Happy Friday Friends!  I have been hinting at some new weekly installments, and this is one of them – the Friday Send Off.  On our newsletter I always include some links to things I think you might like, and it is actually the most popular part of the newsletter.  So I thought it would be something our daily readers would enjoy on a weekly basis too.

If you were reading earlier this week, you know I moved again.  We are temporarily in an apartment for a couple months until we move yet again.  I have never lived in such a dark place in my life.  Even when the lights are on it is dark!  So when I saw that picture, it lifted my spirits. Shall we play like I am having brunch tomorrow, and your invited?  Yes, let’s.  I found it on pinterest, uploaded by user, then closed the pin…oops.  So no source, dang it. If it’s yours let me know, I’ll invite myself over .

So here are a few things I have pinned this week that I think you might like:

~ Hank’s birthday is coming up and I am in love with this Lego party (via Tma)- cutest liquid soap idea for a boys bathroom too!

~ Need to make some healthy breakfast burritos you can make ahead and freeze (via Amber) – my husband would think I was June Cleaver

~Think I have to have this “love you more than Mr. Darcy” Valentine’s Day card  ( via Marta)

~ Loving this free Go To Dress Pattern for girls – uses the oh so comfy knits (via Emily)

~ Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies (via Cindy)- need I say more?

Are you on Pinterest yet?  If you need an invite, let me know in the comments and I will pull your email to send one.  If you want to follow along just click on the button below.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

luvs~Destri

Make no mistake, these lists are more for me then anyone!  I was going to write some of these things down on paper, but thought some of you might like a few little reminders, new tradition ideas, and tips I have found for the week before and day of Christmas.  This week can either be magical, or stressful – and if properly prepared hopefully we can avoid the latter.

Some Tips And Stuff:

A few articles I have pinned, things I have forgot in the past, and tips to make the week go smoothly.

• Learn how to take the best pics of your kids by the Christmas tree. Post for DLSR camera settings for a glowing tree, great post for any type camera.
• Have a little one questioning if Santa is real? This is a beautiful letter that might help you answer that.
• Plan out the week of meals, including Christmas morning (recipe coming tomorrow for Christmas morning casserole you can make the night before) and a few crockpot meals for busy nights.
• My post on how to stuff a stocking. It’s always been a big deal in my house, and this is how we do it.
• Make sure the batteries in the video camera and your camera are fully charged with memory card emptied.
• Go through all the toys in your house and make room for the new ones coming.
• Article on teaching kids to accept gifts graciously.

Fun Traditions For A Magical Week and Christmas Day

Now I certainly don’t recommend anyone try to pack this all into this week, but maybe one or two will add a little magic to the chaos

• Our Christmas Eve tradition is to make cookies for Santa, we make it easy with a mix.
• If you live close to elderly people, bundle the kids up and go caroling – it will make their (and your kids) night and they won’t mind how it sounds
• I love this Christmas Eve tradition from Miranda, simple yet memorable.
• Make a batch of Cocoa Coffee to enjoy throughout the week.
• Find the neighbor that spent all that time making their house bright and fun for the holidays, take them a treat and thank them for adding to the magic of the season.
• Leave a little gift in the mailbox for the mail man (or lady).
• Attend a midnight mass – it sets the tone for the next morning.
• Make gingerbread playdough, could be fun for gingerbread houses.
• Catch A Christmas Story on TBS, complete with popcorn and holiday drinks.
• Invite friends without family nearby over for games and food one night.  Make it easy by having everyone bring a dish, you supply the game.
• Let you kids open one gift on Christmas eve – We always open pajamas to make sure we have cute jammies on for Christmas morning pictures.

My Last Minute Shopping List:

Again, for me more than anything, but maybe it will help you out!  Make a list of things you will need for the week and big day, and hit the store late at night early this week.  A few things on my list:

• Batteries
• Christmas morning breakfast ingredients
• Ingredients to make cookies for Santa
• Ingredients for a couple meals for the crockpot this week (here is my crockpot recipe pinboard with a lot of great recipes.  We are trying the best ever beef dip sandwiches)
• Snacks for Christmas Eve, day, and the day after
• Last minute stocking stuffer items – toothbrushes, oranges, nuts…
• Tape – just in case!
• Big bows for Santa’s gift (we don’t wrap the gift from Santa)
• Logs for the fireplace…okay, I wish.  But if I had a fireplace, you can bet I would have wood on my list!

