Last year on this day

was the last time I posted! Yes I know, shame on me! 2011 was a great year, I took some much needed time off from working freelance, doing craft shows and blogging, but now I am back and ready to be in full swing with some new direction on all of my extra extracurriculars! The hubs and I are also going to be taking on the task of a big purchase this year... a house! We are very excited and we hope the process will go smoothly. I hope to blog about the process, renovations, and decorating here! Will I be able to handle it all? We shall see ;)

The Flynn Skirt

You had me at hello. Thick stripes, check. Navy, check. Hot pink shirt paired with it, triple check. AND the designer, Anne Cramer, is local! You can check out the retailers on her website. If anyone is feeling extra giving, my birthday is next week and this would put the cherry on top. :)

Should I work for free?

(click box for full flow chart to see the only reasons you should be doing any work for free!)

Hells no!
But in all seriousness, working pro bono or on spec is a huge issue in the design community and when I saw this flow chart I thought it was a great way to introduce this discussion.

People often think that we designers can just whip up a design in no time just for them to "see if they like it" before purchasing (or paying for your work). Unfortunately, this theory doesn't really work in any other profession, why in design then? I mean, if you give the milk away for free who wants to buy the cow?

There is a great website I think all designers should check out called No-Spec and in addition I thought this post from Grace Smith was really well written and has quite a few really great links to check out if you are dealing with spec work requests.

What are your thoughts on this topic? On one hand you want experience, on the other you need to eat and pay rent. I know there are definitely a lot of opinions out there- I would love to hear them!


flow chart by Jessica Hische

Jan/Feb Issue of Lonny.

Lonny = Love.

Check it out here.

Um. SWEET!

I did a double take when I first saw this post! I die. SRSLY. Bananas. (yup, pulling out all the annoying acronyms for this one.) I can't wait- I hope this line does not disappoint bc I will be first in line at the Target store on May 1st!

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New Year New House?

Gotta say, winning this dream house from HGTV would certainly brighten my spirits in 2011.

Happy New Year To Me! :)

Ikea Hack

Love this idea! who would have thought to take a simple besta and finishing tacks to create a luxurious, sleek, and modern custom piece! Might be worth a trip to Ikea this weekend to see what I can diy myself! :)

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Yes Please.

I have wanted one of these chairs FOR. EVER. and now because of this awesome deal of the day at HauteLook one is mine. There is still time to get this awesome rocker for $79 (+ $20 shipping, which in is a great deal!) Originally $300. (yikes!)


Here is an invitation to shop and view sales on HauteLook. Just sign up and start shopping/viewing! This site is very similar to my already favorite Gilt Group. I mean, who doesn't love designer duds at super cheap prices!?

No Coast Craft O Rama

Do it!

Details here.

Support Local. Support Handmade.

Cyber Deals

Thank you Cyber Monday. I am now the proud owner of these cognac knee high boots. AND for 25% off and free shipping. yessss.

Did you score any great deals over black friday or cyber monday?! If so please share, I love thrifty stories!

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Cyber Monday SALE

My entire shop is currently 15% OFF through Monday and for all my special readers and fans I am giving an extra 10% OFF stationery and prints! Enter code: JADBLOG to receive the extra awesome discount!

Enjoy & Shop here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Life = Risk

The inspiration theme continues I guess! Maybe subconsciously my brain is trying to tell me something during the busiest and most stressful time of the year.

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Monday Inspiration

Mondays are always the most difficult... so here is some GORGEOUS inspiration for you as we all near the end of 2010...

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Inspired!

I doubt that Lindsey over at the inside stoop was talking to me when she posted this-probably because we don't even know each other..... but I am Courtney... and I am definitely listening! That kitchen is GORGEOUS. I have never really thought of a black/dark gray kitchen before... it seems like black and dark gray walls and cabinets are taking over my blogroll one blogger at a time and it is definitely sinking in with me! Maybe just one wall. Somewhere. And let it trickle its way through the house after a while...

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I have PSD

I Have PSD from Hyperakt on Vimeo.

I wish!

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Pablo Picasso

Simple. Beautiful. Imaginative. Brilliant.

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spruce upholstery: the tv pilot!

I would watch this every day if this was a tv show.
See Spruce here.

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7 rules of design

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w7 Collective

Come to the w7 collective event + gallery + social this weekend!

Support independent art & design & local economy...all while remaining a TRUE original!

Next OPEN:
October 7 11a-5p
October 8 11a-9p
October 9 11a-5p

Social on October 8 from 7pm-9pm. Come meet some artists, mingle, have some wine and have a good time!

1032 7th Street W
Saint Paul, MN, 55102