I've been so busy, yes productively so, that I almost forgot to post! That's a good thing.

Today I'm juggling a couple things. Aren't all of us WAHMS juggling a couple things every minute of our lives? Like Lynn's post - I can't ever seem to catch up and hate the guilt that comes with not being caught up -or feeling like I should be working. I've also come to realize that those days off when I get farther behind are the days that I'm "living" my life.

Last night I watched the special on Randy Pausch, he wrote "the last lecture". I didn't realize he had died. I've seen him before on Oprah, I think or another show. I've thought about getting his book, watching the whole lecture, but just haven't done it yet. So inspiring to listen to him and his wife, in previous interviews with Diane Sawyer, about how they live their lives, what's important.

Yeah, we all hear the stories, vow to change, vow to stop and smell the flowers and cherish every moment of our lives - regardless of how far behind we are, how much our kids are whining and fighting and how we might be struggling to pay the bills.

I think this time I just might be able to follow thru. Think about "how important is this" before I say or do something. I've got the serenity prayer under the glass on my desk. Read it everyday. There are lots of days when I just don't know how to change the things I can, how NOT to TRY to change the things I can't and pray for the wisdom to know the difference!

I don't get it right very often:) But knowing that I do sometimes keeps me trying!

At the end of June I was told that I needed to have a biopsy on my left boob - is it ok with you if I don't say breast?! I went thru the panic, the fear, the "why me", the "why not me" days. The wondering if the results didn't go my way if I would have the strength to get thru it. Then, it occurred to me that I wasn't THERE yet. This was a biopsy, I hadn't been diagnosed yet. I have no family history of breast cancer and trust me, there isn't alot of breast to hide it in here. I found that I could change the way I looked at the situation, couldn't change the fact that I had to have surgery, and that I had the wisdom, or really common sense to know the difference.

It's been a couple weeks and reality has set in. I'm fine, healthy, but with a nice scar to remind me of how lucky - blessed I am to "just" have a scar. I'm trying to "live every moment" and trying to let my stress over not getting everything done roll off my shoulders at the end of every day.

Final notes - it's actually Thursday now, never finished this yesterday! Please ladies, have your mammograms, do your self exams, go to the doctor! Life is a beautiful thing, no matter how much stress we have in it. I may never get all of my to-do lists done, but as long as my heart is full and my family is happy, I'll be good:) I'm going to take my kids to the pool now - I'll work on that list later.....

Creative therapy

I have lived my whole life being a creative person, as a child I had to have something to glue, sew or draw on or I would start to go crazy. I’m still that way today. It’s like therapy for me to create something new. Thank God for my business, which has allowed me to fulfill most of my creative needs. Bridal white and Ivory however, do get a little boring after a while, so every season I would design one headpiece just for me. It was always outrageous; something I knew would be a hard sell to my conservative buyers. That didn’t mater because this was my therapy. I just let myself go and designed something wonderful without thinking about my clientele. It was like I was creating art not a product. I usually sold quite a few of these because sometimes my buyers needed to venture a little out of their box. You might want to give this a try, let yourself go and get a little wild with a design, just think of it as a great creative release. When you feel better after doing this, feel free to send me a check for your therapy, my fees are really reasonable!

Jill Prettyman

Work, Work and More Work.

How does a self employed wahm stay organized and get things done? Really. I need an answer. I seem to be more productive when I am busy with orders, than when I am slow. Sort of. I guess I get more painted, but that's because I have to.

Here is my problem....I work all day. I paint, I pour, I pack. I usually work until dinnertime. I take a lunch break, but that's about it. My day is filled with pigs.

After dinner, I try not to work. But....BUT after dinner I still have paperwork to do. And computer work. Stuff I didn't have time to do during the day. My website hasn't been updated for months. Emails need answered. Papers need filed. But I feel guilty if I start to do that stuff after dinner.

And heaven forbid if I take some time off and don't work for 2 days in a row (like weekends). Then I am so far behind I can't see the light....I swear, more orders come in when I take some time off and try not to work.

Just when am I supposed to have family time? Or when am I supposed to get everything done? Or when can I have time to myself? Is there a way to do it all without going crazy? DOES ANYONE OUT THERE HAVE THE ANSWER??????? I need to know!

Optimism

WISDOM TO HELP START THE WEEK

Do what you can, where you are, with what you have. (Theodore Roosevelt)

THE POWER OF OPTIMISM

Thomas Edison’s laboratory burned to the ground one day in 1914. Walking among the ashes the next morning, he said: “All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew.”

For his book, “The Power of Optimism,” Dr. Alan Loy Mc Ginnis, a psychologist, read 1,000 biographies and analyzed the lives of hundreds of successful people. He concludes: “The road to a happy and successful life is paved with optimism.

Being a pessimist or an optimist is largely a matter of choice. We can change the way we feel.

According to Dr. Mc Ginnis, you can become an optimist by emulating the mental habits most successful people share:

Think of yourself as a problem solver. Optimists understand that setbacks are inevitable. They aren’t surprised if a problem occurs and always look for the good in bad situations. “A setback is simply a problem in need of a solution.”

Take action to control your destiny. Successful people realize that certain things in life are beyond their control. They focus on which of their actions can make a difference.

Condition your mind. Like athletes who visualize a certain move, or who paint a mental picture of victory, successful people prepare themselves for success with “creative daydreaming.”

Throughout his book, Dr. Mc Ginnis quotes successful people – from Winston Churchill to CEO’s and sales managers – many of whom suffered crushing defeats. All came roaring back after a failure.

Actually, optimists do not use the word “failure.” They call it a false start or, perhaps, a glitch – and keep going.

And that makes all the difference.

Monday Motivation

Another week, another monday. It was a busy weekend and today I am still tired. I actually took the whole weekend off and did some fun stuff. Saturday was a family picnic and sunday we went to a medieval faire. Can't wait to post some pictures of that over at my personal blog : ) But today it is back to work, hoping I didn't fall too far behind after taking a couple days off....

Today I need to :

1. schedule a carrier pick up for tomorrow
2. personalize a couple piggy banks
3. process some orders
4. upload some pictures : )
5. add the new piggy bank to the website
6. mail my receipts to my bookkeeper
7. email some bills to her too
8. remind people that the Christmas In July Sale is almost over (have you started shopping yet???)
9. clean my purse out
10. paint some piggy banks

Have I been living under a rock?

We don't have cable television. We don't see the need for that many tv stations. We watch PBS for the most part. I am addicted to Battlestar Galactica but we can watch the new episodes the next day on the Sci Fi channel. Plus, it's not appropriate for our 9 year old, so we watch it on our laptop after she has gone to bed.

That's NOT the point I am trying to make here.

Today I discovered that there is a new X-Files movie in theaters. Right now. Opened on Friday.

What ROCK have I been living under that I didn't know about this movie?

Sheesh. Cable or no cable. I need to get out more.

I think I’ll stay small

I posted this on Tipsfromhome today, but thought it would be good here too

Good Morning America did a story this morning about two guys who started a candle company called Man Scents. They are making candles with scents for men, like Hunting Lodge or Alaskan Wilderness. I thought what a great idea. It just shows that you can take an old product and if you are creative enough you can turn it into a new and successful business.

