Days - Words to Live By

Occasionally with this project, I will ask for inspiration from people I love. It gives me a glimpse into their world, their heart, their minds. My inspiration this week comes from a friend who is purposefully instituting some big changes in her life. It's hard work, but she keeps her priorities straight. This is a quote she considers often these days...

"Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God."

Week 3 of my Design Day challenge is here!

This is available for download for one week - absolutely free! Just click here. 

The one week free period for this print is over. :( But never fear! :) It is available for purchase here on etsy!

Week 2 Design Days : Growth Takes Time

This is a piece of wisdom I've cultivated over the last few years. Growing my ideal business takes time. Teaching my daughter healthy behavior takes time. Becoming intelligent takes time. And that has to be AOK. The important thing is that I'm moving forward.

So here is week 2. "Growth takes Time" quote with cactus illustrations.

This is available for download for one week - absolutely free! Just click here.  

The one week free download for this item is over. But you can still pick it up on my etsy site! Enjoy! :)

Welcome, welcome 2016! Do you have a motto for this year? Here's one option!

This printable 5x7 download will be available for one week after posting - absolutely free!

Now this print is available on my etsy store !


Enjoy!

Last Minute Christmas (Big Sale too!)

It's the final countdown!

Christmas is right around the corner. Are you feeling a little last minute? Decorating...Cooking...Shopping...preparing for guests...c.l.e.a.n.i.n.g. Bleh, cleaning.

I'm here to say, there is nothing wrong with "last minute" for the holidays. And there's nothing wrong with "imperfect" either. The best things will happen no matter how we do on that intimidating list I just made, right?

But if you are looking for a few easy ideas to squeeze in some festiveness at home, I've got a list for ya.

1. Throw a Christmas print up in a frame you already use. Just leave all the prints you use in the frame. That way next holiday, you can just open the frame, reorder the prints, and done. It's all in one place. EASY is the name of the game. Here's my favorite this year from my etsy store.

 

 2. Put decorations on all your booze. Wine and spirits are on the counters and all around during the holidays. By adding just a touch of Christmas, it looks like you thought of everything. Check these out. 

 

3.  Make your house guests feel welcome with a wifi password sign. Tons are available for easy at home printing. The only one currently in my shop is here, but you can find just about any style on Etsy.

4. Give your family and guests something fun to do when they are waiting around or relaxing. I'm talking about coloring books and pages. Busy hands make happy hearts! Set out a bunch of crayons (or something more sophisticated for the adults) on a table with a bunch of coloring pages for the whole weekend. Turn it into a competition if you have a family that can't do anything just for fun ;) These coloring pages can even be turned into wrapping paper!

 

Alright, now the big news. Since printables are the very best way to do a last minute Christmas, from now until Jan. 1, I'm having a big sale! Buy two printables, and get the second free! Any second item up to $4 will be absolutely free! Orders greater than that will receive $4 off. Enter code BOGO2015 at checkout! OMGosh.

Oh yeah. 

Have a seriously great holiday everyone. Enjoy your perfectly imperfect Christmas!

Free Holiday Printables 2015!

Hello, hello. My goodness has it been a year!

Here is 2015 in a nutshell : While falling in love with a little, constantly changing toddler, and learning to be a mom to her, I have also been trying to figure out how to do what I love (design) and make money (run my business).

There it is! I've had some successes and some failures, and the truth is, I think 2016 will be more of the same. But it's been a good time. A really good time.

To celebrate and say thanks to my customers and readers, here are a couple free holiday printables for you. (Perfect for some last minute holiday decorating before the in-laws come into town, etc.) Enjoy them, and as always, post some pictures with the tag #SlaterLanePaperCo, so I can see how you use them!

These links below will download a printable PDF (each 5x7") for personal use. Don't forget to check out the other holiday stuff on my store! Thanks again for all the support this year. 

'Tis the Season Chalkboard Printable
 
Deck the Halls Chalkboard Printable

Practical Ways to Save Money (While Starting a Small Business)

I am fortunate in that my current situation allows me to both freelance and stay home with my sweet toddler-girl. However, dropping my full-time employment meant a significant dip in the family weekly earnings. This list of strategies are easy ways to offset that dip...at least for a season of life!

