Sunday, September 13, 2015

Learning


I wish I could tell you that my absence has meant that I've been on vacation with my family on a hot and sandy island enjoying lots of coconut water and fresh salty ocean breezes. But no my friends, I've delayed updating the blog for over a month because there's good news and bad news to share. I think in the back of my mind I was just hoping to update with only good news. "Yay friends! All is well! Doing great. Everything is back to normal!" And so my good news is that I am very thankful to say that I did recover nicely from my first surgery a few months ago. But the bad news was when pathology reports came back 2 weeks later it was not good news. 

I was told that the cyst that was removed contained uterine cancer.  I had sadly gone alone to that appointment and was completely blindsided. The doctor continued with talk about chemo treatments and follow up cancer specialist appointments etc. I thanked the doctor for helping me in my journey up until then and left the office. All I heard for a few weeks from friends and family was how lucky I was that it was uterine and not ovarian cancer.  All i could think of was that cancer was cancer. And it was all bad. 


The treatment was looking like a few rounds of chemo and no more surgery. Then a few weeks later Mr. Handsome and I met with 2 cancer specialists and they both said the cancer was not uterine it was ovarian.  I think we were both devastated to say the least.  Although one surgeon was more optimistic than the other. one surgeon was very straight forward and kept it short and simple, only option: hysterectomy. After lots of prayer we decided to go with a hysterectomy.  I can't tell you how disappointed I was that I was done. Early this year I told Mr. Handsome that I thought I was ready to try to get pregnant again. I remember he was so happy. And now to think that it would never be possible and that opportunity was gone.  It's been a rough roller coaster of emotions.


The hysterectomy was the safest bet that the cancer was not going to come back.  We could've left the left ovary and fallopian tube and waited to see if the cancer would come back and tried to get pregnant. The second doctor was hopeful that the cancer wouldn't come back but unsure if I would be able to get pregnant due to the endometriosis. 
But I shared my concerns with Mr. Handsome: 
- The last 3 months we discovered that I had 3 cysts that were considered normal to have. 
- And that one of them contained ovarian cancer ( which was not detected by a blood test to screen for ovarian cancer - my levels were too low and didn't show anything abnormal ). 
- And that this specific cancer stemmed from the endometriosis I also didn't know I had ( a huge fist sized ball) 3 months ago and didn't show up on any of the ultra sounds or CT scans.

I was just not convinced that they would be able to successfully "monitor" and detect if and when the cancer would come back. And as a wife and mama I didn't want to take my chances.  I believe in miracles. With my whole heart. And during this time I questioned my faith in praying for a miracle. Until I realized I had received one. A HUGE miracle in fact. Looking over my discharge papers from the ER ( after my cyst burst ) I saw that the ER doctor had written down "incidental finding" of tumor like growth. Incidental. huh. there it was. Thank you God for allowing that painful experience to happen because it alerted to the cancer in my body. I don't believe it was incidental at all. And if you ever look through the internet and search #ovariancancer you will find lots of stories of women who didn't have that advance notice and it breaks my heart. I read somewhere that ovarian cancer is a whispering cancer. You can't visually see it or feel it like you might be able to with breast cancer. You can't detect it with any screening measure ( pap smear, ultra sound, blood test etc.) only a conclusive surgery will detect it. And two months ago, the surgeon "saw nothing wrong with my right ovary" so he decided to leave it. Until we realized two weeks after the surgery, that the cyst removed next to it contained cancer probably coming from the right ovary thought to be "normal". I think about that and I am SO happy for good health care but I'm also very relieved that I don't put my faith in it. I'm thankful for my miracle of advanced notice. Despite this being the longest, difficult, most painful trial I've ever experienced I'm living proof that God is watchful, protective and caring.  I've not felt alone in this trial. I've felt a constant hope that He was in control and I would be more than OK.  He had not let fear consume me of worry. I felt he strengthened me through my family and friends who showed up for me when I needed them the most.


