I'm Back!

And it's been awhile! So sorry! I was so happy to see I had some comments from my last blog! Thank you so much!

I am ready! I had so much fun when I had a contest on my blog awhile ago, that I have decided to do it again!

Now I just need to decide what it will be! If you have any ideas, please, let me know! My first thought is to have a milk glass item! I have some cute things such as a pretty lacy plate, or a vase...oh just so many ideas!

Let me know what you think...and keep watching! My next blog will be a fun giveway!

Jen

The Bad Blogger!

I really didn't set out to be a bad blogger!! It just happened! My dream was to be a good blogger..one everyone couldn't wait to read!

But that's okay, I have my followers that leave comments when I finally do post a new blog..and I'm grateful for them!

Tonight I am going to write more about both of my Etsy shops. I have two, http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/ and http://www.mymilkglassshop.etsy.com/ .

Jenscloset was my first. I started that almost a year ago! It will be a year on April 1, 2009! April Fools Day! In this past year I have learned so much. I am happy to report that my shop is doing quite well, and my goals for 2009 are to reach at least 1000 sales. I am now up to 501.

My second shop, the milk glass shop, I started in September. The main reason was that I had so much milk glass that I thought it was time to open a separate shop for it. The look to this shop is a little different. I have it a little more uniform than my 1st shop. I use mainly pastel colors for my background on my pictures.

I've been able to gather useful information from many different venues. The one I used quite often was the Etsy forums. There are a lot of nice Etsy shop owners that are more than willing to help give ideas on promoting your shop.

I must say my photography has improved so much since my "early" days on Etsy! Some of the help I've received regarding photography has been through the forums.

I cannot say it enough times...you need to promote, promote, promote!! Get your name out there!

The other vintage sellers on Etsy have also been a big help to me. They are more than willing to offer advice and more than willing to answer any questions I have. I want to give a particular "shout out" to Surrenderdorothy (that's http://www.surrenderdorothy.etsy.com/). She's awesome! She's always there for me, with straightforward advice! No mincing words with her!

My favorite new place-my new hangout..you want to know!? Read through my blog, you'll see..I did a quick blog about my new favorite hangout! Twitter! www.twitter.com/jenscloset. What a fun place...another place that I have found friendship and support. Twitter isn't just Etsy shop people, but twitter people come from all types of business, from all over the country...the world, for that matter!

I'm trying to decide what I want to do for my one-year anniversary with Etsy. I'd love to hear any ideas you have out there! A contest would be fun...I did one contest on my blog, and would love to do that again!

This year has truly been the best year of my life! On February 14th, 2008, yes...Valentines Day!...I learned that I was being laid off from my job! I was devastated! Guess how long that feeling lasted!? I can't really remember, because it's really all in the past..and it happened for a reason. I have never been happier. I picked myself up and started a whole new life! I'm proud of what I've accomplished in a year!

I thank all of you that have read my blog..all of my new Etsy friends...all of my twitter friends..thank you...you've been a huge support to me!

Here's to another great year!

Best wishes to everyone!

Jen

What's your New Year's Resolution!?

Everytime, at this time of year...there's a heavier volume of people at our local recreation center (which is awesome, by the way!). It will usually slow down by mid-February. I always wonder, what happened to those people? Did they get discouraged, frustrated? I would love to start some sort of club so that people that are new to the whole workout-thing, would have support!

I know how hard it is to get started! Years ago when I first started to workout (this was after I finally quit smoking in 1995--mainly because I didn't want the smoking wrinkles (very vain), I could only workout for 8 minutes...I'm not kidding, 8 minutes, and I was exhausted!

I started buying a few different workout tapes. One of my favorites was a Winsor Pilates tape; easy for me to do, and they had a 20 minute workout.

When I finally actually went to the rec center, it wasn't easy. I was such a "newbie". I asked for help with some of the machines, and before you know it...I was becoming a regular!

I am now addicted to my workouts! Years ago, I was always so fatiqued, that I finally went to the doctors because of it. Guess what the woman with the great degree told me!? After several tests, she diagnosed me as having "chronic fatique syndrome". And what do you suppose they should prescribe to someone with "chronic fatique syndrome"? Answer: an antidepressant, of course! I never like taking any medications, except maybe an advil now and then. I was hesitant, but decided I should try it, since I was at a desperate point. After only a few days on this drug, I stopped. I was having the strangest dreams, very bizarre. They do not recommend that you just stop taking a medication cold turkey, like I did, but I just had to.

