COCO BITS

When is dirt better than dirt?

2008-02-28T10:43:00.003-06:00

When it is a beach, of course! Paradise- to my husband- is a fishing village and a cigar. Even better when the family can join the fun. So, it is no surprise that our weekend in Grand Isle was a dream come true for him.

Louisiana may not boast the picturesque white-sand-beaches of Florida, but the dark-dense-dirt-sand makes our children happier than its prettier counterpart ever has. I mean- what could be better than miles & miles of potential mud pie at your fingertips? Follow it up with a serious bubble bath & bedtime story and you've got the stuff that memories are made of...

The Great Outdoors!

2008-02-11T21:23:00.000-06:00

Although my husband is a soldier, fisherman and hunter- I am the more indoor type. The great outdoors to me is a good old-fashioned barbecue. Leaves? check...Grass? check... Kids? check... Open fire? check (well- if a gas grill counts)...

We had one such lovely barbecue this past weekend. It was one of those days when the weather was just right- and those days are hard to come by in Louisiana! We left the doors open and watched all of the cousins play & play until they wore themselves out! I took lots of pictures so we can look back and remember the magic that happens in the simplest of times.

And- though I may be a bit biased- those are some cute looking kids, eh?

Mardi Gras Fun

2008-02-07T10:14:00.000-06:00

Whew! What a week! Mardi Gras in Louisiana- enough said. I still remember the days (not too long ago, I might add) when I would partake in the wild, week-long-party known as Mardi Gras. We used to spend the 5 days in New Orleans, taking in the sights- becoming one of the sights...

Now, the event is a much tamer one for my family. We even bring the kids (gasp!). They love to catch beads, listen to the bands and watch the dancers strut their stuff at the local parades. Hard to believe that just outside the fenced in area we keep our children- the same old stuff goes on...

Here are some of the highlights!

Valentine Photo Shoot

2008-01-30T22:42:00.000-06:00

My poor, little children! I have become determined to better document their lives than I have thus far. Neither one has a baby book yet. Is that pathetic? L's first word? MA-MA (of course)- atleast that is the way I remember it! Jack's started crawling at- what- 2 months? Oops...

So, in an effort to utilize the shiny, new digital SLR my in-laws gave us for Christmas- and to create a lasting memory for my 19-month old and his 3-year-old big sis, we are having a Valentine photo shoot tomorrow! And the lovely photos will be the star in their very own valentines from Mommy's collection! How sweet!

To make the event more special (aka. prettier to look at), I collected a few props this afternoon:

1. Construction paper (to make pretty, red hearts),
2. Hemp (to string said pretty, red hearts),
3. Glittery XOXO garland (in case pretty red heart strands don't turn out as expected),
4. Big heart-shaped lollipops (to bribe children with -ahem- I mean, to add valentine charm)
5. Red shirts & heart-covered sweater (to bring it all together).

Now, of course I'll let you know how it turns out. And perhaps even share some of the better photos.

Have a great night! Wish me luck!

Sarah

UPDATE! Here are the photos... atleast I had fun!

CocoBlu Studio is COOL!

2008-01-29T17:02:00.000-06:00

Well, in case you didn't hear or read the great news yet, CocoBlu Studio was featured on Cool Mom Picks this month! How thrilling to be acknowledged by such a well-respected and informative site!

We have seen a large increase in business since the review, so I extend a special thanks to Kristen at Cool Mom Picks for taking the time to check us out!

The lucky winner of a PARTY PACK is a sweet gal named Jen Altman. We can't wait to get started on birthday invitations, favor stickers and thank you notes for her son!

Thanks for all of your continued support. Now head on over to Cool Mom Picks to see what awesome products you should be looking for!

Sarah

And the winner is...

2008-01-22T10:25:00.000-06:00

A special congrats to Trishia Gallardo- the bloggygiveaways.com winner of a $75 gift certificate to CocoBlu Studio! Trishia, we look forward to creating something very beautiful for you!

And to Shannon, at rocksinmydryer.typepad.com, thank you for the opportunity to take part in your Bloggy Giveaway! What a wonderful experience!

Have a great day. Go write someone a letter!

Sarah

Bloggers Rock!

2008-01-17T13:04:00.000-06:00

I must admit- I am very new to the blogging world. But in my short time here, I have discovered a few things about bloggers:

1.) They spread the word! New ideas, new designs, new contests, new products... bloggers are quick to tell other bloggers about the great discoveries they make online.

2.) They are friendly. For the longest time, I was afraid to post on someone else's blog. What would they think of my silly comment? So, I lurked- reading and reading, but never saying hello. One day, I decided to drop a line... and no one bit me! On the contrary- someone "seconded" my opinion. I was in!

3.) They are loyal. My shop has been featured on relatively few blogs- designmom.com, monogrammomma.blogspot.com and bloggygiveaways.com ... but the sheer volume of hits resulting from their recommendation speaks volumes about reader loyalty!

4.) They are all connected! Blogging seems to take on a life of its own. One blogger finds someting interesting and shares it with the next- in two days time- you are all over the net!

