** A Fabulous Find **

Well this week's Fabulous Find supports my friend, Ernest Brooks, who recently opened his own salon in trendy Portland Oregon called HairapyPDX Salon!! Ernest has been a Hair Artist for over 17 years and is top of his game. His new salon's goal is to pamper you from head to toe and to bring out your individual, natural beauty. This ammonia-free salon offers services for Hair and Skin. Whether you need a full day of relaxation, a completely new hair style, some quick hi-lites or the best skin care, you'll find it there.

Also check out their sister site, Beauty from the inside out, for the newest discoveries for Skin and Health.

Be sure to visit HairapyPDX Facebook Fan Page and become a fan today! You'll receive regular updates on new products and what's hip in the world of style.

HairapyPDX - Therapy for your Hair!

xoxo, Maggie

** A Fabulous Find **

Hello and welcome to this week's 'A Fabulous Find'. This is actually REALLY cool for we artsy fartsy types!

Thanks to Sofa City Sweethearts a new website, Etsy Co-op has been born for Etsy sellers. It's intended to help sellers find one another to share booth space in local craft fairs (in order to cut overhead costs). It would be awesome if you joined the forum! She just added a post for San Diego (great for me!). Members of the forum can post events that they wish to attend and request someone to share space with them. BRILLIANT! :) (In fact here's MY latest forum posting http://www.etsyco-op.com/event-forum.html then go to Western US Events and click on California)

So be sure to log on to this fabulous forum at http://www.etsyco-op.com/ and visit Sofa City Sweethearts Etsy shop for some really groovy decor ALL PRICED UNDER $50!! WOW!!!

xoxo, Maggie

** A Fabulous Find **

Super thrilled!!! Although a couple days late...here is this week's Fabulous Find! I am in contact with a gal who owns a Boston based business and she loves my stuff. She wants to sell several of my pieces in her online boutique...wow! I'm working on getting her to approve 4-6 designs exclusive to her boutique. That way, she can list them once and sell them over and over. It would be a drop ship deal so every time a sale went through, I would build the piece and drop ship it for her.

I sent her a small scale sample today (pictured). She really has a cool business doing Princess Events and the business is called Princess Sharon . Please visit her website and see all of the party themes she offers. I want to create a keepsake box design per theme as well 4-6 chic designs for her boutique.

I'm very excited about this business prospect! Cross 'em...it's very promising! :) www.PrincessSharon.com

xoxo, Maggie

Happy INDEPENDENCE Day!

I wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July...and so does Gracie! :)

Thank you to our Armed Forces for ALL that you do for our country. GOD BLESS THE USA!!!

xoxo, Maggie

** Fabulous Find **

Hi Everyone,

Well this week's Fabulous Find is put on hold. My pug, Gracie, was bitten last night and narrowly missed her eye! :(

I am caring for her today solely...look for next week's Fabulous Find! xoxo

Thanks so much, Maggie

**A Fabulous Find**

Hi and Happy Monday from sunny San Diego!

I'm so excited about this week's Fabulous Find...can you guess what it's about? My pug Gracie is the clue. Gracie was so excited today when she got her new chic neckwear in the mail today! "It arrived, it arrived" she barked!

No Cats Allowed is definitely my Fabulous Find this week! Gracie's crocheted black collar with overstated hot pink flower is just DARLING!!! This was a custom order made just for Gracie, but check out all of the cutie pie neckwear available. Crystal, the girl behind these little treasures, also offers sweaters, shirts, leash bags and more...all for your dog. Please visit this Fabulous Find!

A special 'thank you' to Crystal of No Cats Allowed for making Gracie look and feel so special...and a big lick from Gracie!

xoxo, Maggie

What do ya think?

So I've launched a new online studio called artONart for my new series of Textile 3D Wall Art. Please take the time to check out my first two listings...and check back as I will be adding more pieces soon! Basically it's your FEEDBACK that I'm looking for. I ADORE the pieces that I create, but will potential customers?

I'm such a nut for interior design that I actually redecorate my home by the season! I love to be able to create an entire new look with simple things like new pillow covers and Wall Art. I was really inspired to do Wall Art that jumped out and thus, my Textile 3D Wall Art was born! I love it so much that it inspired me to launch my new online studio and sell it. :)

One of them is pictured here...it's called "Madame Butterfly". So again, will you let me know what you think? It would mean the world to me...thanks so much!

xoxo, Maggie www.artONart.artfire.com

*A Fabulous Find*

Hello and happy Monday! :)

This week's Fabulous Find is a fellow Etsy-er (er?) that I think does AMAZING work creating unique jewelry! I especially love her Celtic flair! Jennifer of Taylor Grace Collections has an eye for beauty, fun and funky. Check out her fun and funky bottle cap earrings!

