Building the Desire to Succeed!

Kids today don't seem to have that drive to be their own boss. Well, they do and they don't. Let me explain. As a kid, I kept wanting to create my own business. Make money for myself. Be successful without depending on others. My favorite thing? Building gift sets. In mugs, in baskets. Didn't get very far, but sold a few. That was before the internet was really a thing. Back when word of mouth was your advertisement. And hand-drawn posters were hung at the library. These days, you have kids who don't want to work a job. But they also don't want to work at all. They just follow what is trending to make a quick buck. And then... have to restart in another project. I've seen too many of those. It's just sad. Whatever happened to seeing a need and filling that need? Yes, I'm quoting from Robots. 

My daughter has been wanting to make money for herself. But struggled with finding ways to do it. She tried making art. That didn't do well. She made potholders on her little loom. That sold mostly to people we know, but she marketed online for Christmas gifts and sold the rest. (Which is why her younger sister thought to do that this year.)

Then she started to crochet. When she was first introduced to it, she wasn't that into it. Not sure what changed, but she slowly grew to like it more and more. She also wasn't too good at it.

She starting watching videos online to learn how to do certain kinds, then figured out her own patterns. It did not take long to see this was going to be a crazy hobby.

And get expensive! We started looking for yarn at thrift stores and yard sales. And now, she has repeating customers making requests. She is pretty much booked for the rest of the year. 

This is where other life lessons have been at play, too. Finding balance between work life and fun time. Filling orders as they arrive from each customer, not all orders from a single customer first.

Take time to learn new techniques so you can branch out in what you offer. 

But here is one of the hardest lessons... Don't let cheap crochet imitations get you down.

We have seen that items are now sold in stores that claim to be hand crocheted and are sold cheaply. Which steals from true handcrafted artisan work. And makes these artisans ask the question - why should I bother?

She has had to overcome such a thought as she goes. And keep learning the craft to stay above the knock-offs. Oh yeah, and get ready for people to make an order that they won't pick up.

She had that happen a couple of times. It was frustrating, but would sometimes work out later for sales. As her mom and selling manager (because I have the ways to list them), I keep having to encourage her. And remind her to keep working in between her fun times if she wants to make more money. It has been amazing watching her progress and seeing how much better she has gotten with time! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. 

From Powder to Broth to Excellent Meal!

I was recently sent these two bouillon flavors from Knorr. I haven't really had any experience with bouillon. I typically just bought broth - premade.

But after trying this option, I just might make the switch. I have been using them in various other recipes that call for broth and found that they work just as well, if not better, than those premade broth options.

A spoonful in 2 cups of water makes enough for just about every recipe I have on hand.

It mixes really well. And quickly. I think it also added to the flavoring. 

What about you? Have you tried these? Would you? Let me know in the comments down below! 

This is the Final Reveal!

I finally got the photo to reveal my little Corpse Bride cosplayer! With make-up and everything, all in one place. And let me tell you, I'm pretty excited. She was absolutely thrilled! And yes, she glows in the dark! Mwahahaha!!!! Mother has done her best! 

Okay, okay. I'm calm again. But seriously. This was a crazy one to put together. While also working to help her older sister fix some of her costume.

Mine didn't get put together until 30 minutes before we left the house...

We went to the Sheriff's Halloween Bash. They do it every year. And we are never disappointed. Though, we mainly go to see what outlandish thing our buddy will wear.

Or to see what other costumes will be on display. I think if they had a best costume contest, it would have gone to the kid in the Siren Head get-up that was on stilts!!! That kid was dedicated.  

But I will always think of my daughters' costumes as being the best. Hands down. They're my kids. I can be biased if I want to! So here, I present, The Corpse Bride! 

 I did go back and add the ribs, which you can kinda see. And doesn't she look darling?! Her big sister did the body paint. It was so much fun. And we are talking about another Halloween event, a trunk-or-treat one, we might go to. Why? Because they want more chances to dress up and get free candy! 

What a Month! Or is it Year...

I'm sorry to just now realize how long it has been since I posted here. Things have been crazy. My health certainly wasn't helping any. And then to add to the daily grind, there have been things needing replacing around the house. Very expensive things. Like a new HVAC (air conditioning and heating unit) for one. 

I had times of just wanting to cry. I kept asking God, WHY? What are we doing wrong that is causing us to sink further and further into debt and stress? We know God will provide. He always does! But it never ceases to cause me worry. After all, I am human. Turning over every thought captive to the Lord is no joke. Way easier said than done, but necessary. We have the very briefest moments on the mountains top, then we suddenly find ourselves plunged back into the valley. I keep examining our life and asking if I'm missing anything. 

But I'm also reminded that God doesn't just chasten His children when they do wrong. He refines us through trials, too. The Potter knows the plan. And the question that keeps rolling through my head is this: 'Will you trust me?' I can so easily say, Yes, Lord! Of course I will follow you! But then it comes time to put that into action. I worry. I question. I try to figure it all out myself. Then I get frustrated and anxious. Talk about an ugly cycle! However, I was recently reminded that even though this is how things go, He never gets disappointed in me. Never scolds me and asks what I'm doing. He's the GOOD GOOD Father that stands there with His arms opened wide. Ready to say, "I got this, when you are ready to let go". It won't make the problems go away. And the stress will still try to surface. BUT! I know God is there, working all things out for my good and His glory. One tiny step at a time.