• Jodi Collins aka Kharmagirl

    What a fabulous idea Taylor! The KI kits are the BEST value with the BEST products! I LOVE LOVE LOVE mine…couldn't live without em! Your card is just GORGEOUS!!!

  • Melvin

    Great news Taylor!
    This card is awesome…
    Thanks for sharing…
    __________________
    Melvin
    Get easy cash at your door step

  • april

    OMG Taylor, Thank You so much!!! I was really debating about whether I could afford the next 6 months subscription. I love getting that special box in the mail every month. I love being able to add products to my order. Thank you so much for allowing my craft addiction to continue. I adore the whimsical wishes line of stamps you carry. I am also excited about your addition of copics. This is a wonderful solution. Again, THANK YOU!!!!!

  • *ANI*

    Surprise!!..lol..Taylor I love this card..it reminds me of when we used to go out for drinks.."good times"..i hope i'm leaving a comment in the right place..it's obviously my first time..can't wait for your visit!!

  • the whimsical butterfly

    That's awesome, Taylor! Love your card today and the key ingredients keep getting better and better, so thanks for offering this option!

  • Lori Craig

    Fabulous news, Taylor! Love your card!

  • Laura

    Oooo, how exciting. Just placed my subscription order. GREAT card Taylor. Can't wait to see more sneak peeks of the new KI.

  • Jackie Pedro

    I just love this card, Taylor! The scallops you cut are fab!!!

  • Dawn

    Welcome back to Iowa! I live in Ida Grove (hr east of Sioux City) Born and raised in Mason City. I have a couple nephews in Ankeny! One who's wife is expecting their first born in July!

    Dawn

  • Rachel

    Congrats on your move back to Iowa! I am in NE Iowa, but make to the Des Moines area to visit family and friends. Others have already given you the stamp/scrapbook stores I usually visit when I am in the area and Twin Oaks in Cedar Falls. It would be really bad on the wallet if I had much easier access to Memory Bound. If you want to road trip, Memories on Fifth is a scrapbook store in Coralville, but they do not have a lot of stamps.

    We like Leaning Tower of Pizza in Ankeny when we are visitng family.

    Ankeny Summerfest (the annual celebration all Iowa towns seem to have) is July 10-12. I know since my niece is going to be in the parade Saturday morning and we may be visiting that weekend.

  • Nancy

    Taylor, your move sounds exciting. Going "home" is always good! I grew up in the Waterloo, IA area, but lived in Polk City (about 6 miles NW of Ankeny) for 4 years. We absolutely LOVED the DSM area and would move back in a flash! Currently I live in LeClaire, in the Quad Cities.

    Restaurants we loved include: Bears in old downtown Ankeny for a quick sandwich, Chips on I35 on the eastern edge of Ankeny, everything on Court Ave in Des Moines (Spaghetti Works, Brew Company, etc), Hickory Park in Ames, and Okoboji Grill in Ankeny were some of our favorite spots.

    Will you have a store front when you get settled? If so, I'd love to visit! I go back to DSM area a couple times a year to visit old haunts and see friends.

    Good luck with the move, and welcome back to Iowa. It really is a great place to live.

  • Stephanie Hargis

    Well you already know that I am from there so of course I can give you TONS of advice! 😀 My absolute FAVORITE restaurant in Des Moines is actually in Southern Des Moines but trust me, it's worth the trip! It's called "Robin's Wood Oven Grill" and it is TO DIE FOR! They have the best prime rib I have ever tasted! Jordan Creek Mall also has some yummy restaurants (one being the Cheesecake Factory). My family used to go up there to eat about twice a month! Haha! Well, if I am ever in the area again I will be sure to look you up!

  • Shay

    Congratulations on moving back to your homestate of Iowa and going to full time with Taylored Expressions! My dad's family originally hailed from Burlington and for the first 4 years of my life we lived in Iowa City and Des Moines. I have only the best memories of Iowa and hope you and your family experience all the joy found there!!

  • jo

    Happy to have you back in Iowa! I live only about 45 minutes east of Ankeny. There are soooo many good places to eat in the area. One of my favs in Spaghetti Works on Court Ave. in Des Moines. Another great place in the Rock Bottom Brewery in West Des Moines. Someone else mentioned Chips in Ankeny and I would agree thats a great place to eat. Another fun thing to check out is the Farmers Market on Saturday Mornings on Court Ave in Des Moines.

    As for stamping stores….I don't know of any that are that exciting. I was excited to get the Archivers at Jordan Creek Mall in West Des Moines but I continue to mostly buy online.

    Congrats on your success with TE!

