Etsy NJ Thanksgiving Sale!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving from EtsyNJ!

The EtsyNJ team is hosting a team wide sales event that begins on Wednesday, November 25 and ends on Monday, November 30. With over 50 shops participating, you are sure to find something you absolutely love! Search "EtsyNJ Thanksgiving Sale" at Etsy.com Be sure to put "EtsyNJ Thanksgiving" in the notes to seller at checkout.

Reminder: Check each shop description for more details. Sale ends Monday 11/30 at midnight, unless otherwise specified by the individual shop owner. You must pay each shop individually, contact shop owner with any questions.

To browse participating shops by sales promotion, click on the following links:

Free Shipping

10% - 20 % off entire purchase (not including shipping)

Free gift with every purchase

BOGO - Buy One Get One Half Off

Or, see below for the entire list of participating shops!

Free Shipping

AJK Artisry: http://ajkartistry.etsy.com/Handmade Cards and Gifts (free shipping applies only to holiday cards)

Anne Sailer Design: http://annesailer.etsy.com/ Handmade jewelry of metals & minerals; mixed media art

Bella Mental: http://bellamental.etsy.com/

Black Bird's Closet: http://blackbirdscloset.etsy.com/ Crafty Supplies

Brief Moments Photography: http://www.briefmoments.etsy.com/ Fine Art Photographs and Pendants

Capital City Crafts: http://capitalcitycrafts.etsy.com/ Sterling silver jewelry with character!

Creations By Robin: http://www.creationsbyrobin.etsy.com/ handmade authentic sea glass jewelry & decorations

DharmaKarmaArts: http://www.etsy.com/shop/DharmaKarmaArts India inspired art and jewelry. Selling for a cause.

Deirdre Ryan Photography: http://blackbird72.etsy.com/ Fine Art Prints

EmptyHeartCreations: http://emptyheartcreations.etsy.com/ Inspired Jewelry, Accessories, Guitar Straps, and Pendants

Happiknits: http://www.happiknits.etsy.com/ Knit Accessories

Heather James Photography: http://www.heatherjamesphoto.etsy.com/ Photography and Prints

herYammesty: http://www.heryammesty.etsy.com/ fabric covered button gifts and charm jewelry

Jewels of Saraswati: http://www.jewelsofsaraswati.etsy.com/ Yoga Inspired Jewelry and Malas (Free Shipping to US & Canada)!

Kame Knits: http://kameknits.etsy.com/ Knitted and crocheted baby sets, wraps, hats, scarves, blankets, custom items!

LoreleyJewelry: http://www.christinec.etsy.com/ Contemporary handmade jewelry

Meribella: http://meribella.etsy.com/ Wearable Art � Hand forged silver Jewelry

MS. Jewelry Design: http://www.msjewelrydesign.etsy.com/ Elegant Handmade Beaded Jewelry

Original Abbie: http://abbieroad.etsy.com/

Ponte Pretties: http://www.pontepretties.etsy.com/ hand crocheted hats and gifts

Seahorse Designs: http://www.seahorsedesigns.etsy.com/ Fun Funky Wearable Art

Stefanie Silverman: http://www.stefaniesilverman.etsy.com/ Original pastel and mixed media artwork, note cards

Susan Itkin Batik: http://susanitkinbatik.etsy.com/ Hand-dyed clothing, home decor, wall art and cards

Susan's Treasures: http://www.susanstreasures.etsy.com/ Handcrafted Textile Gifts for the family

The Devils In Details: http://thedevilsindetails.etsy.com/ Handmade Fairy Ornaments

The Tote Trove: http://www.thetotetrove.etsy.com/ Hand-painted totes, purse accessories, jewelry, and more!

WoollyBoo: http://www.etsy.com/shop/woollyboo all natural sleeping sets, comforters, mattress pads, pillows and sleep sacks

Free Gift With Purchase

Alathea Papergoods: http://alatheapapergoods.etsy.com/ Scripture based stationery (and other papergoods)

Alonia Creations: http://sue114.etsy.com/ Accessories for women and children

Be Noticed Jewelry: http://benoticed.etsy.com/ wire, glass and stamped metal jewelry

Darlingdazzlesbowtiq: http://darlingdazzlesbowtiq.etsy.com/ Infant headbands/girls hair accessories

Dragon's Den: http://dragon06.etsy.com/ Handmade candles, soap, and lotion

Frosted Treats: http://frostedtreats.etsy.com/ Handmade Clay Charms, Jewelry, and Accessories

Happy Hound Creative: http://happyhoundcreative.etsy.com/ Custom Stationary

krisamels: http://krisamels.etsy.com/ Handmade Housewares, Jewelry & Vintage Fabulousness

Lori Citsay Jewelry: http://loricitsay.etsy.com/ Handmade Sterling Silver Jewelry

Made By Melissa: http://madebymelissa.etsy.com/ Handmade Jewelry and Crochet Accessories and Toys

Pipsqueak Soap Company: http://pipsqueaksoap.etsy.com/Handmade Soap

The Angry Robot: http://www.theangryrobot.etsy.com/ Pinback buttons, magnets and more

The Soy Girl: http://thesoygirl.etsy.com/ Soy Candles

10 - 20% off entire purchase (not including shipping)

Alonia Creations: http://sue114.etsy.com/ Accessories for women and children

Baublettes: http://www.baublettes.etsy.com/ Swanky Handmade Baubles! (Wire & Bead Jewelry)

Beach Chik Designs: http://beachchik.etsy.com/ Personalized gifts and home d�cor

Beccijo: http://www.theenchantedcupboard.etsy.com/ Hand painted wooden toys and playsets

Bed Of Roses Boutique: http://bedofrosesboutique.etsy.com/ Hand Painted Glassware & More.

Handcrafted Doggie Signs & Ornaments

CatsCrochetCorner: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CatsCrochetCorner Crochet Accessories

Deepshade Creations: http://deepshade.etsy.com/ Handwoven Chainmaille Jewelry and Accessories

Designs By Denise: http://demdesigns.etsy.com/ Handmade jewelry for all occasions

Dribs n' Drabs: http://dribsndrabs.etsy.com/ Handmade Gifts and Stamping Supplies

JenSan Candles: http://www.etsy.com/shop/JenSanCandles Handmade candles, organic soap, Dead Sea Bath Scrubs, Reed Diffusers and Crochet scented sachets

katylua: http://www.katylua.etsy.com/ Knits, Jewelry, Apparel, Top Secret Goodies

New Hope Beading: http://www.newhopebeading.etsy.com/ Handcrafted jewelry

The Crochet Nanny: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6066426 Custom crochet for babies and photographers

theMayflower Fashions: http://www.themayflower.etsy.com/

BOGO - Buy One Get One 50% Off

Miss Emma's Closet: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MissEmmasCloset Miss Emma's closet is handmade for mommy and baby

Wreathmic Creations: http://wreathmiccreations.etsy.com/ Handmade silk floral wreaths, arrangements and centerpieces

Devastating News....

