HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, 2008 is almost over!

What kind of year have you had!?

This year has been a turning point for me! First, I am grateful for all things that have happened this year, even ones that may have, at first, seemed like negative things. It's amazing how you can turn things around!

I am so grateful for my family. My husband Bob, my wonderful children, Mark, Katherine and Lindsey. My good buddy and sister, Susan and her adorable son, Bobby!

I am grateful that I have found Etsy this year...well, my daughter Lindsey found it first. I can remember her telling me about this new site for handmade sellers some years ago. I didn't think much about it. I thought it looked neat, and was perfect for her. She has all the talent.

But in April, after always having a love for antiques and vintage, I opened my shop on Etsy. (Since it's also a place for vintage sellers!) I've learned a lot about business, photography, marketing, etc. It's been a lot of fun, and I think I've been pretty successful!

I have even bigger goals for 2009! I will be putting even more time into both of my shops. I also have a website on Artfire and Bigcartel, which I need to devote a little more time on.

And, I am really hoping to get my blog moving this year!

I would love to hear what kinds of things have been going on for you in 2008 and what your hopes and goals are for 2009.

I'm wishing everyone success and happiness in 2009! Start by counting your blessings, and you just my realize how successful you already are!

Best wishes, and thanks so much to all of my customers and all of my "vintage vixens" who have helped me to figure out what all the stuff is I'm selling (there's a lot to learn!).

Jen

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa...or something else...the spirit is the same! The feeling of excitement! Of spending time with friends and family! Buying and wrapping that special gift for that special someone. Giving to those in need!

All of these things help to make the holiday special and memorable. It's tough to slow down and enjoy it all, I know. Today is Christmas Eve and I have been running around like a crazy woman. Writing this quick post reminds me to take it slow, everything will be wonderful, even if all the gifts to get wrapped!

I will also take this time to remember someone that I miss dearly. My best friend...who happens to be...my Mom! She's been gone for awhile now, but I know her spirit is here with us, not only during Christmas, but always. This woman had the biggest heart. As a child she had to bear a lot of heartache. She went on to become a mom to five children. Since she did not have a real parental role model, she read books. But she really didn't need books. She just was a special person, and the best Mom in the world. I don't think of this as a sad time, but a happy time. She always make Christmas fun! My Mom would "sneak" extra" gifts to me.

So remember those who are no longer with us...think of the fun (and funny!) times you had with them! You can't help but have the Christmas spirit.

I wish everyone a joyful Holiday season, sit back (or try!)...and enjoy! Create new memories!

Thank you to all of my blogging friends...and to new ones I will meet in the new year!

Happy New Year..best wishes to all!

Jen

I'm Officially the Worst Blogger

Hello--so sorry to all my "fans" for not posting to my blog for so long!

I've been so busy! My Etsy shop, actually, both of my Etsy shops, have really taken off...and I'm busy packaging and mailing everyday! I love that I am shipping all over the world! I have shipped to Australia, the UK, Japan, Italy, Canada...I have a feeling I'm missing someone...and I will be shipped to Malaysia soon!

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!

I am feeling very positive about the new year! Last year I was comfortably in a part time job that I had forever, but was laid off at the end of March...devastated...but now, finding that it's the best thing that could have happened to me! It has opened a whole new world for me! I absolutely love Etsy and adore all of the things I sell (otherwise, I would not sell them..I have to love them too!). Not only that, I have met so many wonderful, positive, people..friends, and I am grateful for that!

I also have been working out like crazy! At first, it was to relieve stress. Actually, the first night after I learned I was going to be laid off, I went directly to the rec center and worked out like mad for over an hour! Well....I have lost at least 10 lbs, probably a little more. I am in no way bragging. I am just saying to everyone out there (I know you're there!), that change can be good! Plus...I know, there are so many people are there in worst circumstances than mine and I consider myself lucky!

Gratitude has been my word for 2008. For 2009, I am not sure what my word will be...but I'm thinking it will be perseverance...I have a great little part time job (2 days a week), and I really admire the owner of this company. He is the ultimate salesman and truly a good guy. It's kind of weird, I feel like I've known him forever. Sometimes when it's just the two of us in the office (it's a small office), we'll just chat forever, and the phone will ring (I'm the one that's supposed to answer it), and Pat will answer it...I forget that's my job, because he really just treats me like a buddy! I think it's helped me to work there and watch the way he is on the go all the time. I watch the way he works and it motivates me! So thanks to Pat...yes, my word for 2009 will be PERSEVERANCE! I hope that is spelled right...you know what I mean!

So here's to gratitude...that's important to always have! And here's to perseverance...keep going..you can do it!

Here's to the best year of my life...and yours...2009! and thank goodness for spell check-perseverance!

Jen

Check out the Etsy Vintage Street Team and Win!

The Etsy Vintage Street Team is having a fun contest going right now! My shop was featured yesterday and a lucky winner received a $10 gift certificate to use towards anything in my shop!

http://etsyvintage.blogspot.com/

You can be the next lucky winner!

Go to this blog now and win!

Good luck!

Blog Time!

I've neglected my blog long enough! So here I am...no plan of what this blog will be about. Maybe if I start rambling I'll think of something!

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving...we sure did!

I've started decorating for Christmas...I have a ton of smaller trees around the house, with lights and Bob put the outside lights up! I'm gradually bringing Christmas stuff up from the basement. I still have so much of my shop stuff in my living room that I need to clear out so we can put our tree up!

November was an exellent month as far as sales went...let's cross our fingers for December!

Good luck to everyone, and enjoy the holiday season!

Jen