Getting older (and better)

I for one am not a big fan of aging, but truly there is no choice. 

And if you are reading this and thinking how strange this all sounds because you are in your teens or twenties or even maybe your thirties, trust me when I say that one day (not as far off as it currently seems) you will wake up and feel like your life is a Talking Heads song! 

As part of the acceptance process, it is helping me to know my many friends from college in particular but High School as well who are right there with me within a year or two. 

I am reading a book on my Kindle reader called "50 Ways to Enjoy Turning Fifty" and part of the acceptance piece is finding people in their 50's who you admire. 

I don't have enough time today to do a lot of research but I have found a bunch of cool famous folk who range from 50-60 to make me feel better about where I'm at. If these cool people can be this age, well then I can manage it too. 

59: Oprah Winfrey                   & John Malkovich
58: Reba McIntire                     & Annie Lennox 
57: Whoopi Goldberg                & Johnny Rotten
56: Daniel Day-Lewis & Chris Isaak
55: Ellen DeGeneres & Sheila E. 
54: Prince (shares my birthday) & Joan Jett 
53: Valerie Bertinelli & Bono 
52: Colin Firth (love) & John Taylor (love)! 
51: John Bon Jovi & John Corbett (need I say more) 
50: Jodie Foster & Jon Stewart 
49: John Stamos & Johnny Depp 

Not bad company at all. Not at all. Now a quick reminder that only 3 people have actually participated in my birthday blog contest and I find that well -- unacceptable. I love my friends and the readers of this blog and I would like to see you post even just one time in honor of my reaching this milestone. You have just 15 days to GET 'ER DONE! 

As a reminder, the rules (as easy as they are) can be found here: http://mamapicturethis.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-birthday-comment-contest.html

Go now. Comment often. Make my day and my year ;-) 

Ciao for now, 
Mama Zuzi (Sue)

Things I'm Liking Sunday - May 19, 2013 Edition

I can barely believe that May is nearly over - can you? 

This time next month, the kids will be out of school and every thing will be different until we get back to it again in the fall. 

You would think that I'd be liking summer goodies right about now, but I'm just not there yet. So what am I liking? Let me fill you in... 

For a while I was all about the British TV show "Doc Martin" and to be honest, I still am. I managed to watch every single episode for the total of it's five seasons thus far. I hear rumor that the series is filming Season 6 this year and I can't wait to see it. In the meantime I've been looking around for other shows I enjoy as much. 

Psych's characters Shawn Spencer and Burton Guster

And then we found "Psych!"  We don't have cable so we never even knew it existed until this year even though the show is currently in it's 7th season! That is my first LIKE for this week... the family found "Psych" Season 7 on Hulu and we are overjoyed! 

You can find "Psych" on the USA Network if you are a paid up cable kinda person. 

When I'm not watching Shawn and Gus thwarting criminals after getting into mucho messes, I'm usually working on some aspect of my Etsy Shop.

This weekend I'm working up some Kids Personalized Scrabble Pieces Name Sign and already have a a few orders! Totally fun to make these babies. I started with my daughter's name as an example and I'm also working up a possible boy version as well. There will be more. 


And last but definitely not least, I've been liking the art of my good friend, Tom Webb, aka Sir Grapefellow. His Etsy Shop is here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Webbitup and it is filled amazingly illustrated monsters, pirates, dogs, cats, rabbits and even a snake! 

I find myself most partial to the pugs and the cats. 

And one more thing. I am liking the awesome folks who have actually entered by birthday blog contest by adding a comment (it can be to any post on my blog). The rules are easy and they are here: http://mamapicturethis.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-birthday-comment-contest.html. And I've just added a NEW rule... the more times you comment, the more times you are entered to win! Right now the entrants have a 50/50 chance of winning. I think YOU should give 'em a run for their money (or t-shirts and card sets)! 

Ciao for now! 