Last but not least, let some things go and just enjoy the week.  You may not be able to complete everything on your list, but if you take the time to remember what makes the season important to your family than you have succeeded.  Your kids will remember the special moments leading up to the big day more than any gift they receive, and the time you spent creating them far more than the time spent shopping for and making things to put under the tree.

Now it’s your turn – anything to add to the lists?  Links welcome!

~Destri

It’s that time of year of remembering, thanking, and spending time with those who are near and dear to us.  It has also been time to remember those that have fought in wars and conflicts past and present.

This year Remembrance Day fell not just on the 11th day of the 11th month, but of the 11th year. So for one minute it would be 11.11 on the 11/11/11. It was not just this reason that I felt the need to introduce my boys to ways to remember, but also because of inward conversations I have with myself. ‘Are they old enough?’, ‘Will they make a scene?’ ‘How will those around react if my guys do not act appropriately?’. I then realised that these are my issues not theirs and how on earth can I expect them to cope and react well if I don’t introduce them to occasions such as these.

My eldest son is in Kindergarten and he had been making poppies at school and I had bought him a Scholastic book on ‘A poppy is to Remember’ so I felt he had a reasonable understanding for a 5 year old. My youngest at 3, well he is his own boss, strong willed, feisty and a bit of an imp! However, he has a good heart and his intentions are always well intended even if a bit misguided!

 So for the first time I took my two boys to our local cenotaph to witness the remembering of soldiers who fought for their country. We watched the parade of soldiers and Royal Canadian Mounted Police service march by. We saw older generations with medals and teary eyes walk proud. We watched as the crowd grew to hundreds, young, old, babies, children, Scouts, Beavers and Brownies. Cadet Corps. All there to stop, quiet, to remember. A grandfather, son, brother, husband, uncle, aunt, sister or wife or mother or may be just the unknown face of a brave, courageous military personal who, take it upon themselves to keep us, safe. To allow us, to live free of condemnation and oppression.

 For as much as the world would be a better place without fear, fighting, wars, conflicts, religious oppression it is also the way of the world for someone to always think things should be done another way, a better way, ‘their way’. For this reason and the history of time tells us, there will always be the need for those who are willing to put their lives in the line of fire. I feel I lack the eloquence to actually write down exactly how grateful I am to those who are but names. But I am – grateful that is. I feel it is my duty from a non -military family to teach my sons this. Respect those that do regardless of colour, religion, or social background.

 Both boys wore their poppies at school all week, both laid poppies at the memorial after the service. Both of which I am very proud. They are the future generation.

 So as you gather to celebrate this Holiday season, or sit for a family meal, big or small, remember the future generation too!

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

by John McCrae, May 1915

~Kate

{image via}

Okay friends, it’s time for a giveaway! One of my all-time favorite stores The Land Of Nod is giving one lucky winner a $75 gift card to finish up their holiday shopping.  I’m a fan of The Land Of Nod toys for many reasons, one being I know whatever I buy is going to last for years, not days.  Another being their unique selection covers everyone on my list from infant on up to teens.

They have a fabulous Arts and Crafts section full of options for both girls and boys to ensure plenty of keep them busy time, and I love all the tabletop options they have for all of us short on space.  The I’m Not Bored Anymore Art Jar would be a hit in any house, and they have a junior option too.  The Tabletop Easel is already in my shopping cart!

No surprise that little sewing machine is tempting me, and tools…well they’re a classic. Their entire collection of Imaginary Play is fantastic.

Grandparents, are you looking to please the parents as well as the kids? No batteries!  No buzzing and blinking! Wahoo! I don’t know who would have more fun with the Baseball PinBall Game, the kids or dad – I can even see it sitting on my husband’s desk.  Same for the Don’t Lose Your Marbles Game – both would make great family gifts.  Did I mention Free Shipping?!

The Land Of Nod is offering free shipping on a large selection of products, including their Awesome Stocking Stuffer Selection.  I don’t know about your house, but in my house it’s all about the stocking, and they have more than a few toys that will leave you nostalgic for your childhood days.

They really do have a great Gift Guide, with options by age and price.  My son has quite a few friends to buy for so I think I will set him up with the page only displaying toys in the price range I want him to choose from, and most have free shipping!

