Monday Mojo...The Great And Powerful Iz

Oh, no.  That's not a typo there.  This is not about Oz, but it's close.  This is Iz, actually Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole, the songbird from Hawaii.  His rendition of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" is one of my all-time favorite mood enhancing songs. It brings me hope, it calms me, it lift my spirit, it's just so beautiful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and I hope you have a marvelous Monday.

The ABCs Of Life...B Is For Brown

I was all set on doing another "heavy," thought-provoking blog about my life, but life is heavy enough sometimes.  This has been a tough week for me, so I'm lightening it up a bit...with a bit of color.  Now, purple is by far my favorite color of all time, but as I grow into myself, I find myself drawn to browns, all shades of brown. I find it relaxing and comforting and it brings me a sense of peace.  So, on that note, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite brown goodies from my Etsy favorites...


Queen Size Quilt with 2 Shams by southerncharmquilts

Beautiful silk scarf by klaradar

Mineral Eye Shadow 'Chocolate Diamonds' by MyBeautyAddiction

Brown and Gold Rhinestone Hoop Earings by StrictlyCute

Pine Cone and Cinnamon Wreath with birch bark stars and spices by NHWoodscreations

Brown Earthtone Broken Pottery Beaded Bracelet by Mysticglassduo

Home Decor Cream and Brown Beaded Tassel Fan Pull by lizbethsgarden



If you are feeling rather generous of late, I'd really love to have each and every one of these fabulous items...hint, hint :)

How To Tuesday...How To Be A Complete And Utter Failure On Etsy

I see so many blogs and discussion threads on how to run a successful shop on Etsy, but what about those poor folks who don't want to succeed?  Does anyone care about them?  Well, I do.  So here's my advice...

Your Etsy Shop

• Do not waste your time making a shop banner.  Don't even bother with a pre-made one for new shops. It makes people think you might actually be serious about what you do and they might want to buy something.
• Do not include a welcome message.  Honestly, are you really happy people are stopping by to see what you have to offer? Do you even want them to know what you make or if you are running a special?
• Do not make sections for your shop. Why make it easy for potential shoppers to find particular items in your shop. Make them work for it.
• Absolutely do not fill out your profile, your policies, or your shipping information. C'mon, people don't really read that stuff anyway, right? Do you think anybody cares how long you've been working on your craft or why you're on Etsy? Policies and shipping info...that's for the folks who want to succeed, remember. Steer clear.
• Less is better.  Less items in your shop; less information in your product descriptions; and for goodness sake, no more than one photo (bonus points if it's a blurry one!) The quicker they are in and out of your shop, the better.
• Set your prices ridiculously low.  Is your time and effort really that valuable?

You And The Community

• Do not go to the forums or any teams to learn how to succeed with your Etsy shop.  You may post comments, but only if you complain about your lack of sales and/or views, and what a failure you are on Etsy, or that you just want to quit.  Oh, and make sure you whine about all the success other sellers are having or how awful the customers are.  Etsians hate negativity:)
• Do not promote your shop in any way. If people found you through social media (facebook, twitter, pinterest, stumble, google+) they might follow the link back to your shop and like something, share with their network what they like, or worse, buy something. Do not let this happen to you!
• Do not go to craft fairs with your product. Why in the world would you want people to actually be able to see your products up close? Big No No here! You might sell something.
• Don't even think about writing a blog.  Like anyone wants to hear what you have to say or like or promote anyway.

Final Words of Encouragement...(Make That Discouragement)

Success takes a lot of work, but so does failure.  Be careful, there are way too many nice folks on Etsy who will want to help you.  Do not make friends, do not join teams, and most importantly, do not believe in yourself.  Save yourself all the time and hard work it would take to become successful. Take the easy way out...as long as you're content with your failure, that is.

"My greatest concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure."

Abraham Lincoln

The ABCs of Life...A is for Anger Management

Yup, just going to jump in with a biggie; anger management.  I'm sure you know someone who could take that class, maybe you're even looking at that person in the mirror right now.  It may be a life-long battle or one recently brought on by a series of misfortunes.  In either case, it still needs to be dealt with before lives and relationships are irrevocably damaged.

Oh, come on now, you may be saying.  Everyone gets angry.  True, but to what extent, and more importantly, to what degree?  What is the impact of the outburst?  Is there property damage?  Bodily harm to the angry person or someone else as a direct result of the outburst?  Has someone been left an emotional basket case as a direct result of dealing with an angry person?  And here's a biggie...has the anger consumed the person to the extent that it has affected them mentally, physically, or emotionally so much so that their well-being is a cause for concern?

