Loving My Favorite Chair -- A Makeover Story

There once lived a girl who was oblivious to the world of thrift stores.  She had grown up with mostly hand-me-downs (there's no real choice what you get there), with some new stuff bought at the big-box stores, or sometimes "name brand" stores, but the concept of "one man's trash is another man's treasure" held no value to her.

Until one day, after she and her mom had moved to their new home in a new town, did she venture into a shop boasting thrifty finds.

And her life would never be the same.

Well, I might as well admit.  That girl was me.  hehe  

And it is a true story.  I would know.  (:

I honestly don't remember how I happened upon that little shop.  For years, it was across the street from another shop my mom and I would frequent, so I probably subconsciously remembered it was there.  When my mom and I moved to our new place, we were trying to outfit it very cheaply, and I was hoping to get some new goodies for my very own bedroom.  A first for me.

And if I remember correctly, I drug my brother along with me to this little shop.  I didn't really go in with a purpose or looking for a specific piece, but when I spotted this chair -- and sat in it -- and saw the $15 dollar price tag -- I knew I had to have it.  

Isn't it hideous and awesome at the same time?!  (I wish I had a true true before pic but that was way before the idea of a blog ever entered my mind.)

Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Invites

I have been chomping at the bit to share these invites!  

Since jumping into the graphic design world, the majority of my customers have been of the boy variety.  Not that I have anything against boys, but not being able to do sugar and spice and everything nice has had me itching for some time to have a girl client.

My very dear friend made my wish came true when she welcomed her sweet little daughter to the world.  I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was when she asked if I could do her first birthday invites.

And then how even more excited I was when she told me the party theme was Strawberry Shortcake.

Too cute!  

I loved the color scheme, which was something we had done before when she was born.  Her mom had asked me to make towels for the sweet baby, as well as name art for her room, which was all in the Strawberry Shortcake color arena.

I couldn't resist making a little strawberry onesie, too!