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Jan, 13{life lately} a crazy month
Wow, it’s been really busy. To be totally honest, I think I bit off more than I could chew. I’ve started too many projects at once and it’s made for a very crazy month. I’m revamping BOTH of my websites, mocking up new products, re-organizing my studio, and tending to a sick kitty. I had set my goal to have everything done by February 1st, but I’m now thinking it may be a bit longer. I should have taken it one thing at a time, but I was feeling ambitious. I can’t believe that I thought I was going to finish all of this in one month… hahahaha. I’m still working hard to get as close to my goal as possible, and I can’t wait to share the updates!
So, the reason why I’m revamping both of my sites is because I’m feeling a bit stale and there’s a lack of inspiration on my part. I need something new and fresh to make me fall in love with blogging again. It’s been really busy with my day job and I found myself letting my blog slip. I mean, I haven’t even been taking my camera out and about, so i have no new photos to share. Why on Earth would I do that?! This is what I love and I can’t lose my passion. With the revamp I’ve promised myself that I’ll be more consistent in blogging for both you and I. This is important to me and I need to show that.
Right now you might be asking yourself, what other site is she revamping other than Chickiedee?! Well, I started another website (before Chickiedee) right out of college when I was looking for work where I started freelancing my graphic design services. Even though I found a job, I’ve still been accepting clients throughout the years. It wasn’t until recently that I decided to narrow my focus to my own niche – The Creative Small Business. The site is appropriately named A Beautiful Brand and there I will share everything that I’ve learned about building my Creative Small Business from the ground up. I’ll share my experiences of what’s worked and what hasn’t. I really want the handmade community to grow and stay beautiful. I’ve owned and run Chickiedee Handmade for nearly 7 years now, so in that time I’ve learned a lot. A Beautiful Brand is a great resource for anyone either thinking of starting a Creative Small Business or someone who’s already in the thick of it. I can’t wait to share it with you!
So, I’m working hard to get everything wrapped up and I want to thank you all for reading and for helping me hold myself accountable. Oh! I’m super excited to share a home project that I just wrapped up and I’m going to feature my own studio soon!
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Nov, 12{life lately} getting excited
Last weekend my mom and I had our last craft show of the year and now it’s time to kick it into high gear as I manage the Holiday rush! We are going to squeeze in a few visits to some of our favorite handmade markets, though. No doubt about that. I love shopping handmade for my friends and family. It’s so nice to buy something from another creative and share it.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Any big plans? Ron and I hop around from house to house eating up all of the wonderful food and sharing thanks. We also have our 7th Annual Cookie Swap coming up in early December, and I’m so excited! I can’t wait to see what the girls make. I still need to find time to decorate… eek! It’ll all fall into place, because this is the most wonderful time of year, isn’t it?!
Other than that, I’ve just been busy filling orders and going through our house finding more things to donate. This is the perfect time of year to take your old coats, gloves, shoes, etc. down to your local shelter. It feels so good to help with what you can.
Oh! I have another special guest for another fun {studio sunday}, so be sure to check that out tomorrow! I know that you know her and you’ve probably shopped her site once or twice, wink wink.
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Nov, 12{life lately} at the craft show
This week I’ve been busy printing Roblins on fabric and sewing them into infinity scarves! I’ll be adding them to the shop as I make each color. So get ready for the shop update (coming soon)! I’ll be at the craft show both today and tomorrow, wish me luck! Be sure to stop by the blog tomorrow for a super cute {studio sunday} with a very sweet lady. Have a wonderful day!
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Nov, 12{life lately} looking back on October
I have to say that October really flew by for me and it was busy, too. The past four weeks have been dedicated to getting my poor Brutus James back to normal. I think we’ve spent more time at the vet and urgent care than we ever could have imagined. We have one more follow-up appt today and hopefully he can be cone-free. I’m so lucky to have such a sweet and patient cat, because although he dislikes the cone, eye drops and meds, he deals with it in a fairly calm manner. The ladies at the vet love him and always say how calm and sweet he is. He sits on the scale without trying to run away and we don’t even use a cat carrier, because he enjoys the car ride. Lucky me. The late nights, remembering what meds need to be taken at what times (all 6 of them) and the driving back and forth are all worth it, because he’s showing great improvement!
In addition to all of that, we planned and executed a smash of a Boo Bash! Everyone came dressed in well thought-out costumes and participated wonderfully. We had a packed house, literally – I think we may consider moving or renting a facility next time. Hahaha It was the best turn out that we’ve had, so far! Lots of fun costumes, silly food and great conversations set the party into motion. We had so much fun. How was your Halloween week?!
Oh! I can’t forget that I also hosted a Giveaway for Stoic Design recently and one lucky winner received a Where The Wild Things Are Canvas! Lucky girl. If you missed your chance in entering the giveaway, not to worry, you can find a discount here!
This weekend one of my dearest friends came to town and stayed with us for part of the time. It was so good to see him! Then we had a fundraiser Saturday night, which kept us up past our bedtime. I spent last night printing Roblins on yards and yards of fabric, and I plan on spending tonight sewing and prepping the shop for the Holidays. I also need to make sure that I have everything ready for this weekends craft show. Thanks for stopping by!