My next thought: I’m going to write a post on this.

My next thought: Wow, I’m jealous, how lucky did these two guys get, GMA just did a story on their small business. Think about how many people just saw that.

My next thought: OMG I hope they are ready for this, are their servers big enough to handle that many people hitting their web site at once? How many employees do they have working for them producing these candles? Do they have enough products to manufacture all the orders they are going to get (if their site doesn’t crash)?

I decided I wasn’t jealous after all; my nice little manageable business is just fine.

Jill Prettyman

A Quote

I saw this quote over at SparkplugCEO and thought I would post it here....

A great entrepreneur is someone who can live in chaos and uncertainty. Entrepreneurs say, “I think there’s a better way."

Fits me to a "t". How about you?

Mr. Zubek's Pencil Orchestra

As the technology coordinator for Lawrence School, I work with the teachers and students in implementing technology into the curriculum. Mr. Zubek, our lower school's very creative music teacher, hand-built a Pencil Orchestra. The stage is made of wood, painted black, and black fabric draping the ceiling and back of the stage. Twinkle lights drape the "ceiling," and the stage features the Pencil Orchestra, literally made from pencils with smiley faces, yarn arms, holding plastic violins, cellos, a drum set, and an assortment of other instruments, with armatures attached to the pencils. Several students control the orchestra from below and behind the stage! The video was too large for Blogge, but can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMnlnFCYpj0.

Look Big but Act Small

After finishing my first line I was so excited to show my samples to bridal stores in the area and get this business off to a big start. I quickly realized that to get my foot in the door I had to convince them I was a big company, no one was interested in doing business with a small start up. However once they saw the line and bought form me, what made them happy was all the things that a small start up could offer them. When they called with a question they were talking to the designer. When they forgot to order something and needed it in less than a week, it was no problem. When the bride wanted to make changes to the veil or the headpiece I could accommodate. My customers learned that doing business with a company like mine was a great way to go. They quickly became dependent on the kind of service I could give them.

I guess the moral to my story is that when you need to impress your future customers look, act and sound the part, then once you have won them over, you can show them what great service a small business can offer

Jill

WAHM Works!

I love Wednesdays! It's quiet again in my office. My boys are happy to be playing at a friends, it all works out for everyone.

Today I'm hoping to finish up the massive problems I had with my website and the server switch. I don't think I ever came back on to update the situation, let's just say that I have had to re-create EVERY thing I had done to my site for at least a month or 2. UGH - doesn't begin to cover it. For some reason the back-up file of my site couldn't be recovered and what ended up was an old version of my site. Don't understand, don't want to. Just know that you should keep a back up version of your site on YOUR hard drive. I trust no one anymore. It's been very frustrating because as a WAHM, time is already at a premium and who has time to do anything twice! I've looked at the bright side though and while updating virtually every item on my page, made some keyword changes and new images for the pillowcases and calendars that hopefully will make a difference to sales.

I've got to get some orders out as well, so better get to it.

Argh....

Last week I posted about stress. And how I (sorta) deal with it. Apparently my way of dealing with things isn't working too well. *sigh* This past week I made 2 mistakes on orders.

One order the lady asked to cancel. So I deleted the email order, voided the credit card transaction, and then the next week proceeded to send her the piggy bank anyway. All I can think of is that I didn't pull the hard copy and that is what I work from....so now she has a piggy bank she doesn't want (and didn't pay for) and I am going to have to pay her to ship it back.

The other order, well, I guess it isn't clear on my website, but when you order a white monogram piggy bank, the ears nose and tail are painted a coral color. No matter the color of the letter. I have to check, but I don't think it says anything about that on the website. My bad. So the customer gets their piggy bank with a hunter green letter and coral colored ears, nose and tail. And it isn't what they expected and they don't like it.

I apologized, found out what they did want and painted a new one. I told them to keep the first one. I just don't feel like paying to have it sent back. Maybe they can find someone else whose name starts with "L".

I know these past couple weeks have been stressful for me. There is so much going on and places to go and things to do and then the garage sale on top of all that. Thank goodness that is over. I know it's summer and I would love to have a break, but it doesn't look like one is coming and how do I tell people "No, I can't do that." When they expect me to be able to drop everything and do whatever.

Falling behind stresses me out and when I am stressed I make mistakes and I can't afford them. So I need to figure something out....how to better organize my time and myself, learn to make a schedule and stick to it....or maybe just tell people to leave me alone during the week and let.me.work. I don't know....I just know I feel terribly stressed and I don't want to feel that way.

Monday Motivation

Sometimes as a wahm, I feel like a hamster in a wheel *sigh* Running as fast as I can and never getting anywhere. In my never ending quest to catch up on work and BE caught up, here is my monday to-do list:

1. get rid of dead bat on front porch (oh yeah, what a way to start the day. read more about my dead critter problems at After the Dust Settles... )
2. glaze piggy banks
3. fire those piggy banks
4. start cleaning some new piggy banks.
5. clean dinnerware for watermelon design order
6. pick up Eowyn at airport tonight. (I hope her flight is on time)
7. maybe scoop poop.
8. take down garage sale signs
9. go to bank to deposit millions made at garage sale (not really, but I have to get some coin wrappers to deposit the hundreds of coins we have now)

Hmmm....that may be it for now. No weekly goals yet, I have to think about those : )

Fantastic Friday

Ack. 8:12 pm. I almost missed Fantastic Friday!

Let's see. The kid is in the shower. She's singing. Very cute. She's nine.

I've been a WAHM since she was 2. 7 years. Before that, she went to work with me. When she was 2, she was a handful. Always in to things. I found I could not get as much work done at the studio. So, we put her to work building an office for me in the garage at the house:

Yup, she built that wall all by herself at age 2. Only joking.

We moved a couple of years later. Wonder if that wall is still there?

Thanks for walk down memory lane.

Hello

Hi, I’m Jill and I’m new to SuperWHAMz, however I’m not new to being a WHAM, I have worked at home for the past 24 years making bridal veils and headpieces for my company Something New. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to work at home while I raised my two beautiful daughters. Being a WAHM maybe challenging at times, but it gives us so much more control over our lives. During the past few years my husband has needed my help in running his business, so I now split my time between my home office, and his office. It has been nice to live in both worlds especially now that my house is so still with out any kids at home.

I hope that my years of experience might bring some interesting thoughts to the table.

Jill

Wholesale and Consignment: How to Score (and Avoid a "No")....

I found this post over at The Leslie n Crews Collection. While I personally don't do much wholesale and no consignment, I found her post interesting and thought it may help others out there. Read on....


i am pleased to announce that the leslie n crews collection will soon be featured at:
-the clothes' rack boutique (blacksburg, va)
-Trendy Shoppes

!!

i am really excited about the opportunity to express my work with these fine merchants and venues. i even brought my own little bohemian-looking basket to display my greetings in for the clothes' rack (pictured above).

i decided to share this with you all and hopefully you too will be inspired to explore possible avenues for your craft and your products! sure it seems a bit nerve-racking at first (and i will be completely honest with you, i still get butterflies when i call or walk into a store for the first time and give them my pitch), but you have to remember three important things. these three things, if remembered, will definitely help give you the boost of confidence you need:

-you have an excellent product, and you know it.

