Spiffy Boutiques

Things that Inspire

2011-08-03T14:56:00.000-07:00

Today I was web surfing (which I LOVE) and came across a site that I thought was pretty awesome and inspirational to my mood. Thought I would share them with you. Some people surf the web in search of things to buy, some in search of information, and I'm sure there are many more reasons - I surf for colors, textures, and combinations of the two - a whole world of color beyond what's around me is what I love to find online.

Today I came across this little etsy shop, "Adam's Blankie" at http://www.etsy.com/shop/adamsblankie?page=10. There are so many creative designs with fun fabrics that really made my eyes POP out in a big WOW! and actually made my hands itch to draw and create these amazing colorful patterns. Seeing colors brought together in a new arrangement of shapes and patterns is very inspirational to a graphic designer and gets me in the mood to do some creating.

Not to mention that the items on this site are simply adorably chic - if I had a little one, I would be shopping here often!

Either Full Steam Ahead or..

2011-07-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been slacking on my blogging! Not that there hasn't been anything to talk about :) I have been so blessedly busy. I know, I tell you as website owners to get online, socialize, connect your business and I set the worst example by not following my own advice!

Things that are happening with me - I closed my Facebook page for SpiffyBoutiques.com in June. I could really smack myself for doing that! I had about 800 followers and I really enjoyed it. I think I was starting to feel that I spent too much time on FB and not enough on the things I needed to be doing.

I have reached a point with Spiffy Boutiques where I need to either take the bull by the horns and run with it all the way, or pass it on to someone else who will hopefully do what I seem to be afraid to do.

Let's see what happens...

A Trove of Primitive Treasure

2011-01-13T16:28:00.000-08:00

Several months ago I met up with an old friend Michelle via email and she asked me to work on this fun project with her. Michelle and her mom were opening up a small country store to sell primitives and country knickknacks. They needed a logo design as well as business cards and a website.

I was pretty excited, because I LOVE the old country designs, antiques, salt box items and primitives, but rarely get the opportunity to create for such a store. And a bit intimidated as well, because it's such a different type of design for me to venture into.

Luckily, I was able to create a logo and layout that they loved and now that they have had some time to fill up their store I wanted to share it with you!

Please stop by and visit this treasure trove of country furnishings and decor from the New Hampshire area. www.bittersweet-blessings.com

Happy New Year!

2011-01-12T08:21:00.000-08:00

Apparently I've been MIA on this blog deal :) Facebook has been such a blessing and a wonderful business tool for SpiffyBoutiques.com, but it does take up a great deal of my time and not leave much energy for the blog.

Today I feel inspired to get back in touch with anyone who may be reading this blog of mine. What's new at SpiffyBoutiques.com? Well..... I haven't added any new layouts recently, but I am working on it! Instead, I've been completing some fun projects and helping my wonderful customers realize their dreams of having a professional look for their online shops.

I am proud to share these awesome stores with you!

StampedUndertheMoon.com is a brilliant Hand Stamped Jewelry shop owned by Cisco. Her designs are lovely and affordable! I have one on it's way to me and I cannot wait to see it and wear it!! Very excited ;) Cisco's site was so much fun to work with and I enjoyed the freedom she gave me with color and layout. Be sure to stop in and see the one of a kind jewelry she has to offer, just tell her Spiffy Boutiques sent you!

LoveMyJeanSkirt.com is a completely unique boutique shop that is such an inspiration to me. The fabulous woman behind the designs, Theresa is a WAHM of 10 children! Yet, she still finds the time to take ordinary Jeans and create amazing Modest Jean Skirts for women of all ages and sizes. You can order ones that she has premade or Custom order your very own. Theresa will even work with Jeans that you send her to create your skirt. It has been a pleasure to work with Theresa on her dream website and I know she will continue to grow her business online. Please stop by and check out how creative Theresa is at Love My Jean Skirt. I'm sure you will find something for yourself or a loved one.

WhaCky WedSdaY - 8/25

2010-08-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

WhaCkY WeDneSdAy! ~~Home Page MAKEOVER for just $35! Is your homepage a little boring, stale, and slightly unattractive? Let me give it a Makeover! I will create a homepage layout (just the center, not the navigation, header etc) of your current product photos, graphics, links, feature boxes that will have your customers saying WOW!

Please contact me for details and to order your makeover ;)

visit SpiffyBoutiques.com for all your online Boutique Design Needs!

Whacky Wednesday Only Sale!

2010-08-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

Whacky Wednesday Special Sale Item for Today!!! TODAY ONLY - FREE BUSINESS CARD DESIGN & Banner Ad with ANY Template Purchase from Spiffyboutiques.com

Affordable fun Templates added at Spiffyboutiques.com!

2010-08-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Spiffy shoppers:) I've been neglecting my blog ... AGAIN. Everytime I do, I am kicking myself. do you know why? because blogging really helps with your business SEO. Writing about updates to your business, new items, specials, etc is a great way to bring traffic to your online store. So, if you've been slacking like I have, and sales aren't as great as they could be, start blogging again!

Back on track - today is all about sharing the new designs I have added at Spiffyboutiques.com. These are always affordable templates that are UNDER $199 everyday. Some are exclusive template designs, some are limited edition templates.

Finding Affordable, Professional Premade boutique templates is easy at Spiffy Boutiques! I create a wide range of designs from Whimsical, Classy, Girly, Grungy, Modern, Primitive, scrapbook style and many others.

Recently, I added these premades to the design shop:

Annalissa Exclusive Design $189

Promise Exclusive Boutique Template $189

Kayla Exclusive Web Template $189

Abigail Limited Edition Boutique Design $89

Jessica Limited Edition Premade Template $89

At spiffyboutiques.com you will also be able to order matching items to go with your new template, such as Business Card Design, Blogs, web Banners, Etsy Banners, Ebay Templates, FaceBook graphics, Twitter Backgrounds - just about anything you need to market your business on and off the web!

New! Friday Frenzy on FB for Spiffy Boutiques!

2010-07-23T12:26:00.001-07:00

FRIDAY FRENZY- Starting something new today - A Friday ONLY sale! How it works:

Each Friday I will post a special sale on FACEBOOK, with a specified number available. First that email me at webdesign@justspiffy.com win the Frenzy items. Today's sale item: Business Card Design + Web Banner (any size) + FB Graphic + Blog Header just $50!! 5 Available! Email me to claim your package!

Friday Frenzy items must be paid for on Fridays. Those that email me first will receive payment instructions and a time frame for completion. You may need to supply your logo if you did not one created by me previously or if you did not purchase a template of mine.

Facebook Giveaway

2010-07-19T08:06:00.003-07:00

Good day to all!

SpiffyBoutiques.com GIVEAWAY! I will be giving away a FREE Blog Design when I reach 100 Fans on FaceBook! Become a Fan or Like SpiffyBoutqiues.com to be entered to win!

It's summertime! is your website looking Fresh & Fabulous?

2010-07-14T10:36:00.001-07:00

Hi Again! I've been seriously neglecting my blogging and tweeting! Mostly, I have been keeping Facebook updated and current though - so not a complete loss of sharing :)

I love summer! Warmth, light breezes, colorful flowers and grasses, smell of barbeques, mowed lawns and suntan lotion. Doesn't it just make you want to change things up a bit? make them a little fresher and brighter?

If you find that your site is ready for a little upgrade in the looks department stop by Spiffyboutiques.com and see the variety of new templates I have available for you!

Fun Designs at SpiffyBoutiques

2010-04-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

I've been cleaning up shop! Several Designs have been moved to the Sale Bin and also to the UNLIMITED section of the store. So if you are on a web design budget or just starting out and not ready to invest $200 into a custom design, you can find a great look for your online biz for under $50 at SpiffyBoutiques.com.

There are a wide variety of designs to choose from - I like to experiment and not stick with just one look!

Some fun designs that were recently added to the store include:

Sara Bella - Limited Edition Design - $89.00

A template perfect for any boutique business - a black and white classy design that allows your products to do all the shining!

Just Noah - Limited Edition Design - $89.00

This adorable template was actually inspired by my son Noah! I wanted to create a fun template that had less female emphasis in the colors and layout.

I've been focusing on some custom design orders this month, but plan to have new templates up soon!

Marketing Kit Promo - ONLY 6 DAYS LEFT!

2010-03-12T08:21:00.000-08:00

The awesome Marketing Kit Promo at SpiffyBoutiques.com is coming to an end in just 6 Days!!

If you haven't taken advantage of this money saving opportunity, I encourage you to stop by www.spiffyboutiques.com and order yours today.

This promo was a HUGE success with several of my customers for their boutique business.

The promo includes:
1 Business Card Template made to match your template purchase or current website. (Please supply logo in high quality print format)

1 Hang Tag Template

1 Label Template - Sticker Labels (what size do you need?)

1 Promotional Banner (any size, could be for Etsy, Ebay, or for advertising on other sites)

1 Facebook Graphic for your Fan Page on FB

Busy in Boutique Designing world

2010-03-03T12:27:00.001-08:00

The beginning of a new year is blessedly busy for me! I have had the pleasure of "meeting" so many new small business owners that have grown from business Dreamers to business Doers. I'm thrilled that I get to help each of them achieve their dream of selling online and sharing online.

I'd like to give thanks to the wonderful clients I've been working with this year already:

Marissa - GrowingGreenBums.com
Karyn - HealingTouchfromAbove.com
Sara - DiaperDaisy.com
Tammy - TammysGreenAngelCottage.com
Donna - DeezeeDesigns.com.au
Emily - EmbroiderybyEmily.com
Heidi - SolsticeTanningGallery.com
Sarah & Sue - Me2Me2.com
Selena - SalomesCreations.com
Sundra - MacyMoon.com
Carrie - CarriesConfectionShoppe.com
Jennifer - Inspirista.net
Eileen - TheInvitationChic.com/blog
Amy - HeavenlyMessagesbyAmy.com

Thank you to all!