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Oct, 12{life lately} what’s new
(This image was taken with my iPhone prior to his first little surgery)
Sheesh! It’s been a rough week for my poor little Brutus James. On Wednesday I had to take him into the vet for a minor surgery on his chin and mouth! This was very unexpected and I’m not exactly sure what happened, but Tuesday evening he had a bleeding chin and went into hiding. He currently has a drain in his chin that will be removed today and closed up with a few stitches. Then on Thursday I noticed that his eye was protruding out to the point where he couldn’t blink! I rushed him to emergency where they preformed another 2.5 hr. surgery and stitched his eye closed! By doing that, they hope that this will save his eye and sight. They think the infection from his chin was realated. Poor little guy. He’s been through so much in just a few days. He’s currently on 5 different medications that have to be given at particular times in a particular order… so confusing. And I really do have the best hubby. He’s been so helpful and comforting to Brutus and I both. I’m convinced that Brutus will pull through, because he’s a strong boy. He has his follow-up appointment this afternoon, so I’ll keep you posted on his status.
In other unrelated news, I’m pretty excited for the mailman to come within the next couple of days because I ordered a new lighting kit and a few other small items! With the Colorado winter rolling in, I needed a way to take high-quality photos inside. I currently have a home-made lighting kit, but the lights that I have get so hot that they actually melt my clay-mations if I don’t stop for breaks. Eek! It’s a pretty large kit, so I’m still thinking on where I’ll be setting it all up and if it will stay in that location permanently or not. Decisions. I also ordered a few goodies for our Halloween party and a little something for myself. I met some huge goals recently and treated myself to a special gift.
Poor Meghan was sick last week, so we cancelled our Sunday Craft Day and rescheduled it for tomorrow. It actually worked out since my back was killing me. We’ll be making our Halloween costumes and posting about them shortly after. I’m sure we’ll be Instagraming along the way, too! We’re addicted. And by that I mean seriously a-d-d-i-c-t-e-d. Back in July Meghan and I were at a Rockies game with the hubbies and as we were trying to Instagram, it froze up and we couldn’t share anything! We went through withdraws for a few hours until the glitch was fixed. Major relief.
Anyhoo, my back is slowly feeling better. Thank you for all of your kind wishes. Since I’ve been more mobile, I ventured (briefly) to the store to buy some cute fabric for a few new projects. I hope your Saturday is treating you well. Be sure to do something fun today!
Oh! I have a really wonderful {studio sunday} scheduled for tomorrow, so definitely grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy!
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Oct, 12{life lately} at a slower pace
This past week hasn’t exactly gone as planned, but I’ve tried to make the best of it. I hurt my back… again, and its left me able to do very little. I don’t like the idea of wasted time, but I have to remind myself that it was time needed to rest. Although I’m a bit off on my goals for the week, I set new ones to help me complete the things that I wanted to, so that I stay on track for the Holidays. I wanted to have the shop updated by Friday, but with my little set back, I plan to have the shop updated by the middle of next week. Everything will get done and who knows, maybe it’ll all turn out better than it would have!
Today I’ll be working on a few small projects and working towards the shop update. I may take a few small breaks to watch the mister play football and I heard there’s a little outdoor market close by… so if my back is up to it, I may check it out. Then, tomorrow Meghan and I are having another craft day and we’ll be working on our Halloween Costumes!!! I can’t wait!
How has your week been? Did you do anything exciting?
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Oct, 12{life lately} a new series
Welcome to my newest weekly series, {life lately}! In hopes of connecting with you even more, I’ve decided to share snippets of my daily life on a weekly basis – every Saturday, in fact. I live an ordinary life with some extraordinary people (and pets) and tend to see the world through rose-colored glasses, and that’s the truth.
Anyhoo, this past week has been so busy with my Birthday (which was celebrated over a whole weekend – thanks everyone!), work and craft show prep for today. It’s been a real whirlwind of making new totes, scarves and quilts for the show and shop. Next week looks to be pretty busy as well. I plan to update the shop, first and foremost, then work on my “secret” product, due out this Holiday Season. I’m pretty excited about it. Oh, and the mister surprised me with a 50/mm lens for the Nikon for my Birthday! This is just what I needed to inspire me to take the camera everywhere! So get ready for some photo time. This week I also sent out invitations to our annual Halloween party, and I’ve already began to brainstorm what I’ll be making. Can’t wait!
Speaking of Halloween, I haven’t had a free moment to decorate, yet, but plan to squeeze that in late next week. I just love Halloween and all of the creepy treats, decor and costumes that come with it. I already have my costume idea, I just need to make it! What are you planning to be? Not sure yet, well here’s a {diy} to keep you busy in the meantime.
Today you can find me at the Adams County Fall Craft Show with my mom and cousin. We’ll be here all day, so stop by if you’re in the area. ♥R
Saturday Oct. 6th 9am-4pm
$2 Admission (12 + under FREE)
FREE Parking
At the Adams County Fairgrounds in Henderson, CO