1. Stop ordering alcohol when out for dinner. 
At our stage in life, I don't think it's reasonable to stop going out with friends and on dates. Not only is it how we relate to our friends, but it's time Husband and I can focus on ourselves. Instead, if I drop the wine or cocktail off of our order, I can still easily save 6-15 dollars every time. I can always pour a glass before we leave or after we return for 1/6 of the cost. 

2. Plan meals ahead of time.  
One grocery trip per week is my goal. With a week of meals planned, I'm not making superfluous or spontaneous purchases. Less food rots in the fridge, and I can buy in bulk purposefully. I can also make budgetary decisions upfront and not rush through them while pacing the isles with a toddler in the cart.

3. Have a monthly clothing budget.  
Having a clothing budget helps me see the true value in each clothing purchase. My thoughts typically go like this "If I buy this now, I can't buy anything next month. Is this the best (clothing/accessories/shoes) thing that will happen in two months?" I dream of being able to shop for everything on zara.com, but that day is not today, and it's worth the strictures.

4. Put gift money into savings. 
My husband's family gives a lot of money gifts for birthdays and Christmas, sometimes even for Valentines Day and Easter. Normally I feel entitled to use that gift money for fun things, but it can go a long way to make up for depleted income. Straight into savings it goes. It's a bonus anyway.

5. Live off of Flash Sales. 
Groupon and similar flash sale sites (our local version is cincysavers.com) have everything these days. By purchasing $1.00 fitness classes vs. joining a gym, or 50% off nights out at a restaurant, or replacing home goods for cheap, flash sales can save you money. It requires a little bit of flexibility, spontaneity, and discernment, but the savings can add up. Beware of spending pitfalls though - make sure you are only spending money on things/activities you would buy without coupons. No extra purchases just because it's cheap!

6. Look at your Bank Account Every Week.  
That sounds so boring. And yes, hopefully it will be! Surprises are bad in bank accounts. A little face time with my bank account keeps me knowledgeable. Fundamentally, it keeps me motivated and on track.


7. Think of Everything in Terms of Opportunity Cost.   
If this, then that. We can't have it all, and that's okay. Opportunity cost is a trade. I am highly motivated to keep my business going even through the years of baby raising. It is one of my priorities, and I have to treat it financially as such. While remembering that it's only a season, cutting corners and saving is worth it to grow my business. If putting off the kitchen renovation for 6 months means I can invest some extra time or capital into growing my business, it's worth it.


You know, it's funny. When you believe in something, small sacrifices don't seem so bad! 

Four Brave Reasons to Work Out

I can think a lengthy list of negative reasons to work out : I need to look better. I should be more desirable.  I want to be more like that girl.

It almost feels "natural" to look insecurely at myself and seek to increase my worth with the quality of my body. Unfortunately though, when the goal is to gain perceived value or self-worth and I fail, I feel discouraged and a little hopeless. It can become a rotten emotional cycle.

Through the years, I thankfully discovered that my body doesn’t affect the inherent value that I possess from God (as I believe) or from those that love me. That is true of every single woman. We can all take that pressure off ourselves!

There are wonderful, positive, and brave reasons to work! These reasons build my confidence and health instead of knocking them down.

1. For the Joy

There is a rush of joy when we use our bodies. Sometimes it takes a few weeks of effort to get there, but when we overcome a milestone, feel our lungs adjust, or get the moves right, it’s a personal celebration. Joy comes from different exercises for different women. I find joy in running and dancing, but it could come from gardening, swimming, yoga, or a team sport…anything that moves you.

2. To Set an Example

Our kids will definitely be watching us on this one. Consider how we want our kids (or anyone that looks up to us) to use their bodies.  Take those values as motivation to demonstrate ways to consider, tend to, and enjoy using our bodies for the right reasons. Let them see us swim a few laps at the pool during adult swim. Invite friends to go on a fun stroller walk around the park or join a volleyball league. We can encourage our kids to be physical by being physical ourselves.

3. To Defeat the Bad Guys (/Be Prepared for Anything)

I want to be ready. I want to be nimble enough to catch my stroller if it starts rolling away from me. I want to be strong enough to hold on to my purse if someone tries to snatch it. I want to give myself a fighting chance and trust my body to respond to my commands. Now, of course, we all hope no one has to actually defeat any bad guys :), but exercising can provide a feeling of power to face whatever crazy circumstance manifests itself around our families.

