About

Hello, I’m Anita and so glad you are here. Back in the day my job was a UI Product Designer & Architect for Microsoft, AT&T, MSNBC and others. I have a BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Washington and it was a great mix of Technology skills and Art. Hey I got paid to color on a computer instead of with a paintbrush and work with smart, creative people what funner than that? It was a ton of fun and I loved it.
Even right after college one of the first pieces of software I bought was a money managing software. I remember showing someone while at the Apple store and he asked if I would teach he and his wife. I said yes. Little did I know that history would come back for me.
While at Microsoft I worked as a UI Designer for Microsoft Money an app to manage personal finances and investments. Being involved first hand in usability testing helped me see exactly how people struggled with using applications. Money had a beautiful design and we made it easy for people to set up and use. I was involved with launch of MSNBC and Information Architect Apple iPHone debut at AT&T.

After 20+ years of design for corporations I really wanted to be more involved on a consumer level. Helping people one on one. I taught technology at church and helped friends and family. I created a big life change from the hi -tech city pace when I decided to make a move from Seattle to the Midwest. It was here I found I really enjoyed teaching technology.I began teaching Seniors computers. I still love teaching all ages and its a calling and mission.
 

I see so many people with gifts and talents and its fun to see them bloom and blossom once they get a little boost in how to do some things with the computer. I started teaching a Money app (YNAB- You Need a Budget) because it’s one that I needed so greatly. I found people who were not naturally numbers minded, and artistically bent like myself could easily understand it but sometimes needed a boost to get started.

I taught people one on one and then realized one of the things that was a stumbling block for people was getting in the habit of doing it. Through the years I had worked with friends on my numbers in coffee shops, over the phone. I mean I’ll be the first to admit wanting to do my Budget is not the first on the list of fun things to do. I found though that doing them with someone else kind and supportive --that I could do it. I’ve also joined Focusmate and group they have to get all kinds of things done. But how about a Focusmate group --with a focus of doing your Money stuff? I wanted to mitigate the word Budget with a more nice word like Beautiful. So it was a Beautiful Budget. Then with adding the group work element --it’s kind of like working together on your own project like a quilting bee. Thus a Beautiful Budget Bee was born.
 

I always wanted to inspire people. What better way than to help them accomplish their dreams and visions.

To do a Budget let’s face it you must really have some motivation. A dream, a vision a reason for tracking all that stuff.

I used to create cards and inspirations sayings and affirmations for people. That was great. But I am even more energized in seeing people reach their goals. Generally for each and every one of us that involves dealing with money. What if you could easily see your visions and dreams everyday easily from something your use daily like your smartphone, iPhone or Android?

So one of the first classes of the year is creating a digital vision board. The first class is for your phones Wallpaper but it can be easily adapted for other poster sizes to print out later.
Get a focus and a vision for the year.

When I’m not teaching tech apps on Art or Money I’m playing with my 2 chihuahua who look like two mini German Shepherds with a curly tail. Hanging out with my family and fellow creatives. Walking and gardening, reading, studying history and genealogy.