Stay at home mother of 2 trying to pay the bills and figure out how to keep a husband happy & how to make sure she's raising her kids to be good people. Oh and I just opened a few custom t-shirt & gift shops www.zazzle.com/creativethought and ...www.cafepress.com/creativethought. Please check them out. Oh, and I'd like to lose some weight & solve world hunger.
About Me
- flippy
- With over twenty years in the graphic design and printing field, I have been blessed to work with some of the most creative professionals in the midwest. As social media has revolutionized the marketing field, I feel it's best to dive in and explore all that the internet has to offer. The only constant is change.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Source: youtube.com via Rita on Pinterest
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Basically my dream is to live near the ocean. I am currently in the midwest, which is lovely, but I truly love the ocean. I feel most alive and happy when I am near the ocean. I would like to live somewhere where I can walk on the beach everyday, and swim in the ocean everyday in the summer. Maybe even get a kayak and try ocean kayaking (sea kayaking?)
I understand that I have to make money to live. Especially near the ocean. My husband has always wanted to have a restaurant (he is an excellent cook!) So I got to thinking that we could combine our dreams and have a food truck or a restaurant near the ocean. It would be lovely to live somewhere not too touristy, as I love nature, however, I know we would need patrons. I do love the Outer Banks in North Carolina, but it would take some real research to find the right spot. I'm always looking for recommendations. Have you been to great town in the United States right on the ocean? Not a big city, mind you. Any input is appreciated.
So here's where you come in.
You can help me achieve my dream! If you would go to this link and vote for my dream to win, I would be forever grateful! You can vote every day up until February 17, 2013. You can vote on your smart phone, computer, or laptop. AND you can pass the link on to your friends. I know, this is basically "cyber-begging", but I'm not looking for money, really! Just a little bit of your time. You don't even need to register to vote!
And someday down the road, perhaps you'll be on vacation in a cute little beach restaurant and you'll have a fabulous meal from our restaurant. And you can feel great that you helped someone achieve their dream!
That's just good karma!
Thank you!
Here's the link in case you missed it!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Help raise money for program for kids
Monday, July 23, 2012
I have been working on some new designs in my t-shirt shops at Zazzle and CafePress, there's lots to do around election time! Here's one of my latest designs. Let me know what you think. More coming soon!
make custom gifts at Zazzle
Saturday, November 5, 2011
iPhone 4s, how do I love thee? AT&T How do I loath thee?
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tea Party Rally in Madison, Wisconsin
But hey, maybe that's what they were going for.
They convinced me they're idiots.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Celebrity Apprentice 2011
These are just some of my personal opinions on this season and the contestants, and I don't mean to offend anyone.
As someone who watches way too much reality television, I think I'm qualified to voice my opinions.
So, week 1 was a pizza making and selling challenge, and David Cassidy got out. First of all, I was sad to see that he got old. But more than that, I think he's a total alcoholic who needs help. I think someone should help him. Just sad.
Week 2 - they had to write a children's book and perform it for kids. I don't remember who got out. I think Lisa Rinna because she wouldn't play the back stabbing, do whatever it takes to get ahead game. Makes me like her.
Week 3 - camping challenge. Here's where Dionne Warwick proved what a mean, self centered. and lazy person she is. I really like Niki Taylor. She seems down to earth and likable.
Week 4 - Celebs had to create a 30 minute promotional video. Nothing too exciting.
Week 5 - Celebs create and sell their own artwork (if you can call it that). Lil Jon impressed me. Meat Loaf about went off on Gary Busey. Pretty entertaining tv.
Week 6 - Celebs must create a marketing campaign for Australian Gold. LaToya Jackson is not living in reality. Surprise, surprise, a Jackson living in never never land, trading on her brother's death and fame. What the hell has she ever done? Gary Busey tries to pitch himself to the head honchos at Australian Gold to be their spokesperson in the middle of the task. Classy he aint... Mark McGrath gets out, and I'm sad to see him go. He seems like a good guy.
Somewhere along the line Richard Hatch got out (I was surprised he didn't seem very mean or tough - I had remembered him that way from Survivor). And Jose Conseco got out. He didn't make much of an impression. NeNe Leakes, Marlee Matlin are there, not real strong personalities that I can see. Meat Loaf isn't level headed enough to get much farther. Gary Busey is a total fake jerk. John Rich is pretty smart and seems pretty level headed and sincere. Star Jones is the sneakiest person I've seen in a while. She totally knows how to turn things around and make herself look good. I would hate to go up against her. I think she will do anything to win. I don't think she's a very nice person.
I predict it will come down to John Rich and Star Jones.