Well yesterday, my husban'ds family received some heart breaking news. My niece Lena who is 2 1/2 has been suffering from a multiple seizure disorder since she was 8 1/2 months old. Yesterday she recieved a new diagnosis. Genetic testing showed positive for a gene mutation of the SCN1A gene. Which has given her the diagnosis of Dravet Syndrome. We've been hoping and praying for the last couple of years that she would just grow out of this. But it looks like this is a lifetime thing she will have to deal with. Not a whole lot of information can be found on this disease as it is rare. Most of the time the biological parents are not even carriers of the gene. This gene mutates during the embryonic stage of development. There are only about 426 documented known cases of Dravet Syndrome. I'm sure there are other children out there with such a diagnosis, but because of the lack of awareness they aren't known. I plan on doing whatever I can to help my brother in law and sister in law care for their beautiful little girl. I also plan on doing whatever I can to help them raise funds for Lena's foundation and raise awareness about Dravet Syndrome. Here is some information I found online below: More info can also be found on this blog: http://dangerouslyrare.blogspot.com/

How Does this Condition Evolve?

Primarily the start of the condition includes a clonic seizure that is associated with a fever. The seizure may affect one side of the body or both, sometimes changing. Within a few months another seizure occurs very similarly to the first. These seizures are usually status epilepticus, meaning basically they last too long. In some kids myoclonic seizures then follow.The first seizure the child has occurs in the first year of life and seizure control is very difficult to obtain. Unfortunately at about age 1 development slows considerably and doesn't pick up again until 4. Some regression in development can occur. Meaning that children can lose skills during this time. Most or all children will grow up and have at least some form of mental retardation, varying in degrees.These kids can and usually do have a wide variety of seizure types. The seizures are frequent and often reach status epilepticus. After the first two clonic seizures, fever may or may not be present.Although the syndrome name includes "Myoclonic" it does not necessarily mean that the child will have myoclonic seizures although many children do go on to have them.SpeechOn observation it appears that all children with Dravet syndrome appear to have more of a problem with speech then any other developmental skill.

What are Clonic Seizures?

A continuous punching action that occurs without stiffening of the body.What are Myoclonic Seizures?Myoclonic seizures are quick jerks, usually singular and can be mistaken for a startled reflex. The myoclonics may occur in clusters (meaning a lot of jerks in a group) sometimes lasting hours. The person experiencing myoclonic seizures are fully awake and aware of what is happening. Myoclonic seizures can be as subtle as a chin twitch and as vicious as to knock a person to the floor.

What other Seizure Types can Dravet Syndrome Children Experience?

All seizure types, but here are the main ones:Tonic Clonic: Child goes stiff, becoming unconscious, followed with punching of the arms and legs.Tonic: The body goes stiffAtonic: The body goes limpAbsent Seizures: Staring of for a second or so.Complex Partials: Complex and repetitive movement with little or no awareness of what they are doing. Includes: Chewing, strange movements perhaps with just one or more appendages (arm, leg, head etc.), as an example, some may dress and undress.Simple Partials: Same as Complex Partials only the child is fully aware of what they are doing but are unable to control or stop it.Many children will have a combination of seizure types all in the one go.Diagnosing Dravet SyndromeIs based on clinical observations. This includes the child's seizure history and EEG records, many children will have a normal EEG reading early on, that will then start showing specific abnormalities as the syndrome progresses. In some cases a genetic link has been found. A test can be performed (in research phase) to determine if a child has this gene mutation, called SCN1A mutation. This is not however conclusive as some children although diagnosed with SMEI do not have this mutation.

Seizure Triggers Specific to Dravet Syndrome:

Heat can be a trigger for seizure activity in these childrenThe usual triggers for seizures are also sometimes present including:PhotosensitivityBeing tired, or lack of sleepIllness and often feverOver excitementBeing outside of their comfort levelBest treating drugs for Dravet Syndrome suggest:Valproate (Sodium Valproate, Valproic Acid, Epilim) etc.Benzodiazepines (Clonazepam, Lorazepam)Stiripentol - Great expectations here but not easily availableTopiramate (Topamax)Ethosuximide (Zarontin)

Drugs to stay away from:

Lamotragine (Lamictal)Carbamazepine (Atretol, Depitol, Epitol, Tegretol)Some research also suggests Phenytoin (Dilantin) can also aggravate

Three Powerful Words

So yesterday I'm sitting in traffic, driving home from my daily 9 to 5 grind. I'm in the right lane. A landrover is next to me. There are two young girls probably no more than 12 with the windows down. One in the front seat and the other in the back. The one in the front seat screams out to me "Jesus Loves You!" At first I'm thinking this is a little strange. But then this smile comes across my face. What powerful words to be screaming out to cars. I saw her scream the same words out to the car in front of me. They also had their window down. And their reaction as well was a positive one. I watched these girls continue their little movement. I continued driving when this feeling just peacefully resonated within me. I guess I NEEDED to hear those three words. I've been struggling lately with negative emotions and things going on. And this was the positive sign I needed to guide me in another direction. SOMEone knew I needed to hear those words. It always seems so much easier just to dwell on the negativity in your life. I consider myself a professional and tend to have my own pity party on a regular basis. But I am in my early 30's and have the tendancy to look forward in time dreading the idea of aging. How nice it would be to stay young forever... But I am now worried that life will slip me by, and I'm spending all these years saying "I wish, I want, If only, etc." Before I know it... I will be 60 and have nothing to look back upon and feel successful about. I may not have the job I always dreamed of. I may not have that child in my arms yet. I may not have that big home that I want to entertain in.... BUT.... I DO have a job that pays my bills and supports me. I DO have an amazing husband who loves me dearly. I DO have a cozy little home that supplies a roof over my head. And all of the above can and will be changed and are within reach. So rather than dwelling on what I don't have, I need to focus on what I do have, and be grateful for those things in my life. Things will change, things WILL get better. I can't live this life I've got now with regrets because I don't know how long I've even got it for.

So to those girls in the land rover: THANK YOU!!! Thank you for those 3 powerful words that really made an impact for me last night. God Bless.

Haunting Finds

It's been quite some time since I've had the opportunity to search through fellow etsy creators and see what they are selling. Since we are so close to Halloween, I thought I'd share some haunting finds that I like! Enjoy!

Boo Halloween Premade Scrap book pages by: my2scrappychicks

Price: $19.99 Can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32978749&ref=sr_list_12&&ga_search_query=Halloween&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

20 Halloween Coasters Created by: vermilionstarpress

Price: $7.50

Link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32890442

LOVE this!

