The Top 10

10. For the 4th, we were torn between going up to SB to spend the day with my friend Jess and heading to Las Vegas. Since I've been to SB twice in the past week and we needed a little break, we decided on...

In the end, it was actually easier to push our trip to Sunday-Monday, so we decided to have a low key day on Saturday to gear up for our trip to the 100+ degree Las Vegas. {for the record, I am not a gambler!}

9. We had a great 4th of July. My mom was at a BBQ, so we were going to hang at my house and have a BBQ of our own. In hopes of having a few people there {so it wasn't just the two of us}, we invited my sis {who was conveniently hanging out with our friend Ally}, so Ally and her boyfriend came, too. We had some great food and some {not so great} margaritas. They had the consistency of shaving cream/bubble bath. Nice job on the drinks, sis.

But really -- nothing like a last minute BBQ with some great friends {and family}. I was a little bummed that we weren't going to see any fireworks, but was excited enough for Vegas that I got over it.

8. J called me when he got home after dinner and said he could see fireworks from his place. He told us where he thought they were coming from so my sister and I jumped in the car went fireworks hunting. Hunting for fireworks is kind of like tornado hunting {something my crazy sister wants to do that I'd never consider}, but not as dangerous. We only saw 2 minutes of fireworks, but I am so happy that I was able to see them.

And I'm really glad l that I thought to grab my camera before we headed out the door.






7. I've been working on some flower element packs for my digi-kits. Here is sneak peek at what is to come. And for anyone interested, I will be including desaturated CU versions of most of my flowers. Are any of you out there digi-scrappers? Just curious...



6. Don't forget that my pre-made templates are on sale for just $25 through July 7th. They are available in 2 or 3 columns, and for an extra $10, you can have the colors customized. Such a great way to have a cute and customized design for your blog. I've already sold two, and hope that these take off. I think they are really cute. July is also giveaway month at The Design Girl. Each week, I am giving away a pre-made template. Be sure to check it out. Just click on this post to enter. {entry info is at the bottom of the post} And keep checking back every week for a chance to win.

5. I added some new prints to my stationery line.


I think that the summer prints {below} are especially cute. I am planning on adding a few more as soon as I find the time.


4. I got a really great spray tan this week. The girl who sprays me said {and I quote} "girl, your legs are white! I'm going to have to spray you twice." I am practically translucent {really}. So with a spray tan, I almost look like a regular person! I can wear a dress that goes just above the knee and not blind anyone that walks by with my crazy whiteness.

Now that's fabulous!

3. I got this email from J this week and saved it for my top 10 because I thought it was really funny. I guess it's funnier for anyone who actually knows Kitty. She's a rescue that I forced him to take in years ago when my sister's friend's sister found her in an alley. I love this cat, but she's a pill.

"Only kitty cries over seeing herself in the fridge. 20 min and counting..."


2. I'm really running out of things to write but want to finish. Sorry if this is boring. I made star shaped pancakes on Friday {for dinner}. J took the day off to spend some time with me {he works a lot, so it was really nice to have him on a Friday}. We went to Whole Foods, watched Dexter, and had a really fun and relaxing day/night. I {as always} got some work done in the middle of everything. Because my work never stops. I even put two blogs up on the 4th.


1. I set this to post on Sunday, since J and I are in on our way to Vegas {and I am not taking my computer. it's our first time apart}.

And tonight, we are seeing this.


So excited! I have always wanted to go to Cirque du Soleil!

Fabulous Friday {holiday style}

The image above is brought to you by my 4th of July digital scrapbook kit! :)

I love holidays. Christmas is my favorite {obviously!}, and I'd like to mention we are over half way to my favorite time of year. So excited. But any excuse to celebrate is fine with me. You may notice that I have decorated for this holiday! I'm using one of my pre-made templates. What do you think? Did I mention that the colors of my pre-made templates can be customized? Because they can.

For this week's Fabulous Friday, please share all the things you think are fabulous about the 4th! Fireworks, decorations, recipes, etc....and be sure to link back to my blog if you participate.

Me? I love fireworks!

I did not take this photo, but hope that I'll get some great ones with my new camera. Really fast -- someone asked if I had any photography tips, and I wanted to respond. I literally laughed out loud when I was asked that question because I know nothing about photography. Thanks to the person who thought I may be good enough to have tips. Haha.

I will tell you that my friend Jess said to post in AV mode. That's how I get that blurry background when I focus on something {I think}. I'm sure if any photographers read this they'll think I am a complete idiot. Like I said, I know nothing.

I love vintage decor. Bayberry Cove has some really cute 4th of July decorations. Like these. And this. These are cute, too.

Check out Martha Stewart for 24 patriotic desserts. The American flag tart looks amazing. So does the summer shortcake. You need to check out all her desserts. They look incredible.

I am planning on making some star shaped pies



And pancakes. Yes, I have the star pancake molds from Williams Sono*ma {purchased last year} specifically for the 4th. :)



I told you I love holidays :)

I'm skipping Mr. Linky this week. I am tired, and last week's was sort of pathetic {3 entries -- sad}. If you participate, please just leave a comment.