Marketing Kit PROMO at SpiffyBoutiques.com

2010-02-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

Just added in the store - Special Promo, Marketing Kit for your boutique business. I have noticed over the past few months what extras my clients seem to purchase most often and put together this great kit that is only available for a LIMITED TIME!

For just $49.99 this kit has it all -
Business card template - Delivered to you via email, this template is created to match your template purchase. You then take it to your print shop, print at home or upload to your online printer.

Hang Tag Template - Many of my customers sell handmade products such as clothing, blankets, baby slings, etc. However, you may SUBSTITUTE a comparably priced extra if this is something you do not need. Sasme as the business cards, this template is emailed to you and then you take to print.

Label or Sticker Design - Another large part of my clients sell all natural beauty products, candles or other jarred items. Again, this can be substituted for a comparable item if a sticker or label is not something you require.

Promotional Banner - Can be whatever size you need, (online purposes only, not a print banner) such as for Etsy, Ebay, or for advertising.

Facebook Graphic - If you have set up a Facebook page for your business, there's a spot to upload a photo or image, rather like an avatar but larger. I will create this graphic for you with this package.

If you were to purchase these items individually, just buying 2 of them at regular price would put you at $50 - so this is a BIG SAVINGS!

Again, this promotion is only for a limited time, so stop by Spiffyboutiques.com and check it out!

Become a Fan on FaceBook!

2010-01-29T07:46:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Did you know SpiffyBoutiques.com is on Facebook? Love Facebook! I bet you are on there too :) Stop by and Become a Fan of Spiffyboutiques!

All new fans will receive a 15% off coupon for an Exclusive Template in my store, and a 10% off coupon for a Limited Edition Template! Simply click the become a fan box on the right of my blog or search for Spiffy boutiques on Facebook!

Thank you for your support!

Repeat Customer, New Site!

2009-12-31T04:58:00.001-08:00

A wonderful customer and friend of mine contacted me a few months ago for a fresh look for her website. We worked together over a year ago on her first website with the assistance of a mutual acquaintance. Although the acquaintance we shared had put a mountain in between our own relationship, Amy contacted me to discuss the issues that caused the rift between us and asked that I please work with her once again. I was touched by the struggle she had been through and the courage it took to come to me and ask for forgiveness. I needed forgiveness as well. We have healed our differences and now understand that both of us were a bit manipulated by this acquaintance we shared for a time.

Amy has been looking forward to a new face for her website and a fresh start! This last week, before the end of 2009, she received her new website with a fresh look. I pray that this new site will help in bringing Amy some calm, optimism and a lot of positive vibes for the gifts she shares with us.

Amy, thank you for contacting me and giving this wonderful opporuntity to work with you once again. You are not only a great client, you are also a wonderful and compassionate friend. Blessings

Visit www.heavenlymessagesbyamy.com

Super Girly New Boutique Design Added!

2009-12-17T13:11:00.001-08:00

As promised, I've been feeling my creative juices vibrating in every part of me - thus - a new design added to the store today at SpiffyBoutiques.com!!

I LOVE this design, hopefully someone out there does as well. It would probably be perfect for a children's boutique shop that sells apparell, accessories, etc. I call it "Lilly Moon". Again, not sure where my inspiration comes from for the names of these templates, but I just adore it.

Lilly Moon is an EXCLUSIVE Boutique design that will be sold ONLY ONCE. Hurry to the shop if you simply must have it!!

Thanks for checking out my new designs!
Merideth :)

Classy New Boutique Templates!

2009-12-15T16:38:00.000-08:00

I found a little time yesterday and today to be creative! Woot!! I added two awesome new designs to the spiffyboutiques.com site.

The first one is a Limited Edition design and will be sold up to three times. Of course, as always you have the option to make it an exclusive for a small extra fee. Once the template is purchased as a limited edition, the exclusive option is removed. I decided to call it "Blissfully Unique" and you can view it here.

The second template I finished today is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I love the vintage look - and this design has a bit of victorian vintage in a modern girly way. (as if that makes any sense) Check it out, see what you think! It's called "Evelyn Victoria" and is an EXCLUSIVE template design, so it's only available for one lucky boutique owner :)

I am creatively inspired this week, so be prepared for new designs! I've already started two more tonight!! :)

Wowza! It's Tuesday Again

2009-12-15T16:32:00.000-08:00

wowza! - My son Noah had his first Christmas program this morning (kindergarten). there were alot of parents there. I am really bummed that the school has the programs during the day instead of in the evening. When I was a kid, our school had a nice evening program - all the parents and grandparents were able to come and we felt real special.

wowza! - only 10 days left until Christmas. I did a teensy weensy bit of shopping last Friday, so there is progress anyway. Money is very tight this year, so my kids will hopefully remember the lessons we have taught them and be thankful for the blessings they have in their lives.

that's it for the wowzas for me. :)

Wowza! Tuesday

2009-12-08T10:45:00.001-08:00

I've got to start blogging more! Lot's of Wowza's for Tuesday -

wowza - it's so cold outside that I am NOT shoveling the snow off my driveway - I refuse. Besides, it's still snowing so is there really a point?

wowza - only 17 days left until Christmas. My kids are excited and keep adding things to their list - hubs and I haven't even started shopping (I'm not exaggerating either) - and I am dreaming of NOT buying any presents and just spending the day with my family playing games in front of a warm and cozy fireplace.

wowza - there were ALOT of great coupons in the inserts this past Sunday - unfortunately, I'm too broke to really appreciate any of them right at the moment :)

wowza - just 23 days until the end of the year? WHAT? no way!! where did 2009 go?

wowza - because of the 23 days until 2010 thing, I'm now freaking out about my taxes. JOY!

hope you are havinga Wowza Tuesday too :) can't wait to see what Wednesday brings!!

Spiffy Blog Updated!

2009-11-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

I took a few minutes today and updated the Spiffy Blog layout. Now it matches! yay!! New items are being added at SpiffyBoutiques.com including:

Premade Holiday Banners
Holiday Custom Banner Promo
Premade Templates presented with matching items for fast and easy purchasing and setup.

New Designs are being added this week - and some new style as well. I hope you enjoy my work and stop in to pick up some adorable Holiday banners for your Blog, Store or Etsy Shop today!

New Sites Live!

2009-10-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

A few new sites are now live. I have really enjoyed working on these sites with my wonderful customers! There are really some awesome people in the world and I'm glad that I have the opportunity to get to know them.

Growing Green Bums - Client, Marissa
Marissa and I have been working hard on this project and I think it really shows!! A custom site, matching blog, newsletter and more were put together for Marissa's green online biz. After several logo concepts that didn't quite fit, a good friend of Marissa's came up with the perfect look and everything just came together. Big thanks to Jessica James - You Rock!

All American Baby - Client, Julie
Another fun site to create, All American Baby, was quick and easy. Julie had a few ideas about what she wanted to see, but let me take the reins and fly with it. Inspiration stuck when I saw a blog that had this cloud shaped top to it, and using some custom patterns I decided to layer it a bit like scrapbooking ang really make the header one of a kind. Julie is pleased with the results and ready to sell!

Faith by Design - Client, Holly
This project took a little sweat and tears, but I'm happy to report we did it! It's done, live and ready to be used LOL Holly had built a site using GoDaddy hosting services. She sells Christian based clothing that is unique and inspiring. As many of my recent clients have done, she contacted me expressing her joy with the Vintage Couture premade available in my online shop. It has been a very popular layout indeed, and many have desired duplicates. I am unable to replicate it, however, I can certainly use the same shape. We did a little gradient at the top, a custom logo, unique colors and finally arrived at the perfect layout for Faith by Design.

There are SEVERAL custom projects in the works at this time. I will be adding a few more by Friday to my finished list. Please note that I have new openings for Custom Projects for November through the end of 2009. There are 3 Available. Interested Parties must CONTACT ME to discuss their project. I will be carefully selecting the projects I will work on from this point forward and they will be extremely limited.

First day of S N O W!

2009-10-08T14:54:00.000-07:00

Alarm: 5:40 BEEP BEEP BEEP - snooze.... Brrrrrr, kinda cold in here... why are the dogs running around all crazy? why is the house so quiet. Feels a little like Christmas....

Pull on sweats. Look out window - O M G! S N O W!!!! Crap. Pull on Socks. Pull on Red Sweater to go into garage to let dogs out the backyard. Remember on way back in that I watered my flowers for way too long the other day and did not disconnect the cold.... check for sound of running water - Thank you Jesus I don't hear any.

Should I go out and disconnect it? how much colder will it get? Nah, no need. I'll just go back to bed. Crawl into bed - can't stop thinking about damn hose. Ugh.

Pull back covers, put Red Sweater back on, find shoes. Proceed through garage, slip on water on the floor from dogs. OUCH! head outback, disconnect hose. NOT frozen, yay! Unplug Bird Bath Fountain. Go back inside. Yell at CJ to get up.

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP - snooze.

Wine wine, scratch - Dogs want back in the house. Well, Remi wants back in. Kyia could care less.

that's how my morning proceeeded on the first day of snow. And by the way, I never did get back to bed, in case you were wondering.

Day Outside, Night Out

2009-09-13T07:30:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a chilly fall day in Cheyenne (already!!). Adam and I spent our time outdoors cutting tree branches, burning the dead twigs and limbs and cleaning up the backyard. We cleared the area for our new shed and worked on our plans. 10 x 14 ft shed!!! so excited! Once that's done, my garage will be pretty awesome and we'll be able to park both cars in there during the winter months.

After all our hard work we realy didn't want to cook, so we took the kids to Culver's and headed to the $1 theatre to watch Transformers 2. I heard some say that they didn't think it was as good as the first one. True, there was alot more fighting and battling going on, not as much of the talking, etc. BUT, if you like action movies and can stand to sit through a 2.5 hour movie, you'll like it. I thought the graphics were absolutely amazing.

Today I am working on some new premades, laundry and cleaning the house. have to work this afternoon though!

Thank you!

2009-09-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all my wonderful customers for your prayers and well wishings for my family. My dad's surgery was successful, although not without complications. We pray that he continues to recover and can go home soon.