I had prayed about a way to share my testimony through social media but I didn't want to be disrespectful to anyone. I feared I would not be understood and people would get offended. Pastor Miles from the Rock had asked a call to action to spread more hope + truth + love through social media by simply sharing your testimony. And all I could think was my testimony up until that point was SO boring and not worth sharing. I don't believe God gave me cancer. But I am thankful He is using it to grow my faith and my family through it. Now one week fresh from the hysterectomy surgery I'm again at a place of healing. Of slowing down. Learning patience with myself and my body as I take time to recover. Oh how I wish for the normalcy again. But I know that will come in time and right now is for saying Yes to being taken care of. Accepting help and saying thank you with a grateful heart. Its been tough because the healing has been overwhelmingly more emotional for me this time around. As i was being prepped for the operation I had to sign a consent for the hysterectomy and as the nurse explained that upon signing the waiver I understood it meant I would never be able to have children I just broke down. It broke me. I suddenly realized this was my last chance. I was going to be final. I felt an overwhelming guilt for choosing my life rather than trying for another baby.  The nurse called in Mr. Handsome to help calm me and talk things over but before she left she held my hand and told me with tears in her eyes that she completely understood. It was okay, she knew the pain very well. She had three angels in heaven and she understood not being able to have children.  


Then I cried for her loss. I realized Mr Handsome and I have been blessed to experience being parents already to our little Rafael.  Thankfully Mr.Handsome is such a sweet heart and assured me that we would be okay. Our family life can still grow through adoption. And nothing is more important than being together.  Boy we've come so far. I'm blessed. I'm overwhelmingly blessed. 

Thank you lovelies. I'm not always sure just how much personal stuff to share but thank you for letting me share my heart and this journey with you. We're holding onto hope for another full recovery XOXO Cancer free this time XOXO

blessings,
-Debee

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Shop Update & SALE


Hi Lovelies! So after almost 2 weeks off recovering from surgery (healing nicely! yay!) I'm happy to get back to work and announce that the shop is now OPEN! As a THANK YOU for your patience everything is 25% off. Use COUPON CODE: SUMMERXO to save 25% off your entire order now through Friday midnight. I've really missed it, the packaging, the creative side and the happy mail love.  










Fun Summer Stickers ( Starts & Stripes + Watermelons + Lemons + Strawberries ) 
Perfect for planners + scrapbooks + packaging.


So fun :) I'm pretty happy about the progress I made during the shop break. I reorganized the studio  did another inventory run and had a chance to rework some ideas for new stamp designs & notepads.  So I hope to share more new products soon. Thanks for hanging in there with me, hope you enjoy the sale and I look forward to adding extras to the happy mail being sent out during the sale :)

xo,
-d

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Spring Floral LOVE Forever


Hi Lovelies!
I've been cleaning computer files and came across this beautiful project I was asked to create by my lovely friends over at Mollie Makes Magazine. It was featured in a recent spring issue and I had all but forgotten to share it with you. So lets scroll back for some spring vibes yes? These pretty handmade blooms scream SPRING and will last long passed the season.  I LOVE paper projects and even more so I LOVED walking into our home and seeing this pretty wall hanging in bloom. SWOON*


I used different color papers & thicknesses 
+ textured velvet ribbons 
+ crepe papers 
+ thrifted vintage floral stamens
to create the paper blooms.


 A close up of the Paper flower details. All hand cut & hand made XOXO


Top left is my interpretation of a peony + bottom left a textured rose 
+ top right a daisy + bottom left a simple rose

My favorite thing about this is that you can create flowers and use them as gift toppers, wedding cake decor and even wear them :)  Can you image creating these on a larger scale and using them as a wedding backdrop?! I must get married again lol! I have been wanting to create a whole wall of blooms just for the studio and really hope to someday make it happen. 

Here is a visual breakdown of the flowers before I wrapped them using a circular motion and glued them at the bottom.

- Deconstructed Peony -

- Deconstructed Simple Rose -

- Deconstructed Textured Rose -

- Deconstructed Daisy -


+ I used a long piece of wood I found at a park by our home & added gold foil to it 
+ Glued a large upcycled piece of delicate crochet to the back of the wood 
(from a shirt that had accidentally torn)
+ added gold string to hang the piece
+ added the florals to the wall using repositionable glue dots


For the leaves I simply used a few shades of pretty pastel green and free hand cut them. I think next time I will try an emboss technique on them just for fun, but I also love them just the way they are.  

I hope you enjoyed this little piece of art and give paper floral making a try. Its a fun activity to try over a long chic flick ;) 

Happy making lovelies!

