New designs in store now!

They’re finally here! The new designs for fall are available now for purchase at our online store. myrubylove.com Inspired by the holiday season, I’ve softened the graphics by using a beautiful script, altered to create a heart shape in the center of the design. A touch of metalic ink on our favorite, most comfortable tee, adds a little bit of fun and sparkle.

Listen…and repeat

My search for other like-minded business to spread the word about RubyLove has taken me to a wonderful site called Ipop-ins.

Ipop-ins are one minute affirmations that can be downloaded and listened to like a song from an iPod, mp3 player, computer or cd player. They were designed to deliver the power of positive thinking to busy people on the go. Each ipop-in combines short, powerful affirmations with hip music in a modern and fun format.

Just like the concept of the RubyLove Reflection-Tees, Ipop-in also believes that thoughts have a direct impact on emotions, attitudes, and behaviors. The repetition of positive thoughts helps create new neural pathways – this is like rewiring your brain for success. Ipop-ins make this process fun and convenient for everyone.

Ipop-ins help you use the power of positive thinking to create the life you want, one minute at a time!

This November, you can receive 3 free downloads from Ipop-in when you purchase any RubyLove Reflection-Tees! Your redemption code will be emailed to you after you complete your purchase.*

You can also be entered for a chance to win a Listen To Your Heart Reflection-Tee when you make a purchase at ipopin.com. One winner will be selected randomly each week through out the month of November. Visit www.ipopin.com for more positive affirmations!

I love my life and live with joy.

I love my life and live with joy.

I love my life and live with joy.

*Offer ends November 30, 2007. Affirmation Redemption Coupon Code expires December 31, 2007. Purchase necessary.

Be true your heart

I recently watched an Oprah interview with author Elizabeth Gilbert of the best seller “Eat Pray Love” and was compelled to pick up a copy of the book for myself. The book is a memoir of her journey through Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of, ultimately, her true self. She’s a career woman in her early 30’s who’s always lived her life the way most of us think is “normal”…go to school, graduate from college, get a job, get married, have children. She says yes to most things in her life to not “make waves” or let anyone else down. The book begins when she reached a point in her life, where being true to her heart meant more than everything in her life she’s worked so hard for. So she bravely took steps to find what out what really feeds her heart and soul, to find what will bring her true happiness.

I had the opportunity to do some soul searching and self discovery while my husband and I took some time off to celebrated our 5-year wedding anniversary. Everyday we laid by the pool for a few hours with our books, and were accompanied by the warm sunshine and sometimes laughters of the kids playing in the pool. I decided to bring along Eat Pray Love and find out for myself why so many people love this book. It didn’t take long before I was traveling along with Elizabeth on her journey. Her honesty and humor drew me in, and I was only interrupted by reflections on my own life. At times I felt tears welled up in my eyes, other times I bursted out laughing.

The one concept that made a huge impression was that it’s ok to not have an answer to what you need or want in your life. It’s ok to say I don’t know. She said “you’ll know when you are ready”.

If you are like me, the fear of the “unknown” can difficult to cope with at times. I’ve always been a planner, list maker, always well prepared. But there comes a time when no matter how much education you’ve had, jobs you’ve worked, you still don’t have the tools you need to face some of life’s biggest decisions, such as your career path and your relationships. Those decisions are made from the heart. And sometimes it gets overwhelming or confusing because there’s no text book answers for them. It was very comforting to learn that it is ok to take your time, because it turns out, your heart has the answer all along. You only need to be patient as it reveals itself. And if you don’t see it or feel it clearly, it only means that you’re not ready. Now isn’t that a relief!

So do listen to your heart, every whisper, every shout. Because those instincts are right, and only being true to your heart will bring you the pure joy we all long for.

p.s. For my teenage readers, please know that the book is not intended for younger readers. If you are under 18, I would recommend your mom or older siblings the book, and share their take on it with you.

A big hit…

Shari (Lake Forest, IL)

I just want to tell you that I think your shirts and the whole ambiance of your website is positive and wonderful.. I just ordered my daughter a sweatshirt and her younger sister a tee. I think your shirts will be a big hit in our town!!! Thanks so much for the wonderful words. You are inspirational.

Ann loves…Yoga!

I’m not really a gym person. I like being able to work out at home and at my own pace, so I’m a big fan of work out dvds. And I LOOOOOVE this Karen Voight-Yoga & Sculpting (2002) dvd!!! It is a little bit faster pace than other yoga dvds I’ve tried. It feels like just when you can’t hold the pose any longer, it’s time to move to the next one. And you can choose between a 20 minute work out (which I like to do during the week before work), or a 45 minute work out (perfect for the weekend for a complete head to toe stretch). She mixes the moves from yoga, pilates, using weights and stretches, you feel like you’re getting more work out from one movement. Being as busy as I am, I love how the routine relaxes me at the same time gives me more energy throughout the day.

So put on your “I am Strong” or “Breathe” Reflection-tanks and give this dvd is try!

Meet our RubyLove Girl!