To enter visit The Land Of Nod and tell me in a comment below what toy you have your eye on.  And just for fun and an extra entry (leave an additional comment), visit the Stocking Stuffer selection and tell me what toy you would like to show up in your stocking .  I want the Boom Blocks Mini Speaker ipod dock!

This giveaway is now closed, Random.org whipped out #94, Congrats to Rachel who said she loved the Hanukkah items available!

Feel free to print off this gift tag.  Just click on the image, save, then print. You can resize it to what you need to!

Last year around the second week of December I received two boxes in the mail from my sister – one marked “Open Christmas Morning” and one marked “OPEN NOW!”.  She had sent a couple gifts my kids could open before Christmas and I thought it was the best idea.  She included a Christmas book, and a Playmobil nativity set they could put together and play with, then take down on their own.  I have to say that one toy received more play time than any one thing opened on Christmas morning.  It’s also a great idea for Grandparents, parents, and friends.  Send them something they can use to prepare for the big day, rather than something they might return after .

Here are a few gift ideas I think would be great gifts to receive before Christmas.

Ideas For Gifts To Send Before Christmas

For Kids:

• Playmobil Nativity – this is the one my kids have and they LOVE it. This one is adorable too
• This Twas The Night Before Christmas Reindeer Story and Play Set looks really cute
• Christmas Books- never can have too many books!
• Christmas Movies - give them a classic they may have never seen
• Snowman In A Sack  so they are prepared on a big snow day
• Christmas Card Kit Kids Can Make  to send to friends and relatives
• DIY Printable Letter To Santa Kit – so cute!
• The Endless Christmas Crafts Kit should keep them busy until the big day

For Adults:

• This Merry Christmas Card Kit would be perfect for my Grandma
• Nativity Silhouette Set  to add to their decor
• Beautiful Gift Tags to add to all those special gifts
• Hot Chocolate On A Stick to enjoy after the kids go to bed on Christmas Eve
• Skipping Christmas by John Grisham my husband read this last year and said it was not only funny, but put the Holiday back into perspective

These are just a few I could think of, I would love to hear your ideas now   Do you send gifts to open before Christmas, or have you received any?  Let’s hear it!

ps – head over to picnik to make your own gift tags like the one I made above

Hey Friends!  It is finally moving day for my family; we’ve spent the week packing, cleaning, celebrating a birthday, closing on our house (yay!) and making sure we get some last minute visits in before we head out.  I love this part of moving.  All the hard work is wrapped up, and all that’s left is the anticipation for a new adventure.  I am afraid I have itchy feet.  Anyone else love moving?

So it is goodbye to the south for now (we’ll be back!) and off to west.  We timed it just right for the ski season! We’re going to stop in Colorado for Thanksgiving with family and then on into Utah for a bit.  I really have no idea how long we will be in Utah, but it looks to be at least 3-4 months.  So if you’re in the beehive state let me know, we’ll have a girls night .

I will still be popping in, I have found a great way to hem wide leg pants without a sewing machine I can’t wait to share…stay tuned!

ps, the image is from the Ikea blog…have you been there?  I love looking at there images, always full of color!

print available from Yellow Heart Art – the entire store is worth a browse!

This is part 2 of a series on how I make a side income off my hobby selling wholesale to a local boutique. Click here if you would like to read part 1 How I Easily Make $300 Extra Income Each Month. In part one I talk about my personal reasons to sell wholesale over opening an online store, how I chose my product, and a few other things to consider when trying to make money selling handmade goods.

Hello friends, I am sorry for the delay in sharing part 2 on this series but after the great response from part one, I thought I best come to the table in part 2 with some solid ways to approach a business, and there is no better way than to go straight to the source.  I went around to some smaller and bigger businesses in my town and asked how they like to do business with individuals selling their handmade goods wholesale.  I was surprised with the response and I think you might be too.

In part 2 we will talk about how I approached local businesses, and the findings I found in my field research (makes me feel all sorts of official saying that ). I will share what type of incentives I offered to gain trust and loyalty as well.  We will save making a business plan and pricing your product so you can make money for part 3, as this was more to cover than I thought.

Let’s get started!