Asura falls to Earth and is con­sumed by anger



(FYI, this video game may be contain content inappropriate content for children, just in case you want to click on the link. I just thought it was a good picture to demonstrate my point. I, personally, do not approve of this type of game, but that's just me.)

I'll admit it.  I was that person for a while as a result of a bad relationship and the battles that followed.  At first it was understandable, and expected.  I am human, after all.  What made me realize it had taken over my life were the warning signs I hadn't seen individually, but, collectively, made me stop dead in my tracks and consciously decide to not let my anger control me any longer.

Now, my warning signs may be similar for others, and I have no medical training, but take note if you see these signs in others or yourself.  You may be headed down my path, or already there.



Here were my warning signs:

• nightmares
• anxiety when going anywhere I thought my ex might be (to the point I felt sick)
• inability to talk about anything else (yup, lost friends over this one)
• inability to focus on daily tasks
• frequent daydreams of retaliation and revenge
• realizing that these feelings were taking over my life

Yeah, it wasn't pretty.  I really didn't like myself for a while, but I really loathed him.  So how did I escape?  One thing was for sure; even I was sick of hearing myself talk about it...reliving the events and conversations over and over was just draining me of my joy.  I didn't like being angry all the time.  I recognized it, but didn't know how to get out of it.  One day I was on my way to work and was flipping channels on the radio, when I came across KWVE, also know as "the Wave." (Before I go any further, let me say this absolutely is not about how you must find God, or any other kind of religion, for that matter.  This is just my story and how I found my happy place again.)  My car ride was an hour and a half each way to  and from work (gotta love L.A.), so I found myself listening to the stories of love and forgiveness.  I also found a local church and started going regularly.  I began counseling to get through my feelings and I stopped talking about "it."  The biggest, and by far, hardest thing I did, was to make myself forgive my ex, really forgive him, in my heart.  It was huge for me.  I could feel the weight just being lifted.

It's so simply, yet so difficult at times.  We really are in charge of our lives; how we react to situations, who we let affect us, and how; the direction our lives will go.  Am I always happy? Absolutely not!  Do I ever still get angry with my ex?  Darned tootin' I do!  But, he no longer controls my life, or rather I won't allow my negative feelings about the past decide the direction of my future.  I made a conscious decision to take back my life.  I owe it to myself and to the people who care about me.

How To Tuesday...He, Who, Him, Whom...Huh?

This is the first "How To Tuesday" blogpost.  Today I will show you how to tell when to use he and whom and him and whom.

Back when I lived in Pittsburgh I taught an adult basic education class at the local Goodwill.  It was my job to help these folks get a basic grasp of the English language.  One of my lessons focused on when to use he or him, and when to use him, or the now archaic, whom.  So, here it is in a nutshell.

(I, you, he, she, it, we, you, they)---Who
You can properly answer the question, "Who ___?" with any of the above pronouns.

Examples:
They are home.
Who is home.
They are!

She is my sister.
Who is your sister?
She is!

(me, you, him, her, it, us, you, them)---Whom
These pronouns, when not used as the subject ("it" and "you" could be used as either) are always accompanied with "helper words," such as with, to, and for.  As a neumonic device, it also helps to remember that him and whom both end with "m," so it's easy to remember that they go together.  But why you may ask.  It's best to show with an example...

I'm going to the store with him.
With whom are you going?
With him!

She gave the book to us.
Who did she give it to? or (not frequently used anymore, but still correct) To whom did she give the book?
Same answer in either case...To us!

OK, but wait. What's wrong with saying "Me and him?"  I know I've heard a lot of people say that.  I'm sure you have, too.  Here's when you know...

If you can take "him" out of the sentence, what are you left with?  "Me."
So take the sentence, "Me and him are going to eat lunch."
Now take him out of the sentence.  Would you say, "Me is going to eat lunch?" I would hope not.  The correct way to say that would be, "I am going to eat lunch."
OK, now bring him back.  "I and him..." That's just painful to hear.  What's wrong now?  The problem is that "me" didn't do anything.  "I did it."  Remember the question above..."Who did it?"  Well, here you go.  "I did it," and "He did it, too."  So the correct use would be "He and I (think of good manners and always put yourself last) are going to eat lunch"...or, how about..."We are going to eat lunch?"

Hopefully that wasn't too confusing.  Just remember He/Who...Him/Whom.

Monday Mojo...A Cup of Pure Pleasure

It's Monday...again.  Many of you are not overjoyed by that fact, but I know there must be someone else, besides myself, who sees it in a different light.  For me Monday is like New Year's Eve, but on a smaller scale; a fresh start.  So, I have decided that Mondays will be the day I bring you some of my Monday Mojo.  Sometimes I will write about things that inspire me.  Sometimes I will write about people or things that motivate me.  Sometimes I will share something I have learned.

