Cloth Wipe Review December 28, 2009
A few weeks ago I was searching on the internet for some cloth diaper companies just to get a feel for what is out there and what is being offered. I ran across this great blog, The Cloth Diaper Report, and saw that she reviews products that people send her. So I got some cloth wipes together, whipped up a hat for her little girl and threw in a rICE pack. We had a great “chat” via e-mail and she seems to be a wonderful person and I just love her reviews. If you are looking to buy anything for your child or items you need for taking care of your child take a look at her reviews before you go shopping.
So here is the review of my cloth wipes. I am so excited and I hope that it will help my gain some exposure.
Friday Feature December 11, 2009
When I joined the Handmade Louisiana Team one of the first artisans I got acquainted with was Amy from Mama’s Little Monkey’s. As I have gotten to know her I am amazed with all she does. Not only did she found the Handmade Louisiana Team, she is also very involved with several other groups and has several stores. So today I would like to “appreciate” her by featuring a few things from her different venues/stores.
As you can see she is very talented and makes wonderful things for so many to enjoy.
I just have one question Amy, how do you find time to clean your house. HA HA!
Orders Galore & ArtFire December 6, 2009
With the launch of my new product came a bunch of orders. Thanks to my cute model and Christmas I am overwhelmed with the response. Just a week or so ago I was getting real discouraged that I wasn’t selling anything. It’s amazing what one product and some exposure can do for a person.
I have finally gotten my first sale for someone I do not know, followed the next day by a friend of a friend. Amazing, truly it is amazing. Kris and I have been praying that the Lord would help us through this rough financial time and it seems that the Lord is blessing above our expectations.
I recently found a new venue, ArtFire, to sell from and I’m testing it out to see how it will work for me. The best feature so far is that there is an option to sell for free (with some limitations) on the site. No listing fees, no fees paid when it sells. You can have more bells and whistles if you want to pay a small monthly “membership”. At this time I don’t think it necessary for me, but if things keep growing, I might switch to this venue.
It is nice to know there are so many options out there for me to explore.
Handmade Louisiana Artisans December 4, 2009
Earlier this week I offered to feature an artisan that commented on my blog about what they are doing to cut costs or live green. Two people were kind enough to respond so I would like to feature something from each of them.
Splendiferous Fibers
This seller is very talented and I just love her scarfs. She hand paints them so each and every one is unique. This particular scarf would be a great addition to any holiday outfit, or a wonderful gift for a special woman in your life.
Jodi’s Flowers
These little critters are handcrafted originals. They are versatile and can hold photo’s, business cards, or name tags for a table place setting. Brighten up someones Christmas this year and give them a handmade original gift.
I will be featuring an artist each Friday. If you would like to be considered post a reply with your links.
December Spend-Thrift Challenge December 1, 2009
No one wants to be called a spend-thrift.
spend·thrift
// n. One who spends money recklessly or wastefully.
adj. Wasteful or extravagant: spendthrift bureaucrats.
Yesterday a friend blogged about how she is going to challenge herself to not spend any “extra” money. To only spend money on what was necessary. I accepted her challenge. I’m not one to usually spend money on things that are not necessary, except when it comes to craft projects. 
So today I was reminded of that challenge right after I made a purchase. I may be rationalizing, but I think it was a need.
Why did I need this you might ask. Well my husband has had a medical condition recently that needed attention. We have been pumping him fill of vitamins and herbs to help him heal. One of the things we found that will help his condition was Butchers Broom, found at the Bulk Herb Store. This is a loose powder that requires me to fill empty capsules for him to take. I have been doing this one at a time with a straw. VERY time-consuming and aggravating. So today while sorting out the next 20 days of vitamins I realize I was completely out of the Butchers Broom. Now filling 80 capsules one at a time was not very appealing to me so I went on-line to find a solution. After checking a few websites and finding the price a little more than I bargained for I was about to give up, then I saw it was cheaper at Herbal Remedies than any other place.
So I may be rationalizing this purchase, or maybe it WAS a need. It will save me a TON of time so it was worth the $15 (including shipping), right. 
I may find in this challenge that I spend more than I realize. Can you do it too? Times are tight for everyone what are you doing to save money?
Here are a few things the hubby and I have been doing to save money. It’s kind of necessary right now because he took an unpaid vacation last week to recoup from this medical stuff.
Anyway here they are:
- Using candle light (I used to sell candles so I have a TON no extra money spent) and one oil lamp during the evening.
- Only putting on the lights when necessary
- We hung a clothes line to dry our clothes (it’s been raining for 2 days so we haven’t been able to use it yet, but I’m looking forward to it)
- Unplugging appliances (especially those with LED lights) that are not in use. Or using a power strip with a switch that can be turned off.
