Blog posts that inspire

The Boutique ~ 1 Year Anniversary!

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Good Morning Everyone!

It has been such a busy week at the office. I have barely had time to take lunch breaks! But I always make sure to do that. I either bring my lunch or go out and grab a salad or sandwich. Then I eat at my desk in my office with the door closed. I usually read while I eat (a book) and try not to touch my cell until I have finished eating. After that, I usually get on my phone and check emails. I make an effort to enjoy some quiet time during my lunch hour.

While I was on my break recently I realized that I did not discuss the one-year anniversary of the boutique! I can’t believe it has been a year already. It actually turned a year old on March 8th! I am still astonished that I made it this long. I have seen a few boutiques start last year and end immediately! It is a LOT of work! I don’t think people realized how much work it would be trying to get exposure for your items!

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

Running an online boutique is extremely time-consuming and takes a lot of management. The setup is really hard. You have lots of registration fees, trying to find vendors, and filling out applications to shop online. Yes, you have to apply to shop on vendor websites! The vendors that I use wanted all of my business info! After all of the setup work the fun really begins! And by fun, I mean trying to get the “pulse” of your consumer. The good thing for me was that I had my blog. So I had already taken the time to build an online base. 

I started this blog in 2014 and I still can’t believe that I am still going! 

 

 

I love shopping for the boutique but there is a lot of second-guessing. I always have to ask myself. “Do I love this piece?” “Will it sell?” “Does it fall in line with what I am trying to build”? On and on and on. Again, there is a lot of management that goes into running an online boutique. In addition to keeping the boutique stocked there is the blog. I have to make sure that I find inspiration in order to provide content. I love my blog more than anything and hope that I can continue to do it for years to come. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

 

The last part is money. Most small business entrepreneurs don’t make a lot of money from their businesses the first few years. I am here to say that this is true. Well, GOOD entrepreneurs usually don’t pay themselves. I am not taking a salary or paycheck from my business. All of the money that the blog and boutique make stays in the business account to help support the business! I refuse to pay myself at this time. It will probably take a few years to get it to where I want it to be and that is okay! I am really trying to enjoy the journey. This is something that I have always wanted to do and I am loving every minute of it. So thank you! Thank you for reading the blog, shopping my boutique, shopping my favorites, and the LTK app. I appreciate it all! 

To celebrate the boutique’s one-year anniversary you may use code “boutique10” to get 10% off of anything in the boutique! I do hope that all of you are enjoying it! Have a great weekend and Happy Easter! 

 

 

 

 

 

A Reader Inspired…

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Good Morning,

I think I finally got things organized in my new phone. I like it so far but I think there is always a huge adjustment when getting a new phone. The trees are blooming here. It’s such a beautiful sight when driving into our subdivision. I love it in the mornings as well during my walks. It’s quiet and I can just stare at the blooms. 

I picked up the recent issue of Victoria Magazine. I love reading the reader-to-reader section. There was one letter that stood out to me and I thought I had to share it….

 

photo credit: Style Me Pretty

 

“Victoria magazine has instilled in me an appreciation for everyday life. Inspired by its pages, I have begun to notice daily blessings that come in many forms: the rising sun illuminating the sky, the first sip of morning coffee, the scent of lavender in a warm bath, a songbird’s music, a home-cooked meal, or a full moon rising before bedtime. 

However, the most unexpected gift came when I found myself accompanied by my best friend on a small plane to Victoria, British Columbia. Neither of us had ever flown out of the U.S., but articles from the magazine prompted us to book a stay at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. There, we experienced the unparalleled elegance of teatime at the Empress. We also re-energized at Willow Stream Spa and shopped the delightful local boutiques. 

My friend and I still can’t believe we flew to another country to have afternoon tea. We surprised ourselves on that Canadian getaway with our sense of adventure, sparked by the pages of Victoria”.   ~ Janice Allee (Depew, Oklahoma) 

Now how wonderful was that? I was so motivated by this letter. I even looked up the Empress Hotel myself! I love hearing stories like this. Women being bold to take an “elegant adventure”. I am telling all of you I have had this urge in me to do the same. 

Let me know in the comments below how you have been inspired by anything you read or have read recently. With everything going on in the world, letters like this give me hope!

Have a wonderful Monday! 

 

A New Company Discovery

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Good Morning,

Spring is so near. I am looking forward to seeing the spring blooms. I went outside to see how my buds are doing. I see some life. I am hoping that everything will bloom this year. 

Speaking of new things, I forgot to talk about this new company that I found in the last issue of Victoria magazine. This particular entrepreneur was a part of the Victoria Magazine 2022 Business of Bliss Entrepreneurs.  That is where I found her. I went to her website and took a peek at all of her products and she has some beautiful designs.

 

photos via Notiq.com 

 

I especially love her Saffiano Structure totes. You all know how much I love a structured tote. The travel tote (the middle one) is my favorite. I love a tote that is wide and can stand on its own. 

 

 

Oh goodness! I really love the dusty rose and the gold hardware. I think it has a subtle shimmer finish and has rose gold feet stud on the bottom! 

 

 

She also offers other types of designs. This has a very “Chanelish” design and beautiful dusty rose color. I just love the combinations that she is creating. 

 

photo credit: Notiq.com

I really loved reading how she started her company with just $1,000! How awesome is that? I hope you all enjoyed this new find. If you have already ordered from her please let us know your thoughts below. I am seriously thinking about ordering the dusty rose wide structure tote and affirmation drinking bottle.  I am posting the video below if you wish to see her products. Have a great Wednesday!

 

 

This post is not sponsored.

 

 

 

A Forever Home…

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Good Morning,

You guys won’t believe this but we are expecting up to 3 inches of snow today! I could just scream but that’s Indiana for you. That is why I always wait to completely change my wardrobe over and work in the yard. It’s completely pointless….

