a few of my favorite websites:

www.knowem.com
-tells you the availability of your site's name on all the important sites

www.pinterest.com
-beauty. creativity. truths.

www.pandora.com
-most know of this site. tune into "french cafe radio" so soothing!

www.thepioneerwoman.com
-the woman I wish I were. hilarious and touching. five stars!

Wednesday Nights:

"I can feel my heartbeat in my eye balls."

Oh, and go see The King's Speech . Just go. Its incredible. Nominated for an Oscar and such. I love Colin Firth.

Debt

I'm in a lot of debt. I've gotten out of a lot of debt, but I still have a lot to get through. I was pretty stupid right out of high school, got a lot of credit cards, a lot of student loans, and ignored them all. Hence, the $40,000 of debt i accrued as a 21 year old.

On the bright side, the last payment of my debt consolidation loan is February 11th. This has been 5 years in the making, and I made it. I MADE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to be so happy about it, and I guess I am, but I am also reserved, as I know there is still more to pay off. I have one large card to still work on, and student loans, but after that, (approx. 2 years from now) I will be done. DONE!!! I have learned so much these last 6 years, and I know I will still learn much more in regards to finance.

I have this to say to young people: Dont bite off more than you can chew, dont live beyond your means. Save. Save. Save. Dont charge it. I know its so much easier said than done, but just be smart (which is what I thought I was doing) and dont go into debt too fast. Its not worth it. I promise :)

***if anyone wants the link for my debt management program : Genesis Financial they were incredible and so helpful time and time again.

first show results

I made a profit today!

Last year at my first show of the season, I only made $1. So comparatively, the results of this first show are stellar! :) I didnt sell all my product by any means, but a little success should be celebrated right?

Thank you everyone for your encouragement, support, and feedback. Its all very much appreciated! Here are some pics from the show:






Come see me at one of these upcoming shows!:
Nov. 13th - Tallmadge Alliance Church, Tallmadge, OH
Nov. 20th - Candy Cane Junction Show, Akron, OH
Dec. 4th - Woodridge High School Bazaar, Peninsula, OH



Didnt get to use the credit card app yet, but there are still 3 to go!!!

busy busy busy!

Upcoming Shows:

Nov. 6th - Stow United Methodist Church in Stow, OH
Nov. 13th - Tallmadge Alliance Church, Tallmadge, OH
Nov. 20th - Candy Cane Junction Show, Akron, OH
Dec. 4th - Woodridge High School Bazaar, Peninsula, OH (HS Alma mater!)

I'm pumped!!!!! Stop by and say hey....

OH and also HUGE news: I can now accept ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS at my show, thanks to my iphone and the NEW SQUARE DEVICE, its all instant, with a receipt emailed right to you!

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I've been getting ready for craft show season, and sewing so much I'm afraid my sewing machine might explode and start smoking or something!

Items recently sewn/made:
Cloth boxes/bins
Cloth fold-over bags
Crochet pouches
Pillows, pillows, and more pillows
Crocheted scarves/hats
Up-cycled necklaces (new hardware, antique pendents)

I'll post pics sometime when I'm not needing to go to sleep before working a 14 hr day... :)

cake baking

I made my first wedding cake this summer. I've never gone to school for baking or anything, but I watch Ace of Cakes religiously, and am pretty good at looking at something, and re-creating it, so I thought I would give it a try!

Here is the creating process in pictures:

Thin coating of buttercream frosting.

Next, rolling out the fondant.

One with fondant, one without.

One with fondant, one without.

Covered in fondant, wrapped, and ready for transport!

Final result:


What do you think? Not bad for a first try I'd say!