Just Keep Going: Inspirational Wednesday

It is hard to believe its Wednesday already, but Lily and I had about 2 weeks of being sick (again) and we are still recovering with a nasty cough. I know its that time of year but it truly stinks when you are so busy that other things in your life suffer but that is when you try to do your best and keep going. If I don't get a scarf made today there is still tomorrow. I don't think anyone is going to cry over a scarf not getting done. I LOVE Sex in the City, especially the quotes, because as a single woman it is inspiring to see women go through things that we all go through at some point or another. Instead of beating ourselves up, looking back at the regrets and things could have changed, sometimes we just need to let go of what could have been and look forward at what will be!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Free Gift Giveaway

I am going to giveaway a free gift with my next 3 Etsy shop sales! This gift will be worth $15 and worth the money you spend in my shop! Visit my shop today!! Click the picture or any of the blue links to be directed to my shop

Bakery On Main Apple Pie Gluten Free Oatmeal

 I have finally found a gluten free oatmeal that I love! After much taste testing and eating products that taste like cardboard (any gluten free eater can relate), Bakery on Main's Apple Pie Oatmeal taste just like it should... wonderful!!! The taste is right on point with a great apple/cinnamon flavor. The texture is consistent with the Gluten filled oatmeal companies, wonderfully smooth. With those other companies, I would have to eat 2 packets at a time but with Bakery on Main I was filled after 1 packet! This is an oatmeal that is well worth its high price ($4.99 at my local Shoprite). I am recommending this for any gluten free eaters this winter to keep warm and stay full!

The "New" Etsy

For a long time, Etsy has stood by its "Buy Handmade" motto with the exception of Vintage and Supplies categories. I have been selling on Etsy for about 6 months and have enjoyed my time. I am at 12 sales and each week there has been more and more sales. During this time I had set up a Handmade Artist Forum, Lilyshop and The Craft Star shops and had only 1 sales between the 3 of them. So those I decided that the fees are not worth it for right now. Though, I am starting to change my mind after reading how Etsy has gone "big business". I loved how Etsy was so focused on the handmade artist and keeping the site loyal to those artists. Now anyone is going to be able to sell on Etsy just like Ebay!  I know that business want to grow and Etsy is a business but at what cost is it worth opening up a unique website to the whole world to sell what they want. I love Etsy and will be keeping my Etsy shop open but I am seriously considering opening up another shop somewhere else and focusing my attention on that shop. Any thoughts on the "new" Etsy?

Start of My Tupperware Adventure

We have all grown up with Tupperware in our house but as I grew up I thought Tupperware no longer existed to buy new products. My mom still has her blue Tupperware canisters from when I was little in her cabinets. In my cabinets are old Tupperware I collected at yard sales through the years. Well my thoughts of only buying Tupperware at a yard sale was corrected this year!

Lily and I began to attend a new church that we have loved since our first day. We have become very close to the women that run the Mission Team as I have always volunteered to help any way we could at church. As I volunteered, I learned more and more about the women who ran these events. One woman had told me how she sells Tupperware and I was quite surprised to hear that. Then I found out that she has been selling Tupperware, very successfully, for 35 years! Over the summer, I had the pleasure of having a booth near her much loved Tupperware booth at the county fair. That week, I learned how much people still love Tupperware!

Last week, Ann and I were talking about how my body was hurting after working my shifts at Michaels and how I was having my doubts about it being worth the little pay I received each week. She then explained to me the benefits of selling Tupperware. The 25% commission for all my personal sales plus bonus commissions when you reach certain money levels and even more when you build a team of consultants. That all sounded great but I had my doubts (that is just who I am). I sold Arbonne a few years ago and it did not go well after my upline was rude to friends that were inquiring about the business. I knew that with Ann, I could trust that experience wouldn't happen again. 