A typical 'good vs evil" Celebrity Apprentice ending.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Wisconsin Politics



Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin has passed a budget reform bill that has folks in Wisconsin rushing to Madison to protest at the state capital. Union workers are saying the bill goes to far and strips bargaining rights from union workers. Republicans say these are cuts that need to be made and people in the private sector have been tightening their belts for years. It's a tough time in Wisconsin politics right now, and with elections on April 5, things are really heating up. Whether or not you're a democrat or a republican, you'll find a t-shirt or button to express your views at my Zazzle store, Creative Thought T-Shirts, llc. We've got "Kill The Bill" tshirts and mugs, as well as merchandise supporting the fourteen Wisconsin Senators who fled to Illinois to avoid having to vote on the Budget Reform bill. We've got lots of other fun designs...from t-shirts and coffee mugs to onsies and hats.
One thing that's very important is to get out and vote and voice your opinion! Contact your senator or other elected officials and let them know your views.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
New Cigarette Packaging?
I found this blog on the White House page about the new cigarette labels they're proposing. While I suspect the big, rich tobacco companies will prevent this from ever seeing the light of day, I think it's a great idea. What do you think?
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Farm Aid
Here was the line up of performers...
The Blackwood Quartet
Robert Francis
Randy Rogers Band
BoDeans
Amos Lee
Between 3 and 5
Band of Horses
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
Jamey Johnson
Between 5 and 7
Jason Mraz
Jeff Tweedy
Norah Jones
Kenny Chesney
Between 7 and 11
Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds
John Mellencamp
Neil Young
Willie Nelson
The concert itself was great. It had some wonderful moments - namely when Steven Tyler came out and sang with Willie Nelson. I loved it. It also had some not so great moments. Here's my rundown...
Didn't get there until the BoDeans. They were great. I wish the audience would've been more receptive and made them feel more appreciated! I'm not sure they heard me screaming from the cheap seats. They sounded wonderful. If you haven't checked out the BoDeans newest cd, Mr. Sad Clown, you should. I highly recommend it.
Amos Lee - very nice. I hadn't heard him before. I'll be checking out more of his music online.
Band of Horses - quite impressive. I liked their sound very much. Again, I'll be looking into their music more. Looks like they have a pretty cool website, too.
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real - the nicest thing I can say about Lukas Nelson is that he is a good guitar player. I did not care for his voice at all, but out of my love and respect for his father, Willie, I will say no more.
Jamey Johnson - this guy can sing! He has such a strong, powerful voice! I loved it! Really a good musician.
Jason Mraz - I was never a big fan. I'll be honest, he seemed a little cocky, with his little hat. But seeing him perform live, I have a whole new respect for him. I like him. His little had even grew on me. He seems friendly.
Jeff Tweedy - again, I wasn't familiar with him. Apparently he was/is with Wilco. I LOVED him. A great voice. I am amazed at his talent and voice!
Norah Jones - I love Norah Jones. I think she has a beautiful voice. I have to admit, I liked her better when her hair was more natural and she didn't wear so much makeup. She's kind of modded herself up to look like everybody else. I liked the softer look better.
Kenny Chesney - what a nice, strong voice this guy has. He seemed really genuine, and I liked his singing. Impressed!
Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds - Never thought too much about him until I saw him in person. This guy has charisma. I think Dave Matthews is some kind of crazy, sexy genius. That's all I'm going to say.
John Mellencamp - I have to admit, I have always loved John Mellencamp. Saw him in concert about 20 years ago, and it was great. (Wait, maybe it was 25 years ago...) I have all of his albums, and was looking forward to seeing him. When he came out I wondered how he had gotten so old. Then I remembered, I too have aged in the last 20 years! I was blown away by the energy of his performance! This guy can rock! He sounded fabulous! I loved every minute of it. If he tours within 100 miles of my house, I'm there.
Neil Young - again, one of my all time favorites. I've seen him in concert four times. I am such a fan of his music. I admit, I mostly like the piano and slower songs. Love the Harvest Moon album. Anyway, he did a lot of "feedback", which I am not a fan of. And he spoke passionately about the plight of farmers and the big corporations and how we should read the label on everything we eat. He made some good points, but mostly seemed angry. Perhaps because the crowd seemed to be filled with falling down drunks. ( I literally had 3 drunk people fall down on me. I'm all for partying, but c'mon people, grow up a little ). Maybe he was disappointed in us?
and of course...
Willie Nelson - What can I say about Willie? I really like Willie. Like his music a lot. He did bring his son out and let his son sing even more, which was a little annoying, but, he's Willie Nelson, he can do whatever the hell he wants. And Steven Tyler came out and sang with Willie and that was surreal.
Overall, a fantastic concert! They played until after 11:30 pm! A very long day.
I think they did a great job keeping the down time between performers to a minimum, that had to be tricky, but it was appreciated. I wish the BoDeans would've gotten to do more than three songs. I think it would've been nice if they had shown video on the 3 big screens during the between the acts set up time. They could've had the artists talking about some of the issues/causes/successes of Farm Aid. I would've really enjoyed Dave Matthews and Kenny Chesney doing their "I'm Alive" song together.
My biggest sadness was when the night was over and we walked through the parking lot to our cars. There was litter EVERYWHERE. The place was trashed. Here I thought these were like minded people who all believed in something, but it seems a lot of them were just self centered drunks looking for a party.
Well, it was a good party.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Back to school time already...