Back in the day, when I was a teacher, I would share one of my favorite saying with "my" kids...

LolasRoom



Whatever happened before is over and gone.  New day.  New choices.  New chances to do things better.

OK, but what about those of you who just hate Mondays?  Well, if you're anything like me, the day (any day) doesn't really start without a nice, big steaming cup of coffee. (I'm on my second cup, actually.)  So in honor of my favorite beverage, I offer a few of my favorite coffee-related items I love from Etsy sellers.  I don't know about you, but coffee always motivates me...and a great cup of coffee is a great way to start the day, no?

Compliments of Teaman

Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about.  But it's not just about the beverage.  Oh, no. It's all things that remind me of coffee, like this fabulous bracelet I recently came across...

3pearls

Ok now...this is pure luxury.  Don't you agree?

SweetSallysSoaps

Now, I'll admit it...I love really hot coffee, but I don't like to burn my hands on the cup.  But with this coffee mug cozy, I can protect my hands while I'm proudly letting everyone know that I'm a huge Dr. Who fan!

KnotworkShop

And for those of us who simply must have a cup of coffee everywhere we go, may I suggest a mini cup of coffee?

Crystalcat1989

Oh, the smell, the taste, the joy that coffee brings.  So, drink up friends.  It's going to be a great day!

Finding Your Inspiration

Yesterday while filling out a questionnaire about my Etsy shop, TheGoodOleDays, I was asked where I found my inspiration.  It seemed like a simple enough and straightforward question. However, the answer isn't quite so clear cut.  I get my inspiration when I'm walking down the street and I see a skirt or top I like, or when I'm browsing in a bookstore or strolling through the mall.  Colors catch my eye, or fabric designs.  Sometimes I'll buy fabric that I really like but will hold onto it for a while until it "tells" me what it wants to be.  (Ok, I know that sounds crazy.  Let me give you an example.) This apron set...

Retro Full Apron-Oven Mitt-Hand Towel Gift Set-Pigs All Over

was a custom order for a friend. She had chosen the fabric she wanted, but when I saw it I just knew this was not going to be barbecue-style apron like the ones I had been making.  This was my first reto-style apron.  Sometimes, like in this instance, I can imagine something totally different, even if it's something I've never made before.  Take this recent fabric purchase of mine...

luckykaerufabric

This one is screaming to me..."I'm not an apron! Please don't make me into an apron." So, what could I do? This fabulous fabric is soon to be a hot little wiggle skirt.  I may be tempted to just keep it for myself ;)

And one more for now.  I absolutely love the sweater coats I keep seeing on Etsy, but they are totally out of my price range right now.  However, when I caught this tutorial...

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/107157835

from Katwise on Etsy I was immediately inspired to make my own sweater coat!

Inspiration is everywhere. The key is letting yourself be inspired and then get out there and make something.

Setting Realistic Goals and How to Achieve Them

First off, let me just say that this is not one of my strong points, however identifying one's weakness is the first step to self improvement.  With that said, looking back on this blog, such as it is, and on my Etsy shop, I realize there are things which I can, and need, to do, to make this year a success.

MissTanDesigns

It would be so easy to blame life's problems, or a lack of time, or anything else on my lack of success.  But the truth is we all have problems, we all have the same number of hours in a day, and we all could come up with a million reasons why we are not successful. The bottom line is, it all rests squarely on my/our shoulders just how successful we all will be.  Plenty of folks have proven it can be done. The question is: what do I need to do that I'm not doing now? What am I doing right and what do I need to work on?  Of course, this really goes for all of us.  So, as I go through my list, just plug in your own situation.

michelledwight

I'm a Realist. I know that without Divine intervention, my Etsy shop, TheGoodOleDays, will not make me a millionaire any time soon, if ever.  Some folks are doing quite well, and are in fact, making a decent living doing what they love. I'm not one of them...yet. So, my first goal is to strive for a specific dollar amount per month that is doable for me at this time. Eventually I would like this to be a full-time career with a comparable full-time income, but for now I'm hoping for an acceptable secondary income. I broke down the dollar amount into how much I would like to earn each month and then each week.  Not a scary, or unattainable number.