Mama Zuzi 

Blog Birthday Comment Contest

As you may know, or may have noticed, I have a big birthday coming up. Despite my best attempts to hate this particular birthday year, I am actively working at ways to make it great. 

I don't know about you, but I feel WAY younger than I am. And while age is just a number, they can wreak havoc with our emotional state until we adjust. If we allow them to, they can even send us into a deep depressionary spiral and ruin our year. But we are the only ones who can choose whether to wallow in self-pity or to celebrate ourselves in all our glory at whatever age we happen to be. 

What is life without celebrations? 

We all know just what life is if we aren't getting older. 

And on a somewhat somber note, those of us celebrating big birthdays should remember that not every one is so lucky to get the chance. 

And so ... despite how much it pains me to type these words, I am actively working toward being FABULOUSLY FIFTY! Can it be? Not me! But alas tis true. 

In honor of this momentous occasion that is coming all too soon (see my birthday countdown calendar to the right of your screen), I am having a Blog Birthday Comment Contest! 


The rules are easy: 

1. Comment on the Mama Picture This blog between now and June 6th
2. Share the blog post that includes your comment ... on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest
3. You are automatically entered in a random drawing on my birthday (June 7th) 
4. Winner receives a t-shirt & 4-pack of photo cards (you choose the photos)
5. 2 Runners up win an 8x10 (or 8x8) photo print of their choosing! 

*** In addition, I will donate 5% of every sale in my shop between now and my birthday to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (in honor of my Dad). 

Happy Big Birthday to Me... and to you too! 

Help me to make it a great one! 

I am counting on all of you (you know who you are) who read the blog but rarely if ever comment to comment and spread the word far and wide! Without your help, this contest will fizzle... but with your help it will be FABULOUS! 

10 Ways to Celebrate a Big Birthday without Breaking the Bank

If you are having a big birthday and want to celebrate without breaking the bank, there are still some great things you can do to mark the occasion. 

1.  Get a tattoo 

While a large or elaborate tattoo can set you back hundreds of dollars, you can often get a smaller one for under $100. 

2. Pierce something

Never gotten your ears pierced? Do it now. Looking for something more adventurous, consider your upper ear or nose. I got my nose pierced just last year and it cost about $50 including jewelry. 

3. Manicure/Pedicure

        Want to go wild and spend a bit more? You can do
        both manicure and pedicure together. Save money 
        and just pick the one that makes you feel extra 
        special. 

4. Cut & Color

If you are anything like me, you don't cut your hair as often as you might like. A good hair cut can make you feel great so go for it. If you can spend a little extra go for some color. I always color my own hair but this year am splurging for both a new cut and a little fun color -- something I don't normally do. 

5. Shopping

The nice thing about taking yourself shopping (in stores or online) is that you are in charge and you can buy anything from a whole new outfit to a new piece of jewelry at the local resale shop or even some sparkly new nail polish to do your own nails. 

I know I'd like to spend my next birthday on an island in the Pacific or in Europe but this year it isn't going to happen. And that's o.k. My birthday celebration (and yours as well) can be special even on a budget. 

Happy Birthday to You! Make sure you find a way to honor just how wonderful you are even if it can't be elaborate. And while you are at it... consider figuring out ways to celebrate all year long throughout the year. You deserve it!

A little pick me up

Today was a crappy day. 

Although I did not take myself shopping nor have I purchased anything yet, sometimes when I"m feeling down I like to purchase a little something to perk up my spirit. 

If I'm flush, I like to buy new shoes or an outfit. If money is a bit more tight, I've been known to buy some nail polish or a lipstick. 

What do you do to lift your spirit? Is there something you like to buy for yourself? 

I am not sure if anything would really lift my mood today but if I was gonna try, I just might buy: 

Maybe fun bright fingernails would do the trick. 

