Monday, Monday.... la la la la la la....

Monday I did something I've dreamed about every single day since I started Green Cycle Designs... I quit my day job. No, I didn't walk in and scream, "I won the lottery, I'm outta here!" I very calmly (with my heart beating out of my chest thinking I was having another awesome episode) did it. I did it.... I DID IT! I gave notice and as of February 1st I will officially be my own CEO, CFO, COO & most importantly... Artist & Mommy! Ask me what I do for a living, "I'm an artist!" Can you say lifelong dream being fulfilled?!

Although I've been dreaming about this for a very long time, I have 2 very special boys in my life that made it a reality. First of all being my husband for believing in me every step of the way. For the 6 years that GCD has been around he's been my "unpaid intern". That's a long time to not collect a paycheck :)  He helps me at every show, he shleps everything, packs the car, paints stems for me and he even secretly sometimes gets creative and we say that I made it... Shhhhh :) Thank you Andy, a million times over. I love you!

And secondly my Baby Max...  Yes, my son who all he can say is "Eggy", scream for fun and blow raspberries has 100% motivated me to do it.

You see when I first went back to work from my maternity leave I was a mess. Max had reflux for the first couple months and we were just getting into our routine and having fun and then BOOP! time to go back to reality. I realized in that first week that by the time I picked him up and got him home, I only had 2 hours a day with him. 2 hours a day, 5 days a week and that being if he didn't take a nap when we got home. Did I say I was a mess?

I would ask family and friends how they did it and was returned with "you make it work" or "it just kind of becomes your routine" and even some answers of "Ugh, aren't you excited to go back to work?" and I can remember thinking, "NO! This is not for me! This is not what I want for my life!"

So as the story goes I went to my parents one day to pick up Max, I don't know maybe a week or so into my return to work and had an absolute melt down. I needed to be with my baby... not want... NEED. It's crazy that this primal instinct comes over you when you become a mom... Like they aren't lying when they say you would literally jump in front of a train for them. After a long discussion and picking up all the pieces of my heart I decided what I had to do..... I needed to make it work.

I went home to Andy that day and had a long discussion. We agreed that since season was upon us (Christmas is just that for etsy sellers.... Christmas!) we would see how it goes and take it from there. This of course gave me permission to be an absolute crazy person and stay up until 1:00am and then get up with Max at 5:00am. I did this for oh maybe 2 months straight, became a zombie, didn't see any friends, folded paper anywhere I could, got a terrible flu.....but you know what.... I did it... I FUCKING DID IT! ahem... excuse my French, but I did it!

I remember reading a book a few years ago... I want to say it was the terrible follow-up to the book Eat Pray Love and in one part she goes off on a tangent about how much her mom sacrificed for her and how she had to put her own dreams and desires aside and leave them unfulfilled. I remember thinking at that time too... "No! It doesn't have to be that way if you don't want it to be!" The only obstacle in front of you is yourself and if you want something bad enough, you can do it! You may have to bust your ass and catch a wicked flu to get it, but you'll get it.

I feel like the before and after Tara... And so far I'm loving the after Tara. This is me... This is what I'm meant to do, be and feel. I've grown GCD so much over the past 6 years so much with working a steady 9:00-5:00, that I'm over the moon to see where I can take it when it's my full time job.

Thank you to all of my family and friends for being my endless support system. You come to shows, you buy and gift my wares, you help me fold, you lend me tables, you make silly pretzel banana caterpillars with me at shows... you're just the best group of people a girl could surround herself with and I'm endlessly grateful. I couldn't do it without you....

So on that note, I just want to say cheers to 2014! I hope it brings you everything you want and desire in life, it can if you want it to :)

XO,
T

Wednesday Obsessions... Or Free Netflix (Kind Of)!

In the summertime my movie watching and book reading goes on overdrive because of the extra free time on my hands. It's been this way since I was in high school. Call me a nerd, but I love being up to date on movies and have old classics under my belt...

OMG so many movies!!!

I bought a Netflix subscription back in 2005, but it kept getting more and more expensive and they would make you wait weeks, some times months for a new release. Andy finally convinced me to stop wasting $25 a month on the DVD's and Blurays that would just sit on our coffee table... sometimes for months...

I remember a few years ago when Shine a Light came out... I had that in my house for a record 3 months... 3 MONTHS!!! I never watched it... I recently did though and it was terrible (I'm just not a Stones freak I guess) but that made me think... I spent $75 for a movie to sit on my coffee table for 3 months! I could have purchased it 4 or 5 times over! I still have the streaming version of Netflix for my Appletv.  It's only $7.99 a month and for whatever reason I can't bring myself to cancel it.

It's been only over the past couple years that I've discovered a new **FREE** way to watch movies.....