I can't believe it! Another summer is almost finished.
The last few weeks have been filled with trying to fit in all of the things we thought we would do this summer. Going camping, going to the beach, going kayaking, watching a parade, and stuff like that. I hate to admit that we've spent way too much time in front of the tv and computer.
I've toyed with the idea of getting rid of cable tv all together. We did fine without it for the first 7 years of the kids lives, I don't know what possessed me to get cable in the first place. PBS is great. And we have wasted so much time watching mindless tv. Time when we could've been outside actually doing something, or reading a book. I feel like such a bad mom sometimes. So, now I think we're going to set some serious limits on time spent on the computer and the tv. It won't bring the summer back, but I can only change the future...not the past.
Hope everyone has a wonderful back to school year. I love fall!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thanks and Giving
Thursday, November 19, 2009
I hate change
You know, when you get used to things a certain way, and then it changes, it throws you off.
I've always been like this, as long as I can remember. But the more I think about it, I wonder if I'm getting worse as I get older. Radio Shack changed it's name to the Shack. I didn't even know they were still in business. And people selling things, just making up words for their own benefit. Do they think it makes them clever? I'm sick of it. Everything from candy bars to fast food...they just make up words. It annoys me. I don't think they're clever. I think they should be able to say what they want about their product with words that already exist. If they're smart and truly clever, they could do it.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Halloween costume shopping
I always like to dress up for Halloween, yes, I am an adult, but I've always liked to create unique costumes and really get into the Halloween spirit. One year I was the bride of Frankenstein, and it really freaked my son out. There is a really cool store in a town near here (Mt. Horeb, WI), called "Vibe". They have clothes from the 30s thru to today. Lots of really cool 50's and 60's dresses. I thought for sure I could find a costume there. I found one really cool green dress...I don't know what it was from, I think the early 70's. It would be perfect for me to go as Mrs. Brady, a little blonde dye and I'd be fine. Well, that dress was tiny around the waist. So I tried on lots of different dresses from the 50's, 60's and 70's, and NOTHING FIT. Just around my arms and shoulders, not to mention my chest. I guess people were much thinner in the 50's, 60's and 70's (these were authentic clothes). I guess it's no surprise, since there is a McDonald's on every other corner. I was disgusted with myself, and embarrassed that I couldn't find anything to fit.
Now I'm not into Halloween at all. Maybe I should use this as motivation to get moving.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Looking for answers?

If you're like me, you find yourself middle aged, with more answers than questions about religion and God. I really admire people who have strong faith. It's something I just don't have, but I know there's a God, and I know there are angels and miracles. I don't need to see concrete evidence to believe in that much, although I consider giving birth an absolute miracle, so I have witnessed evidence of God. That much I know for sure. I found an online store that sells some beautiful, hip designs pertaining to faith and a strong belief in God.(You can purchase this sweatshirt here -100% money back guarantee, so you can't beat that.)
The store is called Upstream Christian Designs, and I really like their graphics. They've got some really cute stuff that would make great gifts for a first communion, baptism, or Christmas. And I think even my teenager would wear some of these sweatshirts! Look through this store and tell me what you think!
This blog post is a part of a crossover blog. Other participants in this crossover blog are:
http://ateasetees.wordpress.com/
http://flyballfever.blogspot.com
http://randomshirts.blogspot.com/
http://skeetzteez.blogspot.com/
http://www.shopkeeperdesigns.com
http://autismshowucare.blogspot.com
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Fruit Crate Labels are cool


Some interesting information can be found about the history of crate labels here at
Labelstone, a unique store offering some of the beautiful artwork found on these labels over the years. Some of these apple and pear crate labels are my favorite. You can almost sense the history, and the artwork really is amazing.
There's also the Labelstone Zazzle store, offering a wide variety of Retro, Vintage, advertising artwork on lots of different products. I've always loved the Art Deco style, and there are some really beautiful pieces in their Beautiful Women collection. Here is just a sample of what I'm talking about.
The different styles of artwork here, sold a such a wide variety of products makes it one of my favorite websites to click around. Where else can you find advertising artwork from so many decades in one store? I think it's a unique website, you should check it out, especially if you enjoy the history of advertising artwork.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
A special place in hell for this person...
In this article from last week, this evil woman
"...sent a message on Twitter late last month while having a miscarriage of her unwanted pregnancy during a meeting of her company's board.
"I'm in a board meeting. Having a miscarriage. Thank goodness," Trunk tweeted to her 19,000 followers, "because there's a (expletive) 3-week hoop-jump to have an abortion in Wisconsin."
This woman has previously had two abortions. And I'm shocked that she cannot seem to figure out what causes pregnancy, or how babies are made. But she sure knows how to kill them.
But not only that, this woman has two children. I wonder why she didn't kill them when they were in her body? I wonder how she can be so cavalier about having abortions after actually experiencing the wonder of pregnancy and giving birth. I wonder what kind of example she is setting for her children. I am very sad for her children, both the living and the dead ones.
I think there is a special place in hell for people like her.