Thank you also for your orders, you have been keeping me busy and you have no idea how much I need that!!

I will be adding some new premades to my store this weekend, I've been receiving alot of requests for new designs and apologize for keeping you waiting!! Can you believe it's almost Halloween??? where does the time go?

I also need to redesign my blog and twitter pages over the weekend. K, back to work!!

Things are working again!

2009-08-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

After a few weeks of problems with my site and with PayPal, business is getting back to normal! I caught up my custom orders this week, ready to go live over the weekend. Started working on a few new Premades that I'm pretty excited to share with you - please keep sending me your feedback on my designs - knowing what you like is a great way to ensure that I create designs that fit your needs.

In September you can look forward to a HOLIDAY option on your template! for a little extra, I can make a replica of your Spiffy Boutique Premade or custom and add some holiday flair to it to give your store that "Holiday Wishes fulfilled" feeling.

In other news, as some of you may know - my Grams passed away this past Saturday. She had been quite healthy and it happened rather quickly. She lived down in Arizona in a retirement community where she had many friends and was very loved. My parents live down there so she was never alone. Unfortunately, my dad is having a major surgery on Sept 2nd to remove a mass from his head, so my mom is very stressed right now.

I ask for your prayers for my family - for the strength to endure whatever God's will may be. Thank you

Warning Blocking SpiffyBoutiques.com

2009-08-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

It came to my attention this past week that my site at SpiffyBoutiques.com is being blocked by Google. Unfortunately, my pages were somehow compromised and unwanted code was inserted into my pages. I have been working on fixing this issue and am waiting for Google to review my site and remove the block.

Hopefully this will be done soon. Love the internet!! Just LOVE it :)

Surely I will survive

2009-08-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

In the midst of some very hectic days getting my 7th grader ready for school and my Kindergardner prepared for his big day, I am actually making progress on things around here.

Yesterday I suffered a panic attack due to all the stress with two jobs, back to school, my husband leaving for a 9 day fishing trip, etc. I know I will survive, but right now I'm just ready for everything to get back to the normal grind of kids at school and me at home during the day. A nice quiet sanctuary in which to work. 13 more days... yay!!

Behind Behind Behind

2009-07-28T08:51:00.001-07:00

Good Morning,
Going through my inbox today and project list. BIG APOLOGY to everyone who I'm working with right now. I'm quite behind and will be chained to my desk working all hours to get things caught up here. If you haven't heard from me, give me a day or two to get to my bearings. Thank you!!!

Reporting Live from my .... Keyboard

2009-07-27T10:03:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday to you!

I am back at my desk - { Ode to my Computer } -

Dear Computer,
How I missed you! The long days I was forced to stay away were empty; useless; and void of color. Did you miss me too? This morning when I pushed your power button, the gentle hum you gave me led me to believe that you truly did. How quickly you warmed for me, opening the many programs you contain without a moment of hestitation. Indeed, perhaps our short break has but strengthened our relationship. Alas, I must tell you that your keyboard is in need of cleaning, your fortress in desperate need of dusting - I shall cater to your appearance and leave you shining once again before me. My adoration cannot be denied. -

Ok, back to work now....

A touch behind on projects - sick days

2009-07-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
I'm really sick this week so far. So I'm toodling along on projects and installs at a much slower than normal pace. I hope to be back on track in the next couple of days and appreciate your patience. Thank you

More New Designs coming

2009-07-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

This past week I've had some postive feedback on the new designs I posted, especially Just a Dreamer in the exclusive category. Today I am working on adding a few more designs in each of my premade categories. Stop by and check them out!

Words to start your Day in the Positive

2009-07-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

"Their Presidents shall not be their common referee so much as their poets shall. Of all mankind the great poet is an equable man...He is the arbiter of the diverse and he is the key. He is the equalizer of his age and land...he supplies what wants supplying and checks what wants checking. The known universe has one complete lover and that is the greatest poet. He is a seer, he is individual, he is complete in himself, the others are as good as he, only he sees it and they do not.Who knows the curious mystery of the eyesight? The poet, endowed with a transcendental sight, serves as the spiritual eyes of humanity. There will soon be no more priests. Their work is done....Through the divinity of themselves shall the kosmos and the new breed of poets be the interpreters of men and women and of all events and things."
- Walt Whitman

This morning I chatted with my sister Melodie online. She was visiting Jason Mraz's blog and wrote this as a comment to his post. I asked if I could post it on my blog.

I find it amazing how the Written Words in a Quote, or a Poem, or a Song, or just someone's thoughts can have such an effect - to feel the strength of them rise within - emotions worn lightly within us suddenly stronger, almost painful as we try not to weep with joy or grattitude. Words can have that effect on me at least.

New Look for SpiffyBoutiques.com

2009-07-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

I spent a good portion of yesterday designing custom layouts. After that I decided to give myself a couple of hours to spend on SpiffyBoutiques.com. The design has been stale for a while now and I decided it needed to be Lighter, Brighter and more like Summer! For some reason, I just can't get away from the blue, Green and Brown color palette I've loved for awhile now. But I changed the coral pink to a fun Purple/Lavender and made white more prominent.

I so enjoyed just drawing on my tablet and not caring if the lines were straight. I think I need to do that more often!

More changes are coming to SpiffyBoutiques.com as well - I am adding new Custom Design Packages this week, and Made to Match items with each Exclusive and Limited Edition Template. I would also like to add a Dropdown box to Shop by Style - so you can pick the style of template you are looking for a see all that fit into that. I think it will make your shopping easier. I also think it will keep me on my toes designing to keep enough options in each Style!!

Hope you had a wonderful Holiday weekend and a very Safe One. God Bless our Armed Forces and the United States!

Going Handmade

2009-06-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

So, I've decided to STOP buying cards. Actually, my husband and I quit buying commercialized cards a couple of years ago for Each Other. It all started when my mom IM'd me saying, hey guess what dad and I did for our anniversary? We went to the local walgreens and picked out cards for each other - and I thought, wow, that seems pretty ordinary, what's so great about that? but then she continued on to say - we picked them out, then I gave him his and he gave me mine, we teared up, said Awh, that's so sweet, hugged, kissed and then put the damn cards back on the shelf!!

Well, I was shocked. Really? You read them and then put them back and didn't buy them? why? Why didn't you buy them?

Mom said - because we got Just As Much enjoyment out of them and didn't spend $3.99 per card.

Hmmm. I had never thought about it. But then my husband and I tried it and it was wonderul. Of course, you can't do that with the whole family - Imagine taking a family field trip to Walgreens for your brother-in-laws birthday and picking out a card and then putting it back.... wouldn't go over so well.

A few weeks ago, my husband came home for lunch and waited for me to get the mail. Usually, he gets the mail on his way into the house, but instead he casually hung back and let me get it. In the mail was an envelope addressed to me. I ripped it open - it was a card - not just any card, but a handmade scrapbooked card that my husband picked up at this little cafe he visits at the courthouse across from his office. it was simple, beautiful and had his own words in it. I teared up pretty good over it.

And it got me to thinking - when we are children, we make everything. So proud to show off our coloring skills, to write those letters on the page, and as parents, we are always excited to get one of those handmade cards from our kids and we keep them. We never throw them away.

So.. why not go back to making them by hand as adults? it's not that hard. I picked up a package of recycled card stock at walmart with envelopes for a few dollars. For fathers day I did a sketch of a giraffe on a card for my husband, then used some scrapbook materials I had, the recycled cardstock and the drawing to make him a card. I then made another one for my father in law with a pop up sticker of a man fishing in a boat and put a father's day poem in it for him. For my dad I drew a Hummingbird in flight on the cover of the card, added some cut out floral shape from some scrapbook paper and hand wrote a message on the inside.

and you know, I don't have that empty feeling inside after giving these cards. They came from my heart and I know that that means more to my family than any $5 card I could ever buy in the store.

Server died, new one being installed

2009-06-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

My development server died today - this is where I put all the projects I'm working on so my clients can view them. Also, when it dies I can't check email or access the internet, so today was not a good day. I'm actually posting this from my phone - new server to be installed this weekend and then I can update everyone and send you links to view your products. thank you!

Sometimes, Timing gets Messed up

2009-06-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

There's just not enough hours in my day.

As a Work-at-home-mom, a full time worker outside the home, a wife, a business owner, and all the things that entail being a wife and mother, I need more hours in my day!! I have absolutely no idea how some people wear so many hats and manage to keep everyone happy without going completely insane. I'm a little worn out.

On that note, I apologize if your project is going a bit farther out than what was planned. I, unfortunately, had a custom project that just went on and on and on with revisions and then more revisions. However, after all that work, the site is amazing, my customer is thrilled, and I'll be excited to share it with you once my customer is ready to share it with the world.

I'd like to point out that I am not available on the weekends at all, not even via email. So please do not get upset if you are emailing me Friday Night and don't hear from me until Monday morning.

It is very important that I spend Saturdays with my family and stay away from the computer. Sundays I am usually working at the other job.

Custom Design Services are Staying!

2009-05-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

I've decided to keep custom design services available at SpiffyBoutiques.com. I've had a great deal of feedback from my customers and interested parties concerning my former decision to remove custom design services and stick with templates.

Therefore, I will keep offering them, however - there are going to be some changes! Right now I have a great sale for a single custom design package for $299.00. On June 1st, I will update my site with a fresh look and I will be offering completely NEW custom design packages - and I should forwarn you the prices will be quite a bit higher than in the past.

New Exclusive Boutique Designs Added

2009-05-19T16:57:00.000-07:00

Today I took a few moments to add a few new Exclusive Boutique Designs to SpiffyBoutiques.com. I've decided to steer away from flowers for a bit after today. I really didn't know how into them I was until I flipped through the site and saw all of the flower designs. Sorry about that!! They are just so easy to work with.

One of the designs I added is called "Vintage Couture". I'm not sure if the title for it makes sense or even fits the layout, but it was stuck in my head so I went wiith it. The other is called Little Lucy.

