It has been a shitty week. (Sorry but sometimes a girl just has to say it like it is!)

A dear friend had a very tragic life event and my heart is broken for her. It was a blessing to be able to be there for her like she's been her and her family but it doesn't change that it sucks and is sad and is not going to be okay for a long time.

Holiday stress is setting in and I'm desperately trying to get organized. I have committed to having a local Christmas as much as humanly possible. I am making the majority of our gifts and what I need to buy I will be getting at local stores and from local mompreneurs. There are only a couple of things on the list that need to come from a box store to get the best price...but I digress... G has been working crazy hours and I have just been feeling completely drained and overwhelmed. I decided that I NEED to get some me time in the schedule before I go crazy.

After supper I changed into my workout gear and G took the kids up to the tub. I had to drown out their protests and tantrums and efforts to get my attention by cranking Shaun T on max...I'm sure everyone walking by our house heard all about how 25 minutes a day can change your life.  Checked that off the list and went up to help put the kids to bed.

I felt good and I decided that I wanted to feel better. So I did my nails and this morning I wore a few of my favorite things. It's amazing what a few simple things or taking a few minutes to stretch in the morning can change a whole day.

1. lia sophia Pippa earnings and Taffeta necklace (Buy 1 get 2 at 50% off is on until Sunday, November 23!) I love how this works with jeans and with business wear.

2. OPI Affair in Red Square. The BEST red nail polish. I love it and sometimes a girl just needs shinny red nails :) You can get this colour wherever you buy OPI locally. Mine came from Chatters.

3. Stella & Dot Elephant Scarf- I am in love with this scarf....red and pink and the covered in cute elephants- what is there not to love?

4. Adore me- I am so over the old, tired nursing bras...yes its been awhile since I've updated that drawer of my dresser! A friend recommended Adoreme and I really like the designs. I don't have time to go to the store for me and I got amazing deals! 1st order was 50% off plus free shipping and then a second deal came in with a $10 credit off my VIP price + free shipping. LOVE!

5. Stella and Dot tech wallet- This wallet fits my phone, cash and cards and has a wristlet that my keys clip to. I love the pattern and this one is on sale right now too. It also is great for switching purses and not forgetting the essentials!

I am heading into the weekend hoping to keep a positive attitude. G and I will be making a few changes around the house to help support my determination to live a healthier lifestyle. Stay tuned! Big changes are coming in our house and the ride should be interesting.

It's craft fair season - and I'm missing out

A2 Designs is still on a break. It was an incredibly difficult decision to make to take a break. But I couldn't keep up with my late father in law's illness and death and trying to get through the summer. I thought that I would start up again in the Fall and be back in full swing in time for the Holiday Fairs. I miss my crafting mommas and the time that I used to have hanging out with them at fairs. I have been inspired and encouraged by them and love how we laugh, come up with ideas and have a great time at the events. What I don't miss are the endless hours of sewing, seam ripping, guessing what will be popular, trying to stock the right fabrics. 

 

Photo credit: Shannon Shields

All the stress and very late prep nights slowly took away my desire to sew for fun. I took a break and just focused on fun sewing. I've created quilts, pjs, dresses and fun little things. I'm making a dent in my fabric stash and enjoying creating something from scratch.

Don't get me wrong, I love sewing for others and I love seeing my designs and creations being enjoyed by others. What I didn't love was the overhead that came with fair prep and having to justify why a handmade dress made with high quality premium fabric was worth $50. One too many requests for a discount or a deal from the lady who's child had on a $45 Gymboree sweater that she just had to have for her as soon as it came to the store (thanks for telling me you paid full price even though it was made in a factory- seriously cute though right? *le sigh*).

It's difficult to see other markets that crafters have huge success with a similar item at a higher price point and are able to justify the time and effort it takes to make each and every creation.

I think this is a very well written article about pricing of handmade goods. (Thanks to Sarah Dhooge for sharing this with the Momma Collective Community)

Paying for handmade a gentle rant

I am thrilled for the mommas that are able to make it work, and love that I still get to work with some of those amazing ladies on products that their customers love (FYI- Home Grown Goods will soon be fully stocked with chalk mats again- and Frozen will be in the mix!).

I will still go to the fairs and support these incredible women and I remain committed to having a local Christmas for all of the gifts that our family gives others. I will still feature my favorite local holiday ideas and showcase these talented entrepreneurs. That's my way of doing my part for this community that has given me so much.

Source: Cherpeace