-you will go far but you need a venue with which to open up to the world.

-the merchant has the venue...so go get it! go get that wholesale or consignment deal! :)

so how do you avoid what seems like an inevitable 'no?' i posted a few tried- and- true tips in a forum thread on etsy, but felt it would be best-preserved here.


Clever Comebacks... Stay on your Toes!

I am sure you all have had this issue, time and again, trying to figure out what to say to someone trying to tell you 'no' or is seriously trying to avoid a direct yes. You may be surprised at how what you say (and more importantly, HOW confidently you say it) will direct the outcome of the meeting with a potential venue. First of all, remember to tell yourself: You have a great product. You KNOW it will sell, you just need the space. They've got the space. so go get it!So here are some clever tips to help you, and some possible scenarios (they have ALL worked for me):



Merchant/ Customer: "Why would I sell/ buy them? Its something I could make myself!"

YOU: "I thought the same thing about that cup of coffee I smelled driving by Starbucks this morning; but I knew I didn't have the time to go home and brew my own!"




Merchant: "So if I pay $X to you for this (item), then that means I have to turn around and sell it for $Y. No one's going to buy that at that price!"

YOU: "People, everyday, buy the same thing for nearly the same price(if not more) that's NOT handmade, that's MASS-PRODUCED and that ISN'T supporting local businessmen and women like you and I. But those that DO choose to loyally support your store would definitely be interested in purchasing at this price."




Merchant: "...But I just don't have any room around here for it--- this place is a mess!"

YOU: "I understand, and I'm not asking you to go out of your way. I brought a basket/display case/ stand with me and ALREADY arranged them for you!"




Merchant: "...Thanks anyway, but I really don't think that's what we need right now."YOU: "I understand; I just really like your shop, and wanted your store to be the first to carry it in this city/street/section of town. I felt that I would see if you would want your venue to be the next place for me to direct my personal customers to purchase my products."Merchant: "...and people really buy these things?"

YOU: "I currently have a customer base in x,y,z states/ cities/ towns, and everyday people internationally visit my site and let me know they like my products. I have already sold Xamounts, and anticipate even more sales with the coming holidays."




Merchant: "Well I'll see... I have to talk it over with (other owners) first...."

YOU: "I understand that completely. Here, allow me to leave a few samples with you to share with them, and my card. May I schedule a follow-up meeting with you to go from there? Also-- is there anything particular patterns/ colors/ items that are popular with customers in your store? I would be happy to custom-make a few for you all."




Merchant: "But what makes you think they'll buy them here if they can go down the street to X's and get them?"

YOU: "Well I really like the look and feel of your store, and these products aren't being carried by X. In fact, these are the latest designs. I felt I would bring my freshest items to you first."




Again Confidence, CONFIDENCE CONFIDENCE!!! :)




EVERYTIME I said the above, I left with a consignment arrangement or wholesale deal with check-in-hand. Also, my motto and favorite quote, I am not sure who originally said it, but it is so true: "Fake it 'til you make it".

Good luck; hope this helps!
-Leslie.

And thanks Leslie for letting me copy your post!

WAHM Works!

I've decided on a new title for Wednesdays - "WAHM Works!". Seems appropriate for me since it's a day when I'm REALLY working with very few interruptions. Not that I don't "work" everyday, but those of you with kids kwim!

Today I am bogged down by web site problems - ugh! Well, it's a good and bad thing. My site was moved over the weekend to a new server and that always causes my email to get whacked out and for some reason the site gets goofed up in the move. It's a behind the scenes thing that I know nothing about and leave up to my web designer/hosters, Sherri & Kathie over at MerchantMoms.com. They do a great job, but glitches happen in the computer world and now we just have to get them straightened back out again. The good part is that in the end, it will be better for comfycozy.com and the sale of my personalized pillowcases!

I'm going to bounce back to Lynn's dessert post now. I love dessert! A week ago I signed up for Martha Stewarts "cookie of the day" email! OMG! YUM is all there is to it. OK, so I haven't made any of them yet, but today I go shopping for ingredients for what appears to be just the yummiest cookies. We're talking easy to make, not some ridiculous fancy shmancy dessert.
I also did it to keep me focused on what is important - my kids and husband who love cookies.
Sometimes with all the "to do" lists in the summer, for some reason baking gets lost in the shuffle. Partly because it's hot and who wants the oven on. But it is a good excuse to turn the AC on!

Going back to "work" now. It's time to look at my list. Which I'm not making public because it's not been formalized yet! A few weeks ago I mentioned my Keepsake Calendars but never got back around to focusing on promoting them. A little more background on them...I created them out of desperation when my oldest son turned 13 months old. I NEVER filled out his baby book - who has time? But I was loyal to his Winnie the Pooh sticker calendar. So, I started printing out blank calendar pages to write in all the "stuff" he was doing.
The "Toddler Year Photo/Sticker Keepsake Calendar" was born! Since you can't find a "start at any month" calendar for anything other than "Baby's First Year", I knew other moms MUST be looking for the something like this and decided to add it to the Comfy Cozy line of products.

To make them more personal, instead of just putting some cute design on each monthly page, there is a "picture frame" so you can put a REAL TIME photo of your child PLUS there are lists of "favorites" for each month: Instead of creating a calendar for next year at a print shop using old pictures, our calendars let you capture the changes and adventures of your child as they happen. How great is that! Now we have a whole line that goes from Baby's First year up to 16 years old. As kids enter preschool, they can help pick out the pictures and practice their writing by filling in the "favorites" sections. There are also stickers (what kid doesn't like stickers??) with age-appropriate activities and holidays to add to the calendars.

I love looking back and seeing the "little things" that our boys did, because after all, it's the little things in life that count most.

Well, better get to making that list and then getting this WAHM to WORK!

Remember, it's still Christmas in July at comfycozy.com. 20% off all orders in July!!

Talk About It Tuesday

I have a new piggy bank design to talk about today. It's been on the site for a couple weeks, but I haven't officially announced it. Drum roll, pleeeease.................okay, maybe it's not THAT big of a deal.... Introducing the Red Hat Piggy Bank.

My mom asked for it and me being the good daughter I am, I made it for her : )

This would be a great gift for any red hatter you may know. They are always looking for something unique and different. AND this cute piggy bank can also be personalized, say, for the Queen Mother.

For prices and personalization options, visit my website, Korff Ceramic Originals.

* I am in no way affiliated with the Red Hat Society. *

Talk

So much to talk about...so little time:) Been a busy (personal) week and a half for me, but I'll keep this focused on business. I'm excited about 2 new Glow in the Dark Pillowcase designs that I just got printed and are ready to sell! If you are an animal lover - well, specifically dog and cat lover - you're going to love these. The first one, inspired by our new beagle puppy, Scully, is called "PUPPY LOVE":

The second is for all you cat lovers in the world. Personally, I like cats as long as they are at your house, but of course, how could I NOT do a fun Glow in the Dark pillowcase for you too:)

















Unfortunately, my site is a little wacked, so I can't link you straight over there to order, but all should be fixed by tomorrow and I'll sneak back in and add a link. In the mean time, you can start writing a list of all the dog and cat lovers you know and be ready to place your order!