Now I know that in order to make sales I need to have the goods, get the word out about my shop, and get the goods to the comsumer.  Instead of saying I need to make more stuff, I will set a weekly quota for myself. I need to see that number posted as a daily reminder, like a challenge.  I thought about a daily quota, but with my family, I realized I would be setting myself up for failure.  Ok, so I have the goods, but who will know unless I spread the word.  In this area I think I'm doing well. I tweet, I pin, I share on fb, and I am active with an etsy team that does a lot of promoting.  My area of weakness is right here...the blog.  But I have a plan. I found a blog planner, which will help me stay on track.

Free downloadable blog planner by clementinecreative

I am currently working on categories and a posting schedule.  Looking back on my epic failures with blogging to date, I will absolutely NOT plan on blogging every day...eventually, yes, but not right now. Three times a week is realistic for now.  OK, make stuff? Check. Get the word out? Check. Get the goods to the consumer?  This is where the craft fairs come in.  It's not enough to say I want to do as many as possible. What would be more practical, and realistic, is for me to research craft fairs in the area (which I have already started doing), and seeing which ones are a good fit for me based on what I make and what I can afford in relation to the fees.  I am planning on two major craft events, one in the Spring/Summer and another one in the Fall/Winter, along with 5-10 smaller events throughout the year.

SweetlyScrappedArt

Of course, each goal, and the steps to reach those goals, all need to be broken down into baby steps; measurable and attainable daily, weekly, and monthly.  Small successes do add up.  Along with the blog planner above, I have a huge wall calendar for mothly tracking, a dry erase board for daily goals, and a day planner for weekly goals. I am also going to post on my bedroom wall a list of my goals and the steps I need to take for each goal and cross them off as I go.

I am determined to make this year the year I finally "get it" and do what I know I am capable of.

December Business Challenge Update

How easy it is to get side-tracked from work when my office is the dining room table; school, family (including the fur babies), errands, and now the holidays all are vying for attention and time.  So, how am I doing with the business challenge?  Actually, I'd like to think I'm doing pretty well.  I've done some online reading on SEO, marketing, pricing, and time-management; I've looked for possible venues where I could consign my wares; and I'm developing a business plan so that I can move ahead with clearly defined goals and a plan of how to get there.  Of course I'm still making and selling items and passing out business cards along the way...and always promoting and sharing.

Eureka Internet Guides on Etsy

So here are some helpful and informative tidbits I came across in my online travels that I thought I'd share with you.

First up...Stitchlabs  For a very reasonable fee ($12 a month for a sole proprietor) Stitchlabs gives you a place to keep track of all your inventory, sales, invoices and separates sales from Etsy, trunk shows, and consignments.  Very nice.

Second...Business Exchange Business Week's Business Exchange has a category for social media marketing filled with great information and advice.

Third...Designing an MBA Love this blog. Filled with so much for Etsy sellers; videos, tutorials, links, ebooks, workshops, personal consulting, AND when you subscribe to this blog you get a FREE ebook, "The Best of Crafting an MBA."

And. last on the list today...10 Real Tips For Successfully Selling On Etsy from one of my favorite blogs, Handmadeology.  This blog post is chock full of awesome links and advice for turning a love for crafting into a successful Etsy business venture. Definitely one to be bookmarked.

I hope you find these links as helpful to you as I did.  Please let me know hwat you think of this blog and the links I found. I'd love to hear from you.

Getting Back On Track

There's no denying it...I have neglected my blog.  I used to love writing when I was in high school, but now the words don't come as easily.  Perhaps now with the internet I know that anyone and everyone will be able to see what I write, and that makes me a tad bit self-conscious.  Who am I ? What do I have to share?  Will anyone even want to read this blog?

Well, if I keep thinking about my shortcomings and my lack of computer knowledge, I never will succeed at blogging or becoming a successful entrepreneur.  I am smart enough to know it is up to me to get my name and product out there, so today is as good as any day to get back in the ring, because, afterall, I don't want to admit I have failed if I in fact haven't given it my all.

So why blog today?  I have been inspired.  A high school friend of mine, Kim Adamof, created an event that really spoke to me; Take The December Challenge and Stay Focused on Your Business.  I'm up for the challenge.  Maybe this is just what I need to really think about TheGoodOleDays as a legitimate business venture.  The challenge is this: "Every single day of the month you must do some thing to promote your business or do something that will make you successful in 2012. Make your To-Do list based on your business’ lead generation."  There is plenty that I need to do and joining this group is a good way for me to hold myself accountable.

So, now I have something to blog about, at least for the month of December.  Baby steps.  This is just what I need to get myself going and motivated.  Thank you, Kim.

Day 1
I listed two new items in my shop and promoted them on my facebook fanpage and in my etsy teams, I updated my google+ account, and I wrote this blog.  Here are my two new shop listings:

You can find these and my other ornaments in my etsy shop.