Halloween Gourd Jack-O-Lantern Candy Dish

Created by: PoppyGoRound

Price: $19.00

Link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32655325

Three Little Witches
Created by: reniebritenbucher
Price: $16.00
Link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20223184

My First 1000 Markets Sale!!

So this morning I woke up to an email on my blackberry that I have never seen before. A sales order from my 1000 Markets Shop!! I have truly neglected that shop since I opened it in May because my main focus has been my etsy shop. I really haven't taken the time to market that shop. I guess because I didn't want to have an item listed in my etsy shop and my 1km shop at the same time out of fear that two people would some how want the same clip at the same time, and here I only have one available. I only want to list items in my 1km shop that I can duplicate and have enough ribbon to do so. Tonight I will be working on getting some new holiday/winter items listed. I have enough ribbon to duplicate, so I plan on listing them in both shops. Then I just have to get out there and do some networking for both. Getting that sale today from Hawaii definitely gave me a little bit of hope because I was about to cancel that shop. So here's to a renewed beginning for my 1km shop!

Wow It's been a while!

It has been quite some time since my last posting. Here's a little update as to what's happening in my life and with DDB.

DDB finally completed a HUGE school order that had been hanging over my head for a few weeks. I had to make 25 streamer pony tail ribbons and 25 korker pony tail ribbons. The streamers were a piece of cake and were done within a day or two. The korkers were much more time consuming than I had expected them to be. And I ran out of ribbon at one point and had to order more. Needless to say, the last 19 that I needed to finish after deliver of the first batch took me quite some time. I'm so happy though that this order is finally complete and shipped! I took the weekend off from bows, and last night started back up again rebuilding my etsy stock. I only have 24 items listed, so I've got alot of work ahead of me. I made 6 new items last night that I plan to list tonight. I will continue creating tonight in hopes to build that stock back up quickly. My focus last night was getting holiday/winter items in my shop nice and early. I want to get my inventory rebuilt and keep up some networking in hopes to get sales up. We had a nice jump in sales (more than doubled) in the beginning of September. If I could keep that pace up, then I would definitely start to see the fruits of my labor. Profit/loss wise, I am just shy of breaking even, but it's difficult because I am usually in need of more supplies for something somewhere.

On the personal front... My husband and I are booked every Saturday and Sunday through all of October and even into the first three weeks of November. It's that time of year where you start to think about how a little extra money would be nice. Granted, I think of that on a daily basis all year round. But for some reason when fall hits, I am usually focused on trying to find another way to earn some extra cash if possible, or get a second job. With DDB still fairly new, it's like having a second full time job. I come home and sit down to work on bows. I just need to stay positive and know that all of this hard work WILL pay off someday. Hopefully sooner rather than later. We have the tendancy to go to open houses once in a while. We aren't actively looking to buy a home at the moment, but we like to check out homes and see what they are listed for in order to stay knowledgeable about what's going on in the market. We do eventually want to get into our bigger/permanent home. Well let me tell you..... We walked into a home on Sunday that would be within our price range that I absolutely fell in love with. I walked out of that home with my chin practically quivering and tears almost in my eyes because I could absolutely envision us spending the rest of our lives there. I could picture kids running around and just how comfy and cozy we would make it. We could totally entertain there too. But we are unfortunately not in a position right now to put our house on the market and upgrade. We live in this small lake home. And there are days when I don't know where our money actually went. So it almost feels like we may not ever be able to afford a bigger home some days. And that is just depressing. I love our little home, but we are out growing it as it is. Oh well. There's a reason for everything right....

As Summer Comes to an End.....

As summer comes to an end I look back at the last couple of months and think about what I accomplished, how I would've done things differently, and what I wish I had done. Though we didn't have the greatest summer weather wise, it's still one of my favorite seasons. I ended the week with a bang last week getting in FOUR etsy sales in TWO days!! It's a record for me, and I'm very happy to have gotten those sales. And the best part about them was that they were all sales of multiple items. Which means, customers do want to take advantage of my little promotion. Last week, I was SO busy every single evening after work, that I rarely had any time to work on my etsy inventory. With those 4 sales, 8 items were purchased.

My goal this week is finish up a large school order I'm working on. I am half way done with the 50 item order. I have made 25 ribbon streamers in green, yellow and white. All I have to do is cut and heat seal the ribbon ends. Tonight I will start the korker pony tail ribbons (also in green, yellow and white). Those will be a bit more time consuming as all of the ribbons will need to be wrapped around dowels and baked in the oven for about a half hour. I'm looking forward to completing this order so I can really concentrate on getting my etsy inventory built up. I'd like to have close to 100 items listed by the end of September!! That is my goal. I am loving these sales that are coming in as a portion of them are being donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in memory of a dear friend who lost her battle with breast cancer. I decided to start early so as to be able to donate as much as possible. So I am donating 20% of all sales from All of September AND October. Customers will also be sent a crocheted pink awareness ribbon as a "thank you" for their purchase. I will also be sending a FREE pumpkin clip for every two items purchased in a sale. All four of my recent customers each received a free pumpkin clip! I am definitely really excited to get started on more inventory as soon as possible!!

Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Early

I have blogged already about my reason for being such a breast cancer awareness advocate. I donate to the cause whenever I can. I volunteer for the Making Strides Walk in NJ in October and help my mom in the survivor tent where she promotes the Look Good Feel Better Program. A truly amazing program that teaches women how to look good and feel better while undergoing treatment to help with side effects such as hair loss.

Well this year I am starting early in my etsy shop!! Starting September 1st through October 31st, I will donate 20% of sales to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, in memory of my dear friend Jessica Quinn. I will also send a free crocheted pink breast cancer awareness ribbon with orders purchased during those dates. I'm looking forward to this little promotion and am trying to build up as much of an inventory as possible during that time.

http://www.darlingdazzlesbowtique.etsy.com/

A GREAT Way to Keep Track of your Etsy Profits/Expenses!!

So I have been thinking a lot lately about what I need to do for my business. I knew that I needed to get some sort of excel spreadsheet in order. I just had to take the time to sit down and do it. First I decided to post a forum and ask my fellow etsians how they go about organizing their shop's profits/expenses to have everything in one place for tax time (as this is a huge fear of mine, not having this correct by the time I go to the accountant). Here is the forum link I originally posted: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6251981

Then someone with the shop name of AccountingSpot (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7127134) not only helped me, but in turn helped many others. And based off of everyone's comments on the thread and on her blog, it made me so glad to have started that topic of discussion. So today I finally sat down to check out AccountingSpot's FREE.... yes, I did say that..... FREE worksheet to calculate profits/expenses. The link for this free download and AccountingSpot's blog is here: http://www.accountingspotonline.com/2009/07/free-download-simple-profit-loss.html.

