New Sponsor and New Bag

{via Diana}

You might have noticed a new sponsor on the left sidebar.  I want to introduce you to Miss Diana from dianapantz!  She's a fabulous crafter who's sharing her journey in becoming self-employed, vegan cooking, and fun photos from adventures in Minneapolis.  You'll have to check out her blog here and her shop here!

{via Diana}

Isn't she cute?

Speaking of cute....

I just finished and shipped a custom order.  I was asked to make a bag with an owl on it... no further instructions.  With some funky fabric and Grey's Anatomy re-runs, this beauty emerged.  I loved making it so much, I'm listing them as a new fall bag for Camp Moxie.  These will be in limited supply, so grab one (or five) up while you can!

Here's a closer view at the details in the stitching, which is all hand embroidered... and the owl is my own drawing and design... and the tree branch too.. which is glittery... oh I just love all the details.

You can send me a message if you would like an owl bag (ashleycrenshaw.blog@gmail.com), or head over to Camp Moxie to place an order! 

Camp Moxie is Heatin' Up!

Boy, it's hot out here!!  At Camp Moxie, we're giving you a break with 10% off your purchase!  Just go check out Camp Moxie, and enter the code COOLOFF10.  This code will be good from today, July 14 - July 21.

Check out some of the items I have listed.

Tell all your friends because once these items have been snapped up, they'll make way for new items!

Happy shopping!

Dream Week - Me

{via Ampersand Design Studio via CampMoxie on Pinterest}

I am going to have to admit that I'm a Pinaholic.  Yep.  I have spent about 5 hours pinning and dreaming and becoming inspired.  So, I decided that this week, I'm going to share some of my dreams.  Some may be crafty, some may be inspirational.  I feel I want to do a little Soul Spring Cleaning, if you will.  Today, I'm going to start off with the ME dreams.

{via Pure Green Design via CampMoxie on Pinterest}

I dream of a hanging bed/bench where I can sit outdoors and relax.  I would love to be able to drink tea and read books.  I would love to smell the fresh air and enjoy the sounds of nature.  I dream of the peaceful time where I can recharge myself.

{found on CampMoxie's Pinterest}

I would be in heaven at this house.  Oh, dear owners of this home, please pass it on to me!  Actually, I would love to own my own home.  We've been renting for like 6 years now.  My design side is just itching to tear down walls and do any kind of decorating/painting/remodeling.  I can't wait for that day to come!

{found on CampMoxie's Pinterest board}

I dream of having a cute wardrobe.  I'm not totally girly, but not quite a tomboy.  I love elements of both sides, but have to be comfortable, because I'm a mom.  I dream of at least looking like I have it pulled together.  I need major styling help.  Thank goodness I have lots of cute ideas started on Pinterest.   

There are so many dreams to dream.  I love to dream.. and dream big!  These were a few of the dreams on my mind at this moment.  More to come!

Open for Business!

I am so excited to announce, Camp Moxie is now up and running!!!  After years of dreaming, months of planning, and hours of anxiety, my little seed is blooming!

I do have to thank all of you who have been supportive, with your kind words and thoughts!  {(Special Shout-Outs) Virginia, I love your support and kindness!  It just seems to flow through the web!  Louana, woman you are wonderful!  Thank you for sending kind thoughts and support when I really needed it!}  What would I do without your amazing support?

Also, my handsome and fabulous husband... even though you are pretty skeptical, thank you for your patience.  I know it must be tough being a realist... ;)  But, I do love you and thank you so much for being open to my dreams.

OK, I feel like I just gave an acceptance speech.  Head on over to my shop!  I would love to hear your feedback.  And keep checking in!  I'll be adding more and more items to the shop over the next week or two!  

THANK YOU!!!!!! 

Confessions... again

{source}

I just wanted to let things out a little.  Sometimes, when I write it all down (and then publish it for the whole world to read and judge me), things are put in perspective.

1.  I have put in about 75 hours, this week on Camp Moxie.  This mama isn't used to that!  I need to "grow a pair" and just do it, huh.  I love the shop and am super excited to be on this journey to my dreams, just a little overwhelmed.  But hey, anything that's worth something usually involves quite a bit of work.

