Tumblr? Now what?

To Tumblr or not to Tumblr?

I did it! I made one! and its actually kind of fun.

Are you on Tumblr?

As far as I can tell its like a blog in baby stage. You just post pics and quotes, etc...

 And make it short and sweet!

(My kinda thing!)

Well, Here's my link if ya want to check it out!

http://theprettydogood.tumblr.com/

Tomorrow, I'm going AWOL from boot camp!

I'm excited to be getting "out" for a bit, but I actually really like boot camp. It's been incredibly helpful making me expand my horizons. I started a blog (yay!), a tumblr, grew an obsession with pinterest, etc...

Alas, tomorrow I will be missing. Well, not missing. In NYC to be exact. 

Ya see, its our anniversary and that darling man of mine and I are going to Central Park

And the ZOO

We're like little kids hehe.

So, I bid you farewell for a couple days! Hold down the fort for me, would ya?

(an oldie, but a goodie)

♥

My Life in Pictures

 I absolutely love pictures

Taking them

Looking at them

Watching other people take them

You name it...

So when I heard the boot camp assignment today was to take 100 pictures, I went to town....literally.

I live in (well, close) to a small town by the water. If you look close, you can find some awesome, random things... 

Today I found "Imagine" in the sidewalk, a lone toy giraffe, a nifty street sign, and the usual town perks.

{Pretty cool, huh?}

I hope you enjoyed my walk through town!

I know I did.

Next time you're walking around wherever you are, bring a camera!

You never know what you're going to find...

How Does Your Garden Grow?

So, today I will be doing something I've never done before but always wanted to do...

Starting an Herb Garden!

Now, I don't have a big house with a big back yard, but I do have ideas and resources.

And pinterest! 

So, I found the perfect idea for me! 

Growing seedlings in recycled containers...

I'm already recycle and re-use, so it should be simple to make planters!

I will be using coffee cans, other tin cans, and bottles.

I'm really excited about this! I do my best to eat really healthy and LOVE fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, you name it!

I'm doing a lot of research, making planters, and ultimately getting seeds!!

So, How do I turn this into a garden?

EASILY!!! 

Thanks to:

http://www.desperategardener.com/2011/03/creative-containers.html

You can take plastic bottles, tin cans, glass jars....

and make them into planters when you dont have much space.

(picture from the website thedesperategardener.com)

The website showed me how to turn plastic bottles into self watering planters! Too cool.

Also, I found some great ideas on Pinterest and pinned them here:

http://pinterest.com/theprettydogood/my-mini-garden/

Take a look around. Maybe you'll find the inspiration to start a garden too!

♥

Why I Love Pinterest

PINTEREST

I adore you.

Why, you ask?

It's simple. You can:

*find items to buy (and we all know I like to shop)

*find recipes - smoothies, food, beauty recipes, etc..

*find helpful tips and solutions for business and home

*get your products known by your target audience.....

The possibilites are endless!

                                                         
CLICK TO VIEW BOARDS

Enjoy, darlin'!Maybe I'll catch you on Pinterest... ♥

Find Your Niche

Today, I'm feeling social. 

And categorized?

The talk of the day is developing a niche.

What "type" of people generally buy my items?

I've had all types of people, men and women teens-50ish buy my items online and local.

Usually, I'd say their style is free spirited, hippie-chic, boho, urban, etc...

Therefore, I do believe my jewelry falls within that category!

The good thing about my shop, though, is that there's a variety of styles.

Boho. Hippie. Minimalist. Classy. Other Words (hehe)

Let's be social, now....shall we?

The hardest thing for me is how to market my brand and who to aim it towards.

I may know, but I don't know how to go about it.

Therefore, I joined some groups that may help!

1. On Etsy called Boho-Chic Crafters

http://www.etsy.com/teams/10416/boho-chic-crafters?ref=pr_teams

2. A (fairly) local meetup in NY called Craft Factory

http://www.meetup.com/Craftfactory/

3. I "liked" Etsy NY on facebook to find local artists and craft shows geared towards my shops style

http://www.facebook.com/thenewnewny

And then I "liked" a bunch more!

(mostly pertaining to my style and location. Found some awesome markets that I may look into selling at in the future)

Productive, if I do say so myself ♥

Healthy Pumpkin Smoothie Recipe - Gluten-Free/Vegan

So, what am I knowledgeable about?

How to make a mean pumpkin smoothie

(and other healthy recipes -food, drinks, and beauty)

It's Spring, so why pumpkin!?

Pumpkin, in my opinion is amazing in any season 

(although you'll have to buy it canned)

The Benefits of pumpkin:

~Extremely low in calories

~No saturated fat or cholesterol

~High in vitamins and anti-oxidants such as Vitamin A, C, and E. 

(Highest in Vitamin A)

~Also rich in Fiber, Calcium, and B-Complex vitamins

Oh, And it's really, really tasty.

♥

So, let's make this quick.

Let's make it sweet.

And let's drink a fantastic smoothie afterwards!

