Just testing out my new signature file – what do we think?? The lovely Lizzie from Fizzy Pop Designs did my doodle name and I added the camera from the new 9th & Bloom Collaboration Kit: Memories…Captured. I am really digging that new store and this new siggy. Hope you like and snag one yourself well you’re at it!


I was reminded the other day that the most important thing is: Be true to yourself! When people question your intentions and don’t get you, just know that if you are honest and true to yourself that is all that matters. Trust me, I know that is easier said then done but I’m trying to maintain a positive attitude in the face of opposition. This as well is not easy for me since these past two years have been tough and a real struggle. Last year I was extremely sick and burnout. It’s taken me awhile to realize who I am (an on-going process), what I’m doing (still developing that) and the life I want to lead (TDB). I’m not going to lie – it’s been a real journey and I don’t have any real answers but I know that in the end I have to be true to myself and stand up for what I need, want and believe in.
Some of my truths that make me ME!
- I am a real down to earth person who doesn’t believe in being fake and saying things just for the sake of saying things.
- I do what I say and mean what I do.
- I am a planner.
- I love cheesy girly movies and cry very easily at the sappy endings.
- I love getting mail and the anticipation of checking the mailbox for something exciting.
- I love cuddles with my niece and nephew and when they call me Aunt Tara.
- I get scared easily and hate scary movies.
- I judge books by their covers (I’m a designer, of course I do).
- I love to buy arts and craft supplies but have a fear of using them but I’m working on this though.
- I collect advertising icons and mascot figures.
- I love flea markets and fabulous bargain finds.
- I love that I hold my pen differently then everyone else.
- I love making people happy with my artwork and creations.
- I love giving people gifts, especially gifts I know are “perfect” for them!
- I love looking through my old pictures from college and growing up.
- I am a nostalgic person.
- I am a perfectionist.
- I love simple and minimalist design.
- I think less is often more.
- I believe in being humble and think arrogance shouldn’t be rewarded.
- I love taking photos but don’t know much about the features on my camera.
- I send lots of cards to people for special occasions.
- I enjoy the music of Air Supply and accept all the teasing in the world for it.
- I have a lot of passion for what I do in regards to my design and artwork.
- I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve so to speak and am very honest.
- I forgive but never forget because those experiences make you who you are.
- I stress eat.
- I like to sing out loud to my favorite songs.
- I enjoy shopping as it relaxes me.
- I enjoying texting but not a real big phone talker.
- I really don’t like exercise or the gym. I’ve tried to like it but I really hate every minute of it.
I am flawed and not perfect but I’m doing the best to be me. This sometimes isn’t the easiest thing to be but I’m trying to remind myself everyday to be True To Myself and live the life I want to live. If others don’t see that well it’s their loss. Are you being true to yourself? Share with me and let me know and we can grow together. List journalling like I used above is a great way to capture lots of ideas, thoughts and information in a quick and easy way.


It’s been a crazy busy week here but with all good things thank goodness! Since it’s the weekend though I’ve decided to take a break and chill. Although when you work for yourself and your business & hobby are the same it’s hard not to design and create. But I’m going to focus on some designing for me this weekend as well as trying to relax some. That word “relax” is a very hard concept for me to grasp but I’m going to try gosh darn golly! Hope you having a good and relaxing weekend whatever you are doing.


My awesome friend Downtown Mary Brown was in NYC last week visiting and we had a great time together! So I’m finally catching up with things this week! This picture is of the outside of the NY Contemporary Art Museum. I’m trying to have this “Hell, Yes!” attitude this week to get things done. So far it’s working.
Anyways, here’s a list of some things going on here and things I need to tackle on my “to do” list:
- listened most of Monday to The Joysummit Small Business Marketing Webinar
- write my guest blog post all about scrapbooking (coming up soon – more details to come)
- design some items for Pink Ink Studios
- work on designs for an awesome website design for a new client – WOO HOO!
- set up a few meetings/get togethers with business contacts & friends
- implement the “Like” button on my website – do we like them??
- starting to work with Michelle Ward from When I Grow Up Coach
- sort through my email inbox (goodness I’ve let it get out of control)
- figuring out and setting up a small online store for customers to order a custom scrapbook easier via Tara Sroka Designs
I could go on and on with things to do but let’s just leave it at that, so hopefully I can get SOMETHING DONE from that list :D
Hope you are having a great week and staying cool (it’s been TOO HOT to handle here on the East Coast).