2.  I need to put myself on a schedule.  Dyl is awesome at entertaining himself, knowing his boundaries and such.  Me, psh.  I get so side-tracked.  Basically, "Ohhh shiny!" and it takes 20 minutes to get back on task.

3.  April has been a busy month!!  3 birthdays, 2 baby showers (one I co-hosted), Easter, a road-trip, a health scare... phew!  I'm exhausted.

4.  Something happened to our computer.  I thought my life was over.  {Adding a new laptop to my business investments...}

5.  Our eating habits have been atrocious.  The cabinet is full of candy, cookies, cakes, soda... Our freezer houses 4 different kinds of ice cream.  Ayeee.. Jillian Michaels, come save me!!

6.  As I sit here typing this, I look around and see that it really isn't so bad.  I have a timeline and some organization.  All I need is some execution.  I think I may have it under control..  YES!!!  

Perspective. 

Anxiety

{via Pinterest}

Camp Moxie is due to open May 1.  I'm really excited, but also really nervous.  I'm not sure things are up to my standards for the launch.  I've also had a lot on my plate, which makes it hard to focus on one task.  Oh yeah, my family did an awesome job on passing down the procrastination gene, too.  You guys rock.  (sarcasm)  So, I feel like I've been on a wild ride.  I haven't been able to focus.  I haven't been able to have clear thoughts.  I have managed to make myself a little overwhelmed.  My solution is to take the next couple days, and slowly work out the kinks.  I want Camp Moxie to be fabulous, so that's where my focus will be.  I hate leaving you all hanging.  There's so much excitement to share, but once the dirty jobs are nailed out, we can party it up together!!  Phew!  I feel better just admitting I have issues.  XOXO to you all!!!

Mr. Owl goes to....

Kim said...

That looks great. My favourite sign of spring is the snow melting and the sun coming up earlier and earlier.
April 13, 2011 8:39 AM

Congratulations Kim!!  Please e-mail me {ashleycrenshaw(dot)blog(at)gmail(dot)com} your information, and I will get Mr. Owl bundled up and shipped off to you!! 

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported Launch Day 2011!  I will be back tomorrow with more fun! 

Launch Day! {Giveaway Closed}

 Indie 3.0 has come to a close (sad).  Let's just say, I woke up this morning and didn't know how to start my day.  Luckily, today is Launch Day (happy!).  Many Indie 3.0 alumni are launching their stores, blogs, or new products.  So, let's start the fun!!

The fabulous Louana, of 11th Monkey, has listed everyone who is participating.  Head over to Louana's blog to get clickin'!  You won't be disappointed!

And for me, I'm lauching a product.  Well, sort of.  I had an amazing vision of a notebook design.  Yesterday, I was putting it all together and ran in to a few snafus.  I will persist to get it all right. (fingers crossed!)  So, instead, I will be giving away one of my super awesome vintage re-dos.

Mr. Owl used to be pretty creepy. 

Yeah... creepy.  So, Mr. Owl went into the shop to get a paint job and lacquer.  I think he's so handsome now.  Mr. Owl would love to come home with you!  If you would like him to come live with you, leave me a comment telling me your favorite sign of spring.  You must be a follower of i like your {{moxie}} kid to enter the contest.  The contest will be open for one week.  The winner will be drawn using random.org, and announced on Monday! 

Check everyone out, show your love for Indie businesses!!

The Goods

This week, I featured part 01 of the Camp Moxie story.  (There will be lots more in the Camp Moxie story, so stay tuned!)  I wanted to take everyone on a journey into my shop, how it came about, and what Camp Moxie will be about.  I love feeling connected to what I see.  I'm a very visual person, which probably has to do with my creative side.  But, the part I didn't mention earlier is that the items in the pictures I took will be part of the inventory of my shop (eee!!!).

In case you didn't get a close-up, here's additional shots.

  Fun fun!!

I have always loved decorating, and have always loved vintage items.  So, part of my shop will be fabulous vintage finds, that I've brought back to life.  Just items to make your everyday life a little retreat - hence, Camp Moxie.  = 0 )

I've pretty much decided, that as I feature products on my blog, I will give my readers the option to buy the items, rather than wait until my shop opens.  That is, if something strikes your fancy.  We'll say that's my little treat to you all!  My readers are fabulous!!