Speaking of ordering, I haven't had a chance to mention that Comfy Cozy is having a Christmas in July sale, too!! Take 20% off all orders placed for our "magical" Glow in the Dark pillowcases, Keepsake photo/sticker calendars and Travel & Toddler pillows. We personalize all of our pillowcases too and offer gift wrap. So, get your buying all wrapped up now!!

Now, I have to go and check on a puppy and get him ready for "kindergarten"!!!

Stressed = dessertS

Stress is a very real part of a wahm's everyday life. There may be orders to fill, phone calls to make, deadlines to meet....all on top of taking care of a family and home. It is important to learn how to deal with stress.

Although I am not one, really, to talk about it. Or offer advice. Stress stresses me out. I get irritable and moody, and generally just want to be left alone until I do what I have to do.

My other way of dealing with stress is eating : ( Sweets in particular. Desserts does equal stressed backwards, you know. Or vice versa.

How do you deal with stress? The stress of working at home. The stress of raising kids. The stress of trying to do it all. There has got to be a better way than eating your way out of it.....

Monday Motivation

Another monday is here already. Time sure flies in the summer. I keep waiting for the summer slow down, but since summer is half over and I am still busy, I guess it isn't coming. That's good. And it's tiring. I was so hoping for a small break in painting. But enough about that....I'm a busy wahm, that's good and I have lots of stuff to do today and this week. We are having a garage sale this coming weekend, so I am hoping to work during the day and get ready for the sale after dinner, into the evening. We'll just see how that plan works now, won't we?

1. do paperwork for personalized piggy banks shipping today
2. pack and ship those piggy banks
3. capture $
4. email customers orders shipped
5. finish painting piggy banks that I started this weekend. (yes, I work weekends, do you?)
6. fire those piggy banks
7. make signs for garage sale
8. hose off some really dirty items so we can sell them and not be embarrassed
9. put ad on craigslist
10. send in email ad to local county email list
11. get all the stuff to sell downstairs.

Thank goodness for my MIL. She came out yesterday and helped me price everything that was ready to price. We have tons of stuff to sell. So all I'll have left to price is whatever we come up with this week. If I get everything done on my list today, I am going to relax tonight and READ MY BOOK. If I don't get it done, I'll cook a fancy dinner tomorrow night (I hate to cook. Bleh.)

As for the rest of the week....

1. piggy bank molds will need poured
2. I need to get to the store and get some food and stuff
3. greenware piggy banks will need cleaned
4. above piggy banks will need fired.
5. lest we forget, poop will need scooped
6. garage sale signs will need put up.
7. I'll need to get change
8. get tables set up

I'm thinking that's it for now. I'm sure there will be more, but I really have to get my paperwork started : ) Adios, muchachas!

Snapshot Saturday

Go take a look over here : )

Dance is a universal language...

Find out more...

Fantastic Friday (sorta : )

So last week my monitor died. It worked earlier in the morning, and then it just wouldn't come back from sleep. My daughter was home with her laptop, so I used that to see about ordering a new monitor. First, let me tell you that my stubby fingers are not made for a laptop keyboard. At least not hers. Maybe there are larger sizes....

Anyway, after surfing the net for an hour or two, I found a monitor at Staples.com. A flat panel, LCD, 19" widescreen monitor. It had pretty good reviews and the price was excellent. Only $169 with FREE next day shipping. It was at my house within 24 hours.

"WooHoo!" I thought. Got it unpacked and plugged it in, fired up the old PC and....ugh. I hated it. The colors were slightly off, the letters weren't very clear and I absolutley hated the widescreen. I guess I don't take to change very well. I like the regular, not widescreen, monitors. Since I was getting a new one, I thought I would go bigger, but I didn't know wider would be so different.

I wasn't happy. Nope, not at all. Not the monitors fault, really. When I was looking at them at first, I was looking for a good price and speedy delivery (go Mr. McFeely!). I got that in this monitor. I didn't realize there were different pixel ratios and contrast ratios, etc. And those can really make a difference in the quality of the picture.

As a wahm, I spend a lot of time on my computer. I want to be happy when I am sitting here. So I researched and looked and surfed and found a different monitor that had the shape I wanted. In the size I wanted. And it has a great 2000:1 ratio (can't remember what that exactly means, but the first monitor was only 800:1). I want things to be clear. I want colors to be bright and vivid. So, I ordered it : ) Yes, I ordered a second montior within a week of the first. It is a business expense afterall. And I have been busy. And my birthday was in a couple days.

It was delivered today (making my friday fantastic). All I can say is I LOVE IT! It is exactly what I wanted in the first place. The picture is so crystal clear it is amazing. And the colors are just beeeautiful. It makes me happy : ) I am glad I got it. It is an LG 19" standard size LCD monitor. It was just over $200 with shipping. Isn't is pretty???? Oh yes, I am a happy wahm!

I'm not sure if I can return the first one since I opened it and used it for a week. There's nothing wrong with it, I just don't like it. So I am giving it to DD so she can hook it up to her laptop and watch her dvd's at college on a larger screen. She is exceited. It is now her early birthday present.

And this is just a random post about buying monitors....do some research and find out what you can get for your money. Know what you are looking for. And try not to be impatient. Take your time and get exactly what you want. You will be happy that you did.

Guest Article: The 10 Crucial Differences Between Being a Small Business Owner and an Inspired Entrepreneur

By Nick Williams

When I was stuck in the corporate world many years ago, I dreamed of escape to the freedom of running my own small business. Eventually I plucked up the courage to leave and started my own small business, with the goal of training and inspiring people. In order to run my business, I taught myself how to do VAT, keep my books, do my accounts and keep stock of products. While I was free of the pressures of a boss and organisational structures and politics, but I still didn’t feel very free and I even felt a little disappointed. I felt a slave to my business, and had left the corporate world to work for love, but seemed to end up working for money, and working for my business, rather than my business working for me.

Today I see there is a big difference between the small business owner that I was then, and the inspired entrepreneur I have become today. I realise I had the heart and soul of an inspired entrepreneurs, but was trying to squeeze myself into the straightjacket of being a small business owner. Below I am sharing what I have identified as being the ten main differences between being a small business owner and an inspired entrepreneur.

Difference one - Inspired entrepreneurs follow their inner calling.

Inspired entrepreneurs have found the work they were born for, and are following their particular and unique calling. There is a great fit between what they do and who they are, and feel they are constantly drawn forward to become the person they were born to be.

Difference two - Inspired entrepreneurs create a business that supports their own talents, passions and lifestyle.

Inspired entrepreneurs create businesses that supports them and their lifestyle and don’t sacrifice their lifestyle to their businesses. Many small business owners sacrifice their own needs in order to be successful. Inspired entrepreneurs know their business can be a vehicle for discovering and expressing their own unique gifts and talents.

Difference three - Inspired entrepreneurs have a higher purpose than just making money.

Inspired entrepreneurs love making money and are very willing to make money, but that is not the sole purpose of their business. They didn’t set up a business to become an expert on tax and bookkeeping. Inspired entrepreneurs are motivated to create and contribute and that much of the conventional stuff needs to be done well, but is for the maintenance of the business, but not the purpose of the business.