Jennifer has been designing and creating jewelry for years and recently launched her online shop. I encourage you to visit her online shop at Taylor Grace Collections for fabulous gifts for someone you adore or for yourself...you won't regret it. Jennifer also has a clearance shop where you can find rock bottom prices on her wonderful pieces! xoxo, Maggie

Yard + Art = YART SALE!!!

Ya Gotta Yart! June 10 - 14...please visit my online studio for FABULOUS reduced items and FREE SHIPPING on most items!

<------ Look how gorgeous my newest listing is! Whether you're shopping for yourself or shopping for a loved one...these are PERFECT GIFTS! I absolutely LOVE custom orders too, so if you don't see one that would blend in your decor, let me know and we'll create the perfect piece for you and your home. http://www.studiomdecor.etsy.com/ Thank you for your support~

xoxo, Maggie

Let the Games Begin...ENDS June 26th!! Enter Now!

The CONTEST: Please log on to my studioMdecor online studio and choose your favorite item in my store. Post the link of that item on my Facebook Fan Page wall (and ‘become a fan’ if you’re not already).The PRIZE: On June 26th a lucky person will win a CUSTOM Keepsake Box personalized just for them!!! (Measures: round = 8”; square = 7.5”) The winner will tell me their preferred colors, motif, etc. Remember, this is a great gift too so you can have it made for someone you adore.I want to thank you in advance for your support and GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!! xoxo, Maggie

**A Fabulous Find**

Good Morning from sunny San Diego!

This week's Fabulous Find is a darling place to shop for jewelry and baby bling! Check out these little Princess Diva Hi-Tops ...too cute! Dara, the designer behind Jewelry and Baby Bling by Dara has been selling on Etsy since 2005 and her business is booming!

Dara offers personalized mother & grandmother name bracelets, medical ID bracelets for adults and children, key chains, watches & necklaces, fan pulls, bookmarks, ID & eyeglass holders. Beautiful Holy First Communion, Christening, Baptism baby personalized bracelets, hair accessories & of course baby bling swarovski crystal keepsakes & Converse Bling Sneakers for babies, toddlers, girls, tweens, teens & yes, adults, too!

Please visit Jewelry and Baby Bling by Dara and by the way, custom orders are her specialty! I am inspired by Dara and her success. :)

The Bustle

For last Monday's "A Fabulous Find" I blogged about my friend's new bridal boutique in Del Mar, CA called The Bustle. I went to visit my friend, Alison at her boutique today and by the time I left she had requested a dressing room bench trunk and a bridal pedestal from me. I am so honored and excited!!! Alison, a special thank you for your trust in me and I will build you two fabulous pieces!

Please read my blog about Alison's gorgeous boutique below. :)
xoxo, Maggie

One Lovely Blog Award

Nothing pleases me more than getting the dirty low down on everything! Now I'm REALLY pleased because not only do I get the scoop, but I got a One Lovely Blog Award too! What a true honor for someone who has only been blogging a short time. I just recently became a 'follower' of Lori Storrs, the girl behind the Dirty Low Down, and I love her blog! Thanks so much for this One Lovely Blog Award, Lori. xoxo

Please take the time to visit Lori in all her glory: BLOG: Dirty Low Down ETSY: Dirt Road South it's well worth the visit.

Per Lori, I must now pass on the torch to 15 other lovely blogs... and it is my pleasure to do so!

Lily Shay Style

Zero Pumpkin's Art World

Art 2 the Extreme

Les Bijoux Créa-Lune

Jennifer Magnesi Designs

AlyGatr's Everywhere

After the Bump

Mystic Wind

Tile Me Beautiful

Svasara

POP India

Vegkat's Confessions

Unique Nurses

Magic Markings Art

Life as we know it

Thank you again to Lori of Dirt Road South and the Dirty Low Down. You little ROCK STAR!

xoxo, Maggie

Let the Games Begin...

The CONTEST: Please log on to my studioMdecor online studio and choose your favorite item in my store. Post the link of that item on my Facebook Fan Page wall (and ‘become a fan’ if you’re not already).

The PRIZE: On June 26th a lucky person will win a CUSTOM Keepsake Box personalized just for them!!! (Measures: round = 8”; square = 7.5”) The winner will tell me their preferred colors, motif, etc. Remember, this is a great gift too so you can have it made for someone you adore.

I want to thank you in advance for your support and GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!! xoxo, Maggie

ATTN Designers of Jewelry, Hair Clips, Cards, Small Items

** Super Chic Show Display Case **

INVEST in your business! Display your handmade items in style and professionally! Please visit link below for EXAMPLE with more pictures. Fabrics, display style inside will be per YOUR custom request. :) I would be honored to create one for you. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25947941

A Color Pink I Don't Care For...that's a first!