I currently have a handful of custom orders that I'm working on endlessly - which reminds me to remind you once again that if you want a Spiffy Boutiques Custom design created for your online shop, you'll need to place your order before June 1st. After that date I will take no more custom orders for Templates, Blogs, Logos, etc. Everything will be Premades only and available in my store.

There are so many ideas I have, and I look forward to having the time to keep my shop well stocked with great designs at affordable prices. Not only for the exclusives, but also for limited and unlimited layouts as well. There is sure to be something for everyone and every occasion.

Stop by SpiffyBoutiques.com and check out the latest designs - they are always available right on the home page!

Monday Shock - something I never thought I'd read

2009-05-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

As usual this morning, I grab my cup of ice cold water, head down to my computer after waking the kiddos - turn on my google homepage to read the latest CNN headlines - and right away, SHOCK and dismay. I have read a headline that I had thought to never read in my lifetime - something one might have read ages ago.

"Witch" Children Beaten and Tortured.

Wide awake and outraged I am.

Children throughout the world in places such as Nepal, Nigeria and Gambia have been charged by their familes has being child witches. They are beaten, starved and neglected for days, often weeks while their families and communities demand their confession. A child may have a medical condition such as epilepsy, or a learning disability or simply stubborness to be given such a name as "witch".

In fact, their are Christian Reverands in these countries that will point out a child as a witch for free if the child is brought to them for viewing. Based on the child's behaviors or body marks they may be branded the name and it will last for their entire lifetime.

Officials in the countries say that they do not have a problem with the belief system, or that the children are being called witches, the problem is that the children are being neglected and beaten. You think?

Children - dependent upon the care of the adults they are born into or left to for food, care and nurturing. Their voices are tiny and they need to be heard.

There was apparently a documentary broadcast last year, "Saving Africa's Witch Children," which I did not catch. I'd like to see it now.

I urge you to read the story and follow up on the efforts being made by Stepping Stones Nigeria and the United Nations.

There are so many problems in the world, including here that we need to be aware of and we need to do what we can to help. Blogging about it, is one way to raise awareness.

http://tinyurl.com/o69wyx

Email Glitches

2009-05-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

I seem to be having some email issues, so I thought I'd post this. Several of my clients have claimed that I haven't been communicating with them as promised on custom projects - which is a surprise to me because I've been emailing and emailing and I have been thinking everyone must be on some awesome vacations or something to not be responding to me!!!

I haven't received any "undeliverable" notices when emailing (except to one customer), so I haven't had a clue that you aren't getting my emails. So, if you are concerned that you have emailed me and I haven't responded, or if you haven't heard from me, please come here and email through my contact form, or you can email me at another address justspiffyweb AT gmail and you know the ending to that.

Please also check your SPAM folder to ensure that my emails aren't going there. I promise you, I check my email very frequently, and respond almost immediately to new email messages (unless they are Spam).

Sorry for any confusion!!

Random Things to Share

2009-05-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

I love reading Random things about people - clarity of who a person is, what they like, their dreams. Felt like sharing about me today, hope you enjoy. I'm sure no matter who you are, we have something in common!

1. If I were a color I'd be..... Purple. Have you noticed how purple has this depth to it that other colors do not? That's why I would be purple.

2. Favorite animal.... this has changed over the years. I used to be quite fond of Wolves, but now I really like giraffes. Ultimately though, I think dolphins are the most amazing Mammals.

3. Favorite Food... New York Strip, medium well.

4. Favorite Vacation Destination.... I don't know, I haven't been everywhere yet!

5. If I were to win a ton of money I would...Pay off my bills and give my family some as well. I've always wanted to go to public places and just pay for other peoples purchases. I wouldn't be stingy, I would share. (however, I wouldn't start a website to just give money away, I'd never have time to spend it on myself).

6. I'd like to.... do everything I can in my time here - Go Skydiving, see the world, speak new languages, swim with dolphins, ride a camel, go to the moon.

7. If I were rich... I would spend less time working and more time volunteering.

8. If I could have any job in the world... I would be a housesitter. Traveling the world and taking care of other people's homes WHILE I get paid for it? what's not to love about that gig?

9. If I could date a moviestar I would want to date..... None of them - I pick my husband, over and over again!

10. If life were like a box of chocolates ... I wouldn't read the map under the lid - not knowing which one you will get is the best part.

Private Practice Law Manager

2009-05-06T08:57:00.001-07:00

Adam Kinney (aka my brilliant husband) has developed a web based database program for attorneys, called PPLM (Private Practice Law Manager).

Through many years of working closely with local attorneys and law firms, Adam has become familiar with some of the issues many small offices have dealt with in the terms of securely managing client information.

PPLM is an easy to use, efficient way for attorneys and their secretarial staff to securely manage all client information, thus keeping on top of case loads, managing court dates and keeping all client information updated.

The BETA version of PPLM is available for purchase by visiting Adam's Website. If you reside in the local Wyoming area, you may contact Adam through the site to have the software installed. New versions will be released as feedback is received.

Currently, two local offices are successfully using the PPLM BETA version.

Picking up Trash in Dresses

2009-05-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

TGIF People! Not really for ME exactly, but perhaps some of you are going to have a fabulous weekend and are ready for it to start right now. Working a full time second job is definately having its setbacks. But at least the bills are getting paid.

I know you are curious about the title of this post - let me explain.

I'm a Jason Mraz fan. My sister got me hooked. I love his album, "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things". There's a song on there where the lyrics go "It's like picking up trash in dresses". This morning, being overly exhausted and not ready to do a bit of work but have to, I just started thinking about this wonderful song and these strange words. What does it mean?

Perhaps the mixed up phrases deciphers to explain how a person can be of some sophistication or of a higher class, but help with the cleaning up of society... maybe that's far reaching. You'd have to listen to the song. It's like a rememberence of sorts - looking back on a past relationship between friends maybe.

I'd love a bit of clarity on this or what your thoughts are about it.

Some wonderful feedback

2009-04-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

I worked most of yesterday on my very first Vintage web template - a custom order for Jayne of My Song Within. After showing her the design layout this morning I received this wonderful feedback from her that makes me feel pretty much on top of the world -

Merideth,

You must do more vintage. I have shown it to a couple of people at work and they loved it! Shannon (Silver Trappings) went nuts over it.

You really nailed everything that was in my mind! It's like you were looking at the same vision I was looking at! I don't want anything changed. Regarding the words across the top, I'll decide what words I want them to all be and let you know in the next day or so.

I love colors; I love the subtle British pictures and words; I LOVE the key!; I love the ladies head on the left (she will be M'Lady); I love the music in the background; I love the layering; I love the background; I love the tierras! Well, I guess you can tell I love all of it!

Thank You and Blessings!
Jayne

Well, feeling so on top of the world and full of inspiration, I do feel I can tackle just about anything. I moved onto other projects that are going just as well. I feel that I need to give some thanks, for I do not aspire to awesomeness all on my own.

Here I will show my gratitude for those that help me to achieve greatness:

“I’d like to thank the Web Design Academy, My Muse (the force is strong with this one); my family who has been there to bear witness to the many loads of unclean laundry and dirty dishes that have sat aside quite grotesquely while I have done my good works (why I thank them, I do not know exactly); to my Ipod that never lets me down and keeps me going through late nights; to diet coke for being my constant companion – its ever present ring of perspiration there next to my mouse; to my computer for NOT dying for once; and last but not at all least – I thank the Lord for putting web design in my path during a very stressful time in my life – were it not for those difficult years, I would not be where I am today.”

Thank you Jayne, you have Made my Day!

Birded Out

2009-04-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

I have to ask - What is with all the birds? All over the internet are Boutique sites and templates with one thing in common - BIRDS. Cute little annoying bird graphics, here there and everywhere. (and they pretty much all look the same too)

Did I miss something?! How did this bird fiasco start? What does it mean? I'm confused.

Maybe it's just me... I feel like someone did something birdy and cute, and then everyone else decided to do it too and now of course it's gotten completely out of hand.

So, I am putting my foot down, NO BIRD graphics at SpiffyBoutiques.com.

Custom Design Services thru June 1, 2009

2009-04-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

SpiffyBoutiques.com will continue offering Custom Template Designs through June 1, 2009. After that date, no new orders for Custom Template Designs will be available.

While I enjoy creating custom projects and fulfilling your specific design needs to suit your business, I have decided that I would like to get back to creating a wide variety of templates at affordable prices. Creating custom projects has been taking up most of my time and hasn't allowed me to put as much focus as I'd like to on template design.

I've had many people contact me since January that are interested in my custom services, which is why I've decided to accept custom orders through June 1st. All orders placed will be completed in the order in which they are received, until they are fulfilled. On June 2nd, I will no longer accept custom design orders for templates, and the service will be removed from my site.

I look forward to embracing life at a bit slower pace :)

Sorry Dear Blog

2009-04-09T11:30:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I last blogged. where does the time go??

Keeping busy here with little home improvements, some un-spring-like weather, and a large family visit over the weekend - that's what I've been up to!

Additionally, I'm working really hard on a couple of projects that have been slow going.

I'd like to focus some energy towards adding new templates to the site. I have created a few, but haven't taken the time to upload them to the shop. maybe on Easter I'll sneak away from festivities to do that...

Spending Money on Web Design -

2009-03-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

February was so busy that I'm a little stumped with March. It's certainly come in like a lamb in more ways than one!

I've recently been contacted by several people who are hesitant to spend any money on their websites or design needs. I definately understand this hesitation. You can't eat graphics, so it may sound like a waste of money. When I was a kid, I wanted a horse really bad. We lived on a farm, and we had cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, goats, etc. My dad said that the horse was a wasted investment for us because it wouldn't provide milk or eggs or meat for our table. While I understood his logic, there was something that he was overlooking - A horse would provide our family with a bit of fun - myself with a bit of Freedom from the daily work, something to enjoy, a kindred spirit to love and take care of. We had Dogs, certainly we couldn't eat them, so what benefit were they to us, other than faithful companions? Eventually, my dad gave in. Our quality of life was instantly better, because we enjoyed brushing and riding the horses, having a different relationship with them then the other animals that we would eventually eat.