Behold the Broward County Public Library System... Or as I like to call it FREE NETFLIX!!!

It's absolutely 100% the most amazing thing ever. Do you have a library card? Great! You're all set to get started! All you need to do is access the Broward County Library Catalog, search for your movie, place a hold and choose which branch to pick it up... Seriously, it's just that simple!!

The Broward County Library Search

The library staff will transfer, pick up and hold the movie for you. You'll get an email when it's ready and all you have to do is drive your pretty little self to the branch, go to the front desk and voila! It's yours for about a week! As a matter of fact 10 can be - 10 is the limit for checking out movies... Not too shabby!

My Holds... Don't Judge

Last year I remember watching What Dreams May Come and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang... Two movies I had wanted to see since I was little... Crazy right? Who goes through childhood without seeing  Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!?!

Of course this system works for any other thing that the library has to offer you too. Of course it could also cost you just a little cash money if you return the movie late. If you want it longer though, you can renew right from the website. When you're done with your item you can also drop it off at any Broward County library and they will return it to its originating branch. They basically do all the work for you!

Sooooo call me a nerd, but I love my free books and movies! Do you have any secrets like this to share? I'm all ears!

Weekend in Review....

What a fun weekend! It could have been even more fun had I not succumb to a stomach bug on Saturday night, yuck! I pushed myself through Indie Craft Bazaar, but after packing up the car and sitting down for dinner at Tarpon Bend, the spins and aches came on full throttle. Props to the Edelmans and Andy for noticing I did not look right and needed to go home. Feeling much better this Monday thank you very much!

Here's a breakdown of the two events that made my weekend!

Grouplove at Ricochet:

I can't say thank you enough to South Florida Music Obesessed for getting Andy and I into this invite only show. After last seeing them playing for thousands streaming Bonnaroo at home, this was such a special treat. I mean there were maybe 100 people there. Such a blast! I'm gonna "bump the beats till beddy bye" for a while to come!

Click over here to see some awesome photos and videos shot by South Florida Music Obsessed of the event!

To see my yelp on Ricochet, check here.

AND

Indie Craft Bazaar: Summer of Love:

Since I already gave you an awesome preview of some of my fave vendors last week, I hope you were able to make it! I ended up with an awesome new Henna love courtesy of Lori, with plans to get another new one next week before we go to Key West!

It was a great show and had an amazing turnout! I have the best friends in the world that keep coming back to visit and even managed to make a few new ones. It's so crazy how you can meet people nowadays! My best ICB meetup would have to be Ashley. We met on instagram (crazy right?!) and she takes the most amazing South Florida pics, not to mention shes a super cool chick! Why did we not get a pic together?! Next time! Follow Ashley and her amazing pics here.

Did you make it out to ICB? What did you do this weekend?

Indie Craft Bazaar: Summer of Love Preview!

If you're in the South Florida area, this weekend there is an art show on Saturday at Revolution Live that can't be missed (and I'm not just saying that because I'll be there with Green Cycle Designs too... wink wink)

Indie Craft Bazaar: Summer of Love!

                      

There will be over 60+ food and art vendors all with an indie flair. I can't say it enough how much I love buying something that is one of a kind made by an actual person sitting in front of you. It's awesome to know you're supporting local artists. Did I mention there will be live music by Emily Sheila and a vintage fashion show by Public Image Vintage? How cool is that?

I would like to give you a little preview with some of the vendors that I keep coming back to and think you'll love them too:

Doopiemoos - Shameless plug, it's my partner in crime Cari's company. She makes the most awesome accessories - you won't be able to have just one. She's also debuting some new pieces (necklaces, bracelets, etc.) that are to die for, you have to check them out!

Awesome new doopiemoos bracelets!

Grateful Threads - Leanna makes the most amazing upcycled and sustainable organic clothing. I live in my Prana pants and love my Beatles skirt. She's happy to help custom make something for you and has so many options and colors!

I love my Prana Pants!

Henna Eden - Have you seen the henna Mrs. Doopiemoos and I have been sporting lately? It's all the amazing work of Lori. I'm so excited to get a new piece. It's tattoos without the commitment and it smells delicious!

Bally Ding Revue & My Little Thrift Store - Traci and her husband Scott have the most amazing vintage pieces, jewelry and photographs. They are super friendly and happy to help you find you're next must have piece!

 Amazing finds from both of these awesome shops!

Melodic Muse - Be sure to stop by and say hi to Cheryl. She makes the most amazing original jewelry from guitar pics and other found pieces. Think of it as wearable art!

Enjoy Yourself Vintage - Christine has the most amazing vintage pieces at unbeatable prices. You're guaranteed to find a new amazing accent piece to bring home! Click the link to see more of the goods she's bringing to the show!

