Fresh Joy, a blog

Over the past few months, a lot of people have offered condolences that my name has become a derisive term for entitled, middle-aged, racist, white women. What began as a loose association with a distinct "I want to speak to your manager" hair style (see Kate Gosselin circa 2008) has evolved into a racially-charged pejorative for women who make false and discriminatory calls to law enforcement.Personally, I like to think that I'm not a 'Karen'. I shy away from speaking to the manager (unless it's to share positive feedback). I hate making a scene (except on the dance floor, of course). And I'm...

You can buy just about anything at Amazon. A home? If you're willing to go pre-fab, then yes. A human finger? Affirmative. A bacon-scented mustache or roast beef bath soak? Yes and yes. In the market for a Nicholas Cage sequin pillow or a PB&J-of-the-month club? Amazon's got you covered. Certainly not uranium ore? You'd be wrong, my friend. But that's just it! That's exactly what you can't buy at Amazon- friendship. And in honor of International Friendship Day, I'm giving thanks to some of the most important people in my life- my truth tellers, my cheerleaders, my lifelines.You know those friends who SHOW UP...

You probably know by now that I'm really into recognizing special days. From micro holidays (National Chocolate Day, anyone?) to major ones (hellloooo, Thanksgiving). Birthdays to anniversaries, and all those "just because" days in between. I delight in celebrating others & making them feel special. Tomorrow, I'll be celebrating a BIG ONE-- my parents' 50th wedding anniversary! We were planning a big party and already had our flights booked. But then COVID hit, and like so many things in 2020, everything was cancelled. Instead, they'll spend the day together at home. My brother and I have a few surprises planned for them (shout out to my cousins who are making it happen!), but I know it won't...

Who comes up with all these micro-holidays? Is it someone's job, just like naming nail polish or lip stick colors? If so, I'd like to apply. Yesterday was National "Give something away" day (I hope you win our IG giveaway) and today is "Get to know your customers" day. While I'm all for getting to know you better, I realized that I've never really introduced myself to you. So hi, I'm Karen, and I'm happy you're here.I'm a graphic designer, landscape architect, beach lover, plant hoarder and dog mama. I live in Encinitas, a small beach town north of San Diego. My husband, Aaron, and I relocated here 18...

I'm excited to share our fourth and final new collection with you today. Sweet & Sassy was born from a custom design project for a client who wanted "girl power" prints for her twin daughters' new pink and gray bedroom. I loved the final products so much that I decided to add them to my inventory- as both greeting cards and 11x14" art prints. Working with my client to design these was easy and so much fun. We began by choosing a color palette and brainstorming quotes and sayings. Once she chose her favorites, I worked up graphics for each, making edits to reflect her feedback. If you have an idea...