How does this relate to your web site? First, it's like getting new shoes, towels or anything for your home - a new design makes you "feel" differently. When you have positive and healthy feelings about your business, you are a magnet - good things will come to you. Your business will increase - it's simply inevitable. I hear web developers go on and on about search engine results, traffic, etc. And those things are important, there is no doubt - but beyond that, we create our own success. It's a feeling you carry inside of you. If you feel down and out about your business, if you feel that you will fail, you will.

Another thing, putting on a new look to your business tells others that you Aren't Struggling, which encourages more business.It makes you Current - Not Stale.

So stop by SpiffyBoutiques.com and pick up a new "dress" for your online business.

Smockadot Kids is live!

2009-03-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

Just went live with this adorable custom designed template for Wendy of Smockadotkids.com! I hope you enjoy it Wendy, I look forward to shopping your stocked shop!

New Template Designs?

2009-02-22T05:58:00.000-08:00

Now that I've implemented the waiting list and have caught up with things, I'm hopeful that there will be more time for me to slip in some new templates for the site. I would like to add a few more grundgy ones, some boutique shoppe designs with shop windows and graphics, a few with brighter colors and more scrapbookish layouts as well. I have so many ideas!!

what type of templates are YOU interested in seeing at Spiffy Boutiques? I would love to know :)

Custom Design Projects Finished!

2009-02-19T12:49:00.000-08:00

Ready to show off some of the new custom template projects I have finished this week and last week! Check them out!!

Laurie Cleary - www.lauriecleary.net

Sugar & Spice Cupcakes - www.sugarandspicecupcakes.com.au

Little Blanky - www.littleblanky.com

Renditions by Reesa - www.renditionsbyreesa.com

Waiting List Implemented at SpiffyBoutiques.com

2009-02-10T16:14:00.001-08:00

What's New at SpiffyBoutiques.com?
New Waiting List for Custom Orders
Thanks to my wonderful customers and everyone who loves my work, the time has come to start scheduling future projects with Spiffy Boutiques for Custom Web Templates and Packages.

To schedule your project, please visit the Custom Web Design section, select from the two packages currently available and pay a 50% deposit to ensure your project is scheduled.

Deposits are non-refundable.

I will keep an updated list of scheduled custom projects on the website, so you can keep track of when your project will begin!

to the 40 something women out there...

2009-02-03T15:50:00.001-08:00

I love this, read it, you'll love it too.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/02/03/o.kogan.40.something/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

(I'm only 32 but hey, who's counting)

One Penny at a time

2009-02-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

The kids and I have been saving for a trip to Disneyland or Disney World by putting all the change we have from buying groceries, going to the gas station, etc into a large Bud Light plastic change jug we have designated just for that purpose. If the kids earn change from nana and papa, they put it in there. If we find change on the ground, we put it in there.

I figure, it will only take about 10 years to save up enough to go if we keep going at this rate.

SO.... I decided that I'm going to create a few Exclusive Templates each month to sell for our Disney Savings Jug. They are going to be Super Cute, colorful and named using a Disney theme, without using disney graphics (of course).

Karma is Real

2009-02-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about Karma alot lately. In my view, it's real - it's self inflicted - it is not the Universe teaching you a lesson.

Really, it's You Teaching Yourself a Lesson.

Why do I say this?

Because we know right from wrong. We've been taught from a very young age the difference. Yet, when we do something that we KNOW is wrong, we set ourselves up for a future punishment in some way or another - we cause a Cosmic Inbalance if you will between good and bad, and it will inevitably be corrected.

Unfortunately, we like to use the word Karma as a punishment. I've come across web designers sites lately that at the bottom say something like "don't steal, Karma is Real"..... It sounds like a threat, right? Why do we feel the need to threaten people with something that is self inflicted? Can we truly change someone's mind about doing something wrong by telling them that "karma is going to get you" ?

No, I don't think so. Unfortunately, there are people out there who have no conscience, I've met a few of them.

The Awesome Truth : Live your Life Honestly. Treat Others the Way you want to be treated. Apologize when you do wrong and try to make it right. Follow the Ten Commandments. Live High, Live Mighty, Live Righteously. (J.Mraz). Live without Selfishness. Appreciate the gifts of others: their beauty, talent, kindness, resourcefullness.

I've Been Robbed....!!!!

2009-01-30T13:31:00.000-08:00

....robbed of my Friday that is!

AHHHHH... where did it go? I got up with a clear head. I was focused on the list of tedious tasks that lay out before me. A day of Work... and evening out... time with my children somewhere in the mix.

But here it is 2:30 PM, and it's time to pick up my children from school, take them to their after school playdates, get ready for my evening out on the town with my DH.

This morning I believed that by 3PM I would be basking in the glow of my awesome achievements.

Here I am. Empty. Non-Glowing. Fealing like a complete failure.

FRiday, where did you go?

Boutique Template SALE!

2009-01-28T16:10:00.000-08:00

Save on Boutique Templates Storewide at SpiffyBoutiques.com!

Being on a tight budget doesn't have to equal a dull and boring Boutique Storefront for your business. Jazz it up with my low priced Boutique Templates.

I have just marked down all my Limited Edition Templates to $40 EACH, Previously $59.99 - $69.99. All Clearance Designs have been reduced to $25 EACH!! These designs were Exclusives originally priced above $129.00.

See a design you like but not sure you want to use it now? That's the great thing about using Pappashop, ShoppePro, and Eco Chic Hosting Store fronts. You can have SEVERAL templates you love installed and change them at your whim with a mere click of a button. Simply go into your Admin, Go to Templates and use the dropdown selection box to select the template you would like to use, then save. Your website changes right away to show your new look!

Seasonal Templates Available soon!

My Egg Goo Brain

2009-01-26T10:16:00.000-08:00

[Definition} Egg Goo: The transluscent slime that surrounds the yolk of an egg.

That is my brain today. It is the perfect defination of what my brain probably looks like this morning and definately how it is functioning.

I had a server crash over the weekend while I was at my other job. This morning, I had my freak out - where's my files??? Most were recovered so that is good. Some of the work I did last week is gone.

Taxes are taxing me - I figure I'll start that terrible ordeal on February First.

There's ALOT of snow outside and it's pretty darn cold. About 4 degrees.

So yeah, Egg Goo this morning. Oops, it's almost Noon actually...

Accomplishments so far today: I emailed some customers, responded to some emails from interested persons. Chatted on IM with my mom. Ran up and down the stairs about 20 times for various needs of my son. Finished a Graphic for a customer. Started to redo a project that I had ready last week that is now gone. Wrote in my blog....

Happy 2009

2009-01-06T11:12:00.000-08:00

The last month flew by until I woke up and it was 2009!! I've been busy finishing custom design orders and am happy to say I'm all caught up! You'll see on the home page at SpiffyBoutiques.com the updated time frame for projects.

I am also working on a new collection of Exclusive and Limited Edition Templates. The wp themes aren't going over very well, so I'm thinking of dumping that category all together and revamping the designs for templates.

Custom project recently completed include:

Shop Concrete Rose (products coming soon!)

All About Giftz

Once Upon a Fantasy

Mei Tai Baby

HUGE BOUTIQUE TEMPLATE SALE!

2008-12-04T12:21:00.000-08:00

SpiffyBoutiques.com is having a HUGE BOUTIQUE TEMPLATE SALE! All of my Exclusive designs have been marked down $20 to $50 each, while the Custom Design Package is down to just $199.00.

This is the LOWEST pricing ever in my store. Browse the collections and find your perfect Exclusive, Limited Edition or Unlimited Template.

Styles available range from

Couture Template Designs
Grundge Template Designs
Modern Boutique Templages
Girly Templates
Floral Templates
Chic Templates
Posh Templates
Country Templates
and more!

Remember - Pick a design and tell me if you'd like it for a WordPress Blog, Blogspot Blog, PappaShop Store, Merchant Moms Store, ShoppePro Store, eco Chic Hosted Store or just a basic HTML website.

Need some Matching Graphics for your new template? I offer business cards, ebay templates, etsy banners, hang tags, logo design, fadeshows, and favicons.

Visit SpiffyBoutiques.com today to buy your template on sale before they are ALL GONE!

Custom Web Design Portfolio

2008-12-04T08:43:00.001-08:00

I haven't had a chance to add a Custom Web Design portfolio section to spiffyboutiques.com yet, but plan to soon. In the meantime, here's some custom projects that have been completed since October:

DreamLocs.com

FairyShoePrincess.com

DoreyK.com

GlamaGalParty.com

Custom Projects to be completed this week:

Shop Concrete Rose
All About Giftz
Once Upon a Fantasy
Mei Tai Baby
Spiffy Pets

Girly & Chic Boutique Template Designs Available!

2008-11-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I added a few new girly and chic boutique templates to SpiffyBoutiques.com. Remember, my templates can be used for a VARIETY of sites, not just Boutique Shops. They can be modified for your Blog, Basic HTML website or Shop. So when you visit Spiffy Boutiques, be sure to look at ALL my designs. Something you find in the WordPress theme section, might work well for your boutique shop instead. Please contact me through my website contact form and I'll be happy to answer any questions you have about my designs and other services!

The new designs I added yesterday were:

Sweet Sara: I LOVE this design!! It's so yummy looking, it's like candy or cupcakes. I felt like designing something with a Minty Green and brown then threw in the pink and blue. This is an EXCLUSIVE Design so it will only be sold ONE time to ONE lucky customer. I'm thinking about keeping it for myself...

Chocolate Dream: I was working actually on a custom design for a customer of mine, when this one got a little off track. So I decided to have some fun with it and see where it took me. I ended up with a very Brown layout with a sip of color here and there. This is a very different template but I think appealing. I've listed it as a Limited Edition design. Of course, all my limited editions have the option to be Exclusive to the first customer that purchases them.

