Ever Have One of Those Days?

Because I sure am...

My server is down right now. Unfortunately, that means that the website is not accessible. I am working to resolve the problem and hope to have it back up and running very soon.

In the meantime, if there is anything you need from me, please do not hesitate to contact me by email: info@angelavinezdesigns.com

I'm happy to help in any way that I can, and I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

Want to Win Something from Angela Vinez Designs?

I've got 2 really great giveaways going on right now!

First, you could win a Professional Blog Design (for blogger only), including a custom header (Value of $55) over at The Gift Closet. Enter here before March 29th.

And, if you're feeling really lucky, you can win a $75 Gift Certificate to the store over on 5 Vinez Monkeys. (To be used on any service you need!) To enter, you need to take a short survey, but there are also lots of ways to get extra entries! Click here to enter before May 2nd.

Good luck to all who enter!

Been Super Busy!

I've been super busy lately, working on lots of fabulous new designs. Several of them are still in the works, but I wanted to share a recent blog design with you.

I had the opportunity to work with Heather of A Coupon Chick. I am so happy with the results! I love the colors that we used, and the little chick is my favorite part.

Head on over to A Coupon Chick and let her know what you think of her new design.


More designs coming soon!

Sale ends TODAY!

Today is your last chance to get 25% off any order over $20 on our website, www.angelavinezdesigns.com with the code happynewyear.

There won't be another sale like this one for quite some time, so if you're on the fence about getting a new look for your blog or website, today's the day to place your order.

The code expires at midnight tonight, so get your orders in!

New Blog Services: Complete Blog Networking Set Up

I am *so* excited to offer a new service to my clients: Complete Blog Networking Set Up.

If you want to show your readers - and potential sponsors - that you are serious about being a blogger and want to be as professional as possible, this is the best way to start.

Here's what you'll get with this package:

• A twitter account for your blog with a twitter background that matches your blog.
• A facebook fan page for readers to become a fan.
  
• Social networking buttons linking to your rss feed, your twitter account, your facebook fan page, digg, technorati, stumbleupon, and your linked in profile in your sidebar, along with a "subscribe by email" option.
• a Stat Counter account to track your monthly site visits and more.
• a feedburner account to track readership.
• a whos.amung.us button to see how many are online.
• a "tweet this" button in the top right corner of your posts.
• social networking buttons along the bottom of each post for readers to submit your posts to networking websites.
• a custom 125x125 button to match your blog design and a "grab my button" section for readers to easily grab the html code to place your button on their website.
  
• a media kit in pdf form to submit to pr agencies and potential sponsors. (Includes one time set-up fee. Changes and updates will incur additional costs.)

This is the must-have package for any serious, professional blogger. Let us help you get everything you need all in one shot!

Please note: This does not need to be purchased with a blog design. It can be purchased individually. However, if you purchase a blog design, this must be purchased in addition to it, as these services are not offered with all of the blog designs. (The Ultra Professional Blog design includes social networking buttons along the bottom of each post, but that's it.)

Another New Blog Design Project

I met Krista through Moms United in Business. After I did a total redesign of the MUIB blog, Krista contacted me and told me how much she loved it and wanted her blog to have a similar layout.

Krista went with the Professional ULTRA layout, and you can see the end result here: Jesus Day Gifts Blog

Stop by and visit Krista's blog today. Krista has a heart and a passion for victims of abuse, and you are sure to get a blessing by visiting her blog and website.

Recent Blog Design Project

I recently had the opportunity to work with Courtney of Me & Bella on a new look for her blog.

I had so much fun with this design. Pink and girly - does it really get any better than that? :)

Stop by and check out their new look and let us know what you think!

Pssssttt....... Wanna Win a Blog Makeover?

I'm hosting a giveaway on my family blog offering up a total blog makeover for one lucky entrant!

The winner will get their choice of the 2 column layout, 3 column layout, or the Professional layout for their Blogger blog. Not only will you get the custom design, but it will include up to 10 credits for istockphoto.com images to be used in the header, and a 125x125 button to match the design. You get everything you need to give your blog a fantastic new look.

Hurry! Head over to 5 Vinez Monkeys and enter to win today!

(Giveaway ends January 27th)

New Blog Design Project: Super Mom Sanctuary

Another recent design project I did was for a blog called Super Mom Sanctuary. This blog is actually run by me, and holds a very special place in my heart.