4. For Quality and Longevity

This is about experiencing life in the best way possible. When we make an effort to be healthy, we give ourselves the best shot to be spontaneous, to overcome obstacles like steep stairs or long treks, and to participate in everything going on around us. We allow ourselves the best shot to experience the wonderful relationships, activities, and opportunities in life for as long as possible.

Next time you are staring down the elliptical, give one of these motivations a try. They’ve made a big difference for me. Please share your other brave reasons to exercise and stay healthy. I'm always looking for more!

Enjoy your brave workouts!

White Chocolate Cookie Dough Fudge - YUMZ

Never again. Never again will this mama bring brownies in for the bake sale. Never again will I show up with candy cane cookies for the cookie exchange. This fudge has changed my life. 

White Chocolate Cookie Dough Fudge
It is everything it sounds like. Sweet. Buttery. Smooth and chewy. I had to freeze most of the pan so that we wouldn't eat it all in a day. It took a lot of self control. Enjoy!

 

Ingredients

Eggless Cookie Dough

• ¼ cup butter (softened)
• ¾ cup Brown sugar
• 2 tsp. salt
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¼ cup flour
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

White Chocolate Fudge

• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp. salt
• ½ cup butter
• 2½ cups white chocolate chips
• 1 tub (7 oz.) marshmallow fluff

Instructions

1. Cream butter, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl.
2. Add milk and vanilla. Mix until combined.
3. Add flour and mini chocolate chips. Mix well.
4. Spread mixture on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Put in the freezer for 1 - 2 hours.
5. After cookie dough has refrigerated, start fudge by lining a 9x9 pan with parchment paper.
6. Place the white chocolate chips and marshmallow fluff in a big bowl. Set aside.
7. In a sauce pan melt the sugar, heavy cream, salt and butter on medium heat until it starts to boil. Cook for 5 minutes.
8. While fudge is cooking, take dough out and cut or crumble into approximately .5" x .5" chunks. Set aside.
9. Pour the hot mixture into the bowl of chocolate chips/marshmallow fluff and mix until smooth and soft.
10. Let cool for about 5 minutes.
11. Fold cookie dough cubes into the fudge, reserving a handful for later. Pour into the 9x9 pan.
12. Sprinkle the leftover cookie dough chunks on top. Put in the fridge for 3-5 hours to let it set.

A Midsummer Night's Dream : Literature Party

For my first literature party, I picked a piece that was surprisingly delightful to me: A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. It's obviously a party for the outdoors with a ton of directly repeatable thematic elements and characters. I used the following words as a guide to develop the book into a theme party.

Mysterious
Fantastical
Whimsical

Invitations 
Digital design with white metallic backer and two white rhinestone accents. Blue metallic envelopes with white calligraphy. Invite and calligraphy done by Lisa Langenhop Designs

 

The Menu :
A Midsummer Night's Dream takes place in the woods of Athens, so the meal was inspired byGreek food and natural dishes. View the menu on Pinterest.

• Chicken Souvlakia via Lemons for Lulu (Yum! We cooked them on the grill and they were tender and tasty!)
• Roasted Cauliflower and Mushroom Quinoa Salad via Closet Cooking  
• Dilled Cucumber Salad via Our Lady of Second Helpings
• Lemon and Olive Tapenade with pita chips and baguette chips via Spoon With Me
• Champagne with white rock candy sticks
• Lemon poppy seed cupcakes

Games : 

• Quotations : I took 10 quotes from the book and rolled them into little scrolls. While eating dinner, each guest read a quote and the rest tried to guess which character spoke the line.
• Laurel Wreaths : I made basic laurel wreaths out of lavender twigs (but you could use any long frond or wire). The ladies got to put wildflowers, sprigs, and baby's breath into their own laurel wreaths to wear for the evening.

Decorations : 

• Colors : White and green with touches of purple 
• Table top : White linens, garage sale lantern, reused glass jars, and white candles
• Flowers : Everything (except the always inexpensive baby's breath) was cut from my yard : lavender, sage, oregano, evergreen fronds.