I don't think I'll have time to add more designs until next Monday, but keep checking back! Inspiration can come at odd hours...

I've been here... working...

2008-11-18T17:43:00.000-08:00

Oh, I've been blessedly busy!!

Here's what I have been up to that you may like to check out:

OrangeHoodie.com - Tanya purchased my Chocolate Retro Boutique design and had it changed to a WordPress theme for her blog. It's fantastic! Read the blog and see how she came up with "Orange Hoodie" for her blog name.. Installed 10/27

LeKandi.com - April loved my Pink Envy WordPress theme and purchased it to have it changed into a Boutique Template for her shop Le'Kandi. Installed 10/31

AllAmericanMadeToysOnline.com - Sherri purchased My Crazy Dots Boutique shop for her Safe 4 Tots toy store. With a few modifications, I installed this design and made it exclusively hers. Installed 10/31

TrishasTreasure.com - Trisha purchased on or my Limited Edition Modern Chic templates for her handmade Jewelry site. I set it up for her and customized her header and top links and home page to suit. Installed 11/8

VenusAstrology.com - Venus purchased my Stars N Stripes exclusive design. I've installed it for her but I know she's working on inputting all her content into it from her old site. So not sure when the unveiling will be! Installed 11/9

DreamLocs.com - Shataya contacted me for a Custom Logo and Website design for her Indian and Remi Hair site. Working closely, we came up with a unique layout that includes some fun circle navigation on the home page and a animated picture show. Shataya also hired me to design her business cards, Mailing Labels, and Hang Tags. Thanks Shataya!! Installed 11/10

GreenandChic.com - Carla purchased my fun & funky limited edition design for her Green Store. She offers all natural and organic personal care products. We also installed the design in her Blog for a small additional fee. Installed store 11/11, blog 11/14

ShopGreenKarma.com - Molly purchased a limited edition Modern Chic2 Template from my shop for her green site, Green Karma. I changed the header and home page to her liking and also created custom Business Cards to match. Installed 11/11

LunasGardenBoutique.com - Michelle purchased my Miss Bliss design about two days after I listed it in my shop back in September. Even though she wasn't ready yet to put her new store up, she jumped in and bought the template, then emailed and said, just put me to the side and I'll contact you when ready. Installed 11/12

CherishedPlanet.com - April from Le'Kandi hired me to fix her Cherished Planet site. The design is great, but unfortunately it was designed using frames for the navigation and the main content. I redid the graphics and recoded the site so it works seamlessly without frames. Installed 11/14

MercysPeace.com - Mercy purchased my unlimited edition Loves Caramel design for her jewelry site. With a few modifications and a logo to match, her new template was uploaded on 11/17.

ShanonMedley.com - Shanon purchased my Blue Silk template which was recently reduced from an exclusive design to a limited edition design. Shanon creates Custom Murals, Paintings, Wedding Items and other items. Installed 11/18

I am currently working on the following Projects -

SWAKK - Custom Design and installation

Once Upon a Fantasy - Custom Design and Installation

Cherished Planet Blog - Custom Design and Installation

Fleurettes - Simply Pink Template Installation and Custom Bow Tags

Shop Concrete Rose - Custom Design and Installation

Doggie Carriers - Blog Design

All About Giftz - Custom design and Installation

Modaiva.com - Installation of Modern Chic 2 Template.

Boutique Repeats - 'lil Bella Template Setup for static site.

Mei Tai Baby - Custom Design and Installation

so, yeah, I've been busy :) Thank you to all of my new wonderful clients! I've been enjoying working with you and hope to work with you more in the future.

This past week I also added 2 New Designs to SpiffyBoutiques.com. Both are Exclusive Designs and available for under $199.

Blue Jean Baby

and

Loves Pink

Custom Web Design SALE Extended!

2008-11-10T09:42:00.000-08:00

I have decided to EXTEND my Custom Web Design sale at SpiffyBoutiques.com through the end of November. The original price was $299, now down to $229. The sale started in October and I've had a really good response to it, so I've decided to keep it going a bit longer.

What do you get with a Custom Web Design from SpiffyBoutiques.com?

A custom designed layout for your online store that uses one of my approved webhost/cart systems. You pick the colors, we talk about the look you are interested in having for your site, everything. Once we have a plan, I create a layout for you. We go back and forth until we get it right! Then we install your new design!

BUT WAIT!! That's not all....

you will also receive a Custom Logo design if you need one, a custom home page layout with a collage and/or buttons for direction to other pages of your site, and two web banners for your advertising purposes.

Check out my Hip and Chic PreMade designs at SpiffyBoutiques.com. If you don't find what you like, I can custom design your dream website!!

new designs coming!

2008-11-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy filling custom design orders and installing templates there just hasn't been time to create any new designs for the shop! However, I have several ideas and fun colors in mind. I plan to add a few more designs this week, so stay tuned!

Watching the Polls

2008-11-04T18:48:00.000-08:00

I'm just watching the polls .... did you vote? I did! I voted for the FIRST time today for President of the US. I didn't vote last election because I didn't have an opinion at the time - which I know is completely crazy - but true. I never watched the news, I didn't have any economic interests, healthcare issues, nothing. Now, years later I'm chin deep into this entire process and all of the issues.

I have had some very interesting conversations with people around me on their views -I think it is sad that so many do not have an Open mind on Politics - I like to hear what other people think, what their views are and why they are voting for this person over this one. In fact, I love debating over these things.

But here's the bottom line - Whomever you voted for for President - you made a Contribution to this Country - to Our Country. Our Ancestors came across oceans to build this country from the ground up - to give us the rights they never had. Do we honestly deserve the freedoms we enjoy if we don't take the time to vote? and if you didn't vote - why? Personally, I say if you didn't vote, don't complain. Don't get on your high horse about the state of the economy, health care, wages, gas prices - any of it.

If you did vote - God Bless You. Remember, we are only putting our Faith into another Human being and our Trust in their Ability to Lead our Country. The hope that they will put together a strong Cabinet of government that will work for the People.

Recipe Friday - Hay Stacks

2008-10-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

This week I'm sharing a Kinney Family Recipe with you. I do not know where this originated from, but I do remember the first time I ate dinner at my husband's home when we were dating. This was the meal for dinner and I was positive that I wasn't going to like it, and also that these people were VERY strange. LOL As it turns out, this has become a meal that we eat often in our home. Our little picky eaters just gobble it up. I hope yours will too!

Ingredients:(to feed 4 - 10 people)
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup (bigger the better)
1 Can Chicken Broth (about half to 3/4 of the cream of chicken soup)
6 cups of cooked white rice
Crispy Oriental noodles (the little crunchy ones in the oriental food aisle)
3 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped (boneless, skinless)

Toppings (all optional)
Coconut
Pineapple
chopped tomatos
shredded colby jack or cheddar cheese
choppped onion
chopped green bell pepper
sliced olives
chopped celery
almond slivers

Cook up the rice and set it aside in a dish keeping it warm. Cook the chicken - in a simmering pot, empty the contents of the cream of chicken soup and warm it up on medium heat. Slowly stir in about a quarter of the chicken broth. Keep adding broth to the mixture at intervals until the mixture is not too think, but not watery - it needs to be in the middle. You shouldn't use a full can of broth unless it's half the size or less of the cream of chicken soup. Add the chicken to the mixture, turn to low and let simmer for about 5 minutes stirring often.

Ready to eat!
grab a plate and layer it with the items in this manner: Crispy noodles first (this is the base of your haystack) then spoon rice over the top - be careful how much you take, it's pretty filling - spoon the chicken mixture on top - now put your toppings on.

My favorite topppings are cheese first, then coconut, green peppers, tomatos, pineapple.

If you don't like the coconut, at least try the pineapple on there - you will NOT believe how good this tastes!

We like to have friends over for haystack dinners as well - it's affordable to make and feeds alot of people.

Enjoy! Please write comments on my blog about this recipe sharing if you enjoyed it and any variations you may have tried.

New Boutique Template Designs

2008-10-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

This week I've added a few new designs to SpiffyBoutiques.com.

I created a an Exclusive Template called "My Little Boutique" in browns, greens and a touch of blue. There are NO flowers in this design, but a few swirls. It has a grundge type look, but done in a classy and also whimsical way.

I had a lady email me that she loved the Modern Chic Limited edition template, but wanted it in a brown and green so I created Modern Chic2. This design, like the original, has a retro grundge look with vibrant color combinations. If you need a shop look that expresses the fun and funky to hip products you sell, this is the boutique template for you.

Continuing with my Grundge mood this week, I created "Rock My Grundge" Boutique template. The name? Well you know, sometimes it's hard to come up with appropriate names for these designs, lol. But this one was easy. I said to my husband - "I'm rocking the grundge look this week.." and the name just was there. See if you think it deserves such a name and check it out.

I also had another lady contact me that she needed a fun patriotic colored design. I realize that it's not the time of year for Stars and Stripes layouts, but I thought it would be a nice change of pace. Of course, I still grundged it a touch and modernized it - why not? I made the background on this one a little loud, so rest assured that I made a lighter background as well. So the buyer of this exclusive design has options :)

Recipe Friday - Pizza Casserole

2008-10-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

Pizza Casserole is a HUGE favorite at our house. It's easy to make, and everyone will gobble it up - very filling as well. If you have small children, they love to help put this dish together - in fact, the whole family can join in!

Ingredients to feed a family of 6 in a 9 x 13 glass panNOTE: if you plan to use alot of toppings, try finding a glass dish that is a little deeper. I have 4 of them, and 1 is thinner glass but about 1/2 inch deeper than the other two and so it's my favorite for this recipe.

1- 2 TB butter or margarine
1 lb ground turkey or hamburger (we like beef around here)
1 can tomato sauce (you can use pizza sauce if you would like)
1/2 box spaghetti (thin or regular)
Mozzerella cheese (more the better)
Pepperroni slices

Optional Ingredients:
ground sausage cooked up
bell peppers chopped
olives chopped
canadian bacon
cooked crumbled bacon
mushrooms
onion
(just about anything you might put on a pizza actually)

1) First cook the spaghetti noodles in a pot of boiling water as you usually would. At the same time, have your ground meat cooking in another pan.

