NO CRAP EXCUSES!!!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

I know I have been very lax in posting...but my new motto, NO CRAP EXCUSES!

I listened to parts of the Etsy Success Symposium this weekend you can check it out here. http://www.etsy.com/storque/seller-handbook/etsy-success-symposium-11615/

I particularly liked April Bowles Olin She had some great ideas for improving your Etsy shop and, in general, anything you are trying to accomplish.

The one that really stuck with me was NO CRAP EXCUSES! This came from a cute etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=artsyville&search_type=handmade It basically says stop using those excuses to procrastinate. You know those ones: "Oh I had a salad for lunch, so it's okay to have the tiramasu for dessert" (oh, I have used this soooo many times) or "I'm not feeling like redoing my product descriptions today, I think I'll do it tomorrow".

The other suggestions were to write down 6 things you will do during that day. You know as women we always have a list that is a mile long...and we keep adding to it! Breaking it down to just 6 things you need to do that day will help to make us feel that we have accomplished something and not so overwhelmed! Now you KNOW I am talking about mostly business stuff. RIGHT? Anyone of you with "littles" will have quite a challenge, but how many times have you used those "littles" to put things off?

I know a budding writer who gets up every morning (even when they go camping) at 5:30 AM just so she can have time to write before the chaos insues...that's what i'm talkin' 'bout!

Have a wonderful day and kiss all those Valentines in your life!

New Year, New Beginnings again

Well, we made the move...or I made the move.

It has been a crazy couple of weeks. I packed up my cute little apartment, left my two adorable grandsons and came back to my DH who has patiently waited for me to return.

I can't believe what a body can collect in 3.5 years. I was taking it over a carload at a time. You know those little things you just can't live without...fabric, scissors, more fabric. I was even under the misguided impression that I could take a few UFOs there and get them ALL done! Right! Not!

Now we have traveled home with it all and somehow the holes that were there when I took the items closed up. CLOSED UP!? How does that happen?

But God blessed us with a little flood in our basement, forcing us to go through 42 years of boxes that just never seemed to get opened...

So here's to the new year and yes, the same old resolution: LESS CLUTTER!

And...

My children have to come and get their stuffed animals I have been storing.

You will be hearing more of the saga as the weeks go on...Its my other resolution...TO KEEP UP MY BLOG!

There I said it, so it must happen.

Peace and Love

A little walk down memory lane...

Less than a week til Christmas...momentary panic!! Ok, now deep breathe, and remember your shopping is done. Wheee!

Ever have one of those moments that transport you back to a sweet memory of childhood? It happened to me this week and I thought I would share...



I stopped at my favorite brew place to pick up my favorite latte. It is not an everyday occurrence, but a treat I allow myself once or twice a month. It never fails to take me back to my childhood where I would stay with my Grammie. On those weekends at her house the day always started with a little "coffee laty". These were nothing like what I get these days, but they are every bit as special. Mine was served in a small demitasse cup that came from my grandmother's treasured china cabinet. I never knew they were actually expresso cups, I just thought they were cute little cups just saved for me. The coffee was made with one tablespoon of hot coffee, a small amount of sugar, and then filled to the brim with milk. Stirred with a special small spoon that had the image of a little girl on the handle. (We all coveted that spoon!) I felt soooo grown up. There we would sit, sipping our coffee.


I still have trouble ordering a "latte" instead of a "coffee laty".

When my grandmother died, it was really the only thing I wanted...one of those little tiny cups. So perfectly miniature, so sweetly remembered.

What things stir childhood memories for you?

Please have a wonderful week and remember the real reason for this season of the year!

...and a Partridge in a Pear Tree!

Wow, It has been a crazy few weeks! Let me just chronicle a little for you and you'll know why I haven't been blogging. First, spent a fun week at the American Paint Horse World Show in Texas. It was balmy, in the 70's. And they have the very best, huge stuffed baked potatoes. The second week I spent in Wyoming, where it was balmy (for November) in the 30's, and breezy. DH and I helped on the family buffalo ranch, separating Mamas from babies. Time for them to grow up and move on. Third week, back to Utah for repacking and on to Colorado for Thanksgiving with Son and DIL, new friends, and a TON of food. I got to introduce my DIL who is Brazilian, to the great American pastime, called BLACK FRIDAY. She is soooo excited and I am not sure my Son is appreciative...
I finally got to sleep in my own bed last week, before I was back in Colorado for the Habitat for Humanity extravaganza. Presented my play tents and got to network with other artisans.

Okay, so now it is the second week in December and I need to get on the Christmas thing...

Sweet grandsons are here tomorrow, so Christmas cookies may be on the menu. Cherishing every moment with them.

Have a great week!

Riding the Train Today.

There's a blizzard on the way, so instead of riding the train somewhere fun, with the boys, I'll be doing it virtual today!!





And while the snow is pounding against the windows, I'll be cozy behind my sewing machine working on all the goodness I get to take to my craft show on December 5 in Colorado.

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I hope the snow lets up by then :)


The Eclectic Noni

Christmas is Commmmming!

Well, first let me apologize for being such a slacker! The trip to Texas for the APHA World Show was fun, but long hours and a lot of barn dust did not make for happy blogging. Now back to the grind. I need to get back to sewing and building the inventory for Eclectic Boutique. I will be participating in a craft show in Loveland,CO the 4th of December. Should be fun. I haven't done a craft show in a while and this is to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. A very worthwhile cause.

And since my ADD brain can't stay with one project...I found these cute Baked Potato and Tortilla Steamers at Nancy's Notions. I thought they would make great neighbor gifts or Christmas gifts for someone who has everything. Check them out....



http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/code/bptskt.do?extid=101019#

Thanks to all of you who entered the Living on Love and Cents Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide! the Winner will be announced soon and one of you will be warm and cozy in the Snugglerug.

Here's to happy snuggling!

Tuesday Train Today.

I'm taking in the World Show today down in Texas...but you can also find me on the Train.





And over at FMBT



Check back for more pictures from Texas.