Customer Service

When I tried to get our furnace inspected last year, I had a heck of a time! I made three appointments with three different companies before they showed up. I understand that emergencies come up, especially in Colorado when a big storm comes in. I understand that things happen, but what really frustrated me was that the first two companies did NOT call me to let me know that the service person wouldn't make it. I called them after waiting an hour.

Well, this year, I didn't even bother with either of the first two companies!

Prices

I get a "Tip Of The Day" from Manta, a business that helps small businesses. I enjoy reading their tips because they are short and sweet :) Of course, they always include a link to more, but I like that I can get a quick idea.

Today's tip was simple, "Don't Compete on Price." I love this tip! I spend so much time trying to figure out how much I should charge for everything! It is so time consuming and complicated.

Rough Time

I haven't blogged in a while and I keep saying that it will change. While I'm honestly trying, here is the biggest problem I'm having: blah!

It isn't that I don't have things to share. I really do! Some of the things I'd like to share are pretty darn awesome too! However, by the time I get home at night, get Hayden put to bed, and take care of everything else, I'm so exhausted and fussy and I can't think of anything positive to say. I've been having a rough time with parents of some of my students and problems with some of the other students. I do a good job of leaving work and my worries behind me when I'm with Hayden, but when he's in bed, everything just crashes down.

I spend the rest of my evening trying to think through the problems I've had, but I don't want to post them here. This isn't my place to complain. This is my place to share my creativity and ideas and other fun stuff in my life. I know that I don't have a lot of readers, but to those few of you I do have, I want to share the good things in my life. Believe me, there are plenty of good things, it is just hard to think of them at 8 o'clock after a long, hard day.

So, that is one of my goals for 2012! Find a way to let go of the bad things that happen at work and focus on the good things. Then, I will focus on the positives here and blog about some of the great things I'm doing! I really can't wait to share. I've started a few new things recently that I think you will like and I want to here what you have been doing too!

Do you have those times too? You know, those times when those little things throughout your day just get to you and make you forget how to focus on the good things.

Pumpkin Bread

I love pumpkin! I have said that many times. This summer I found a bread machine cookbook and it had a recipe for pumpkin bread! Of course, I couldn't resist. I had to make some adjustments because my first loaf was too fluffy and it made a big mess, though it still tasted delicious.

Here is the recipe I adjusted:
Dry Ingredients:

• 2 tsp yeast
• 1 1/2 cup bread flour
• 1/2 cup wheat flour
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (you can do 1/2 cinnamon and 1/2 ginger, but I like nutmeg too)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp grated orange rind

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

After starting, I keep an eye on the kneading period. I'm still playing around trying to make sure it isn't too dry, but I've noticed that it starts more moist than most bread doughs. I have tried reducing the amount of water and either way, it still comes out tasting amazing!

What is your favorite pumpkin recipe?

Lesson of the Day: Get a Babysitter!

I remember when I first found out I was pregnant, I thought about being a stay at home mom and running my business at the same time. Financially, that didn't work out. However, it would not have worked out anyway. I have found out that of his schedule or any rhythm we may have, I could not run a full-time business and watch him at the same time. I could probably run a part-time, craft show only business, but nothing more. I can't even get the kitchen cleaned before he is into something or wanting my attention.

Hayden has been sick, so I've stayed home with him. I have piles of papers to grade and a long list of stuff to make for the rest of my shows. But, it doesn't get done when I stay home. He does take a really good nap, once a day. So, I get about 2 to 2 1/2 hours of solid, uninterrupted work time. Which, would be good for a small project, but not full-time work. I barely made it through one class' journals before he woke up today. I had to wait until bedtime before I could start on the rest of my work.

Here is a (very) short list of things that I do myself to run my business:

1. Make every product I offer.
2. Order supplies and track inventory.
3. Balance accounts, make deposits, and pay my sales tax.
4. Package and ship orders.
5. Clean.
6. Invoices.
7. Packaging.
8. Marketing.
9. Photography.
10. Customer service.
11. I'm done listing, but it goes on.

I can't get all that done and take care of my child at the same time. One of those must be neglected. Right now, my business is small enough that I can handle all of that (sort of ) in the limited amount of time that I have. However, when the time comes (hopefully) for me to quit my job and make my business my full-time job; I will not be able to do both. I will have to have someone else to watch him during the work day. That really is a simple fact. Of course, if he is in school by the time I'm ready, that is another story.

On a side note, I know how lucky I am to have an employer that offers low-cost daycare. I hope that someday, if I have employees, I can pay that forward.

What do you think? How do you balance your job and your family?

Hayden's First Birthday....Two Months Ago :)

Look at that cute little face! One of the ladies from daycare made him his bib, it was so sweet! This is his very first cupcake ever! He didn't quite know what to make of it. But, he did learn that he liked it.

 However, the eating of said cupcake was problematic. These were froggy cupcakes, but we removed the candy from the top to make it baby safe! I finally helped him out by tearing it into little pieces for him to eat. And he thoroughly enjoyed the sugar!

His mess was not near as bad as I've seen them and he was in sugar shock about 5 minutes later!

He had a wonderful party, surrounded by friends and family. He got some super cool toys and noise-makers! I am so thankful for my sweet Stoney and truly blessed to have such awesome people in my life.

Product Spotlight: Juicy Grapefruit Lotion

We have all heard about all the health benefits of grapefruits. They are high in vitamin c, antioxidants, and fiber; but are low in calories. They can help lower cholesterol and help you loose weight. Plus, they really are delicious. I love them in salads!

BUT, did you know that grapefruit essential oil is also good for your skin and your mood?

On your skin, it is reported to have a toning and stimulating effect. Grapefruit essential oil is commonly used in facial cleansers to help clear up acne and makes a good toner for oilier skin types. This fabulous oil is also thought to stimulate the lymphatic system and promoting cellulite reduction and healthier skin. It is also non-irritating and non-sensitizing as some citrus oils can be.

Grapefruit essential oil acts as a mood enhancer; reducing moodiness, headaches, and stress. It can be used in lotions, massage oils, or in vaporizers! It really is just all around wonderful.

Grapefruit essential oil is listed as photo-toxic; meaning strong sunlight should be avoided after using.

Juicy Grapefruit Lotion, available in 8 oz or 2 oz sizes!

You can get all the benefits of grapefruit essential oil and the high-quality moisture of Honu Naturals' lotion in our Juicy Grapefruit Lotion. Made with a non-greasy blend of almond, olive, and sunflower oil, our lotion is gentle, light, and highly effective. It is perfect for all-over, every day use!