  • Vicki C

    Woo Hoo… well I for one am EXCITED to have you coming back to the Midwest! We are close enough that we could do a weekend get together even! Oh Taylor… I'm so excited for you doing Taylored Expressions full time!!! Happy Happy Happy for you girl!!

  • eggette

    Oh my goodness! Congratulations on your move and best of luck in your new adventure of your full-time work for TE! I really could never imagine how you did it all anyway…..just figured you never slept, ya that's probably it! Very exciting for you and best of luck!

  • Teresa

    Welcome home! I came back from Arizona 2 years ago and haven't looked back!
    – Teresa in Dubuque

  • Anonymous

    Taylor, I dont know you, I live in Oregon! But, I am sure that your move will have exciting parts that will be good exciting and scary exciting – try to enjoy the ride, best of all — it is a new time for you and your husband, and what a great reason to celebrate going to work full time for your dream!!! Congrats!!!

  • Julie Anne Sokolowski

    Yeah me! I live in Johnston, we will practically be neighbors. There is a great LSS in Ankeny called Memory Bound. They are great about having the most current paper lines and other new products but don't have a lot of stamps. In West Des Moines' Valley Junction area there is a stamp/scrapbook store called Outstamping Designs and the owner is really sweet. We also have Michael's, Archiver's & Hobby Lobby.

    My favorite local restaurants are:
    Tursi's Latin King (Italian), Sam & Gabe's (Italian), Tasty Tacos (don't judge it by the name, I actually crave these), El Rodeo (Mexican), and Cool Basil (Thai).

    Places to go:
    The I-Cubs baseball games, the Downtown Farmer's Market every Saturday from May to the end of October, Jordan Creek Mall, the Iowa State Fair (you will need to go to the gym after you visit the fair).

    Welcome home, glad you will be here!

    Julie

  • Kelly Braund

    Congrats on your big move! I wish you the best! I'm not in Iowa, but I'm right up from you in MN, so I'm happy to be your new neighbor! 🙂

  • Angela Knopf

    Sadly I'm not in Iowa. 🙁 But…I'm super excited for your new endeavor! Congratulations to you and your hubby as you trek back to the Midwest. I hope your celebration is successful and your move is uneventful!!

  • Bethany Paull

    Big changes! Congrats and best wishes on a smooth move.

  • patriciad

    Congratulations! What exciting news for you. Best of luck with the upcoming move and taking TE to the next level.

  • Desire Fourie

    Congrats on your new home. Moving is always stressful, but enjoy the moment. Hugs from Desire

  • Stampin' Jen

    Yeah for you Taylor!!! Welcome back to Iowa!!! Please host "something" when you get settled in so the rest of us Iowans can meet you in person! A class, an open house, anything – I'd LOVE to meet you! I'm in Harlan, IA – just a hop, skip, and a jump away!

  • MiamiKel

    Congratulations to you both! What a joyous moment – take care and safe travels!

  • Jackie Pedro

    How awesome for you and your husband!! I wish you all the best and I'm so happy for you that you get to work TE full time…you know I'm a huge fan!! Congratulations!!

  • Micki

    Woohoo Taylor, now you're closer to me :-). Although I don't live in Des Moines, we love going there for long weekends (3 hour drive).

    Big Congratulations!

    Micki

  • Mary

    Congratulations! I hope that you and your husband Jon find much happiness in Iowa.

    Mary

  • LORi

    Blessings to you and your family Taylor!! How exciting to be moving "home". I will be praying for your safety while traveling and for strength and peace as you set up new home and shop!!!

    HUGS~ LORi BOYD

  • Deb

    Congrats Taylor on you job and your move! I live in Grundy Center, about 50 miles NE of Ankeny. There's a great little store in Cedar Falls called Twin Oaks. Not an overwhelming supply, but very nice. Welcome back!

  • Steph K (booga3)

    How exciting for you! Best of luck with your move and settling in your new home!

  • Angel

    I'm an Iowa girl too, Taylor! I grew up in Sioux City. My parents and many relatives live south of Des Moines in little tiny towns, but I don't know much about Ankeny. I've been there, but it was many moons ago. Good luck on your move!!

  • LisaVB

    So glad you are finally sharing your news. 🙂 We're so excited to have you in Iowa again, and only about 4 hours away from us! Hopefully a weekend trip won't be so hard now to stamp/scrap a weekend away. 🙂

    Our brother lived in Johnston (not too far from Ankeny) so I'm sure Jess would have some great ideas of places to eat around that area.

  • Alex

    How exciting for you guys Taylor!! Good luck with your move! I know nothing about Iowa, but I am sure you will be sharing once you get settled in your new home…and how fun to get to do TE full-time, good for you! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex

  • Lori Craig

    So – I cannot wait to visit and try out some of these restaurants with you. 🙂 I'm right up highway 65, and I'm super excited you're coming back to the midwest. 🙂 I'll by praying for you because I know all to well those sad feelings of leaving a place you love. Take comfort that with the internet, it's a lot different than it used to be. Hugs, sweet friend, and I'll see you soon! Yeah ME!!

