Change Is In The Air

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Like I was talking about in my last post, I decided to take action on my blog this morning.  This has been one of my goals forever now...  There was so many things I wanted to change but kept getting frustrated when I couldnt figure it out.  Some came about me this morning, a feeling of motivation and creativity with html, ha ha.  I am super excited with the progress made so far.  Still very under construction, but getting there!

Hopefully this provides you with a much cleaner, organized look.  I have made sections for all of the shops and such, and there is more coming.  I will also start advertising with sponsors in February.  So if you think you would like a spot keep your eyes open for that announcement some time next month!

Im also changing little things with how I run my business behind the scenes.  I am learning more and more how to order things to keep costs down in the long run by ordering more at a time.  Now that I have been in business long enough that I have efficient funds to go back into it, I can do this.  So this means I will be able to start slowly lowering my prices across the board, which means more affordable goodies for you!  I am also working on some organization in my creative areas as well as time management skills to help myself create a bit faster, which also benefits this idea.

I will also be doing things like not sending along receipts anymore with my packages to cut down on paper waste.  I realize that with etsy anyone who buys something can easily view their receipt online.  I have also discovered more eco-friendly ways of packaging (which are much cuter anyway), so I will be cutting down on plastic and tissue paper use.

Im excited to see what 2011 has in store for Violet Bella, and for my husband's shop Skyline Fever.  This past year has been the biggest blessing, and each of you have a big part in that!

Any of you beginning your own crafty businesses... take these last two posts as little business tips.  You learn so many things along the way and any little bit helps!

PEACE,
Laura

Looking Forward

I had a wonderful stay with my Nanna & Sabe, thanks for the wonderful comments!  It is ALWAYS nice to sit by her side.  Even if we are not doing a darn thing.  Just being near her.

And on a completely different but equally exciting note, remember that beautiful dress a few posts back that I am swooning over???  Well last night James said I could get it as part of my xmas gifts from him!!!  Im so excited, my fingers are crossed it will get here by christmas.  I would love to wear it to my nanna's house that day!


And now is the time to start taking stock of the year that has just flown by.  I invited my hubby last night to a coffee date so we can sit down in a place away from home (which is work for me), with a nice cup of coffee, and a pen and notebook, and daydream our time away about both of our businesses.  Im going to attempt to show him that creating goals and making lists really does help and work to keep your eye on a target and your motivation up when you are lacking it.  And making lists, big goal oriented ones and tiny daily ones really help keep you organized with it all.  Sometimes the hardest part is remembering to look at your lists, ha ha!

I keep daily paper lists on my desk right in front of me for small immediate goals, and a dry erase board in my area for larger projects that are ongoing or I know will take more than a day to complete.  There is always a sense of accomplishment when you can cross something off of that list!

I get asked alot how I manage to get done all that I get done with the jewelry, clothing and photography.  This is one little way I can help myself with it all.  But please remember if you have been wondering that yourself, this is my FULL TIME job.  I quit my waitressing job to pursue this and it was a HUGE leap of a dream.  But with steady determination it can be done.  One day at a time.  As with anything if you stick with it long enough, exercising, eating healthy, drawing, quitting a bad habit, hooping, even loving.  Anything done slowly with good intentions and full of heart will work if you work it.  For those of you who dont know there is a AA slogan that says, 'It works if you work it, and it wont if you dont'. I think this applies to soooooo many things in life.
Wow, this post just turned into something totally different then when I started, part of why I love blogging!  Hope this helps someone out there.

PEACE,
Laura

Dream Outfit

I am in a shopping mood tonite!!!  I just found the PERFECT outfit!!!  I wish I could just click away on the 'purchase' button, but Im being very self controlling...

First up is this AMAZING dress from Threadsence, I die.
With a pop of color and warmth with these adorable knit leggings.
topped with these oh sooooo cool vintage shoes, which happen to be in my size!
I wish I could wear this whole outfit on christmas!

PEACE,
Laura