Repeat Customer, New Site!

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!

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!

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 -

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!

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?

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!

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

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...

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

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

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....!!!!

....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!

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

[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

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