tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85148685667722984042024-02-07T04:53:27.127-05:00Mommy's "Small" Business A group of Mommies from around the world working together and supporting each other for the love of their children and their small businesses.Two Monkeys One Circushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747739146155529051noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-38009868360204015642013-09-25T12:15:00.000-04:002013-09-25T12:15:32.162-04:00Simple Crocheted Bookmark<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I want to share a pattern with you. This is one of my favorites and it is simple to make. It is the pattern for my simple bookmarks. Now, when I was making them last December my two boys really wanted to give them to their teachers. So, that was our teacher gift for the year.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Simple Crochet Bookmark</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Ch 36. Sc in 2nd ch from hk. *Sc in next 19 ch. Ch 2. Turn. Sc in 4th st from hk. Sc across (20 st). Ch 2. Repeat from *. Fasten off and weave in ends.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Now, something that I am still trying to decide on is whether or not to put starch on them to make them more flat. As they do tend to curl. So, I guess that it is up to you whether or not you do this last step.</span>Two Monkeys One Circushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747739146155529051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-60429223493790023962013-08-23T09:42:00.000-04:002013-08-23T09:42:59.716-04:00Friday Feature: PrettyHandCraft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>For the Friday Feature, this week we have Irina from PrettyHandCraft.</i><br />
<i> </i><b><i> </i></b><br />
<b><i>Tell us about yourself and your shop. What do you sell? </i></b><br />
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Hi, I'm Irina, owner of PrettyHandCraft.<br />
I always loved knitting, so when I was pregnant with my child, I started
knitting for him. Then, I made a baby blanket for one of my friends.
Then some more, sold them on ebay, so I suppose, it all started with
knitted baby blankets :) I set up this shop with my child in mind - all
the revenue goes into his saving account, which only he can access when
he's 18 :) So, I still have a few years here, as Alex is only 4 at the
moment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYB3sCPJKUmTziGAbpKmV39GVdsoR8t6X9Ut5W7o0LxHEuKQVsmEPkVjxoCdi72pFcS6dQ6DCN2PQqDs4Qn5_W6eK0NWVUbhkw_3Dhxf1BMAH8x7bg8pOZ6bVetnbTplRNnLtRhBy6Vg/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26445816_jkv5vgu0amg4gskc8ck4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYB3sCPJKUmTziGAbpKmV39GVdsoR8t6X9Ut5W7o0LxHEuKQVsmEPkVjxoCdi72pFcS6dQ6DCN2PQqDs4Qn5_W6eK0NWVUbhkw_3Dhxf1BMAH8x7bg8pOZ6bVetnbTplRNnLtRhBy6Vg/s320/icm_fullxfull.26445816_jkv5vgu0amg4gskc8ck4.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Now, I'm trying to sew, because I found another passion - fabric! I love
all different prints and designs. So in my shop there some items which I
sewn as well, not just knitted stuff :) Mainly, its different folders,
drawstring bags and needle cases.<br />
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I honestly cannot live without creating something, for me its like a
therapy after a long day at work, or being a housewife and mother. I
just need to make something :) Some things will bother me for days, my
but I will find a solution how to make this or that (I remember, I got
stuck with lace border for one blanket, I had three or four different
designs, and eventually, I chose one :), but I will make things right,
because I am my toughest critic. I remember one phrase from my
university years "when you make things for somebody else, they should
better, than you would make for yourself". That is true, I do believe in
Customer Service, and the fact that your customer is your boss.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmGS5g2ux6_5LhAsgfItK8I0fB5cU2b2Y3GLZaCHJBqMJ2QgQ-V75KGIeIOp3MplQyCq6qjcgXB3YCU5yNfDscRqKxpvSMxkTeLGZYdojPJ60R27mVD6mQxaGbaWk2MmPM-HnqzelJCA/s1600/icm_fullxfull.29808861_kgyst0x63v48o84c80s4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmGS5g2ux6_5LhAsgfItK8I0fB5cU2b2Y3GLZaCHJBqMJ2QgQ-V75KGIeIOp3MplQyCq6qjcgXB3YCU5yNfDscRqKxpvSMxkTeLGZYdojPJ60R27mVD6mQxaGbaWk2MmPM-HnqzelJCA/s320/icm_fullxfull.29808861_kgyst0x63v48o84c80s4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><b>How do you keep everything organized? Do you have a workspace?</b></i> <br />
I wish I had my own craft room, where I could put a desk for my sewing
machine and comfy chair by the window for me to knit. At the moment, its
only a dream, and I have to be organized, and put everything away (at
the moment, in the big wardrobe) at the end of the day.<br />
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<b><i>What has been the most difficult aspect of being a Mommy with a Small Business?</i></b><br />
The most difficult part is to find time for craft, as I feel guilty not
spending all of my time with Alex. I try to find compromise, sing along,
involve him into dialogues while knitting or sewing. I let him cut some
paper templates, so it is still time together. And the reward is, every
item I sell is going towards his account, so hopefully, he will
appreciate it in the future.<br />
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<i>Thanks, Irina!</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>For more information, you can visit Irina at the following sites: </i> <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="https://www.facebook.com/irina.smith.338" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/irina.smith.338</a><br />
<a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pretty-Hand-Craft/205595566252787" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/pages/Pretty-Hand-Craft/205595566252787</a><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrettyHandCraft">https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrettyHandCraft </a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-42061606854084078012013-08-16T10:03:00.004-04:002013-08-16T10:03:52.343-04:00Friday Feature: Amanda Moussa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuIyS5KwUrm8MmgfhG02hOTTEAg_Ow5YwlTyHJ8-G5LUE_zoxDslTUoRzGiDK3XL9EF2cU3J9aBH4YWAzHCsDLOseWbvkKhGF0wJZanoskXmx6FxQ-ZnEqw0k1LOJrxHOM2MtkmlbfRg/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26392872_peqf671sgn44owcsocsk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuIyS5KwUrm8MmgfhG02hOTTEAg_Ow5YwlTyHJ8-G5LUE_zoxDslTUoRzGiDK3XL9EF2cU3J9aBH4YWAzHCsDLOseWbvkKhGF0wJZanoskXmx6FxQ-ZnEqw0k1LOJrxHOM2MtkmlbfRg/s320/icm_fullxfull.26392872_peqf671sgn44owcsocsk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>This week's feature is Amanda Moussa.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00oHNdOGWZhd7luhVo82V9jjjgxVTJ6dlSxUEOFmmKNZ4yZRPpihB3ufY1U34ttl8pO9TEpXbUe_ug9lVd72Mjpf7Fi3e8-7n3dwnuO8P3xsUVKrivxB_rMh5lZMHdBR6Xvvso_13B68/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26399879_g1j3nk336gowko4w0ok8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><i><b>Tell us about yourself.</b></i><br />
I'm an illustrator, designer and postgraduate student; and I'm married,
with a 16-month-old daughter. In the little spaces of life between those
things, I like wasting time in libraries and parks, sketching on
trains, ‘experimental’ cooking (borderline poisoning), and, in theory,
I’m a big fan of plays and poetry readings, but in practice I can’t even
remember the last time I went! I guess that’s become a casualty of a
busy life. <br />
<b><i><br />
Tell us about your shop. What do you sell?</i></b><br />
I sell illustrated and customized cards, prints and decor items. At the
moment, my little specialty is my illustrated ‘letter’ bookends, which
can be customized with any design, but I am also working on a larger
range of pop-up cards, wrapping paper, and nursery rhyme-themed
bookends.<br />
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<i><b>When did you start creating? Why?</b></i><br />
I’ve been drawing for most of my life, including in some of my earliest
memories, so I can’t really imagine not doing it. I do it because I
can’t not do it. But I only began making products to sell last year.
Initially they were intended purely as presents for family members, but I
had a few follow-up requests from other people, and it grew from there.<br />
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<i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00oHNdOGWZhd7luhVo82V9jjjgxVTJ6dlSxUEOFmmKNZ4yZRPpihB3ufY1U34ttl8pO9TEpXbUe_ug9lVd72Mjpf7Fi3e8-7n3dwnuO8P3xsUVKrivxB_rMh5lZMHdBR6Xvvso_13B68/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26399879_g1j3nk336gowko4w0ok8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00oHNdOGWZhd7luhVo82V9jjjgxVTJ6dlSxUEOFmmKNZ4yZRPpihB3ufY1U34ttl8pO9TEpXbUe_ug9lVd72Mjpf7Fi3e8-7n3dwnuO8P3xsUVKrivxB_rMh5lZMHdBR6Xvvso_13B68/s640/icm_fullxfull.26399879_g1j3nk336gowko4w0ok8.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></i></div>
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<i><b>What goals do you have for your shop? Is is a hobby, major source of income, or somewhere in between?</b></i><br />
I think it’s somewhere in between. A self-financing hobby, and sometimes
a supplemental income, depending on how productive I’ve been! It’s
still very much in its infancy, so at the moment I am working on
streamlining my production so that I can spend less time fulfilling
orders and more time developing new designs. My goal is to build up a
much larger range of products, and realize more of the ideas floating
around in my head. As my daughter gets older, I hope to invest much more
time and energy into the print illustration side, but for now,
streamlining and growing my product range is the goal.<br />
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<i><b>How do you balance your business with your family?</b></i><br />
With difficulty sometimes! Since I'm studying too, I need to make a lot
of decisions about what to prioritize and when. My daughter sometimes
likes to watch me draw, but otherwise, I don't work when she's awake. I
don't think I’d be a very good mother if I took that attention away from
her. But I'm lucky that she has quite reliable nap times at the moment -
I try to have everything constantly ready to go, so that I can grab any
spare moment to do a bit more. After my husband gets home from work, we
have some family time, and then if I have not been very productive
during the day I do an hour or two of work later in the evening, after
my daughter's bedtime. My husband often looks after her on Saturdays, so
I can get a good chunk done, and then Sunday is family time. It’s a bit
fraught at times, but I like that ‘fast-paced’ feeling of fitting a lot
in. <br />
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<i><b></b></i><br />
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<i><b>How do you keep everything organized? Do you have a workspace?</b></i><br />
I have a shelf! I would absolutely love a studio, but at the moment my
materials migrate around the house with me. I do have individual boxes
for supplies, work-in-progress projects, and finished pieces, which
keeps my head somewhat organised, but no permanent workspace. <br />
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<b><i></i></b><br />
<b><i>What has been the most difficult aspect of being a Mommy with a Small Business?</i></b><br />
Not having 28 hours in the day. I used to need long stretches of time to
‘warm up’ and get myself in the right head-space to work, but I've had
to accept that I will now not often get those uninterrupted chunks of
time. I need to be ready to snatch five minutes here and there. I'm
constantly amazed at how much you can actually get done in 5 minutes if
you don't procrastinate. I was the queen of procrastination, so its been
a tough lesson to learn. I think the other difficulty is trying to
avoid burn-out and giving yourself a chance to recharge. You can’t
always be on standby without getting drained, so I have to occasionally
draw a line and say ‘no more today.’ That’s hard to do when there are
five different projects vying for attention, but sometimes it’s the most
productive thing, in the long run, that you can do.<br />
<br />
<b><i>What has been the most rewarding?</i></b><br />
Being paid for my artwork is a very validating feeling, and it’s
especially nice to be paid for something I enjoy doing. I like knowing
that I am doing something else alongside being a mother and a wife. I
want to be a good example for my daughter, and that includes being
someone with my own identity, ambitions and interests. And, although I
don't get a lot of relaxation time, I enjoy the feeling of being busy.
Most of the time, anyway. <br />
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<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbBixpefVyVV-NB6NeSh2zIqmsVevCakC3ebQrryZfz-Ahx16oIXN6geQTrhyphenhyphen8Ti7I9k24vmi_j8TpjkSXm-efD_K9AVo58CDM9CpPZZENXam3G0JaogGprcEP2DGyNwWX8Zr9bngjlA/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26399905_teft7930risow808wssg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbBixpefVyVV-NB6NeSh2zIqmsVevCakC3ebQrryZfz-Ahx16oIXN6geQTrhyphenhyphen8Ti7I9k24vmi_j8TpjkSXm-efD_K9AVo58CDM9CpPZZENXam3G0JaogGprcEP2DGyNwWX8Zr9bngjlA/s640/icm_fullxfull.26399905_teft7930risow808wssg.jpg" width="640" /></a></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Do you have any tips for other moms with a small/home business?</i></b><br />
Learn how to make the most of small chunks of time! I try to keep
several small goals in mind - finish shading a figure, paint a base coat
on a bookend, make notes on one chapter, etc - so that when I have a
free moment, I don't waste time deciding what to do next, and I don't
get overwhelmed by the entirety of what needs doing. I just focus on
those little goals, and eventually they have added up to the big goals
without me even noticing. <br />
<br />
<i>Thanks, Amanda!</i><br />
<br />
<i>If you would like to see more of her designs, you can find Amanda at the following websites:</i><br />
<br />
Website: <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://www.amandamoussa.co.uk/" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" target="_blank">www.amandamoussa.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
Blog: <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://amandamoussa.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" target="_blank">amandamoussa.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
Etsy Shop: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmandaMoussa" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/AmandaMoussa</a> <br />
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Facebook: <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://www.facebook.com/amanda.moussa.art" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/amanda.moussa.art</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-43647904538924752442013-08-12T06:00:00.000-04:002013-08-12T06:00:05.604-04:00Cooking from the Heart<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEClr3FJEj89BTEjp0iVZWZScK8_Zhy8fA4I5GDzYvLoPkzE57C5ePsy3SoK4fsmJvJaeFAAQtuwDd3ShJOA3fBhTeS0Eas6X72MzYqlFmFEKwlfbpqbc8Qnt37oHiOeOp7HVH0i4dXY/s1600/DSC03379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEClr3FJEj89BTEjp0iVZWZScK8_Zhy8fA4I5GDzYvLoPkzE57C5ePsy3SoK4fsmJvJaeFAAQtuwDd3ShJOA3fBhTeS0Eas6X72MzYqlFmFEKwlfbpqbc8Qnt37oHiOeOp7HVH0i4dXY/s320/DSC03379.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>This year has been a rough year for us. Sadly, I lost both of my beloved grandmothers only a few months apart from each other. Growing up and as an adult I was very close to both of my grandmothers.</div>
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Grandma Piccininni was famous throughout our family for her delicious food and scrumptious cakes and desserts. When used to joke when we were kids that we would need bigger clothes to go home in after we slept over he house. This summer I have started the wonderful process of sorting through her recipes into a cookbook. While entering the recipes into <a href="http://www.tastebook.com/" target="_blank">Tastebook</a> I realized I did not have any pictures for these recipes. Then I had the brilliant idea that Gooba and I would start making Grandma P's recipes and photograph them for our cookbook.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHm8DHSTmO5oR5psNUf6hIc6Z6lHI-zahRmmEePqdrMyzi3PzxqqTzt1xAzqbEu-urYGeRgcsJlS_tmb9UcjSjhUY6VQDi7GYkEEpZb2Q2vrbTvjMsKIsoEyqdsWP5JlALezwFCvZGjg/s1600/DSC03378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHm8DHSTmO5oR5psNUf6hIc6Z6lHI-zahRmmEePqdrMyzi3PzxqqTzt1xAzqbEu-urYGeRgcsJlS_tmb9UcjSjhUY6VQDi7GYkEEpZb2Q2vrbTvjMsKIsoEyqdsWP5JlALezwFCvZGjg/s320/DSC03378.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>Our first experiment was a Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake. I must admit I teared up several times making this cake, thinking of my grandmother and how she would have absolutely loved cooking and baking with Gooba, or even knowing we were sharing her recipe and love for food and cooking together.</div>
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We even invited our neighbor over for coffee and cake!</div>
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Two Monkeys One Circushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747739146155529051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-50015902225406583252013-08-09T10:03:00.000-04:002013-08-09T10:03:08.839-04:00Friday Feature: Southern Chic Naturals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZMM-7cMoPUqtCHc1uqYF64WTy4Dt7pEMH4GIJ3UlOmUR77TnPB9Mnsb8o9ka12qiSZG5VyEkNwHA_KCxCsYK-B1fLf0xAjmNP8xsSAOKC170pubZLmS8p6re-M3XEdPw9fUmUwGqzeM/s1600/il_570xN.387249178_cqmf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZMM-7cMoPUqtCHc1uqYF64WTy4Dt7pEMH4GIJ3UlOmUR77TnPB9Mnsb8o9ka12qiSZG5VyEkNwHA_KCxCsYK-B1fLf0xAjmNP8xsSAOKC170pubZLmS8p6re-M3XEdPw9fUmUwGqzeM/s320/il_570xN.387249178_cqmf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>This week's feature is Stacey of Southern Chic Naturals.</i><br />
<br />
<i><b>Tell us about yourself. </b></i><br />
I am a new mommy of a beautiful 3 month old little boy Alexander. Right
now I am a stay at home mom, which I'm glad for because this little guy
is a full time job all by himself! I stopped working eight months into
my pregnancy and started focusing on preparing for our little guy and on
my store on etsy. Before this I worked at a doctors office as the
marketing and PR coordinator.<br />
<br />
<b><i></i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPixtVMaClGBxOUGMvBwFqzmAbkLBGJhKpMJ-IBLn4HLnvdgCFYC5UivVbgBRpYX5PHgF0A4-bt6f_ihgoKK9oZsHQEih_PdrRBHqyzd-JW2jMquPwtxG8UCFB9-R2b3yyx3fuJ_noFjk/s1600/il_570xN.457455117_67mj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPixtVMaClGBxOUGMvBwFqzmAbkLBGJhKpMJ-IBLn4HLnvdgCFYC5UivVbgBRpYX5PHgF0A4-bt6f_ihgoKK9oZsHQEih_PdrRBHqyzd-JW2jMquPwtxG8UCFB9-R2b3yyx3fuJ_noFjk/s320/il_570xN.457455117_67mj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i> Tell us about your shop. What do you sell?</i></b><br />
Years ago I was introduced to the world of natural ingredients and
products due to the harmful ingredients found in traditional bath and
beauty products. I started to make my own recipes, mixes,and emulsions
about 10 years ago and recently opened Southern Chic Naturals on Etsy to
share in my enjoyment of handmade natural products for everyone to
enjoy. My shop is a little bit in between as a hobby and a source of
income. It started as a hobby and mostly stayed that way since I had a
full time job, but now that I'm at home I can focus on it more. <b><i><br /> </i></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybl-M_TDYoqvwcP7GHP-4QkVaKLnRs7NR1ChTIXD1N6QmVbREW1QmLidInPSW7dbTHVcM44779vhVNUFITa0mOA_mQkA7YJSbKz3s9EQ7AgdXwhaaNh5FDJMQd0lT3XucU52tDAGnbgc/s1600/il_570xN.387241987_ohlr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybl-M_TDYoqvwcP7GHP-4QkVaKLnRs7NR1ChTIXD1N6QmVbREW1QmLidInPSW7dbTHVcM44779vhVNUFITa0mOA_mQkA7YJSbKz3s9EQ7AgdXwhaaNh5FDJMQd0lT3XucU52tDAGnbgc/s320/il_570xN.387241987_ohlr.jpg" width="240" /></a><b><i> </i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i> What has been the most difficult aspect of being a Mommy with a Small Business?</i></b><br />
The hardest part of being a mom and having a small business is finding
the time to solely focus on business. Usually I'm multitasking, for
example, right now as I'm writing he's sitting on my lap sucking on my
arm and staring at computer while he listens to Mickey Mouse Fun House
on Pandora! The life of a mom is challenging sometimes trying but it's
rewarding at the same time. I love having the ability to sleep in a
little or wake up early and enjoy his smiles and giggles in the morning.