I think any etsy shop owner will greatly appreciate the effort that was put into this form for us to be able to use for free... Especially beginning etsians! Happy Financing!

Juicy Watermelon!!

Nothing is better than a nice, cold slice of juicy watermelon on a hot, humid summer day. I went on a search for anything juicy to see what I could find! Enjoy!

Watermelon Coulis -- Olive Oil Soap by savor ($5.25)

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5358303

Watermelon Bouquet Beanie Skull Hat ($12.99)
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5727001

Gathered hobo shoulder bag, diaper bag, knitting bag in P. Kaufman Watermelon Paisley with six large pockets and pencil pocket inside, and key fob ($69.00)

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5746897

Baby Watermelon Costume for Halloween with Blanket ($50.00)

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6086061

Juicy Watermelon Onesie and Ruffle Bloomer Set ($30.00)

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6790143

First Big Cheerleading Bow Order is Complete!!!

So I've been working very diligently over the last week. And last night I FINALLY completed my first big order! This was a large cheerleading bow order. It was made for resale, so unfortunately, I'm not making as much on all of them as I would have if I sold them to the actual team myself. But I'm ok with that for my first one. I found that the bows themselves are easy to make per say, however tedious in the sense of trying to get them all to look exactly alike. I found that I would get too flustered if I was trying to perfect it all too much. So I did the best that I could and tried to keep all measurements the same (width of bow, length of tails, etc.). For my first batch of cheerleading bows, I think they came out quite nice! I hope the person I made them for to sell thinks the same!

Forty altogether were made. This picture is my first batch getting ready to be starched.

How to turn the Negative into positive.

I've come to realize that I am somone who constantly uses negative self talk. I have the tendancy to let all of my negative feelings overpower my thoughts and overall self. I noticed this last week. Something I've wanted so badly and have prayed for months about still hasn't happened. I let these negative feelings about it all completely take over how I'm feeling. I know that is not healthy. And am determined to turn that around. So on Friday, I googled "How to let positive thinking overpower the negative." I got back some great articles from E-Zine articles. The link is here and leads to other very informative quick read articles within the same website. This is where I started: http://ezinearticles.com/?Positive-Thinking-Tips---6-Tips-to-Practice-Positive-Thinking&id=2680234 and what I will share with you today... I have copied and pasted this straight from the actual article. The author of the article is Carolyn Anderson. I started at this link on Friday, and printed several other articles linked to this one at the bottom of the site's page. Friday night I sat down in a quiet place and read through these quick articles. It was very enlightening, and I am truly going to give this all the effort I have to turn all of my negatives into positives. Then.... perhaps. That thing I want so badly will happen for me.

Positive Thinking Tips: 6 Tips to Practice Positive Thinking


It is indeed refreshing to be positive in life. We all have lots of things going on in our lives - from our demanding careers, to family concerns, to health issues - indeed, what we encounter day to day requires the right attitude to be able to make our lives happier and our goals easier to reach. Maybe all you need are little positive thinking tips to get you started.
(1) Be thankful. Most often, we always look at what we do not have in life. We can right then and there identify what is lacking in our lives but it is hard for us to be grateful of what we have. There are a lot of things to be thankful for. If you did not get the promotion, be thankful you still have a job. Be thankful to the challenges in life, as it will help you live stronger. Being grateful, indeed, can turn the negative into positive - somehow it just a matter of looking at life a little differently.
(2) Believe in yourself. Events and situations in life may not be the way you want them to be and some people may put you down and disappoint you, that is why you have to believe in yourself. Cultivate the attitude to be able to tell yourself confidently that everything will get better. Eliminating self-doubt will help you reach your goals whatever challenges may come to you.
(3) Write positive affirmations to yourself and keep them. Positive affirmations are powerful positive thinking tips that you can adopt in your life. You can write them into a paper and keep them. For some, you can watch it on video every morning or you can tell it to yourself every time you wake up. This way, you are overpowering and slowly eliminating the many negative thoughts that have been buried in your subconscious for many years.
(4) Write all negative attitudes you have and burn them. If you have a bad habit of saying negative things to your self or if you often have negative thoughts about something, write it down and burn them.
(5) Give yourself positive affirmations in front of the mirror. One of the many positive thinking tips you can do is to do positive affirmation in front of the mirror. Tell yourself statements that will help you think positively about yourself. If you have a specific goal in mind, like you want to attract a good man in your life, or you want to attract good health, there are also affirmations that are specific into those subjects.
(6) Don't let negative people influence your thoughts. These people will pull you down and tell you that you cannot do this or that. If not, they will tell you of problems that will soon happen to you. They will only discourage you with negative statements that will only push you to doubt yourself. Your choice then is to avoid these kinds of people or do not let their discouraging words put you down. Go with people who are positive about life and you will also be positive about life. These attitudes are contagious, thus be careful who you are going with.
So if you want to change the way you look at things and live life positively, you can start with these positive thinking tips. By learning how to be positive with your thoughts, you will eventually realize how good it is to think positively and live life positively.

Celebrating One Year of Marriage!

One year ago today(8/2/08), I married my best friend. We had a long engagement, and that day couldn't have been more amazing! It was great to get to see my 2 years of planning culminate into one day. There isn't anything I wouldn't change about it (except for the fact that I would've given anything to have our two friends that had passed away that year there with us). I remember in the morning... These very dark, black clouds filled the sky while we were getting our hair and make up done. All I could do was pray to my angels and ask them to bring us sunshine. Literally by the time we were dressed and ready to go take pictures, the sun was working it's way out and the ground had already started to dry(thank you Jessica and Ryan). By the time we got to church, the sky was blue and the weather was beautiful!! We had an amazing mass and reception surrounded by everyone we love. Today we celebrate by going to brunch at Perona Farms, where our reception was held. Although we won't be in the same room, and it's raining out so we won't be able to walk the grounds, it will still be nice to be THERE.

At PreCana last year, we had to write letters to each other that would be mailed to us by the church for our one year wedding anniversary. After mass this morning, we opened those letters. My eyes immediately filled with tears as I read the first paragraph he wrote to me. It was about certain frustrations I've been experiencing over the last several months. And it was nice to see his words of love. He's not a very mushy, sentimental, emotional person. Whereas I am completely the opposite! lol. But that's why we balance each other out SO well. I am a very lucky woman and have the best husband in the world. We have two pups that we love so very much, and each other. Hopefully soon God will fit children into our plan in life. Unfortunately that's something out of our control.

On this day, I remember.... being 20 pounds lighter (haha...hopefully I can get rid of that again), my beautiful dress, the look on my father's face when he saw me, seeing Ed up at the altar, saying our vows, enjoying our rolls royce ride to the reception and chatting, all the pictures, our AMAZING reception.... and every fun, sad, frustrating moment after that. This year has flown by, and I pray that God gives us many, many more years together to celebrate. I am so thankful for what I've got and who I've got in my life.