INGREDIENTS  

(per serving)

*1/4 Cup organic pumpkin 

you can use canned pumpkin that is used as a pie filler

*1/4 Cup low-fat soymilk

*About 1/4 cup water

*A few ice cubes

*A dash of pumkin pie spice

Optional: 

Sugar/Sugar substitute to taste  mixed with a splash of hot water 

(enough to help it dissolve) 

Mix everything in the blender on med-high, but put ice in last 

(blend a bit before adding ice)

Use highest setting when ice is added.

.............................................................................

YOU'RE DONE!

wasn't that easy?

Put in a pretty glass and drink....preferably with a cool straw.

I like nutmeg or a little pumpkin spice on top, but thats a personal preference.

*NOTE*

you can easily substitute regular milk, regular pumpkin, etc... if you so desire

ENJOY!!

A Peek into my life....

     

This is me!

no, no...not on the left!

I'm 24yrs old and engaged to this crazy man licking my knee. 

He's pretty much the best ever. 

Aint he cute?

 I love animals and grew up with parents who rescued cats. This was me bottle feeding my parents latest rescue! She's much bigger now (about 7months old) and has an even bigger brother the same age. Her name is Darla and she's still the cutest thing ever. Her rambunctious, yet gorgeous all black brother is Spanky.

When I "grow up" I want to rescue horses. 

(among many other animals)

LIKE DINOSAURS!

I love dinosaurs.

 P.S. I sell these glittery babes in my Etsy shop...

RANDOM FUN FACTS:

I *may have* gotten kicked out of a zoo in Indiana for taking this picture.

Apparently you are not supposed to jump over fences an get all cozy with the zebras in the name of art.

Who knew?!

 Boston may have been my favorite place to live. 

(minus some of the people who tried their darnedest to change that fact)

The city though?

Can't beat it.

.....yet.

 I grew up in a recording studio

....quite literally.

My stepfather (the cool dude in the pic) followed his dreams and started his own studio.

And it was awesome.

He encouraged me to follow my dreams too.

This is where The Pretty Do-Good comes into play!

♥

When he passed away in January,  I got lyrics to a song he wrote on my foot with his signature (taken from a card given to me on my 24th birthday) 

It says:

"We Will Make it In This Life"

(definitely words to live by)

Something else to live by:

(Another tattoo of mine - one of about 15 or so..)

It's true. You only have the limits you make.

 Make no limits.

Do what you love, what you've dreamt of.

And you will make it in this life...

♥♥♥

Busy, But Good!

Oh today was a busy day!

But a good day.

My Morning: 

Wake up. Go back to sleep. Repeat x3 with advil in between.

My Afternoon:

BOOT CAMP....of course :) I started a website, YAY!  

It's a work in progress, but all good websites are. Here it is:

ME MI MY WEBSITE

(will eventually be ditching the "webs" at the end of it though)

My Night: 

A blissful blog with you folks! And makin' jewelry. 

And listening to Hubby-to-be play his new bass.

Shhh Don't Tell him he's on my blog!

Well, Have a good one! 

And Tonight, Remember:

"Go to bed with a dream, wake up with a purpose."

Sale is NOT your typical 4-letter word....

Call me crazy,

Call me cheap,

But I REALLY like sales.

My bank account isn't too upset with them either... except maybe when I go nuts shopping.

 I kinda like shopping no matter what. That's ok, though. It gives my credit card a workout.
And working out is good. 

SO, I'd think it's time to "give back"....or pay it forward.....or something good.

My Shop, The Pretty Do-Good, is having a... (you guessed it) 

SALE!

This will be an awesome weekly occurrence. 

Starting Sunday and Ending Tuesday night (48 hours only!)

 1 item will be offered at a hefty discount. 

....Nifty, right?

THIS WEEKS ITEM

Regularly $21

Sale Price: $16

.925 Sterling Silver Dipped Thread Earrings with Silver Swarovski Crystal and Recycled Components

Sterling Thread provides opportunity to adjust the length!

**Please note, when purchased, you will receive a NEW, unworn pair**

 

View/Purchase Item here:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/89778746/magnificent-silver-swarovski-crystal

Not feelin' it?

Let your wallet breathe with some other low-priced handmade goodness

Check out my shop for some other options here:

www.etsy.com/shop/theprettydogood

Enjoy Your Day!

Much Love ♥ 

Summertime and the living is.....Creative ♥

Summer brings out the BEST things

The Beach

Warm Weather

Fun Clothing

Sandals

AND ANKLETS!

(and other great jewelry, of course)

I feel the dire need to make some today.

Would you like to watch?

Ok. Good.

I will be making silk cord and genuine Amethyst stone anklets.

THE SUPPLIES

(Genuine Silk and Amethyst Chips....and camera shy coffee, of course)

THE PROCESS

(Braid, Tie, and string stone on cord)

Simply, I braid one end about 1/3 of the length of the anklet and tie it off. 

 Then I make a knot on one piece of the silk and string an amethyst chip on and knot again. I do this on each of the 3 cords in random spots until I like the look of it. 

 Then I knot it off again and start braiding the last 1/3 of the anklet!