The best part is not having to be rushed in daily activities.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5N9zUW_3w2fdhqGtqmGbg-_HbV8nIXpGaQkvxsydi9PdIz7g57vWBOiklQ4FTc1krQYuZbnbtKU1HPTrv90nztuRUcoMqDsX2Sv0MY89pFa3lgPCnsn8Vk2wgm1i0G5A7VDbKbRdsAI/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26394491_aivwpcr7ivk8o800sc8g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5N9zUW_3w2fdhqGtqmGbg-_HbV8nIXpGaQkvxsydi9PdIz7g57vWBOiklQ4FTc1krQYuZbnbtKU1HPTrv90nztuRUcoMqDsX2Sv0MY89pFa3lgPCnsn8Vk2wgm1i0G5A7VDbKbRdsAI/s320/icm_fullxfull.26394491_aivwpcr7ivk8o800sc8g.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>Do you have any tips for other moms with a small/home business?
</i></b><br />
I think my best tip for all moms with small business' is to find the
routine that works for you and stick to it. Try a couple of different
routines until you find the best one that works for both you and baby. <br />
<br />
<i>If you would like to try Stacey's natural line, you can find her at the following sites:</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SouthernChicNaturals"><i>https://www.etsy.com/shop/SouthernChicNaturals </i></a><br />
<br />
<a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://www.southernchicnaturals.com/" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" target="_blank">www.southernchicnaturals.com</a><br />
<br />
<a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="https://www.facebook.com/SouthernChicNaturals?ref=hl" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/SouthernChicNaturals</a><br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-91103140365879899652013-08-02T09:56:00.003-04:002013-08-02T09:56:30.082-04:00Friday Feature: PreciousTrends4U<i> This week's Friday Feature is Mandi of PreciousTrends4U. Enjoy!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzDlGwvArdEdM7HxaiWsjDqZQ0tLD2IccWXdHWkdFnxUYJb3K5xcEelN3fIsm3wPb6xk0wFnF0kB3lLC5051MuQPEsezX0fqP9wT9TsyFdA75NjSr2Ju9qgOmJEwRB52ljFzGE-8xf7A/s1600/il_570xN.450567904_hhpv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzDlGwvArdEdM7HxaiWsjDqZQ0tLD2IccWXdHWkdFnxUYJb3K5xcEelN3fIsm3wPb6xk0wFnF0kB3lLC5051MuQPEsezX0fqP9wT9TsyFdA75NjSr2Ju9qgOmJEwRB52ljFzGE-8xf7A/s320/il_570xN.450567904_hhpv.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><b>Tell us about yourself.</b></i><br />
Good Morning! I am 28 year old mother of two little girls that are 3
and 4 years old. I am fortunate enough to be able to stay at home with
them . I help out a few friends and family with some childcare needs
which helps pay the bills. <br />
<br />
I recently found Etsy on Pinterest and began to see that there is a
demand for some of the things I do all the time. We are a very crafty
family and will go the extra mile to make or create something that we
find that we like. Partially because prices are outrageous for nice
things. So this is when I began to see that they are many different
options for birthdays and other events. And since birthday's are a very
big deal at our house (and when I say big deal we celebrate with a
birthday week) I have become very good with Photoshop and personalizing
cakes, decorations and invitations. <br />
<br />
<b><i>Tell us about your shop. What do you sell?</i></b><br />
<span id="goog_1217961645"></span><span id="goog_1217961646"></span>Currently I am only selling kids invitations for birthday parties.
Mostly high demand characters like Doc Mcstuffins, Hello Kitty, Monster
High, Avengers etc. Many of these characters are so new that its hard
to find anything for a party which is where I began to see the
opportunity. I make all invitations custom and most have the option of
adding a picture of the birthday girl or boy. <br />
<br />
These are typically sold as a jpeg file to be printed by the buyer. I
am also willing to print and ship upon request. I look forward to
expanding the characters available as well as decorations and thank you
cards. <br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACMGDtWCLfkeMVvzpVSoqAISz0Nbf3YtUW99ijL5gZ0R9TjTsxMauODjtQLUTMnQ1BsU0oToMoPnnWeGfrN2kQIb6bXeKC3RuHZNdNYERGcge5_aaBTrxDyrrCRV36TfG46-NUiODpgE/s1600/il_fullxfull.439343875_ilp4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACMGDtWCLfkeMVvzpVSoqAISz0Nbf3YtUW99ijL5gZ0R9TjTsxMauODjtQLUTMnQ1BsU0oToMoPnnWeGfrN2kQIb6bXeKC3RuHZNdNYERGcge5_aaBTrxDyrrCRV36TfG46-NUiODpgE/s320/il_fullxfull.439343875_ilp4.jpg" width="216" /></a><b><i>What goals do you have for your shop? Is is a hobby, major source of income, or somewhere in between?</i></b><br />
I would love for this business to become more known and become more of a
source of income so that I can spend more of my time creating new
things for my shop. <br />
<br />
<i><b>How do you balance your business with your family?</b></i><br />
I think the correct balance is very important as my family is the reason
for the shop and my biggest priority. I do most of my work in the
morning before they rise, nap times or in the evening after my children
have went to bed. <br />
<i><b><br />
How do you keep everything organized? Do you have a workspace?</b></i><br />
We do have an office in our home which currently is a multi task room
for many crafts and other business we own. The nice thing about this
shop is most of it is digital so the files and folders on my laptop are
fairly efficient. <br />
<br />
<i><b>What has been the most difficult aspect of being a Mommy with a Small Business?</b></i><br />
Honestly, I cant pin point one difficult aspect. I think that being a
mom requires you to be flexible and each day poses new challenges. <br />
<i><b><br />
</b></i><br />
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<i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-x5g_QxeOvrl5S6iL49_E3rqut7SQJyPf_HFF3TdaApATZyuYtB2hGGjPsMBqWkB-6mcxXWkyBzy-hsGdFQ8L_Cm0nThmyM4nDSF1RxjmnhRghIKSiQisUcgsKHdGXOND_Q844zNYHM/s1600/il_570xN.461017813_movq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-x5g_QxeOvrl5S6iL49_E3rqut7SQJyPf_HFF3TdaApATZyuYtB2hGGjPsMBqWkB-6mcxXWkyBzy-hsGdFQ8L_Cm0nThmyM4nDSF1RxjmnhRghIKSiQisUcgsKHdGXOND_Q844zNYHM/s320/il_570xN.461017813_movq.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></i></div>
<i><b>What has been the most rewarding?</b></i><br />
As I have said my shop has only been open for a short time but it is
very rewarding to be able to help out people with their birthday or
event needs for a low cost. <br />
<br />
<i><b>Do you have any tips for other moms with a small/home business?</b></i><br />
Always remember why you are doing it and don't let the business consume
you. It will only remain "fun" as long as you keep your priorities
straight. Which can be a challenge when you find something you love it
can consume you. <br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Thanks, Mandi! </i><br />
<i>You can find more "precious trends" at her Etsy shop:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PreciousTrends4U">www.etsy.com/shop/PreciousTrends4U</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-32227342935036096652013-07-26T06:00:00.000-04:002013-07-26T06:00:01.619-04:00Friday Feature: Lil Missy and Bubba<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1HEbrz9QrJXMS_3w_Lpvc03d4UGjoStdiP6p0msS55XH7ocieIgSwW1YqexgRRq-KJfaiFs36CZ-Qeo6EtJeDI4W3DFpkn8HGkEwnK0x0WpEkoPVK9TxPUxGBLRajIibJ5ZCmhh9-d0/s1600/il_570xN.447908058_idqc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1HEbrz9QrJXMS_3w_Lpvc03d4UGjoStdiP6p0msS55XH7ocieIgSwW1YqexgRRq-KJfaiFs36CZ-Qeo6EtJeDI4W3DFpkn8HGkEwnK0x0WpEkoPVK9TxPUxGBLRajIibJ5ZCmhh9-d0/s320/il_570xN.447908058_idqc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>We're back for another Friday Feature. This week we have the wonderful opportunity to hear from one of our more "experienced" Mommys, shall we say. Grab a pen and take some notes about what makes it all worth while!</i><b><i> </i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>Tell us about yourself</i></b><br />
Right off the bat I need to clarify that I am a Mommy but my two
sons are over 6 feet tall and I have two daughters-in-law and four
beautiful grandchildren, so yes that makes me a little different (well a
lot different) than the young business Mommies of today, but I have
been creating for years so I do have an understanding of what it is like
trying to manage it all. <br />
I am retired from the corporate world and married to the most
supportive husband ever and believe me, I test that daily. He is a
“new” husband of just over five years so I am still “breaking him in”
as far as what is involved with selling my creations, but he is always
there for me. A few months back he said “I wish I could think of
something to make that went along with what you make”, so I suggested
doll beds as I make doll clothes. He set out and made “a lot” of doll
beds so this Spring we will be doing a two day outside show featuring
his items along with mine. I am very excited for him even though I had
to do the painting and bedding part of his beds. I feel it is time to
pay him back for all the time and support he has given me with him
having the joy of seeing his things sell. I can hardly wait!<br />
<i><b><br />
</b></i><br />
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<i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxt530pWoKTK0J8g2jRi-iCtf9sKY8J4kNptJPS5CiiPKW_YYAv7oEH5ZJBsKWq7VSd8UK-vlf_dreUY9O920A07o6x2AJiNe7YMdlvlMIsM9P6HBPjCHM7URL1JU6tNefV159NekZUs/s1600/il_570xN.427585238_pim4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxt530pWoKTK0J8g2jRi-iCtf9sKY8J4kNptJPS5CiiPKW_YYAv7oEH5ZJBsKWq7VSd8UK-vlf_dreUY9O920A07o6x2AJiNe7YMdlvlMIsM9P6HBPjCHM7URL1JU6tNefV159NekZUs/s320/il_570xN.427585238_pim4.jpg" width="223" /></a></b></i></div>
<i><b>Tell us about your shop. What do you sell?</b></i><br />
I sew, so give me some fabric and I will sew something! No don’t
give me some fabric…I am a fabric-holic already! My etsy shop “Lil
Missy and Bubba” is new as just opened in February but I have been on
eBay for several years now. I made the decision when starting on etsy
to just sell appliquéd baby bibs but that has already changed and I am
adding some baby toys. I still, after all these years, have the hardest
time sticking to just one item. I love to sew and there are so many
wonderful fabrics and so many things one can make, so I just go along
with my heart and make what makes me happy . Is that a good thing? I
don’t know. Do I question why I jump around? Yes I do, but I know I am
not a factory so I am not good at mass producing anything and I want to
always enjoy what I’m doing so I feel if I stick to sewing, at least my
items are in the same ballpark. Do my shop and store always look
cohesive? I don’t know but is that perhaps something that only
sellers think about? Do customers ever think “I’m not buying something
here as this shop is not cohesive”? I doubt it. I also do several craft
fairs a year.<br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b><br />
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<b><i>
How did you come up with the name?</i></b><br />
For many years I created under the name “From the Heart”. While true
then, and still true today, I wanted a new name. Well let’s face, I
“needed” a new name. I had pretty much settled into baby girl clothes so
Lil’ Missy was my husband’s choice of names. He even wanted the
apostrophe. What a guy, right? So it was Lil’ Missy for a while, but
then while doing shows, we would be asked “why are there no cute items
for boys?’ so a change in items and a change in names was necessary and
Lil Missy and Bubba was born. The apostrophe was dropped,. Hard to see
it go, but it had issues.<br />
<i><b><br />
When did you start creating? Why?</b></i><br />
Its my Grandmother’s fault! She sewed, quilted, crocheted,
embroidered, gardened, canned, butchered chickens, did laundry in a
wringer washer , hung it outside to dry and yes ironed! I spent my days
with her and my Grandfather when I was little so they taught me to do
all the wonderful things they did. My Grandmother had the patience of
Job and worked endless hours with me on the crocheting thing. I still
have many items she made including a large crocheted peacock bedspread. I
also still have her treadle sewing machine which has the most wonderful
gathering foot ever made but I no longer use it as my youngest son was
my bobbin winding person and he does not live here. I always made things
for myself and gifts for others but then one day way back when everyone
had geese in their blue and mauve kitchens, I started making geese and
just couldn’t stop. That lead to many other decorating type items and I
had to do something with them! Of course there was no internet then, as
hard as that is to believe, but fortunately we had a couple of little
consignment stores. I took some things there and they sold and I
haven’t stop making things since.<br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimd7tqTxYxJmJQQaAtK3kttctty8hWOxagXw-NoZ6JVCvEH4nJdGkqwLhxmuVFjYV8AeEa5_gEXZXhEfiIuDRXLsb0UCwOKxidwBoVhiWdA-QeVezLxylAjrITbNpkwXZT41edpmQs2Ts/s1600/il_570xN.477260798_fd93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimd7tqTxYxJmJQQaAtK3kttctty8hWOxagXw-NoZ6JVCvEH4nJdGkqwLhxmuVFjYV8AeEa5_gEXZXhEfiIuDRXLsb0UCwOKxidwBoVhiWdA-QeVezLxylAjrITbNpkwXZT41edpmQs2Ts/s320/il_570xN.477260798_fd93.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></b></div>
<b><i>
What goals do you have for your shop? Is it a hobby, major source of income or somewhere in between?</i></b><br />
My goal would certainly be different if I were still that young Mommy
at home with little ones. I would do whatever I could do to stay in
business. I’d never put my family second, but I’d keep going even during
slow times because of that magical thing of the internet. The whole
world is looking to buy something wonderful and handmade, not just
customers in a tiny local consignment store (even though they can be a
source of income). My goal for us now is to supplement our retirement
income and to have something to do so we don’t sit around in our
rocking chairs watching TV…well we do that anyway but at least not all
day!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Does you family play a role in your business? </i></b><br />
I have already mentioned my very supportive husband, bless his heart,
but my children are still very supportive of what I do. They say I need
a web page. I wish they’d make it for me.<br />
Both of my sons are very creative, a family curse I guess, but I love seeing what they make and create. <br />
Hang on ladies for those days when those kiddos help you with so
many parts of what you are doing, even if it is just loading up things
for a show. My youngest son was always willing to help at a craft
fair. He was my cashier and a great help with setting up my tables both
physically and aesthetically. We still laugh at some funny things he
helped with around high school age. Again I will mention….there was no
internet so I had to buy supplies at a couple of little local stores or
if I wanted something different I had to order from catalogs which were
mostly black and white. Yes, I’m that old! My patience with the waiting
was not good so many times I had to use my own creativeness, especially
with patterns. I worked for a couple of days one time trying to make
crows. My son came home from school and let me know they looked like
bowling pins. Sounds cruel but he was so right. He helped me redesign
them and after being dressed up in sunflower dresses and bib overhauls
complete with corn seed they sold extremely well. With a pair of
gingerbread people, he suggested I needed to tea stain them. I didn’t do
that particular pair and at my next show a lady said “I’d buy these in a
second if they were stained.”. I looked and my son was under the table
laughing. They didn’t sell that day so stained they became and yes they
sold. I bet his mother taught him a lot of what he knows!…so believe me
they are watching and learning so many things from you! Teach them the
love of creating!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNKIClj-vtFwkP1eybBNQnPkkoMkDCzHyrAkK4GO9l1knHRuxGGR42o1hTECLJ_exRjKxaoceSD3XTYUqvT4BZGy1mlCALzjQqWe2BcCcBoHpcuPg3CsBm26MS5bZx5Wsw7hb6UQY2M8/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26266929_irfq0i1nyygwwk84g4gs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNKIClj-vtFwkP1eybBNQnPkkoMkDCzHyrAkK4GO9l1knHRuxGGR42o1hTECLJ_exRjKxaoceSD3XTYUqvT4BZGy1mlCALzjQqWe2BcCcBoHpcuPg3CsBm26MS5bZx5Wsw7hb6UQY2M8/s320/icm_fullxfull.26266929_irfq0i1nyygwwk84g4gs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>How do you keep everything organized? Do you have a workspace?</i></b><br />
Organized? What’s that? Actually I am pretty organized but I’m one
of those people who likes order and did I mention….I do NOT have kids at
home. Sometimes I still can’t believe it when I reach for my sewing
scissors and they are still there….as a matter of fact I have become
over-ran with scissors. I think all those missing ones from years past
are reappearing!…the socks never did though!<br />
I am so fortunate, as someone who owned our home before us built a
room on top of the garage. My sewing studio now! I just repainted it
recently in turquoise and red. Love it! I have double south and west
windows so lots of sunshine and I can look out over the world! It does
have one issue. The stairs are homemade and spiral with a big step up.
