I feel like a broken record at this point because it seems like I just wrote a post about this! But I just want to keep you guys in the loop. I hate it whenever bloggers I'm following just fall off the face of the earth and you don't know why! They keep me hangin'!

So here's what's up:

From a personal discovery I feel like this blog and my Etsy shop aren't the right timing for me right now. I will continue to post things that I feel like sharing from time to time, but it's not a priority for me. This will become my hobby opposed to a business venture. Designs by TiffanyCo has been going for 4 years! and it hasn't blossomed into what I was dreaming, so I feel like this isn't my season right now. There's a time and a place for all things. I'll keep doing what I'm doing, but I'll do it because I want to and not have any expectations for growth. What I do feel like I need to be focusing on is my family, especially my 5 year old. She's been going through some anxiety issues which have lead to a disorder and we've been going to therapy to fix it. It's been hard work to change the way I've been parenting to help her overcome her issue and this needs a greater portion of my attention.

I just listened to a really great podcast from Awesome with Alison, and side note, if you aren't listening to this, you seriously are missing out! It's been my favorite podcast to listen to. But anyways, it's Episode 26: Teach Me Your Ways, and she has her dad, Craig, on the show to share his top 3 roadblocks in his life:
     1. Why not having money is awesome.
     2. What to do to get over doubting yourself.
     3. How to see your weaknesses as strengths.
(By the way, Craig is currently fighting stage 4 cancer, so the fact that he never said, FIGHTING CANCER, says a lot about this guy. Huge respect!) These 3 things really resonated with me. I've been having these thoughts about how my blog and shop aren't the right things for me to be focusing on right now anyways, and I've been pretty bummed about it! Which is why I've been putting off saying it out loud on this platform because it really has had me in a funk and thinking thoughts like, "What is the meaning of life!? What am I supposed to do now??" And after hearing Craig explain these 3 roadblocks and how he overcame them has really put this blog and my shop into perspective for me (at last!) and see how this will be a good thing.

For those of you who don't know, my husband is training to become a helicopter pilot. And it's like Ivy-League-med-school-hecka-expensive. So the fact that trying to boost my shop and try to earn a side income from it isn't what I should try to focus on, really has had me in a loop. I mean, isn't trying to pay off student loans a good thing?? Wouldn't taking on this responsibility be the best thing for my family?? Well, apparently it's not and I've come to terms with it.

Craig expounds on why not having money is a good thing. He says it makes you be creative. And literally, the light bulb went on in my head. YESSS!! He's absolutely right! I would have to agree the times when I'm most creative is when I have to solve a problem using what I already have. And, another side note, does anyone watch Project Runway? I feel like most of the time the best designers are those who didn't have money and had to come up with different textiles as a solution to their clothing designs. They were constantly thinking outside of the box. What silhouette would look the best using these plastic cups?? So in conclusion, not having money is a good thing. It'll help bring back more creativity for me seeing our current situation.

With his second point, I feel life I've always believed in myself. I have always loved what I did and didn't care what anyone thought, except, well, that they'd like it and want to buy it. But I just kept doing what I wanted to do because I loved it. This discovery has put some self doubt on the table and I was grateful to hear how Craig said to keep believing in yourself and take action. Nothing ever gets done if you don't make it happen and have confidence in it. So I am going to take action. I will continue to make and create things and not expect a huge breakthrough from them. I have been taking a backseat on releasing some new designs because this "isn't my season," but what the heck! Imma do it anyways!

And lastly, with the third point, I'll be honest, I didn't have any personal thoughts with it because my kids were needing my attention and I didn't pause it, but it's always a good practice to acknowledge your flaws and be ok with them! It's ok to not be the best at baking or planning or exercising. Instead of beating yourself up for it, just say to yourself it's ok! I've come to terms time and time again that I am not a handyman. I'm just not! I keep thinking I'll be able to hang a couple of simple closet rods, but I am the type of person who can mess that up. And I'm totally ok with it. I just ask for help from someone who knows how! There's nothing wrong with admitting you're bad at something. It gives that other person the opportunity to help!

So there you have it. Don't expect a lot of content to be coming forth this year or so. I always and forever appreciate the people who do stick around, but I will in no way be offended if you don't think I'm worth your time. Because I get it. I follow the bloggers who post regularly and have something to offer and if someone hasn't posted for awhile, I question if following them is worth my time.

Here's a toast to families and to a time and a season for all things - where we should be focusing and putting most of our energy into.
Annnnddd she's done! That's a wrap, folks!

