Wow, December 31, 2013. Well, we really don't do the "new year" thing since our calendar year actually goes from Spring to Fall in our faith, but it is yet another year marked off on man's calendar. 2013 has been an interesting year for me, I became a bigger advocate in education than I planned to by my becoming active in the Stop Common Core community. I took up knitting and still crocheted my behind off. I continued to build a thriving handmade business until a sudden change of events shut me down the week before Thanksgiving. I've come to terms with that and embrace 2014 without any major desire to get back to business for now. (for now.) I started homeschooling in April and haven't looked back. That has been a bumpy, crazy, wild road but it's a good one.
So 2013 has been up and down for me and many, I look forward to a boring, simple, easy 2014.
~~Amy
The Hesitant Homeschooler....Mama's Little Monkeys
Showing posts with label new year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new year. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Friday, December 28, 2012
Rounding the Bend...
Listen...do you hear it? Shhh...be vewy vewy qwiet...It's 2013...sneaking in...or better yet, rushing in like a tidal wave! Seriously? WHERE did 2012 go??
Well, it's come and nearly gone and I have to say it's been a really good year, personally and business wise. Our family stayed relatively healthy, no major mishaps (other than a child's broken toe but that ended up okay), the hubs stayed employed in this time of unemployment, my business flourished, and our little family grew by two guinea pigs and a new weenie dog puppy. Instead of waiting for the other shoe to drop, I choose to give thanks for our blessings and be grateful for what God has provided for us. I pray I can continue to grow in His word and learn more, grow more, and do more with the many blessings He provides for us.
Since August I was working full time, which was quite an adjustment, but it should be coming to an end the first week of January. I'm not saying I won't go back to work full time eventually, but right now, I feel I need to focus on the family, house and my business. We've been having some recent issues with our youngest and I need to stay on top of those and not be stressed worrying about 'getting it all done'.
My little business has really grown and I am VERY grateful for that. In 2012 I primarily focused on Badge Reels, and I am happy to report, thanks to the customers who BELIEVE in handmade and make an effort to purchase it, that Badge Reels exceeded it's 2011 sales by early November and December was one of my top grossing months, even being open only 15 days! THANK YOU 1,000 times over to everyone who shares links, likes, follows, buys, promotes, believes in me and prays for my shop! It does not go unnoticed!
My second shop, Seaux Comfy, did a good little business for a new shop, nothing huge, but a great start. It's really an outlet for my crochet love (okay, it's an excuse to buy more yarn...) and it's a fun little addition. I love both my shops and the crafts I do, if I didn't love it, I wouldn't do it! What's the point in trying to build a business if you hate what you are doing?
As for my Year Without Wal-Mart...I actually did quite well and probably only stepped foot in the store about ten times the entire year....mostly for reasons I couldn't really control (father needed to go, out of town and no nearby stores, etc). I have to say I did well not going, not necessarily spending less (Target's bullseye gets me every time...) but making efforts to find other stores, local, chain and online, to spend my grocery money. Will I try to avoid Wal-Mart to much in 2013? No, probably not, but the habit has been laid, that it is not my first grocery choice.
So we've had a fabulous year and I hope you did too. Despite the scary in the world, I try to look on the brighter side and remember the greater plan at work. As a great man once said, "I've read to the end of the book, and we win." It was a dreary winter day here today and looking back over the year's photos really helped. Here is a little snippet of our year :) If you want to see more, please feel free to find me on Instagram as mamaslittlemonkeys. Also on Flickr and to see my crochet goodies, friend me on Ravelry!
Here's to 2013 being just as awesome!!! My hubs and I will be celebrating our ten year anniversary, I'll be turning 34, one boy will turn 5 and one will turn 8! It's going to be a great year!
Well, it's come and nearly gone and I have to say it's been a really good year, personally and business wise. Our family stayed relatively healthy, no major mishaps (other than a child's broken toe but that ended up okay), the hubs stayed employed in this time of unemployment, my business flourished, and our little family grew by two guinea pigs and a new weenie dog puppy. Instead of waiting for the other shoe to drop, I choose to give thanks for our blessings and be grateful for what God has provided for us. I pray I can continue to grow in His word and learn more, grow more, and do more with the many blessings He provides for us.