Difference four - Inspired entrepreneurs are always evolving their business.

Inspired entrepreneurs love working on their business as well loving to work in their business. Small business owners tend just to work in their business, doing what needs doing to make the business work. Inspired entrepreneurs intrinsically love what they do, but also love stepping back and thinking creatively about their business, how it can be more fun, inspiring, profitable and effective.

Difference five- Inspired entrepreneurs love growing themselves.

Inspired entrepreneurs love learning and growing themselves through running their business. They know that running their own business is the best personal growth seminar on the planet, becoming a mirror to highlight both their strengths and their weaknesses. They are curious about what they can become and love discovering what they capable of. They are less interested in being competitive and more interested in realising their own potential.

Difference six - Inspired entrepreneurs are fuelled by inspiration rather than motivation.

Motivation is often about getting pumped up by some external force, whilst inspiration is about being lit by a fire within that can burn forever. Inspired entrepreneurs don’t need to pumped up, but they know they need to regularly kindle and rekindle their flame of inspiration, by going to their own wells of inspiration and inspiring themselves.

Difference seven - Inspired entrepreneurs love understanding how they find and attract their ideal clients.

Inspired entrepreneurs are endlessly curious about how to attract and serve their clients better. They love serving and contributing, and believe that what they do makes a difference. They enjoy getting the word out about what they do, and getting people to act, but only in ways that are grounded in honesty and integrity. They are willing to give up being anonymous.

Difference eight - Inspired entrepreneurs work in inspired, smart and strategic ways.

Inspired entrepreneurs know that hard work alone is no guarantee of success. They don’t confuse being busy with being strategic. They have shed the prevailing belief of the protestant work ethic and know that success doesn’t come from pain, struggle and sacrifice, but instead know it comes from brilliant ideas, well implemented. They know that “time out” to generate new ideas and think strategically is often more valuable than another hour at their desk.

Difference nine - Inspired entrepreneurs navigate their life by using joy as their compass.

Small businesses tend to be more mechanical and repetitive, whilst inspired entrepreneurs navigate their business and life through a sense of joy, inspiration and aliveness. They also have a sense of destiny and rightness about what they do, knowing that their particular talents are being used to the maximum and that they and their business evolve through a sense of ongoing revelation about their next steps. They hate being bored and are always asking, “How can I inspire myself next?”

Difference ten - Inspired entrepreneurs value their heart and their thinking.

Inspired entrepreneurs know that they bring the love and the money together by marrying their inspired heart together with their brilliant entrepreneurial thinking. They become potent by using one to support the other and not have them be enemies. They use great business strategies to support their inspired ideas.

So start inspiring yourself and setting your sights higher by become an inspired entrepreneur rather than a small business owner. It is one of the best ways on the planet of being happy, inspired and fulfilled, and making the contribution you were born to make.

Nick has created a free 8 part transformational e-course “Secrets of an Inspired Entrepreneur” (value £79.99) You can sign up now by going to www.inspired-entrepreneur.com right now.

Nick Williams is one of the world’s experts on inspiration at work and is passionate about helping create a new kind of entrepreneur. He is the best selling author of five books including The Work We Were Born To Do.

Guest Article: Body Language – It’s What You Don’t Say

By Bill Willard

You’ll be judged from the moment you walk into a room; the way you stand, sit, and use your hands can send messages—intended or otherwise. Sometimes good, sometimes not so good—and sometimes contradicting your intended meaning.

Because body language is often subconscious, it’s more spontaneous and less controlled, and shows our true feelings and attitudes. “Our nonverbal messages often contradict what we say in words,” says Jo-Ann Vega, president of JV Career and Human Resources Consulting Services in Nyack, N.Y., “When we send mixed messages or our verbal messages don’t jibe with our body statements, our credibility can crumble.”

People tend to believe the non-verbal.

Body language works both ways, of course. So learn to read the signals prospects and clients are sending during interviews. Here’s rundown of common types of body language and nonverbal communication, and what they can mean. I say “can” mean because there are not always hidden meanings behind every gesture. If a client rubs her forehead while you’re speaking, for example, she may just have an itch.

Body Language Tips You Can Put to the Test

Here’s a rundown of some nonverbal cues that can maintain your credibility and professionalism–and just might save your day!

Make a Confident Entrance – Get down to business the minute you walk into a prospect’s home or business. Don’t rummage through your briefcase or pour over papers if you have to wait a few minutes (read a magazine, instead). Shake the person’s hand firmly (that goes for both the popular genders), and take charge of yourself by choosing the most appropriate-seeming chair and being seated without waiting to be asked.

Watch Your Distance — Prospects and clients may be uncomfortable when their personal space is invaded. Outgoing types like keeping a 20-to-50-inch zone around their bodies, while introverts prefer more space. Until you know otherwise, give people plenty of room, but lean in to make key points or display self-confidence.

Maintain Eye Contact – Secure people with high self-esteem match their facial expressions to their message, rather than always wearing the same one. Smile and maintain eye contact to project openness, sincerity and honesty (without staring, which can be intimidating); looking down and sketchy eye contact implies lack of confidence.

Pay Attention to How You Speak – Slipping over to the verbal, use a natural tone and stick to your normal speaking volume, rate and rhythms. Secure SBOs and professionals have relaxed, well-modulated voices that let them express enthusiasm and interest. Speak in simple, straightforward sentences, avoid clearing your throat, using “ah” and “um” or other vocal ticks that are signs of nervousness or being over-rehearsed.

Mind Your Posture and Gestures – You want to come across as confident, relaxed, positive and well-balanced. Stand up straight, but walk freely, swinging your arms and taking determined strides. Careful attention to what is being said is often indicated by peering out over eyeglasses; cupping chin between thumb and fingers; putting hands to bridge of nose, or stroking chin. Fidgety mannerisms mean the person isn’t paying attention. Avoid appearing rigid or tense, and be aware of the other signals you’re sending…

• Disagreement is signaled by folded arms, crossed legs, picking imaginary lint from your clothing or running your hands over your face are signs of disagreement.

• Cooperation is demonstrated by sitting on the edge of chair; hand to face; hands open, arms uncrossed.

• Negative attitudes or deception are commonly indicated by frequent eye blinking; hand covering mouth while speaking; frequent coughing; looking away while speaking; or rapid sideways glances.

• Frustration is shown by pointing an index finger; rubbing hair or back of neck; wringing hands, sighing and tightly clenched hands.

• Boredom or indifference are generally indicated by eyes not focused at speaker or looking elsewhere; head in hand; sloppy or informal body posture; or preoccupation with something else.

Remember, because all of this works both ways, learn to read what prospects aren’t telling you. Look for confirming communications either verbal or nonverbal.

Cross-Cultural Differences

Toss people from different cultures into the mix, and body language can become even more meaningful.

For example:

• If you’re telling a Japanese prospect how well you understand his situation and objectives, but happen to be casually waving your hand in front of your face with the palm facing outward, don’t be surprised if your prospect looks somewhat bewildered. In Japan, that gesture can signal that you don’t know something or feel unworthy of a complement.

• Patience is an important virtue to people from Mexico, so don’t appear impatient at delays or interruptions.

