Joyful

My name is Joy --and this blog will be all about the simple joys in my life - my family, my friends, my business, but most of all --my 2 little girls!

Joy...It's all in the name!

I grew up in a suburb right outside of Chicago - Berwyn, IL. I believe where I grew up shaped who I am today - we were a close knit community where family values were important. I attended college in Waukesha, Wisconsin - Carroll College. There, I majored in Communication and minored in Art. It is at Carroll that I truly flourished...I was very active in my sorority (Chi Omega) and began taking classes in electronic imaging - this is where my love of graphic design began! Senior year I met my husband (also a Carroll grad) and there you have it... My past work experience is quite broad - I've worked in Radio promotions, HR, and Higher Education. The past few years I've enjoyed creating photocards for different events. This passion has grown more into other avenues: creating stationery, invitations, and other ventures --- and that's where I get to share with you my love of all things creative - SIMPLE JOYS by JOY! Thank you for taking the time to get to know me! I am eager to create or become a part of your life event by making it just a little sweeter - a little more thoughtful and most of all memorable.

My 2 Favorites

Easily my favorite 2 Simple Joys - my daughters. Meet Mackenzie *Kenzie* Elisabeth (4) and Alexa *Allie* Delaney (2)...they are my life, my love, my greatest creation to date!

Weddings, Birthdays, Etc.

Below you'll see a sampling of some of my work...weddings, birthdays, babies... I Love being a part of people's life events - adding a hint of creativity to the mix!

A couple of assistants!

Simple Joys - the business could not possibly function without the help of two fab and fancy assistants...Meet Rachel and Samantha!
I've had the pleasure of knowing Rachel and Samantha for some time now...while working in higher education, they were a few of my student workers....from there, I recruited them to babysit for my kids. In a matter of time, Rachel and Sam have become permanent fixtures in my home--my girls ADORE THEM - and frankly, they make my life a lot simpler than it could possibly be. Both seniors and ready to graduate college, I am hopeful we'll keep them on as part-time Simple Joys by Joy assistants! They cut, glue, stuff, wrap, sell....they are my front line and I don't know what I'd do without them! And...if you thought the Argyle sweaters were coincidence and matching red/black outfits- HECK no! They are that precise and adorable and planned to dress alike at an Open House Event!

Friday, January 15, 2010

New Look, Same Great Product


I did it! I came up with my new logo for my business....Liz Sage will now transition to Joy Liz Sage. I know I've went back and forth with the name change...my heart wishes it could be "Simple Joys" but the brain says --- Joy Liz Sage is the way to go to keep name recognition.....so there you have it. My middle name is Elizabeth anyhow......and I LOVE the new logo. I think it's been a LONG time since I can honestly say I've loved anything in relation to my image. Those of you who know me, know my favorite color is purple. I've made a decision....from here forward, I'm only doing things I LOVE - only carrying products I LOVE, and only making things I LOVE to make. ;) Let's be honest here....I love to do a lot of things...and this might be why in the past I've spread myself to thin. So, now, I am in control...choosing what I want to do, adding to the world one creative piece at a time. I'm surrounding my schedule with a ton of adorable and blushing brides, sweet and sassy moms to be, and desiging photocards for fabulous families. I LOVE my job. I love what I do....and I love that you all allow me to do it and invite me to share in your life events! Thank you!
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Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Just Darling....

It's just past the first of the year and I've spent more time than average with my two little darlings. While the holidays are a happy, festive time, lets be honest...those of us with kids - under the age of 5 -- there is nothing relaxing about this time of year. It causes great angst, heightened prayer (for good behavior and the fear of the unknown --- what may come out of your toddlers mouth), and the ever messed up schedule.

The weeks up until Christmas there is the wonder and good behavior because we all know, "Santa is watching".....what I've learned as, once the big guy has left the gifts under the tree - ALL bets are off. I don't know what happened to my little angels....all of a sudden then are yelling at each other, not sharing and stealing each others things *under mom's watchful and disapproving eye*.