We ponder often how many more years I can climb them. But still going
strong!<br />
<br />
<b><i>What has been the most difficult aspect of running your own business?</i></b><br />
Well now don’t laugh…but once upon a time, I thought you just listed
something and it sold quickly, and if it didn’t no one was ever going
to buy it. I have learned there is a buyer for every item…well that is
if you can afford to re-list it twenty times! I suppose there are some
things that may never sell…but it is very rare so re-list and one
morning when you get up, there it is ….sold in your inbox!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo1pRkamll0DvcYhgMyW-ozhMmwT0mrLfOZci4iwGlZhfgeWQ_Rl6K9dAFDyr2kNr7fqDDBRkPur2c4WmHR6YlUwjC0gvXho99mWvyUA5VYDviyaf-IDgsvIFZ9khvvvxFlCFSmI7Lak/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26267091_ecif2swv194co80w4s8w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo1pRkamll0DvcYhgMyW-ozhMmwT0mrLfOZci4iwGlZhfgeWQ_Rl6K9dAFDyr2kNr7fqDDBRkPur2c4WmHR6YlUwjC0gvXho99mWvyUA5VYDviyaf-IDgsvIFZ9khvvvxFlCFSmI7Lak/s320/icm_fullxfull.26267091_ecif2swv194co80w4s8w.jpg" width="235" /></a><br />
<i><b>What has been the most rewarding?</b></i><br />
Oh so many things over the years have been rewarding and you young
Mommies will have those memories someday also. Do what you love and love
that you can do it. I love that I can sew. Thanks Grandma!…and now I
am able to make clothes for a Special Needs Granddaughter and last July I
was most honored to make a baptism gown for my newest granddaughter. I
guess I could do those things without having a business but out there in
this world are lots of other little ones enjoying the things I have
made! When I hear back that “my gift was a hit at the baby shower and
the Mommy loved it”….It warms my heart!…and to know that some special
little one is eating their first birthday cake with a bib on that I
made, I am overjoyed!<br />
<b><i><br />
Do you have any tips for other moms with a small/home business?</i></b><br />
Tips! Treat yourself like you’d treat your best friend. Be
encouraging and understand you can only do so much . Take a break when
you need to. Not everything needs done today! If you and the kids are
still in your jammies when your husband gets home…tell him you are
having a pajama party and ask him to join in. <br />
Utilize your crock pot…seriously…Nothing say I have it all together like
the smell of supper cooking!…but mainly Don’t Quit! There are so many
wonderful years ahead of you and it gets easier…well in 15 to 20
years….but it gets easier. Always remember there is NO ONE who can do
what a determined Mommy can!<br />
<br />
<i>Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Rebecca! </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>If you would like to see more, you can find LilMissyandBubba at the following sites.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/LilMissyandBubba" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/LilMissyandBubba</a><br />
<a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://www.facebook.com/LilMissyandBubba" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/LilMissyandBubba</a><br />
<a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://stores.ebay.com/lilmissyandbubba" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" target="_blank">stores.ebay.com/lilmissyandbubba</a><br />
<a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://pinterest.com/rebromick" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" target="_blank">pinterest.com/rebromick</a><br />
<br />
<i>Thanks for joining us!</i> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-87630834360578176232013-07-22T09:35:00.000-04:002013-07-22T09:35:00.748-04:00Sharpie Decor Plates<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #747474; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2AkC8yeBPJz_Ffhq9FW8h4N_EarGgXasUe4s7uwSTIDfBT1JMVXaoimax0qsvhmsL9nprbauXNvlD3vPldOpeiAVrZTc-lMiB3y7I-uKSnvVCyQT4YyfbCFWHEzm0OT3a1GWhylAQqk/s1600/SAM_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #268ebf; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2AkC8yeBPJz_Ffhq9FW8h4N_EarGgXasUe4s7uwSTIDfBT1JMVXaoimax0qsvhmsL9nprbauXNvlD3vPldOpeiAVrZTc-lMiB3y7I-uKSnvVCyQT4YyfbCFWHEzm0OT3a1GWhylAQqk/s320/SAM_0128.JPG" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Materials: (1) <u>Sharpie's of many or one color</u>. Depends on what you want to draw. (2) <u>A white ceramic plate</u>. You can find these at your local dollar store.</span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzfA37kW4HjAJoOd0eoC2ZFMoxJ2iZYPeqRpVzXLYJj7JGqu1pp08crX9h26WeRJtPjvcQcSz7LVE6VqTDLhnE94GCaFasv_AhMlC6cmT07gY1BxiY4e3nv5eoC9DCdgn2uEF1Sp2QV4/s1600/SAM_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #268ebf; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwud7h1eeh9d1U8kvqzJp19gCv0xUl_nhRXMeRdpmwPfw_ic1v43LCBdnhU3b2NU0EF_G_714Vl8ysAjKEPGIW2pNgMm8Cf33Gd_KrpnwRuu306OXwvO5xy6_tg_K2GJi587ZUhmNET7k/s1600/SAM_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #268ebf; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"></span><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwud7h1eeh9d1U8kvqzJp19gCv0xUl_nhRXMeRdpmwPfw_ic1v43LCBdnhU3b2NU0EF_G_714Vl8ysAjKEPGIW2pNgMm8Cf33Gd_KrpnwRuu306OXwvO5xy6_tg_K2GJi587ZUhmNET7k/s320/SAM_0134.JPG" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">On your plate, draw or write anything you want. If your giving this to a grandmother from her granddaughter maybe you'd like to trace a hand or make a special Picasso art piece. The sky is the limit as to how you want your plate designed.</span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnJtmtQaG-OcbHFKTP3xlv8wtlb92KW6zOYVyMqq8HiUyr4Jgr-VMcezckWDXvw7bpgGQxLfjyS7ks_64roziRW9dbEDOoi4RrOFWQhxse_qTNfzSg9ivx2Of7DDJ87cy33diqaCreqY/s1600/SAM_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #268ebf; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"></a><br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnJtmtQaG-OcbHFKTP3xlv8wtlb92KW6zOYVyMqq8HiUyr4Jgr-VMcezckWDXvw7bpgGQxLfjyS7ks_64roziRW9dbEDOoi4RrOFWQhxse_qTNfzSg9ivx2Of7DDJ87cy33diqaCreqY/s1600/SAM_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #268ebf; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #747474; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Li7aLImC6WuzIFuRqMFa-5XstmZCFL1FVDp8tHaIJIk1kjQUUJPqH7CC0NPWbuJsVpgiJpS4APDDs-uGrEz-XEVIGQMoGyUXVaRNvawR_HnA9B_Ckfv-P6VxBq16zZCBLjdxFMulpQw/s1600/SAM_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #268ebf; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Li7aLImC6WuzIFuRqMFa-5XstmZCFL1FVDp8tHaIJIk1kjQUUJPqH7CC0NPWbuJsVpgiJpS4APDDs-uGrEz-XEVIGQMoGyUXVaRNvawR_HnA9B_Ckfv-P6VxBq16zZCBLjdxFMulpQw/s320/SAM_0133.JPG" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">This is what my pl<span style="font-size: medium;">ate looks like right before I put it in the oven.</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcqTfLK7xlO2vcXMBnciL-ku-BAH_sQ6zvel-gFIBXbLaj4GNKexLpwTxigooAQcyp5kJ4bPUMxjhSqDKEnO8swOA10hZyIYjNsoRoOzSYLsJ0ffA5K2yFA9Kw-omheMuAfUTRGSoY1c/s1600/SAM_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #268ebf; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcqTfLK7xlO2vcXMBnciL-ku-BAH_sQ6zvel-gFIBXbLaj4GNKexLpwTxigooAQcyp5kJ4bPUMxjhSqDKEnO8swOA10hZyIYjNsoRoOzSYLsJ0ffA5K2yFA9Kw-omheMuAfUTRGSoY1c/s320/SAM_0142.JPG" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is another plate design I came up with!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_upPXlI9r7AYVdC2_j8YZ-_zd-qWxzIj9UD1SVLuXYwQPryvQBKivl9yuXqpCT87JGDz-F6ZrxXUYJ7i4ZQ5hEo6Ou09Bi7IM77_4qLBN7_KgJCe21GAWBtE98D3B2RgzBbirPyGaVk/s1600/SAM_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #268ebf; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_upPXlI9r7AYVdC2_j8YZ-_zd-qWxzIj9UD1SVLuXYwQPryvQBKivl9yuXqpCT87JGDz-F6ZrxXUYJ7i4ZQ5hEo6Ou09Bi7IM77_4qLBN7_KgJCe21GAWBtE98D3B2RgzBbirPyGaVk/s320/SAM_0139.JPG" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Put your plate in the over for 20-30 minutes on 350 degrees Fahrenheit.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinCXSm29MP3uGKxv7l_9O2t3SKpHv_JH6XQ1PV9b1fcjZd4AqDuxleEshDVhG9dNE78-LAFPVtohGy9UUgP0kEr4EWTsbyqf4FORf30Ga4B3di8oAi6HrFu9MkW9R9Y1DFAVQe8fbikE/s1600/SAM_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #268ebf; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinCXSm29MP3uGKxv7l_9O2t3SKpHv_JH6XQ1PV9b1fcjZd4AqDuxleEshDVhG9dNE78-LAFPVtohGy9UUgP0kEr4EWTsbyqf4FORf30Ga4B3di8oAi6HrFu9MkW9R9Y1DFAVQe8fbikE/s320/SAM_0143.JPG" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is what it looks like after the oven! All done! Because it's handmade with love I would tell whoever you give it to, to hand wash the plate. You wouldn't want the one of kind art fading. Just get a pretty box and tissue paper, wrap it up and viola!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This post was brought to you by: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SouthernChicNaturals">Southern Chic Naturals</a></span></span></td></tr>
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Two Monkeys One Circushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747739146155529051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-22517503168925519772013-07-15T09:30:00.000-04:002013-07-15T09:30:04.177-04:00Up-cycled Onsie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have the fortune of being the recipient to my cousin's baby clothes. My son is three months younger than my cousin. Sometimes the clothes are slightly stained (hey, they're babies) or have sayings that I just don't understand. I believe this particular onesie says "Crown Please".<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/015/0/23755402/icm_fullxfull.26897165_ream9qu98nk8os8c08oo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/015/0/23755402/icm_fullxfull.26897165_ream9qu98nk8os8c08oo.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none;" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Of course I had to remedy this! I made an applique with some Star Wars fabric I had laying around. Sewed it to the onesie and viola! New onesie!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Total cost $0 - yay me!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://img3.etsystatic.com/016/0/23755402/icm_fullxfull.26897167_808ld75rd4gsgg888gck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://img3.etsystatic.com/016/0/23755402/icm_fullxfull.26897167_808ld75rd4gsgg888gck.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none;" width="240" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">And now you have a cool, </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">new, one of a kind onesie.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">This post was brought to you by: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/valeriedaisy">Valerie Daisy</a></span></div>
Two Monkeys One Circushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747739146155529051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-33471209361726496282013-07-08T09:16:00.000-04:002013-07-08T09:17:00.505-04:00Easy Infinity Bun<a href="https://img2.etsystatic.com/017/0/29549059/icm_75x75.28122874_ahbxrsjcdnccgo4w4s04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="attachment" height="200" src="https://img2.etsystatic.com/017/0/29549059/icm_75x75.28122874_ahbxrsjcdnccgo4w4s04.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Easy Infinity Bun:</span><br />
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First, pull your hair into a ponytail. Style it however you like around your face. I started with a side twist.<br />
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/001/0/29549059/icm_75x75.28130977_d96sk3fsfsowg4og4ccs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="attachment" height="200" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/001/0/29549059/icm_75x75.28130977_d96sk3fsfsowg4og4ccs.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">To do the twist: 1. do a small side part 2. take a small section above your forehead and divide it into two pieces. 3. twist the bottom strand up over the top strand 4. your top strand is now on the bottom. take another small section and add it to the bottom strand. Twist it up over the top strand. 5. keep adding strands and twisting until you are back to your ear. 6. Give it a few more twists and secure with bobby pins. </span><br />
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<a href="https://img3.etsystatic.com/002/0/29549059/icm_75x75.28130979_fy9reps19uog8skwkcwk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="attachment" height="200" src="https://img3.etsystatic.com/002/0/29549059/icm_75x75.28130979_fy9reps19uog8skwkcwk.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Now to do the bun, secure all of your hair in a ponytail at the back of your head. Twist your hair and wrap into a tight bun. Each time you wrap the hair around, tuck the ends tightly under the layer on top of it. This makes the bun stick straight out and looks weird. Don't worry! Your not done yet! </span><br />
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<a href="https://img2.etsystatic.com/004/0/29549059/icm_75x75.28123170_nizpuacmluog8cogo8kc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="attachment" height="200" src="https://img2.etsystatic.com/004/0/29549059/icm_75x75.28123170_nizpuacmluog8cogo8kc.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br />
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Grab the top loop and gently pull it up over, forming a figure-8. Pin it securely. I like to use spin pins, they screw into your hair and hold better than ordinary pins. Use a hair clip if you like. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br /><br />
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<a href="https://img3.etsystatic.com/017/0/29549059/icm_75x75.28131191_b15dl0ubsdss0ck0gwo0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="attachment" height="200" src="https://img3.etsystatic.com/017/0/29549059/icm_75x75.28131191_b15dl0ubsdss0ck0gwo0.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/005/0/29549059/icm_75x75.28123172_4m7nx9dbcw4ks0ggc8o4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="attachment" height="200" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/005/0/29549059/icm_75x75.28123172_4m7nx9dbcw4ks0ggc8o4.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">There! Now you have an easy, elegant hairstyle with no fuss! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">This Blog Post is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReDreamJean">ReDream Jean</a></span></div>
Two Monkeys One Circushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747739146155529051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-54389603429159344552013-07-05T06:00:00.000-04:002013-07-05T06:00:03.612-04:00Friday Feature: Walking the Narrow Path<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>This week's featured Mom with a small business is Missy of "Walking the Narrow Path".</i><br />
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<i><b>Tell us about yourself.</b></i><br />
Friends call me Missy. I am 20 years old, married to the love of my
life, Billy for almost 3 years, and we have a 7 month old son, Toby
Garner! I grew up in the town of Canal Winchester, Ohio on my grandpa's
farm. We raised everything. I showed horses for 9 years in 4-H - that
was my life... Horses. I never thought about sewing, even though I could
do it well. Since being married, my "horse life" went away for the time
being and God has called me to the sewing machine... and *BAM!* my
small business was born. <br />
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<i><b>Tell us about your shop. What do you sell?</b></i><br />
Simplicity Alterations & Creations by Walking the Narrow Path is
about making life a bit more simple. Although I'm still trying to find
my "signature", I love making casserole carriers and aromatherapy rice
bags. But, ideas are swarming in my head, so who knows what I'll make
next.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dlb5fwa2IqujBN1gGoEvQgz5204QepbaP0OPGlpCzjwrrVr1avIWf6tf77xgEhEOuPHkcHgAkBAKkX0zsl7lmekbRuN344X1V86-ZN6pAcgMxLoOoDFIlDJ3ioJDFQKHD_VDDnVOpRE/s960/icm_fullxfull.26222324_ayo1nj2kbdsgwcogg08g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dlb5fwa2IqujBN1gGoEvQgz5204QepbaP0OPGlpCzjwrrVr1avIWf6tf77xgEhEOuPHkcHgAkBAKkX0zsl7lmekbRuN344X1V86-ZN6pAcgMxLoOoDFIlDJ3ioJDFQKHD_VDDnVOpRE/s320/icm_fullxfull.26222324_ayo1nj2kbdsgwcogg08g.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<b><i>How did you come up with the name?</i></b><br />
"Walking the Narrow Path" is the story of my life, spiritually. I've
always chose the "road less traveled" because I chose to follow Jesus
Christ. He has lead me to where I am today... which is a pretty good
place. <br />
Simplicity Alterations & Creations is more for my local peeps. I
started off doing alterations, so when that started booming, I went a
little adventurous with creating some cool things. <br />
<br />
<b><i>When did you start creating? Why?</i></b><br />
I starting creating when life was at a fork in the road (about a year
ago). Part-time jobs and I were on sketchy terms. Then add me being
pregnant - no one wants to hire the pregnant woman. So Bill and I
decided that I would stay home. But my restless, pregnant self needed to
do something other than eat and clean. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PiRRWuW_HX7mvElHCBOd6SlbNeqEE2GAtAx2C5GIi3IiyHmKUgE5mbiV5owKmYdtz8lyTHmxwqxu8Vuow6W-u98ZPcl4Kb_Isge1qdarNiWwK-ScsBJoCZXsol2rLV70WZL2aGitsBI/s612/icm_fullxfull.26222438_mxu20qhf6e8g008gw888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PiRRWuW_HX7mvElHCBOd6SlbNeqEE2GAtAx2C5GIi3IiyHmKUgE5mbiV5owKmYdtz8lyTHmxwqxu8Vuow6W-u98ZPcl4Kb_Isge1qdarNiWwK-ScsBJoCZXsol2rLV70WZL2aGitsBI/s320/icm_fullxfull.26222438_mxu20qhf6e8g008gw888.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><i> </i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>What goals do you have for your shop? Is it a hobby, major source of income, or somewhere in between? </i></b><br />
My goal for my shop is to be a steady source of income. However right
now it's "somewhere in between". I'm getting better at managing my time
between mommy and "boss", but life happens and sometimes I don't have
any time for being the "boss". <br />
<br />
<i><b>How do you balance your business with your family?</b></i><br />
My life revolves around my son and hubby. God blessed us with a pretty
content baby, so leaving him on the floor with his toys while mommy
"works" has worked out really well. Naps are amazing :) I have also been
very fortunate to live close to my in-laws, so they help watch him
while I catch up on some things. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhso2RnrRZwhionMK1pRVOoqnqMlo07Imzr4pVSQmoBtkT5TcGYbuS68C-NRGhulbhoLNmxdD-U4NAdeeS7hZ7FVsTCgz4SIMGcBRVCWcZ8RgLAsNvDmBBAuTgIFZDDtclTzVkkCVPpyj4/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26222318_hid7k5so76ogc4wgkggg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhso2RnrRZwhionMK1pRVOoqnqMlo07Imzr4pVSQmoBtkT5TcGYbuS68C-NRGhulbhoLNmxdD-U4NAdeeS7hZ7FVsTCgz4SIMGcBRVCWcZ8RgLAsNvDmBBAuTgIFZDDtclTzVkkCVPpyj4/s320/icm_fullxfull.26222318_hid7k5so76ogc4wgkggg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>How do you keep everything organized? Do you have a workspace?</i></b><br />
Right now, that's been difficult but still manageable. We currently rent
a house, and space is limited. My work space is more of a "work corner"
in our dinning room. A filing cabinet keeps my fabric and "work
binders". And then clear tubs in the closet keep the goods. I make sure
to keep my business and my home separated, though.<br />
<br />
<i><b>What has been the most difficult aspect of being a Mommy with a Small Business?</b></i><br />
Time. Time. Time. There is never enough time in the day. I have to
choose between cleaning the floors or making more stock some days. My
husband works 2nd shift right now, so the mornings have been a bit more
manageable because he helps me out a lot. Also, space, but that may be
changing soon...very soon, God willing.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFwOH5EdmqUYdmcnV6zq8M1qTp-qyevBIVqkcWVy6ZSDR99xHYvkKWn79eGtdiv_kAmh1INx09bzf8SLc2gcIb1Iig-CRmNVEwounsIKxNbjRqH0Hvts-IN9jEV6lSRCg6CLd341mOjM/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26222440_2gepw0yhcum8gsc0o4sw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFwOH5EdmqUYdmcnV6zq8M1qTp-qyevBIVqkcWVy6ZSDR99xHYvkKWn79eGtdiv_kAmh1INx09bzf8SLc2gcIb1Iig-CRmNVEwounsIKxNbjRqH0Hvts-IN9jEV6lSRCg6CLd341mOjM/s320/icm_fullxfull.26222440_2gepw0yhcum8gsc0o4sw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>What has been the most rewarding?</b></i><br />
The most rewarding thing is that people actually have bought my stuff!