I have been cleaning the apartment/office the past few days since we have a friend in town and it feels good to declutter. I admit I am a pack rat and throwing out stuff is not something I am good at doing. Although I think I have gotten better in the past few years especially since it’s starting to overwhelm me. Seriously, looking around and seeing stuff sticking out of every nock and cranny is starting to drive me bonkers and stifle my creativity! I was at a book signing the other day and the author, Rice Freeman Zachary said that “when you clean your outside world you clean the inside world” and this really resinated with me. So I started purging some of my stuff and it felt good.

One of my first projects was my bookcase area. It doesn’t look like much but I went through every box and chucked lots of stuff and I even labelled everything so I know what’s where. Boy, I have a lot of paper products and art supplies! It took a few hours to sort and organize everything but afterwards I felt a huge relief. Little things like this can really change your mood, perspective and overall creative mojo.
If there are things you aren’t sure you can part with but need/want to make space just scan important documents and mementos. If you can’t scan them take a photo.
Here are some interesting articles that got me thinking about simplifying and organizing. Hopefully they will get you motivated and thinking too!
Is there something that is hindering your creativity and productivity? If so then make the decision and time to tackle it!


Recently me and my friends went to see a taping of The Martha Stewart Show. We were excited about seeing Martha, potentially some cool guests and giveaways. Luckily we were in the front of the line so we were guaranteed seats. We even got free coffee from the Chock Full o’Nuts truck. Seeing the set and how they put together the show was cool but we were slightly disappointed with the guests – organic food chefs, nothing craft related unfortunately. Although Martha got a little miffed during a segment, so that was something to see and we did get a free book. LOL! Anyways, it was an experience but the time with friends and the drinks afterwards were the highlight of the day overall.
I’m working on a Dixie Carter blog post – it’s just taking me forever since she was very near and dear to me. Hopefully sometime soon!!

As a scrapbook I consider myself a “memory preservist” but sometimes documenting life’s events is hard for me. Depending on the subject matter and the importance of a memory/event I tend to put off dealing with it. I always want to capture it perfectly and that makes it hard to actually finish it. Well I’ve been thinking about it over the weekend that life is too short and I need to just do it because you never know when it’s too late. I came across this great quote the other day and it really spoke to me: “Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.” by Oscar Wilde. We may carry all of our memories with us but we need to share them with others so they can be passed down and not forgotten. So don’t put off what you want to document or preserve for “another day” – do it now so you won’t regret it later. In the next coming days, I plan on working on some difficult layouts and journalling so stay tuned for my stories.


2009 had lots of low points but it also had some very high points. This collage captures some of them (in no particular order).
- My dear friend, Mary visited us from Florida. It was 4 years since we last
saw her, so it was a great treat to spend time with her.
- Meeting my cousin, Kate who was visiting from Australia.
- Seeing the movie, That Evening Sun and meeting the legendary actor,
Hal Holbrook. Very nice and sweet gentleman!
- Celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary on Roosevelt Island
- Enjoying the new Citi Field although the Mets lost (not pictured)
- Taking many stamping classes and really enjoying creating (not pictured)
- Meeting my craft friend Geri and having her be apart of my life (not pictured)
- Many visits with the NJ Srokas
- Baby Ava’s christening & party (not pictured)
- My friend Tara’s baby shower (not pictured)
- High school friends and kids get together (not pictured)
- Meeting and getting to know my scrap/online friends in NYC
- Jackson & Kayla’s birthday parties (not pictured)
- Promoting my custom scrapbook business with Cara at Kayley’s school event
Looking forward to see what 2010 captures for me. Goals and new year’s resolution to come =)


I’m not going to lie, this year was a challenge for me. I have learned a lot about myself and life during the past few months. Hardship and adversity has given me a new found perspective on life and if I had to do it all over again I wouldn’t do it any different. Here’s to new beginnings, new friendships, deeper friendships, newfound passion and adventure in 2010!
