Feeling Blessed Today & It's Better Together Recap

I love my job.

It's funny because this week has been a very intense week for us here at Ashley Brooke Designs in all sorts good & irritating ways. I feel like this week has nurtured growth for me and us in ways I didn't see coming. But in the midst of pure frustration there wasn't a moment that I thought to my self I wish I wasn't doing this (maybe I wish I had 4 arms instead of 2, but that is besides the point). I love what I do. I truly adore it. This little business is my baby and I eat, breath, sleep it. 

It is an incredible feeling to know that you've created something with a few markers and a sketch book. Something that has been able to help impact peoples lives, something worth taking a second glance at. Something that makes you smile, and something that is purely indulgent! 

Even on the days where my markers have run out of ink, the printer is printing only the color yellow, I've drank too much coffee and I can't steady my hand enough to draw a maltipoo, my e-mail server has crashed, I think to myself... it literally doesn't get any better than this. I love what I do. Even on the no-good-very-bad-days, I get the chance to create something from scratch and there is nothing like having an idea and making it come forth on paper. So I guess what I am trying to say is thank you! Thank you for supporting my dream of a creating stationery company, thank you. For you, I will be forever grateful! 

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Also, I wanted to attach a few photos from last nights meet-up with It's Better Together! We had such a great time at Lure Design Studio and I personally learned a ton from the wonderful people there! They even let us screen print our own poster (SO FUN!!). And not to mention the people who attended are some of the most hard working, talented people I know, I feel so blessed and honored to be in there company!

I was given the responsibility to come up with the name tags and business card holders for this meet up and I just love the way the finished product came out! Everything is always better together!

Tips for Hosting a Holiday Party

Whether you plan on hosting a sit down dinner or a neighborhood open house, here are some great tips for hosting a fabulous holiday soiree!

-Consider getting help (no, not that kind of help).  Depending on how much you are comfortable taking on, think about gathering one or two of your most social friends and forming a little planning committee.  Two or three heads are always better than one!

-Use this time to give back.  Have a place in your home or at the venue where guests can bring an unwrapped toy or canned goods to be donated to your favorite charity.

-Set the mood.  Have a sound system in place with enough music to last the duration of the gathering.

-Be sure and provide non-alcoholic beverages for the non-drinkers and children if they are invited

-Plan ahead so the night of the party you are able to enjoy yourself as much as your guests!

{sourced from Chiff}


In case you missed it, head over to the It's Better Together blog and see my guest post from yesterday!

It's Better Together

Last night was another "It's Better Together," a meet up for local creatives and wedding professionals. It was such a blast and very informative! Here are some pictures courtesy of Anna Bond of Rifle and Becca from Studio 222:

It's Better Together

On Friday of last week I went to a get together with a few other creative professionals in the greater Orlando area. I SO enjoyed visiting with them and even meeting a few new faces. Everyone was beyond lovely and the morning we all spent togther was wonderful.

We met at Anna Bonds studio in Winter Park

(Photo by Orange Blossom inc.)

and then took a tour of the print shop called Mama's Sauce that is next door to hers.

(Photo by Orange Blossom inc.)

I learned a lot and loved connecting with all of the wonderful ladies!
Orange Blossom Ink
Trisha Hay Design
Boombox Bindery
Ashley Brooke Designs
Anavi Ink
Studio222 Photography
Grace Edmands Calligraphy