Even outside of Etsy. Also, being the "go-to" gal when someone needs
their clothes fixed or a bridesmaid dress made. I love helping people on
a personal basis. The availability I have is great, too. I'm always
home and always available if someone needs something quick. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9uNNBVZ0sXHlaY935VqTrQ7-razMbrPiQxoJc3rp-1Zc5Qqj9GR-JlcG1RDVBCu1ZuyEQvPFiBPtIQLVAMF_ryaNIFynIGVmNUkyyO9mlxnbeOqNKZJHCyLsyAK4Zq3Pxx3o-EXuhD8/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26229013_e62hxondk60csoog804o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9uNNBVZ0sXHlaY935VqTrQ7-razMbrPiQxoJc3rp-1Zc5Qqj9GR-JlcG1RDVBCu1ZuyEQvPFiBPtIQLVAMF_ryaNIFynIGVmNUkyyO9mlxnbeOqNKZJHCyLsyAK4Zq3Pxx3o-EXuhD8/s320/icm_fullxfull.26229013_e62hxondk60csoog804o.jpg" width="240" /></a><i><b> </b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>Do you have any tips for other moms with a small/home business?</b></i><br />
Relax. Your first job is being the wife, then mommy, then boss. Nothing
is worth more than your family, so don't treat your business as such.
However, still put all you got into your work, of course. And pray,
there is nothing you can't do when you have the strength of God with
you. Trust me, it's pretty amazing. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Thanks, Missy! </i><br />
<i>If you would like to see more of "Walking the Narrow Path", please check out the following sites:</i><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WalkingtheNarrowPath?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/WalkingtheNarrowPath?ref=si_shop</a><br />
<a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="https://www.facebook.com/SimplicityAlterations?ref=tn_tnmn" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/SimplicityAlterations?ref=tn_tnmn</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-816865537974171122013-07-01T06:00:00.000-04:002013-07-01T06:00:01.232-04:00Cake Pops<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cake pops. AKA Cake Truffles. AKA AMAZING! If you haven't had them, you
are in for a completely delectable treat! Ok. Something you need to know
about me: I am a mild chocoholic. Soooo you could make these cake pops
with just about any kind of cake/frosting combination, but with me--it's
gotta be chocolate. Now you can use boxed cake, I suppose, but PLEASE
make your frosting. It is soooo fresh and tasty, really easy to do, and
doesn't have a crazy amount of chemicals to preserve it. With my
chocolate cake truffles, I like to use cream cheese frosting. It adds
just the right balance of sweetness and richness.</div>
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Recipe:<br />
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Beat together the following:<br />
3 Tablespoons cream cheese (softened)<br />
3 Tablespoons butter (softened)<br />
1 1/2 c powdered sugar<br />
1 1/2 Tablespoons milk<br />
<br />
You will also need two layers of your favorite chocolate cake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC5tq3bpGo9hf3jeaM3FiDYVcjEIPmeA_z1mXMVZzvLOAilgOmQcQey1x_wbUNepa2DG-nRlPyhj5zfKiErHs-snw0C5urKTc9ETNjbeKgyxJ16qF7vexi6N4MOtJ9kjQPenKKJx98Uo/s1600/935520_501744163214160_1515022126_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC5tq3bpGo9hf3jeaM3FiDYVcjEIPmeA_z1mXMVZzvLOAilgOmQcQey1x_wbUNepa2DG-nRlPyhj5zfKiErHs-snw0C5urKTc9ETNjbeKgyxJ16qF7vexi6N4MOtJ9kjQPenKKJx98Uo/s320/935520_501744163214160_1515022126_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<br />
This may sound like overkill, but I actually weighed my cake. It came to
2 pounds and 5 ounces. Since the ratio of frosting to cake is fairly
important, I figure that my slightly obsessive behavior will help you
sub different recipes of cake with the same results. If your two layers
weigh less than that, then DON'T put all of the frosting into the mix. <br />
<br />
</div>
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<br />
Step one. Crumble your cake. Tear off a chunk (I usually do a quarter of
a layer at a time) and just rub it between your hands. Make sure all of
the crumbs are about equal in texture. Big pieces will make your balls
crumble....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7Jm09IuDp0hI2BeL3dzHhFnlR_HMEAy7NPZISAVqNke1zqqM42U9VWyqhTD59XRUhMbFio5xvSOIxlgDHXj5PEceAOmFONrJpTDZUbJLQbI74b4hKufoGkl-I1hrx_-IqhRwRNs45k0/s1600/422034_501743989880844_1986315994_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7Jm09IuDp0hI2BeL3dzHhFnlR_HMEAy7NPZISAVqNke1zqqM42U9VWyqhTD59XRUhMbFio5xvSOIxlgDHXj5PEceAOmFONrJpTDZUbJLQbI74b4hKufoGkl-I1hrx_-IqhRwRNs45k0/s320/422034_501743989880844_1986315994_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<br />
Plop your frosting on top. (If your cakes were smaller, then try adding
half to three quarters, stir it together and then add a bit more as
needed.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fLDWqLxLpbADPGd3tFpmV83_t0vBQQtCGIpEWTaPpx4xcOahkcfN9uWbGP70nwYAjYmOcmF5EKKLnL5e7B7QKQm7ru_YVkIjVVpyJ4NqZ1zYIQxdYNFOnHMkCaghM85m_w33AgJothE/s1600/945375_501744233214153_1598619466_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fLDWqLxLpbADPGd3tFpmV83_t0vBQQtCGIpEWTaPpx4xcOahkcfN9uWbGP70nwYAjYmOcmF5EKKLnL5e7B7QKQm7ru_YVkIjVVpyJ4NqZ1zYIQxdYNFOnHMkCaghM85m_w33AgJothE/s320/945375_501744233214153_1598619466_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Now, you could use a spoon to get started, but honestly the best tool
for mixing in the frosting are your 5-10 digits. If you are worried
about your mani, this recipe probably isn't for you, but give it a try
anyways. You'll thank me later. Your hands are washable :-) <br />
Make sure you get the frosting worked evenly throughout the cake to bind it together.<br />
<br />
Texture check: When you pick up a palm-full of your mixture and give it a
little squeeze, it should just stick together. If it is too dry, add
more frosting (or if you used up all of your frosting, a teaspoon of
milk). If it feels squishy, you put in a little too much frosting. There
are two ways I can think of to fix this problem.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIZZs14wRDuiLshTWjOgE1hUbu6irl-sMG4_ijFlHra0rRVITozhdcJawqdYfDtwTY-_Y2e9igSeTmSBOR18eDGnRCttoN6h5SDXf0pbDWUvDoX15ZQSPhHZ0weoyzLw1nZCZ3XSjjh0/s1600/945422_501743819880861_985180802_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIZZs14wRDuiLshTWjOgE1hUbu6irl-sMG4_ijFlHra0rRVITozhdcJawqdYfDtwTY-_Y2e9igSeTmSBOR18eDGnRCttoN6h5SDXf0pbDWUvDoX15ZQSPhHZ0weoyzLw1nZCZ3XSjjh0/s320/945422_501743819880861_985180802_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />FIX #1: MAKE MORE CAKE! You can always freeze what you don't use now for
later! Or just help yourself to a nice, warm piece drizzled with melted
chocolate and a cup of milk (or tea, as you prefer)...<br />
<br />
FIX #2: crush some oreo cookies (without filling). Sprinkle in the crumbs to help absorb some of the frosting...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimg8uC3CTMj78Zdo6gOCjgJRk0120zlAvLVKPthT6TWBnUgeOnwZPZ9GGXLU0ed7xLivYsYz3pVmCuxWKv6_aIbVsz3E0pGAHtzLjbszSvwwP_s4PQIaXKruall87jCuzIwBn2yxQijew/s1600/428656_501744449880798_321726812_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimg8uC3CTMj78Zdo6gOCjgJRk0120zlAvLVKPthT6TWBnUgeOnwZPZ9GGXLU0ed7xLivYsYz3pVmCuxWKv6_aIbVsz3E0pGAHtzLjbszSvwwP_s4PQIaXKruall87jCuzIwBn2yxQijew/s320/428656_501744449880798_321726812_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Crisis averted. Now on with the instructions. Scoop a golf ball sized
amount into your hand. Do you have a cookie scoop? Use it. They will all
be the same size! Gently press the crumbs into a ball and roll it in
your palm. You will get messy. It helps to wash your hands every now and
again to keep the sticking to a minimal.<br />
<br />
Place the finished balls on a sheet of waxed paper on a tray. Chill. The
balls, I mean. Well, you could chill while they chill. Remember that
big piece of cake I mentioned before? Yum...<br />
<br />
Usually 10-15 minutes in the freezer will do the trick. If using the fridge, it will take longer...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsIk2KwA0yGsn7rf5Etpyf88CnVxug7vZjx_e1b_rza7PbGWBOTFSQprK18b0wktBY-BJht5tq0y-6GxULDL_6gHnIJRss7D7V9RtURfKvpn58JHmoE_OOKeEM0cf6HInONTyjYJhbrc/s1600/164258_501744479880795_502793500_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsIk2KwA0yGsn7rf5Etpyf88CnVxug7vZjx_e1b_rza7PbGWBOTFSQprK18b0wktBY-BJht5tq0y-6GxULDL_6gHnIJRss7D7V9RtURfKvpn58JHmoE_OOKeEM0cf6HInONTyjYJhbrc/s320/164258_501744479880795_502793500_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Now it is time to decide how to present your truffles or pops. We went
with the pop. Everything is better on a stick, right? To make a pop, dip
one end of the lolly stick into your melted chocolate.<br />
OH MY GOODNESS. I forgot the melted chocolate. You will also need to
melt some candy coating. My choice? Ghirardelli double chocolate candy
melting bars. They come in HUGE bars that you just break off a big chunk
and melt. Soooooo good. We get ours from Sam's Club. If you don't want
to go top of the line, you can find Wilton candy melts in most craft
stores or even Walmart. They come in a variety of flavors and colors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tmM02rW9yNJmZEsGDa1UjiV95W9IjXz6Qm8IowGZW329S8_WjNBwjw4PiReHc95Ne8hpREr92GgRtE4FyF4uLtIZPy-_1poK3AOO5HHymZsMd4EYIGfabqXBjvqfol4GxZChdsv07cg/s1600/428512_501743833214193_501125090_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tmM02rW9yNJmZEsGDa1UjiV95W9IjXz6Qm8IowGZW329S8_WjNBwjw4PiReHc95Ne8hpREr92GgRtE4FyF4uLtIZPy-_1poK3AOO5HHymZsMd4EYIGfabqXBjvqfol4GxZChdsv07cg/s320/428512_501743833214193_501125090_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Okay. Back on track here. Dip one end of the lolly stick in the
chocolate, about a half an inch deep. Gently push into your chilled
truffle balls as you can see above. Let the coating harden. It will hold
the truffle on the stick.<br />
<br />
Dip the ball into the chocolate like so. After making sure you have it
covered thoroughly, tap the stick on the side of the bowl. It will help
the excess coating drip off. Don't hit too hard or the candy coating
won't be the only thing that falls in the bowl...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDCk6lW-MLZpHDjXsC6Z6lDUnywvxiQ7_VweDNmHrVbtIGhkhKRLvT4D32ZNPawaYnRrtRGebXG4E8GHWiJ5EO3cVXMiZ6R1K8YNrjnr7vMj-jzfu91NgpNJQfOviGKNzt8vYzZngKM0/s1600/934926_501744079880835_1311686102_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDCk6lW-MLZpHDjXsC6Z6lDUnywvxiQ7_VweDNmHrVbtIGhkhKRLvT4D32ZNPawaYnRrtRGebXG4E8GHWiJ5EO3cVXMiZ6R1K8YNrjnr7vMj-jzfu91NgpNJQfOviGKNzt8vYzZngKM0/s320/934926_501744079880835_1311686102_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You can leave it just as is, OR you can now roll the coated ball in some
sort of topping. We have used toffee, oreo, coconut, sprinkles... It
makes them so pretty!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc33EkMyLzA1KkC0P9Bn61hhbjulzaPbgxDbURZe6JcORgp4I_iDGKXq1cCfJrCG33xTB_rdwNyVroFWo7KWvLC7kWyaR_i3kVopyNeTlqMm9e0B9y1VSCGnT4mNXeNadmnsq8UVf3O1E/s1600/934774_501744536547456_1956614086_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc33EkMyLzA1KkC0P9Bn61hhbjulzaPbgxDbURZe6JcORgp4I_iDGKXq1cCfJrCG33xTB_rdwNyVroFWo7KWvLC7kWyaR_i3kVopyNeTlqMm9e0B9y1VSCGnT4mNXeNadmnsq8UVf3O1E/s320/934774_501744536547456_1956614086_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I like to just stick the finished pieces back on the wax paper to dry.