I thank Ed for his constant support, and willingness to always make me happy. He truly is an amazing person and I love spending my life with him.

Ed and Bobbi one year later:

This seller is fantastic! Stop by and check her out!

I purchased this necklace from Jamie at http://www.jayval.etsy.com/ on July 30th and received the necklace today, two days later! She really creates beautiful pieces and I will definitely be buying from her again in the future! There's a starfish necklace I've been eyeing up for quite some time now! Jamie is a pleasure to do business with! Her package came with an adorable bow and rose bud on it. The best part is it's all reusable, so it's earth friendly!

I hope you will take a moment to stop by and check out her shop! Tell her Bobbi from Darling Dazzles Bowtique sent ya!

Have a great weekend!!

If You Blink You Will Miss It...

There are certain events that occur such as death, or birth of a baby, that change your life forever. It seems that moreso in the loss of a loved one is when we tend to take the time to step back and remember. It is then we realize how much we appreciate what we have. Why is that? Maybe it's where I live and the fact that everyone here is always in a rush. Constantly on the go. Stressed out over life situations. In fact... My sister in law and I went to a store today to look for something. We told the cashier we were in a rush. His response: "Everyone in NJ is always in a rush. I just moved here, and everyone is just moving way too fast." To that I almost responded... "I take it you haven't visited NYC yet." But I didn't. I said it was my company's fault for not giving a long enough lunch period, hence the need to rush. His comment of course striked up conversation for the ride back to work. He's absolutely right. We talked about how certain states/atmospheres create a different feeling. But unfortunately there are only certain events that occur that really make us stop and think about the things that are most important to us.

Tomorrow marks one year that a friend of ours passed away. He passed away two weeks before our wedding. He was the first person to respond. He continually talked about how much he couldn't wait for our wedding. His death was sudden and unexpected. Ryan was 29 years old. I have since reached out to his mother, and know that she is hurting so badly inside. She emailed me last month telling me that she was beside herself knowing that July was on its way. I've thought about him and his family constantly today. But it just got me thinking about the things that are going on in my life.

I've been so stressed for various reasons. There are things going on within my personal life and work life that just keep pulling me in various directions. My head feels like it's spinning out of control sometimes and all I feel like I can do is cry. (And I've got the zits to prove it) I pray about it all constantly. I really just want to feel relaxed and I know that it is all in God's hands. I know that what is meant to be, will be... yet I have these feelings and thoughts that are constantly weighing me down. Why is it that I just can't appreciate what I have in life? When ever I say my prayers the first thing I do is thank God for all that I am, all that I have, and everyone I love. I wish I could just push that negativity out of my mind.

My point of all of this is that it seems like when someone we care about passes away... that's when people truly appreciate what they have and those around them. Why does it take something like that to bring out such gracious feelings? In an attempt to be positive I will end with this....

I am a very fortunate person. I have a roof over my head. An amazing husband. Two very devoted pups. A job that pays the bills. I still have my brothers and my parents in my life, as well as my in laws. I have truly amazing friends. I truly am blessed. So now the trick is to figure out how to concentrate on what I have so I can stop dwelling on what I don't have or what I want...

A Layout I'm finally happy with!!

Wow.... after hours and hours of playing around with html codes, 880px, left side bars....etc.... I have FINALLY gotten my blog to look the way I want it to! Hallelujah!!!! I owe it all thanks to http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com

Phew! Without that site and their very detailed instructions as to how to customize my layout, I never would've been able to get it done!

Nice work over there!!!

Thank you kindly!

Happy 4th everyone!!!

Summer Dreamin... Etsy Finds

Being a former teacher who is now working in the corporate world... not having the summer time to wind down is definitely toying with my emotions. Thought I'd wander through Etsy shops in search for some beachy/summer finds. Enjoy!!!

I love sea glass. What a beautiful way to wear it! You can find this fantastic necklace here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22298618

I love walking on the beach near the water and watching footprints wash away with the waves! You can find these lovely coasters in the following shop: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19394571

If I had a beach house, I think this would make a lovely print to hang on a wall. Depicting the type of life I'd love to live! Ahhh.... Thank goodness for daydreams! You can find this affordable item in the following shop: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9634200

I hope you've enjoyed my Summer Dreamin Etsy Finds!

Just when you're feeling down, God sends in a life preserver to keep you afloat.

So I've been feeling down lately. It just feels like I've been swimming from underwater, holding my breath, trying to get to the top. But all I see is the sun shining in and I can't get to it. I feel like everyone around me seems to be accomplishing all the things I am striving for. Each day there is a new piece of good news for someone else, or I see something regarding business that makes me wonder.... am I doing something wrong? Well a funny story last night brought out all my frustrations.. I'd like to share that story, and then tell you about the life preserver sent my way this morning.

So last night, dh and I are in bed watching tv. He says. "I don't want to go to work tomorrow." I respond. "I never want to go to work." Then he says, "How about we send Roxy and Spike in our place". Now... we own two boston terriers that have the most hysterical personalities. So of course, we let our imaginations run rampant and discuss what would happen if it were really the case. "Could you picture Spike driving to work in the jeep?" He says. "No, he'd crash because he'd be too busy looking out all the windows and sticking his head out for air! Roxy would have to drive." We talk about what they would do at each of our jobs. Now mind you at this point we are hysterically, can't breathe laughing. I've got tears pouring out of my eyes and I can feel the recent frustrations just uncontrollably coming out of my eyes in the form of tears. Then dh tops it off by saying "Know why I picked Spike to switch places with you?" I said, "No, why?" He said, "Because he spends the day in the crate and Roxy gets free run of the house!" Again, laughing hysterically.

It was a laugh and cry that was much needed. I woke up this morning feeling a little better, but still constantly thinking about what I need to do to turn things around for myself. Then God sent in my life preserver. I logged in to Etsy to find a sale. And she decided to purchase two items. I had tweeted about a 20% discount to my 10th sale. She told me she didn't want the discount. She truly was a Godsend to start my day off on a positive note. The well known prayer is something I say often: God Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can. And the wisdom to know the difference. There are certain things I'd like right now, that I have no control over. I need to accept that and move forward knowing that things will change when they are meant to change for me. Giving up that control is the hardest thing for me. There are things that I can control (my business) and I need to focus on those things to make it better. One step at a time.... And I will. It's always easier said than done. But I am making an honest effort to change that thought process.

Please make sure you stop by this shop of Molly's at Uniqueartpendants on Etsy. She has a phenomenal shop! http://uniqueartpendants.etsy.com and is a PLEASURE to do business with!!

Happy Wednesday all!!

Pink and Brown ETSY finds!!

Pink and brown are two of my favorite color combinations. I would like to show off some of my etsy finds! Hope you enjoy and take a moment to check out these wonderful shops!