RubyLove Girl- Megan Glynn (16, Lake Forest, IL)

It’s not déja vu, but our newest RubyLove Girl is also a 16-year old named Megan. An animal-loving silver-award girl scout from Lake Forest, Illinois. Megan contacted me a few weeks ago wondering if RubyLove can help her out with a fashion show she’s planning to benefit an organization that helps women victimized by domestic violence. After getting to know Megan, I knew sharing her story would be a great inspiration to others. Here are some questions I had for our RubyLove Girl and what she has to say:

Q:What are your hobbies? what you are passionate about?

A:I golf (on the Lake Forest High School golf team, Go Scouts!) I’m an animal advocate, I love to shop! I was a camp counselor at the inaugural summer of Game On! sports camp 4 girls and plan to continue with the camp for a long time to come! It was in being a counselor that I found my love of ultimate Frisbee. I try really hard to give the girls  a positive role model. I’m really getting into writing and not to be a nerd, but school’s fun too! I also play tag with my 10 year old collie Max, he really understands the game!

Q:Tell me about your involvement with the girl scout and any special honor you want to mention.

A:I got my silver award freshman year (now I’m a junior), I collected donations for the Specialty Pure bread Rescue, where I got two of my cats, Sam and Macy. We rescued the other one from our front yard, Shadow. As a troop we go to soup kitchens and we’re actively involved in helping out A Safe Place. Right now, each girl is working really hard on their gold award.

Q:Which charity or organization you are involved with?

A:I’m involved with the Specialty Pure bread rescue, Lambs Farm (a community for adults with mental disabilities), A Safe Place, and Save a Pet ( local shelter).

Q:What are your goals, near future, or in life?

A: My near future goal is to go to college (Northwestern to be exact) and be a doctor just like my parents. My life goal is to help as many people in the world as possible, and to be an all around good person.

Q: What is he best advice anyone has given to you that you’d like to share?
A: As my dad always says, never miss the free throws. I took this as don’t over complicate things and just focus on one thing at a time.

Q: What are some examples of ways that you love yourself?
A: I work hard in school and I play hard when I’m having fun. To be completely honest, the real way I unwind is watching Family Guy with my cat Sam, it’s our favorite show. Now that Halloween’s quickly approaching, I love watching scary movies with my 11-year-old sister.

Q: Who’s the role model in your life?

A: My mom has always been my role model. She’s a really influential person not only in my life, but many others. She’s the best role model for strong women, she works hard all day and then comes home and takes care of her family. She’s the best mom anyone could ever ask for and the best person I can think of for a role model.

Q: What you’d like to be when you grow up?
A: I’m leaning towards doctor or something in genetics, but that could change, as long as I’m a good person and happy with who I am.

Thanks Megan! I love the last thing you said, “as long as I’m a good person and happy with who I am”. I am looking forward to planning the fashion show with you and share that with the RubyLove readers. For more information about the organization Megan’s raising money for, check out www.asafeplaceforhelp.org.

—–
If you, or know someone who also possess positive qualities that deserves to be recognized, send me her story, and maybe you or someone you love will become the next RubyLove Girl!

FALL in love…

Dear RubyLove friends,

Fall is finally here and I’ve just completed the new designs for fall which will be available online in 2 weeks. Here’s a sneak peak of the design! I hope you like it. It’s very different from all the other designs I’ve done. This time, not only YOU can read the message in the mirror. Someone else can read it too while looking at you! And the words actually make up a heart and butterfly shape where they overlap. The design is printed with a metalic ink on my favorite long sleeve gauze tees that are super soft. It’ll feel like you’re wearing your most comfy pajamas except you can go out and look fabulous!

It just seems so appropriate to go into the holiday months with the word Believe. When we believe, whether in ourselves or spiritually, our actions are affected by that thought. I believe that if I continue to express myself honestly and freely here as your friend, you’ll know that whenever you feel down, you can always come here for comfort and support. I also believe in my ability and creativity to keep coming up with ideas that will make a difference in someone else’s life. And around the holidays it is especially important to share our love and care for others.

And speaking of holidays and sharing our love, I’ve just put every item in the online store on sale! The sale will last until the end of October. It’s a great time to get started on your holiday shopping early. : )

I’ve also just come across a really fun book called TEASE: 50 Inspired T-shirt transformations by Superstars of Art, Craft & Design. If you know how to sew or loves making arts and crafts, I highly recommend you check it out. Talk about a fun way to recycle those old t-shirts. They have ideas to turn them into handbags and even lamp shades!

In the coming months, I’ll be busy working with a young lady who contacted me to participate in a charity fashion show to benefit A Safe Place, an organization that helps victims of domestic violence. Not only will the RubyLove Reflection-Tees be featured in the show, we are also working out the details to donate part of the sales to the organization. Stay tuned for more information on that. In the meantime, you can check out www.asafeplaceforhelp.org if you’d like to help.

Enjoy the changing season. And please do keep in touch.

Love,
Ann

p.s. give someone a hug today!