They look a little like caramel apples to me. But you could poke holes
in styrofoam and dry them right side up.<br />
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Upside down is easier...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdfR5LdlyyLXzvb-PPxR9gZAimmq7EWzpyhdS1juZ0h6Ye7qVBaEjpvX7mZfxXaLq8OJA1TWkk1nLuvYLAqHrG1L02LA8hU8jUCYQOgU9QCwrAu2Ji55EA10bs-utSEcQW8F0H2oFyDM/s1600/940978_501743879880855_295073360_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdfR5LdlyyLXzvb-PPxR9gZAimmq7EWzpyhdS1juZ0h6Ye7qVBaEjpvX7mZfxXaLq8OJA1TWkk1nLuvYLAqHrG1L02LA8hU8jUCYQOgU9QCwrAu2Ji55EA10bs-utSEcQW8F0H2oFyDM/s320/940978_501743879880855_295073360_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Voila! C'est magnifique, oui? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekc3tZS1X8uGpJV57Cp8b4VcnAkNqJQ057BCyoPzJS89r0plfm9QBcULVImMTn95XSQfGj6frVXBhsm7Ggot4X0kuBekt5q9v0Lh8OuSn56HebGInyFjjlLmgFDlUpi9P0Gp7wGQPXYk/s1600/947167_501744126547497_1249491805_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekc3tZS1X8uGpJV57Cp8b4VcnAkNqJQ057BCyoPzJS89r0plfm9QBcULVImMTn95XSQfGj6frVXBhsm7Ggot4X0kuBekt5q9v0Lh8OuSn56HebGInyFjjlLmgFDlUpi9P0Gp7wGQPXYk/s320/947167_501744126547497_1249491805_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_362268747">YUM!</span><span id="goog_362268748"></span></div>
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So now that I have you drooling a little, go give it a try! I will be happy to answer questions if you have them!</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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This post was brought to you by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AmandaDoster">Amanda Doster</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and the <a href="http://cedartreefamily.blogspot.com/">Cedar Tree Family</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CedarTreeCollection">www.etsy.com/shop/CedarTreeCollection </a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-85097844997228285392013-06-28T08:50:00.004-04:002013-06-28T08:50:59.060-04:00Friday Feature: North Country Crochet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Cf6KHYCRB66bq4At6grSflQ4OflARaYFXox-QpYtRGPIh5kB9JE2jnbALKr-Ih-vDmmJlCu9ufSWSYtD_raLxE8LvzmK3zj70qe-3zCLcoi8t5z6N0QnzcWhRoWArbdnkWZtr-qkSkg/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26227121_f3ux0oiq81kws0gcgcw0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Cf6KHYCRB66bq4At6grSflQ4OflARaYFXox-QpYtRGPIh5kB9JE2jnbALKr-Ih-vDmmJlCu9ufSWSYtD_raLxE8LvzmK3zj70qe-3zCLcoi8t5z6N0QnzcWhRoWArbdnkWZtr-qkSkg/s320/icm_fullxfull.26227121_f3ux0oiq81kws0gcgcw0.jpg" width="240" /></a><i> </i><br />
<i>This week's feature is Darcy from North Country Crochet.</i><br />
<br />
<i><b>Tell us about yourself</b></i>:<br />
I am a 36 year old stay at home mom with a wonderful husband and two
beautiful girls. I did work outside the home until my first daughter was
about 6 months old. Being away from her was a huge struggle for me and
although I theoretically wanted to use my college degree and I loved my
employers, I knew the "right" thing for me was to be home. We decided to
take our chances and be a one income family and although it is a
struggle at times, we have built a life that is so wonderful I almost
feel guilty at times! <br />
<br />
<i><b>Tell us about your shop:</b></i><br />
My shop is full of hats, scarves, photo prop sets and some novelty items.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfJOtrA_esBmWV9xQy7gqWnq3F4k12Rkhl_VjNLnK28ij2rtqERb5vKBgzGQxYlLZRtJtQsBogFnSh_GJ9jra7bPoql9kGTMOgh-odXqheGfDdAQwBF_Pd5RpncXif5FqPtOgna-r2do/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26220532_pjd7z0gxhyooowwgo04w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfJOtrA_esBmWV9xQy7gqWnq3F4k12Rkhl_VjNLnK28ij2rtqERb5vKBgzGQxYlLZRtJtQsBogFnSh_GJ9jra7bPoql9kGTMOgh-odXqheGfDdAQwBF_Pd5RpncXif5FqPtOgna-r2do/s320/icm_fullxfull.26220532_pjd7z0gxhyooowwgo04w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><b>When did you start creating? Why?</b></i><br />
My children are both school age now and we weren't ready as a family for
me to go back out into the workforce so I found myself with some extra
time on my hands. Knowing that seeing my youngest off to kindergarten
would send my usual daily "mommy routine" into a tailspin, I knew I
needed something to occupy my mind and some of my time. I decided to
rediscover crocheting, which my Grandmother had taught me at around 7
years old. I had not done it in 25 or more years so I was a little
skeptical about my skill level. I did however, immediately pick it back
up. I was so excited that I kept buying new yarns and trying new
patterns. Eventually every storage space I had was pouring out yarn,
everyone had hats (even the dolls!) and I was going broke buying
patterns and yarn. My mother had been encouraging me to start an Etsy
shop so I decided it was time to step out of my comfort zone and give it
a try. I went into this venture thinking it would be a struggle to make
sales and I was ok with that. I was surprised that just a few days
after opening I had a sale--how exciting and motivating! The sales
starting coming pretty regularly and just 6 months in I have hit 75
sales. I am thrilled and love the Etsy community.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7SKmyLqEG3n525pfGhk3ZfUYcS4OXG_MTbQNM4BNksgaF_b40lM6CyqBSHEAYnDRANj7As_2eP4f5QPfhGhEa2FwGhk6DrMlRCBkoHJT1ZFC9Ox3bVT4iOvYNcBCPA_uOL1FJKHprSw/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26220612_hm8i381r434sg0k4k8ww.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7SKmyLqEG3n525pfGhk3ZfUYcS4OXG_MTbQNM4BNksgaF_b40lM6CyqBSHEAYnDRANj7As_2eP4f5QPfhGhEa2FwGhk6DrMlRCBkoHJT1ZFC9Ox3bVT4iOvYNcBCPA_uOL1FJKHprSw/s320/icm_fullxfull.26220612_hm8i381r434sg0k4k8ww.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><b> </b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>What goals do you have for your shop? Is is a hobby, major source of income, or somewhere in between?</b></i><br />
My goal for my shop is just to be able to enjoy creating something
personal for someone I've never met and hoping they love it and smile
when they see it. At the end of the day, I want my shop to generate
enough revenue to pay for my materials, Etsy bills, shipping and maybe
just a little left over for something fun for my family. I also would
love to buy birthday and Fathers Day gifts for my husband without using
his own money!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMoUv9OWnO7UCf5b5TzNviKE-2d0G8RSFs8Ti5qbCAvE8VD-afqQNWyW-_vKfjEUJnN6om3XLIj5wRlGlhPnAFfBxNtfRHbQSpEDqelxzYncUANXteNhhYVDqAcpm7dQA__DmKPy14OE/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26220534_famsa5nnvx4cs4co4g4g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMoUv9OWnO7UCf5b5TzNviKE-2d0G8RSFs8Ti5qbCAvE8VD-afqQNWyW-_vKfjEUJnN6om3XLIj5wRlGlhPnAFfBxNtfRHbQSpEDqelxzYncUANXteNhhYVDqAcpm7dQA__DmKPy14OE/s320/icm_fullxfull.26220534_famsa5nnvx4cs4co4g4g.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>What has been the most rewarding?</i></b><br />
The most rewarding thing I have taken from this whole experience has
been communicating with the wonderful people who utilize Etsy and
hearing from a customer that they love the item I sent them.<br />
<i><b><br />
How do you balance your business with your family?</b></i><br />
Because I can create during the day when my kids are at school or after
bedtimes, or even just while I'm chatting with my kids after school, it
has not really proven to be a balancing act. I am so thankful for that.
My family are my biggest cheerleaders and they are all so supportive. My
daughters get so excited when they hear my Etsy app cash register sound
go off on my phone indicating a new order. <br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwx0TDylwKSO8X9PvEHsSq4M9MYo5LYapfAi7KqVcXi6rP_K1L8ANAGPe8mjoBMm4ny2A4a3WUgZoYbUo1aD77jUujJlJAV4pwwJNiOlZXbfxXZfoMJExPQ0-1O6MY-u4ZoyItoN4N-w/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26220614_m99oe63lbqs8gk884c0s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwx0TDylwKSO8X9PvEHsSq4M9MYo5LYapfAi7KqVcXi6rP_K1L8ANAGPe8mjoBMm4ny2A4a3WUgZoYbUo1aD77jUujJlJAV4pwwJNiOlZXbfxXZfoMJExPQ0-1O6MY-u4ZoyItoN4N-w/s320/icm_fullxfull.26220614_m99oe63lbqs8gk884c0s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Do you have any tips for other moms with a small/home business?</i></b><br />
The only tip I have for moms with small home businesses or looking to
start one up is to always be willing to step outside your comfort zone.
The greatest risks reap the greatest rewards.<br />
<br />
<i>Thanks, Darcy! </i><br />
<i>You can find Darcy and her creations at her Etsy store:</i><br />
www.etsy.com/shop/NorthCountryCrochet Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-66266792327200169862013-06-21T09:43:00.001-04:002013-06-21T09:43:49.768-04:00Friday Feature: Inspired By Mollie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihk617gLQvW-Z9U5MbNlLDP-Td4bWPvX7dE1Yb6o3RtxqYi0hdq6GOHdL_rQ0ILAfpykGtK0PJb4dr4EkDCd49Bih2t3HsSmKiL8CC7CKHdoP64t_fefu1AcNulXZjI-Fqe02-1_gWTQ/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26220627_gsx06zc5isoog4wgk40g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihk617gLQvW-Z9U5MbNlLDP-Td4bWPvX7dE1Yb6o3RtxqYi0hdq6GOHdL_rQ0ILAfpykGtK0PJb4dr4EkDCd49Bih2t3HsSmKiL8CC7CKHdoP64t_fefu1AcNulXZjI-Fqe02-1_gWTQ/s320/icm_fullxfull.26220627_gsx06zc5isoog4wgk40g.jpg" width="288" /></a><i><b> </b>This week's Feature is Angela of Inspired By Mollie.<b> </b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>Tell us about yourself.</b></i><br />
I am a stay at home/ work at home mommy to my beautiful one year old
daughter. We reside in Pittsburgh, PA. I recently graduated college with
a bachelors degree in music (vocal performance). <br />
<br />
<b><i>Tell us about your shop. What do you sell?</i></b><br />
My shop is a collection of things ranging from bows, to tutus, to
crocheted baby items, all of which were inspired by my daughter- hence
the name of my shop Inspired By Mollie.<br />
<br />
<i><b>When did you start creating? Why?</b></i><br />
I have always been a creative person, from the time I was in daisy girl
scouts doing different crafts and activities with my mother. I picked up
crocheting in the fourth grade and immediately fell in love. It was so
relaxing to me! I could sit and crochet for hours upon hours. In the
eighth grade, I finished my first "real" project- a purple blanket with
white seashell borders.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYor_b7nsp1-sbHkbkaBs-V_JMJz8vX-8u_t192ey1XIbddDrkiHlEXu6KewCe8osfC5YHIovx22kBKng6FUL27PLefQ1C5ubTbLY4lk6OU9sJjhxB6i8hGnc5cxNbdZAiWfkw8e7Sizk/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26214240_buyfmssaym80gcoskc8w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYor_b7nsp1-sbHkbkaBs-V_JMJz8vX-8u_t192ey1XIbddDrkiHlEXu6KewCe8osfC5YHIovx22kBKng6FUL27PLefQ1C5ubTbLY4lk6OU9sJjhxB6i8hGnc5cxNbdZAiWfkw8e7Sizk/s320/icm_fullxfull.26214240_buyfmssaym80gcoskc8w.jpg" width="320" /></a>When I got pregnant and found out it was a girl,
I was so excited! I wanted to buy her fun little girl things such as
headbands, bows, pretty little blankets, and little shoes. They had the
cutest things for little girls! Then I noticed the prices of things!
That's when I realized I could use my creative side to make her the
things I wanted to buy. It was cost efficient, gave me something to do
while I was too big to do anything else, and she had unique items. <br />
<br />
<b><i>What goals do you have for your shop? Is it a hobby, major source of income, or somewhere in between?</i></b><br />
I would really love to see my shop take off! It is not a major source of
income yet, but I hope one day it will be. It is something I enjoy
doing, and I always wanted to do something for a living that I enjoyed,<br />
<br />
<b><i>How do you balance your business with your family?</i></b><br />
I have a really great support system. If I get overwhelmed with things, I
have a wonderful mother who is right there to help me out. Also, naps
and early bedtimes work miracles when you are busy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhmsWImPeTaxPcb68zJaqKUb-k40lCCdMHolOjttNafJTruzjIHW31s9fXXKIdz-tyjCXggYfKRXxdlRYWuqfpmMG9CSrShzjgvSH44kEWkSFUkJJoeLZYPsCl6l0qLNwF5mB5jy3MmE/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26214146_rjn59vkky2o0c0sssgw0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhmsWImPeTaxPcb68zJaqKUb-k40lCCdMHolOjttNafJTruzjIHW31s9fXXKIdz-tyjCXggYfKRXxdlRYWuqfpmMG9CSrShzjgvSH44kEWkSFUkJJoeLZYPsCl6l0qLNwF5mB5jy3MmE/s320/icm_fullxfull.26214146_rjn59vkky2o0c0sssgw0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>What has been the most difficult aspect of being a mommy with a small business?</i></b><br />
Finding time for myself! <br />
<br />
<b><i>What has been the most rewarding?</i></b><br />
Seeing my creations come to life! Since I have a little girl, I get to
make her things similar or the same as the items in my shop.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Do you have any tips for other moms with a small/home business?</i></b><br />
Enjoy what you are doing! It makes things a lot easier and you do a better job when you enjoy your work! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDkmp42dYvtuQke9XMqvIxQ8AZKSS_k58zFvFxTNZIzvTyf_TaItS1XZTEFx_y6Vrt04w4AUiqkfvAtmmU1_38tZ1GyHu8hiEgY0fdPTAjHd18EnwpZRNBgo4g5JauF5umSj42c9MSjw/s1600/il_570xN.449273004_e532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDkmp42dYvtuQke9XMqvIxQ8AZKSS_k58zFvFxTNZIzvTyf_TaItS1XZTEFx_y6Vrt04w4AUiqkfvAtmmU1_38tZ1GyHu8hiEgY0fdPTAjHd18EnwpZRNBgo4g5JauF5umSj42c9MSjw/s320/il_570xN.449273004_e532.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Thanks for joining us this week! If you would like to see more, you can find Inspired by Mollie at the following sites:</i> <br />
<br />
Etsy: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/InspiredByMollie" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/InspiredByMollie</a><br />
Instagram: Inspired_by_mollie<br />
Facebook: <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Inspired-By-Mollie/488468181205515?fref=ts" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/pages/Inspired-By-Mollie/488468181205515?fref=ts</a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-51439388732977803682013-06-17T14:27:00.003-04:002013-06-17T14:27:33.193-04:004 Marketing Tips for a Small Business<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">One of the greatest mistakes any business can make, especially small businesses, is to fail to allocate time and resources to marketing. After all, no matter how good your product is no one will buy it unless they know about your product. Marketing your product is how people learn who you are and what you offer.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Tips for Marketing on a Low or No Budget</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">1. Social Media. Even if you don’t currently use Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Wanelo, now is the time. Read about each and start with one. As you feel more and more comfortable with one of them, you will expand to more online social media sites. Remember, marketing through any of these avenues is free, just costs you time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">2. MomsPack. MomsPack is a free networking group for moms who own a business. Members offer to distribute your coupons or samples to their customers for free. Visit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://www.mompack.com/" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.mompack.com/</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">for more information.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">3. Blogs. Find blogs or join a blog group on Etsy (if you are sell on Etsy) and make friends. Many bloggers will do a spot on your products with photographs and some will offer to do a free review of your products. Many bloggers ask for a free sample of what you sell in exchange. Up to you if you think the review and free press is worth the cost of a product you sell.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">4. Build a Website. Having your own website is not as hard as you believe. We just built our website on</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://www.Weebly.com/" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.Weebly.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">without knowing any code. Sure it takes time, but depending on your needs, your website can be absolutely free. See our website as an example,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://www.BellissimaJewelers.com/" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.BellissimaJewelers.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span>Two Monkeys One Circushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747739146155529051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-56990620538817962592013-06-14T09:51:00.000-04:002013-06-14T09:51:13.306-04:00Friday Feature: KnitCraftSew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Goodness, I don't know where time goes, but it sure seems to go quickly. It is Friday and once again time for our Featured Mom with a Small Business. This week we will meet up with Jennifer of KnitCraftSew.</i><br />
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<b><i>Tell us about yourself.</i></b><br />
I'm a 33 year old working mom who is a social worker by day and crafter for my etsy shop at night. <br />
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<i><b>Tell us about your shop. What do you sell?</b></i><br />
My shop is KnitCraftSew. A mod podge of knitting, crafting and sewing
(and a little crochet) :) I mainly sell products intended for use as
photo props, however, I do also sell some simple things such as key fobs
and crayon roll ups. <br />
<i><b> </b></i><br />
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<i><b>When did you start creating? Why?</b></i><br />
I learned to sew while I was pregnant with my son (6 years ago) because I
wanted to make all kinds of things for the new baby. The love of
creating fell to the wayside quickly though because he was into
everything and I really didn't have the time I needed to create!