-d

Monday, July 13, 2015

Success


 


Thank you lovelies! I'm really happy to share my news, the surgery was a success!  I went in Friday afternoon and was home the same day resting. Thankful for Mr.Handsome and my little guy for taking good care of me XOXO. My surgeon and his team were pretty amazing ( despite a nurse not being able to get a needle in my veins twice- ouch! ) They were able to remove the cyst and save the ovary :) They also found another large mass about the size of a fist that he said was endometriosis.  Not the best to find out you have yet another problem but very happy that he removed it and hopefully won't be a problem in the future. I feel like this month has been a painful whirlwind but extremely thankful that I can now start healing and feeling better. I've been home resting & thankful for your prayers. Everyday I force myself out of bed, into a new change of clothes, wash my face and put on a bit of makeup. It helps get me moving and feeling better. But I did close the shop for this week.


Last week at my pre-op visit my doctor gave me a work excuse for a whole month. I was startled and asked him is it really going to take a whole month?!? I thought I would be back to work Monday ??? Crazy right? It turns out I'm going to listen. And take this week off to finish resting up. I have 3 scars that need to heal and I'm going to do it right. Rest. and more rest. I'm so eager to get back to making new things & cutting down my to do list but i am learning patience. with myself. and with time. Last week I picked up a few essentials at Target and ended up buying a mini calendar! I used to use a planner for work back when I had a 9-5 job but now a days I just like to use notepads. But I'm giving this planner thing a go and already have a few fun ideas to fill it up. First up, a photo strip from our recent trip to the Del Mar fair. I LOVE photo booths and this one even included the little fish Rafael won in the 3rd picture :) I picked up some metallic washi tapes from Michaels on sale to use to write on. And a few new Inspire Lovely flamingo stickers to emphasize important dates. I'll continue to share updates on my planner and how its working for me. So far I'm going to block this week out for REST XO.

Before I sign off I wanted to ask you, that if you have been living with pain or discomfort please go get it checked out. Whatever, wherever it is. If I'm being honest with myself, I've been in pain for over 6 months. I've felt it on and off. I always excused it as girl pain. And it would briefly go away. I always thought I had such a low tolerance for pain but it turns out when its a little bit over time and it gets slowly more painful, you might not notice it.  My doctor found it very troubling that I wasn't complaining of pain and would constantly ask me, is it painful now? I always said it was tolerable. If the cysts that I didn't knew I had hadn't burst a month ago I would've never known there was a third that needed to be removed or that I had a mass of endometriosis. I'm thankful that despite this painful experience, its being resolved. I know what it is. I'm able to face it. Sure I cry, sure I have a moment where I feel sorry for myself. But I'm no longer pretending the pain isn't there or that I'm okay.  I know I'm going to be okay now. I know that its been addressed and what to pray for and I'm ready to move forward from it.  I pray and hope the same for you lovely. Please take good care of yourself.
love & hugs,
-Debee

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Last Week

H + I letter planters I picked up from Michaels for about $3 each. 
Perfect for my little baby succulents & an easy project to keep my mind busy while I recover.

Hi lovelies,
Gosh i don't even know how to start this.
Hmm... looking back at the blog I've noticed its been all about shop updates and more shop stuff. Not so much personal stuff. I used to share more and I'm not even sure how that happened that I no longer do. I mean I like you. I really do :) I think its because I don't keep a blog schedule hahaa that would be too organized for this lady. Anyhoo, let sharing time begin yes?



Finished project! Now the waiting game. 
Roots need to grow before I can stand up the letters, probably in another month they'll be ready.

As I was packing up orders this week I wrote a few thank you notes on some delayed orders from last week; something like " Thank you for your patience while I recover from a trip to the ER, love Debee". Packed a few extra goodies in each orders as an extra Thank You. Looking back now I'm pretty sure I didn't help ease your worry about your parcel being late but it was the real reason and I'm all about being honest. So yeah. The ER. Me. My Man. Girl stuff. and a big UGH.  NO sarcasm.


My first hanging planter project! I picked this pretty planter up from Target and it was on clearance for $5. 
Matches our decor perfectly and I filled it with succulents that grow well indoors.

So here it goes.  Once upon a time.... just kidding....
I was driving home from picking up Rafael from Grandmacare ;) last friday and just as I hit the final stretch home an awful pain hit me in my lower right abdomen. Like not a tummy ache or girl cycle time it was more painful than a contraction even. And luckily i have over 24 hours of labour pain under my belt I kept my cool and did my breathing exercises. It didn't go away. I felt nauseous from the pain. I was a mess trying to drive us home and to top it all off I couldn't find my phone to call Mr Handsome for help. I stopped and checked on my little guy Rafael and he was happily sound asleep in his car seat. I was so thankful, i didn't want him to worry. I prayed and got home safely. I had such a hard time dealing with the pain and it felt like it was only getting worse and now it was on my left side. I could barely walk and couldn't keep food or drink down. Off to the ER.