Just a sample of the items Christine is bringing!

Heartbeatz - Debbie makes the cutest accessories from classic fabrics. She also makes baked goods! All delicious - you can't help yourself, but sample all the flavors. Be sure to click over to her etsy page too to see the handmade creations she's bringing!

Debbie's delish cupcakes we had at the last ICB - yum!

And last, but not least - Green Cycle Designs (me, Tara): I'll have lots of new flowers and pieces for your decorating pleasure!

I have to mention as well that Amanda and Chris that run the event are super nice. You will probably see them at the door or walking around. Feel free to ask anyone questions, it's a giant love fest at Summer of Love.

If you can make it or want more information you can always check out the facebook event page here.

Hope you enjoyed my little preview - See you on Saturday!

Wednesday Obsessions on Thursday....

Happy post 4th of July everyone, I hope you all got to bed at a decent hour last night. Nurse that hangover with some McDonalds at lunchtime... I promise, it makes it all better!

In an effort to get things back on schedule after said personal family crisis, I present to you Obsessions Wednesday.... on Thursday! Here's this weeks hump love list:

1. Slubby Shirts from Anthropologie -

If we've hung out in the past 3 months, chances are I was wearing one of these beauties. I now own them in black, white, yellow AND my latest addition - Grey. They are on extreme sale now (I just snuck out of work to buy one for $25!) They are oh so comfy and loose and come with these two huge pockets - Perfect for optional hands free iphone handling!

The only color left is the color I don't own, Go figure!

2. The app Quiption -

I love a good photo editing app... When I came across another blogger raving about this one, I had to see what the fuss was all about. It's pretty damn nifty! With pre-made amazing photo overlays you can create an inspiring piece for your twittering, instagraming, facebook pleasure in a flash. It is free and is available in the itunes app store! Here are some of my creations - 

Carpe Diem with my GCD flower back drop

I wish I was there too....

3. My new Hot Pink Sperrys -

Loving my Sperrys!

I have never ever ever owned or thought about purchasing a pair of boat shoes. That is until the other night when Andy and I went to Off 5th Saks at Sawgrass in search for the perfect birthday gift for little Sam Edelman. In the midst of my retail therapy, I came across these beauties at a steep discount. They are hot pink and make such a fun statement - Did I mention they are Sperry Topsiders?! I'm officially a South Floridian! At $25 for a $90 pair of kicks, how could I resist? Now I fit in with all of the other nautical beauties.... Sweet!

Hope you enjoyed this weeks faves - Another mama update will be out soon!

Indie Craft Bazaar (and GCD flowers!) on Local 10...

Just a quick little post to show you a segment that the amazing Channel 10 news reporter Constance Jones did on Indie Craft Bazaar! Can you spot the GCD flowers in the video? We're famous!

Unfortunately there was no way to embed the video, so please click the link:

Local 10 Video on the Handmade Movement

Enjoy!

Odd Duck Bazaar Sneak Peek....

It's getting close to Odd Duck!!!!! The GCD Etsy shop is officially closed in preparation!

Here's a little teaser of the new pieces that will be available tomorrow exclusively at the show...

Flowers and Flowers.... and Oh Hey - More Flowers!

I've added SO MANY new cool flowers to the mix. Bright and colorful ones, maps, sheet music and all of your childhood favorite books. Favorite books include Dr. Seuss, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Sesame Street, Harry Potter, Twilight... And classics like Gone with the Wind, The Old Man and the Sea, Jane Eyre, War and Peace and so many more! They each have a long newspaper stem that can be cut to whatever length you need - Priced at $3 each, you can mix and match your own bouquet!

I've also made lots and lots of my decorative hanging flower balls.

They will be all around the perimeter of my tent, so watch your head! 

Large Map Flower Ball - $25

 Small Flower Balls - $12

The flower balls are made from the same papers as the flowers. Lots of vintage books, maps, scrap paper... Basically anything that I can find that looks cool! 

And last, but certainly not least new vases! My little Pom couldn't resist checking it out for herself. 

This one is a cool upcycled find that I painted with gray non toxic paint and covered in white recycled paper flowers. The centers of the flowers are adorned with silver rhinestones. 

Would definitely look great filled with GCD flowers!

Gray Jeweled Vase - $25 (cute dog not included)

Sooooooo there's your preview! Odd Duck is tomorrow from 12:00pm-6:00pm in Hollywood!

 See the flier below or go to http://www.oddduckbazaar.com for deets!

SEE YOU THERE!!!!!

Broward/Palm Beach New Times Feature...

In case you haven't heard me screaming from the rooftops, my flowers are featured in the 

Broward Palm Beach New Times this week!