Another copycat "blog designer." Seriously?!

I can't believe that I am here again. Or maybe I can. I know several blog designers, but for some reason, I am the one that people just love to copy.

When I first started designing blogs {almost two years ago}, there were very few blog designers out there. Two years later, people think they can visit my site, snatch my code and/or ideas, and start their own site designing blogs. Well, that's not how it works. I got here by learning, struggling and working very hard. Not by copying other people. And honestly, I am so sick of it.

Late last year, a fellow blog designer emailed a link to a new designer that had a site that was clearly a copy of mine. I emailed the blogger who said she didn't know that copying my designs was wrong. Really?! Is that not common sense? Anyways, she apologized, and I figured I was done dealing with her.

Yet here we are today. My blog designer friend sent the link again because she thought I should look at it. Her site is now identical to my last design. She has a home page with a scalloped box around it, scallops going down the sides, same font, a "basic" and "standard" package, etc...

I just spoke to her a few months ago. Think she forgot? I don't even know what to say.

When I decided to create a home page, I did it because no one else had them. I understand I don't own the font that I use on my blog designs and that I did not invent the idea of a home page. I get that. But I was trying to set myself apart with something new {for a blog designer, that is}, and take it very personally when someone comes along and puts little pieces of my design together in attempts to sell a replica of my work. I have yet to see other blog designers with home pages. Well, until now.

If this one girl starts selling stationery or giving away freebies, I may crack.

I emailed her tonight, and hope that she decides to do the right thing. But I am really sick and tired of sending out these emails. I can think of at least seven times this has happened to me. Seven.

This is where I need your help. I am considering issuing a new policy {which will probably go in my terms of design} but wanted some feedback. The policy will state that I will publicly "out" any designer who copies me. I think that may be the only way to get people to stop. I have always tried to handle these situations kindly {And in a classy way, too. You know how I love to keep it classy}. I never link to the people that take things off my site or copy my work, but I think I may have to start doing that, just to get people to stop. This has happened too many times, and I think this is the only way to handle this. But does that even do anything? I guess I'd reconsider if I thought everyone would know I was a thief. I just can't take this anymore.

What do you think? Is that wrong? Would you all want to know who is doing this to me? And do you think this will deter anyone from copying my designs? I don't want to seem spiteful, but I don't know how much more I can take, either.

I am so annoyed. I need to get off the computer. I have been on it for 3 days straight.

Update -- I decided to search for blog designers that have taken things off my site. People are usually great about sending links to me, so this was my first real search. The first blog I saw had my some of my FAQs word for word.

Ummm...hello?! Do people not know this is illegal!? Not cool.

Like my new look?

I know you probably all loved my girl with the drink {or at least got used to her, and don't worry -- she will be back} but in an effort to promote my new pre-made blogger templates, I am going to put {at least} one new design up every week this month.

I couldn't think of a good tag line, but love that font, so I used the first sentence that came to mind. I'll be coming up with some fun, crazy tag lines all month, I'm sure. And I really do love my cat. And my new logo {you can see it as a watermark on the photo below}.

I am also holding a giveaway month on my other blog.

Every week, I am giving away a pre-made template, so stop by and enter! And this week only, pre-mades are on sale for just $25! You get a custom blog design {but it is one that others may have on their blogs as well}. Still, it's a cute and very affordable new look with your title in the header. This one went up today. I hope to come up with some more designs as soon as I have some time.

And after a certain amount of time on my site, I may start retiring older designs {as new ones go up}. Just to keep things a little original.

The winner and a few other things

Let me start with the winner of the Restoration Hardware tote. I love this girl, so I'm glad that she won.


Congrats, Lauren! Email me your address, and I'll get the tote to you at some point in this lifetime soon. You know I have post office issues, so be patient with me ;)

On to what's going on with me. Well...I've been working for 2 days straight. That's about it.

There are some more new pre-made templates at The Design Girl. I hope to make a lot more, but would love to hear what you all think. And if there's something you'd like to see there, let me know. I think they're a great idea for someone who wants a cute blog, but doesn't want to spend a ton of money. For $35, you get a custom blog makeover. Not a bad deal.

Once my scrapbook kits are out {should be pretty soon} I am hoping to make some scrapbook style pre-mades with my kits. I am finally submitting my files for review to the site owner. Since I'm so new, I need to do that with my first few kits. I have so much to learn, but it's fun. I'm just so glad that I am finally doing this.

I made this template today -


I also added some free blinkie buttons! I think they're really cute! You can see the free twitter button in my left sidebar, and I just love the one below. Is it crazy that I'd love to make some Christmas ones NOW?! Can't wait!

Stop by and grab some free blinkies and desktop wallpapers.

I was chatting with Amy {one of the owners of Polka Dot Plum, where I'll be selling my files} today, and she sent me these avatars. Is it just me, or does this all make it feel more "real?"

