On the Horizon

Back in my college days I took my photo obsession to a new level and started a Photography Business

One of my absolute fav shots ever. Bixby OK Circa 2006

called Making Memories. Boy did I have a blast and was really making a name for myself and then? Well... the Hubs and I got married and moved to Oklahoma and I didn't really want to start all over so I dabbled here and there honing my skills, upgrading cameras, following photogs I admired etc. In 2008 we moved back home and in 2010 we became parents to a beautiful boy whom to this day we say is probably the most photographed child ever (at least in our family). Since then I've been photographing my boys and others when requested. Recently one of my closest confidants started egging me on to dust off the ole business cards and start anew. 

One of my most recent orders so cool right?!?!

For the past 5 years I've been a "Professional" Baker/Decorator. The Hubs nicknamed me The Cake Chick and well.... it kinda stuck. I've built my little home business from begging anyone and everyone to give me a chance to make their treats to literally having to turn down orders because I'm simply booked up already. It's amazing and I cannot even begin to thank everyone who has supported me over the years. But the ugly truth about the Cake Biz is that it's time consuming, messy (literally) and there's not much profit in it. An accountant friend of mine has been pushing me for years to really write down all my expenses and the hours I've spent "caking" as the Hubs likes to call it. I always refuse knowing in my heart I would be devastated to know just how little I'm actually putting in the bank. People will say "why don't you just charge more?" " your quality of work is amazing and your prices should reflect that". If I charged what I really should I wouldn't have any clients it is what it is.

Money isn't everything and that high I get from the squeals of delight after seeing my creations is pretty frigg'n awesome but when you're a SAHM looking to make a little extra cash so that your Shopping Binge Necessity Trip to Target doesn't mean Ramen Noodles for dinner all month. Ok that's me being dramatic but you get the point.

Me? I'm at that halfway point some projects are just so awesome it doesn't matter that I've worked all day creating edible art and staying up past midnight cleaning the kitchen isn't so bad....sometimes. Lately, life's been busy and I've had other passions pulling me away. God's hand works in mysterious ways and even though my heart tells me that I don't need to shut 'er down just yet maybe there's a new chapter on the horizon that means less cleaning up (any parent would be thankful for that right?), more time with my family, a little less stress and a whole lot more profit in the bank. 

End point? Caking is a business that you have to love doing so much that the money/time aspect just doesn't matter.

So we'll see what happens jlovelady photography sure has a nice ring to it though ;o).

Love,

Jessica

When inspiration strikes

One of the things I always find myself doing weekly is a little something creative that's just for me. Inspiration strikes all the time and I'll admit there are some ideas that I get juuuust a little obsessed with. I had come across this necklace and immediately fell in love but that $38 price tag? Not for the DIY Craftaholic, no Sir!  This week was a biggie I not only dusted off the sewing machine but made 3 new necklaces.

Inspired? These Gals have a great tutorial!

aaaand.... a couple of clutches too.

Inspired? Free Pattern & Instructions Here

Shopping List

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Necklaces:
Wooden Beads - JoAnn's
Embroidery Floss (any craft store)
Gold Chain - Heartland Bead Shop (in Downtown Lenexa)

Fold Over Clutches:
Gray Canvas - JoAnn's
Leopard Print Canvas - Hobby Lobby
Zippers - Jo Ann's
White Iron On Vinyl - Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's (best price was on Amazon)
Gold Iron on Vinyl -  JoAnn's (best price was on Amazon though)
Leather for Tassel - Michael's
End Caps for Tassel - Michael's (I spray painted them gold but check your local bead shop)

Hope I've helped inspire some fun Spring/Summer accessories for you!

- Jessica

Mommy Sanity: Pick 2

Well here's my first post on the new blog. This week I as I was setting up a play date with one of my closest Mommy confidants ( a fellow boy Mom) via text the convo went a little like this:

I know you've probably seen this before and isn't it God's Given truth right there in a simple drawing? I'm not going to show you my messy house you don't want to see that any more than I want to look at it or see yours lol. I mean I found a booger smear on our duvet today really?!?! When the heck did that happen? 

Here's my little secret to success usually about an hour or so before the Hubs gets home I upgrade my PJ's to a pair of yoga pants and a semi decent t-shirt, make our bed (ok ok straighten the sheets and duvet) and sometimes I even have time to wash the dishes from the day. The Hubs? He's kinda awesome and even though I know he'd rather see us all happy and the house destroyed I feel like I accomplished something. I do not however even attempt to pick up the toys until the boys' bed time which they are supposed to help with. We all know that's not even remotely worth the attempt. Moral of this week's post? Do what you can to feel sane even if it means putting Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on for an hour or so or all day.

Also get a Mommy friend who parents like you and has the same interests. They are worth their weight in gold. Well MacKinzie's worth more than that she's that skinny adorable mom everyone wants to hate but just can't. See ya next week. 

Love, 

Jessica