  • Silke

    Good luck with your move – I'm excited for ya :)!!! Hugs ~S~

  • Kim

    Taylor – A huge congratulations on your move and house purchase! Wishing you the very best in your new home and new location! Oh, and how very, very exciting that you'll work full time with your stamp company…that has to be a dream come true!

  • Margaret de Witt

    Taylor, what exciting news. I am sure the next month and a half will be incredibly busy for you. I wish you the Lord's blessing on the path that you will be taking.

  • Jennifer McGee

    I am curious as to where in Northwest Iowa you grew up, I grew up in Carroll, but took lots of trips for Church retreats in the Northwest part of our state. Welcome back, you'll love Ankeny! It's just an hour North and a little west of my current home, Knoxville. Congrats on the big move!

  • Samantha

    Wow – such wonderful news! I'm so happy for you and Jon. Have a safe move and have fun decorating your new home 🙂

  • Karen

    congratulations Taylor!! hope your move is a smooth one!!

  • Carol Scheevel

    Hi Taylor…. wow, what a surprise. I didn't see that one coming! I know some people who are going to be shedding a lot of tears. I know what it's like to "go home" after living in Atlanta for 12 years, making amazing friends and finding an awesome church, and then making the difficult but spirit-led decision to move back to Calif. to be near family and "start fresh." We will miss you so much, but so glad the internet keeps us just a few clicks away. I would love to come to the TE party… I'll check my schedule and get back to you! Thanks for everything you've done to give so generously of yourself all these years. Is Jon taking a pastorate or ministry position in Iowa?
    Love, Carol

  • Rose

    Congratulations Taylor! How exciting for you. I wish you all the best, too, as you take the plunge full time into a job that you are clearly passionate about!! Best of luck with everything. You're inspiring many to pursue their dreams 🙂

  • Gingerbread Gal

    Congrats on your new home Taylor! How exciting! I am so happy I got to meet you a couple of weeks ago. You are so sweet. All of us in Sol Cal will miss you!
    🙂 Rachel

  • Jenn Biederman

    Hey Taylor! This is exciting news! So happy for you & Jon! I am excited for your move as I live in NE Iowa and about 3-4 hours away from Ankeny! I do not know any stores in Ankeny, but one of my faves is Outstamping Designs in Valley Junction in Des Moines. Awesome store! I think an Iowa party to celebrate would be fun…I'd be there!

    Wishing you a safe & speedy move!

    Jenn Biederman

  • KathyN

    Congratulations Taylor! This sounds like a great move for you and your husband. And for you to be able to do TE full-time, that will be so fun for us stampers. But it is nice for you to be closer to family. That is important. So no Cuppies in July. Maybe in August….I'll be patient…lol!

  • Gwen

    That's so exciting!! Congrats!!! You are so lucky…wish I were moving back.I was born in Waterloo Iowa, lots of relitives is the cresco area. I mostly grew up in the Rochester, MN area….now in Arizona. Best of luck with the move! Now I have to go play with my new cupcakes that came in the mail today!!! awesome customer service!!! Thanks!

  • Barbara V

    That is great news, Taylor…especially the part about working full time with TE. What a dream come true to have your own company. I wish you all the best!

  • Lorie

    Congratulations Taylor! I was born in Burlington, IA and still go there to visit my grandparents! Good luck on your move!

  • Anonymous

    Congratulations! I am very excited for you and your husband. I love the Midwest, starry nights and blue skies.

    Janis

  • Jana

    What a wonderful new adventure for you! And congrats on going full time on your business. It will be a huge success I'm sure.

  • Christi

    Congrats Taylor!! I am so excited for you!!!!

  • Emily

    I'm very excited for you, Taylor!! Especially since you'll be able to make TE a full-time opportunity for you! So proud of what you've accomplished even though I'm sad to have you leave CA.

    Can't wait to see what this new venture brings for you!

  • Regina (TheStampin'Bean)

    Hi Taylor! Congrats on your new home and good luck with your move. We moved out to MN almost 2 years ago from Los Angeles, so I'm so glad to welcome you back to the Midwest! Have a safe and happy move.

  • Kathryn

    So Exciting — I'm not in Iowa, but in Kansas City —(not too far) 🙂

    I wish you all the best on your move–

    Take care
    Kathryn

  • NinaB

    That's a big move, but as one who used to live in LA, I don't regret moving to a more rural area. I was about to put in an order, now I will wait until you have that discount code on the 17th. Unless, you're willing to share that now? ;-). I really want to get my hands on those new stamps ASAP. They are so adorable. Blessings to you and your new home!