This beautiful pink and brown baby security rag quilt can be found at Rhoda's Ragbags Shop. This item was just listed today! Follow this link to her shop, she's got some beautiful pieces! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5697744

This gorgeous blanket, bib, burp cloth and changing pad set would make a great shower/new baby gift! You can visit Krossbaby's etsy shop here. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7146185

I think this shirt is just so stinkin cute!! Love this shop name and the things she creates! What a nice gift. This shirt can be found at the etsy shop of Stinkincutedesigns @ http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6053791

Mom's need something too after buying all that pink and brown for the little ones right?! Well I came across this beautiful fresh water pearl and shell necklace with pink and brown pendant. You can access BinaGeyer's shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5012898

Butterflies hold a special meaning to my heart. They represent a dear friend that lost her battle with breast cancer. What a special way for me to end my featured blog with this absolutely stunning pillow. This pillow is made by letterperfectdesigns and can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5263751

I hope you've enjoyed the pink and brown items I've shared with you today. This was fun to create a "treasury" of my own and I look forward to doing another and featuring great artists again!

First Custom Order!!

So I officially had my first custom order today! Another etsy seller by the name of chocoface (http://chocoface.etsy.com/) asked if I could do a bow for her two year old in the colors of the Green Bay Packers! I was very excited to get this request. She had seen my tweet on twitter about participating in the yart sale. Hopefully she likes them and officially buys them! I'm a perfectionist, and won't sell a piece to someone unless I truly believe it is sell worthy. Here are some pictures of the pieces I made for her.

Yart Sale!! 20% Off Entire Purchase!

I will be participating in the Etsy Yart Sale this year sponsored by Team ESST!

http://darlingdazzlesbowtiq.etsy.com

I am offering 20% off of your entire purchase from June 10 - June 14. I will even give discount to custom orders!

Discount will be refunded through paypal after payment is received.

If you'd like to participate in the Yart Sale, you can check out the blog for Team ESST here: http://teamesst.blogspot.com/

If you'd like to shop the yart sale from June 10 -14, search the word "yart" in handmade! Happy Yarting!!!

crocheted baby blanket

So my girlfriend had her baby last night! So excited for her! This is baby #2 for them and their family is now complete since their first is a girl, and the new addition is a boy. I made this blanket for little baby Cole. Yep, that's his name, isn't it adorable?! I love crocheting. It's another one of my past time loves. I'd love to get much better at it, but am finding it difficult to do the fancier stitches. I do try to conquer a new pattern with every baby blanket I make. This is the 4th blanket I've made. The last one I made was an afghan for my husband that took me three months! yes... finding the time to do it is the challenge. Especially on top of making bows. I thought I'd share this picture. I am trying to teach myself how to crochet flowers through different tutorials and videos. I taught myself how to crochet in general just by using a book. And will still refer back to it if I ever need to for something in particular.

New Gerbera Daisy Headbands

Gerbera Daisies are my absolute favorite flower! They were in my wedding, my husband buys them for me. I just LOVE them!! I love the look of the gerbera daisy flower headband. So I finally decided to buy a couple and give it a try. I've made a pink one and a blue one. Added the sparkly gem accent to the center. Attached it to an alligator clip and wallah! Goes great with crochet headbands because it just clips through one of the loops on the band. The gerbera can also be worn alone in a little girl's hair!

Check the listing out here! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25933245

I've been featured!

I've been featured on the following site! This is an exciting moment for me!! Stop by and check it out if you get a chance!

Thanks for your support!

http://etsynj.blogspot.com/2009/06/featured-artist-darling-dazzles.html

When frustrated its best to just walk away.

So I'm in need of time to make more bows. Time to expand my inventory and offer more. I've got a couple of friends that are willing to take pictures of their little darlings wearing my bows. So I need to make enough to be able to send out. I also need to make bows for a cousin's daughter's birthday party this weekend. It doesn't help that my husband/I have something pretty much every night this week. So tonight I sit down to make some headbands. I put together two gerbera daisies and attached them to clips. I was going to make more bows that could be interchangable and sell them as a package. As I'm looking for my sewing needles I can't seem to find them. It was very frustrating as there's only one spot I ever put them in. I got to the point where I decided if I couldn't find them, then I'd be able to accomplish nothing. I was almost to the point of tears because I wanted to so badly have a productive evening. I decided to just pack everything back up and put it away. Brought my laptop into the bedroom to check in on twitter (still trying to figure out that craziness), email, etc. As I'm sitting here, my husband is in the living room and holds something up and calls my name. Wouldn't you know it was my package of sewing needles?! I asked him where they were and apparently they were sitting right on the table on the dish that the candle sits on. I must have put them there without even realizing when I was pulling everything out. OH the joy of being a woman, an emotional woman... an emotional, pms, woman at that! So now that I'm past my frustrations, I'm turning in for a good night's sleep and a morning stint at the gym. I will try again with the bows tomorrow evening.

Crocheted Awareness Ribbons

So I have a big cancer walk coming up. I blogged about it the other day. Since lavendar is the color for general cancer, a couple of friends and I made purple chocolate ribbon lollipops to sell for a dollar each to help raise a little more money. So I decided to try and crochet a strip that could be turned into a ribbon. It came out great! I love it, and it was so easy to do!

I chained 25, then did one row of double crochet. Slip knot to finish. Fold it into a ribbon, and then I will attach a stitch to keep the center together. I'm going to get safety pins to attach to them.

Then I was thinking that maybe what I will do is start attaching them to hair clippies as well. Crochet all different colors that mean different things! Then I could sell them on my etsy shop and include them as a separate section. I'm excited because they literally take 5 mins to make. I'm excited to see how they sell at the cancer walk. Just the ribbon pins I will sell for a dollar. The hair clips I'm thinking $2.00. I haven't really thought that far ahead just yet. I will first have to make a bunch of them. Lavendar is also the color for epilepsy. I'd love to make a bunch of lavendar ones and then figure out a way to put my niece's name (Lena) across the ribbon. I think it will be great for the epilepsy walk we do in October. I have to do a little more research for that one though.

DDB is now on Twitter!!

So we are now venturing into the world of Twitter! Wish me luck! Seemed easy enough to set up! Now I just have to figure out how to get my name out there and reach out to people ON the site!

I'd love for you to follow me!

http://twitter.com/DarlingDazzles

I'm walking for a cure over night

Over the years I have always tried to do things for good causes. An important cause to me is finding a cure for cancer. I'd like to share my reasons with you.

When I was 19, I experienced my first loss of someone close. My best friend's mother passed away from Lung Cancer. It was devastating to experience death for the first time like that. But we've always tried to do something in memory of her.