However, in November of 2011, my little man had become more independent
and I was able to launch KnitCraftSew. <br />
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<i><b>What inspires you?</b></i><br />
Lots of things inspire me. Color, Vintage pieces my grandmother has
passed down, beautiful photography, my son and the list could go on and
on. I think we can find inspiration in the littlest things if we look
hard enough.<br />
<i><b> </b></i><br />
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<i><b>How do you balance your business with your family?</b></i><br />
My family will always come first so I try to always meet those needs
first. Crafting, creating, selling usually takes place in the late
evening and early morning hours!<br />
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What has been the most difficult aspect of being a Mommy with a Small Business?</b></i><br />
Balancing Work, Home Life and taking care of a child while making sure
that I run a smooth and successful business. I always want to make sure
that my customers are completely happy. I tend to second guess myself
a lot. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoRA0CBwevMAp-IUUcEPWpwPkqx3TAyc3GC_F9uCQtovZ9nu4utnh9hDiYhyphenhyphenvejP7uf_WhB10QKdJJ4ooru_tvHgxZmuSiT5KPwAFA_sJ0PTJgYptmCAPAtgbHT_-iwSDU0LPGcVjBhM/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26209529_1ecrf95gybdw0gkgc00o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoRA0CBwevMAp-IUUcEPWpwPkqx3TAyc3GC_F9uCQtovZ9nu4utnh9hDiYhyphenhyphenvejP7uf_WhB10QKdJJ4ooru_tvHgxZmuSiT5KPwAFA_sJ0PTJgYptmCAPAtgbHT_-iwSDU0LPGcVjBhM/s320/icm_fullxfull.26209529_1ecrf95gybdw0gkgc00o.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><b> </b></i><br />
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<i><b>What has been the most rewarding?</b></i><br />
Seeing my work in gorgeous photography and knowing that I made it with my two hands!<br />
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<b><i>Do you have any tips for other moms with a small/home business?</i></b><br />
Take it day by day. You can't grow as big as you want over night. Pace yourself!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4dpbTKLct06cHjaiAyZQLOGueY3baXxpXxWLmzqFcj-MtOwj6ZTxEXg6_SwLydRb5yYvJi5JAte-FziVconMW_TE7Ss8_ZJozW5znJ1tOxI_cAN725l2VD7ioSR9hYRhsnMq8EUEAyQ/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26203018_6w19w1xu55kwcsko4k4s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4dpbTKLct06cHjaiAyZQLOGueY3baXxpXxWLmzqFcj-MtOwj6ZTxEXg6_SwLydRb5yYvJi5JAte-FziVconMW_TE7Ss8_ZJozW5znJ1tOxI_cAN725l2VD7ioSR9hYRhsnMq8EUEAyQ/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26203018_6w19w1xu55kwcsko4k4s.jpg" /></a><i> </i><br />
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<i>Great advice. Thanks for joining us, Jennifer! If you would like to learn more, you can find KnitCraftSew at the following sites:</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
Shop - <a href="http://knitcraftsew.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Knitcraftsew.etsy.com</a><br />
Facebook - <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/KnitCraftSew/268611433222737" rel="#external-link-overlay nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/pages/KnitCraftSew/268611433222737</a><br />
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<i>See you next week!</i> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-39381476199279118272013-06-10T06:00:00.000-04:002013-06-10T06:00:13.454-04:00Kid's Say the Darndest Things<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2lHE8KTU2LqhB61S_ShpT_2MDJG3NkxwJd1oQm7LBqBcAgjK-rF0WxlX05bonHwEq4LsDiZOKVb81qBiN6InezIzbuMSVzWP_BRcttLeIOtAnzjps2saYxbXK2Egro0nnN-bjdsBzts/s1600/100_3039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2lHE8KTU2LqhB61S_ShpT_2MDJG3NkxwJd1oQm7LBqBcAgjK-rF0WxlX05bonHwEq4LsDiZOKVb81qBiN6InezIzbuMSVzWP_BRcttLeIOtAnzjps2saYxbXK2Egro0nnN-bjdsBzts/s320/100_3039.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="line-height: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"> By
Rita from </span></span></span><a href="http://www.sammysgrammy.etsy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 9.5pt;">www.sammysgrammy.etsy.com</span></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 11pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Hi
all you “MOMMY’S SMALL BUSINESS” entrepreneurs. I met Amanda Doster when she
posted on our etsy street team’s (castteam) weekly blog blitz. I offered to do a
“guest post” for the MOMMY’S SMALL BUSINESS BLOG to encourage ya’ll to keep a
journal of the funny things your kids say. The logic and immature reasonings,
conclusions and conceptualization of your small children are so totally
precious, I would hate for you to risk those memories dimming by the passage of
time. They grow out of this sweet innocence so quickly as they develop and
become wise in the ways of the world.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxK1rCRMFpt0yNz8aXcBMNKG58Bj5r0Mvmyv3CCjyquOgvBdoD2_UzA-6Q2ffR0ttt3taNR-raZ-I_Kh6dSjEZSrFCG6LouS4OrD97nW1Ms_7F0Nc07Qa1GM14q6OTw-y9rZzCoZLVVA/s1600/100_3038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxK1rCRMFpt0yNz8aXcBMNKG58Bj5r0Mvmyv3CCjyquOgvBdoD2_UzA-6Q2ffR0ttt3taNR-raZ-I_Kh6dSjEZSrFCG6LouS4OrD97nW1Ms_7F0Nc07Qa1GM14q6OTw-y9rZzCoZLVVA/s320/100_3038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">When
my children were small, they were comedians (unknowingly). When they said
something precious, I would reach for the closest piece of paper I could find.
Sometimes it was the back of an envelope, other times, it might have been a
napkin in a restaurant. I had a keepsake box where I stashed all these scraps of
paper. However, lots of times those scraps got lost before I could carefully
place them into the keepsake box and other times the scraps suffered much wear
and tear in my wallet, pocket or purse before seeing the inside of that box.
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Now
that I’m I’m a grammy, I have developed a much safer process. I thought of this
when my grandson Sean began making these hysterically funny statements that I
just couldn’t bear to forget. I bought myself a blank, spiral notebook. It has a
kid friendly cover and colorful neon blank pages inside. I began to fill those
pages with Sean’s funny anecdotes. I thought there would never be another kid on
earth as entertaining as Sean but I was wrong – along came his sister,
Melissa.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivATKYJ2AigVU34Xuzp4JnFSJJzfYNT9iiUks5s1iEn3ERfnT8Ct8vipzz3PKW479FxejwMgqKTQ6i-IweOiuGplqzItfwm93DJrk5VpjlN7xjBEsjjWwFeFpKtL9fYFu3zMX3tNTGQas/s1600/100_3040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivATKYJ2AigVU34Xuzp4JnFSJJzfYNT9iiUks5s1iEn3ERfnT8Ct8vipzz3PKW479FxejwMgqKTQ6i-IweOiuGplqzItfwm93DJrk5VpjlN7xjBEsjjWwFeFpKtL9fYFu3zMX3tNTGQas/s320/100_3040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Of
course, if you’re a grammy, you are going to have to depend on your grown child
to relate those experiences to you so you can preserve them. But if you’re a
babysitting grammy, you can be sure that they’ll pronounce <span> </span>some stunning observations right in your
hearing, which you can then transfer to the journal.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Because their parents know that I keep this journal,
they have been faithful to supply me with fodder for my journal. In addition, I
get mail. <span> </span>I receive all kinds of
greeting cards made by my darlings, their report cards, school honors, etc. The
journal was bursting at the seams. I had to get myself a box.
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">One
of the best perks of keeping this journal, is those very same kids, grow up so
fast, now love to look at it, especially when they’re all together (cousins
event), laughing over their own childhood antics now that they are sophisticated
teens or twenty somethings.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPfvwraEYjw7ITgTVRKSfjvxgtUoHVX7BLb-RgLDh4bMIs9ORqjv5FpMbaqOhcAtwtjW-yVY2oasIKCzg3GoiDVgczGI3LkPeSnWxr6mKCYDU0eydDA5IGc5DO70ATkfKXcYDqucdoa4/s1600/100_3042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPfvwraEYjw7ITgTVRKSfjvxgtUoHVX7BLb-RgLDh4bMIs9ORqjv5FpMbaqOhcAtwtjW-yVY2oasIKCzg3GoiDVgczGI3LkPeSnWxr6mKCYDU0eydDA5IGc5DO70ATkfKXcYDqucdoa4/s320/100_3042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">I
encourage you, before it’s too late – make yourself a “KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST
THINGS” journal and fill it with the priceless sayings of your little
children.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Here’s where you can find sammysgrammy:
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.sammysgrammy.etsy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 9.5pt;">www.sammysgrammy.etsy.com</span></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 11pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.sammysgrammysneedlin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 9.5pt;">www.sammysgrammysneedlin.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</span></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 11pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/sammysgrammyfp" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 9.5pt;">www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>sammysgrammyfp</span></span></span></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-52112650888650796202013-06-07T06:00:00.000-04:002013-06-07T06:00:01.099-04:00Friday Feature: All Because Of Claire <em>Our feature this week is Sarah of All Because of Claire.</em><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KDJoVNsvWhyHc07T-HnS7tEpNo1e2ZEl0ZHloiZFX9fin3El63nqRy0blE__kPePVfwSnWvuy-HFoCyuvkh_7IQWikPgMYZq4mqdKtJwfCogjiX6mZJcOOBnIiKdfkodL0ihJ867dFw/s1600/icm_fullxfull_26199952_44ya4b93cfmsk8s8o0w0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KDJoVNsvWhyHc07T-HnS7tEpNo1e2ZEl0ZHloiZFX9fin3El63nqRy0blE__kPePVfwSnWvuy-HFoCyuvkh_7IQWikPgMYZq4mqdKtJwfCogjiX6mZJcOOBnIiKdfkodL0ihJ867dFw/s320/icm_fullxfull_26199952_44ya4b93cfmsk8s8o0w0.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<strong><em>Tell us about yourself.</em></strong><br />
I am a mom of two amazing kids. I have a 9 year old son and a 1 year old daughter named, Claire. I started this side business because of her! I work full time as a kindergarten teacher, I am in my 10th year teaching. I also am a Thirty-One Consultant in my spare time (there isn't much of it). I like to be creative and making headbands/clip helps me do that!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Tell us about your shop. What do you sell?</em></strong><br />
My shop, ABC-All Because Of Claire specializes in headbands, clips and bows for every day wear or your special occasion. I want the products to be functional and pretty for your child. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>How did you come up with the name?</em></strong><br />
When I started making headband for my daughter and friends, I decided to make a Facebook page for me to show what I made and take orders from friends. I asked my Facebook friends, "If I were to sell these, what would you name my business?" I got a lot of great suggestions, but ABC-All Because of Claire was a popular idea. Everyone liked that ABC was an acronym. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zv-qFzWfoXaUXfts7BWfwExnEm1FI7SUIRc8ZEVHXLBOk2QTgYUJBBXJJt_s58XouNSPL1jUCZs4UI7B7JhU8Kfm2a_c_2YIXwvR3W4OVRy5-JFw71Vsp-baWqv9K0vmmbOvsbG5-T4/s1600/icm_fullxfull_26200096_ievmg8ak3g0s0gggwggw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zv-qFzWfoXaUXfts7BWfwExnEm1FI7SUIRc8ZEVHXLBOk2QTgYUJBBXJJt_s58XouNSPL1jUCZs4UI7B7JhU8Kfm2a_c_2YIXwvR3W4OVRy5-JFw71Vsp-baWqv9K0vmmbOvsbG5-T4/s320/icm_fullxfull_26200096_ievmg8ak3g0s0gggwggw.jpg" width="320" /></a><strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>When did you start creating? Why?</em></strong><br />
I started creating last July when my daughter was a few months old. I was spending a lot of money on headbands for her and decided to try my hand at a few ideas that I found on Pinterest. I then started making them for my friends and their children as well. From there, it went crazy! I had the summer off from teaching and so I had the time to invest in trying out some ideas that I saw. Once school started, I thought I would stop, but I got so many holiday requests and did some craft fairs so here I am, still going almost a year later.<br />
<br />
<strong><em> What goals do you have for your shop?</em></strong> <strong><em> Is it a hobby, major source of income, or somewhere in between? </em></strong>I have no goals for my shop other than to start making more money than I am spending on supplies :) It is a hobby, but a busy one, I would like to see it become more since I am selling so much, but it is hard to find the time with working full time to fully launch it as a major business.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08ZTMYMSDE2taFrt-IKETJzxVplHbNT_3n7KAEjE_keozfWPH5JGTIvmDTSi55u2b__-8zfwRKSX1DeM9pBYzBlHtkCA0JHSgCwvD-PQkBLY5-XW029JgJU0bCUqydy9XZFaEGNQ-qU8/s1600/icm_fullxfull_26206149_lmx2hcykc1wksc48ggcc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08ZTMYMSDE2taFrt-IKETJzxVplHbNT_3n7KAEjE_keozfWPH5JGTIvmDTSi55u2b__-8zfwRKSX1DeM9pBYzBlHtkCA0JHSgCwvD-PQkBLY5-XW029JgJU0bCUqydy9XZFaEGNQ-qU8/s320/icm_fullxfull_26206149_lmx2hcykc1wksc48ggcc.jpg" width="320" /></a><strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>How do you balance your business with your family?</em></strong> <br />
I am still working on that! I am lucky that my daughter goes to bed early and sleeps really well. I can work after she goes to bed. My son is also busy with his own activities, homework, games, etc and goes to bed at a decent time. So, I reserve after bed time for working. I also use nap times on the weekends or days off of school to catch up. My husband is great about helping me out with packaging if I need it. If anything, it just has affected my unwinding from my day time and I do miss that some. Things get a little hectic at times and I have thrown "me time" out the window.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahzf7887akPnW2xGMyOCSdZGNya8HOArxbvllGICeIwaUuAyTXxwYmVuuK-I7VlnZo8rDqdknpgNmspvp2TYqFUvCH_8KbGo0VSm1oWQg_-VCq_635hnKG_aEv8cmk4jL8JD2Fzbd-0g/s1600/icm_fullxfull_26206535_80mbsqm1nwo4wk4o4o44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahzf7887akPnW2xGMyOCSdZGNya8HOArxbvllGICeIwaUuAyTXxwYmVuuK-I7VlnZo8rDqdknpgNmspvp2TYqFUvCH_8KbGo0VSm1oWQg_-VCq_635hnKG_aEv8cmk4jL8JD2Fzbd-0g/s320/icm_fullxfull_26206535_80mbsqm1nwo4wk4o4o44.jpg" width="320" /></a><strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>How do you keep everything organized? Do you have a workspace?</em></strong> <br />
I used to work on my dining room table when I was a smaller business, but when my daughter started crawling and my supply space needs got larger, I moved up to the guest bedroom. We took a lot out to put some storage in for me to work. It is a mess! I won't let customers see it when they come for home appointments! I am definitely working on getting more organized in all areas!<br />
<br />
<em><strong>What has been the most difficult aspect of being a Mommy with a Small Business?</strong></em><br />
Honestly, the organization and the shipping! I don't mind taking time out to be creative, but I hate invoices, shipping, paper work, etc.<br />
<strong><em> </em></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAtiIWVKrMQQWaaJ6oqmbA64yZ4LEDhYWxgoDChQ1MMU6CCIJxw2DSWHIt6JwWBpCW9JRqp27eMyVpGw5gU5FrgsHVGRYpMZ3yJlYXjNVd3cbG5LOBkheGRIP68QuP3TrFcj2OGDrH2g/s1600/icm_fullxfull_26206365_p9bbr54ditws0ogw04w4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAtiIWVKrMQQWaaJ6oqmbA64yZ4LEDhYWxgoDChQ1MMU6CCIJxw2DSWHIt6JwWBpCW9JRqp27eMyVpGw5gU5FrgsHVGRYpMZ3yJlYXjNVd3cbG5LOBkheGRIP68QuP3TrFcj2OGDrH2g/s320/icm_fullxfull_26206365_p9bbr54ditws0ogw04w4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>What has been the most rewarding?</em></strong> <br />
Getting photos of happy customers for sure! I love seeing photos from photographers when they use my products also. I also have the luxury of working at a school with kids, some of whom have bought items from me and I like walking down the hall and spotting the ones that I have made!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Do you have any tips for other moms with a small/home business?</em></strong><br />
Try to carve out "me time", I am still working on that. Come up with a system for orders (then share it with me! Ha ;) Take time for your family or else you will get burnt out, and you will regret making this leap into small business! <br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTWqPOcwJvfg6F_P4t7K8DrgbN9FnT6lVlU1C1He7WJpkA-MfTfyPZGqWUDf_89idGgeG70BMOtnswae9wKbQCSDvgubG5SLfGme3v3WPnmZsUmiLMrk7ADcMS4bomZbGSpyXGyPdl54/s1600/icm_fullxfull_26199948_eegjgt4ccg84kkcokccs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTWqPOcwJvfg6F_P4t7K8DrgbN9FnT6lVlU1C1He7WJpkA-MfTfyPZGqWUDf_89idGgeG70BMOtnswae9wKbQCSDvgubG5SLfGme3v3WPnmZsUmiLMrk7ADcMS4bomZbGSpyXGyPdl54/s320/icm_fullxfull_26199948_eegjgt4ccg84kkcokccs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<em>Thanks, Sarah! </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>If you liked what you see here, be sure to catch up with All Because of Claire at the following sites:</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://www.facebook.com/allbecauseofclaire" rel="#external-link-overlay" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/allbecauseofclaire</a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/allbecauseofclaire" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/allbecauseofclaire</a><br />
