Quick Takes - Business Style

 

[ 1 ]

Due to the unique scheduling that governs Joseph's line of work, it is a once in ten-year opportunity that he is with—and able to be fully present for—our family during spring break, Holy Week, and Easter. We have been relishing the season of spring together and even took a trip to Disney World for spring break. After taking the kids by myself last year, it was total bliss to have my husband along. Yes, I just described a family trip with four children to four parks in the hot Florida sun as bliss. Joseph, the children, and I have all been falling in love with each other all over again. Quality time is the best.

It hasn't all been sunshine and lollipops! The demands of my busy season have heated up with Easter, Confirmation, and First Communion upon us. Joseph, too, has had his hands full editing photographs between time with the family. It hasn't left much time for blogging, facebook, or twitter. I've had several posts swirl through my head and right back out since I couldn't carve out time to get them out of my mind and onto the computer.

[ 2 ]

In keeping with the theme of busy season, the remaining quick takes will capture some cool business stuff that I'm super excited about. Starting with my beautiful niece who came over to help me during her spring break. She was recently accepted to the local university and will be attending college here in the fall. My children, especially Aniston, adore her, so it will be nice to have her close.

[ 3 ]

My sister is a teacher and she also visited during her spring break to help me get caught up from all my gallivanting down in Orlando.

I don't normally work at the dining room table, but I needed the space to spread out and get organized. It looks very organized doesn't it?  ; )  Needless to say, we did picnics for several meals, but the kids thought that was pretty awesome!

[4 ]

When we started Trendy Traditions, Joseph and I were very discerning about so many details including our color scheme, which we ultimately decided would be brown and light blue. We chose these colors to remind us always of the goal—bringing people closer to Jesus and Mary through devotion to the rosary. We chose blue for the traditional color of Mary and brown for the wooden cross.

Last year when pro-life superstar Abby Johnson (former Planned Parenthood Employee of the Year) came into the church at the Easter Vigil, I made this rosary for her:

I was so smitten by those beautiful, vibrant colors that I ordered new business cards in that combination. When we traveled to Philadelphia for the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show, I ordered our signage, tablecloth, and other accessories in the hot pink & purple. 


I love these colors, and they make me think of Advent and Lent for sure, but they were a departure from what I was so sure of in the beginning. When we started to build the new website, I felt called back to the brown and blue. 


This week, my new business cards to match the new website (which is crazy-close to being finished) arrived:

Ah, yes!

[ 5 ]

A few weeks ago, I posted some new product photos on our facebook page. While I was there, I got one of those fancy custom URLs instead of that ridiculous looking combination of random letters and numbers. It's the little things, friends, really. The best part—it matches the new website address. Rockin'! 


Really, doesn't: http://www.facebook.com/TrendyTraditions.org look better than: 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Trendy-Traditions/325380459946

Totally. It's okay, I know it's silly. You can laugh at me.

[ 6 ]

About those new product photos, I think I should mention they are all military rosary designs. Joseph's father and brother both served in the Marines. My brother is a chaplain in the Army who recently returned from Afghanistan, and my brother-in-law is retired from the Navy. We have many more friends who have served and are so grateful for each of them. So far, the rosaries are only listed in my Etsy shop but they will definitely be on the new website soon.

ARMY

MARINES

NAVY

AIR FORCE

[ 7 ]

The Easter Vigil is the highlight of the liturgical year for me. I love it! Before we met, Joseph entered the church at the vigil and we look forward to it each year. With the extra help of my family, I was able to get all the Easter gifts out in time. With each item I made, I was so happy to think about the individuals and their families who would be blessed by their sacrament(s) received on Easter weekend. I am so blessed to have some teeny tiny glance at their experience. 

This just in! My real-life friend, Kim, has made the top 10 in a national contest and would love if you would check it out. To say thank you, she is offering 40% off your entire purchase (today only!) with the code trendy40 at her shop. She has really fun designs including First Communion stationery. I have my eye on her notepads and note cards for teacher gifts with the end of the school year fast approaching.

For more Quick Takes, Conversion Diary! Thanks for hosting, Jen!