January 18, 2006: My good friend Jessica had a lump removed from her breast on her 28th birthday. She had found it while nursing her 8 month old son. She underwent chemo and radiation, and lost her hair. Par for the course I guess. She was considered clear and free and had hair growing back by the time our engagement party happened in November of that year. While she was recovering, her 31 year old sister also noticed a tumor and started her own battle with cancer. Jessica chose the medical route for treatment, Amy chose the natural route. Jess miraculously became pregnant with her second son. While pregnant her sister Amy lost her battle with cancer in June 2007. She gave birth to her beautiful son on August 28, 2008. Jessica's hair was all grown back, she was healthy! Dealing with the loss of her sister was enough to deal with. She started having pains in her neck that kept worsening. When Gavin was 8 weeks old, Jessica's cancer had returned. This time already in her lymph nodes. I will never forget the day I took her for her brain scan. I drove her, helped her with the kids, and went home. It was a rainy day and I was off of work so I could go to a wedding down the shore. I got a call 20 minutes after being home. It was Jessica. She was crying telling me she had cancer in her brain and she was going to die. I lost it and cried with her. I told her we were going to stay positive, and not give up yet. And that's just what she did. She fought and FOUGHT HARD right to the end. She died 2 months later on December 21, 2007. Six months after her own sister's passing and one month before her 30th birthday. By the time she passed, the breast cancer had spread through her organs and down her spinal fluid. I remember spoon feeding her root beer floats because that's what she wanted even though she could barely get the words out. I remember telling her how much I loved her. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss Jessica. SHE is the reason I do what I do. She is the butterfly in my life.

So you may ask... why am I walking over night? Well I am bringing my team Friends With Angels to the Relay for Life of Montville. The theory of this event is that people with cancer live with it 24 hours a day. So by walking over night, it is symbolic that we won't sleep for a cure. What people affected by this illness go through is just incredible. Walking and raising money is the LEAST I can do to help.

If you are interested in making a donation, you can go to the following link. Any gift is a generous gift. I am forever grateful for the continued support in my life.

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/bobbi.tomalo

My team is also hosting a bowling fundraiser. We are looking for sponsors who would like to sponsor lanes! Lanes are $45 and lanes will have a sign posted recognizing each sponsor. The event is this weekend the 31st. If anyone is interested in sponsoring a lane and having their business advertised, please feel free to reach out to me asap. Thanks!

What we do for cute shoes....

Why is it that when you go to try on shoes at the shoe store they fit, you walk around a little bit to see if they are comfortable.... they are. So you proceed to the check out line. You wear them the first time and they aren't too bad. You figure you're just breaking them in because they're new. You wear them out to a bar one night... OMG they are killing your feet and you sit down most of the night. You figure it's because at work, you are sitting down most of the day, not standing. Then you go to wear them because they match your outfit SO well, and they are just such adorable shoes you want to wear them! The morning starts off ok. Hobbling out of the gym already at 8 am? Must be because I'm carrying a full gym bag up a hill through the parking lot. Get to work... I'm sitting, phew! My left pinky toe is a bit smushed, no big deal. My right big toe hurts because I'm 92% sure I broke it a while ago and it has yet to heal. As I continue to dance so crookedly around my office throughout the day I'm wondering why I torture myself so. Then as co-workers ask if I'm feeling ok because I'm hunched over and limping while I walk, my response is well..... this and that hurts, but these shoes are just so cute! When will I learn??

Two new firsts for me!

I am now broadening my horizons! I have become such a huge fan of etsy and handmade gifts that I officially made my first etsy purchase! I bought custom bookends for a friend who's having a baby. I sent the shop owner a picture of the bedding set that the couple had registered for. She made a beautiful set of bookends with the baby's name on them. I will post a picture here later when I get home. I want to thank Leslie at Stymiepie Studios for doing such a beautiful job! Here is a link to her etsy shop! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7148733 I think this is the perfect gift for someone who's doing a book basket for their shower!! My first official etsy purchase was a wonderful experience, and I would definitely purchase from her again in the future. You can also check out her blog here: http://stymiepiestudios.blogspot.com/

So not only did I complete my first purchase.... but I'm also now part of a team. I'm officially on the EtsyNJ Team. I am very excited to be part of a team that will help each other grow! I love everything about Etsy, the connections I've made, the advice and things I've already learned. It's a great community, and I think it's going to be even better being part of a team! You can check out the EtsyNJ Street Team blog here: http://etsynj.blogspot.com/

Link for Wind Curtain

In response to my last post, SG (http://www.blogger.com/profile/11324304321751170433) had asked if I could post a link as to where the item could possibly be found. Being that I am so grateful for this purchase, I have found the link and am posting it here for anyone interested in purchasing. It was well worth the $38 I paid for it and will definitely be put to good use again in the future.

Happy Tenting!!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8486791&findingMethod=rr

A Lesson Learned Today

Well today's attempt to sell at a craft fair gave way to a couple of lessons learned! I decided to share a space with a friend (check out her beautiful jewelry at www.alisajewels.com). Last I checked the calendar, it was the middle of May... Well, today's overcast/windy weather forced temperatures to stay within the 50's. We seemed to be the only ones on the grounds prepared for the weather. Not only did we have a canopy, but our canopy had WIND walls! :-) Everyone that came into our tent had a positive comment about our tent. Thank goodness, because it only took us twenty minutes to figure out how to and complete attachment of the walls, only to realize we attached it upside down. Hence why it was flapping all over the place. Five minutes later, wind walls were in place and secured correctly. Lesson #1: The wind walls will go with tent canopy wherever I go!

As everyone is set up and we're looking around at the other vendors we notice that most vendors are selling older items (their own junk).... only to realize we are at a craft fair and YARD SALE. Everyone there is looking for a bargain. Lesson #2: Only set up shop at a craft fair that has crafters ONLY!! No more craft fair/flea market combos for these girls.

Six hours is quite a bit of time to spend at an event. I was so stressed about having enough inventory for the event, I forgot to think about keeping myself fueled with some sort of food. I brought a bottle of water and a snack. Thankfull Alisa was nice enough to share her sandwich with me. Lesson #3: Prepare food for the day of the event.

So all in all, I sat in the freezing cold (ok, not FREEZING), worked hours and hours on bows recently only to make about $30 total ($5.00/hour)... Woo hoo! Better luck next time I guess!

Why is it that....

We attach ourselves to characters in a show as if we know them personally?? If you have not yet watched the Season Finale of Grey's Anatomy... I suggest you go to another blog now, and come back when you have watched it. I don't want to get blamed for ruining the ending for anyone. However, I NEED to get this out there because It is almost 12 hours later and I am STILL thinking about it. If anyone used to watch the series "Friends", you'll know what I mean by this. You get so into a show and their characters you feel like you know them, or are even part of the show. You gossip about them to friends that are also as obsessed as you are about them. And the gossip seems real as if you're talking about real people. Well this is how I've grown over the years to feel about Grey's Anatomy. I have not been as into a show since Friends was on. I absolutely adore the characters and their story lines. So now onto Grey's.... This year, when I read in the tabloids that Katherine Hiegl no longer wanted to be part of the cast, I was bummed. But as soon as she started seeing Denny... I knew it was going to be cancer. And I was right. I've been so enveloped in her story... crying almost every week... especially in the beginning because I could relate it to my own personal story with a friend and it just hit too close to home.