ABC.allbecauseofclaire@gmail.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-10696170016446017442013-06-03T10:15:00.000-04:002013-06-03T10:15:21.752-04:00Cookies and Cream Rice Crispy Treats<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdgH3QL2kXNtONecPFF6icVHAs9FcaT2HV6j4A1sRSThXQZb6jg8Qd_lao65GWVLoVI1DF2vrrJSrRPwK1-B884eJxhN_xC_iJfAsCbJ4Whgz3h-yEXWGvb3KbVEP2VlRRtNGSwjUcDU/s1600/P5220001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdgH3QL2kXNtONecPFF6icVHAs9FcaT2HV6j4A1sRSThXQZb6jg8Qd_lao65GWVLoVI1DF2vrrJSrRPwK1-B884eJxhN_xC_iJfAsCbJ4Whgz3h-yEXWGvb3KbVEP2VlRRtNGSwjUcDU/s400/P5220001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Who
doesn't like cookies and cream? Marshmallow cream that is. Today I am
giving you my spin on the old standby, rice crispy treats.<br />
<br />
Here's what you will need:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>1/2 c butter </b>(This can be reduced...but they won't be nearly as soft and gooey. I never said this was a health recipe!) </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>8 c crisp rice cereal </b>(off brand works just as well as name brand) </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>8 c mini marshmallows </b>(If you don't have minis and don't want
to stand at the stove for an hour while the big ones melt, spray a pair
of kitchen scissors with cooking spray and then snip larger
marshmallows down to size! I actually used the GIANT campfire
marshmallows when I made this because that was what I had on hand.)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>2 c coarsely chopped oreos </b>(Call me weird, but I like to take the filling out and discard it...but it certainly won't hurt to keep it in)</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjgLVppxl_xOJ7ZxDhW7b5gUsVVmeCrT9f7J8yz1AKgoiRSq37YAZ1Q_vGrou2t02EC_UWb3rbwH7hPZ2ABBDF2iCUmH2czl4X80k_SHlPjE07AuCEXsjG2w63qU6KgjiXghhDjN4wyU/s1600/P5220007.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjgLVppxl_xOJ7ZxDhW7b5gUsVVmeCrT9f7J8yz1AKgoiRSq37YAZ1Q_vGrou2t02EC_UWb3rbwH7hPZ2ABBDF2iCUmH2czl4X80k_SHlPjE07AuCEXsjG2w63qU6KgjiXghhDjN4wyU/s320/P5220007.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
From
here, it is basic marshmallow treat making technique. Melt your butter
in a large, two handled pan. Add the marshmallows. Stir until it is one
semi-fluid, ooey-gooey fluff. Remove from heat. Stir in the cereal and
cookies. Simple.<br />
<br />
Pour into a greased 9x13. Rub a little
cooking spray on your hand and then press into an even layer. Wait for
it to cool for about 5 minutes and then cut into 2x2 inch squares.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Variations:</i></b><br />
<i>Peanut-butter: Reduce butter to 1/4 c. Add 1/3 c peanut butter when you add the marshmallows.</i><br />
<i>Chocolate
lovers: Stir in a 1/2c of your favorite chocolate chips right before
pouring into the pan. Or melt them and drizzle on top. Either way, YUM!</i><br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
This post was brought to you by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AmandaDoster">Amanda Doster</a> and the <a href="http://cedartreefamily.blogspot.com/">Cedar Tree Family</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheCedarTreeCollection">www.facebook.com/TheCedarTreeCollection</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-21287501891474831702013-05-31T06:00:00.000-04:002013-05-31T06:00:13.973-04:00Friday Feature: Jewelry EmbraceOur featured shop this week is Jewelry Embrace.<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEYQFm_bgRKZn8tD7Bqu3ZKg03AmMJtDjAYFFcwgrEBKaUaU4IanSrx66LG7Y0ubHUNTGYAo92hrHuEy4ORgIdmllQGCFQ1BwpGFvTGS9wI7W9MMP1XZjVajBf7oXG8UElfHsGU_kaKc/s1600/il_570xN.454960301_c1m3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEYQFm_bgRKZn8tD7Bqu3ZKg03AmMJtDjAYFFcwgrEBKaUaU4IanSrx66LG7Y0ubHUNTGYAo92hrHuEy4ORgIdmllQGCFQ1BwpGFvTGS9wI7W9MMP1XZjVajBf7oXG8UElfHsGU_kaKc/s320/il_570xN.454960301_c1m3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>Tell us about yourself.</i></b><br />
I am a mother of four, one boy and three girls. I am originally from
Michigan and now reside in Bowling Green, KY. I am newly married of 2
yrs, my second marriage. My kids are now getting older and wanted a
hobby that I enjoy. I am a very creative person who enjoys jewelry
making, painting and woodwork.<br />
<b><i> </i></b><br />
<b><i>Tell us about your shop. What do you sell?</i></b><br />
In my shop I sell hand crafted jewelry and paintings that I have done My
favorite item to work with is raw gem stones. They each are so
beautiful and unique. No two are the same.<br />
<br />
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<b><i>When did you start creating? Why?</i></b><br />
I started creating when I was young, probably about 8 or 9. Always loved making things out of about anything. <br />
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<b><i>What goals do you have for your shop? Is is a hobby, major source of income, or somewhere in between?</i></b><br />
The goals for my shop is to see it grow of course, but for share with
others my insight and creativity. My shop is a hobby mostly, but
wouldn't mind making a few dollars too. I have a full time job also and
frequent flea markets and craft events when I can.<br />
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<b><i>How do you balance your business with your family?</i></b><br />
Balancing my business with my family is sometimes hard, because I love
to create. Of course, I love my family to. Sometimes I have to do a self
check and just put things down for a little while. My husband usually
will tell me if he thinks I'm been at it to long and we need family
time.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UIdSVHsOvYRK8eV1rc63B_qXyTZPqH341Hzakzq-pnH7CFAuloPARKGwIs5YrJm69-8UnciZuOn7vtpCLKe8YJ_ytwmZVQMpvaTegGGlZRL7R-ct2ncaofJmcr-su2Op6ODmuqqiuL4/s1600/il_570xN.438434802_2tyg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UIdSVHsOvYRK8eV1rc63B_qXyTZPqH341Hzakzq-pnH7CFAuloPARKGwIs5YrJm69-8UnciZuOn7vtpCLKe8YJ_ytwmZVQMpvaTegGGlZRL7R-ct2ncaofJmcr-su2Op6ODmuqqiuL4/s320/il_570xN.438434802_2tyg.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><b>How do you keep everything organized? Do you have a workspace?</b></i><br />
My work space is crazy at times, I do have a workspace but it gets
pretty messy sometimes. I use my personal computer desk as my work
space, so I'm right at my computer when I make a new creation.<br />
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<b><i>Do you have any tips for other moms with a small/home business?</i></b><br />
My tips for moms with small business is to keep plugging at it, but
don't get so caught up you forget whats most important in your life: Family! You have to have balance.The most rewarding thing is knowing that other people share that creativity drive and appreciate my creations.<br />
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<b><i>You can find Chantel at www.etsy.com/shop/JewelryEmbrace, or send her an email of thoughts and comments at jewemb2013@gmail.com.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Thanks! </i></b><br />
<br />
<i>If you are a mom with a "small" business (or know one) who would like to be featured, please let us know! We would love hearing about your experience! Also, if you would like to share any mom tips, recipes, crafts, DIY, etc., we would love to have you "guest post" on Mondays. Please email us for details!</i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>mommyssmallbusiness@gmail.com</i></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-75015382172195489662013-05-27T06:00:00.000-04:002013-05-27T06:00:03.506-04:00Time, Inspiration, and Motivation: The Three Main Keys of Running a Craft Business<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">A few weeks ago I volunteered to write a Monday segment for this blog. At the time it seemed like it would be easy. Mondays are one of my days off and I would have plenty of time to finish it. Boy was I wrong! I work in an industry where there is no such thing as a routine. I lost my Monday for the past two weeks and just couldn't get myself in the mood to create, let alone write a blog article. However, another problem that I ran into was... What do I write about? Then it hit me. Write about the things that I was having the most problem with. They are all keys of running a crafting business.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9WbCh0_GKchcuLh_YZ8AQgG_6P_IfyrTgIrkzA7B5E47HPlY2DSI3bImPA6YEXFeRsMVTtZNSCc9vuYu5bpepniqaSUS0FOaXP5NTZDaR42Ka41s4mxPnkmsdCcGZl8XR9wWOI5hN4ja/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-26+at+8.27.04+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9WbCh0_GKchcuLh_YZ8AQgG_6P_IfyrTgIrkzA7B5E47HPlY2DSI3bImPA6YEXFeRsMVTtZNSCc9vuYu5bpepniqaSUS0FOaXP5NTZDaR42Ka41s4mxPnkmsdCcGZl8XR9wWOI5hN4ja/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-26+at+8.27.04+AM.png" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Time. The elusive concept that everyone is looking for. Either you have too much of it on your hands or you don't have enough. As mommies we never have enough. There are ball games, meetings for work and with teachers, doctors appointments, and the million and one chores that we have to do every day to keep our lives in order. But,... When do we have time to create?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_umgph8w9T7Rk9NZlRD61oVr8EG_JP9V_Nz3VZ0WbyBt5A3z8f6yPZJtraCDZgMYW_vs2uAeyx-EOtWeYYbGidXK9Nkxwj_3fWzCyTjrNo8ZQOz8407SeLogjL7dZ_bUNKZFzLk3hyphenhyphenFl/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-26+at+8.36.24+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_umgph8w9T7Rk9NZlRD61oVr8EG_JP9V_Nz3VZ0WbyBt5A3z8f6yPZJtraCDZgMYW_vs2uAeyx-EOtWeYYbGidXK9Nkxwj_3fWzCyTjrNo8ZQOz8407SeLogjL7dZ_bUNKZFzLk3hyphenhyphenFl/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-26+at+8.36.24+AM.png" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The key to creating time to craft and run a business is to prioritize. Find little glimpses, seconds if you will, where we can create. If you also work full-time alongside running your business this is even harder to do. You work 40 hours a week at one job, possibly at least 40 hours weekly creating and crafting, And one hundred and 51 hours performing your mommy. The key is to find balance to find every moment that you can where you can create. For myself I work full-time and I craft when I can. I have gone whole seasons of tv show and not been able to tell you what the characters look like because I was busy crocheting. I crochet when the kids are sleep, when I take them to the park, and when we go on trips in the car. The photography aspect of my business is even easier. I take my camera everywhere I go. It is almost hard to miss a shot when you do that. Make every moment count.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRINFG17ZXmqaiPO2nwkxDhSzTebjTEf5LUVHZWTHqQUvMK8yZMdMgkQu32Ocn4AlF0TjWuxfvGMJos2kfVHnOkR9xKSulKziDjL2zMHDLy_-_zQpP1yQg_bm4ZXNhDCSTmYhPanqDdhT/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-26+at+8.44.24+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRINFG17ZXmqaiPO2nwkxDhSzTebjTEf5LUVHZWTHqQUvMK8yZMdMgkQu32Ocn4AlF0TjWuxfvGMJos2kfVHnOkR9xKSulKziDjL2zMHDLy_-_zQpP1yQg_bm4ZXNhDCSTmYhPanqDdhT/s200/Screen+shot+2013-05-26+at+8.44.24+AM.png" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Inspiration is often harder to find than the time to create. You can have time to do it but not know what make. Without inspiration the business almost wouldn't be worth it. I find myself lucky. I get my inspiration from my kids who always tell me what they would like for me to make, whether it is a monster that they read about a book or some color combination on a scarf they would like. I also get inspired by my surroundings. I live in the middle of an area covered by vast wetlands, or cypress swamps. These are wonderful places full of beautiful flowers and interesting wildlife. It is often in the swamps that I find my best inspiration for pictures. The trick is just to catch the spark of creativity that is around you.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x3SAfGC1Xbp9HyEl5ca_Y-k9QbZ2TNMAFJ62Q9BN3OGo6TOPRZ53lSSCu8dlEvFVYYbjKWUDuqaWwYIr31mfmPnHTigt5cubgDDBvuY-KYZbRfyC9WUDZo5z-5DE_8ZpW0j0JHG6RE8M/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-26+at+8.29.39+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x3SAfGC1Xbp9HyEl5ca_Y-k9QbZ2TNMAFJ62Q9BN3OGo6TOPRZ53lSSCu8dlEvFVYYbjKWUDuqaWwYIr31mfmPnHTigt5cubgDDBvuY-KYZbRfyC9WUDZo5z-5DE_8ZpW0j0JHG6RE8M/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-26+at+8.29.39+AM.png" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Now, the hardest part of all, getting motivated. It is often hard to get motivated when you find yourself exhausted after long days of working. Whether it is a job that you get paid to work or just a job where you get the intrinsic rewards like spending all day driving your kids around from game to game to dance lessons to karate lessons and hearing giggles from the backseat, if you are tired it is often hard to find the drive you need to start or finish a project. We've all been there. We've all experienced it. The key is knowing that the best reward is to see the finished project. It doesn't matter how large the project is or how easy it is, just that it is finished. That's what drives me to create. I have all these plans up in the air but the ones that I finish are always the ones that I want to start again. Those are also the ones that drive me to create something new. I know what I can do. I know what I have done and I want to push myself. That's my motivation.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wx2WCx7r8NCaxttAHPTc6rQe2onwnbzahPnpegd7Ka-YSGcmzNc00W-SzATb7XFHA1F9FHMpR_T-8g6GUK75hReMSYiYKSfcjlCUkHuanrEv9VOLg27lLQHsSydQpKKXNnwSTPwc7IAj/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-26+at+8.32.54+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wx2WCx7r8NCaxttAHPTc6rQe2onwnbzahPnpegd7Ka-YSGcmzNc00W-SzATb7XFHA1F9FHMpR_T-8g6GUK75hReMSYiYKSfcjlCUkHuanrEv9VOLg27lLQHsSydQpKKXNnwSTPwc7IAj/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-26+at+8.32.54+AM.png" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">So finding the right balance of being motivated, being inspired, and the time to create are all keys to successful business craft business. Sounds easy right? Wrong. These three things are often allusive and it takes a very dedicated person to find the right balance.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> To all of my fellow mommy and business, congratulations! You've done it. You found it, that right balance where you can manage your business, managed to create, and still enjoy the time you have with your family. If you lose any of these three, stop take a breath and remember it's not the destination but the journey that is important. Happy creating.</span>Two Monkeys One Circushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747739146155529051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-29866734271945847292013-05-24T06:00:00.000-04:002013-05-24T06:00:09.165-04:00Friday Feature:The Cute Shop by Rachel Halvaksz<i> It's that time of the week again! Welcome to our Friday Feature!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTHW6-13NOlj1GJ46SYvJRgp4r2PS-qgSbm_3yO94cl0ODcOYWsXuYxXLTpw1LJqeoq9x4CY7Ol8AXpiR3tUIEGDqAcMmDDKBI4sPPMiIKkL_9If8WlZfQ64cod7l-6ZPYsVQlO6Ip7Q/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26182758_8m1sgpfpyask0kw0sc8c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTHW6-13NOlj1GJ46SYvJRgp4r2PS-qgSbm_3yO94cl0ODcOYWsXuYxXLTpw1LJqeoq9x4CY7Ol8AXpiR3tUIEGDqAcMmDDKBI4sPPMiIKkL_9If8WlZfQ64cod7l-6ZPYsVQlO6Ip7Q/s320/icm_fullxfull.26182758_8m1sgpfpyask0kw0sc8c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>Tell us about yourself.</i></b><br />
My name is Rachel Halvaksz. I live in San Antonio, Texas with a
precocious seven-year-old girl and very supportive husband who's helped
me see parts of the world that I never would have imagined visiting. In
addition to being a mom and wife, I also work with the homeless
community at a great non-profit agency called Haven for Hope of Bexar
County.<br />
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About 10+ years ago, I went to a "quarter-life crisis" retreat where a
group of us newly college-graduated, recently-employed women tried to
figure out what do we do with our lives now. For a weekend, we sat
around in a beautiful Wisconsin cabin writing and discussing what we
wanted to do with our lives in 5, 10, 15 years from now. One of things I
listed was to create a cute shop that sold lovely things at an
inexpensive cost. I knew that living on a combined
"grassroots-non-profit and graduate-student" budget with the hubby to
create a shop from bricks/mortar wasn't going to be in my future anytime
soon. Thanks to etsy being in the world and the continual supportive
nudging of my husband, I've created my shop, appropriately called "the
cute shop".<br />
<i><b> </b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAhnHtWaZanlIcFR1ucj_9s6kpiHl53VKobB8zouKEivG-x1KxWKmMvWGCw8PJIRyozbIC-Wg0Dz1i5G7HZycFEeKv4Je-cXt0qI5uiU62cza2EMmYmKlkbMrmdRrQDLIS_XaEdCng6w/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26189249_sqydgd4ywms8goook4kg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAhnHtWaZanlIcFR1ucj_9s6kpiHl53VKobB8zouKEivG-x1KxWKmMvWGCw8PJIRyozbIC-Wg0Dz1i5G7HZycFEeKv4Je-cXt0qI5uiU62cza2EMmYmKlkbMrmdRrQDLIS_XaEdCng6w/s320/icm_fullxfull.26189249_sqydgd4ywms8goook4kg.jpg" width="232" /></a><i><b>Tell us about your shop. What do you sell?</b></i><br />
I sell handmade items created solely by me with love and patience. I try
to use upcycled/recycled materials as much as possible. I love taking
something like a stack of magazines and creating a new bowl out of them.