Here's a little bit about Super Mom Sanctuary:

Created by a Christian mom of 5, Super Mom Sanctuary was started as a place to bring rest and refuge to other Christian moms. Life can be overwhelming. Here at Super Mom Sanctuary, you can put the worries and stresses of life aside and focus on rejuvenating your heart and soul. Our goal is to help you build a real relationship with Christ and to really understand that we "can do all things through Christ." (Philippians 4:13)

I hope that you'll stop by Super Mom Sanctuary, check out the design, and then come back often.

Custom Twitter Backgrounds

If you're a blogger, chances are good that you're on twitter too. Twitter is a great way to interact with people, find the latest celebrity gossip, and gain extra entries in giveaways.

Now, we can match your twitter background to your blog theme. We can put any information on the side that you'd like, and we promise that you will love the way it looks.

With millions of people on twitter, make *your* profile stand out among the rest with a Custom Twitter Background for your account today!

New Blog Design Project: The Interactive Marketer

Last night, I officially finished up Jim Lefevere's new blog look over on The Interactive Marketer. This was a fun challenge for me. I've worked with lots of moms, but this was the first man's blog I've had the opportunity to do.

Here's a little about Jim's blog, The Interactive Marketer:

You'll find insights, analysis and punditry related to digital strategy, interactive marketing, connected health, and the future of marketing. If it is an opinion you seek, an opinion you will find.

I may veer off course occasionally to discuss my other interests, including: ND football, IU basketball, food, travel and my family

Stop on over and check out his new look today!

New Blog Design Project: One 2 Try

I recently had the opportunity to work with Rita of One 2 Try on a new look for her blog. She already had a 125x125 button that she wanted to match as much as possible. What do you think? Don't they coordinate beautifully?

Here's how Rita describes herself:

I am a stay at home wife. I enjoy the internet and all the information available. I enjoy chocolate and watching the Food Network. My family consists of my husband, a spoiled dog and 2 cats. My goal with this blog is to have fun trying new food related items. It may be a new place to eat or a new kitchen gadget. I might list a recipe or two. I might mention a new cookbook. I will list some of the coolest giveaways to enter and try to win. I will give reviews of products I have tried. There is so much out there to try. My goal is one new thing everyday. You have to try it to see if you like it, then go back for more.

Stop by One 2 Try and check out her fabulous new look!

New Design Project: Barefoot Mommies

I recently had the opportunity to work with Barefoot Mommies on a new look for their blog. I had so much fun working on this "beachy" theme, especially since it's so stinking cold outside right now!

Here's a little information about Barefoot Mommies:

Here at Barefoot Mommies we pride ourselves on a unique outlook of Family Friendly Products geared towards moms and children. We know that the more you promote, the more word gets around. And that’s what we do best!

Stop by and check them out their new look today. And, yes, I know they have a wordpress blog. I know that I state on my website that I only offer services to those with Blogger, but I'm thinking about changing that.

What do you think? (About the design, about also offering wordpress services... about anything!)

New Year, Big Sale!

The New Year is almost here. That means right now is the best time to update the look of your blog or website, or get a new logo for your business. Start things off fresh and get ready to make 2010 a smashing success!

To help you reach your goals for 2010, we want to give you a great start. That's why from now until January 31, 2010, all orders over $20 will receive a 25% discount. Just enter code happynewyear at checkout and your discount will automatically be taken. Now you can afford to make all the changes you can dream up, and we'll be right here to help you all along the way.

Ready to begin? Click here to start shopping.

Don't delay! This offer ends January 31, 2010.

New Policy in Place

At Angela Vinez Designs, we are honored to work with quite a few Moms in Business Networks, creating customized buttons and banners, among other design items.

It is now our policy that in order for any work to be done, payment must be received up front. Our products are easy to find on our website, and if you require large amounts of design work (such as logo design, website design, or other higher-cost services), we will send you a paypal invoice for 50% of the design cost up front, and another 50% after the final proof approval. Services will not be installed, nor will full resolution files be sent without 100% of payment received.

Thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Help Us Decide!

I am so excited to be working on a project for a client. I've known this client for a few years now, and I actually took her wedding portraits. (So much fun!)

Now, she's starting her own business, and she came to me and asked if I could create a logo for her. I gave her a few options, and she's narrowed it down to 3, but she's just not sure which one she would like to have as "her" logo.

That's where you come in! Take a look at the logos below and then cast your vote in the poll. It only takes a moment, and your opinion would really help!

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Thanks for your help!

25% off EVERYTHIING

Our handmade boutique items will be leaving the site soon. Very soon. But, we want to give you one last chance to grab these items before they're gone forever! And to sweeten the deal, we want to give you 25% off! Just use code CPSIA at checkout.

