Looking Back at 2010

(This post is part of a continuing series focusing on home-based business startups.)

It's been a long while since our last home-business posting, so let's finish off 2010 with one, shall we? And what better way, than with a look back, at the the things we think we did best, and the things we wish we had done better, during 2010.

It's very important for all businesses, small and large,  to take time periodically, to assess what they've been doing right, what they could be doing better, and to make calculated course adjustments based on their findings. That sounds sensible, doesn't it? Then why do you suppose that so many business owners don't do this? Is it fear of change, fear of failure or just plain complacency that compels them to operate the same way year after year?  And is it any wonder that their businesses are only growing slowly, if at all?

This is not normally an end-of-year process for us. We generally make these assessments after each major event.(ie; after each pattern release, Quilt Market, ad campaign, etc) But for simplicity's sake, let's summarize our findings here.

A few of the things that went well for us in 2010 were:

1) the decision to fork out the extra dough to get our pattern components 'pre-folded'. This freed up an immense amount of time for us to spend on more important, more fun, and much more profitable things.

2) everything about our new Studio. Having all our supplies in one place has streamlined our process and made me a much happier camper. I feel more inspired, more professional and I LOVE the view!

3) adding color pictorial help (in pdf download format) on our website for certain key steps of our latest pattern, the DittyRoo. The pattern was released in August and to date we have not had even one person to call or write us with a question about any part of the instructions.(Where's some wood for me to knock on?)

Of course not everything we did went as we had hoped.
A few of the things that did not go particularly well were:



1) My accountant and I could have done a much better job of estimating our 2009 taxes. I was fearful of this very thing, so at least I didn't have to sell the farm (or in this case the studio) to avoid going to jail.

2) I have somewhat regretted putting the beautiful pieced Lollapalooza sample (done in mudcloth) on the cover of that pattern. It never occurred to me that so many people would be expecting to find templates on the inside so that they could reconstruct that exterior. Since it doesn't require templates to accomplish, and since we provide a free pdf tutorial about how to accomplish this look on our website, I stupidly figured I had covered all the bases, but I was wrong. While most people are only too happy to download the free tutorial, and happier still to find out that no templates are even needed, I have still been fussed at, cussed at and otherwise scolded by more than a few disgruntled customers who insisted that it should have been included with the pattern. But here's the deal...I don't get it. After all, I put an embroidered sample on the cover of both the Gadabout and the Carolina Carryall, and not one person thought that the embroidery instructions were included with those patterns. I also put pieced samples on the cover of the Apropos Pack, the Bellagio, the Tandem Tote, the Odyssey, and most recently, the DittyRoo, and as of yet, have not received even one complaint about having to download the tutorial. So what gives? Do you have any ideas as to why this has been such a problem for the Lollapalooza pattern and not all of the others?

3) At the urging of many, we added a Message Board/ Forum to our website in February. The Chatroom thing wasn't going particularly well and our thinking was that the Forum might be a better way to encourage more conversation between me and our customers, or between customers and other customers. But if possible, the Forum has stimilated even less dialogue than the Chatroom did.
It's so hard to get people talking on a consistent basis. It seems to work so well for others, but I think I either need to be spending more time with it than I'm willing to dedicate, or have a couple of folks out there that I can count on to keep the dialogue going for me. At any rate, the Forum seems to be a bad fit for us, or am I missing something?

So...there you have it.  In the meantime, I'd love to hear your feedback, after all, two (or more) heads are better than one!
Stay tuned for our next post in this series where we'll detail a few of the changes we've either made or are in the process of making based on these assessments.

A 'Cool' Gift

Now that Christmas is over, I can tell you about the cool gift I got for my sister at the Quilt Market in Houston.

It's a fabulous combination light AND personal fan. I think it's the perfect gift for women of "a certain age"... you know, those who might shall we say, in a 'flash', have temporary difficulties controlling their body temperature.

So... how abou it? Do you know anyone who could benefit from a gift like this? I got this one at the booth around the corner on Row 1. They had all sorts of 'toys' like this, (and MUCH MORE), that are PERFECT for crafters of all types. But you can probably get yours by simply clicking here.

Question of the Week #33

The holidays are great and I enjoy them just as much as anyone, but it feels good to get back in the old routine, doesn't it! So let's finish off 2010 with one more question of the week!

What was your best day in 2010? 

This an EASY question for me, because without a doubt, the best day of 2010 was March 21. That's the day that our grandson was born.

I've always kind of snickered at some of my silly friends who were grandparents. You know the ones... they have armloads of pictures in their wallets, and on their cell phones and all over their houses.

All they ever seem to want to talk about is the latest thing their grandchild is doing.

To hear them talk, their grandchildren are the smartest, cutest, funniest, sweetest & most well-behaved children on earth. How rediculous! I always suspected that they were grossly exaggerating the virtues of these tots, and you know what?

I was right!!!