• In the Korean culture, men have priority. It is customary for a man to walk through the door first, ahead of a woman, and for the woman to help the man with his coat.

Want More? Send questions and comments to w.willard3@knology.net.

Reference Sources:

1. National Business Employment Weekly and Princeton Creative Research Inc., a Princeton, N.J.. consulting firm.

2. Teach Yourself Body Language, by Gordon Wainwright.

3. The Secret Language of Relationships: Your Complete Personology Guide to Any Relationship With Anyone, by Gary Goldschneider, Joost Elffers.

4. Never Be Lied to Again: How to Get the Truth in 5 Minutes or Less in Any Conversation or Situation, by David J. Lieberman.

About the Author: Bill Willard has been writing high-impact marketing and sales training for over 30 years—but as Will Rogers put it: “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Through interactive, Web-based “Do-While-Learning™” programs, e-Newsletters and straight-talking articles, Bill helps small-business owners and independent professionals get the job done: profitably improving performance, helping grow your business, skipping expensive mistakes, making the journey to success faster, smoother, easier. And fun!

Source: www.isnare.com

Thankful Thursdays

I will start today off with the fact that I am so Thankful for the good health of my business associates and friends.
Now, business wise I would have to say that today I am also Thankful for a new customer who is so excited about my work that she is spreading the word. She is putting me in touch with 3 potential new customers. What was that old saying, you tell a friend and they tell a friend and they tell a friend etc. :)
I will be starting on the holidays now. Here at D's Stitcheree Custom Embroidery is alway in demand around Christmas. Because Custom Embroidery requires a longer time than stock embroidery it is good to start early.
I also do a lot of Corporate Embroidery this time of year. I have a feeling I will go from not being busy at all to being very busy. That is OK. Bring it on. :)
I think I will have a Christmas in July Sale for stock designs so watch D's Stitcheree and Etsy for that announcement.

Guest Article: 4 Dynamic Marketing Tactics

Copyright 2005 Bob Leduc
http://BobLeduc.com

Some of the simplest marketing tactics often produce the most profitable results. Here are 4 examples that have proven highly effective for any business.

1. Focus on Your Best Prospects

Imagine how profitable your business would be if more of your new customers were like the best customers you have now. Here’s how you can make that happen…

Take some time to analyze your current customers to determine what key traits they share - and why those traits make them ideal customers for you. Then revise your sales message to appeal specifically to them.

This will increase both the number of new sales you get and the profitability of each new customer.

2. Pile on the Benefits

Customers usually buy something to save time or to save money. Offer them an opportunity to do both and you will boost your sales. But offer them multiple opportunities to do both and you will cause your sales to soar dramatically.

For example, structure your sales message to stress both the time saving and money saving benefits of your product or service. Then include a discount price offer if they buy before a certain deadline (more money saved). Finally,
figure out how you can deliver all or some of what they are buying immediately (more time saved).

Tip: If you cannot deliver all or part of your product immediately, add something to the purchase that you can deliver immediately. It can be as simple as a series of helpful tips related to your product posted on your web site …but available only to new customers.

3. Make Buying Easy

Make it easy for potential customers to buy from you and more will buy. Look for ways you can make your buying process easier - and faster.

For example, design your selling procedure so prospects do not have to make unnecessary decisions. Every decision they have to make interrupts the buying process …and diverts their attention away from completing the sale.

Tip: Don’t ask for unnecessary information during the ordering process. Instead, follow up after the sale with a personalized “thank you” message - and include a brief request for the information.

4. Follow Up - Again and Again

Selling is not a one step process. Most people do not buy something the first time the see or hear about it. You can salvage many of these potential customers with an effective follow up system.

Your follow up can be as simple as contacting these prospects periodically with a new offer. Or, better yet, follow up periodically with some useful information …and don’t charge them for it. You’ll build a supportive relationship that gains their trust - and eventually the sale.

Tip: Make sure you have a way to get the email addresses of visitors to your web site. You need it to follow up with them. For example, offer them a complimentary special report or other useful information …delivered only by email.

Each of these 4 dynamic marketing tactics provides a simple way for you to boost your sales and profits quickly. They are simple to use, highly effective and require very little if any new expense.

Bob Leduc spent 20 years helping businesses like yours find new customers and increase sales. He just released a New Edition of his manual, How To Build Your Small Business Fast With Simple Postcards …and launched *BizTips from Bob*, a newsletter to help small businesses grow and prosper. You’ll find his low-cost marketing methods at: http://BobLeduc.com or call: 702-658-1707 After 10 AM Pacific Time/Las Vegas, NV

Guest Article: The 10 Crucial Differences Between Being a Small Business Owner and an Inspired Entrepreneur

By Nick Williams

When I was stuck in the corporate world many years ago, I dreamed of escape to the freedom of running my own small business. Eventually I plucked up the courage to leave and started my own small business, with the goal of training and inspiring people. In order to run my business, I taught myself how to do VAT, keep my books, do my accounts and keep stock of products. While I was free of the pressures of a boss and organisational structures and politics, but I still didn’t feel very free and I even felt a little disappointed. I felt a slave to my business, and had left the corporate world to work for love, but seemed to end up working for money, and working for my business, rather than my business working for me.

Today I see there is a big difference between the small business owner that I was then, and the inspired entrepreneur I have become today. I realise I had the heart and soul of an inspired entrepreneurs, but was trying to squeeze myself into the straightjacket of being a small business owner. Below I am sharing what I have identified as being the ten main differences between being a small business owner and an inspired entrepreneur.

Difference one - Inspired entrepreneurs follow their inner calling.

Inspired entrepreneurs have found the work they were born for, and are following their particular and unique calling. There is a great fit between what they do and who they are, and feel they are constantly drawn forward to become the person they were born to be.

Difference two - Inspired entrepreneurs create a business that supports their own talents, passions and lifestyle.

Inspired entrepreneurs create businesses that supports them and their lifestyle and don’t sacrifice their lifestyle to their businesses. Many small business owners sacrifice their own needs in order to be successful. Inspired entrepreneurs know their business can be a vehicle for discovering and expressing their own unique gifts and talents.

Difference three - Inspired entrepreneurs have a higher purpose than just making money.

Inspired entrepreneurs love making money and are very willing to make money, but that is not the sole purpose of their business. They didn’t set up a business to become an expert on tax and bookkeeping. Inspired entrepreneurs are motivated to create and contribute and that much of the conventional stuff needs to be done well, but is for the maintenance of the business, but not the purpose of the business.

Difference four - Inspired entrepreneurs are always evolving their business.

Inspired entrepreneurs love working on their business as well loving to work in their business. Small business owners tend just to work in their business, doing what needs doing to make the business work. Inspired entrepreneurs intrinsically love what they do, but also love stepping back and thinking creatively about their business, how it can be more fun, inspiring, profitable and effective.

Difference five- Inspired entrepreneurs love growing themselves.

Inspired entrepreneurs love learning and growing themselves through running their business. They know that running their own business is the best personal growth seminar on the planet, becoming a mirror to highlight both their strengths and their weaknesses. They are curious about what they can become and love discovering what they capable of. They are less interested in being competitive and more interested in realising their own potential.

