Aurelle Designs Gets A Website!

I've finally taken the plunge and am going to have a real website. It will be AurelleDesigns.com. Its very exciting while a bit daunting at the same time :)

For hosting, I decided on going with BlueHost. They have a special for just $6.95 a month right now. I read a TON of reviews before deciding on a host and they just seemed to be the best. Last night, at 1:30 or so, I managed to mess everything up and called customer service. Not only did I get help, but I got help within 2 minutes of dialing the number. No waiting. No pressing 1, then 4, then 1 again. It was awesome!

Having a website will allow me more flexibility in showcasing my designs as well as having a shopping cart system and better previews of design. In the meantime, if you are looking for a custom wedding monogram, check out my etsy site: aurelledesigns.etsy.com.

My live launch goal is for January 1st, 2009. Wish me luck, there's lots to do!!

Getting Fit For The New Year 2009

Here it is, almost time for 2009 to roll around. Just like most people, I have made up my mind to get fit, watch what I eat and work out. I have tried several different things in the past with success. One of my favorite things was my Total Gym. For those of you who are not familiar with it, the Total Gym is advertised on TV by Christie Brinkley and Chuck Norris.

I used one and loved it for about five years. It was fun to use (believe it or not) and really toned me up. My favorite thing about it was that it was quiet and I was able to get a work-out in while my babies were taking a nap! The only reason I quit using it was my ex-husband took it when we split up. Check out their website, they have a sale right now and will let you try it out for only $1.00. If you're like me, you're going to love it!




Another thing I've tried is Power 90. They have a fantastic work-out program that gives you some serious results FAST! In October, I worked out with the DVDs every day and within two weeks, I had already dropped a pant size! That's what I call RESULTS! The program is pretty tough but you can go at your own pace and do as much as you can. After the first two days, I was so sore I could barely walk but after a few more days, I felt great! Dang Thanksgiving got me off-track but after Christmas, I am back to it again.

Another great tool to use is eDiets.com. They have a special promotion for our New Year resolutions to get one week of food for free! What I love about eDiets.com is the online community to help you keep true to your diet and the free profile and goal setting they have. A great site all around. Check them out at:




I will be posting my success and progress on my blog. Hopefully, that will help me stay accountable for my daily successes. My goal is to wear a bikini on my cruise in May of 2009. Check back for updates!

Snow In Louisiana?

Can you believe it? I woke up this morning to THREE inches of snow! In Louisiana! Not that it never snows here but its rare. The last time it snowed, my 9 year-old was just learning to walk. It was just a dusting and didn't last long. TODAY - It really snowed! And it stayed there! All day. Streets closed, people crashing cars, no one showing up for work - it was crazy.

In honor of our first ever "Sneaux Day", I've created a new graphic set!

There were snow men everywhere! Even on the medians of the streets here. People here just don't know how to deal with it. And to top it off, the high temperature on Sunday is supposed to be in the 70's. Funny stuff!

New Victorian-Inspired Etsy Graphic Set

So, apparently I'm on a Victorian kick. Maybe its from seeing all of those fabulous "Steampunk" items on etsy. I've made two new Etsy Graphic packages which have sets of graphics for sale items, vacation, etc....

The first one really has that rich chocolate look I just adore:























I really like the way that one turned out. Then I found a fabulous French looking black flower background and that inspired yet another Etsy banner and graphic set. Being from Louisiana
there are fleur-de-lys everywhere and this one just had that feel to it.














































The Shabby Chic font goes just perfectly with the crisp black flowers.

I've got about 40 more patterns that I am really excited about working with but my real life has me at a meeting early in the morning so I'm off to bed for the night!

Banner Design Give-A-Way

I've been working on some new banner designs and monograms for my etsy shop and it occured to me that I really want to do another custom banner for someone's shop. This is your chance to get one for free!

By leaving a comment, that is your entry to the contest. Post a link to my blog or etsy shop from your blog or etsy shop and receive an additional entry!

The giveaway will happen next Sunday and the final design should be finished within one week. :)

Added Some Graphics

Check out Aurelle Designs on Etsy. :)

aurelledesigns.etsy.com

Finally got around to finishing some of my designs!