color me notecards by kayla & lucas

my neice kayla, was so excited when my sister read her one of my past blog entries mentioning her name and her birthday party. so the other day, on the phone, she specifically asked me to write this blog entry.

kayla: “auntie ina, can you put my drawing on the computer?”

so this blog entry is dedicated to kayla and her brother lucas…

last month, i created a new set of notecards called, “color me” notecards. i had given a personalized set to both kayla and lucas for christmas. according to my sister, they were a big hit and both kids really enjoyed coloring and sending out thank you notes. well i recently received my thank you note from each one of them and i couldn’t be more proud of what they created.

here is their masterpiece…


kayla, age 4


lucas, age 3

these “color me first name” note cards are available for purchase on my etsy shop.

my irena necklace

one of the perks of having a best girlfriend that’s an artist & jeweler is being able to request almost any piece of custom jewelry that my heart desires.  or at least what the pockets can afford right now.

my most recent request???

an irena necklace with an “april kawaoka” touch, which she gave me as a gift for my 30th birthday.

carrie bradshaw had a “carrie necklace” on sex and the city but even hers wasn’t as stylish as mine.

if you’d like to see more of what jewelry april currently has for sale, visit her Etsy site.

if you want to see other cool stuff that she’s made, visit her website.

if you like my irena necklace and wish you had one for yourself, send her a convo through Etsy or email her at info@aprilkawaoka.com.

and if you’re lucky, she may grant you your custom order request.

a kind heart will inspire many more

my friend marsinah, of blushing pearl is starting off her new year with an incredibly big kind heart.

this week, january 4-10, 2010, ALL proceeds from sales on her Etsy shop will be donated to the Somaly Mam Foundation.

for more information, visit: http://blushingpearl.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-can-i-help.html

don’t have much in the wallet???

not a problem! blushing pearl’s got great inexpensive, CUTE little notecards and gift tags that will dress up any gift.

here are 3 that i just recently purchased…


“Letterpress Spiced Textile Tags-Set of 10” by blushing pearl on Etsy


“Letterpress Birthday Cake Tags-Set of 10” by blushing pearl on Etsy


“Letterpress I Heart You Tags” by blushing pearl on Etsy

i believe that a kind heart will inspire many more.

cheers to marsinah and her great big kind heart!!!

this family picture looks ‘shopped!

i got lots of great presents for my birthday this year, but one that stood out and left me laughing out loud to myself is a gift i received from my uncle wil and my cousin jeff.

what do you get a girl that has everything???

a photoshop magnet kit, of course!

what a fun, CUTE and geeky way to post up a favorite pic on your fridge, or in my case, a magnet board.

the picture shown is my all time favorite cousin group shot taken back in 2007 at my 28th birthday party.  this image captures my fabulous, fun and crazy family so perfectly.  no photoshop necessary.

personalized gifts are a personal favorite of mine!

a gift for me???  you shouldn’t have…

…but i’m really glad you did!!!

check out these GORGEOUS notecards my friend marsinah of blushing pearl gave me as an early birthday gift.  THANKS MARSINAH!!!


“whispy personalized stationery – set of 20” by blushing pearl on Etsy

like this design or know someone who would love these as a gift?  you can order these or choose other beautiful designs at her etsy shop, blushingpearl.etsy.com.