So, I went home and did my research. I had to find a company that wouldn't conflict with my handmade business because that is my first and foremost passion. I have friends that sell Thirty One (love the large utility tote!), Scentsy (addicted to the NEW Cider Mill scent!), Avon, Tastefully Simple and many more direct sale companies. Problem was each somehow conflicted with Red Shoe Affair. That was until my research proved me wrong!

 I looked into what others were saying which was mainly positive (you always have a few bad apples). Having a personalized website was a big sell to me because most of my friends live across the country and world. Now, I had a place where they could reap the benefits of having Tupperware in their home and I could help that with a great experience. 

So I am now hosting my first party this Wednesday and have my website up for anyone who wants to order these amazing products. Please visit it my website to see the vast variety of Tupperware products: Meagan's Tupperware website Also, Like my Facebook Page to keep updated on sales that are constantly changing and new products introduced Meagan's Tupperware Facebook Page

Ruffle Scarves are all the Rage!

When I first started making these ruffle scarves, it was out of a request by a friend last year. At first, I couldn't understand what the directions were saying at all. I come from a traditional crocheter background so what they were saying just didn't make any sense at all. I researched YouTube videos and eventually figured out how to crochet with this ruffle yarn. 

This August, Michaels was having a big sale on the Sashay yarn so I decided to buy up a bunch of the yarn and sell them this fall. Well I can't make these scarves fast enough! Each week I make about 10 to make up for the ones I sell over the previous weekend. The fall colored, black and pink scarves are the ones that sell first and people are amazed at how cute they are. I do have a few for sale in my Etsy Shop if you are interested in buying one instead of making one. Any crocheter/knitters out there doing shows this fall/winter.... make a few of these and they will sell!

Change Your Thoughts: Inspirational Wednesday

When life is getting you down, changing a single thought from negative to positive can change the outlook and outcome of the situation. I truly believe in the power of positive thinking and how its power can change your life for the better. Every situation may not be ideal but if you can see the positive in it then you will feel better about yourself and your life. Try to change one thought into a positive one today and tell me how you feel?

Single for the Rest Of My Life

Sometimes, I sit here and wonder if I am going to be single for the rest of my life. Have I become to comfortable with being alone that adding a significant other just won't fit into my lifestyle?

Trying the online dating thing was fun at first but lately it has become annoying each time I hear the ring go off on my phone. The guys are just not the right type for me. This has made me realize what I do want in a boyfriend which is a blessing because 10 years ago I would have dated all these guys. I want someone that fits me but it feels like that guy is out there. Maybe my timing just isn't right yet or I just love not answering to someone else. Until the right guy shows up, I am happy to say that I love being single and doing my own thing. Every woman needs that period in their life!

Facing Your Fears

Everyone fears something whether its bugs, darkness, airplanes, relationships (me) or anything else in life. There comes a point in your life where you must face those fears and conquer them. This time might be one that you choose or one that you are forced into but either way after you conquer that fear you come out a stronger person. You are not alone in facing your fears, everyday someone faces a fear but the difference can be whether we run from the fear or conquer it! Don't hide from your fear, Go out there and conquer them!

Calling Out Sick to Myself

 Mommy sick days... they just aren't allowed especially if your are a single mom! This past week I have been battling a head cold and sinus infection with a headache that won't go away. First and Foremost, I am a mom so I act like I am perfectly healthy for Lily's sake. (She didn't realize that I was going to bed when she was going to bed) It was a week of watching movies and relaxing so that I could try to rest as much as I could when she got home from school. While she was in school, I tried to do what I could but that drained me quickly. I would crochet for a half hour then sleep for 2 hours. Let's just say I didn't get much done this past week. 

I was talking to a friend about cancelling plans because I was sick and he said to me "at least you didn't have to call out of work". Yes, I did call out of work! I might not have to drive to my work but I didn't have to suffer the lose of time and money that could have been made because I was sick. With this job, I don't get paid sick time or answer to a boss that is going to bite my head off. No, I answer to myself and my finances and trust me I am harder on myself then anyone else could ever be! Getting sick was not something I planned but I take more of a hit from not being able to be on the computer or create something then a "9-5" job with paid sick days. Mommy's do get sick and we just have to brush ourselves off and pretend nothing is wrong. Lily knew I wasn't feeling good but I did everything I could to make her week as normal as possible because that is what Mommies do... sick or healthy!