So- a special thanks to all of you bloggers out there who have mentioned CocoBlu, visited my shop, purchased a greeting card, or hope to someday. You are helping make my business a success & that is powerful!

Sarah

Military Discount

2008-01-09T09:55:00.000-06:00

Hello, everyone! Ever want to make a difference- but you don't know exactly how? I'd love to use my shop to make a small difference for people who mean a lot to me: the hardworking, brave, proud and dedicated families of the United States military.

I know it is not much, but from here on, there will be a permanent 15% discount to all military members and their immediate families on anything on our website.

My own husband will be heading to Iraq in the near future, so I understand the sacrifices military families make on a whole new level. No matter how you feel about this war- always remember to thank and support our troops. Without them, where would we be?

So- thank you, my sweet (and rather hot) husband! And thanks to the rest of you out there. God Bless America!

EXCITING UPDATES for 2008

2008-01-03T13:14:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone! Happy New Year!!! I have not been very diligent with blogging, but rest assured that means I have been very busy designing new items for you to enjoy!

With Valentine's Day on the horizon, I have already added 4 new designs under the "HOLIDAY GREETINGS" section of the website! I am so excited about these little valentines and I think you will be, too. Smaller than our regular greetings, most of the Valentine designs are 4x6 or 2x3.5 (business card size). The 2x3.5 cards will arrive in a boxed paper purse. Each has its own translucent envelope sleeve. These cards feature your little valentine's photo and information, with space to write the name of the recipient. Talk about "too cool for school!"

Check back daily, as more designs are constantly being added. In a few days, I'll upload our first ever GIFT box! What a cutie. Called "Love Notes" and perfect for your real-life Valentine.

These cards are 2x3.5 and customized on one side with a photo of you and your sweetie if you are a romantic- or your kids / dog / goldfish if you are not the oohey- gooey type. The other side has a faint pattern in the background but is basically blank for real-life-love-notes! Much cuter than a sticky note on the fridge. Leave a note on his pillow, next to the coffee pot, in his lunch bag, by his toothbrush- you get the idea. Maybe he'll even return the favor! These cards come packaged in a tin hinged box for cute and functional storage.

These days, I really do have stationery on the brain! Something about the personal touch and extra effort of a real-life-pen-and-ink-letter is so charming and old-fashioned. So check out the new stationery designs being uploaded daily. I created the FLIRT for myself the other day and I can't wait to get them from the printer so I can begin the process of Christmas THANKS!!! My stationery sets all come packaged in adorable long term storage. Some are delivered in metal tins, some in topless boxes. I know you'll just love them!

I am happy to announce that we'll be featured on bloggygiveaways.com on January 14. Please be sure to check out the website and post a comment to be considered for a $75 gift certifiate to cocoblustudio.com- good for anthing on our site! Also, check out designmom.com, where we'll be featured in her MARKETPLACE.

I'll check back soon! Have a great day & wonderful new year!

Sarah

New Stationery! Take a look!

2007-12-20T22:21:00.001-06:00

Whew! That was one hectic holiday season! I think most of the holiday orders have been placed, designed, printed and received at this point! If not, let's hope you are planning on a New Year greeting- cause you won't be getting it before Christmas!

I have been as busy as a bee and am finally getting back to the business of designing. On that note, feel free to check out our new stationery. Right now we only have 2 design sets available, but more are being added daily. These make a great gift- just ask Brittany in Lafayette, LA, who ordered "Love Letter 4x6" and "Folded Love Letter" for her mother-in-law (who was also the inspiration for the design).

My own father, the Mayor of Mandeville, was the inspiration for the aptly named "MAYOR" set. He will be getting these lovely cards for Christmas- shhhh... it's a secret! He is a man with a great sense of humor, so I know he will love the ones that say EL CHAMPION- his self-proclaimed title. Of course, if you order these beauties, feel free to replace with your own name, nickname or position- any future presidents out there?

Happy Holidays to you all! Get some rest, eat some great food, spend time with your family & thank God for his many blessings. And speaking of thanks- I want to personally thank everyone who ordered holiday cards from us this year. It has been such a joy to be a part of your holiday season. In a small way, I feel like I know you- even though most of us will never meet face to face.

Talk to you soon,

Sarah

Check out COMING SOON!

2007-12-03T18:42:00.001-06:00

We will be having some exciting new items after the busy holiday season passes us by. Be sure to stop by the new COMING SOON section of our website to read all about it!

In the meantime, take a look at some of the newest holiday greetings that will soon be hitting mailboxes all over America!

Running Late? How about a New Year's Card?

2007-11-21T23:30:00.001-06:00

If, like me, you keep putting off making a decision on cards- you may be tempted to call the whole thing off. Have no fear- enter the New Year's Card to he rescue. It gives you a week or two more to get your- ahem- stuff together & get that seasonal card in the mail.

Any of our holiday greetings can be changed from "merry christmas" to "happy new year" or any other saying you'd like. On that note, here are a few of the more recent holiday cards we created for the more organized of our fellow card senders.

Keep checking back! With your permission, you may see your face!

