Starting the Walking/Exercise Routine Again

About 10 days ago I shared the story of my girlie dog getting spayed with all of you. Well, due to the fact that she had stitches I did not want her to strain herself and wanted her stitches to heal properly so we did not go walking each morning. Today, she had her stitches taken out so early in the morning we are going for our 1-2 mile walks. It is amazing how a little exercise can improve your physical senses and allow you to be refreshed for work. I am glad to have my exercise coach back.

Ever Feel Like This????

Today I realized I had not heard from my mom in a while...she usually calls and leaves messages for me to call her back...she hasn't even done that in a while. Yesterday, I had a phone call from one of my sister's friends needing her phone number....I didn't even have that handy. That's when I realized,geez... I have been disconnected from the world that really is supposed to matter to me the most. How can you not talk to your loved one,like your mom or your sister, your best friend in over a month? How does that happen and does that make you a selfish person? Life, business, everyday mediocre chores that have to be done can get you to feel like a rubberband that cannot extend any further without popping. That is the answer to that question. Then I asked myself, how can I improve? Do I break down to get a personal assistant,maid service, cut down, ignore some of my mediocre duties or just live life and take the who care's attitude?

Well after searching around for answers. It is ultimately called not taking on so much and prioritizing, scheduling, skipping on the non-essentials in life. It is essential to make time for what is most important to someone and make it a part of my weekly schedule. Therefore, I have come up with a list of musts and live withouts. There are none in the middle because obviously those cannot be that important. The list is made up of either a must or a live without. This really does narrow your list when you get a clear picture of how to juggle life/work balance.

For the meantime, I have developed a game plan that will help me prioritize my life with a virtual assistant to remind me of my musts, who, when, what and where and the goal is to stick to it.

Happy Balancing to all!!!

My Pup is all Grown Up according to the VET

I am having a difficult time dealing with the fact that I will take my girlie dog to the Vet tomorrow, Tuesday to go under the knife...she will get spayed. Why didn't I have this emotional issue with getting my cats taken care of...Are dogs really that different from cats where they suck your emotions up..like this????

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How Bad do you Want to Reach Your Goals?

It doesn't matter if the economy is bad or good. Imagine if everyone sat in despair about this...could we reach our goals. The answer is NO!!! Let's think for a second here...if you have the drive you should just GO FOR IT! But how you ask? Picture what your goal is and write it down...then you have to have a plan at how you are going to get there. You will have to go through some wins and fails..but, if you keep your eye on the end goal you will supersede your fails and re-strategize. Both Candidates, McCain and Obama had goals and came up with a plan to get there...not all are winners but, the result is there.

This can be accomplished by anyone at any age depending on what your goal is. It can be big or small. An example that was sweet to me to learn about is of one of my young art fans and her recent goal to become president of her student council. Alexis told her mom that she wanted to be the president of her 3rd grade student council and that is where her goal began. Her mom, Liza and supporter (everyone needs cheerleaders--so look around and see who can become your supporters) helped her come up with a marketing plan...posters, t-shirt and give aways (Halloween pencils and erasers with notes on them) to help spread the word of her election goal. Then here came the speech that Alexis had to practice to share with her 3rd grade class so that she could earn her votes by persuasion (great sales tool). Her Dad, Ruben helped her with that...another supporter.

Then came the votes after her speech and it was a BIG DEAL for a 3rd grader. Alexis did not win the president slot,...but, she did get voted in as the vice president..which everyone was very proud of her work towards that goal. Now she is busy leading in her role and seeing how her and her co-workers can improve the 3rd grade experience as a whole. What a neat story from one of my biggest...littliest fan...very inspiring if you ask me. Congratulations Alexis...and I wish you luck with your newest endeavor.