How To Approach Businesses To Sell Your Handmade Goods Wholesale

I decided to go over how to approach local businesses first, rather than making a business plan first.  This just happened to be the sequence I went about it.  I felt like I had to know where I would be selling and what price points I could meet, it also determined the type of product I made, which in my case were hair bows.  Of course this was my unique experience, so just take away what you can and apply it to your situation.

For my personal experience it was walk into the store get a dialogue going and ask if they would be interested in seeing my work.  I had already determined that I wanted to sell at a children’s boutique so that is where I centered my attention.  I saw that the boutique had only one type of hair accessory and knew that I could offer them something different that they could easily sell – and basically that is what I told them.

I introduced myself and asked if she were the owner/manager and then told her how much I loved her store, and how it was just the place I was looking to sell my handmade hair accessories.  She then asked about my product.  I said something along the lines of “I love the hair bows you have, and I think what I make would be a great addition to them.  I make hair fascinators, rosette headbands……”  It was about right there in the dialogue that she interrupted me and said “Yes, that is what we have had customers requesting!  Especially the fascinators for pictures.”  I offered to bring some in for her to look at she said that would be great, and that was it!

I was so excited I went to three more boutiques that day and pretty much had the same response from each of them.  I was set to make enough money to pay for our entire trip to California the way I saw it.  But in the days following I came to my senses and a few conclusions:

• if I sell my hair accessories to all the boutiques in town there would be less demand for my product
• if I sell my hair accessories to all the boutiques in town, I was bound to lose credibility with all shop owners
• if I sell to only one boutique within a certain amount of miles, I would have an incentive for the shop owners – they would have an exclusive product

So I decided to only take my product back to one local boutique, the first one I had approached.  I chose that boutique because of all the ones I had visited, I felt it had the best chance of moving the most product. They had a great sales mentality.  The more they sell, the more I can sell to them. It was simple. Plus, I liked her and knew she was excited about doing business with me.

When I returned with my product I informed her that I would sell to her exclusively, and because of that I needed to sell at a bulk rate of at least $300 dollars to start.  Meaning that I couldn’t just sell her $100 dollars worth of  hair accessories and have it be worth my time.  After the initial first purchase we could see how well they sold and determine a monthly inventory that could work for both of us.  She agreed to my terms and bought $360 dollars worth that day.  Wahoo!

That got me excited and I decided to reach out to a couple boutiques in surrounding areas that would not be competitors to my local boutique.  I had found one large boutique about 2 hours drive away, and one that was an hour.  I figured I could make one trip to them and after that mail or make a monthly trip.  I approached both of them by telephone.  One owner asked me to bring them in for her to see, and the other asked if I could send her an email with pictures first.  I sent the email with my terms of selling exclusively to her in that area, and she told me to come on in.  Both seemed genuinely interested and I was confident that they would be new customers.

But then life happened!  My house went on the market and I am now moving across the country this week.  So I have just stuck with my original shop owner and it has worked great.  I am able to sell $300 of my product a month to her with only 12 hours of work each month.  If I were staying in the area I am certain I would have had a couple more boutiques to sell to, and I could have brought in a solid $900 extra income a month.  When I look at the time I have to spend on it, that would probably be my max.

Bottom line is brick and mortar businesses have an overhead they need to cover.  They have to man the shop itself and they don’t have time to make all the product to sell as an online shop does.  They rely on quality products they can buy at wholesale to make money.  So if you have a great product that you know they can sell, let them know! They will more than likely be excited about the chance to work with you.

Remember that if you are trying to sell a product you are a salesman, so you have to think like one.  Talk to them in a language that lets them know you understand their business.  For instance “I know you have a lot of customers shopping for special occasion dresses, we could make custom hair pieces to make an easy add-on sale”.  Provide examples of trends and how your product will meet those trends.  The shop owner is running a business, and the more you show you can think from their perspective the better.  If they can make money selling your product, and if you can help them see how – you have yourself a sale.

Here are a few tips to take away:

• Don’t pop in on a busy Saturday afternoon when they are busy
• Dress nicely and smile
• Be enthusiastic, excited, and confident about your product
• Offer suggestions for how best to display your product
• Offer products that are easy add-on sales
• Present a unique product that is in demand and on trend
• Know their customer base and what would sell
• Offer product suggestions

Now for my field research.  I basically thought of a few different places that might buy handmade goods and then called them up or went in to talk to them.  I just wanted to demonstrate how you can think outside of the box when looking for potential businesses to work with.  Hopefully it will give you an idea how you can branch out with whatever your product is.