That hairy succulent top left is my favorite! Its SO soft like a lambs ear. I love the way it looks like a flower too :)

We waited for 4.5 hours. it was the longest part of my life. I can't even begin to tell you how traumatic it was to sit there waiting that long not knowing what was happening and no pain meds. But it was Friday and the ER was packed and it was a full house of sick people and i was one of them. Ultra sounds + CT scan and blood tests later confirmed I had 2 burst cysts. Yay me! One was about 3 inches and the other half that size. Well i learned something: cysts burst and that's totally normal. Hello morphine :)


Lots of destressing around here: practicing my hand lettering & and another Target clearance planter purchase $4. 
Perfect for my string of pearls! I've had this plant since I started my succulent garden about 4 years ago. :)

You know when you're in the ultra sound room and the technician gets really quiet. And tells you that your doctor will explain the results with you? Mmmm yeah. So my tests showed another mass and it was on my right ovary. They couldn't tell if it was a tumor so I went for a follow up with a specialist and they said they still can't confirm it is a tumor so they want to be safe and just take the whole right ovary out. No biggie. I don't need it doc, I said :) So I'm all set for a small procedure to remove my right ovary. Might throw a "Good riddance" party for it, not sure lol!  I've never had surgery before so I will admit I am a little anxious and worried. But I also know I'm going to be okay. I'm only in a bit of discomfort ever now and again when I stand or sit for too long. I'm excited to feel better and "normal" again. The doctor is great. The procedure is laparoscopic and has minimal recovery time. My boss is pretty lenient ;P As long as I don't end up in the ER again! Oh Lord, that place was a nightmare. hahahaaa! Oh wow, I can laugh about it now. yay.


A sweet handwritten Thank You note from the sweetest customer, beautiful Bella. 
You made my day lovely! Thank you for your thoughtfulness! XO 

So thank you. No really. Thank you for your patience and for understanding. I hope I have not lived up to my name " Debbie Downer" HAHAHAA! I'm pretty sure you came here today not expecting this and I really do not want you to worry but I did want to share my heart and let you see this part of my life. Its not always pretty products ;) or succulents lol!

I did have one favor to ask, and only if you are willing. I have asked this from family and friends and I would only ask because I would absolutely do the same for you if you asked me. If you are the praying kind, could you stand with me in prayer? I'm not shy about being anxious. I'm not afraid of feeling afraid. I think that's just being human and totally normal. But if I could have your help praying that away I know that would make a huge difference in staying positive and hopeful for a quick recovery. Thanks in advance for being so awesome. And if you've been through this path before and have any recommendations for me I would love to hear them!

Big big hugs,
-Debee

Monday, May 25, 2015

20% off SALE

Oh Hello Lovelies!
We had the BEST time at Patchwork yesterday, thank you for coming out and showing your support for handmade :) We debuted a couple of new products that I'm really excited about.

FIRST UP, notepads! I once said that I wasn't much of a list maker. Well, that's slowly changed over the start of this year. I think the trick for me is to write down a manageable list to begin with. Not the over the top "I know I don't have that kind of time", " I'm going to do everything half butt cheeked just to get everything done" list. :) I'm not a half butt cheeker lol! So I designed these cute mini jotter manila paper pads with Gold ink. Its a beautiful thing. There's space for 10 things. Kind of like David Letterman's top ten, but with a little more every day get stuff done gusto. :)



The mini's fit perfectly in planners and calendars and I think they would look pretty awesome in scrapbook pages too. I'm going to give it a go.

The larger notepads are for more doodles than lists. I'm also a big time doodler. When I used to have to be at certain meetings the only way I could keep my attention was by doodling. It really didn't pan out with my boss because he always thought I was just not paying attention lol! But I always did take good notes AND had pretty drawings so win win! I'm so glad we're not all the same. hahaa! So go ahead and doodle & list make to your hearts content. There's a special on the Gold bundle in the shop, all 4 notepads for only $17. You'd totally be set for gift giving!


My other favorite was creating a few new prints. I wanted phrases and quotes that motivate me. Maybe its the spring cleaning that I need to get done around here but its all leading me to get my act together and get things done. I love this one, "Make today count". As the days fly by it truly is a great reminder to make everyday count. So lets make it a good one yes? high 5!


