How late is too late for writing a Sympathy card?

It's the note that no one wants to write but so important to others in times of loss. Writing a sympathy card within a week after hearing of someone's passing is always best. But if you miss that time frame or find out about a death months later, there is no actual deadline, so go ahead and send a note, according to Cindy Post Senning, director of the Emily Post Institute. As with so many other things in life, late is definitely better than never.

Visit the site of one of my favorite magazines, Real Simple, at http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/gallery/0,21863,1690916-4,00.html to find the right words and read well-written examples of sympathy cards.

Proud of my sis...

On Wednesday evening I had the pleasure of attending the 2008 Educator of the Year Awards Dinner for the Palos Verdes School District for which my younger sister, Kristin Biggins (aka Miss Biggins) was receiving an award as "Teacher of the Year" for Kindergarten through 2nd grade for the entire PV school district. She was one of four teachers from the elementary through high school levels chosen to receive this award and I couldn't be more proud! She teaches second grade at Soleado Elementary School and is incredibly derserving of this award. It was such an inspirational evening of dedicated educators and I am very proud of her. She gave a great speech too! It was so great to see her being recognized for all her hard work....she always gives 110 percent (and more) to her students and she is adored by them all. Just a thought to remember...our teachers are amazing and give so much to our children -- we should appreciate them each and every day! (Pictured l to r: Bill and Cynthia MacPhee, Heather Hershberger, Kristin and me)

Congratulations Kristin!! Way to go!!

Turning 11 on 11/11

Today, our oldest child George turned 11. Hard for my husband and I to believe, but true. He wanted to have a football party at the park so I thought great idea, as long as it doesn't rain. And it didn't. In fact it was a beautiful fall day and 14 boys joined us at the park for a day of football, pizza and hanging out with friends. In a last minute decision it went from tackle to flag (much to George's dismay) but a good time was had by all...and without injury I might add.

I think this is what you call his "golden" birthday as he turned the age of the date of his birthday...but we got throw in the month too and called it the 11 on 11/11 Football Classic. I wanted to share the invitation I created for his party with you as it is something you could consider for your next sports-themed birthday event. I took a photo of George playing football and touched it up in Photoshop to look like a painting, added some pertinent birthday history (section 11, row 11, seat 1997) to make it all come together and look like a ticket to a sporting event. Also used some clever copy like "Lago Seco Stadium" and "this ticket is only good with the terms and conditions of an rsvp"and the like. If you would like to create a similar invitation for your next birthday event...just let me know.

Happy Birthday to our sweet boy George...We Love You!!

Come One Come All....

A reminder to all my local customers that this Thursday, November 6th and Friday, November 7th, I will be hosting my annual holiday shopping boutique. The hours are 9am to 2pm and 7pm to 9pm both days. I have lots of great gifts, holiday decor, personalized items (including jewelry, stampers, and, of course, stationery) and so much more. I hope you can stop by and check it out and please feel free to bring a friend. If you need directions or an address please just send me an e-mail and I will be in touch with you. Friends are welcome!! Hope to see you here.

Paste Your Face All Over the Place...

Put some Photoshop wizardy at your fingertips with the photo manipulation site PhotoFunia. All it takes is a clean headshot of yourself or or a subject of your choice and upload it to http://www.photofunia.com/. There are currently sixty nine photos that faces can be pasted into ranging from the Andy Warhol-esque art gallery scene featured here to magazine covers, currency, famous photos, and more. The process is fast and requires no interaction from the user other than selecting the template to be used and uploading the picture. With a simple head shot most of the templates work just fine. PhotoFunia is a free web-based image manipulator. Try it...it's pretty fun, clever too.

Social Butterfly Designs Turns 8!

I can hardly believe it but today, November 1, 2008, Social Butterfly Designs turns 8! I think I must celebrate! We have four birthday celebrations in my family during the month of November -- including my husband, my son, my daughter and my business...it's quite a month indeed.

Oh the things I've learned, the places I've been, the people I've met -- it's been quite a ride thus far and I look forward to what the next 8-plus years have in store. When I started this business I had a 3 year old and a 1 year old and I used to burn the midnight oil nightly to get work done. Today I have three kids from 6 to 11 and I am thankful that my business continues to thrive. This year marked a significant milestone in growth for me with the launch of my website...and blog, and the growing number of designs and products in my line.

Thank you to all of you have supported me thus far and I look forward to working and creating with you in the years ahead.

Halloween 2008