Love, Joleen Photography Blog

Checking In

You may have noticed a simpler look around here. I've just switched from my Pro account to a free one because I cannot justify the extra $16.00 per month right now. ;) I've neglected my little blog for too long and have plans to touch base way more often moving forward.

January went by entirely too quickly! 2012 is going to be a great year, I just know it! There have already been several bumps along the way but nothing crazy enough to steer me off course. Every day I make a conserted effort to be my best self and to seek God's will for my life. And if that doesn't work my grandma bought me this great doll. LOL

Valentine Hearts 12x12 Layout - Tutorial

Hi!!! I know it's been a gazillion years but I've just had one thing going on after another. I just wanted to pop in to say hello for now and to share a little tutorial. (Click on the image to enlarge.) Everything used on this layout can be found at Paper Source. Happy creating!!! ♥

*The views expressed in this blog are my own. They have not been reviewed or approved by Paper Source.

Seasons Greetings!

I hate that it's been so long since I've been by to update. However, I am happy to report that life has been treating me very well! Autumn in Atlanta was to die for. Every single day I found myself in awe of how breathtaking it all was.

In early November I had a booth at the St. Ives Holiday Expo for Garlic Festival Foods. My sister (Sarah's) best friend, Bianca, helped me with sampling all day. We had a lot of fun! I'm really looking forward to doing more shows in the new year. In mid November I saw the Picasso to Warhol exhibit at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. It was awesome! If you live in the Atlanta area and have an opportunity to see it, I highly recommend it. That week I also FINALLY joined the modern world and got an iPhone 4. I am obsessed with my phone! Straight off I downloaded several Apps that I love! I feel like I could dedicate an entire blog post to the really cool ones! ;) I am most taken with Instagram. All of the photos above (except for the GFF booth) were taken with my phone and processed with Instagram. I've decided that all of the photos in my December Daily will be like this.

In the third week of November I was promoted to Shift Supervisor and Workshop Coordinator. I cannot begin to tell you how much I LOVE MY JOB!! It is such an exciting time for our store and I'm really looking forward to everything we have planned for in the coming months. Beginning yesterday and all through next week I will be very busy (in a good way!) with workshops and private events. One super exciting event and open to ALL, is the book launch party of Emily Post's Ettiquette 18th Edition. More information can be found here.

Last week, my grandparents and I had Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday because we decided to go out of town on Thursday. If you can believe it we went to North Carolina on Thanksgiving to play BINGO! It was so different then every other year but a ton of fun!! In the days since, like all of you, I've been shoved face first into CHRISTMAS! I am thoroughly enjoying myself, though, I really am. This week I got to make several fun handmade ornaments at work and I started on my December Daily - it is so awesome to DO SOMETHING CREATIVE EVERY DAY! How can I not be happy?? Today I spent my day off shopping at The Forum (check out the little girl peeking in the toy store in the last picture - so cute!); and being productive (laundry, freelance work). I hope your enjoying your holidays so far! 

What are some things you're enjoying this season? How are you taking time for yourself? ♥

50 for $100

Choose from any of these designs! Ends November 20th! Email me with any questions. ♥

2011 Holiday Gift Guide - Guys

1. I got the Kindle Keyboard last Christmas and I'm obsessed with it. There are other versions now, including a touch screen, but this is really easy to use at a reasonable cost. Load it up with games and/or books or throw an Amazon giftcard in his stocking.

2. Whiskey Rocks are used to chill a single malt without diluting it. "These soapstone cubes are milled by the oldest soapstone workshop in the United States." Sounds good to me!

3. These Trick Golf Balls crack me up! I know a couple of guys who need these this year. :)

4. "Where I've Been" Scratch Map Travel Edition" - think lottery ticket meets world map; track and share your travels in a unqiue way. I think it would look great in his office.

5. The Limited Edition Dark Side Star Wars Moleskine Journal is great for the guy who loves Star Wars and journaling/keeping notes. I love my Moleskine journals!

6. Along with his awesome new journal, he'll need a Moleskine Roller Pen! "Crafted by the makers of legendary notebooks, this refillable pen with cap and clip is easy to take with you and writes wonderfully. 0.7mm". I recently purchased one for a friend and he says he loves it!

7. The Walking Dead: Season 1 - "Arguably the biggest hit of the 2010 television season, the apocalypse drama The Walking Dead pulls the zombie subgenre out of its overexposed doldrums and finds, ironically enough, the humanity and emotion beneath its rotting shell." This is such a great show! I can't imagine a guy who wouldn't love it. ;)

8. Golfers BBQ Set - Hello! Golf and BBQ?! I know a few dads that would love this quirky gift. Great price, too!

9. "5: Where Will You Be Five Years From Today" - "Where will you be five years from today? You are the hero of the story in this delightful book by Dan Zadra and Kristel Wills that celebrates all the promise and possibilities in life. Inspiring and empowering, 5 helps you explore your potential while motivating you to take the driver's seat in life...Carpe diem! Makes a great coffee table book or gift." I was first introduced to this book earlier this year (or late last year?) by the family I worked for. I love the concept of this book. Such a great gift for the planner/goal oriented guy in your life.

*The views expressed in this blog are my own. They have not been reviewed or approved by Paper Source.