Hosting an Event for Customer Appreciation and Public Awareness

It is important that businesses show their customers that they are appreciated by hosting an event that is fun and gets them involved in meeting other people as well. The goal is to continue your relationship with your existing customers which helps in retaining their loyalty and in the long run getting more referrals. I read in a marketing journal that 80% of your business comes from 20% of your existing clientele. The other 20% will be new prospects and referrals from existing customers. It is extremely important to meet new people all the time while at the same time strengthening existing relationships. This can be done through hosting a fun event in which your customers will help you get the word out for you to new prospects. Once your attendees are at the event you can ask them to join your email list and by doing that they get entered into a drawing for prizes. This is a great way to reach out to potential prospects. Once the event has passed you can continue reaching out via email by providing your email database informed by educating them about your product and services through an e-newsletter.

Cost vs. Efficiency

My Grandfather always said..."You get what you pay for"...yesterday evening I confirmed it. As I was trying to save the planet by creating less waste and recycling my ink cartridge...by having it refilled..I ended up dissolutioned and wasting my time. Time is money. I had a huge spillage of ink all over the place ..it was a complete disaster. I had to go buy a brand new ink cartridge to save my day and complete my business tasks. Will not try that again.

This goes for services as well...just because you pay less does not mean you will get the best service..so make sure to ask for references or testimonials before the buy in.

Marketing Your Website

As some of you may or may not know. My career background is marketing/Design. I have been in the business of marketing for over 10 years and just recently have begun to design websites for some of my clients. Tips that I can share for creating a website is do not accept to have your website to have a subdomain name. This process does not give you the exposure as if having your own domain name. It makes it harder for the search engines to find your website unless your graphic designer has implemented the proper tags within your internal website so that the search engines such as google, yahoo etc. can find you. For instance...subdomains can be hosted by lets say a design company ...making it less expensive for the client but, expensive if you think about the outcome...this would be an example of main domain http://www.websN.com...a subdomain can be hosted under this maybe being yours and it would have the title of http://www.websN.com/johndoe

This would not give your company the importance it needs as a web presence and as far as professionalism goes...therefore...why not pay a little extra and go for the http://www.johndoe.com effect.

Another tip to ask your graphic designer is how many websites they currently maintain and do they update them monthly. This is also very important because each time you add content or refresh your website...the search engines get to crawl through your website looking for keywords and other descriptive content that will get picked up when someone is doing a search. The more often it is refreshed the better it will show up online.

Here is one of the websites I have designed and update on a monthly basis. I also check to see how this website shows up when searching on the web....not doing too bad without paying for dynamic ads.

http://www.santaanitagallery.com
in McAllen, Texas which is a host for the McAllen Artwalk.

Support Breast Cancer Month-NEW Women Wine Glass Charms

Support Breast Cancer Month-NEW Women Wine Glass Charms
SeeMore photos of these wine glass charms.


Just came up with these new Designs reproduced from my Women Series Paintings.

Check them out. With each purchase, a donation will be made directly to the American Cancer Society to help raise funds for more research.

Find out More About Breast Cancer Awareness...

I met these Young Designers and Entrapeneurs this weekend!

I met these wonderful young designers and entrapeneurs over the weekend. Their jewelry designs are fabulous and candy -licious. I had to buy some for my young fans and cousins. Great jewelry for young girls and teenagers. Great gifts for the holidays. Check them out and add them as your friends on myspace...I did.

It is great to see young productive teenagers following a dream. Please support them.

http://www.myspace.com/alamodeapparel

Closeup of my Latest Commission I am working on.

Art for the Bachelor Pad---Commission Work

My husband has a friend that has always wanted a copy of this painting so he asked me to paint it...However, I decided to do a Homage of this painting with a personal twist...check it out..the dogs have a painting of humans drinking beer and tailgating..the owner of this painting is in his own painting...I am still not finished but there will be a neon light sign with his name in the background. Too much...I have been getting some interesting commission work. It's hilarious.



check out closeups of the painting at http://artchatterboxmiczedesignstudio.blogspot.com…

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Jeweled Cat Wine Charms Now Available

Hey...just wanted to let you all know that I have just produced beautiful wine charms from my "Cat Days of Summer" paintings. Now available for purchase through my Etsy Store. Hope you like them.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15351192

The Fall

This was me last night...I was holding my cat's gourmet bowl in one hand and a cosmo on the other...and lord and behold my puppy had set me up.