Back to the workout part of this story. I started working out more and more, and now take a spinning class (it's an intense workout with a stationary bike) 3 times a week, I also take two pilates/yoga classes/week, and on Friday mornings, it's Bosu!

I have so much more energy now...and without taking horrible drugs!

The main reason I started this story, was because I know how tough it is to make that first step into a public workout place! You can do it! If I can. you can. Keep in mind, most people feel the same way, at first.

Today I went to Dicks Sporting Goods to get some new workout clothes. I've been putting it off, but I know I need some new things. That's another tough step. Why do they have to make the tops so darn tight!? It was tough enough actually getting some of the tops on...but to get them off..well, I wasn't sure if I could! I'm not kidding, I thought I might have to live with one of these workout tops permanently stuck on me!

There is a moral to this story...A couple of morals..#1-trust your own instincts. I knew that the pills the doc prescribed were not the answer. #2-we're all basically the same. We all have our insecurities. #3-if you put your mind to it, I mean, really put your mind to it...you can do anything! What is usually holding us back is ourselves, those darn little voices! Believe me, I've had them! I'm finally ignoring those voices and have started hearing new voices! Positive voices!

Whatever it is you're wishing for -for this new year, write it down, then DO IT!

I know 2009 is going to be a great year for me..how about you!?

Twitter

I'm on a Twitter craze! Anyone else finding it hard to leave Twitter!? One of the reasons I enjoy it so much is, well first of all, I have met a lot of nice people there. Just about the only negative comment you hear on Twitter is about the weather! Otherwise, it's positive and upbeat, and that's what I like!

I rarely hit the Etsy forums. It seems everytime I join in on a thread, there's someone there that would prefer to create a debate. I just don't understand conveying yourself, your business in a negative way. I'm not sure how that can help your sales.

The first thing I do after I add a new listing to either of my shops, is go right to Twitter to let everyone know! And they look...instant views! Very gratifying. And they comment too!

So...if you haven't joined Twitter, I recommend that you do! My twitter names is jenscloset (isn't that clever)...so feel free to follow me and I will be happy to follow you too! And check out my followers, I have over 2,000, and I am happy to share! Right now I am ranked 2nd in Cleveland, so that's pretty exciting, and another good way to get your shop name out there!

Good luck to all of my Twitter friends, and soon-to-be-twitters! http://www.twitter.com/

Jen

Snow Day!

This is my kind of snow day! Nowhere I have to be! I will miss my yogilates class, but I will just put on one of my pilates tapes and do my workout at home today!

Don't you love this beautiful vintage pink hat! I have a nice collection of vintage hats, but I have to say, this is one of my favorites! This is from http://www.laura47.etsy.com/ another vintage shop on Etsy I found! Laura had my package wrapped so pretty, and it's those little touches that I love so much!

I purchased a beautiful wrap recently from another shop, but I need to take a picture of it, and then I will show off that shop too!

I have several other shops to talk about that I have purchased from...including some great soaps and...well, you'll see!

If you're having a snow day today, I hope you're able to just enjoy the beauty of it. It is beautiful, I just don't like driving in it!

Check out the picture to the right of my hat...another Etsy shop! My daughter, Lindsey, bought that for me!

It's Here! Welcome 2009!

It's 2009! Well....did you make any new years resolutions!? Have you already broke them!?

Every year I see a new bunch of well-intentioned people join our rec center and the place is packed in January! This year they seemed to start a little early..towards the end of December I noticed a lot more activity. I noticed something diffferent this year too...a lot more couples. It's a good idea to have a partner when you're starting out, I think it's less intimidating. Everyone looks so eager!

But...by February, I would say the crowds have died down. And by March...I have the place to myself again, except for the rest of us regulars.

It's tough to stay with anything, but if you stick with it..you'll notice changes. Not just physically, but mentally. I'm talking about working out, but I think this can pertain to any goal you're shooting for. You will feel energized when you realize your our obtaining the goals you set out to achieve! You'll be proud, and it will motivate you to do more!

So whether you've decided to workout or save more money, or whatever...you CAN do it! When you feel like giving up, push yourself. By the end of 2009 you'll find that you've achieved more than you ever thought possible. What a feeling that will be, right!?

So go on....do it! Just do it!

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!