Need a tutu as part of your little one's Halloween costume? We make adorable custom tutus for little girls.

How about a gift for a new baby girl in your life? Our hairbow bouquets are the perfect choice.

Want even better news? The 25% off discount is good on ALL of our products - including custom buttons and banners, and even blog designs!

Head over to www.angelavinezdesigns.com and shop today. This sale ends at 11:59pm EST on Friday, October 2nd, so don't delay!

Items to be Removed Soon

At Angela Vinez Designs, we currently offer some handmade products. According to the CPSIA, I need to stop selling those handmade items that are intended for children, and I will be taking the next few weeks to pull those items off my website. So, if you need something, you'd better grab it now, because soon I won't be selling things like tutus and custom hairbow bouquets any more.

You may have no idea what I'm talking about or why this bothers me so much, and I totally understand why. It can be quite confusing.

Here's the definition of the CPSIA, according to this website:

The CPSIA stands for the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act which is a law that was enacted in August of 2008.

The stated purpose of this bill is to “establish consumer product safety standards and other safety requirements for children’s products and to reauthorize and modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission.”

The CPSIA requires that all products intended for children under 12 are tested and certified as meeting the lead limits as set forth in the law. Phthalate testing is also required for toys intended for children under 12 or “child care articles” for children under three.

Basically, if you're a working mother, and you produce products for children under the age of 12, you need to have expensive third party testing done to make sure your products meet the required lead levels. The thing is, this isn't just directed at painted items, this is for all items. Even an item like a tutu that couldn't possibly contain any lead.

The idea behind this law was good. Remember back when Mattel had all of those toys recalled because of the high lead level content? This law was started to protect our kids from that. The problem is, this law is putting many working mothers out of business. When I stop selling these handmade items, I'm going to hurt my income severely. Most of these items are my biggest sellers, aside from blog designs. But our government views these handmade items as dangerous. And I can't afford the third party testing for each item, as it's outrageously priced!

That's not even the worst part! I found this article the other day that actually gives Mattel a pardon! They don't have to go through the third party testing. And they're the reason for the law in the first place! But, apparently, if one has enough money, one can buy off our government. Doesn't say much for the working mother struggling to put food on the table for her kids now, does it?

In all honestly, I don't understand everything about the CPSIA, but I know that it's affecting many working mothers and their income. The businesses that we should be supporting - WAHMs - are the ones being forced out because large companies can pull strings and get pardoned.

Tell me your thoughts about this. Are you a working mother who has been affected by the CPSIA? And I'd love to know what you think about Mattel's pardon, whether you're a working mother or not.

And, remember - grab the handmade products while you still can, because very soon they will no longer be available, unless we can get the government to change this law. Anyone have 3 billion dollars so that I can buy them off?

New Blog Design

Go check out Malissa's Blog at http://miracle-momma.blogspot.com/.

She opted to go with the Professional ULTRA Layout, and wanted a fun, personalized design.

You can read what she had to say about her design here.

It's been great working with you Malissa! I hope you enjoy your new design!

Client Projects from this Weekend

I tend to get more clients that need design work done - logos, websites, blog design, that sort of thing. And I love it. But, sometimes it's nice to get away from the computer and do some work with my hands. Luckily, I had 2 clients gave me such an opportunity this weekend.

First, a very dear friend of mine told me about a lady she works with whose daughter just had triplets. (Can you imagine?!) There are 2 boys and 1 girl. Because all of their names start with M, the lady said it was like having her own little bag of M & Ms, only she got 2 peanut and 1 plain. My friend came up with the idea to make little onesies with M & Ms on them, and I got to make them! I am beyond happy with the way they turned out. Here - take a look!
Aren't they adorable? I am so, so happy with the way they turned out. I hope my friend is as happy as I am with them. :) What do you think? Should I add tutu onesies to the shop? Would people buy them? Would you buy them?

The second item I got to make was a covered travel wipes case. I have a ball making these, and I've never made 2 that look the same. Here's how this one turned out:
The client told me she wanted "black and white and totally glam." I added a few Swarovski crystals to give it the "glam" look. I hope she loves it. Ashley loved it so much that she asked if I would make her a school supply box out of the same material. So for her birthday, I'll be giving her the whole shebang - an art box, a pencil holder, and anything else I can find to cover in this material.

Maybe I should start hosting some giveaways on blogs for tangible items rather than services. What do you think?

Thanks for letting me share. Be sure to stop by the shop and see us. Oh, and if you haven't guessed - I love to take custom orders! Just drop me a line and let me know what you're looking for!