I've been putting off this post for awhile now for two reasons: 1. I was hoping I would get over it and get back to normal soon and 2. I'm being real and showing a weakness and I don't want everyone knowing about my flaws! But for the few and true readers I have, I owe an explanation to you.

So I'll just go ahead and say it: I'm not sure I want to keep going with my Etsy business.

There. It's out.

I really do love designing and creating things, that is my passion, but I'm starting to question if it's really worth it.

Is this worth not being able to spend as much time with my kids and be fully present? Is it worth not being able to fully emotionally support my husband? I'm not really making any money, so is the payback worth sacrificing my time away from my family??

Every blogger who has made it big will admit they were not present with their families and took a lot of time away from them so they could exert all of their energy on their work. Every. Single. One. (Trust me, I did a lot of research this year.) I know success comes from hard work and I'll admit I wasn't working to the core, but I still worked hard and feel like a failure because I still feel like I'm at square one.

Well, square two because I have learned so much, but I haven't progressed forward.

Last year I put a lot of effort into getting into festivals and craft shows and worked hard to get my inventory/booth set up ready for those shows. It's stressful and it really takes a lot of time and I don't even make things that take hours to make! (Like pottery or handbags.) I really love preparing for these shows, but the financial outcome isn't worth the time. If I started actually making money, I'll be honest, I think it would be worth it, but right now, I'm really questioning if this is my path.

I also made a lot of different items other than prints and was really hoping that would help me take off. Maybe it's because people don't love them or maybe it's because I'm not getting enough exposure?? It's so hard to pinpoint what my issues are with my products. I'll get a lot of positive feedback, but I'm not making a profit, so I'm really at a loss with what my problem is.

This past year I've listened to and watched countless webinars, podcasts and YouTube videos brought on by really amazing and worthwhile people who really do have information to offer and help. I really believe they were never telling me lies and that all of the information was true and what helped them "make $100,000 in 1 year." In all seriousness, they were excellent sources for my research and not scammers. Their successes were true and worked for them. I've tried to implement their advice and I know I'm not doing everything right, but I feel like what I am doing should make some sort of difference and frankly, it's not.

And I don't even want to go into all of the time it takes to market and take photos and the different advertising I tried...  And the stress of needing to post everyday! The time you have to spend on Instagram and Pinterest is insane in order to obtain and keep a following! Every big blogger says they spend at least an hour a day on Instagram so they can grow their following..! It blows my mind! These people really have worked hard to get where they're at and I'm really impressed with their stamina because one year of this has blown me out of the water.

What I want for my business is what you could say is maybe the new American dream, to make the quality of my life better. I want to help my family out financially so we can do more things together. As much fun as I have designing and creating things, it really boils down to making money to make it worth my time and that's why I'm so discouraged. I'm discouraged my hard work hasn't paid off and it has literally left me exhausted and wiped out.

This whole post probably sounds like I'm whining and making excuses, but I guess that's really what it's come to be! Haha! I'm tired and exhausted from working hard and not seeing results. So with the new year I've found it really hard to stay motivated when all I'm thinking in the back of my head is, "I don't want another year like 2016." I don't want to put so much of my energy and time into nothing. 2017 for me will probably turn out to be my "Make it or break it year." If I don't make any progress this year, I'm thinking I'll call it quits. Which is totally making me cringe to type out. I don't like quitting. I don't like excuses. But with a family, I feel like I need to choose one or the other because I can't keep teetering and holding them on my string.

Wow, this feels so good to get out.

Moving on.

So as I'm going through this phase of needing a break (if it is a phase...), just know I will not really be posting much on here. I won't be offended if you don't want to follow me anymore. Who you want to follow and spend your time on is totally up to you, which is why I felt compelled to give a heads up on why I won't be very active on my blog, FaceBook and Instagram. There have been bloggers I've followed and then realized they haven't posted something for over a year and I'm like, "Why am I still following this person??" So I'm just trying to be honest and courteous!

I am, however, still very much interested in client work. As of right now, that's where I feel like my focus should be going, opposed to having an Etsy shop with goods I've made and want to sell. I've gotten back to making my website and I'm having it catered more to my freelance designing. I have no idea when it'll be done, but it is something I am working on and is one of my resolutions for this year. So feel free to email me if you want to work with me!

Also, can I just say how nice it has been to just read in my spare time?? Maybe all I really do need is a big break!