Difference six - Inspired entrepreneurs are fuelled by inspiration rather than motivation.

Motivation is often about getting pumped up by some external force, whilst inspiration is about being lit by a fire within that can burn forever. Inspired entrepreneurs don’t need to pumped up, but they know they need to regularly kindle and rekindle their flame of inspiration, by going to their own wells of inspiration and inspiring themselves.

Difference seven - Inspired entrepreneurs love understanding how they find and attract their ideal clients.

Inspired entrepreneurs are endlessly curious about how to attract and serve their clients better. They love serving and contributing, and believe that what they do makes a difference. They enjoy getting the word out about what they do, and getting people to act, but only in ways that are grounded in honesty and integrity. They are willing to give up being anonymous.

Difference eight - Inspired entrepreneurs work in inspired, smart and strategic ways.

Inspired entrepreneurs know that hard work alone is no guarantee of success. They don’t confuse being busy with being strategic. They have shed the prevailing belief of the protestant work ethic and know that success doesn’t come from pain, struggle and sacrifice, but instead know it comes from brilliant ideas, well implemented. They know that “time out” to generate new ideas and think strategically is often more valuable than another hour at their desk.

Difference nine - Inspired entrepreneurs navigate their life by using joy as their compass.

Small businesses tend to be more mechanical and repetitive, whilst inspired entrepreneurs navigate their business and life through a sense of joy, inspiration and aliveness. They also have a sense of destiny and rightness about what they do, knowing that their particular talents are being used to the maximum and that they and their business evolve through a sense of ongoing revelation about their next steps. They hate being bored and are always asking, “How can I inspire myself next?”

Difference ten - Inspired entrepreneurs value their heart and their thinking.

Inspired entrepreneurs know that they bring the love and the money together by marrying their inspired heart together with their brilliant entrepreneurial thinking. They become potent by using one to support the other and not have them be enemies. They use great business strategies to support their inspired ideas.
So start inspiring yourself and setting your sights higher by become an inspired entrepreneur rather than a small business owner. It is one of the best ways on the planet of being happy, inspired and fulfilled, and making the contribution you were born to make.

Nick has created a free 8 part transformational e-course “Secrets of an Inspired Entrepreneur” (value £79.99) You can sign up now by going to www.inspired-entrepreneur.com right now.

Nick Williams is one of the world’s experts on inspiration at work and is passionate about helping create a new kind of entrepreneur. He is the best selling author of five books including The Work We Were Born To Do.

Talk about it Tuesday

I would like to talk about the Pink elephant sitting right smack dab in the middle of my house. It is called the Economy. Conversations have been taking place in various business groups I belong to about the economy and how it is affecting our business's. Being an embroidery business, something most people don't need very often, some never, is tough in the economy today. I have seen my business slow down to a stop. Looking for an outside job is hard to do since I have been working at home for 16 years AND there aren't any jobs to be had anyway. There are so many people out of work.
We have been discussing the fact that we have given up any trips this summer just to put gas in the cars. This is not a happy subject in my house because our grandkids live in CA and we are in AZ.
So.... what have you given up just to make ends meet. What are your priorities??
Maybe your business is doing really well. I would love to hear about it and how you keep things going in the economy of today.
A while back we had the discussion about Made in America. It is interesting how the two subjects have overlapped. I don't know if we can have a survey on this blog but I would find it interesting to know, how do you choose a product. Price or ??
I had a dream once to produce Heirloom products that could be handed down to family members. I am seeing that dream fade away. Not only because of the economy but because it seems that some people don't care so much any more about passing down family heirlooms. I find that so interesting.
hhmmm I gues I have chosen a couple things to Talk about Today. It will be good to hear your opinions.

Hi, My Name is Lynn and

I am a control freak. I like to do it all myself. Sometimes it is just easier to do it yourself and get it done right the first time. Sometimes it just makes more work. Regardless, I like having total control of my business. I wonder, are most wahm's like that?

When it comes to my business, I do everything....let's start with the website. Yes, I had Kathy of the dezignspot design it for me. But then I tweaked the design a teeny bit here and there and off I went....adding products and pages and links myself. I have a pretty fair knowledge of html now and I maintain the website myself. If I manage to mess things up beyond my very limited expertise, I contact Jo, my webhost. She's bailed helped me out numerous times, but I still muddle along maintaining my website myself. It is mine, after all.

And then there are the products....piggy banks, personalized plates and other stuff. I have molds for most everything I make in my basement. I hand pour these myself. Timing is critical and I am a perfectionist and I want my products to be of the highest quality. So I manufacture them myself. When it gets to be fall and I have too many orders to handle myself, I sub out the easy work.....base coating, cleaning piggy banks....things that I don't have to do, really. But I do paint all of the designs. Painting is my stress relief.

And then orders need packed and shipped. I do that too. Unless I am too busy, then I have a friend come over and do the packing. But I actually enjoy that. It gives me a break from painting and I can make sure piggy banks are packed securely.

Oh and don't forget the paperwork. I print my orders up and run all the credit cards myself. As well as the shipping paperwork. I do have a friend who does my bookkeeping. I am terrible with numbers. I'll gladly admit that.

And I also print my own business cards, gift cards and fliers. Yep, I designed them too. I like being able to tweak things how I want them. And I like being able to change layouts for different times of year. I did have a fellow wahm design a brochure for me....but I had to tweak it and edit it just a little until I was perfectly happy with it.

Maybe I take things too far. I know I am a bit obsessive about my business. In fact, reading all that I wrote makes me think I am micromanaging myself. Can you do that? My business is a reflection of me, and I want things to be just-so and I won't be happy until they are. Even if I have to do it all myself. Call me crazy, but I like it this way. And I wonder why I am stressed out once in a while....I better get going, I'm sure there is something I should be doing : )

*** It's Christmas in July at Korff Ceramic Originals! ***
Only 176 days until Christmas!

Monday Motivation

It's time for Monday Motivation. I do do well with daily lists, but those weekly lists I forget to check back on *sigh* It was a nice long weekend, but now I am behind on laundry and painting : (

1. laundry
2. finish piggy banks that are started
3. fire those piggy banks
4. call family and tell them of Leia's game change

I'm sure there's more....I'll add them as I think of them. At least this is a start.

Belated Fantastic Friday

Yesterday I was celebrating Independence Day with good friends, brisket, beer and fireworks. So, I'm a day behind! But, it looks like Diane missed her day, too. So, I feel no guilt. Mwhahahaha!

I found the following article today while "stumbling" and thought it was worthy of sharing with my WAHM friends. We need to EAT HEALTHY TO BE HEALTHY! So read on to discover the
The 11 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating By Tara Parker-Pope.

By the way... you can plant a couple of these in your garden.

We are running a 10% off bed sale over at Shaka Studios through July 6, 2008. We only put beds on sale about twice per year. So, if you are in the market, pop over and check us out!

I'm taking my daughter to Michaels today for The Knack event. Kids crafts are offered for $5 on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. We've never gone so I can't tell you much more but anything to get the kid out of the house during summer is good. Although she was at Girl Scout camp all week so she's probably tuckered out, especially after staying up so late last night watching fireworks.