This polish is called Such a Nice Beast glitter nail polish and it is available here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLadyVarnishes

I've been looking for a pair of earrings I can wear with pretty much everything and I DO love sea glass, so maybe these would be uplifting? I'd be happy with just about anything from this shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OceanCharmsSeaGlass

I don't tend to wear wild shoes anymore (ah yes I might like to go back in time and decide to stay in NYC but then again I wouldn't have my beautiful children/family so that's a problem). But for a splurge, these shoes just might do the trick well! These awesome cool orange shoes are a size 9 (too big for me) and can be acquired from: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BexVintage

I don't feel up to looking for clothes but this necklace might go nicely with my earrings... If you are interested, the necklace is available here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RSMDesigns


Here's hoping tomorrow is far less annoying but I'm not holding out hope. Have a great night. 

Ciao for now. 

Mama Zuzi

New Beginnings

Today I have been thinking about beginnings. 

I know two women who are past their due dates and soon to meet their new babies. 

At my office, we have been interviewing and are soon to add a new person to our development team. 

My husband has been interviewing and is likely to be starting a new position soon as well. 

Summer is just weeks away and that means a new nanny and a new season and a new schedule. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/151121579/kids-personalized-sign-custom-name?ref=shop_home_active

New seems to be on the agenda. 
I am also trying out some new items for the shop. 

Today I posted a special order listing -- an upcycled sign for a teen girl's bedroom door -- personalized just for her! Considering offering as a regular listing. I am also trying to come up with one or more potential versions that might be more popular with young guys. 

And when it comes to new beginnings, what better than a wedding or civil ceremony? 

Add caption

Continuing the scrabble motif, I've been thinking about the possibilities of a similar treatment for bridal/wedding ceremony signs. It seems all the rage these days to include signs for your ceremony, such as Mr. and Mrs., The Bride and The Groom, Here Comes the Bride and Happily Ever After. 

Are you a bride to be? A member of an upcoming wedding? Mother of the bride? I'd love to get feedback as I move along in this process. And speaking of feedback and moving forward, I spent a little time today making and

packaging up my latest photo note card order and they are ready to head out for California tomorrow! Thanks to Amanda Jayne for the order. Check out her adorable crocheted items in her Etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MsAmandaJayne. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/73027099/blank-photo-card-set-4-x-5-white-wonder?ref=shop_home_active

I think I'm making it an early night tonight! More tomorrow. 

Ciao for now, 

Mama Zuzi 

Cool ways to hang photos

Anyone can take a photo print down to the framing shop and go for the standard frame with or without a matte. That can get dull pretty quickly. 

The cool thing about the internet is that there are tons of clever and unique ideas out there to spice up your family photos or art prints for your home. 

A few photos of different members of your family, shots from a particular event or thematically-connected art prints can come together beautifully with the help of an old or antique window. This idea comes from the cottageinstincts blog which can be found at: http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/2011/12/what-to-do-with-old-windows.html.

I can totally see my Shaniko photo collection in a 4-pane window. 

I also found a great and easy way to connect several photos, possibly in a hallway or above a table, by using a curtain rod. 

The rod can be as modern and sleek or fancy and intricate as your style dictates. A little ribbon or wire and your photos framed as you like, and you've got a terrific look. 

More images of this idea and details can be found at the Wingledings blog: 

http://wingledings.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-love-good-challenge.html

If you have some old shutters laying around, 2 Friends & 2 Cities have a great idea of how to refinish them and turn them into a beautiful display for your photos. 

Check out their before and after tutorial at their blog here: 

http://221vision.com/2011/02/17/before-after-shutters/

I love all of these ideas and given how many bare walls we have in our house, my photo decorating wheels are turning. 

I for sure want to try both the window and the curtain rod idea. What ideas are you inspired by? 

Ciao for now. 

Mama Zuzi

Things I'm Liking Sunday - Mother's Day Edition

Happy Mother's Day!

