BELLA KISMET

Here are some of my favorite designs for courageous women - especially those who have endured breast cancer (yuck to that C word). And, in the spirit of courage , let me share a wonderful story with you that all began with an anklet.  Years ago, when I became a single mother, I felt like my world was suddenly thrust upside down. Days felt filled with uncertainty - however, I had no choice but to stay focused for the sake of my girls ( and, of course ) myself. Every day or every week I made a list of things that needed to get done, and as things were completed, I'd check off the list. One-by-one I could at least see that I was making progress even if the days felt like much of a blur.  I began noticing that things that gave me joy weren't necessarily making it onto my lists. I was just doing the things that needed to get done, not things I wanted to get done. So, despite the anxiety I felt about traveling, I decided to travel overseas again. The idea was overwhelmingly anxiety-...

 As a proud mom who has always loved the Montessori-approach to learning and classroom atmosphere, I'd be remiss to not add some designs showcasing my love for it. I'll include links to some items but of course there are many other items and ways you can print it whether it's t-shirts, stickers, yoga mats, beach towels, totes (everyone needs a cute eco-friendly bag for shopping), throw pillows, greeting cards and so on.  Let me give credit where credit is due.  What Is Montessori? Montessori is a child-centered approach to education that emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and respect for a child’s natural development. It was developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori. This child-centered approach emphasizes: Respect for individual development: Every child learns differently and at their own unique pace. Montessori classrooms cater to this individuality, offering age-appropriate materials and activities that foster independent learning. Sen...

I love books so much that I am going to make this post a feature with links to individual books that have made it to my "favorites" list. Each book I list below will have its own post and a link where you can buy it. You can always buy them online through major merchandisers such as Amazon or Barnes & Nobles, but here are a couple of websites I found that list independently owned book shops in the USA and Canada. (1) Dr. Resmaa (2) Time Out's list of 2024  (3) IndieBound .  I only have a small group of friends who read as much as I do, and I'm well aware there are readers out there who power through books much faster than I do. But, love for books is still the same no matter how quickly or slowly the reader makes her way to the end of it. Many of my friends haven't picked up a book in years - school took the joy out of reading and they never found love in the written word. I find that unfortunate because reading, for me, is a mental escape. I can envision wha...

One of my favorite ongoing projects has been promoting and designing for a local personal trainer. He had been a personal trainer for years, but worked for another company and hadn't expanded his brand. Eventually, we discussed a few ideas, and I created a logo that he fell in love with. From there, it expanded into an established brand.  I created designs for merchandise (shirts, stickers, water bottles, etc) as well as helped film content for his Instagram audience. The combination of design and video/pics absolutely taps into my heart as an artist (and fitness lover). Some of the videos I created for him - particularly the ones with the teens recently, and a few of his individual workouts. At the gym, you'll see people trying to film their own workouts - some do okay but - for trainers, it's beneficial to stay focused on the client and not worry about pressing the record button.  Trainers need to have contracts and liability forms so among the many things created were c...

            About 10 years ago I decided to explore the idea of house sitting . I had heard about it before but never gave it much thought until I realized that traveling with my children would be more affordable, comfortable and a richer cultural experience through house sitting.         There are a few official websites that you can use. I've been using one called Trusted House Sitters since I've started this venture. There is a background check for sitters so people know they are getting who they are agreeing to (after all, it takes a lot of trust for someone to open up their house for someone and have their belongings or fur baby cared for in their absence). This isn't a house swapping thing (like you've probably watched on the movie The Holiday). I don't have pets in my house so I'll have a friend pop by occasionally and bring in mail or help with the yard - especially when we are gone for an entire summer holiday.  ...

I'm an Army Veteran. I'm an Iraqi Freedom / Enduring Freedom Vet -- that's my era of service. Now, I don't necessarily look like the stereotypical Veteran. I'm reminded that I don't "look" like what most people envision when they think of the military so I made some designs that any veteran can wear -- including us girlie looking girls.   On Veterans Day every year, I love to enjoy the free meals some restaurants offer. It doesn't matter if I show up with a guy or dine alone - the person seating us will hand the "military" menu to the man and the regular menu to me. Goodness that's annoying. I don't mean to be rude but it would be great if people generally asked if either of us would like the "military" menu featuring the free meals that day. Nonetheless, these designs are for that experience in particular.  Just point to the shirt and order your free meal. LOL  Shirt designs range from "Veteran" - pretty strai...

 If you haven't tried paddle boarding, I suggest giving it a go. I was lucky enough to try it out with my friend Susie who works in Jupiter, Florida, at ( I believe ) the only paddle boarding rental shop in the town.  Yes, the town name is Jupiter. Seriously, I know you are thinking Florida is damn weird. Trust me, most of us agree!  My friend Susie hooked me up with a board perfect for my beginner status and took me to a cool spot nearby the shop. I saw my first large sea turtle swimming under me. (Why didn't I have my camera with me?!) The water was crystal clear and, I didn't even fall off although she did explain how to fall off. Go for the fall. Trying to stay on means you sometimes hurt yourself landing on the board instead of the water, she said. I appreciated the tips. Without further adieu, here's the design. (Much love and good vibes to all of the cool paddle boarding chicks out there.) And, seriously, try paddle boarding. You may look and feel like a complete...