Crummy economy, shopping shut down, budget cuts... oh my!

My favorite color on the planet is pink. It always has been and always will be. However, recently there is a pink I don't care for... the mighty PINK SLIP! We're becoming a 'Pink Slip Nation' with the unemployment rate soaring. I am a casualty of it since December 2008 with no work in sight. Although it hasn't been easy, I believe there is a solve that each of us can do personally that will hopefully behoove us in the long run.

My solve? Take this time to 'follow your bliss'. Start your own business, sell your creative designs and crafts, clean out your closets and post it all on Ebay, take on clients by posting their items on Ebay for a percentage fee. Do not...I repeat do NOT, wallow in tears, show your weakness or just plain give up. This is the time to stand up tall, wipe your tears and be a survivor!

Network, network, network!!! Support your friends during these tough times and don't be afraid to ask for the same support. Without our 'people' what's the point? Six degrees of separation is a huge reality. With the help of 'forwards' and 'forums' I have made so many new friends and contacts and will continue to! I am so grateful for them too. :)

In the long run you just may have started a successful business that will thrive long after this nasty recession. If that is something you've dreamed of doing for years, then go for it NOW!

I want to take this opportunity to thank my friends, family, blog followers, facebook fan page fans and future contacts for your continued support and please know that you can always count on me for the same. We can get through this... and we WILL. xoxo, Maggie

**A Fabulous Find**

Good Monday morning everyone and I hope you enjoy this week's Fabulous Find!

Wedding season is upon us and with ALL that needs to be done, wouldn't it be nice if there was an easier way for brides to get ready "head to toe"?

Introducing The Bustle , the first bridal boutique in San Diego to offer bridal hair and makeup services from their Bustle Salon while also being able to provide you with your gown, veil and accessories. At The Bustle you will find your gown, be fitted by an alterations specialist and book your trials for hair and makeup. You and your bridal party will be pampered by their professional beauticians who are experts at preparing you for the most important day of your life. Their services will have you and your bridal party ready head-to-toe...and ready to go! The owner, Alison Pasiut, is a friend of mine and I can assure you she will take great care of you!

When I got married two years ago, I had such a stressful time planning my wedding that my fiance and I decided to get married in Maui since we owned a condo there and it would be much easier for us. I wish I had a wonderful service like this available to me at the time... it would definitely have made things so much easier. Well, I had the 'something old', 'something new' and 'something blue'...but I didn't have 'something borrowed'. Alison was kind enough to provide a gorgeous veil that I took with me to Maui. It was the perfect 'something borrowed' and was the cherry on top. Alison has an eye for 'gorgeous' and will offer nothing less in her boutique.

The Bustle is located in beautiful Del Mar, California...breathtaking!

Open 7 days a week by appointment: Call at 858-523-9254

Please visit The Bustle website at http://www.thebustledelmar.com/ and be sure to forward... we all know someone who is getting married. xoxo, Maggie

**A Fabulous Find**

Good Monday morning from San Diego! :)

I am so excited about this week's Fabulous Find! There are creative crafters, there are creative actors and then there are creative photographers...like this fabulous gal! Residing in Orange County, California, Emily Plastrier has recently launched a new business with an excellent niche. Emily does children's photography. She has an amazing gift catching the happiness and sparkle in a child's eyes...something every mom and dad can treasure! She has a spectacular gallery on her website which also includes 'Furry', 'Family' and 'Fun'!

I encourage you to visit Emily's website and if you're in Southern California, then look no further for the photographer of your next event! Good luck to you, Emily! :)

http://www.photographybyemilyann.com/

xoxo, Maggie

MEMORIAL WEEKEND SALE ** 20% OFF **

Got Secrets? Keep them safe and sound in your own keepsake box.

Now is the time to shop my Etsy studio for your own handmade textile trunk or box...you'll receive 20% off (5/22 - 5/25) on ALL items! Please see my Shop Announcement for details at www.studioMdecor.etsy.com.

If you're a crafter, they're great for storage. If you're a seamstress, they make great sewing boxes. If you're single, I have an awesome Hope Chest for the ecclectic (because not every girl likes pink). They make wonderful gifts too.

Please forward to your friends and family...I appreciate your support so much!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend...stay safe. :)

** A Fabulous Find **

Good Morning from sunny San Diego! :)

I have decided to run a continual Monday Blog called 'A Fabulous Find'. It's purpose? To shout out about other great stores and businesses that I think are definitely worth checking out!