My beauties...

They are featured in promotion for Odd Duck Bazaar this weekend! 

Stay tuned for a special preview tomorrow of some of the wares I will be selling at the show. 

Pick up a copy of New Times all around the Broward Palm Beach area this week!

Social Media Addiction...

Hi! My name is Tara and I'm addicted to social media.... "Hi Tara"

So many options!!!

After signing up for a crazy amount of social media outlets lately I've realized I may have a problem. Let's break it down. I have:

Facebook (me and gcd) - https://www.facebook.com/greencycledesigns

Twitter - https://twitter.com/greencycleD

Instagram - http://instagr.am/p/IHL1S6CGr-/

Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/greencycled/

Blog - http://www.greentaralove.blogspot.com

Linkedin - http://www.linkedin.com/in/taraackerman

Google + -  http://www.gplus.to/greentaralove

Her Future - http://www.herfuture.com/profile/TaraAckerman

Yelp - www.taraackerman.yelp.com

I haven't yet delved into the world of Tumblr, YouTube, Flickr or Vimeo..... But don't worry, I'm sure they are on the horizon. This also doesn't count constantly updating and relisting pieces on Etsy! Whew!

So yes..... I believe I AM addicted to social media., but do I have a problem? Hmmmmm....

I think the ones I have are pretty manageable, I have a twitterfeed app constantly crossing the lines of some of the outlets to better manage time. You never realize how important all of this stuff is until you have your own business. I've posted pics of my pieces on Pinterest that have sold that way. I've met lots of people on Twitter that have turned into blog posts on GCD, show acceptances, sales or even celebrity conversations and follows. I'm talking to you Yoko Ono :)

It wasn't until recently when I signed up for Foursquare that I realized how time consuming it all is. It's like work! We were in Disney World and for whatever reason I couldn't get a signal. I just wanted to check in! And then I realized how dumb is this? I'm getting frustrated because I can't check into a stupid game when I'm in the happiest place on earth. So stupid!

For the most part I see the benefit to it all, but sometimes when I see people posting every 5 minutes it makes me wonder if they have a life outside of the phone or computer? I'm as into it as the next person, but I also value time spent with people enough to put it down when it's appropriate. When you see a couple or friends at a restaurant and they are both on their phones - it irks me so bad! Put the phone down - Live!

If there is a real live person in front of you, shouldn't they take precedence over your social media updates/texting/game?! Maybe I'm not as addicted as I thought.... Sweet!

Seriously...

What do you think about all of this social media stuff? Any ones you can't stand or swear by?

Sushi Night at the Ackerman's....

Saturday night in the Ackerman household - It's make your own sushi night!

We had the Kaufman's over because we haven't seen them in a while (not to mention that Ryan won fantasy football this year and needed to collect his winnings!) and went at it like master sushi chefs. Master sushi chefs whose rolls explode or are too big to be sealed, but still master sushi chefs...

Andy and Ryan taking to it....

Though it may seem hard to do, the basics are pretty easy. All that's needed is a one time investment in the bamboo mats and soy containers, the rest needs to be purchased on the day of so it's fresh fresh fresh! Bamboo rolling mats can be picked up at any supermarket - I think we bought ours at Publix. Actually, most of the supplies we purchased were from Publix.

Here is our shopping list:

Publix -                                                                      Whole Foods/Doris' Italian Market:

Seaweed Sheets ( for outside of sushi)                         Salmon
Sesame Seeds                                                            Yellow-fin Tuna
Cucumber                                                                   Sriracha (spicy sauce)
Scallions
Cream Cheese
Sushi Rice
Soy Sauce

We only go to a specialty store for the fish - you can get the other supplies there too, but you'll pay a lot more than at Publix. This time we tried Whole Foods for the fish and there wasn't a good selection so ended up at Doris' Italian Market - so fresh!

Master Sushi Chefs R, J & T with closed eyes

We all played around with different combinations of the ingredients above - making what we chose for our dinner. Spicy tuna rolls, JB rolls, inside out explosion rolls, you name it - It was a sushi making frenzy! Luckily, all of the instructions on how to roll up the sushi, how to make the rice, etc. is all on the containers they come in so no cookbook or even Google has to be utilized.

No breaks... Not even to get soy containers...

In my opinion, the sushi even tastes better when you make it yourself - it definitely gives you a deeper appreciation of the man behind the counter when your JB roll explodes and there's cream cheese everywhere. 

I should also mention that one of the benefits to making your own is all of the leftovers. Though the sushi doesn't last more than 24 hours it's still good for lunch and possibly dinner the next day. We had a lot of extra salmon which we froze and will use for a meal again too. It's a win win! 

Insane leftovers... Hello, Sashimi!