My older of the two has outsmarted her younger sister. She plays all kind and nice offering to share her toys for the younger's unopened boxes. She is smart! This way in a sense she is the "first player" of all things new...therefore enjoying Christmas on behalf of both of them....which after about the 5th occurance the younger of the two realizes what is happening and cries for those moments she cannot get back. This is where I resort to pure bribery because my youngest daughter has yet to meet a sucker (dum dums are the favorite) she hasn't loved. When I say this, you may say, "Really!?!"....I am certain I could be the million dollar season winner on america's funniest home videos if I were to submit. My two year old can wail and scream and create a scene like no other ---however, at mere mention of a "sucker" it stops. It becomes a dead silence and I have overcome the beast. I AM the negotiator. At my weakest, I've given in to 3 in one sitting. Now, this is my second child, I'm a bit more lenient this go round!

I am thankful we've survived another holiday season - all in tact, and are getting back into the swing of things. This morning my youngest said that if I kissed her she'd throw up. Where she got this? I have no idea....all I know is that I have the power to change her thoughts and actions in the simple offering of a sucker!
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Monday, December 28, 2009

Countdown!

Just a few more days, hours, minutes and even seconds before I am ON MY OWN! *My business* Rather than focus on the reasons why I can't wait to be dissolved from my business partner... I'd like to focus on all of the reasons I am excited and hopeful for a new and successful beginning on my own!

I can do it! I know I can! I've had a strong support system in place for a long while, but to actually create products that people love ---it's a dream come true for ME, and I am finally accepting the fact that my customers LOVE what I have to offer - sure, it helps that my friends support me, but now, I've had the chance to become successful on ETSY, through connections on Facebook, and referrals to family and other friends.....this is what has made me think....'hmmmm, I REALLY can live my dream!'

I will continue to live by what has taken me this far -
*I will only sell what I would purchase on my own
*Everything is better with a hint of sparkle
*Your pen should be as cute as your paper!
*You should LOVE LOVE LOVE your gift to give (and if you don't LOVE LOVE LOVE it, I'll fix it til' ya do
*See above for invites, announcements, save the dates, etc.
*Never stop writing thank you notes - on cute paper (made by me!)
*Thoughtful gift giving and creating - that's what I do best
*Appreciate customers and fans
*Give back! What am I if I don't give back - donate and support those who have supported me

Stay Tuned....Simple Joys by Joy ---will replace Liz Sage, LLC....the name will be different, but products will all still be created by me...I'm finally giving my name the credit where its long overdue. Watch out world....I'm in for a long ride and cannot wait to take you with me!
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Saturday, December 26, 2009

I <3 Blogging

I'm not sure what I enjoy more --blogging or 'decorating' my blog full of Simple Joys. I feel like I've just moved into a 'new place' and I am carefully trying to fill it full of me. Sheesh - with slideshows and links and widgets, OH MY!.... I am overwhelmed! I don't want to clutter my space, I want it deliberately and carefully put together to reflect ME! So, in these early beginnings, you'll see a lot of changes here and there - for right now, I'm doin' the best I can!

I'm getting ready for the big transition and I can HARDLY wait! We will be dissolving the partnership - Liz Sage, LLC. My partner and I have decided to part ways. It will be a slow gradual change - I will continue to manage our twitter page, facebook site, etsy site under Liz Sage, LLC until I can finally officially turn everything over to Simple Joys by Joy. Most product will continue to be offered, and I'm even more excited to report I will be partnering with other fun, fab and fancy moms who own their own businesses ---many of which you'll see along the side - My favorite Links!

With the help of my Lovely Assistants - Sam and Rachel ---get to know them --- I've got their pics posted!!! We are ready to roll! I'll slowly be adding photos of product and will continuously take orders....just this week I'll be taking care of mocking up wedding invites/ printing another wedding invite order/ and printing some adorable notepads!

Watch out 2010, this is JUST the beginning!

I really <3 Blogging!
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