 

3 Easy Ways to Be the Best Hostess Ever

Originally Posted on Hello, Darling at :  http://www.mops.org/blog/3-easy-ways-to-be-the-best-hostess-ever


I have a small house. I have an outdated kitchen. I have an infant and a job. I am a control snob. All that considered, I might be a horrible hostess.

Over years of throwing clam bakes and Thanksgiving dinners, hosting Bible studies and impromptu girls’ nights, I’ve learned things about hosting that run against my original understanding. Hosting has shifted from stress to joy; I look forward to opportunities to bring people inside my home.  
Small changes in my outlook have made a big difference, and here are three of the easiest tips to being the best hostess ever!

1. Depart from expectation that are self-imposed.

I am a sucker for themes, decorations and excellent food. But hear me: The only person expecting perfection at your event is you.  Guests might be impressed with formal place settings, shiny chocolate ganache or seasonal décor, but they will also never notice their absence. Allow yourself leeway to invest an appropriate amount of time, energy and money for your gatherings based on your lifestyle and life stage.

As soon as these extras (gourmet food, décor, fanciness, themes) become a stress instead of a fun expression of your creativity or gifts, get rid of them. Your guests just don’t care enough. By tailoring your investments, you will feel less frazzled, more in control, and more energetic when the guests actually arrive. (And sometimes less proud, snippy and inaccessible, if we’re honest!)

2. Make eye contact and conversation with each guest.

When people come into your home, look them in the eye. Eye contact is the cheapest and fastest way to communicate respect and connection. It’s personal and honest, and this easy action will make your guests feel acknowledged.

Follow up the eye contact with a short conversation sometime during the event. Even a five minute awkward conversation you initiate will create a sense of belonging to any guest.
It’s so simple!  Eye contact and individualized attention will make worlds of difference to the comfort level of your guests; you can bet they’ll be back with the next invitation!

3. Have fun yourself.

You set the tone for your event. If you are acting like a spaz and fretting about the timing of dinner, your guests will sense the tension. If you are laughing or in the corner clinking glasses between dishes, your guests will feel emboldened to do the same. Some group dynamics are very difficult, but a happy hostess is the best remedy to keep things on track.

When you feel yourself tail-spinning toward annoyance or stress, step back. Ask a friend to take the dishes out of the fridge. Or just take a break! Sniff a candle or step outside. 


The goals of hosting are positive: fun, love, friendships, kindness. You should be experiencing them too!

These simple ideas don’t always come naturally, but they aren’t complicated. Try one out and share the results! Cheers to healthy, happy hosting!

Public Gratitue

Our little Fiona was born May 2nd, and she's huge, lovely, and ponderous. Husband and I have become parents (terror!).

There is much to laugh and sing about, but the flavor of today's post is our wonderful support system. {{ I will lovingly refer to them as "our team."}} In the midst of our big life adjustment into parenthood, we have been loved, provided for, and encouraged by our team to unbelievable capacity.

Photo by Chelsea Caroline Photography

Prove it? OK. During the first five weeks after Fi's birth, I only cooked TWO meals. We had at least one visitor every day (excellent for an extravert bound to home). Our house was clean; I was able to take naps; I didn't run out for emergency nursing pads because our team did it instead. Every other day brought a package or card filled with loving words and gifts.

I can't speak enough to the flexibility, time, money, and care given over the last several weeks. THANK YOU to everyone. Thank you for loving me, CJ, and Fiona that way. You inspire me to contribute in the same way to others. YOU ARE AMAZING.

Photo by Chelsea Caroline Photography

{{Thank you mom, dad, Lori, Jerry, Laura, Annie, Kirsten, Jen, Jenn, Kelsey, Jeff, Amy, Brian, Mike, Amy, Carl, Lily, Katie, Katie, Jeff, Catherine, Dave, Chelsea, Chad, David, Mike, Jenna, Seon-Ho, Ethan, Laura, Mike, Lilli, Nicolette, Phil, Joe, Joe, Marissa, Kelly, Jeff, Mallory, Harper, Bonnie, Charlie, Ashley, Adam, Aaron, Mary, Beth, Sherris}}

Valentine's Day is for Love : Free Usable Images

Valentine's Day is for lovers....or is it? Well I say "yes" and "no".