Girl Scout camp must have been awesome. She went swimming everyday, horseback riding twice and earned SEVEN badges! Oh, I wish I was a kid, again.

Thankful Thursday

on Friday.
oops. I guess I am loosing a day here and there :) I have so much going on right now. I am still fighting this summer cold. Just about nothing worse than a summer cold.
I am trying to go through overstock of apparel. My business took a different turn when we moved to Arizona and I will not be using all these tees now so might as well sell them.
I am working on Christmas ideas. These are my first 2 projects. I will embroider them on kids sweatshirts and personalization will be FREE. I would love to do a Christmas in July sale so we will see how that goes.
Today though, as always, I would love to tell you all that I am sooooo Thankful to live in this great country of ours. I feel so blessed to have been born here. AND also as always, I am so thankful for your friendships. In business and personal areas of my life I cherish you all.













In honor of my love for our country I have come up with this little decorative hand towel.
I use mine as decoration only on my kitchen stove. I have given it as gifts and some use the towel others choose to use it as a decoration. Either way I think it is a lovely addition to your kitchen or bathroom.

What to do with "damages"??

I started this post yesterday afternoon - where did my "workday Wednesday" go? Actually, the post began on Tuesday after reading Lynn's. Which means where did Tuesday go, too??

At least I'm back in action, so I'll combine a few thoughts into one and hope I get thru it without interruption! Sometimes working at home means a lot of interruptions - the last couple days I wouldn't call myself a "superWAHM".

It all began as I was creating a newsletter for my customers about a special offer (40-50% OFF!) on a group of our travel pillows. When pulling a LOVE pillowcase out, I discovered that it didn't glow in the dark like it should:( The glow wasn't up to Comfy Cozy standards. That lead me to check on the HOPE, DREAM & BELIEVE pillowcases too. This batch of inventory was all printed at the same time by the same printer. UGH! None of them glow bright enough! I pride myself in the consistent quality of Comfy Cozy products and the only thing I can think happened is that someone accidentally looked at a sample from the old inventory and didn't catch the problem.

So, what is a wahm to do with inventory that isn't up to snuff? Most folks wouldn't even catch what I call is "damaged". That makes me proud of the high standards I've set. I could sell them, honestly - you'd never find the mistake! In the past I've donated products to CHOP (the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) and other charitable organizations. Even they have commented that "there is nothing wrong with these".

In this case, since the product also includes a travel pillow, donating them is a little trickier due to the size of the product. Shipping (see Lynn's post) would be expensive and the organizations don't have storage for even a few of them. I've always resisted selling "seconds" on my web site or taking them to a re-sale shop. This "opportunity" gives me a chance to re-think that and at the same time offer my customers a great deal!

These little pillows make great gifts for college students to toss around on their beds or cozy up w/ on the floor of the dorm. Teens and tweens love a pile of pillows in their beds - especially to share w/ friends when having sleepovers.

Shipping Tips - 101

With the way gas prices are heading, I am so glad I work at home. I can go days at a time without leaving my house. When I first started out as a wahm, almost 10 years ago, gas was probably not much more than $1.50, if even that. Now that gas prices are reaching $4.00, everyone is trying to find ways to save money. It's not easy.

One way I have been able to save a few dollars is by using the US Postal Service for shipping. Some people swear by UPS or FedEx, but I, personally, like the Post Office. If you use Priority Mail for shipping, the Post Office will give you free boxes. Yes, completely free boxes. They are marked with the Post Office logo and must be used for Priority Mail shipping. You have to sign up for an account and they may call you to verify your information. They called me when I first signed up. But free boxes....it is SO worth it. Well, at least for me. I like shipping Priority Mail, pricewise, I find it comparable to UPS' 2nd day shipping.

At first, in 1999, I used to take all my packages to the Cabot, PA post office. It was small, and the people were friendly and my neighbors. It was nice to get out and see people. But it is not just next door. It is more than 3 miles away. That may not sound like much, but driving both ways, 2 and 3 times a week adds up. Plus, when I had 12 or more boxes to ship, it would just take too much time to go in the Post Office, wait in line, and get everything weighed and added up. Then I found the online shipping labels, aka Click'n'Ship. I bought a small scale and started printing my labels at home. If you print your labels online, they include free delivery confirmation. Yes, something else free. Not sure what it costs if you go to the Post Office and ask for it, but it is NOT free.

And then I discovered carrier pick up. Oh, this is just wonderful! You can go online and schedule a pick up, and your mail carrier will come the next day and pick up your packages, for free. No more carting everything to the Post Office. No more driving out in bad weather. A free service as long as you are shipping at least one package Priority or Express Mail. You do have to remember to schedule your pick up the night before. I believe my postmaster told me to schedule it before 2 am and it will be picked up that day.

So, over the years, as a wahm, I have learned how to pack my piggy banks and ship them in the most cost effective way for me. I know not everyone will agree with this, but it works for me. I am lucky that Hubby can bring me packing material from work. Styrofoam sheets they would otherwise throw away. So that saves me a bunch of money too.

The last item you may need for packing and shipping would be packing tape. This can get pricey if you order in any kind of quantity, because it is heavy and shipping adds up. Recently I found a great site that has oodles of tape with FREE shipping on orders over $35. That is so awesome....I used to pay $10 - $20 to have a case of tape shipped to me. A case of tape is over $35.00. As a wahm, free shipping is a dream come true on a heavy item. Oh, the link might be nice, huh? Check out The Tape Depot, I've been happy with them.

The best part of all of this cost cutting is that it lets me keep my prices down. As gas goes up, and everything else follows suit, I have been able to keep my shipping costs the same for the past year. At this point I don't see them going up anytime soon, but that could change. I do try to keep shipping costs reasonable....I know what I look for in shipping when I am shoppping online, and I use that experience to guide my pricing. I don't want to charge more than I would be willing to pay.

Now, all this is just how I do things. There are many other ways to ship out there. I just thought I would share my links and hopefully help some fellow wahm's save a little bit of money : )

*** It's Christmas in July at Korff Ceramic Originals! ***
Only 176 days until Christmas!

Talk About It Tueday!

Since we are celebrating Christmas in July at Korff Ceramic Originals, I will talk about my Personalized Cookies for Santa Plates. Ho Ho Ho! Christmas is only 177 days away!

I have been painting these cookie plates for a long time. Since before I started the website and working at home, so that's over 10 years now. The first design was the snowman....just a simple snowman with a hat and scarf. He was quite popular until....

until someone asked if I could paint a Santa face. And so I designed a Santa face plate and that has been the BIG seller every fall.

After Santa came the reindeer. I like reindeer, so it was just a natural progression for me to paint a Reindeer cookie plate.

And then came the Gingerbreadman, the Penguin (thanks to Happy Feet) and finally the Santa bear plate.

All the plates can be personalized with your choice of phrase (Cookies for Santa, etc.) and names. So far I have been able to fit 6 names along the bottom of a plate (I can write small if I have too : ) Matching mugs are also available, so Santa can have his cookies and milk in style. Personalized Cookies for Santa plates are $28.00ea, matching mugs are $20.00, or you can buy the set for $40.00. Take advantage of our Christmas in July Sale (aka Save My Sanity Sale) order now and save 20% : )