And these babies: 15 new stamp designs! Over the last few months I've been making a list from requests for stamps. I'm happy to have made these from that awesome list! 


Yesterdays favorite: 
Summer themed stickers! Pineapples + Flamingos + Popsicles + Cactus + Sunshine XOXO
Oh I know that summer isn't here yet but goodness am I excited! especially with the flamingo stickers :) I take Rafael to the zoo and we both love those silly guys. So I drew a few and made them into stickers for you too. You can get a pack with all these designs for only $7


And another fun product: Confetti pops & new Tags. The Confetti pops are filled with tissue + sequins + confetti & embellished with your choice of label. You can even request a custom label free of charge :) Perfect for party people yeaaaaaaah!

The tags were a bit of cheer & congrats for graduation. It all started with the tag " Good job NERD". Which is what I used to tell my little sister. She was always doing great in school and I was very proud of her but also wanted to make her laugh lol! Ahh nerds, so cool. 

So I guess it's pretty obvious what I'm going to give my friends and family for graduation gifts hehee. 

And today is your lucky day friends, I'm so excited about these handmade products I wanted to share a 20% off coupon code: "20OFF" all orders over $10. The coupon is good until tomorrow so have fun and I hope you enjoy the new shop goodies!

kindly,
-d
















Friday, May 22, 2015

Next Up: Patchwork Show - Santa Ana


You guys this is my favorite show & area to sell our handmade goods. 
May 24, 2015 – Downtown – 2nd at Sycamore Street – Santa Ana, California – 11-5pm
It's the right people. The perfect atmosphere. The best food. 

I've been working on new product: 
- NEW -
Notepads + Stamps + Prints + Garlands + Art

I love offering GOOD deals at this market so come by!
You won't regret it :) 
See you Sunday!
XO
-d

Friday, April 17, 2015

Custom Stamp XOXO


It's FINALLY here! Custom stamps! I've been asked time and time again if we offer custom stamps in the shop and I always say not yet... *blushes*.  I knew that I needed to sit down and get all the logistics straight and then I finally sat down to create a few. 


I started with custom address stamps that I think would be perfect for mother's day & teachers day :) That globe makes me so happy I think teachers would love it too! 


The florals on this one are my fav. Love the vintage feel of both the stamp design and the stamp handle, so pretty. This pretty stamp makes me want to send more happy mail :) I think a few of my friends and family are getting a custom stamp ;)


I also included a floral Monogram stamp perfect for stationary & packaging.


And anyone up for a little DIY wedding stamp?  I feel like DIY is encouraged more now a days rather than forking over a huge part of your wedding budget for invite designs etc. And that's perfect because it's friendlier on the wallet and makes for easier wedding planning. 

We got married 6 years ago this April 24th and sigh* I can still remember all the DIY for our wedding. We were in the middle of buying our condo and money was very tight. This stamp would've come in handy hahaa :) I made our invites + save the dates + programs + table decor + bouquet + cake lol! Now that I think about it that was CRAZY. We spent less than $2,000 on the entire wedding including my dress :) I feel like being in escrow came in handy as it kept us within budget. Mr Handsome always reminded me to stay focused: do we want a wedding or a home? SO hard but our wedding was so good and we had a seriously great wedding day and that's all I remember XOXO :)

So happy stamping lovelies! The stamps are $25 and ship for free domestically for a limited time. Happy Friday! And yay for surviving tax season! ;)
-d




Friday, April 10, 2015

Queen Bee Market XO


Hi just wanted to invite you to our market today! We will be here both days and can't wait to show you the new stamps + prints + packaging! Come by if you're local ;) 

I've been sharing a few sneaks via instagram these past couple of days if you'd like to see :) 

happy friday!!! 
XO
-d

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Spring Flash Sale: Save 15%


Hi lovelies! I'm happy to announce our spring sale is happening now over at the shop. Use coupon code SPRING for 15% off your entire order. 


Over 10 New Hand lettered Prints in the shop







5 New Stamp Designs: Previous Designs have also been restocked :)



New Gold Glitter Bag Designs perfect for Easter treats & gifts


And my favorite product: New Starburst Sticker Designs! The pineapples are SO cute! Use these stickers for packaging, scrapbooking pages and planners. I also like to stick a few on little R as he dashes in and out of the studio lol!  

So there it is! All the good stuff and a really good SALE! Just remember to use coupon code : SPRING for 15% off, hurry the sale ends Friday 

Happy Spring vibes friends!
XO
-d