My Great Etsy Shop Debate

Are to many items in an Etsy Shop to much? That is my great debate with my shop right now. I have the one shop that has everything from my all natural body products, upcycled aprons and bags, vintage books, supplies that I have been given but will never use and now add in all my crocket/knit winter items.... wow that is a lot. Before I add in all the winter warmth items, I am at over 300 for sale items and that isn't all of the aprons and bags! So my am in the thought process of creating a 2nd shop for vintage/supplies and maybe the upcycled items to help cut down on the high numbers in one shop. I get tons of views everyday but I am thinking they are overwhelmed by the large amount of items to sort through that they buy from another shop. Any thoughts from other shop owners?

*click the picture to check out my shop 

Never Go To Sleep Angry

 One year ago to the day, I learned a very hard lesson... Never Go To Sleep Angry and Fighting with someone you love. Last year someone I loved very much lost their life in a motorcycle accident and our last words were not ones I thought I would regret forever. This someone was my ex-boyfriend. Though we were broken up at the time of his death, the bond between us was a special one. I loved him with all my heart but I couldn't handle his addiction to alcohol and the person he became when he drank. A week before his death, we were in a wedding party together and the day after he had been drinking so much that we fought (like usual for us). I had asked him to stay out of my life and never contacted me again (something that was normally said and broken a couple weeks later. Well we never got the chance to brake that and talk again because the next time I saw him was his funeral. I have been to way to many funerals in my short life but the only time I have cried is at this one and the one I will write about next week. September is a hard month for me but I will go knowing that "DE" will always be in my heart and to never say anything you may regret in a month, week, day or even an hour. You never know how life will change so live each moment to the fullest and never walk away angry!

Happy Friday the 13th

I don't know if any of you are superstitious but I will admit... I am a little bit. I thought I would share these fun/cute Friday the 13th images with you! Go about your Friday with caution..... bwhahaha!

9/11 Always in our Hearts

As we go about our day today, Americans need to take a moment to stop and remember this 12th anniversary of a tragic day. Living so close to NYC, DC and Pennsylvania, I felt and saw the pain people went through as they searched and lost loved ones. To this day, it feels like just yesterday that I was watching Good Morning America and witnessed the 2nd plane crash right behind their heads on live television. It may have been 12 years ago but to those who lost a loved one, this day is a yesterday to them. Never Forgotten and Always in our Hearts!

First Date Anxiety

This week of online dating/talking has been an adventure... to say the least! I have been contacted by over 50 guys, most not in my profile description, but talked to about 20. I am not sure what the point of the profile is because it seems like the guys don't read it at all. The ones that I would have no interest in dating were quite persistent but I just ignored them because it would go no where. I gave my number to text to a few of the guys and set up a couple of dates. 

Over the weekend, one of the guys came to visit my booth and meet me at my show, which was terrifying for me. I haven't had to do a blind date thing for years so to meet someone while I am working is a bit more awkward. "Tree guy" came down as I was packing up on Saturday so we talked for a few minutes then he came back the next day for an hour or so. I felt a bit like a fool because I was dressed up in a Victorian outfit with NO MAKEUP!  Everyone around thought he was cute and kind. I enjoyed talking to him until I found out that another guy I was talking to decided to come down and meet me... at the same time "tree guy" was there. Only I would end up in that situation! 

Well, I saw the guy walk by but he didn't recognize me because I was dressed up and didn't look like "me". Now I know why people say blind dating is so terrifying because this guy didn't look like his pictures. He looked much older then 40 and heavier then the slimmer pictures on his profile. So, I avoided his texts and he didn't meet me. I felt so guilty but I didn't want to make the situation anymore awkward or lead him on to thinking that the meeting would lead to a date. Yes, mean of me but I am better at avoiding then confronting uncomfortable situations.  Plus, Tree Guy and I had a good laugh over it. 