Ever since fifth grade when we did a class project on those who waste
and those who recycle, I've been a firm believer of the "reduce, reuse,
recycle" faith.<br />
I'm also a fan of quotations, which you will find in the quotable art
section of my shop. I also love quirky little designs or drawings and
trying them out on paper or canvas. I'm still new to the world of etsy
and handicrafting regularly so I love exploring new options, trying out
new ideas, and posting them. Mainly, if I think it's cute, I'll add it
to the shop.<br />
<b><i> </i></b><br />
<b><i>When did you start creating? Why?</i></b><br />
I guess you could say that I really started creating when I was in my
20s. First, I wanted to make handsewn quilts because my paternal
grandmother had so many of them that she made and I just thought, I
really should learn this tradition, so I made a few for friends and
family. I also used to make cards with origami designs on them. I sold
them to pay for my airline ticket to see my husband while he did his
fieldwork overseas in Papua New Guinea. I use to subscribe to Martha
Stewart Living magazine and try to challenge myself to create the items
that she promoted. I'll admit that I failed at a lot of them but learned
some new techniques and ideas. I love to doodle, explore handwriting
styles and trying new styles. The most recent items in my shop, the
recycled magazine bowls, were a way to reduce the clutter in my house. I
got tired of seeing magazines just go into the recycling bin, I wanted
them to be something more, so I started exploring options. It's also
just become art therapy for me to help relieve daily stressors. It's
amazing how tightly you can wind a piece of paper when you're
stressed...it's quite stress-relieving.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtm-IpWYqzOpYGsSXw20Jsmf6hbdgpZOOlJCL1jG_YmolzEhOkk3GDpQSvKbfog4hB258blB8GfwUsb3UV7aV9MDaBfKY82Xxg4P-Xz8qQ7DIiXrWA5Nv011MItJ8aZHGgZcmCVYcDzE/s1600/icm_fullxfull.26189275_97ux8v2zlxc0gkkk0wok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtm-IpWYqzOpYGsSXw20Jsmf6hbdgpZOOlJCL1jG_YmolzEhOkk3GDpQSvKbfog4hB258blB8GfwUsb3UV7aV9MDaBfKY82Xxg4P-Xz8qQ7DIiXrWA5Nv011MItJ8aZHGgZcmCVYcDzE/s320/icm_fullxfull.26189275_97ux8v2zlxc0gkkk0wok.jpg" width="240" /></a><i><b>What goals do you have for your shop? Is is a hobby, major source of income, or somewhere in between?</b></i><br />
My goals for the cute shop this year is more promotion and creative
expansion. I just started in my etsy shop in October 2012. It's my
"fun-creativity"career that I do on the side of the "pays-the-bills"
career. I'm hoping to eventually make it the "pays-the-bills" career but
I predict that to be a few years from now since it will take time to
build up the business. I've expanding to selling some items
internationally, setting up a table at area farmers' markets and craft
fairs, getting the shop's facebook page active and by mid-year, I'm
hoping to have the cute shop blog up and running.<br />
<i><b><br />
How do you balance your business with your family?</b></i><br />
It's a difficult task of balancing family, etsy business, and
"pays-the-bills" career all together. I normally take one day (or
half-day) out of the weekend to work intensely on the shop while doing
house chores (wait, is that possible?!?), either creating new items or
updating the business side of the shop or working a fair/farmers'
market. I also work in the evenings after the kiddo goes to bed while my
husband is working on his lecture prep, doing his research, etc.
Shipping off items, following up on etsy shop emails happen between
going to/from work. I found creating the items is really an therapeutic
journey for me and motivates me to keep moving forward on my goals.<br />
<br />
<i><b>What has been the most difficult aspect of being a Mommy with a Small Business?</b></i><br />
Letting my kiddo know that she will be completely bored at a farmers'
market or craft fair for 5 hours. At seven years of age, they don't sit
for long periods of time. Also, when I have a three-day weekend and I'm
able to really knock out a lot of items for the shop, it's hard to go
back into work the next day. I feel like "Nooo! I'm on a rhythm. I still
have so much I want to create!"<br />
<i><b> </b></i><br />
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<i><b>What has been the most rewarding?</b></i><br />
The most rewarding has been when complete strangers tell me that they
love my stuff or when people walk by at a market/fair and say "oh,
that's so cute!" Exactly! That's why I named it the cute shop. For the
first three months, I didn't tell most of my friends or extended family
that I was doing an etsy shop and pursuing this 10+ year dream because I
wanted to see if I could do it without '"sympathy purchases" from
friends and family. I wanted to just finally jump in and see if I could
do it. And I'm pretty pleased with the results so far.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Do you have any tips for other moms with a small/home business?</b></i><br />
Start small and build gradually. Remind yourself that you are in
control. If you find yourself spiraling out of control, remember you
decide the fate of your business. You can say "no!" to any offers. I've
learned to say "no" to things that I knew would take away to much time
away from my family and work. Networking is also important. I think it's
especially important for your kids to see what your goals are in life
and how you achieve and fail at things as well.<br />
<br />
<br /><i>Thanks, Rachel! If you would like to see more of Rachel's cute creations, visit her on etsy: </i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rhalvaksz" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/rhalvaksz</a><br />
<i>or facebook:</i> <a class="external-link-overlay-trigger overlay-trigger" href="http://www.facebook.com/thecuteshopbyhalvaksz" rel="#external-link-overlay" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/thecuteshopbyhalvaksz</a><br />
<br />
<i>Comments and questions are always welcome! Thanks for joining us!</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-43796229002638097662013-05-20T06:00:00.000-04:002013-05-20T06:00:00.682-04:00Homemade Laundry Detergent<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Want to enjoy using home made, economical detergent? It's quick and easy!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">You'll need:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">1/2 bar of Fels-Naptha soap</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">1/2 cup of Arm & Hammer washing soda</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">1/2 cup of 20 Mule Team borax</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">3 gallon bucket with lid or old detergent jugs </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><div>
<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/013/0/29549059/icm_fullxfull.27124665_60lmperg03cwkco4040k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/013/0/29549059/icm_fullxfull.27124665_60lmperg03cwkco4040k.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><div>
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Grate soap, add into 10 cups of water in a large pot.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Heat and stir until dissolved. Add washing soda and stir until dissolved.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Then add borax ( I use 1 cup of each, do not dump them in at the same time) </span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://img3.etsystatic.com/014/0/29549059/icm_fullxfull.27124667_pn5bkiiioj4o0gsk8kcc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://img3.etsystatic.com/014/0/29549059/icm_fullxfull.27124667_pn5bkiiioj4o0gsk8kcc.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">In bucket or jugs put 22 cups (1 gallon+6 cups) If you are using jugs you may need to divide the liquid between them. I use a cut-off water bottle for a funnel. Pour in soap mixture, (be careful if using funnel to hold towards the top. The plastic will get very hot when you pour the soap!) Stir (or shake if using jugs) before it sets up until well mixed or you'll have lumps (sometimes I get lumps anyway, just don't overload your washing machine and it should all rinse out). Let set up for 24 hours. Use 1/2 cup per load. Recipe yields 64 loads for pennies of what you'd normally spend on detergent! Don't be worried if it doesn't make suds in your washing machine, it's not supposed to:)</span><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/009/0/29549059/icm_fullxfull.27117344_p9ws2auva28o00044c00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/009/0/29549059/icm_fullxfull.27117344_p9ws2auva28o00044c00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">This recipe can also be used for cloth diapers, you just may want to leave the Borax out as it can be hard on the plastic fabric. (I like to make a dry mix of washing soda and whatever leftover soap nubs I have, grated up)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">If you have tough grease or food stains, spray with or soak in a diluted Lestoil solution before washing.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">To remove milk smell and other odors from baby clothes, soak in vinegar and baking soda solution.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">This blog post was brought to you by Trish at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReDreamJean">ReDream Jean</a></span></div>
Two Monkeys One Circushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747739146155529051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-89152202628530203482013-05-17T08:00:00.000-04:002013-05-17T08:00:03.736-04:00Friday Feature: Star City Kiddies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20gY1nRpEFjSJO1dcA5w1SDJgKQo2RGpfmcQ_2qYl_7nbZNVpzC73EzDh2mWn00qCbk0IW4i0xwcEUSP1iUCAbeeR_pRkw2ZRgUBYTzMdrZKtYf9yCNmEesV30oKl7CpfWf5GiYoqRgE/s1600/il_570xN.435223217_b4jv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20gY1nRpEFjSJO1dcA5w1SDJgKQo2RGpfmcQ_2qYl_7nbZNVpzC73EzDh2mWn00qCbk0IW4i0xwcEUSP1iUCAbeeR_pRkw2ZRgUBYTzMdrZKtYf9yCNmEesV30oKl7CpfWf5GiYoqRgE/s320/il_570xN.435223217_b4jv.jpg" width="320" /></a>Our shop this week is Star City Kiddies.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Tell us about yourself and your shop. What do you sell?</b></i><br />
I am a full-time mother, full-time wife, and full-time hospice office
manager. I found my love of crafting during my 20 plus years in Girl
Scouts, as a Scout, Gold Award Recipient, and Leader. In 2009, I was
blessed with my beautiful son, I found that it was hard to find cute
little boy clothes, so I decided to make my own. Star City Kiddies was
born! As my son has gotten older, I expanded into other handmade baby
& toddler items like pacifier holders, crib quilts, and carseat/doll
quilts. I have recently added 18 inch Doll Clothes because my niece has
fallen in love with a popular 18 inch doll and needed some cute clothes
for “Stacy”.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgsouSj8u4V_pQukdy2HOi5dPEfrnPLja56HnT7zUfCKGbBebzM9AwRiKAVrKdxiY0IDCput7-Q7YvyGTBYBsRAnaguwza0Ipkp7eO6ZMEa-7aQ9UeoXUZ5mrg2QVpk9XSlfdwltMdQQ/s1600/il_570xN.388134468_57pq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgsouSj8u4V_pQukdy2HOi5dPEfrnPLja56HnT7zUfCKGbBebzM9AwRiKAVrKdxiY0IDCput7-Q7YvyGTBYBsRAnaguwza0Ipkp7eO6ZMEa-7aQ9UeoXUZ5mrg2QVpk9XSlfdwltMdQQ/s320/il_570xN.388134468_57pq.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><b>How did you come up with the name?</b></i><br />
My hometown is nicknamed "The Star City of the South"... so Star City Kiddies seemed to fit my business perfectly.<br />
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<i><b>What goals do you have for your shop? Is is a hobby, major source of income, or somewhere in between?</b></i><br />
My hope for my shop is for it to be successful enough to be able to stay at home with my little man. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbQ1LbDq9JogT2aplz78DFyQT6zoQwusQyoqQCtmao8kQzJs0zuM-qNhxUEiOTF51xZR4EG38NoaxiXDkaJaLd4LgqL0pD5S9ajp7DDQiwQI7XuvOBhf5yO7zua03M6cjY21vm4OXdh4/s1600/il_570xN.427802573_1j88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbQ1LbDq9JogT2aplz78DFyQT6zoQwusQyoqQCtmao8kQzJs0zuM-qNhxUEiOTF51xZR4EG38NoaxiXDkaJaLd4LgqL0pD5S9ajp7DDQiwQI7XuvOBhf5yO7zua03M6cjY21vm4OXdh4/s320/il_570xN.427802573_1j88.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><b>How do you balance your business with your family? </b></i><br />
Although it is often difficult to balance family, work and a small
business, I have always made sure that my little man is my "helper" when
creating my shop items. He helps pick out fabrics and even learns his
numbers, colors and shapes as we create together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnth_zgkiz9ki7X5hZnKWuk0Kdvv1BrCOZQ1a_KKzxqoB66Jahg19PNJRNYLIl6hPdr4yI-MEwh7njfbIFxKofxk8s2SuWd4jgOwiP-61Tu5v_5vRjTXw1gecb6mXXlA3HSd1kM-CkSE/s1600/il_570xN.388135190_jzlx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnth_zgkiz9ki7X5hZnKWuk0Kdvv1BrCOZQ1a_KKzxqoB66Jahg19PNJRNYLIl6hPdr4yI-MEwh7njfbIFxKofxk8s2SuWd4jgOwiP-61Tu5v_5vRjTXw1gecb6mXXlA3HSd1kM-CkSE/s320/il_570xN.388135190_jzlx.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><b>How do you keep everything organized? Do you have a workspace?</b></i><br />
I don't have a designated workspace at this time... just a dining room
table and some bins but I am in the process of creating a designated
playroom/sewing area in the house so my son and I can “play” together
and create together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gffbgVxnMGwwcN34Zrl2mTqsdIMI1VRUgpSaBKSWSTdu92w-ugyhiBbtV8LKYZ0qbeF7X2eBzuaJR2iyMiXzSaaoayG210RbwfV-ChQYOLTtpFvJxcr8Sj-zQa42H2MzIywWyBfpcUA/s1600/il_570xN.435212770_195j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gffbgVxnMGwwcN34Zrl2mTqsdIMI1VRUgpSaBKSWSTdu92w-ugyhiBbtV8LKYZ0qbeF7X2eBzuaJR2iyMiXzSaaoayG210RbwfV-ChQYOLTtpFvJxcr8Sj-zQa42H2MzIywWyBfpcUA/s320/il_570xN.435212770_195j.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><b>What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a mommy with a small business? </b></i><br />
I love being able to create items for moms that are having a difficult
time finding cute boy stuff. I love being able to create and help
support my family. <br />
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<b><i>Do you have any tips for other moms with a small/home business?</i></b><br />
My advice to other moms is simple… don’t be afraid to try. You can
easily incorporate your own little helper into your creative process.
We love the time we spend together.<br />
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<i>Thanks, Laura! If you would like to see more, visit Laura at her Etsy shop:</i><br />
https://www.etsy.com/shop/StarCityKiddies<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514868566772298404.post-28537409539033640892013-05-13T06:00:00.000-04:002013-05-18T23:31:10.253-04:00Potty Training....When and How<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2LMxpGr5gAfFzIM54PUZfExA9vQVxfQZWZhpLlMunXtHCEL9x1UfcoqttoeqYdu-WIH4Uf7GXZkFFr_PUh5qnpBxZvSUJfu2n2lR77xM4ZhS5iCimd8ut7ZfCVMk0DL8HXiOOuVHORWQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-18+at+11.29.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2LMxpGr5gAfFzIM54PUZfExA9vQVxfQZWZhpLlMunXtHCEL9x1UfcoqttoeqYdu-WIH4Uf7GXZkFFr_PUh5qnpBxZvSUJfu2n2lR77xM4ZhS5iCimd8ut7ZfCVMk0DL8HXiOOuVHORWQ/s200/Screen+shot+2013-05-18+at+11.29.37+PM.png" width="198" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Potty Training…two words that can fill you with joy or make you feel like a panic attack is about to happen!….and to think about when and how this is going to take place while running a small business…well there is some real concern.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Right off the bat I need to make it clear…I don’t have the answers…but I can assure you it will happen and you will find the time. You are a Mom…right?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I did a little internet research on the subject. Wow was I surprised! I’m a Grandmother so its been a few…well a lot…of years since I was faced with these questions. Holy Cow things have changed!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Let me tell you what I had going for me…a daddy husband who was sure that potty training was not part of his parenting responsibilities…heck if he kept the kids for an hour or so while I did something else…he called it “babysitting”. Then I had my Mother who swore she had me potty trained at 9 months. I know I’m wonderful…but I never did buy into the 9 months thing. My In-Laws who would ask if I planned on sending my kid to school in diapers…after all he was almost two and still running around in them. The next door neighbors who were old like I am now also tried to help…I guess. They would make comments like “pooey…you’re stinky” to my little guy. Makes me laugh now as he could have cared less…it was summer and he had way more important things on his mind than going potty. When he was tiny he needed changed and pampered very often or developed diaper rash…when it was time to potty train him…he developed a cast iron bottom and couldn’t have cared less if he was wet or stinky. As for any information on the subject, there were a couple…well maybe one.. book at the library with black and white illustrations of little Susie sitting on a potty in her little lace trimmed dress doing what she was suppose to do. Not happening at my house!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">During my internet research today, I was informed you can start at a few days old having some kind of potty communication or you can wait till they are much much older and train them in a day???? There are even lots of videos …and not of little Susie in her dress…Is your kid gonna’ love you for that video when he is older? Anyway, there is a lot of information available. Information is good…right? Well yes, but don’t let it bog you down. You know your child and you will know when it is time. If you try and it doesn’t work out…give it some time…and try again. Congrats to Moms who get this accomplished when their little ones are still very little…but every little one is different.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I did get it mastered…twice actually! The first one was harder. He was two and half and like I said “ not interested”. …so I gave him a baby brother…and that changed everything. Older brother decided he didn’t want to be a baby any longer and going potty was cool. Sometime around that time I also came across a reading that helped me relax about it. It questioned why we call it “potty training” and not “potty learning”. According to what they said…a child can not handle all of these functions of knowing when, how to wait, how to tell you and how to go when he’s suppose to until he can actually pedal a tricycle… that is takes all of those same brain functions to get the potty stuff down…well my little guy didn’t pedal…he pushed with his feet…so I was reassured everything was going to be OK. You too will find what works for you and your little one. My second child was easy…cause he just wanted to do whatever his big brother did so off to the potty he went much sooner!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">So to sum up, don’t make it such a big deal. You know what is best and yes as a Mom you will get it done. There are so many hurdles to jump being a parent and this is just one. I think it would be really nice if you young Mommies trying to do it all would share your feelings on this subject and perhaps something you have to say could help another Mom “relax” about POTTY TRAINING! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Good Luck to you all!</span>Two Monkeys One Circushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06747739146155529051noreply@blogger.com1