I am enjoying my day after a lovely brunch out with my family. I have taken a nap and been working on the shop. A lovely way to spend the day, especially since the weather has turned and it feels as though it could rain at any time. 

In honor of the day, I'm happy to say a couple of my "likes" come from my very own children! Apparently the apple doesn't fall that far from the tree when it comes to creativity. 

The other day, my daughter decided she just had to have a new bag to carry along on her field trip and within no time at all she had created this fabulous duck tape bag complete with strap, two pockets and a close-able latch! LOVE IT! Trying to convince her to sell some in my shop! 

My style is just a bit less hot pink than my girl's purse. I myself am a big fan of small bags and am always on the lookout for ones I like. If I was buying one this week, I'd go for this lovely little jewel from janinekingdesigns on Etsy!

My daughter isn't the only creative one around here. For Teacher Appreciation Week (albeit a little late), my son is making a card featuring one of his signature dragons: 

The red dragon theme would look terrific in his bedroom (maybe I'll frame a copy) but not really anywhere else in our house. I've been thinking a lot lately about our empty walls and therefore exploring home decor. I think this painting set by NathalieVan would look gorgeous in our bedroom: 

On the other hand, I may just go for a framed enlargement of this photo instead: 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/65199230/beach-grass-8-x-10-digital-art-photo?ref=shop_home_active

Hope your Mother's Day is terrific. More soon! 

Mama Zuzi (Sue) 

Up-cycled Personalized Special Order

 

 

Five things I'd rather be doing

It's Friday. While I'm enjoying a quiet evening at home after dinner and a movie with a friend... I can certainly think of a few things I'd rather be doing. 

Sleeping. I haven't been sleeping well and it may be because of the warm weather. I keep waking up at 5:30 a.m. no matter what time I go to bed.

Waking up to a clean house. Unless the cleaning fairy comes overnight, I'll be busy cleaning the place all day tomorrow.

Figuring out just how to make those wedding signs I've been thinking about. I have ideas but I need my wood worker back to help me out.

Playing with the kids on a beach in Oahu. This one is highly unlikely, but a girl can dream.

Winning this contest: 

https://apps.facebook.com/intuitlovelocal-tm/?x=us-en_lolb2desktop_42750 

You can help -- vote every day from now until May 12th (just 2 more days)! Vote for: 

Thinking ahead

Even though Mother's Day is this coming weekend, I'm already thinking beyond. 

If you are a procrastinator with regards to gifts, then this post may be a tad early for you. 

If however, you are someone who plans ahead (about a month in this case), then it may be just what you need. 

If your Dad is a fan of photography, the old west or even cars, you just might be able to find a gift for your Dad at Mama Picture This! 

Photo Prints: 

There is Wagon Wheel for the rustic-ly inclined. 

There are several other print options from the Shaniko, Oregon Ghost Town collection. You can find them here: 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaPictureThis?section_id=13522786

Can't make up your mind? No problem, you can special order the Shaniko Collection Collage Print (seen here -- to the right). 

"Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a Dad."

                              ~ Unknown 

Ah the old days... when I was so young

Can't find what you are looking for at Mama Picture This? 

Check out other Etsy shops for handmade gifts for the father in your life: 

https://www.etsy.com/search?q=father%20day%20gift&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US

Oh and speaking of Dads... Happy Birthday to Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick (I just realized your big day is today!) 

Ciao for now, 

Mama Zuzi 

Wonderful Floral Weather

When the weather turns warm and sunny, I find myself thinking about gardens and spring flowers. 

I took this shot yesterday while experimenting with one of my favorites that is blooming in our yard: 

For those of you who might be wondering, it is not currently available in my shop, but I suppose it could be. If you'd like to see this lovely little pink bloom in the shop, please vote by leaving a comment below or voting in the poll at the upper right of the blog. 

Ironically I also got a sale in the shop yesterday for Mother's Day and it just happens to be a floral image as well. 