Overall, I am finding online dating terrifying but a little fun. It is nice to have some adult interaction and hoping my first dates will be fun. Now, on Tuesdays you will get to find out about my world of single mom dating..... 

What is Truly Important?

I love inspirational Wednesday because I find quotes that truly speak to me. For so many years, I was missing the mark with what was important to me and my life. I would put whatever was important to other people as my top priority. I would change things in my life or even myself for what was important to them. What is important to me is my happiness, living my life the way I want and being who I am everyday. I am the one who creates my own happiness and that is what is the most important reminder I have for my life.

What is important to you? 

To Love or Stay Single?

When I go to activities for my daughter or church, people hear I am single and feel pity for me. It is always "the right one will come" or "that is ashame because a man could really help you out". I don't see the pity in being single. Actually, I have enjoyed living a pretty drama free life for the past year (kinda sorta a year). My life of dating has been horrible since my divorce 9 years ago. I have found deadbeats that don't want to work, guys still in love with their exes, guys with psycho exes (the kinda sorta last guy I dated) and my favorite of all... addicts that can't remember what the truth really is (my main attraction). So living a single life has worked for me this past year and has given me time to find out who I am without a guy (I have been dating since I was 13) and find out what I want in a relationship. 

As I see my friends all going off getting married and having their first babies (yes, I did this much younger then them), I am getting that slight pang of wonder... am I missing something? Don't get me wrong, I would love to find "the right guy" but part of me doesn't want to go through the drama of the wrong guys along the way. So last night, I decided it is time to at least start dating. Nothing serious just a few fun dates to get to know someone better and give me a chance to see how the new me is around guys. Since most of my friends and their friends are all married, I decided to try online dating. One site that was recommended to me that was free (yes, I don't want to pay to talk to someone) was Plenty of Fish. Within an hour, I had tons of views, messages and want to meet alerts. I talked to a few guys but I am going to take this sllllooooowwwww! Get ready for the bumpy ride of single mom dating!

Back to School Weekend Sale

As a single mom, I know that find a great sale at school time brings a smile to my face so for the holiday weekend I am offering 60% OFF my entire Etsy Shop. This coupon code expires at 11:59pm on Monday night. Don't miss this great deal!

*click on the picture to see the amazing creations for sale!

Expanding My Body Line

Lotion Bar

Lip Scrub

Body Butter

Lip Balm
I have been hard at work the past couple of weeks to expand my all natural, gluten free, chemical free body line. I have introduced Coconut Oil Body Butter, Lotion Bars, Brown Sugar Lip Scrubs and Lip Balms. Each product comes in many amazing different scents and feel wonderful on your body! Lily and I use each product that I sell in my shop so we can attest to how amazing and wonderful they really are to use! Check out my Etsy Shop to see the entire line of body products and all the amazing scents they come in!  

Single Mommy Plays Daddy Too

As I set out to fight my ex in court, I found this prayer today that I think is fitting for every single parent. My ex thinks that paying $146/month is to much for him because getting a job at Walmart is beneath him so he lives from job to job as a self-employed construction worker. I was so lividly mad when I got the court papers yesterday but today I am putting it in perspective. 

I am the one that is mommy and daddy for my daughter. I have taken care of her by myself since day one and I wouldn't change that for the world. All the kisses and hugs were mine to cherish and keep while he sits at his house alone and miserable. Having Lily motivates me to work a little harder to make sure she has what she needs in her life. She has a roof over her head, good food in her belly, clothes on her body, toys to play with and a mommy that loves her enough for 2 people. She has her moments of asking about "Daddy" but she will always know that it has been mommy that loves her and takes care of her. 

Moments maybe feel awful, negative and even vengeful but they are moments. We all have the choice to make the next moment a happy, loving one. Go have some happy moments today!