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