So that brings us to the Season Finale, and reports that Katherine Hiegl had a change of heart and wanted to stay a little longer, but that she had no idea what was written in the script for Izzy. So George all of a sudden enlists in the army. I then realized TR Knight had wanted off the show as well. I figured that's how he was leaving. Then with Izzy and the surgery, everything was going as I expected with the show. The last 10 minutes of the show completely blew me away when John Doe started writing 007 in Meredith's hand and she realized that the John Doe who was hit by the bus was George. Chills ran all through my body!! I was in complete shock. Then he and Izzy flat lining at the same time. Izzy in her prom dress in the elevator. Of course I expected the elevator to open to denny on the beach, but no... It was George in his military uniform. I out loud said "Oh no" and went into a waterfall of tears!! Then my husband said I'm no longer allowed to watch those shows. I can't help it. I'm just so drawn in. I love it. I was so wound up and dumbfounded by the last ten minutes that I tossed and turned while hubby slept soundly. How does a show do that to someone and end at 1100 at night like that?! The only positive that allowed me to chill out and get some sleep was the fact that they did not call time of death on either character. Obviously next season will open with us finding out exactly what happened. My prediction is that Izzy will pull through, and George will not. I do hope that is the case rather than losing both of them. But what amazing writing to end a season like that! Wow....

Getting Motivated All Around

Why is it that it's so easy to fall off the bandwagon when it comes to working out? I don't get it. I love working out. I love the way I feel afterwards, and it is my own self care promise. This week is my first week working out again since two weeks ago. The death of my grandmother made for a hectic few days which is where the "stopping" started. Then the following week, it did nothing but rain.... ugh! So I just was not in the mood to get up at 5:30 AM to treck 20 mins to the gym.

However, I turned over a new leaf Sunday evening. I told myself I was getting back on track this week. My goal: To get to the gym Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays... yes, at 6AM. Then on Tuesdays (which is today), I'm going to kickboxing class at cko clubs. LOVE it! My body has never had a better workout than it does at kickboxing. It's worth every penny! Taking all the days frustrations out on a heavy bag... doesn't get any better than that!! So as I sit in my office chair all day, I start to mentally prepare myself for cko this evening...

Maybe it will disperse some of the stress I'm feeling about preparing for this weekends craft fair. I really hope I have enough inventory and an eye catching display to make for a successful day.

There have been lots of things on my mind lately. I really am trying to focus on prayer, and the positive. Trying to be grateful for all that I have and to just live humbly. It's always easier said than done of course. Someone else always has what you want, and that green eyed monster comes out wishing for more, bringing feelings of negativity into your head. I do appreciate everything I have. There are many others in worse situations. I am a very fortunate person and am motivating myself all around in the area of self care.

Have a blessed day.

I haven't laughed that hard in a LONG time!

So last night my husband and I go out to dinner at the local pizza place. We pick up the free local town reader to browse through on our way in. Didn't read through much of it before dinner, but on our way home, he was driving and I was checking it out. This reader is full of advertisements, local information, jokes, and insightful thoughts submitted by people in the surrounding towns. Well, I read this one joke, and was laughing so hard, I couldn't stop! I was laughing so hysterically that I was crying... and not just tears coming out of my eyes, I was practically balling! Thank goodness I wasn't driving, and thank GOODNESS I didn't have to pee! Anyways, I tried to read the joke to my husband in between gasps of air, laughing, and the tears pouring out of my eyes... He thought it was funny, but was laughing more at me. Who knows.... maybe it wasn't as funny as it seemed to be. Maybe the stress I've experienced over the last week or so needed my body to experience that type of reliefe. Either way... that laugh was needed, and the visual I got while reading this joke made me think of my own weekly church experiences.

Anywho... I'm going to share this joke with you, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Beat Up In Church
A man showed up at work one day with a black eye. When his co-workers saw him, they asked him what haad happened. He told them it had happened in church. They didn't believe him, and wanted to know what really happened.

So he told them, "I went to the church. I got on my knees and prayed. When I stood up to sing the hymns, there in front of me was the biggest woman I had ever seen. Her dress was stuck in her butt crack, so being the gentleman I am, I reached over and pulled it out for her. She did not like that, so she hit me." The guys laughed and ribbed him about it all day.

The next week he showed up to work and his face was beaten really badly! Again the guys asked him what had happened and he told them he'd got beaten up at church. Again they didn't believe him, so he explained, "I went to church. I got on my knees and prayed. When I stood up to sing the hymns, there in front of me was that same big woman with her dress again stuck up her butt crack."

At this point the other men interrupted and said, "Please tell us you didn't pull her dress out of her crack again?" "No, the guy standing beside me did, and I knew she didn't like that, so I shoved it back in."

OK... so I didn't bust out into hysterics while retyping it. So it must have been my body's need to release endorphins yesterday. lol Anyways, I hope you enjoyed it.

My First Treasury!!

So I am adding another "first" to my day today!! I happened to check the treasury section of etsy and noticed the lists were close to opening up. I had prepared the item numbers I wanted a couple of days ago.

So here is my first! Enjoy! I know I had a lot of fun finding the items!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=56888

Woo Hoo!!

I am very excited to be starting new things today! I have officially made my first etsy sale. I had two purchases in the beginning, but they were both from someone I knew. This was my first transaction with a new customer! It's a very exciting day for me!

I'm also starting my first blog. Hopefully my blogs will give you the opportunity to get to know me and who I am as an individual.

Why did I start making bows one might ask... Well, I made bows to help raise some money for my niece's medical bills. She has a multiple seizure disorder and has spent many days in her little 2 year life span so far in the hospital. Her parents are trying to sell their home to save some money. My sister in law is not only family, but she is one of my best friends. There are three of us (we call ourselves a tripod). We all hold each other up, and without one it just doesn't work. Stacy asked me what we could do to help raise some money. I knew my church was having a craft fair, so I decided to play around with making some hair bows. They ended up being really cute. I figured by doing the craft fair, this was a way for me to get public feedback as well. The response was great and I decided to turn it into my own business. I've got a lot of goals set in mind, and have the big picture in view! :-) I know it takes time to really get going, but I KNOW it will all be worth it in the end! Check out my shop on etsy! I'd love to know your thoughts!

www.darlingdazzlesbowtiq.etsy.com