Excited to say that a personalized "Sea of Orange" card will soon be making it's way to Oklahoma to make someone's day (or course it isn't Jennifer!)  Check out the listing here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/150165983/personalized-4x5-photo-note-card-sea-of?ref=shop_home_active

And last but definitely not least, if you are in the Portland, Oregon area, you should totally check out Rose Hill Flower Farm. You can order a bouquet subscription and I'd highly recommend it. What a lovely idea and what lovely flowers! Check out the farm's website here: http://www.rosehillflowerfarm.com/

I hope some day to be lucky enough to get to go and take some photos of them all in bloom. You can also follow the farm on Facebook! I hope you stop to notice the flowers today! I know I will. 

Check back tomorrow when I hope to be talking about personalized signs for kids and weddings and more!

Ciao for now, 

Mama Zuzi (Sue)

Tutorial - How I Make My Backgrounds for Listings

Since I started re-shooting my listings for the shop (at least the card ones so far), and had some interest in the process, here is a brief tutorial (if you will) on setting up and taking listing photos for my shop. Here's an old listing: https://www.etsy.com/listing/68167526/bleedings-hearts-blank-card-mini-set-of?ref=shop_home_active

1. I started with the top of our refrigerator

2. Add a fairly neutral but beautiful art paper with magnets

3. Add a photo note card (magnet hidden inside)

4. Add an envelope (tuck behind card - with or without magnet

5. I added a branch for a little interest and perspective

6. Zoom in and finish! 

I hope you have enjoyed peeking inside my creative process. I like the results but would be interested in hearing your opinion as well. I am weighing whether or not to use this same backdrop presentation in some way for my photo prints. Check out the actual listing in the shop... https://www.etsy.com/listing/67386771/photo-note-card-sunflower-photo-card?ref=shop_home_active

I hope you'll share your thoughts in a comment below! 

Ciao for now, 

Mama 

Things I'm Liking Sunday - Cinco de Mayo Edition

It's that time again. I know you've been counting the days. It's time for "Things I'm Liking" Sunday! 

To tell you the truth, the #1 thing I'm liking today is the gloriously windy and warm Portland weather. I know it is at least 85 degrees outside at 5 pm. This weather is going to make it VERY hard to go back to the office tomorrow. I'm also liking the fact that it appears our dopey puppy Olivia has yet again beat the odds and seems to be back to her old self -- as bouncy as ever. Go figure. I'm starting to call her "Super Dog." No better canine play mate for Bat Penny than Super Dog! 


It also just happens to be Cinco de Mayo and in honor of the day, I bring you my most favorite of items that marks the occasion with a great message (wish I had one right now): 

I didn't find it in time for this year, but maybe I can order and have it ready for next year! You can see more fun signs by the maker of this great one at: Kickstandsupsignco.

And speaking of celebrations, I'm trying to think of just how to celebrate my birthday which is coming up next month. Maybe I should call up Prince and ask him what he's gonna do, since we share the day ;-) Of course I'm kidding. I don't have his phone number. I do need to figure out what I want to do to mark my big day. If I was gonna have a party (which I don't really want to do), I'd  buy myself this gorgeous dish and serve something in it! Gosh help me, I have fallen in love with a bowl.

If you are into vintage, such as this beautiful bowl, and don't have the time to go out and scour the yard and estate sales for yourself, give a look at this fun Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RinnovatoVintage?ref=seller_info.

Last but not least, I'm madly in love with the process of re-taking photos for my note card listings in my shop. I went to Paper Source on 23rd in NW Portland and the reviews were all true. The staff was totally nice and helpful and I finally found gorgeous card stock and envelopes and other goodies that I needed. I'll likely post a photo essay on my process tomorrow but for today, let me just leave you with this teaser... 

To see more, just hop over to the shop. You can also see more images and get more information by following Mama Picture This on Facebook! And if you are more a twitter kinda person, there's always https://twitter.com/mamazuzi.