And, this is not the only items I have.  Oh, let me tell you... The husband almost keeled over when he saw the TWO storage boxes packed with other goodies.  Ha!  Did I mention, I love treasure hunting?

Hope you all have a terrific "hump day"!!  Friday is right around the bend!!

♥ AC

The Camp Moxie Story pt. 01

This story begins with a woman.  A woman, which by typical standards, was in her prime at age twenty-five.  The woman was blessed with an amazing husband and wonderful child.  They filled her life with joy.  She was in great health and spirits.  She had a positive outlook on life.  The woman appeared to have the world at her feet, but in fact, something was missing.

The woman knew in her heart, her soul, and her being, there was a page to her story that needed to be written.  She was missing a spark, some spunk, perhaps.  The first words to start the next chapter in her book of life was exactly what she needed.  She dove into books, magazines, and journals searching for the right words.  The woman needed to find her path. 

Life continued on as she searched and dreamed.  Dishes needed to be washed.  Trash needed to be taken to the curb.  The day-to-day monotonies clouded over her visions.  The woman felt desperate to break free and find her happy place.

The thought came to her one morning as she was eating her breakfast.  "Create the world that you love, so you may share it with others.  You can share your passion and joy.  You can create a retreat for women to find their pieces of the puzzle.   You can inspire them to find their joy and spirit.  There must be more like me."

She sat with this thought for a moment and knew this is what she must do.  This became her mission.  A mission for herself, and for other women. 



Lots of Planning

There are so many wonderful things going on in my life.  The husband is home (yay!),  I'm crafting the Camp Moxie world (yay!), and I'm planning a baby shower for one of my favorite friends (Woo hoo!!). 

The husband and I are re-adjusting to each other.  He's adjusting to "normal" life.  I'm loving watching how he plays with Dyl.  They chase each other around the house.  I hear Dyl yelling, "Dad, let's play Tag You're It!!!"  I see them laughing and smiling and it totally warms my heart.

Camp Moxie is growing and blossoming.  I'm so excited about this new venture.  I have a bit more to work on before I share it, but it will be fabulous!

Now for the baby showers.  My history has been horrible with throwing a shower.  The first two I had planned, the mothers went into birth the day before and day of their showers.  Sigh.  Well, this time, I'm ON IT.  Plus, I've enlisted the help of two other fab femmes.  Either it will be, the third time's a charm, or the extra help will break the curse.  {Renae: You're not allowed to do anything exciting the week leading up to your shower.  I'm putting my foot down.}

Here's some inspiration I've found for the shower.

Since the men are invited, it's a total BBQ.  Yum!

{via}

What is a celebration without balloons?

{via}

Martha Stewart, as always, provides awesome printables.  You can download these Fine Art Butterfly Specimens here.  These butterflies are perfect for a baby shower, minus some of the creepy feeling you get from the black and white, stoic men on the walls.

{via Martha Stewart}

Flowers... need I say more?

{via frolic!}

Now that's just some of the inspiration.  I'm not sure if my little mama will be reading this, so it's just a taste. 

What are you all planning?  Anything exciting?  Something inspirational?  I'd love to hear about it!!

Going Indie pt. 02

I'm so excited that Indie Business 3.0 starts tomorrow!  It's going to be fabulous.  While going through our Student Lounge, I noticed everyone's portfolios were looking terrific!!  Great work everyone!!!  But then, I thought, 'If I were grading myself, I would give me a B.'  Yeah, so I spruced mine up a bit.  To see the original, go here.

Front Cover

Spine

Inside Cover

and yes, there is glitter ALLLL over my studio now.  ha!

My Tabs.

Wait.. did you see it?  Here it is, the reveal of my shop name... Camp Moxie!!!!  The actual online shops will open on Etsy and Big Cartel on May 1.  I am super excited to start this new adventure.  I feel so inspired and excited to share everything with you all. 

 Stay tuned this week for previews of goodies that will be hitting my shop this summer!!