  • kerri

    Great news Taylor! I lived in Ankeny for 7 years and love, love the town. Memory Bound in Ankeny is a good scrapbooking store, but limited stamps. There is a good stamp store in Valley Junction (just west of downtown Des Moines) called Outstamping Designs http://www.outstampingdesigns.com

    Other than the big box stores (Archivers, Hobby Lobby, & Michaels) and the store listed above we don't really have any great stamp stores. I purchase most of my stamps on-line.

    As for restaurants local to Ankeny these are good: Bears (uptown Ankeny), Waterfront Seafood (https://www.waterfrontseafoodmarket.com) and Palmer's Deli. Just south of Ankeny toward Downtown Des Moines, The Latin King-a must (https://www.tursislatinking.com/) . Downtown The Court Avenue Brewing co is great (https://www.courtavebrew.com/). There are several great places to eat in West Des Moines as well-a 20 min drive from Ankeny.

    If you need any other info feel free to send me an e-mail. kerrikillmer@yahoo.com. Welcome back to Iowa.

  • Sharon Harnist

    Best of luck with the move, Taylor — I'm so happy for you! And congrats on taking TE full-time, I know you'll do wonderful things!

  • Debra

    Taylor, How very exciting!!! I am happy for you that things are moving forward and onward.

    Love, debra

  • Adela

    Taylor, I'm so happy for you! Congratulations on the success of your business and I will definitely see about being there on the 20th. Feels kinda sad you're leaving SoCal, but I know that God has plans for every one of us. (I hope it wasn't the earthquakes that scared you away! jk)

  • My lifes inky escape and more

    Congratulations Taylor!!How exciting for you and your hubby. I wish the best of luck and I can't wait to see what else you have for us in the upcoming months!

    Renee

  • Wendy

    Congratulations on the move and the opportunity to stay home and take care of your business full time! I can't wait to see what wonderful stuff you come up with next! Should I just direct deposit my paycheck to you?

  • margot

    Congratulations on your move back to the Midwest. I grew up in east-central Iowa, went to college in Ames (and therefore have friends in Ankeny) but now live in the NW subrubs of Chicago. Although I have been very happy here there have been plenty of times I've been homesick for Iowa and wished I could have raised my kids there.

  • Kelly Jo

    Taylor! That is beyond exciting! What a dream come true. I wish you the best that things go smoothly.

    I am just a state away in Southern Minnesota!

  • Dawn

    Congratulations on your move and VERY exciting news about working full time for yourself! You have done an amazing job this past year and I want you to know that you are a huge source of inspiration for many of us!! Good luck with everything!

  • the whimsical butterfly

    WOW! This is huge news! I have to say I'm thrilled b/c you'll only be a few hours from me!!! Congrats on the move-how exciting! I wish you the best of luck and a safe, stress free (ok, well, as stress free as it can be 🙂 move and CONGRATS-A HUGE congrats on being able to work your AMAZING business full time! There are a ton of us rooting for TE and I can't wait to see where it goes! HUGS!

  • Lynn Mercurio

    Oh this is wonderful news for you Taylor. There's nothing like going "home" and I'm sure that you will be so happy. I'm a little jealous about you not having to work in the daily 9 to 5…what I wouldn't do for that opportunity! This only means that more fantastic stuff is coming to Taylored Expessions! Congrats girl!

  • Basement Stamper

    Congrats on finding a house and being able to work full time for Taylored Expressions, that is fantastic!

  • Kelly Schelske

    Congrats Taylor, you both must be so excited!!

  • mathstamp

    Hey, I have been reading your blog for a long time. I am an Iowan too. I currently live in Pella. I'm only 45 minutes from Ankeny. I don't have time right now, but later I will send you some food ideas and stamp store info. I'm really excited for you!!! I think that Ankeny is a really nice town.

  • Maureen L.

    Welcome back to Iowa!! I live in Cedar Rapids so I'm not super familiar with DesMoines but know a few people and a really great church there. Best of luck with your move (and maybe there can be a Welcome to Iowa TE party too!! I'd drive to Des Moines for that!)

  • Traci

    Hi Taylor,
    I don't know if you remember me, but I'm the Senior Project designer for AccuCut and have taken your order a few times at tradeshows. I live in Omaha now but grew up in Des Moines. One of my favorite places to eat in Ankeny is Chips. It's right of the interstate and just like the name says they make home made chips.
    You'll also want ot go to the Iowa State Fair in August. It just made the top 100 things to do before you die list last year. Congratulations again!

    Sincerely, Traci

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