In all of the instances I explained that I was doing research for an article on selling handmade goods, and wanted to know how best someone could approach them for doing business on a wholesale basis.

1. I called a large store that sells mainly gift items of all sorts and asked for the manager. Because of the size, I was certain it was ran by employees rather than the owner, so I opted not to go in.  She said that they are always on the lookout for local handmade goods, and actually had a section just for that – who knew!  She stressed that it had to be top quality and that any returns fall back on the wholesaler. They preferred an appointment to be set up with a formal meeting.
2. I went into a high-end salon and spoke with the owner. I went when I knew it would be a slow time and he had a few minutes. I told him why I was there and he said he had never thought to bring in anything handmade.  I explained how hair accessories would be a great add-on sale, and trust me this industry makes a good amount of their money on these kind of sales (I used to do hair – I made half my money from product sales).  He was excited about the idea and said that he would love to just have someone offer!  
3. I went into a local high-end china type store – they sell nice china, silver flatware, and gifts.  When I explained why I was there (speaking with the manager) she said she really didn’t think there was anything handmade they could sell.  I offered a few suggestions such as hand-embroidered dish towels and aprons.  She thought for a minute and said that might work, and she would definitely consider working with someone on a wholesale basis.
4. I went into a bridal boutique and took a few of my wedding-ish hair accessories with me.  I told her why I was there and she said that they actually carry hair accessories and can’t sell them.  I explained that online there is an entire blog community devoted to weddings and they feature a lot of handmade goods and brides are probably drawn to that.  They carried old fashioned hair pieces and maybe offering a few retro or elegant pieces, and flower girl type might do well. I couldn’t tell if she was offended or not (I hope not!), but said she would buy from me on the spot.  I wasn’t selling, but hey, that could have been a sale!
5. I have a local coffee shop I frequent so I asked the owner if she ever thought about bringing in some handmade gifts for the holidays.  She said no, but if someone came in with something she loved and on target to her customer base she would definitely consider it, especially if it were offered in a ready to give package. She preferred someone to call first to set up an appointment.

So there you have it!  They were all interested!  I hope this encourages any of you that are looking for a second source of income.  I can think of several different businesses I could have contacted with several different product ideas; vet office for handmade pet items – tutus for dance studios – shoe clips for shoe stores – camera straps for camera shops – the possibilities are endless!  Just remember from part one – keep it simple.

In part 3 we will discuss my personal approach to setting up a business plan.  I am quite certain there is a better way, but hey, it worked for me.  Also, I might have a guest appearance or two for you!

image via

Each time I mention I make hair accessories for a local boutique I receive a few emails asking me how I go about it.  Do I sell them wholesale or sell on a commission basis?  How did I approach the stores?  How did I get started?   Do I really make any money?  After answering these emails, I realized I wasn’t really helping anyone with a small explanation.  So I am making an effort to give a detailed outline of how I went about it, and how you can too.  I am making my extra income making hair accessories for a boutique, but really you could apply my model to most hobbies. I was able to do this with very little overhead, minimal time (about 15 hours a month), and started earning fairly quickly.

I am going to make this a three part series, as I tried to fit it all in one post and it seemed too vague to be useful.  You know I like details .  I will try to be as transparent as possible, share the pros and cons, and hopefully in the end you will have a detailed outline of how you can pull in a little (or a lot of!) extra money by Christmas.

Let’s get started!  Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Part 1 – How, Where, and What to Sell.  My personal experience on how I decided on all three of those factors.
• Part 2 – Make A Plan.  What’s your time worth? How do you approach a store owner? What kind of incentives can you have? How do make sure you make money?
• Part 3 – The Nitty Gritty.  A few things to keep in mind when turning a hobby into a job, even if it’s a little one.  Some what-to-do and what-not-to-do tips.

Catch me after the jump for Part 1…

How, Where, And What To Sell

My family was getting ready to go to California for a wedding in the mountains and then extend it to a family vacation on the coast. We had already spent heaps on the trip between airplane tickets and hotels, and I knew that my husband was feeling a tad stressed by it all.  We were planning on taking our kids to Disneyland and to do some other fun things.  I really wanted to have a spot of cash we could spend knowing it wouldn’t effect our (already blown) monthly budget. I had one month to do it, I just had to decide how.  I love to make things, and I stay home with my kids.  So the natural choice was to make things from home I could sell.  I generally am making things for my kids, so making things along those lines made sense.  Now, where do I sell them?