Since August I was working full time, which was quite an adjustment, but it should be coming to an end the first week of January. I'm not saying I won't go back to work full time eventually, but right now, I feel I need to focus on the family, house and my business. We've been having some recent issues with our youngest and I need to stay on top of those and not be stressed worrying about 'getting it all done'.
My little business has really grown and I am VERY grateful for that. In 2012 I primarily focused on Badge Reels, and I am happy to report, thanks to the customers who BELIEVE in handmade and make an effort to purchase it, that Badge Reels exceeded it's 2011 sales by early November and December was one of my top grossing months, even being open only 15 days! THANK YOU 1,000 times over to everyone who shares links, likes, follows, buys, promotes, believes in me and prays for my shop! It does not go unnoticed!
My second shop, Seaux Comfy, did a good little business for a new shop, nothing huge, but a great start. It's really an outlet for my crochet love (okay, it's an excuse to buy more yarn...) and it's a fun little addition. I love both my shops and the crafts I do, if I didn't love it, I wouldn't do it! What's the point in trying to build a business if you hate what you are doing?
As for my Year Without Wal-Mart...I actually did quite well and probably only stepped foot in the store about ten times the entire year....mostly for reasons I couldn't really control (father needed to go, out of town and no nearby stores, etc). I have to say I did well not going, not necessarily spending less (Target's bullseye gets me every time...) but making efforts to find other stores, local, chain and online, to spend my grocery money. Will I try to avoid Wal-Mart to much in 2013? No, probably not, but the habit has been laid, that it is not my first grocery choice.
So we've had a fabulous year and I hope you did too. Despite the scary in the world, I try to look on the brighter side and remember the greater plan at work. As a great man once said, "I've read to the end of the book, and we win." It was a dreary winter day here today and looking back over the year's photos really helped. Here is a little snippet of our year :) If you want to see more, please feel free to find me on Instagram as mamaslittlemonkeys. Also on Flickr and to see my crochet goodies, friend me on Ravelry!
Here's to 2013 being just as awesome!!! My hubs and I will be celebrating our ten year anniversary, I'll be turning 34, one boy will turn 5 and one will turn 8! It's going to be a great year!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Operation Simplify 2010--WEEK ONE
I'm one week into my Operation Simplify. So far so good!!
I've created a schedule for me to keep things in line. I've only deviated slightly due to weather or children's needs! It is very helpful having a specific time to work with Eli and it helps remind me NOT to goof off on the computer!
For my goal of cooking I've been working on slow cooker, crock pot recipes.
This week I've tried a few and here's what I think:
Baked Potato Soup:
I loved it!! I shared some with my best friend who'd just had a baby, and my niece who was in the hospital with her baby with pneumonia! My husband didn't really like it but he's a wuss and doesn't like soup. The kids didn't like it because, well, they are uber picky!
Gumbo:
Okay while I greatly appreciate her effort, this recipe needs major work. First of all, it needs WAY more spices. Creole seasoning, salts, peppers, SOMETHING. Seeing as the blogger is NOT southern, it is totally understandable that this was left out. :) Also when I did it her way and put the rice in, it ended up being a gumbo mush. Like rice/gumbo/risotto. So I'm going to try it again but make the rice separate and put the gumbo OVER the rice just like you're SUPPOSED to do with gumbo. There is no roux required but I might try to do one also. Overall the taste was good...just needed a kick.
Overall I'm digging using the crockpot--when I actually do remember to turn it on, it works great! :) Now to train the hubs to clean it up every night, how come kitchens aren't self cleaning!
How is your Operation Simplify going??
~~Amy
I've created a schedule for me to keep things in line. I've only deviated slightly due to weather or children's needs! It is very helpful having a specific time to work with Eli and it helps remind me NOT to goof off on the computer!
For my goal of cooking I've been working on slow cooker, crock pot recipes.
This week I've tried a few and here's what I think:
Baked Potato Soup:
I loved it!! I shared some with my best friend who'd just had a baby, and my niece who was in the hospital with her baby with pneumonia! My husband didn't really like it but he's a wuss and doesn't like soup. The kids didn't like it because, well, they are uber picky!
