Looking Ahead

We have had a year of big changes in 2012 and 2013 is looking even bigger and brighter and full of amazing opportunities. While life with Express Yourself and theHELLOtote is busy, whether in Denver or Basalt, I have to be honest that we (my sis and I) desire to get out of our comfort zone just a bit more. We need to be inspired so that we can be inspiring to others. We need to branch out and network and be prepared for upcoming changes and what we hope are amazing things to come our way. This need to get out more became apparent when I recently realized my four-year old has acquired more frequent flier miles than I have in the past twelve months. And especially so when I look at our blog posts and realize I have not put anything up since July. It's a sad situation, really.

Some might say that to get inspired you need to be bored, while others suggest that anyone can be more creative if they just tap into it. One has to admire all the viewpoints, however I really have my heart set on the Alt Summit in Salt Lake City. It is so amazing and inspiring just to read about the bloggers and collaborators from last year and we would l.o.v.e. to actually attend. Not only is Alt SLC the perfect time of year (hello new year, hello new ideas) but it happens to fall right after my birthday (a composite number that I shall not reveal). And it's the winter and I've always wanted to ski in Park City. And did I mention a relative lives nearby that just bought a new house that I would love to visit?!? It's meant to be, really. 

Except for the fact it is sold out. 

So, while I am currently here ---> in Colorado, I'll just keep dreaming about being there ---> in SLC. And of course, I will keep up with the Alt actions from afar. In my pajamas. While my four-year old jaunts off with her grandmother on yet another fun trip.

For blogging inspiration and business advice check out the new Alt blog. Go on now...

- e.m.j.

Bus Birthday

Inspired by a friend's bus birthday for her daughter's third birthday (we'll share that one tomorrow!) - we set up a fun, bus themed party for our oldest daughter last weekend. She had fifteen friends and classmates come over for a Fun Bus party. The Fun Bus has mats, swings, and lots of gymnastics items inside and two instructors kept the kids happily entertained for a whole hour. All we had to do was put together the decorations and prep some lunch and birthday treats for the kids and sit back and wait for the bus to arrive on the party day. One of the easiest parties ever!

Favors included a yellow school bus, some sunglasses and tootsie rolls  - because that is totally how we roll and we all had a wheel good time!!

Lunch was served up snack-size style in ice cube trays. With that many kids, it was easier to give them a little bit of everything to please any and all picky palettes. We included: corn, yogurt covered raisins, goldfish, strawberries, edamame, grapes, teddy grahams, apples, peas, pirate's booty, turkey, pineapple, blueberries and pretzels.

:: ride on ::

Lenny + Eva

:: New in Store ::

Lenny & Eva, salvaged sentiments, are in store now. Leather wraps and necklaces, with sentiments and charms. Clever, interchangeable, surely sentimental and entirely personal. The combinations and options are practically endless. We love this quote above: " The greatest thing she learned is that there's no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one." We agree.

After Chevron Comes What?

We know our clients are not tired of it, and some days we downright love it, but the redundancy of a design or pattern can often become a bit tiresome for us. Especially when we look at paper and products and design every single day. Take chevron, for example. This classic pattern is trending everywhere right now and as with home goods and fashion, stationery is generally right on trend. 

:: blue chevron notepad ::

Flame Stitch too. A cousin of chevron that has more of an organic vibe.

:: flamestitch invitation ::

Ikat abounds and has been on the radar of designers for quite some time.

:: ikat iphone cover ::

Houndstooth has been popping up again this past season and we're wondering if we'll see more of it come fall and winter.

:: houndstooth birth announcement ::

What's next? 

If you know, let us in on the trend to come! 

We would love to play around with some fresh new patterns.

Seriously. 

Basalt {BASH} This Weekend

Join us this weekend in Downtown Basalt!

Fun for Families. 

Fun for Kids.

Fun for All.

And you may even catch a glimpse 

of this beauty while you are there.

That would be another "baby" of the Forsey/Express Yourself family!

:: ride on ::

When Life Hands You Lemons

::  via ::

Yes. You make lemonade. And then, you sit back and drink that lemonade. Soak it up. Take the bitter with the sweet. The sour with a smile.

Life has been handing us lemons lately. And that is OK. But we had to make a decision to let a few things go so that we could take care of business - in a personal way, that is. And the first thing to go was our daily entries on the blog. You may have missed us, or maybe you didn't notice. But either way, we're happy to say that we are happy to be back.

So sit back, pour yourself a tall glass of lemonade, and enjoy.

Day 117: Daily Words

Make it simple yet SIGNIFICANT!