She left one of her doggie toys in the middle of a doorway. I stepped on it and lost my balance...but, not really..still had the cat bowl in one hand and my cosmo on the other hand. I fell flat on my but. I only lost part of my cosmo and the cherry that was in it. My puppy, the opportunist...ate the cherry and whatever cat food was around on the floor.

I am surprised that I am not aching today. Maybe later.

Another Example of a Big Painting in the Small Room

MAKE A STATEMENT!
I hear it all the time...but, I don't have space in my little house....well check this out...some galleries and artists offer payment plans...so don't let that deter your buying budget.

Even if it's a small room ...Make a Statement with a BIG Painting

I read in an interior design magazine that you can do two things to add drama in a room. Choose a group of small paintings and group them together on a a wall or choose a BIG painting to add more drama to a small room. Here are some samples I found so that you can visualize what I'm talking about.

Just Sharing new series of paintings

Check it out...http://www.miczedesignstudio.com/…&_vlog.htm on my weekly blog.

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NEW PAINTING SERIES---"The Cat Days of Summer"

These rescued cats allow me to live in what has become their home. Believe me they live a more than comfortable spoiled life. Maybe in my second life I will be as intelligent as them and come back as a cat so I can charm my way into a nice home and live like they do. ;0)

My girly girl darling girlfriend!

She is such a character..and the most wonderful gift my husband brought home.

I get my kicks from her ...she has such a beautiful personality it's contagious.

The new addition to our pet family

Meet my Newbie in the household..and she gets along great with my 5 cats..the cats pretty much raised her. She had mange when my hubbie rescued her from a construction site..but, after the wonderful vet bill...she has recovered beautifully and we just Love her so much. What a blessing..little animals are.

Just finished a Pet Painting--I think I did OK..

New Commissioned Pet Painting-fresh off the easel

I just finished this painting of "Bob". Bob just passed away and I am sure he is looking over his Human Momma from Kitty Heaven. It was wonderful to paint this because I had heard so much about Bob..and his kitty personality that I felt like I had met him before I saw the picture. I really like the way I was able to capture his sweetness in his eyes.

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Checking In with y'all

JUST CATCHING UP...

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Introducing Local Creative Friends

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to share with all of you and join me in supporting two great friends and artists in their business ventures.

I invite you to visit my Comadre and Jeweler, Dora Wood at the Bargan Bazaar located on 4400 N. 23 Street in McAllen, Texas this Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 2008 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. this weekend.



The Bazaar is open every weekend during these hours. But, this weekend will be her first weekend with her new venture. Please stop by and support her business: RGV Cowgirls Closet--stop by her booth---You can also shop at her virtual store online at http://rgvcowgirlscloset.com/.

Looking for things for your children to do this Summer? If you have children and live in the McAllen/ Mission, Texas Area then check out my friend Raquel Hinojosa's website and all of the great creative art classes she has to offer and register today---there are still some openings available----
http://hinojosa.myexpose.com/info/

check on my latest on my Monday Art Auctions directly from Micze

Nope not on Ebay or Overstock. But, you have the opportunity to post your bid online. PayPal is the safest way to do transactions via online.

Have fun watching the video. Happy Bidding and stay tuned for next week. This is the 5th week since I started this.



Visit http://www.miczedesignstudio.com/monday_auction.htm

All auctions end at noon Central time USA

Here is what a friend sent me as a comment on my recent post regarding gas prices

Gas Prices Could Slam Summer Travel
Tipping Point for Daily Driving Is $4.38
Three in 10 Americans say the soaring price of gasoline will keep them from taking a vacation road trip this summer, and the tipping point for most people to cut back on their routine driving is within sight -- on average, a bit more than $1 a gallon away.

