I’ve been very busy this last month and thought I’d give everyone a sneak peek of two of my projects in the works. These designs have been so much fun to create and I can’t wait to see them go live!

We prayed that this day would never come, but on Saturday, December 5th 2009, we were informed that my brother, Elijah Rao, was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

I couldn’t have asked for a better brother. He was a kind, loving, honorable man and will be missed dearly by our family and all those that he touched with his gentle spirit. We have faith that he is in Heaven and one day we will all be together again.

Elijah served an extended tour in Iraq before serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He was scheduled to come home in January on leave and then come home for good in May when his tour ended. He leaves behind a wife and 1 1/2 year old daughter.

Please pray for our family during this unimaginably difficult time. The outpouring of love and support from the military and community is a blessing and really shows us how many people Elijah touched in his short life.

A local news story about my brother and his sacrifice for our country: Soldier from Oregon killed in Afghanistan

To grandma’s house we go! This Thanksgiving we’ll be taking a 3 hour journey over lovely Mount Hood to visit the in-laws in Central Oregon. I’m looking forward to the change of scenery and not having access to my email, which forces me to finally take some time off! I will be returning to my normal work schedule on Monday, November 30th. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Who is Divine Living Interiors?
DLI is a fresh, fun and innovative interior design firm that shows that great design is obtainable. You should surround yourself with beautiful things, and I believe you should start with your home.

What service do you provide?
DLI provides color consultations, space planning, one room designs or entire home projects, renovations and new construction material selections, custom window treatments and bedding designs… and Holiday Decorating.

Why did you decide to start a business?
I started my business because I LOVE every aspect of design and I wanted to share my passion with people. I saw a need for a design company in my area that made design approachable and livable.

How did you get started?
I was constantly changing my home because I wanted a beautiful place for me and family. I had changed my family room color 3 times in 1 1/2 years! So, I decided that before I could touch another gallon of paint, I had to figure this whole design thing out. I researched everything I could about color, space planning, fabrics… pretty much anything and everything design related. I decided that I just needed to go to school and get a degree in design, so that’s what I did!

What would you have done differently in the beginning?
I might have had someone partner with me, because I just get too excited when I pick out new items for clients! It would be great to have someone to share design with that loves it like me… besides my husband.

What advice would you offer to someone just getting started?
My advice would be to make a list of your goals and what your company means to you and never deviate… it’s easy to get off track when you have a paying client, but remember why you started your business and stick too it!

Post courtesy of Nicole, Owner of Divine Living Interiors

Anne from The Diaper Wagon contacted me wanting a custom illustrated logo design for her business. I was excited for the chance to work with Gretchen again, on what would be another wonderful logo collaboration. Anne wanted a simple and sweet design for her logo and the final product was exactly what she had in mind!

If you’d like a custom illustrated logo design, be sure to view my logo packages for more details.

Who is Designer Cloth Diapers?

Designer Cloth Diapers is a cloth diaper store where you find fun, affordable and stylish options for modern cloth diapering. Customers are encouraged to ask questions. We want our customers to be successful.

What do you sell?

We sell many of the top cloth diaper brands and accessories in designer prints. We are always looking for products that make cloth diapering convenient and fun while still being affordable.

Why did you decide to start a business?

Designer Cloth Diapers started with a desire to have a cloth diaper store that was different from the rest. We wanted cloth diapering families to find all the great prints all in one place. Babies grow up so fast, why not enjoy it with fun diapering and accessory choices!

How did you get started?

We started with our own brand “Komfy Kidz” and added some of our favorites. After cloth diapering 3 kids and soon to be 4, we have found things that we think make it a convenient system. We hope to share these products with our customers.

What would you have done differently in the beginning?

There may be things I would do differently, but mostly it has been a learning experience and I wouldn’t have learned so much without experiencing it.

What advice would you offer to someone just getting started?

Research your products, and your competition.. Be confident in your product or store and let others know about it. Get the word out locally as well as online. Make a plan, work hard and be patient. Find a great web designer like Cicily and you will be many steps closer to a successful business!

Post courtesy of Tonya Taylor, Owner of Designer Cloth Diapers

I had bought the reeds and green vase to use for a diffuser, but hadn’t found any scents that I liked in the local stores. I was looking for a really yummy smelling vanilla scent that didn’t contain alcohol and was DPG free. I ended up getting a bottle of Vanilla Supreme Reed Diffuser Refill Oil from Dawn at www.indigoreeddiffusers.com. It smells so wonderful and doesn’t have a chemical smell that the store oils tend to have. She is currently running a giveaway contest for the entire month of October. Be sure to enter for your chance to try her wonderful products!

The recently released Olivia Boutique website template features a fun, girly design. Modern pink daisies and accents of turquoise and brown, make this template perfect for a baby or kids boutique. Be the first to purchase this template and have the option to make the template exclusive to you!

I’ve just finished my first logo project with the wonderfully talented Gretchen of Chichiboulie. It was so much fun working with her! The final result is beyond adorable and most importantly, the client loves it! If you’d like a custom illustrated logo design, be sure to view my logo packages for more details.

I was tired of my toddler throwing our ceramic coasters around the house and I decided it was time to find a softer solution. So, off to Etsy I went searching for fabric coasters and I quickly fell in love with the leaf print coasters at pjsoftgoods.etsy.com. I am very pleased with my purchase! I highly recommend PJ Soft Goods to anyone looking for quality fabric coasters.