{:Random Tidbits:} What are you passionate about?

Marketing Mama inspired me to ask myself, “What are you passionate about?” This is a great time for me to ponder this question, since I’m transitioning into a new chapter in my life. I’m cutting the umbilical cord to my military life.

I say cutting the cord because I’ve relied on National Guard jobs for the past 8 years. It’s been a blessing that I’m grateful for, but it has also hindered me because I’ve been afraid to truly challenge myself, to step outside of the box, to reach for the stars!

I believe that everything happens for a reason. I met my husband in the military and my current military job helped me realize my love for graphic design. Family and graphics…two things I’m passionate about.

“They” say to live what you love, so I’m hoping to make a living out of Dajon Design, but in order to do that, I need to be healthy. I’m passionate about my health! We need to properly take care of ourselves in order to function efficiently! If you don’t put gas in your car, you’re not going to get very far. Same thing if you fill the tank with sugar, eh?

Alright, I think I’ve got this figured out. I need to take care of myself, in order to create my creations, which will in turn support my family, without relying on a boring 9-5. Taking care of myself also allows me to have the energy to really enjoy my family when we are together!

Sounds easy, right? Not so easy, when you have to run your ‘croupy’ son to the doctor and don’t have time to eat anything, but a drive-thru burger!

NO MORE EXCUSES! You’ve heard it here first. I, Dajon, vow to take care of myself, even if that means taking the time to prepare healthy foods. I vow to love my family and truly appreciate every moment with them. I vow to not contribute to the family gossip. Last, but not least, I vow to reach for the *s*t*a*r*s*!!!

What are you passionate about?

Check out what some other ladies are passionate about:

The Marketing Mama: What am I passionate about?

Kate in the Kitchen: unveiling my passions

Pink Vanilla Cupcakes: What am I passionate about?

Healthy Heart Journeys: Putting the P in PASSION

Nightlight Journeys: Living with Passion

Challenge: 1 year, no restaurants: Passionate about?

Girl Meets Geek: On Passion

I couldn't resist posting a picture of a little guy that I'm most certainly passionate about!

(Photo by Aunty Colleen)

{:Dajon Design:} Marble Frosting Cookie Goodie Bags

So, I'm not the best baker in the world and definitely no Bakerella, but I just had to share these with you all!

This was my first time trying the marble technique. Super fun!

I made these little cookie goodie baggies for my Lizz's bridal shower (new sis-in-law)! Each quest recieved one as a thank you. I also designed the little 'thank you' tags with their monograms!

YUM!

More proof that I'm a jack of all trades, master of none. I put together a couple of fun flower arrangements for the shower. Can you tell that I like bright colors! The limes actually added a nice fresh scent to the air!

{:Dajon Design:} A Sweet Sundae Celebration

I think we can all remember how exciting it was to stop at an ice cream shop when we were younger. Now imagine having a Sweet Sundae themed birthday party! Here's some fun products that I designed for my Sweet Sundae display! You gotta set the mood and start with some sweet invites!

This is a small example of a sundae party set-up.

What sundae party would be complete without sprinkles? Gotta love the fun tags!

Some party circles all packaged up and ready to purchase. I love the little sundae graphic. I created the graphic myself with Illustrator!

That's all for now...remember to add a little dazzle to your day!

{:Dajon Design:} This is Twins Territory!

So my friend Casey, owner of Casey's Cake-on-a-Stick, asked me to design a fun baseball invite for her son's Twins theme party. Of course, there's no 'Twins' font out there, so I had to create these letters in Illustrator.

I used this theme for part of my table at Marketfest. Below are some pictures. After creating the new 'Liam' logo over to the water bottles to create fun customized labels.

And then the cupcake toppers! I think next time I'll add a second topper to the back. I think a solid navy blue circle added to the back would add some dimension and make them *pop* a little more!

And of course, it's not a baseball party without some peanuts and Cracker Jacks! I added white cheddar popcorn because....well, yum! I also had regular peanuts in the shells for adult party guests. Although, I didn't notice many adults go for the classic circus peanuts! =-)

P.S. Don't mind the striped fabric in the background, that was for a different display on the table.

And finally, here's a view of the whole set-up, complete with an authentic Homer Hankie, that someone offered to buy from me! I had to remember that the hankie was on loan from my husband and that he wouldn't appreciate my big sale!

Well, I don't know about you, but I'm ready to head to Target Field and root for the home team...Go Twinkies!

{:Sweet Inspiration:} Bakerella's 'Cake Pops'

Visiting Bakerella's site is both inspiring and intimidating all at once. I had to bring these to your attention! They look too amazing to even eat. Check out these Mr. Potato Head cake pops (pictures from Bakerella's site) and visit her site for details on assembly.

And these Hamm cake pops are just as amazing!

Can you guess what movie inspired these beautiful creations? Drumroll please...

TOY STORY 3!!! AMaZiNg!

{:Party Inspiration:} The Tomkat Studio creates a Crab Shack party!

Her work never ceases to amaze me. Check out this 'crab-a-licious' party by Kim of TomKat Studio (photo collages from TomKat's site)! It all starts with the invite where the stage is set...

Then in the first act, guests are welcomed with an amazing desert table! I love the color scheme. And check out those Oreo's...yum!!!

When it comes to Kim's parties, not a detail is missed. Check out these fondant crabs from Decadent Delights.

I've always wanted to try making cookies with some edible images. Something tells me that it would take a lot of trial and error before mine came out looking like these tasty treasures from Girly Gatherings. I think I'll challenge myself to some edible print cookies this week...stay tuned!

And finally, a tasty treat to send home with the party guests. Who wouldn't love to take home one of these sweet crab-shaped cookies, also by Decadent Delights!

Check out TomKat Studio's blog for all of the photos and many more of her amazing creations! Have a beautiful day everyone!

{:Party Inspiration:} Green Eggs and Ham anyone?

Do you ever get tired of the same old boring party themes? It can sometimes be hard to think outside of the box. Whimsy & Wise Events has no problems throwing a party that's unique and sure to amaze. Check out this awesome Dr. Suess Green Eggs & Ham party! I'm sure Hudson felt like the book had come to life when he walked into his party! See all of the amazing details at their blog.

{:Marketfest:} Launch me to the moon!

I'm over-the-moon excited about the Marketfest turn out, even amongst tornado warnings and rain, our great community stepped out in numbers! Thank you to Bob & Gina for helping out so much! Here's a glimpse of our display...

Sweet Sundae Party

Ballgame Party

Baby Shower Thank-You's/Invites

&

BBQ Kabob Invites

I'm not sure when I'll do another Marketfest, but make sure to check out 'Casey's Cake-on-a-Stick! She has lots of flavors and all for only $2 each! Oh and what do you think of her logo designed by moi!?

Dajon Design is officially open for business!

I first want to start off by thanking all of my family, friends and co-workers for supporting me through this crazy time in my life. And thank you TomKat Studio for inspiring me to finally live what I love, instead of just dreaming about it! Keep checking back daily for posts, tips and fun updates!

~Dajon