The owners of this gas station in Rochester, N.Y., show what they think of gas prices on their street front sign.
(Forest McMullin/WpN)
With gas now averaging $3.22 for a gallon of regular unleaded, Americans on average say that at $4.38 they would significantly cut back on the amount of driving they do.
Another apparent impact is already at hand -- a potentially damaging one for segments of the tourism industry. Twenty-nine percent of Americans in this ABC News/Washington Post poll say that – specifically because of the price of gasoline -- they're not planning a long-distance driving holiday this summer.
The economic impact may be broader still, reaching out across the retail industry that powers much of the nation's economy. To pay the higher price of gas, 43 percent of Americans say they're cutting back on other spending,

Up for the Challenge? With Gas Prices...

Check out the latest on Gas Prices...Geez...

Look what this guy is doing about it.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080516/ap_on_fe_st/odd_no_more_gas

Listen to my challenge.

http://www.utterz.com/~u-NTA3ODM0NA/utt.php#uttNTA3ODM0NA

My Latest Purchase----not art but, can it be considered as such?

Ok..my blow dryer went kaputt...the other day..so I hurriedly had to replace it. I am fascinated with my new purchase. It is compact in size ..has a cool Artsy design and color flare to it and it works FABULOUSLY! It blow drys my hair in two minutes...wow.... I am in love with it.

Whoever was the designer on this piece did a fine job...someone had to design the look on each product around our homes...ever think about that? Even the car we drive...there is design and creativity in our day to day lives..

Here is a pic of my latest...Remington "It's all that!" blowdryer..a little Pop Artish in design.

Great Art Collection Magazine...Recommend it

Hi there...I indulge in one magazine the most out of all magazines available.

American Art Collector --it is $36.00 per year ...12 issues.

But the Content is great material to read due to tips for collectors on who's HOT and also an inspiration magazine for artists. You see how other artist are selling their work at how their values are going up...

Tips that I found in one article are the following.

From the October 2005 issue. --pg. 20 Article by Aldo Castillo from the Aldo Castillo Gallery in Chicago. Visit www.artaldo.com

"Most clients will claim that they buy art because they love art. The bottom line is that in the back of their minds, collectors are looking for a good investment that is also a pleasing creation and makes a statement."

Do's and Don't of Art Collecting

I would advise to future collectors to:

• Do ask for payment plans where necessary


• Do look at different venues for purchasing art: artist studios, art festivals, galleries, antique shops


• Do ask for information; venues are gennerally happy to provide information at no charge


• Do trust your instincts and your personal style


• Do consider the purchase of art as you would real estate investments


• Do know when to negotiate the price

I would tell future collectors to beware of these 6 traps:

• Don't forget to check a gallery's reputation


• Don't deal directly with controversial artists


• Don't be pressured into purchasing a piece too quickly


• Don't overspend on works that are percieved more as decoration than art


• Don't agree on an unfair deal due to lack of research about pricing.


• Don't be intimidated by galleries.

The tips above were taken directly from the magazine for your information.

Since I am also an art collector...which do's I have followed are the going with my instincts and following my style and the payment plan option...since I am on a budget.

The Traps that I have experiences...buying something under pressure...tipsy on wine...and then waking up the next morning...not liking my purchase....shame on me...I kept the piece instead of returning because I figure it was nobody's fault but mine...so I am waiting for the right person to walk into my home and saying that the LOVE the pieces I don't care for to give them as a gift or maybe I will give them away to an auction for a good cause.

New Gallery in Little Rock, AR Representing my work

For all of you art Lovers or if you know anyone in the Little Rock, AR area...tell your friends....my artwork is now available in Little Rock at a gallery.
Gibraltar Gallery
221 W. 2nd Street, Suite A, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone is 501-375-4700 (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)

As most of you know, my fresh work is always sent to the galleries first...then after a six month gallery run for each new piece it is then offered to everyone through my online e-store at http://www.miczedesignstudio.com/available_originals.htm/

But, some people like to buy art directly from the galleries because they can actually see the artwork LIVE in person. Different strokes for different folks.
check it out.

~Matilde

Here is my latest painting---for a Cupid Exhibit in February