- Turning off the A/C or heater, and water heater (it’s electric, not gas) when away for long periods of time. I try to turn off the heater during the day when I can.
I would not recommend turning off a gas water heater.
Hopefully these may help you cut your expenses even more than just cutting out the unnecessary spending.
My major downfall for spending and weight is grabbing stuff when I’m out, like fast food. I think if I stay home more not only will I save on gas, I will also save myself from stopping at these horrible places to eat.
Have a great December everyone and don’t forget to take time to think about the real reason we celebrate Christmas (our loving God allowed his Son to be born of a virgin so that he could die to save us from our sins).
Thread Rare Feature November 30, 2009
I was honored to find that my crochet beanie was featured on a fellow etsians blog.
Go check it out and of course check out her etsy store.
My favorite from her shop.
She is also offering Free
Worldwide shipping today.
Handmade Louisiana Black Friday Sales November 25, 2009
I am a member of a team of sellers called Handmade Louisiana.
I have complied a list of our sellers that are offering discounts or sales for Black Friday and this weekend. It is very important to me to help support my fellow handmade craftsmen(women) and Louisianans. So go check out their shops and buy local and handmade this year for Christmas. Don’t forget yourself, when you are shopping.
Stitches In Cotton
Offering 10% off all purchases and custom order requests made between 12 am Nov. 27 – 11:59 pm Nov. 29.
Mama’s Little Monkeys
Etsy
www.mamaslittlemonkeys.etsy.com
Buy One Get one FREE!! Black Friday ONLY! Wait for revised invoice, or will
refund via Paypal.
Artfire
www.mamaslittlemonkeys.com
AND
Destash City
www.destashcity.artfire.com
40% off all orders over 25 or more.
Use Coupon Code “blackfriday”
2 Virgos Designs
Handcrafted Soaps & Such
Primo’s Pawtourage
2VirgosDesigns.etsy.com
Integrity and kindness, the 2 most important human traits
Offering 15% off orders of $15 or more, buyers make Note to
Seller “Black Friday”. November 27 – 30.
Chloe Botique
EARLY BLACK FRIDAY / CYBER MONDAY SALE!!!
NOVEMBER 22ND – NOVEMBER 30TH
25% OFF MY ENTIRE SHOP AND FREE FIRST CLASS MAIL SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!!!
SAVINGS WILL BE REFUNDED TO YOUR PAYPAL ACCOUNT AFTER PAYMENT IS RECEIVED!!
http://www.wildlifer78.etsy.com
*Note: Purchases made from November 26 – December 3rd will ship December 4-5. I’ll be out of town those dates. However, the Sale Promo still applies to purchases made from November 26-30.
Lady Fleur Designs
Sale going on right now that will extend through the weekend and up until Dec. 1.
Celebrating the Saints going 10-0, going through Black Friday weekend.
Offering 10% off your total order when you enter the code “10NO” at checkout. This is only valid when ordering through my main webpage (http://shop.ladyfleurdesigns.com), not on Etsy.
Metry Chick
My sale is on Pendants. Buy 4 and get the 5th for free. Please indicate your choices in notes to the seller.
Item Listing- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35087911
Debideaux Designs
Offering free shipping for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
New Orleans, Louisiana
504.343.9831
GG’s Botique
Giving away a pair of pearl earrings with every purchase over $25 made in my shop from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
PachaMamma’s
Offering free shipping and discounts on selected items.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pachamamma
For those who live in NE LA, I will also be selling at the ‘Downtown Christmas Market’ on Dec. 5th from 11-5pm.
Daddy and Me Hats November 21, 2009
Earlier this week a friend asked me to maker her little guy and his daddy some hats. When we got all the details worked out I got to work and was able to finish them by Friday morning.
We had to go into New Orleans Friday so it worked out well because I was able to meet up with Nikki and she let Sawyer model for me. He had just woke up from a nap so at first he wasn’t too happy, but I got a cute smile for one picture. It worked out well.
I am thankful to friends both old and new that have ordered from me and are helping to get the word out about the products I offer.
If you would like to make a custom order request you can visit my store and send me a message or make a custom order request.
I am filled with joy when my creations make others happy.
Twitterpated November 16, 2009
I have been wondering if Tweeting will bring more traffic to my blog and etsy store. I wasn’t sure at first if it would benefit me or not.
Today I saw a fellow tweeter that features 9 shops in her blog every Monday. I responded and she featured me on her blog. I am very grateful and hope that maybe this will help get me some sales. One can only hope right.
So here is the link to Making it Creative where one of my items was featured. There are some really great pics from the other 8 sellers to go check it out and support handmade.
So now I am twitterpated with Twitter.
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