Thanks,

Sarah

SYSTEM QUIRKS & E-MAIL PROOFS

2007-11-09T08:14:00.000-06:00

Hello again!

How frustrating is it when you try to place an order, get all the way through the order form & get an error message- then, you fix the error and- oops! another error message! Ahhhhhhhhh!

It recently came to my attention that some of you were having that exact experience. For the inconvenience and aggravation, I am extremely sorry! I just want you to know we have fixed the problem and you should be able to proceed with you order with few problems!

Now a note about e-mail... sometimes my proofs & correspondence end up heading straight to your "junk" or "spam" box and you mistakenly think I have forgotten about you! I am sorry about this as well. Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do to change this- it is a setting in your e-mail system... So, if you have not heard from me, please check your junk box. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by my turnaround time.

Thanks again for your interest in CocoBlu! Talk to you soon!

Sarah

HOLIDAY DISCOUNT EXTENDED!

2007-11-08T09:37:00.000-06:00

Hello! I have great news! We are extending the holiday discount for 1 week. You can now order holiday greetings until November 28. To ensure that you receive your product in time for Christmas, we'll need all orders to be ON or BEFORE that date.

I will be out of the office next week- but I will be bringing my laptop with me. Any orders placed from November 8 to November 14 will be sent directly to you from the printer. I don't like to do this because I like to personally inspect and package your orders before I send them out- but I think getting the order to you in a timely fashion takes precedence in this case.

I look forward to working for you! Get those orders in ASAP!

Thanks,
Sarah

Refer a Friend

2007-11-03T14:04:00.000-05:00

November 3, 2007

I am excited to announce our new REFER A FRIEND program! If you send someone our way and they place an order, you'll get 30% off of your next order! Make sure your friend writes your name in the "how did you hear about us" line. We'll keep your name on record apply your 30%*off on your next purchase!

*Not applicable with other promotions. Redeem the 30% off or current promotion, whichever is greater value.

Thanks!

2007-11-02T10:13:00.000-05:00

November 2, 2007

Just 20 days left to get 20% off of your holiday greetings! Remember- you have to order by November 22 for the promotion to apply! I love the holidays! Don't you? Have you started thinking about your home decor? I think I am going to match my own Christmas card to my chosen color scheme this year- white, tan, gray and a watery shade of aqua. Don't forget that you can change the colors in any of my designs at no extra cost!

Here are a few more new holiday designs. I am currently working on a 4 x 5.5 accordian folded greeting card. It is so lovely I think it might be the one this year (after I change the colors, of course)... Here are a few more new designs.

Happy Holidays!

Sarah

CocoBlu Studio

2007-10-31T16:13:00.000-05:00

October 31, 2007

Happy Halloween! But more importantly, Season's Greetings! I've been busy designing more holiday greeting cards each day- so keep looking! The newest additions are exciting- a 5x5 bifold created for the patriotic families in this country! My husband will be heading to Iraq in a few months, so I was really thinking about him & all of the other soldiers when I came up with this design. Another new design is the "annual update". Let people know what you've been up to this year with a newsletter style greeting card. Its 5x7 format makes it more affordable than a bifold or trifold.

Don't forget to utilize the BACK SIDE!!! One of the great benefits of my designs is a wide open area for even more photos, updates, well wishes on the reverse side of your greeting card. For a $20 fee, you can double your creative real-estate!

2007-10-25T09:55:00.000-05:00

October 25, 2007

Hello again! Thought I'd share a few of the most recent cards we've created. When you send your photos via e-mail, please let us know if you will allow us to feature your card on our site.

Congrats to Mimi & Eric who had a beautiful baby boy on September 21! Welcome to the world Baby Cade!

Businesses be on the lookout! We will soon be adding a corporate section to our website for those fun-loving, employee-retaining companies like The Lemoine Company. They ordered a modified version of ROMAN HOLIDAY & PINSTRIPE for their company holiday party!

Let's not forget Halloween! Lori is throwing quite the Halloween bash & she selected a modified version of the MONSTER'S BALL, to get the party started!

Be on the lookout for your latest & greatest invitation, birth announcement or holiday greeting!

Talk to you soon,

Sarah

2007-10-22T15:23:00.001-05:00

October 23, 2007

Welcome! Hello, everyone! Thanks for visiting our new blog! The holidays are just around the corner, so I am sure most of you have been thinking about ordering your holiday greeting cards. There is still time, but you'll need to order before November 22 to get the 10% off. I know things get hectic as the season approaches, so get it done & have one less thing to worry about!

Tips for ordering: I have received several online order submissions with the e-mail and name section left blank. Unfortunately, the only way to send your proofs are via e-mail. Without your contact information, we can't get in touch with you! Please fill in the order forms completely so we can give you the best service possible.

Don't see exactly what you want on the site? There are so many options, so please be sure to peruse all of our categories before you give up. You may find the perfect design for your holiday greeting card in the birth announcement section! And there is no extra charge for changing text, fonts or colors. Your options are only limited by your imagination!

Thanks again for shopping with us! I'll post again soon. In the meantime, best wishes to you and your family!

Sincerely,
Sarah
CocoBlu Studio