How Best To Sell My Product?

Online Store

I have always kicked around the idea of opening an etsy shop or something, but they take a lot of time if you want it to be successful.  You have set up the store, think of a name, get a banner, take great pictures of your product, post those pictures, and advertise, advertise, advertise.  Then there is the shipping and time spent with convos, emails and overall working with the customers – and of course competition.  Lots and lots of it.  Also, with TMH I already spend enough time on the internet.  I just didn’t have the time to commit to an online shop.

Consignment Shops

So I decided to see if I could find somewhere local to sell my things.  I first looked into some different consignment shops that I could sell at.  Most of them took a 50% cut and one charged for the space you used on a month-to-month basis.  I could make money, but only as the items sold.  That wouldn’t work for me.

Wholesale

Then I thought about selling wholesale.  I know from my days of hairdressing how it could work.  I make a bulk amount of items, sale to a local business at a wholesale price, and then they sell them at retail prices.  At first I thought I would lose half my earning potential, but when I looked at the details, I knew I could come out ahead better than any other approach given my circumstance.  Here’s how:

• I would only have one customer to work with
• I would have no shop to keep up – no worrying about taking pictures and posting products
• I would have no advertising to pay for
• I would have no packaging materials to pay for
• I wouldn’t have to worry about shipping – getting it out in time, items getting lost
• I would make the money on the spot, vs. over time

So I had found my answer.  Wholesale was best for me and my situation. Now what to sell?

What would my product be?

At first I kicked around the idea of sewing childrens boutique clothing. I had visited a few boutiques around town and knew that I could offer them something fun and different.  But when I looked at it realistically it would take much more time than I had, and I just didn’t feel like I could sell the clothing at a price that would be worth my time. Also, I really think it would take the fun out of sewing for me, it would just stress me out.

So what to do?

Well, I went scoping out a high end boutique one day and found something I could make for them that they didn’t have – boutique hair accessories.  They had a ton of bows, but that was it.  No cute rosettes, no ruffles, and no fascinators.  I could offer them something they didn’t have, and something they could easily sell.  I knew I could make them quickly and inexpensively making for a short turnaround on my time and money invested.

I let my mind wander into thinking all the little things I could make for them, but if I spent the money I would need to for all the inventory I wouldn’t make any money!   Really I can list a bunch of things right here that would sell well in their store, but if I wanted it to be worth my time and money, I needed to keep to one product.

So the takeaway for part 1 is:

• What’s Your Niche?  Do you sew? Make home goods? Cook?  Choose a hobby that you enjoy, keeping in mind the time it takes and if you can make it worth it.
  
• Identify the best approach for selling your product.  I was looking for minimal overhead on time and money, and a quick return on my investment of that time and money spent. That made wholesale my answer.
• Decide on a specific product. Then keep it simple.  You can’t do it all, and do it well. You won’t make any money if you are buying materials to make 20 different products.
• Fill A Need – Present a product a shop owner knows they can sell.  It needs to be unique, original, and in trend.  Look for something they don’t have that will get them excited.

In part 2 we will cover how I approached the shop owner and with what incentives.  How I priced my product and made it worth my time, and overall workflow.

If you have any questions pertaining to what we covered today, leave them in the comments and I will do my best to answer them!

And if you have any tips on the matter, please share!

~Destri

Self portrait. I had a reader ask why there are no pictures of me…on anything. Not even my profile, facebook, or pinterest. I didn’t have a good answer, so I finally added some!

Hello Friends! I was going to start this post off with an apology, but it just didn’t seem fitting.  I don’t think anyone should have to apologize for life getting a little busy. At least that is what I think when one of my friends posts an apology for limited posting.  I do however love to hear what they have been up to.  Since we haven’t had a chat in a bit, I thought this was the perfect time. Plus, you guys always have the best insight, and I have a lot to consider these days.  Want to help a girl out?

