Do You Know What Day It Is?

Can you feel that briskness in the air?  Yup, times are a changing.  You know what that means....the 2014 Reenie Rose calendars are here!  Who says it's too early to get a jump start on 2014 and your holiday shopping?  Not I!  Take a look at these beauties all ready to go:

So here are 12 free ideas for these calendars and who to give them too (one for each month of the year).  You can thank me later:

1.  Stocking stuffers (obviously)
2.  Hanukkah surprise....there are a lot of gifts to give for that holiday.
3.  Clients...show your appreciation with a lil something.  This will have them coming back in the new year!
4.  Gift baskets...they are the perfect backdrop to your holiday cookies.
5.  City employees (i.e. postal worker, garbage man, newspaper deliverer)....they need to know when to pick up and drop off.
6.  Household employees...cause some people have them (i.e. nanny, cleaning lady, babysitter)
7.  Co-workers...shows your excitement to work with them in the upcoming year.
8.  Your employees....bonus checks fit perfectly inside the cellophane wrapper.
9.  People who deserve a thank you....nurses, dog groomers/walkers, your accountant, front door attendee
10.  Teacher gifts....HELLO!  They don't need another apple ornament or something your kid made (only you can appreciate those things).
11.  Hostess gifts...you know you'll be attending some holiday parties this year where a bottle of $12 wine is soooo typical.
12.  Secret Santa...$20 limit...done and done!
13.  Bonus...Yourself!  Don't forget to get at least one for you (or every room in your house).

There you have it folks.  Calendars are available for $18 a piece unless you purchase 6 or more...then they are only $15 each!!

So, tomorrow's my birthday, and I only mention this because I have 200 calendars to sell and know that some of you may be looking to get me an awesome gift.  Purchase a calendar or 6 of them and consider my gift checked off your list.  No, really...

Now, who are you giving a calendar to this year?  Most thoughtful giver could win an extra free calendar for their generosity!  Spread the love and cheer!


*Calendar pricing does not include tax and shipping if it applies.

Do You Want a FREE Print?

You know what I love most in this world (besides ponies and kitties)?  Referrals.  Particularly booked referrals.  There's nothing better than someone loving your business so much that they pass it on to someone else and are able to pass it on successfully enough to have this client book with you without ever really encountering you or your product in person.  I always feel minorly guilty because there isn't much work for me to do in the "sales department" when this happens.  I just sit back and let the clients come to me.  Ok, not really, but it is such a treat to have clients fall into your lap via the nudge of someone who's work you already admire.

In order to show my thanks and appreciation to the vendors that support me in this matter, I gift them a print of the painting when a client books with me.  I'm really killing two birds with one stone here: I get some business out of the deal while they receive a complimentary piece of art that shows their own work.

I recently had two print deliveries to a couple of my sweet vendor friends.  Having them unwrap this gift was almost as exciting as seeing the client with their painting.
First up was Sharokina of City Girl Weddings.  Besides working Anna and Wade's wedding, Shar also suggested my painting services.  You'll remember Anna and Wade's painting and the reveal:

This print is going to look so pretty in Shar's office!

Love!

Last week I delivered a print of Kaitlyn and Mike's painting to Jenna at Avant Gardenia.

She was busy making pretties for that weekend's wedding.

I was delighted to receive a text from her later that evening all excited about having found the perfect spot for her print at home.

These ladies have some seriously awesome style in their homes and offices...and now I am an added bonus!

So, if you are a wedding vendor of sorts, you can't lose with a simple referral.  If you are not a wedding vendor and still want to pass on the Reenie Rose love, by all means, DO IT!!!  I am most certainly not against rewarding anyone that supports my business.  I tend to give sets of note cards because they are pretty and super handy.

If I can ever share your business love, please let me know.  This world needs a little more back scratching and sharing, and I will be the first to support it!

What do Puffy Paint, Chalk, and Stickers all have in Common?

I am currently in painting limbo.  I don't have any projects going on, but there's a lot of potential on the way.  So, what is a girl to do whilst she waits for a painting to come her way?  Sleep till noon and and rewatch the whole Sex and the City series...bah!  Not I!  No, I create work for myself....and I catchup on work that I've been wanting to do for ages.

For instance, I originally bought one of those "paint your own" pressed board picture frames from Michaels to paint for my best friend's daughter when she was born.  Well, she just turned one a few weeks ago.  Missed the newborn boat, but not the first birthday one!  I started painting this frame and then scraped the whole design idea and looked to Martha Stewart for inspiration.  Her scrapbooking line is unbelievable.  Some paper and stickers were purchased along with a bottle of trusty old puffy paint, and voila:

Norah's mom liked it, so hopefully Norah comes to appreciate this gift from Auntie Lo.

I've also been expanding my chalkboard art portfolio, but this is all I can show you for now.  You'll have to wait to see the rest when this photo shoot is published!

Finally, I'm also sprucing up my Reeniebeans Etsy store with some new sticker art.  Here's a preview:

Something a little different going on here.  Get ready for some more exciting things....and new paintings soon!

Bridetoberfest: Beer, Brats and Brides

You don't necessarily need to be a bride to go to an event that has the word in its title.   For instance, for the upcoming event, Bridetoberfest, you just have to like beer!

Come out, tomorrow,  Thursday, October 3rd 2013 from 6 pm – 10 pm at Dank Haus for the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance's First Annual-- Bridetoberfest!

Learn [and taste] ways you can support local Chicago breweries and eco-friendly businesses for your wedding or next event. There will also be a casual planning lounge where you can meet, greet, and 'prost!' with CGWA members and consider aspects of your wedding beyond the beer.

Who: Sponsored by the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance (www.greenweddingalliance.com) in coordination with Barley's Angels Chicago (https://www.facebook.com/groups/524900247524644/)

Local breweries including Goose Island, Half Acre, Revolution Brewing, Tighthead Brewing, Begyle Brewing, 3 Sheeps Brewing, Two Brothers Brewing Company, Metropolitan Brewing, Finch's, and more.

Beer-worthy food by FIG Catering, Goose Island, and more.

Tickets are on sale NOW! Price includes a commemorative CGWA tasting glass and 5 samples of local brews including seasonal Oktoberfest offerings. There will be plenty of beer and brats for purchase too!

Buy tickets at http://bridetoberfest.brownpapertickets.com/

Who wants to toast with me over a brew?  I have discounted tickets available!!!  Contact me today!