I got this one for the forum


And this one for my blog, facebook, or wherever I want to put it.


I can't wait until the store launches. It is going to be amazing. There are some of the most amazing designers selling there. I feel so out of my league. It would be like Kirsten D*unst going up against Kate W*inslet for an Oscar. The PDP designers are all so good.

I need to sign off and go to bed. It's almost 1:00 am. Goodnight!

New things are happening

Thank you all so much for your comments on my photos. I have to credit my Canon Rebel XS. Had I taken these with a regular point and shoot, I'm sure they would have looked pretty ordinary. I'd really love to learn some more about photography, but I am spread pretty thin right now.

I'll have to put that on the back burner with sewing. I am dying to take a sewing class. I want to make throw pillows. And aprons. And a few other things :)

I know I haven't been leaving comments on blogs, but honestly, I haven't had much time for anything. Between blogs, freebies, pre-made templates, redesigning my site, taking photos for my digital kits, and attempting to design digital scrapbook kits, a logo, creating previews for kits, etc... I'm a little busy. I even forgot to go to my spin class yesterday. Sad. I'll try to stop by when I can, but the next month or two are going to be a little crazy.

Anyways...

I have some exciting news. I am now offering pre-made blog templates. And I redid my site. Again. I loved the look of these templates so I decided to go just a little bit cleaner, but kept the overall layout and look of my last design.

You know, the one I put up a week ago.


I made that whale, by the way :)

For $35, you get a really cute template uploaded to your blog. I customize your blog title {and tag line if you have one}, and install the design for you. A great and affordable way to get a new look! Stop by and let me know what you think of my templates and my new look!

Hope you're all enjoying your week!

The Top 10

10. The pup & I spent Thursday and Friday in Santa Barbara. The visit with Jess, Chris, and baby Logan was a little short, but as always, it was great to see them.

Jess gave me some photography tips, and I had fun experimenting with my new camera.

My pup

Love these flowers

9. Pinkberry has two new summer flavors {coconut and passion fruit}.

I haven't tried them yet, but they sound interesting. I really love the original and pomagranate, so it would be tough to top those. Has anyone tried the new flavors yet?

8. There were some pretty significant losses in the world of entertainment this past week. Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett both passed away on Thursday.



Michael and Farrah passed away on the same day, with his death completely overshadowing hers. While he was "The King of Pop", she was a pretty iconic figure as well, so I think it's sad that her death seemed somewhat overlooked. I think she was gorgeous.

Billy Mays {the OxiClean guy} passed away this morning. I love OxiClean. It recently saved one of my favorite tops.


My thoughts and prayers go out to their families {especially Michael's children. I hope they aren't split up}.

7. Saturday, J and I headed up to SB for a few hours. We went to dinner at a great Mexican restaurant {and had some delicious margaritas}, walked around a bit, and headed over to the beach where I took some {beginner} photos. I also had some frozen yogurt.

I don't know how much I'm actually learning about photography, but I'm having fun and getting some much needed shots that I'll be using in my designs. J did a great job helping me find flowers and various things to shoot {and was excellent when it came to providing shade for photos when needed}.




The next few shots are of a Santa Barbara beach

6. Jon and Kate Gosselin filed for divorce.

I am so sad for their kids, and think it's horrible that they are in the spotlight right now. Yes, I understand that the money is great, but I think J & K should have at least taken a break and attempted to work on their marriage {or at least focus on their kids}. I just think that with 8 kids, they should have worked a little harder and taken time away from their show.

But as Jon said on their 1 hour divorce special {so horrible} -- he is "excited" about all this. Because divorce is just so exciting. Gross. You know Jon, one day, your kids will see that interview. And it will likely break all 8 of their hearts.

I so hope that the kids at school don't say anything to the older girls. Hard enough going through divorce, but to go through it with paparazzi and parents on the cover of People magazine takes "hard" to a whole other level.

5. Sneak peek at an element from one of my new digital scrapbook kits. I wish I had more time to design them. So hard balancing that and blogs.

4. It's summer time at The Design Girl, and I am holding a giveaway!


In honor of reaching 250 followers, I am giving away 2 free stationery prints. I am also giving away a fabulous Restoration Hardware tote bag on this blog. :) Just click the image at the top of my {left} sidebar.

3. I am now giving away free desktop wallpapers. If you want to use them on your computer, just visit The Design Girl and save them to your computer. Thanks for the fabulous idea, Jill.



2. My friend Jill moved from Houston...


...to San Antonio!


I know people move all the time, but I think it takes a really brave person to just pick up and move new city. And it takes a really smart person to move to one of the top 10 Christmas towns in the US. :) I just talked to Jill and she sounds so happy.

Jill, I'm really proud of you, and can't wait to come visit!

1. I went to Williams Sonoma today, and bought the star shaped pocket pie mold.


Can't wait to use it for the 4th of July. I'll be sure to post pics and a review! If all goes well, I'll have to go back to purchase the heart, too!

Have a great week, everyone!