Gumbo:
Okay while I greatly appreciate her effort, this recipe needs major work. First of all, it needs WAY more spices. Creole seasoning, salts, peppers, SOMETHING. Seeing as the blogger is NOT southern, it is totally understandable that this was left out. :) Also when I did it her way and put the rice in, it ended up being a gumbo mush. Like rice/gumbo/risotto. So I'm going to try it again but make the rice separate and put the gumbo OVER the rice just like you're SUPPOSED to do with gumbo. There is no roux required but I might try to do one also. Overall the taste was good...just needed a kick.
Overall I'm digging using the crockpot--when I actually do remember to turn it on, it works great! :) Now to train the hubs to clean it up every night, how come kitchens aren't self cleaning!
How is your Operation Simplify going??
~~Amy
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Operation Simplify 2010
So, another new year is upon us. I do not actually 'celebrate' the new year, nor do I make New Years resolutions. My year actually starts in the fall with the Hebrew calendar, but January first is a great time to try to get the ball rolling.
For me, I want 2010 to be the Year of Simplify. Nice and vague, eh?
Photograph: SusannahTucker.etsy.com
What does this mean? To get started, let's define Simplify:
A verb, used with object, "To make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier: to simplify a problem.
Isn't that what life is supposed to be about? Enjoying family, friends, the SIMPLE things in life?
So how does one go about starting something like Operation Simplify? Certainly making lists, tons of goals and plans really defeats the purpose now doesn't it?
So I shall start small and make mini goals in all aspects of life.
January's Goals:
A verb, used with object, "To make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier: to simplify a problem.
Isn't that what life is supposed to be about? Enjoying family, friends, the SIMPLE things in life?
So how does one go about starting something like Operation Simplify? Certainly making lists, tons of goals and plans really defeats the purpose now doesn't it?
So I shall start small and make mini goals in all aspects of life.
January's Goals:
- Simplify Cooking: Crock Pot meals, using leftovers, if it takes longer than 30 minutes prep I don't wanna do it!
- Simplify Selling Online: Focus shops on the things that do sell, and be ready to abandon ideas that don't pan out.
- Simplify Schedule: Plan 1 playdate/park trip per week for kids!
Anyone want to join me in Operation Simplify 2010? What ways do you want to make your life more simple and in turn more enjoyable?
What simple and easy things in life do you enjoy?
I plan to share little tidbits and simple solutions to ways you can enjoy your new year also!
Be Simple!
Henry David Thoreau
Friday, December 25, 2009
Year End Inventory and What's Coming for Mama's Little Monkeys
What a year! I'm amazed that I've had more success in my shops than I imagined! All thanks to faithful customers and new customers willing to take a risk on a Mama just trying to make her way in the handmade world!
Year's end has meant inventory so Mama's Little Monkeys remains closed on both Etsy and Artfire. You can still find some of my sewn goodies on the two Congo's I'm in, Nature's Toy Chest and The Apple Orchard.
I've competed the inventory in my soap shop, Amelia Amos and am happy to say there are plenty of Saint's soaps ready to go! There are some new items in Amelia Amos including soap samples for your business, Sniff cards to find out what fragrances you really like, and a 2.00 grab bag of oops and discontinued soaps! Be sure to check out the PIF Bath Salts tutorial also available!
Destash City is also back open and ready to help you get crafty in the new year!
What's Coming for the Shops!?
Amelia Amos: Many more fleur de lis color combos. I'm loving the fleur de lis soaps and that will be my main focus for the new year. Do you have a favorite color/scent combo you'd like to see in Amelia Amos? Let me know and I'll see what I can concoct!
Destash City: Many more fabric yo yo and button combo's so you can create your own hair clips, buttons, bobby pins and more! More appliques will be added also, as I get caught up on things!
Mama's Little Monkeys: Rearranging of the Etsy and Artfire shops are still being thought out, but expect a major sale to clear out inventory! In the sewing room right now: More rocket ships, Red Heel Sock Monkeys, Japanese Knot bags for you knitters out there and more wetbags to go in The Apple Orchard!