But today is Friday and I am looking forward to the weekend. I know the clocks go forward as well. I always feel like I lose some of my life when that happens! That hour is everything and I mean everything. I am hoping that my nail salon finished its renovations. They were not opened last weekend and I have a feeling that they may have sold it! We will see….

I was on the Victoria website during my lunch break this week and saw an article about a “forever home”. This year I will be 40 which is still very young but I just keep thinking about how fast these years have gone by. It feels as though 20 years just zoomed right by me. I have been thinking about how long I want to work, and when I want to retire. I am trying to plan well.

I am always thinking about home life. I have been trying to see my later years in this home. I think my husband and I may have to find a one-level home down the road. 

 

photo credit: Stephanie W. Steele 

 

I love this photo. I see me and my husband having quiet dinners here. It will be a different life at that time for both of us. What about any of you? Are some of you living in your forever home right now? I would love to know what you love about your “forever home” and what you would not compromise on. I know for me having more space between me and my neighbors would be a wonderful thing. 

Have a great weekend! 

 

 

Be Inspired…

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Good Morning! 

I am ready for the weekend! We are taking Lauren and her bestie out to a Japanese Steakhouse for dinner tomorrow. We got Lauren a new sewing machine for her birthday. She is taking a fashion class at school and loves it. She has been making clothes and home accessories at school so we thought why not get her a machine for home. She is looking forward to creating things. We are going to head to JoAnn Fabrics this weekend to look around and find inspiration!

Speaking of inspiration I love seeing “life quotes”. I was on Pinterest recently and saw this quote below…

 

 

Wow, isn’t that powerful? How many times have we done this? I know I am guilty. Sometimes you just have to pull yourself back and pay attention. You wouldn’t take advice from someone who would criticize you. But I think sometimes you just get so caught up in the drama that you forget that this person does not have your best interest at heart. Don’t let them have authority over your life! Ignore and move forward. 

 

photo credit: Aerin Lauder 

 

I hope that quote inspired you to make goals and to stop giving people power over your life. It takes practice but it can be done! 

Here is one more inspiring item. The boutique’s new arrival is available. The Emma Lace Midi is sooo beautiful. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

It is the perfect dusty pink, the lace in the front is elegant, and the pleated skirt is perfect. The sleeves are sheer which adds a more feminine touch and it is fully lined! It is a really pretty dress and I hope you all love it. Have a great weekend! 

 

 

 

A Blue and White Wedding

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Good Morning Everyone,

I am really excited! My new arrival for the boutique has arrived and I do love it! It’s a regular size dress and I can’t wait to get it on the website! I hope you guys love it as well. Speaking of beautiful things I found this gorgeous and I mean gorgeous wedding on Pinterest. 

I clicked on the photo and it lead me to a timeless wedding in Washington, D.C. 

 

photo credit: Kate Headley

 

Don’t you just love the toile table skirt? So beautiful! I love the pink draperies, hydrangeas, mother of pearl, roses, and tulips. 

 

photo credit: Kate Headley 

 

Oh my goodness! Can I have this banquette? I would love this! It makes me want to search Facebook Marketplace. I think the website said that it was custom-made. 

 

photo credit: Kate Headley

 

Look at this beautiful card table. It is decorated with blue and white canton and chinoiserie vases. They also filled it with the iconic cherry blossoms from Washington D.C. This wedding has such beautiful details. If you wish to read about it or see the rest of the photos you may do so here.  Have a wonderful Wednesday! 

 

 

 

Morning Things….

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Good Morning,

Our snow is melting and it is a bit warmer this week. I did something fun yesterday. I will share it on Friday! I did forget to mention in Monday’s blog post that I did go antiquing again. I found a NEW antique store. It is called SoBro Vintage Market Antiques. I will be honest it looked pretty crappy outside but when I walked in and was blown away! These booth owners have really good taste. I will be returning in the spring when the weather gets better. 

I have begun a new furniture quest. I am on the hunt for a secretary desk and a Chinoiserie-inspired table that I will use as a desk. I have the vision in my head and will give examples of what I am looking for later. I will start with Facebook Marketplace for my search. 

Today I wanted to talk about my “morning things”.

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I have changed my morning routine this past year. Because of working from home and my new position, I have had to move things around. Most of you know that I am in a new office and this space is quite larger but there is no window for light. I must admit sometimes I miss my windows but this location is so much better! I am also on the intermittent fasting routine. I now have my first meal or my “tea time” does not start until 11:00 a.m. It is still an adjustment. When 10:00 a.m. hits I tell you it’s hard for me now to start tea time! 

My “morning things” are my china. Of course, I love the small blue and white plate that I use for my cinnamon raisin English muffin. I toast it in our breakroom and while it heats I use our water machine to add hot water to my “tea for one” teapot. You guys know that I am loving my new teacup from Homegoods. I only purchased two teacups. One for home and one for my office. 

 

 

You will also notice that I have a sandwich bag full of grapes. I have to have some sort of fruit in the mornings with my muffin and tea. The tea that I have been drinking for the last 2 years is chamomile and roasted dandelion. I love this combination together. You will also notice in the first photo that I have my painting of the Water Tower along with some “table beauties” nearby. Above are some of my table beauties. Every morning when I walk into my office I look at my table. I must admit my eyes go right to my new porcelain rose. I purchased one for my office as well. 

Once I come back from the breakroom, I sit down say a quiet prayer, eat my grapes, muffin, and sip my hot cup of tea with honey. While I am enjoying “tea time”, I am listening to Mozart, checking emails, and looking around my office. Morning things…..

 

Have a great Wednesday!