New TMH Design

TMH is in the midst of a makeover, and I can’t wait to show it off!  Aside from a fun new logo, buttons and such, I have been working on the usability of the site.  Now this is where I owe you an apology.  Sheesh, I never realized how hard it is to find something around here!  I am trying to figure out how best to organize it all, and make the navigation of the site work best.  Thoughts?  I am thinking of adding tabs at the top for all the main categories, moving them from the sidebar.  Then add links to the main navigation for more specific categories; Sewing Tutorials, Diy Tutorials, Kids Activities, Recipes.  So I would like to know, do you prefer a drop down of subjects under each of those categories, or do you like a landing page with all of the different subjects for you to choose from?  I am stumped here. On other sites I prefer a landing page, but I know some like drop downs.  Any other features you would like to see?

Sewing Patterns

I have four of the cutest patterns just waiting to have something done with them, and I just can’t decide.  Part of me wants to learn to grade them (have been trying, but it is harder than it looks), digitize them, and then open up a little shop to sell them.  But that is why they have been sitting, doing nothing.  That is a lot to do.  The other part of me wants to just release the hand drawn pattern in the size I made and offer them up for free.  Then I know people are enjoying them, see pictures of what they made, and really that is where the fun in this is for me. But that approach carries its own set of worries. Would love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

To Rent Or To Buy

That is the question in my head these days.  You can even throw “to build” into the equation. We sold our house (yay!) and now it is time to make some decisions on what to do next.  One of the best things we have learned in the last year is we can live off about 10% of the stuff we have. Which means we can live in a much smaller house than we thought in the past. I have a whole series planned on the subject coming after the New Year, can’t wait!  I have been thinking I would rather just rent, and not worry about buying, but have you checked rent these days? Holy cow!  Rent is high.  I have been looking into the area we might be moving to and for equivalent houses for rent and for sale, it is by far cheaper to buy.   But I love the idea of having no ties, no dept.  I have read some great arguments lately on the benefits of renting, and I know the benefits of owning.  What do you think?

I do want to take a minute to say thank you.  I don’t know that I say it enough around here.  What started out as a little blog among friends, has turned into, well…something I never imagined it could.  I love blogging.  Every bit of it. Without you sticking around I would lose most of the reasons I love it.  Thank you, so much.

Now, tell me your thoughts!

~Destri

Anyone who has been reading TMH for long knows I have a thing for traditions.  I think they create the best memories and give our children roots.  Last year I wrote a post on Halloween Traditions I wanted to start with my family in hopes of making the celebration about more than a night of candy, filled with fun memories.  A year later I am happy to report it worked.  That week stands out in my mind more than any other from last year, even more so than the Holidays.  Looking back, I think I can give the credit to keeping it simple.  It was all fun and no stress.  I need to learn from that and carry on through the Holidays this year.

We are getting started a little late this year as we have been out about the last week, so I think I will pick some of our most favorites from last year and combine a few activities to one night.  Here we go:

Fun Ideas For Family Fun Leading Up To Halloween

• Wednesday - Read “spooky” stories by candlelight.  This was a hit last year!  I took the idea from Design Mom and found a few of the books she had listed, and a few more fun ones at the library.  A reader had a great idea last year to add hot apple cider to this night so I’ve added it to my list.
• Thursday – Tonight It’s A Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is on ABC.  Pop some popcorn, get a few snacks and pile the blankets and pillows on the floor and enjoy the old Peanuts classic. You can find information for the ABC Family 13 nights of Halloween here.
• Friday - Hit the pumpkin patch and like last year, enjoy all the festivities.  We usually avoid the bounce houses, corn mazes and such, but last year we gave in and let the kids do it all.  They had a blast.  We found a new place to go to this year that has more traditional activities, so I am even more excited for this night.
• Saturday – Carve the pumpkins and light them up.  This is my husband’s favorite part, and I happily let him deal with the mess.  Take one of the pumpkins and make dinner in a pumpkin. After dinner take a spooky walk around the neighborhood with flashlights to check out all the Halloween decor.  This was probably my kids most favorite activity!
• Sunday – We have a little party at our church that we will hit, and then take treats around to our neighbors.
• Monday – Halloween!  You know the drill – costumes, candy, and belly aches. I had my kids help me fill up bags with sand that we put around the house to light at night, they thought that was pretty cool.

It gets me excited just typing it up!

Now it’s your turn, I am always on the lookout for new ideas. I would especially love to hear any with older kids!