2) chop up your veggies that you want.

3) Get your 9 x 13 inch glass pan and put a tab or two of butter in there and set it in an oven set at 350 degrees. We just want the butter to melt in the pan.

4) now that all your ingredients are ready - drain the ground meat, drain the spaghetti noodles.

In the glass dish do the following:

Pour in the noodles, and mix them around with the butter. Cover the noodles with the ground meat (if you did beef and sausage, it's good to mix them together here). Next, pour the pizza sauce or tomato sauce over the top. You could sprinkle on additional seasonings here if you wanted to.

Next sprinkle some grated mozzerella over the sauce. Now you can layer on your pizza toppings. We usually start with the pepperoni and canadian bacon then go on from there. Cover with a nice layer of mozerella.

Stick in the oven for 30 - 40 minutes. Check it at the 20 minute mark to see how much longer it needs. The top should be nicely melted and the top sides should be a little toasted/crispy looking.

I hope you and your family enjoy this simple and fun recipe. it's pretty inexpensive to make. You could modify this to be a Vegetarian pizza as well.

10 Days Later...

2008-10-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

Do you ever watch SpongeBob? At my house, it's like bread and water. The ongoing little joke with my family is the time thing - how on the show something happens, or SpongeBob and Patrick will agree to not do somethingn and then the screen flashes, and the narrator says "5 Billion Years Later"...

Anyway, that's where my title came from, only it's funny becuase it's TRUE.. 10 Days Later I finally return to my blog. Where have I been? What have I been doing?

Actually... I've been here... and I've been working... and keeping up with life. I've decided to start a Daily blog on here with a different subject for each day of the week - this should ensure that I actually blog something of interest ;)

...no promises though...

Today is Friday so I'll be posting a recipe to share with you shortly!

Raffle Drawing Cancelled...

2008-10-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

Today I cancelled the Raffle to Win Drawing at SpiffyBoutiques.com.

Kind of bummed...

I had several people email me about it, but noone purchased any raffle tickets so I decided I had to cancel it. I think raffle drawings are great and a wonderful way to give your customers something useful for a very small fee.

However, I realize two things when it comes to web design:
1) People want it and they want it right now. That means that while the raffle idea was terrific, no one really wanted to have to wait a month or two to get their custom design started and get their website done. I can relate.

2) I wasn't able to set an END Date on the Raffle - at least in my mind I wasn't able to do that. Simply because it was the first raffle I'd ever attempted and my website is fairly new so I wasn't sure how much traffic and response it would actually get.

I would have been okay selling 10 or 12 raffle tickets, but anything less than that would have made the loss too great on my end and I would have had to cancel and refund those who had purchased tickets their ticket fee.

Hopefully, as my site gains more exposure, I will be able to embark on a Raffle Adventure once again for my customers. Until then, I've been Slashing Prices throughout my store and hope you'll come by!

Spiffy Goes Retro!

2008-09-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

Inspiration comes in many forms to me. Today I was inspired by these De-Li-Cious bags for sale at Pink Lemonade Boutique Bags. (if you love fun colors and chic bags, check them out!)

In my inspired mode, I created two new Exclusive Designs at Spiffy Boutiques:

Chocolate Retro

Retro Lemonade

Visit SpiffyBoutiques.com to check out the hot new Retro Web Templates available and the other fun designs I've added lately!!

Recent Happenings

2008-09-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have gone by incredibly fast! A few new designs have been added to SpiffyBoutiques.com shoppe, along with new services such as:
- Ebay Template Designs. Custom or Matching
- Blogger Designs. Custom or Matching
- Advertising Opportunities on our blog, and Advertorials

I have also added a Testimonials page allow my customers to leave their feedback about working with me. I'm pleased to say, I have two already!

This past week, I was blessed to meet some new people through my online business.

Aly of BrownBakingCups.com contacted me about her website on the sixteenth. She loved my site design and the Free Spirit Limited Edition template that was sold out, and wondered if I might be making another like it soon. Her budget was moderate and she needed a design that fit in the limited edition price range. We worked together and 2 days later she has a beautiful new website at a price she could afford.

Laura from Canada called me about sprucing up her html website with a hot new look. Her new business, GlamaGalParty.com had a website that was using a template that didn't really fit the fun and girly style her business needed to encompass. That afternoon, I created a new layout for her in hot pink with black and white zebra stripes. Laura's husband is going to use the template I made to rebuild the old site and update it.

Today I finished installing a custom design for Melissa of FureverFabulous.com (cute name, huh?) Melissa contacted me a few days ago about my Alley Cat Design. She liked the look, but it was over her budget. After showing me her logo, I put together a design concept for her to look at. She loved it and made me an offer and her new site is now live!

I am in the process of finishing up some web banners and an Ebay Template for Julie of SilverSageCreations.com. Julie purchased my Jezabelle Exclusive Design a few days ago for her jewelry store and quite a few addons to go with it.

Thank you to all my wonderful new customers!

Raffle Drawing - Win a Custom Design Package

2008-09-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

With everything being so expensive right now, I say it's time for some FUN!

With saving you money in mind, I came up with a Raffle Drawing for a Custom Web Design Package.

$15.00 gets you a Raffle Ticket in this Terrific Drawing. Only 20 tickets will be sold!! You can buy as many as you'd like.

Here's what the drawing is for:

-One Custom Design for your Online Store using either PappaShop, MerchantMoms, or Shoppepro. If you are planning to use another shopping cart, please contact me first.
- One 468x60 Rotating Banner Ad to match your design
- One 125 x 125 Rotating Tile Ad to match your Design
- Custom Home Page design for your shop
- Business Card Design in digital format, ready for print.
- 1 Month Advertising on Spiffy Boutiques Top 100 Site (at the top 125 x 125 ad space)
- Advertorial for your business placed in SpiffyBoutiques.blogspot.com for 60 days

YOU could have all this for just $15!! Your odds if you buy one ticket are 1 out of 20, which is really good.

ALSO - everyone who purchases a ticket will receive a 125 x 125 custom tile ad for their business.

Stop by SpiffyBoutiques.com and purchase your Raffle Ticket today!!

Little T Joins our Family

2008-09-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after school my older son (12) comes home and asks if he can take his little brother to catch a tadpole.

They have both wanted a tadpole all summer - in fact - CJ has wanted one since he was about 4 years old. His father and I actually bought him one of those Tadpole plastic aquarium set ups for his birthday one year. Then there was this whole thing about having to Order them through the mail, etc. and it just never happened.

I said, "Well, where are the tadpoles?"

He says, "They are across the little field from the school in a drainage ditch. My friend Chase told me that there's tons of them."

Okay, sure, no problem. Then he asks if he can bring Chelleni across the street, she's 7. I told him to go ask her parents and set my terms.

1) they have to dress WARMLY - it was only 55 degrees here yesterday.
2) he has to take his cell phone and keep it ON.
3) they'll need some small plastic bottles to put them in.
4) they have to be back in 45 minutes and call me when they are headed back so I know.

NO problem. CJ likes to take Noah on little adventures in our neighborhood and I trust him because he uses his head and he always follows my rules.

about 25 minutes later, Chelleni's dad comes knocking on my door. He says, call CJ's cell phone, they were supposed to be back in 15 minutes and my wife is very angry.

Of course, I know that 15 minutes isn't feasible, but whatever. I call him. He says they are on their way home, but he got stuck in some mud, and then Chelleni tried to save him, and then so did Noah. And Noah lost his shoes...

So Noah is just wearing muddy socks and they are walking through a field of stickers etc.

I decide to get in the car and drive down there, Chelleni's dad starts walking. We meet up with the kids a few blocks down. Chelleni is COVERED in mud, has her shoes off because they are covered in mud and she's crying.

I had brought a shovel with me and a few plastic Walmart bags for the kid's shoes and for the end of the shovel. The boys and I drove through the field to the spot where the tadpoles were. I had to hike with Noah on my back up the hill to dig his shoes out of the mud - it was the most disgusting smelly mud on the face of this planet - I am not kidding.

What they found was this little "stink pond" next to a drainage ditch. But it had all turned to a very thick deep mud. So when they went in there to get some tadpoles, parts of the muddy section were firm, so you could step, but then parts weren't.

Anyway, good thing Noah was wearing his Crocs - I dug them out, put them in the baggie, then hosed them off when we got home and then washed them with some soap.

And, they somehow managed to catch Little T the Tadpole while trying to save themselves from the mud pit.

He's in a plastic large bowl in our sink that has mud, rocks and a some water in it.

today we think we might go try to find him some friends. and tomorrow we are going to get the 10 gallon fish tank set up so we can put crickets in there.

I don't know what you feed a Froglet - becuase Little T actually has his legs now, but part of his tail too. What do you feed him???

Shop This: DoggieCarriers.com

2008-09-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

If you have dogs and love to bring them along on your travels, DoggieCarriers.com has everything you need to keep your dog safe and happy during your wonderful journeys together.

Doggie Carriers owner, Laurie Nidros, is dedicated to bringing dog lovers quality canine travel solutions that surpass what local pet and department stores have to offer. Since 2006, DoggieCarriers.com has provided pet owners around the globe with chic canine travel solutions at affordable prices. This one-of-a-kind canine boutique is stocked with fashionable and luxurious dog carriers, totes, car seats, bike baskets, dog strollers and other dog accessories. Shop a selection of designer brands including Diva Dog, Lucy’s Luxuries, New York Dog, and Louis Dog along with many others.

Along with the low prices and quality products, DoggieCarriers.com has a flat rate shipping fee of $5.99 for every order under $100 with FREE SHIPPING for orders of $100 or more. Laurie’s dedication to offering a wide variety of products and friendly customer service has her customers coming back time and time again.