Until next post (whenever that is), take care! And I hope 2017 is good to all of us!

I actually wasn't going to post anything about this event because it was pretty uneventful!

Except for the time during set up when I forgot my pegs for my shelves to put into my bookshelf for my display...
That was stressful.

My heart literally fell into my stomach.
 Luckily, my husband was there helping me so he was able to find them at a store nearby!
But other than that, I came, I went. I actually didn't do as well as I thought I would, so that was disappointing. And I can't nail down a reason either. At each event I feel there's always something different, so it's hard for me to pick out what's my top seller and what's not.
 But this ol' Clementine print is my top seller online!
And look! It's in a customer's hand!
The girls who put this event on had a photographer come to take pictures of the place and how could I not share these! I love them!

They capture all the feels for how a craft show goes. I mean, check out those twinkle lights. They always make events so magical.
 It was a beautiful venue with tons of killer vendors. They sure hit the mark and did a great job.

Since becoming a small business owner it's opened my eyes how much consumer's support means to an entrepreneur. Going forward on your own is scary, but you do it because it's what you love and having others love what you love only makes it that much sweeter. Since I started Designs by TiffanyCo 3 years ago, I have made it a point to try and shop local/small business whenever I can.

This year I'd like to share the gifts I've bought from small business owners and show how easy and fun it is to have unique gifts and the good feeling knowing you helped someone with their dream!

1. Usborne books. Now I know Usborne as a whole is a big company, but I still feel good about supporting my friend since she's a representative for them and sells their stuff and makes a profit out of it. Same goes for any of those other pyramid companies like LulaRoe, Lip Sense, Mary Kay, etc...

2. The Red Headed Hostess Book of Mormon scripture study guide. I won't be starting this until the new year, but I'm really excited to use it. The founder was a seminary teacher for 13 years, so she really knows what she's talking about and the charts and information will be accurate and useful.
3. Pink Desert clothing. My cousin owns this online clothing boutique and I was so happy I was able to buy a few things from her. She always has cute, modest clothes and always FREE SHIPPING to the states! And this beanie is everything. I was in dire need of a good beanie.

4. NoriStudio animal keychains/ornaments. This girl is incredible. I made a special request and she gladly filled it out with no additional cost! I would fill my entire tree with these cutie felt animals if I could. The keychain I got also came in the cutest packaging. It was packaged in a tiny box complete with twine wrapped around it with a leaf tag. She also provided a mini card that came with a mini envelope. It's details that get me.
5. Shine Happy Life bath bombs. Their scents are AH-MAZ-ING! And they've recently released new bombs that look like food. How dope are their donut or pumpkin pie bath bombs?? They're so cute I don't think I would actually use them...

6. Preemie Hats donation or knitted baby/adult hats. Arielle is the founder of this Etsy shop and knits hats to take to the local hospital she works at and gives them to the preemie babies in the NICU. I jumped on board to give a donation of these cute little elf beanies she makes because when I had my baby last year, the hospital gave us a giant stocking we could take her pictures in. It was really special to have Christmas pictures of our surprise Christmas angel (she was due in January, so to have her before Christmas was a surprise) and I can only imagine how special it would be to a parent of a preemie baby to have pictures of their little Christmas angel in an elf hat.
It is harder to shop for kids at small businesses because they usually want name-brand toys, but there's always someone on your list where you're able to find something from the local book store, the boutique downtown, or Etsy sellers. I know I have a handful of family members who seem to have everything, so I try to shop thoughtfully and shop small/shop local for them.

Saturday is Small Business Saturday, so I want you to make it a goal to shop local, shop small business! And I just want to add, have you seen the American Express commercial with Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel promoting Small Business Saturday?? It really is a thing! I love it!

This sign sums up all of my feelings the best:

If that doesn't pump you up to shop small, shop local, I don't know what will! Our economy needs us! It's kinda, like, your American duty to do this.

So I'd like to challenge you to buy 1 Christmas gift from a small business or local company. You can do it! I would LOVE to put a hashtag on this and see what you guys end up buying as you support this cause, but then I guess you'd be spoiling someone's gift if they saw it! I dunno, what do you think? Hashtag or no hashtag?? Tis the season!

Not familiar with Society 6? It's basically a shopping website where artists from around the world are able to upload their work and choose which products they want their art printed on. Society 6 takes care of the rest by handling orders, printing and shipping products to the buyer. Each product is high quality which ensures you always get the best! The higher prices come from serving quality products and giving artists a commission on their sales.
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