michelle my belle

How I Stay Somewhat Organized

If you're anything like me you forget things from one moment to the next. After years of trying different organizers, from a Blackberry to the full on appt. book, I have found that this type works best for me and my agenda. 

A few reasons why this is the perfect planner for me is because:

1. It's small and fits into a small purse-so I can take it EVERYWHERE!

2. It's spiral so it will fold completely open.

3. It has the whole month at a glance as shown above. I will write my "monthly goals" on the top of the month to remind me of what out of the ordinary thing I'm going to try to accomplish that month. This is after I've already made all of my yearly goals separated out in categories: personal, physical/health, family, spiritual, business, creative. Are you gagging yet? 

4. It has the week with large areas so I can make notes and expand on things when needed. I will also list on the top of these pages goals that I have for the week. If I don't accomplish them I just rewrite them on the next week. After writing them several times I'll usually get to them. I also write my running schedule "goal" out on each day and then I write what I "actually" ran on the month page.

I also keep a daily list on Post Its on the front of my planner so I can cross off all the little things I need to take care of.

This may seem a bit over doing it to some of you but I know how much more I can get done when I am organized and have a list. It keeps me on task. Life is short and there are so many things I want and need to experience, see, do and accomplish. Time is precious.

How about you? Do you write lists? Set goals? Think I'm insane : )

MTU(marathon training update)- ran 6 miles, 8:45 min. mls. average in 28º

I'm Officially Committed!

I have just finished my first week of the 16 week training schedule for the Eugene Marathon! For those of you who don't know I did my first marathon, Rock n Roll San Diego, last June. I had committed to that marathon on a whim of reading a friend's blog and have been hooked on distance running ever since.

My friend Stacy and I are going to try to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Our qualifying time is 3:45:59. Which means we'll have to average about an 8:38 minute mile pace for 26.2 miles!

I'm wondering if I'll be boring you with my running? Or if it's something you'd want to hear about?

MTU (marathon training update)

Home from the CA Gift Show!

Done with 2 out of 3 gift shows! This is a picture of me next to the ginormis chair outside the L.A. Mart. I'm sure glad to be home other than the 84º weather they were having in S.Cal! 

We are officially able to scratch one more gift show off our bi-yearly regimen. This show has been going down for the past 9 years but this was a record breaking BAD show! So, we're down to doing the Atlanta and New York Gift Shows. I won't miss the extra travel and work but I'm not quite sure what we're going to do to reach those new customers in those areas. hmmm? 

A few Allen Designs booth shots to give you an idea of our display.

The show had this display set up at the entrance to our floor. I loved the branches with simple leaves cut out of fabric or paper. Simple, cheap but fun. 

I'll be back later to post on some creative peeps I met. I've missed you! Sorry to leave for so long without letting you know when I'd be back.

Atlanta Gift Show and Umbrellaphant Clock

I'm here at the Atlanta Gift Show. I brought my camera all prepared to share the adventure with you but in the excitement of leaving, left my stinking battery on the charger! ugh!

Here's a picture that Katy, my talented graphic designer, photographer, gift wrapper, errand runner, etc.(in small businesses employees generally wear many hats), took for our upcoming catalog. This Elephant Pendulum Clock is one of our new designs. It happens to probably be my current favorite. 

We've introduced about 21 new clocks and 4 picture frames. We also have worked hard this past year to clean out the bottom 20% of our line. Selling them discounted through Etsy and our blog store. It's been nice to clean out and make room for the new. I really think that in these economic times it's important to keep things fresh and updated. It's a competitive market out there. Store buyers and customers have oodles of options and I feel blessed beyond belief that people choose to spend their hard earned money on our designs. 

Are you an artist reading this blog? Or a crafter selling your products? I would love to hear about what you create and how long you've been at your art? And what your selling avenues are? Make sure to leave your site link and I'll add it to this post. 

Gifties and Trades

Thank you all so much for your comments on my tattoo post! So meaningful and honest. Loved them!

Over the holidays I had the pleasure of trading with an artist who's work I love! Valentina is a talented gal originally from Venezuela but now residing in Miami, FL. Her work make me happy! Not to mention that you can tell even from her blog how genuine and kind she is.

 

And my cherished friend April sent me these goodies. She sent me the "wake me up" and "night owl" tiles previously but just added to my collection with the fun "sushi fresh" tile! She knows how much we like sushi! This little fish ornament is handmade by a German gal she knows. Quite cute! Thank you my dear friend-I will see you in a few days. :) I will be leaving soon for the Atlanta Gift Show, hence the lack of posting.

btw- April has a great blog with all kinds of fun tips from shopping, music to recipes and decorating. She's full of inspirations!

A few other blogs that have been inspiring me lately: Enjoy.

Susan M Hinckley of Small Works in Wool

Merrilee of Mer Mag