What new items are you working on? What new items would you like to see? Who's your favorite handmade artisan who you can't wait to see more from?
~~Amy
Year's end has meant inventory so Mama's Little Monkeys remains closed on both Etsy and Artfire. You can still find some of my sewn goodies on the two Congo's I'm in, Nature's Toy Chest and The Apple Orchard.
I've competed the inventory in my soap shop, Amelia Amos and am happy to say there are plenty of Saint's soaps ready to go! There are some new items in Amelia Amos including soap samples for your business, Sniff cards to find out what fragrances you really like, and a 2.00 grab bag of oops and discontinued soaps! Be sure to check out the PIF Bath Salts tutorial also available!
Destash City is also back open and ready to help you get crafty in the new year!
What's Coming for the Shops!?
Amelia Amos: Many more fleur de lis color combos. I'm loving the fleur de lis soaps and that will be my main focus for the new year. Do you have a favorite color/scent combo you'd like to see in Amelia Amos? Let me know and I'll see what I can concoct!
Destash City: Many more fabric yo yo and button combo's so you can create your own hair clips, buttons, bobby pins and more! More appliques will be added also, as I get caught up on things!
Mama's Little Monkeys: Rearranging of the Etsy and Artfire shops are still being thought out, but expect a major sale to clear out inventory! In the sewing room right now: More rocket ships, Red Heel Sock Monkeys, Japanese Knot bags for you knitters out there and more wetbags to go in The Apple Orchard!
What new items are you working on? What new items would you like to see? Who's your favorite handmade artisan who you can't wait to see more from?
~~Amy
Friday, December 18, 2009
Another Year Almost Over..
Wow. Another year is almost done. We are literally about to start 2010! It just can't be. Yet it is!
It's been quite a year for me! This time last year I was getting the wonderful news that I did NOT have Multiple Sclerosis as I had been told I did months before. (Guess I just have odd things on my brain, no surprise.) Overall our family's health has been good and we had some changes.
Most importantly Eli was diagnosed with autism, explaining a lot of things about him. He's done well on the GFCF diet and it's a relief to know what is wrong. He's very high functioning (which can be a downfall at times because people just think he's a bad behaved child in the midst of a tantrum.) and he shows great potential for 'recovery'. The downside of all that is our insurance company didn't cover any of his testing so we're back in debt again.
But there is absolutely no room for complaining! Even though money is super tight, Paul has a job, and if need be I have no doubt God will help me find one. My businesses have the potential of actually helping supplement our income instead of just a hobby. We have a home, our health, family and friends.
We don't actually celebrate Christmas in our house, but I understand how it makes many people feel, more open to appeciating the things they have. So I challenge you to really sit back and look at what blessings you have and give thanks for them. Give your family a hug, learn to appreciate the possessions you DO have and not lust after things you don't need (trust me, this one is hard!) and enjoy the little things in life!
How was your year?
It's been quite a year for me! This time last year I was getting the wonderful news that I did NOT have Multiple Sclerosis as I had been told I did months before. (Guess I just have odd things on my brain, no surprise.) Overall our family's health has been good and we had some changes.
Most importantly Eli was diagnosed with autism, explaining a lot of things about him. He's done well on the GFCF diet and it's a relief to know what is wrong. He's very high functioning (which can be a downfall at times because people just think he's a bad behaved child in the midst of a tantrum.) and he shows great potential for 'recovery'. The downside of all that is our insurance company didn't cover any of his testing so we're back in debt again.
But there is absolutely no room for complaining! Even though money is super tight, Paul has a job, and if need be I have no doubt God will help me find one. My businesses have the potential of actually helping supplement our income instead of just a hobby. We have a home, our health, family and friends.
We don't actually celebrate Christmas in our house, but I understand how it makes many people feel, more open to appeciating the things they have. So I challenge you to really sit back and look at what blessings you have and give thanks for them. Give your family a hug, learn to appreciate the possessions you DO have and not lust after things you don't need (trust me, this one is hard!) and enjoy the little things in life!
How was your year?
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