My very first 'Fabulous Find' is about After the Bump Boutique which specializes in the cute accessories you need for yourself and your bundle after the bump is gone. How clever! Everything is handmade 'with love'. I have many friends that are having children and baby showers are constant! :) This is a wonderful place to pick up darling and unique baby items and here are a few of my favorites:

Sweet Surprise Baby Bracelet - Chantilly rose

3-6 Month Urban Chunky Bucket Hat

Traditional Cocoons

Absolutely adorable! Please take a moment and visit this darling shop After The Bump !

Thrilled to Pieces! :)

Although I have been designing and creating handmade textile trunks and boxes for five years, I recently launched my online studio at http://www.studiomdecor.etsy.com/ and so far so good. I further promote my online studio with a Facebook Fan Page and, of course, my Blog. To take my promotion to another level, I have been researching Etsy Teams to join. This morning I had a great email come to me from an Etsy Team that I didn't even know existed. They found my store, loved my pieces and asked that I join their Etsy Team. I am THRILLED TO PIECES as they present to Interior Designers, Decorators and Home Stagers... this is HUGE and an excellent opportunity for my business. I encourage you to visit my Team's website at http://www.designstyleguide.net/ as they offer a great array of quality handmade home decor items by style, material, color and room. My pieces are listed under "Under $20" and "Home Accessories" (Boxes & Baskets). So come on by - I would appreciate the support. :)

Let me know what THRILLS YOU TO PIECES and I will be happy to support you too. xoxo, Maggie

Now...I Spin the Toilet Paper!

It's no secret that life throws little things at us that keep us on our toes!

For instance, the other night I was in the process of removing my makeup with my face cream (it's a girl thing) and when I reached for the TP to wipe it away, a huge (HUGE I tell you!) black spider came crawling around the TP and I FREAKED OUT!!! I'm telling you this baby was a furry monster and it was staring right at me. Moral of the story? From now on before I grab... I spin the toilet paper first!

My point? When you feel you are in a rut, you'll know that it's time for YOU to spin the toilet paper! xoxo

Blogging and Facebook and Websites...OY!!!

Blogging and Facebook and Websites...OY!!! What's a girl to do?! All I want to do is sit in the comfort of my home and create my fabulous trunks and become independently wealthy! Is that too much to ask?! Clearly there is a need to promote, promote, promote. I know, I know... I really shouldn't be such a pain about it since all I really have to do is... sit in the comfort of my home... on the computer. With all this technology at my fingertips I don't even have to leave. Well then, fine! I'm blogging about my Facebook Fan Page and Etsy website...boom, it's done.

http://www.studiomdecor.etsy.com/
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/studio-M-decor/78323534181?ref=nf

Be a love and visit my links, won't you? I worked really hard on this promotion!

A Pack Rat Who Hates Clutter...

Well, we all know there's two types of people in this world...the pack rat and the person who hates clutter. I, however am the WORST type...I'm a pack rat who hates clutter! This is quite the predicament, as you can well guess. My solution?

One night while sifting through mounds of books, decorative items, my little art pieces that my kids have made me over the years (of which I cannot part with!), clothes I haven't worn in ages because I swear I will again one day, blankets and pillows for my guests and so much more, a little light went off in my head, "I should really have a home for all of this stuff!" Now I know the first thing that comes to mind is 'duh!' but you have to understand, a true pack rat doesn't understand that concept. Nope, we prefer to stare at our 'stuff' with such pride knowing how long it took to collect it all and let's face it...if that big pile of stuff could talk, right? Ah, the memories! Well, this is where my sickness comes in. I got so sick of staring at my pile of stuff that I immediately requested of my husband one large floor trunk to be built. He was on it right away (well of course he was... he's a person who hates clutter!). The next day I had my fabulous wooden trunk and away I went. Over the next 24-hours, I created the most groovy textile trunk that doubles as window seating and it's STUFFED with my guest blankets, pillows and family games. I continued doing this until all of stuff had homes. That was 2004... I have been designing and creating handmade textile trunks every since. :) Listen, I almost lost all of my stuff in a Feng Shui attack so my trunks really saved the life of my pile of stuff. When I was done with this huge task I knew there would be other people out there in need of one-of-kind, groovy storage. Voila! Studio M Decor was born.

I sold my trunks for years in the renowned Cedros Design District in Solana Beach, California and did very well. I am really excited to have recently launched my online studio in which I build tabletop pieces (trinket boxes, wedding planner boxes, etc) and offer custom motifs, as well. This is a true passion for me! I love to create, create, create - especially when I get to create a customized piece for someone's home... it also gives me peace when I see their pile of stuff and realize... I'm not the only pack rat who hates clutter. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.

http://www.studiomdecor.etsy.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/studio-M-decor/78323534181