Can it be for everyone who loves anyone...brotherly, sisterly, parentally, romantically? Let's celebrate this Valentine's by dropping a note, a call, an "I love you" to all the people we love in various ways today.

Feel free to use these new designs via Pinterest, email, chat. Spread the love! Happy Valentine's to all!

Secret Dorkdom

Most people don't know about my excessive dorkdom. Privately I am queen of the Dorkdom Kingdom. Need proof?

1. Times I have read Lord of the Rings in full? - Lost count at 12 several years ago
2. Have I ever created my own language? - Yes, well, a written one at least
3. Favorite genre? - Duh, Sci Fi and/or Fantasy...both in literature and media. Ex. Stargate Atlantis, Avatar : The Last Airbender, The Dark Crystal
4. Favorite author - Isaac Asimov
.....

Now. I just HAVE to let you all know about the thing that recently sent my geek world reeling:

~The creators of MYST and RIVEN are creating a new game! ~

That is, they will if they reach their Kickstarter goal. Oh, the hours and notes that my dad and I invested working our way through these games. I say with pride that we never used the help books. If you aren't familiar, MYST and RIVEN are are immersive games that transport you to a new world where exploring and complex puzzling is your only aim. Beautiful graphics and emotive music penetrate your imagination.

This video introduces the world to Cyan, Inc.'s new project, Obduction :


Support them on Kickstarter and get this closet-nerd her next fix! 

In the meantime, get jazzed by looking at some of the concept sketches they have released thus far.

Advice for Professional Millennials

I am 29 and acknowledge that according to some references, I am a Millennial. However, I've worked with a handful of younger Millennials, and I would argue that in workplace function, they are a different generation.

I know several instances where a Millennial's inability to be professional curtailed the start of her career. While it's frustrating, probably some true-hearted Millennials just don't realize how their age-group will struggle to acclimate to a corporate environment.

We've complied a bit of well-meaning advise for any Millennial starting out in the workplace and aiming to grow her career.

1. Show up to work on time, every. single. day.
2. For the first six months, don't ask to leave early, take longer breaks, or change your regular schedule in any way.
3. There are appropriate people for complaining to about your job (your mom and your boyfriend). Your boss is NOT one of them. Do NOT complain to or in front of your boss about your job.
4. Speak English well, not good. Abbreviations and cute sayings are not helpful or communicative. Your goal is to portray intelligence and education, not apathy and slang.
5. Practice using your brain. Think for yourself, learn quickly, don't use your co-workers as a crutch.
6. Understand that there are consequences (cause and effect relationships). Ex.1 : If you don't do a project today, you'll have to crunch it in tomorrow with everything else. It doesn't disappear! Ex. 2 : If you slack in a group project, your boss will know and you will hurt your relationships with your co-workers.
7. Show initiative. When you finish a task, immediately ask what to do next. Look for ways you can help, assist, or contribute, even after your assigned task is done. 

 If you follow these seven recommendations, you will adapt more easily to professional culture, AND stand out amongst your Millennial peers. Good luck!


Thanks to Annie at Pumpkin Scarlet Blog and Ashley with Dirty Helen Paper for help with this post!

Literature Parties : As a Means of Inspiring Myself

What inspires you?

I've been attempting to think critically about myself recently; what do I want? How does something make me feel and why? What actually makes me successful, and what are worthy goals?

There is a conundrum for me as creative business owner; I salivate over efficiency and affective processes and converting clients. Yet my passions beat to create, to make things into something new, to do quality work.  Can I be "awesome" at business and creative? Quality work is creative work, and it takes time, practice, and inspiration.

Blah, blah, blah. Hence my initial question :  what inspires you? I wonder, because I'm discovering what inspires me. What churns my brain and trains my eyes?

It's literature. It's stories. It's characters. It's heroes.

Over the next year, I am going to throw parties inspired by classical literature, previously unread (by me, of course). The parties will be small and intimate, and therefore purposeful. Imagine formal invitations, costumes, drinks and menus derived entirely from the content of the book.

Want to come to a party? Comment below. Have a book candidate for the list below? Comment below.

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

Short Stories by Edgar Allen Poe

War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Dufoe

Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne

Updates and photos to come soon!