Understanding the special relationship you share with your pet, Laurie has set up a fun Birthday Club section on DoggieCarriers. Here you can submit your pet’s birthday, along with a photo to be added to the Birthday Club page. Each pet will receive a special 15% off coupon on their birthday to spend at DoggieCarriers.com.

Enjoy the ease of shopping for the high quality products your pet deserves at www.doggiecarriers.com.

A Day at the Beach

2008-08-31T08:41:00.001-07:00

We have a little lake in the city of Cheyenne with a nice sandy beach. Saturday the kids and I went there and played for about 4 hours. Coleton buit a Sand Castle and then a HUGE mote around it, Noah played with his Ben 10 guys in the water and chased minnows into the weeds. The day was absolutely perfect and quite relaxing. I took several pictures which I hope to scrapbook next weekend.

Today we are going to the Harvest Festival in Windsor Colorado. Windsor was hit by some terrible tornados recently and the town is using the money raised to help rebuild. I think we'll have a great time eating concessions and going on kiddie rides!

Since my husband is away in Alaska fishing for Salmon for a Whole Week, the kids and I are pretending to be on our own little vacation this weekend LOL Which is good because we all really need it!! I hope everyone finds a way to enjoy Labor Day weekend with family.

Fun Friday! Something Cute

2008-08-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

Last night my mom emailed me this adorable picture from when I was three years old. In the email she wrote, "Hope this goes through, this was one of your favorite games!! LOL".

I haven't seen very many pictures of myself as a young child in several years. My parents, until recently, traveled around parts of the US in an Oversized House on Wheels for their business. This last month, they finally set up a permanent address down in Arizona. So my mom has been going through some stuff they had in storage, such as all the photo albums, old home videos, etc.

Anyway, I opened up the picture and just started laughing like crazy! The first reason is because my son Noah is three right now. The only difference between this picture of me and the way he looks right now is his red hair. We have the same eyes, nose, face shape and smile.

The second reason I love this picture and think it's so funny, is because apparently when I was little my favorite game was to hide in a closet then sneak out and say "boo" to whomever had the misfortune to come by.... and guess what? ... I still enjoy doing that LOL

My kids LOVE it when we play Hide and Seek. I almost always hide in one of the closets and they get nervous to come and find me but excited at the same time becuase they know without a doubt I'm going to jump out and surprise them. Then we fall on the floor in a huge tickle fight until none of us can breathe.

I'm thankful that my mom has these beautiful gifts from our childhood and look forward to the day when she gets them organized (ha) and makes copies (no pressure) so that I can share them with my children.

4 New Designs Added Today!

2008-08-26T20:27:00.001-07:00

Wow, I had a major creative Tuesday... I think it's because I'm eager for the wonderful older son to go back to school tomorrow. I know that the house will be a great deal calmer during the day without constant bickering between two boys!!

Today I added two new designs to the Limited Edition Premade section of the store and two new OOAK Premade design. All are VERY different from each other, and very different from what I've created in the past month.

One of my great customers, Leah, of RetroWhimsyDesigns.com gave me some feedback on the new store the other day - she said she loves my work, BUT, I might have too many Floral type templates. I think she's right! I hadn't realized my love of florals and swirls was taking over my entire store!! So.... I'm working on that. I want to design templates that fit a much broader audience of shop owner than just floral lovers like me :) Thanks for the input Leah!!

Here's a peek at the new designs you'll find at SpiffyBoutiques.com this week:

Fresh, Spiffy New Look!

2008-08-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

I'm loving the new look, how about you?

I haven't added any new designs to Spiffy Boutiques yet as I've spent the last few days revamping the design of my shop, my blog AND setting up my Spiffy Boutiques Top 100 Directory site.

come on by and check out the new look - be sure to visit Spiffy Boutiques Top Site and list your boutique related site for FREE.

I also have a few premier advertising spots available at the top of the directory.

Looking for some feedback

2008-08-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

I'm interested in hearing some feedback about SpiffyBoutiques.com. What can I do to make it better? From a web template customer POV, how do you feel about the selection of products, prices, terms and services offered on my website?

As a small business owner, I know how invaluable my customer's and prospectful customer's input is to my business. My goal is to offer a product that meets the needs and desires of other small online business owners, especially WAHM who are just starting out.

Please take a minute to view my new template shop and share your thoughts with me!
www.spiffyboutiques.com

Humbling Words

2008-08-15T13:05:00.001-07:00

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

-Mother Teresa

Take 5% off at SpiffyBoutiques.com!

2008-08-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

SpiffyBoutiques.com GRAND OPENING Savings Event!

Take 5% off your total order when you shop Spiffy Boutiques at this address: http://www.spiffyboutiques.com?code=NEW01

Each customer will recieve 5% off their order. Offer good from 8/13/08 to 8/27/08, so hurry in!

You must follow the link above to get the savings!

Shop OOAK, Limited Edition and Budget Templates, Etsy Store Banners, and WordPress Themes in a variety of colors and styles for your boutique shop or blog. New designs added DAILY!

Sweet Freedom!

2008-08-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

It's been a month since I launched SpiffyBoutiques.com and I'm loving it - not the low sales, but other things...

I love that I can just design without the pressure of a custom design. No one is telling me what colors to use, no one defining the style of the layout. It's quite Liberating!

My concern going into this new online boutique shop was that I may run out of ideas -How could I have known? Without a voice whispering in my ear - pushing me to grasp the imagination of another's desire for their website and bring it to life - I thought that perhaps I might not know where to begin.

How wrong I was!! Glad to admit it too - thrilled to embrace the challenge and just design whatever I want to.

True, I've only sold ONE template in my shop to date, but I am not worried. I've also found that I love custom designing once again for my customers. I have the freedom I needed to express myself through another avenue, therefore, allowing me to focus better on my custom design clients when they need me.

Actually, I have so many design ideas and color schemes swirling around in my head, I can't get them out fast enough - thus the new templates added nearly daily...

I've got the best of both worlds here... Now if people would just buy something :)

Boutique Templates $199 or less

2008-08-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

Today I marked down all OOAK Boutique Template Designs to $199 and then decided that from now on, all designs at SpiffyBoutiques.com will be $199 or less. My customers can count on high quality designs at a low everyday price.

Visit SpiffyBoutiques.com to find your perfect design!

Beautiful New Designs Added!

2008-08-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Looking for great designs at affordable prices for your blog or online shop doesn't have to be impossible! Visit www.spiffyboutiques.com for an amazing variety of designs - I bet you'll find just what you need...

Yesterday I created some new designs for Limited Edition Boutique Designs category and OOAK WordPress Themes.

Got Questions about SpiffyBoutiques.com?

2008-08-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

When visiting SpiffyBoutiques.com, you can now chat with me or ask me any questions you have LIVE!

Today I added my free Volusion chat service to my new template site. I've seen a great deal of traffic to my site in the last few weeks and want to make it as easy as possible for anyone visiting to write me a note, ask me a question, or just say "hi!".

The Free Chat software provided by Volusion is GREAT for anyone with an online business - especially if you are on the computer frequently throughout the day. You can customize your Volusion Chat graphic, and personalize your welcome and away messages too.

I love it!

Today I also added a fun, grundgy type One-of-a-Kind design to Spiffy Boutiques called Jezabelle. It's the darker side of my creative flow I think with some funky purples and teals mixed in. This design started out on a white background, as all my designs do - but felt too soft and a bit boring, so I tossed in some black and BAM! it went totally grudge.

For me, grudge looking design can be difficult to do - but this one was a breeze. I just cut loose and had some fun with the colors and textures. I think it would be a great Blog Layout, Jewelry Boutique Design or Clothing Boutique Design - but whatever you want it for, it can be yours. Just Visit www.spiffyboutiques.com

New Designs added at SpiffyBoutiques.com!

2008-08-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

Today I created and added two new designs. One OOAK Boutique Design and one Limited Edition Design. My focus for the next few days will be Limited Edition and Budget designs. Next week I will begin adding additional services such as business card designs, matching banners, etc.

Check out the newbies!

Stylish Etsy Banners Anyone?

2008-07-30T16:10:00.000-07:00

I spent all afternoon creating some very Stylish Etsy Store Banners for Spiffy Boutique Shoppers!

What a total lazy day! Went grocery shopping **Not Fun**, then came home and packed a picnic lunch for my lovely children and our neighbors. We enjoyed a very warm picnic in the shade at Lions park with Ham & Cheese sandwiches, Strawberries, Chips and Mini Cupcakes.

Then I felt inspired to design! My Etsy Banners are just $10, of if you want one to be Exclusively yours, it's $35. Just Purchase your Etsy banner, and I will contact you for your Business Name and Optional Slogan. Turnaround time is 1 - 2 days.

New Boutique Template Designs

2008-07-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

Today I was inspired to create some new designs. One is called "Patricia" after my mom - the colors used and the floral style reflect my mom's beauty - inside and out.

Bella Flora was just fun to create - It's been too hot in Wyoming (for my liking) and the colors made me feel calm and cool. I hope you like them!

Visit www.SpiffyBoutiques.com to view all my OOAK, Limited Edition, and Budget Boutique Templates.

New OOAK Designs Added

2008-07-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Three new OOAK Web Template Designs added at SpiffyBoutiques.com today!

Visit SpiffyBoutiques.com for more information and to purchase these One-of-a-kind Templates for your online store!

New SpiffyBoutiques.com Launched!

2008-07-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

After a few months of putting my new PappaShop store together, I have finally launched SpiffyBoutiques.com!!

Spiffy Boutiques is my new store that features my creative Web Template designs for your Boutique Shoppe, Online Store, Website or Blog. I am working on adding a line of Etsy Banners, and matching print items to the store.

My goal is to create between 4 and 8 new designs each week including OOAK Templates, Limited Edition, and Budget Designs.

To set SpiffyBoutiques.com above the other template sites online, I offer a wide variety of styles. You will find many design styles including Whimsical, Posh, Chic, Girly, Damask, Victorian... need I say more?

Stop by and check out what I have to offer - there's definately something for Everyone and my prices are unbeatable!