You can either tie it to your ankle or attach a clasp using toggle or lobster clasps and fold over crimps.

THE RESULT:

I ALSO MADE ONE IN GOLD SILK AND GENUINE TURQUOISE

LIKE THESE? 

They are available for purchase here:

Amethyst: 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/98094852/anklet-ivory-silk-cord-and-genuine?ref=v1_other_2

Turquoise:

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/98094991/anklet-golden-silk-cord-and-genuine

Thanks for watching! I think its time to break out the Hula Hoop....

I Will Be A Success....You Can Too!

 

 Having a dream is great. 

Making that dream a reality? Even better.

I've found that in order to achieve that, you need goals. And you need to work towards them constantly.

Have short term goals and have long term goals. 

Have goals that are fairly simple to achieve and have goals that give you that push you've been looking for.

Having my own business is hard.But its mine. And I love it. I love what I do and I love knowing that people enjoy my work as well. In order to grow that business, I need a plan. I need a positive attitude. And I need goals.

So let's make some, shall we?

MY GOALS:

(Short Term)

1. Develop a concise business plan. What am I looking to achieve besides "um sell my stuff?"

2. Make a budget. What percentage of profit will I set aside? What percentage will go back into my business?

3. Create an online presence. Utilize my blog, gain followers. Utilize twitter, facebook, etc...

4. Develop a logo. Work on branding...something I feel I am currently lacking.

5. Make sales goals. Track sales in increments of 50 (currently at 190 today) and come up with a small "reward" to keep me motivated. 

(Long Term)

1. Expand. Open up shop outside of Etsy as well. physical and other online venues

2. Be featured in well known Fashion Magazines and other "Big Names" 

3. Make a good living doing what I love!! ...self explanatory :)

4. Become a top/well known seller on Etsy. Be on the front page more often. Be a name people know

5. Be an inspiration. Inspire other young artists that they can do what they love in life and be successful and happy doing so!

With my short term goals, I'm giving myself 6months to complete all. #5, however, is ongoing.

My longterm goals I would love achieve within the next couple years of growing my business.

 I want to look back on this list and go "hey, I did all that!"

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GOALS?

 Make some... You CAN achieve them!

And Remember.... the best way to achieve your dreams is to wake up and work for them...♥

You are your best employer. Your best employee. And your best cheerleader.

You, My Dear, Are An Inspiration

Today, I woke up. My computer didn't work. My chest ached from being sick. I stayed in bed.

Half asleep, I looked up to see my fiance holding a cup of coffee, rubbing my back, and kissing my forehead. Not quite being awake, it felt like a dream. Now being completely wake and looking back on that moment, it still feels like a dream. I am overcome with complete and unconditional love. It's moments like that, may they seem small and insignificant to the "big" picture, that are truly the ones that I cherish the most. It's moments like that that make you realize that the small moment are the big picture. Everything makes up the big picture. The big picture is life, and we are living it as we speak. Life is just a dream turned into an amazing reality.

"I think everything in life is art

What you do.

How you dress.

The way you love someone, and how you talk.

Your smile and your personality.

What you believe in, and all your dreams.

The way you drink your tea.

How you decorate your home

Or party.

Your grocery list.

The food you make.

how your writing looks.

and the way you feel.

Life is art."

Whenever I feel down, or lost, or have a creative blog I make sure to stop thinking of what it is I'm trying to make. Instead, I do the exact opposite. I go for a walk. I sit outside and watch the sky. I talk to my stepfather. I talk to my grandmother, even though I know they can't answer me (in a conventional way, at least). I look at the trees. I walk to the beach and just sit on the sand. Maybe I'll find a rock or a shell or notice the texture of something that will spark an idea. 

Take a notebook with you everywhere. Whether its to the store, to the coffee shop, or on a walk. Just throw it in your purse and don't think about it until you spark an idea or see something that makes you want to create. Or even something you don't know makes you creative, but rather a simple texture, object, or word that gives you that feeling. The feeling of wholeness. The feeling of  you don't know what, but "this could be something". Because it could. Everything could "be something". Everything is something. 

It's all connected. 

Love. Be Loved. 

Inspire. Be Inspired. 

Life is an Art. Get Creative!

"Do Something Today That Your Future Self Will Thank You For..."

                          

Today You Will Make Something Beautiful.

HMC Boot Camp - a new adventure!

So, I may be a new blogger, but I am taking it on full force!

I started my etsy shop 6 months ago and was asked by the lovely Debbie Nowicki to be a team leader in Handmade Circe - a great team on circle and wonderful group of ladies on facebook.

Recently, Debbie formed a "HMC Boot Camp" to jump start some dedicated people in the virtual world. We will utilize our blogs, pinterest, twitter, facebook, and good ol' etsy of course.

Scary, indeed!

But definitely worth it.

My teeth are done chattering.

My heads stopped spinning.

And I'm ready to roll!

(ok, well, maybe my heads still spinning....but I'm pumped!)

Watch as we take this journey:

http://handmadecircle.wordpress.com/2012/04/18/today-starts-boot-camp/