Because it's actually MY grandson that's the cutest, smartest, funniest, sweetest & most well-behaved little boy on earth! Find that hard to believe? Check out this video and see for yourself!

But seriously, I'm crazy about this little guy. He's the best thing that has happened to us this year and for quite some time!

But what about YOU? What was YOUR best day in 2010?

Advent Day 25

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 25  

Do not leave your Christmas spirit behind. No matter where you go, or what you do, or who you go and do it with, make it a point to have FUN this Christmas. Dinner does not have to be perfect. It's OK if someone doesn't like their gift. You won't be able to control the weather, or Aunt Hilda's comments, but you can make an effort to control your attitude for the day. Decide now to roll with the punches and make every effort to enjoy your day.
Merry Christmas to you and yours from StudioKat Designs!

Advent Day 24

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 24  

Do not neglect worship. Carve out some time to contemplate what Christ's birth means to you, both personally and as a family.

"When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
"So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. "

(Luke 2:15-16)


"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,and the government will be  on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

                                                                      (Isaiah 9:6)

Advent Day 23

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 23  

Do not wait  until Christmas eve to put together those items with "some assembly required".  And in honor of this, I thought you might enjoy reading this poem I found at www.socialpoets.blogspot.com.

Parents Night Before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house
I searched for the tools to hand to my spouse.
Instructions were studied and we were inspired,
In hopes we could manage "Some Assembly Required."

The children were quiet (not asleep) in their beds,
While Dad and I faced the evening with dread:
A kitchen, two bikes, Barbie's town house to boot!
And, thanks to Grandpa, a train with a toot!

We opened the boxes, my heart skipped a beat....
Let no parts be missing or parts incomplete!
Too late for last-minute returns or replacement;
If we can't get it right, it goes in the basement!

When what to my worrying eyes should appear,
But 50 sheets of directions, concise, but not clear,
With each part numbered and every slot named,
So if we failed, only we could be blamed.

More rapid than eagles the parts then fell out,
All over the carpet they were scattered about.
"Now bolt it! Now twist it! Attach it right there!
Slide on the seats, and staple the stair!
Hammer the shelves, and nail to the stand."
"Honey," said hubby, "you just glued my hand."

And then in a twinkling, I knew for a fact
That all the toy dealers had indeed made a pact
To keep parents busy all Christmas Eve night
With "assembly required" till morning's first light.

We spoke not a word, but kept bent at our work,
Till our eyes, they went bleary; our fingers all hurt.
The coffee went cold and the night, it wore thin
Before we attached the last rod and last pin.

Then laying the tools away in the chest,
We fell into bed for a well-deserved rest.
But I said to my husband just before I passed out,
"This will be the best Christmas, without any doubt.

Tomorrow we'll cheer, let the holiday ring,
And not have to run to the store for a thing!
We did it! We did it! The toys are all set
For the perfect, most perfect, Christmas, I bet!"

Then off to dreamland and sweet repose I gratefully went,
Though I suppose there's something to say for those self-deluded...
I'd forgotten that BATTERIES are never included!

- Anonymous

Advent Day 22

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 22 

Do not head to the airport to pick up family members or friends without first checking the flight status. It would be hard to say which puts more stress on flight schedules; the holidays, or the weather, but because it's winter, it's pretty likely that rotten weather is happening somewhere in this country, and your friend's flight from sunny Atlanta can wind up delayed, because the plane they will be on is coming from snowy Chicago or foggy Denver.
Here's a few helpful websites to aid you!

• Track US Flights
• Flight View
• Flight Aware

Advent Day 21

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 21 

Do not tell the kids that there is no Santa Claus. Let them figure it out on their own. Christmas is always so much more fun when you believe in Santa.
Even when our daughter was in high school we would still go thru the motions of leaving Santa a snack and addressing a few of the gifts as having come from the big guy. No matter what your age, it's fun to believe in Santa even when you know it's just pretend.  

Advent Day 20

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 20 

Do NOT volunteer to bring the meat or dessert if you are invited to a pot luck event. (Unless of course you have a super easy recipe for turkey or layer cake.)
Volunteer instead, to bring something easy, such as salad, bread, or veggies. Or better still, bring the ice cream or the bottled drinks. But whatever you do, DO NOT be the person who brings a fruitcake. (because nobody wants to be THAT person!) And here's a funny song about fruitcakes  you might like.  Just click here.

Advent Day 19

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 19

Do not feel pressured to entertain just because you've always done so. If entertaining is something you enjoy doing and you're up for it this year, then by all means do so. But if this has been an off-year for you... you tired, over-committed, not feeling well, or just not in the mood to deal with it, then it's OK to tell your insistent family that you want to do things a little bit differently this year. Of course they'll resist. They want things done just the way things have always been done. DO NOT  let that deter you, and here's some ideas for how to change it up!

• Make this year's gathering pot luck. You provide the meat and ask your guests to bring a dish.
• Get together much later on Christmas day for Dessert.
• Ask your family if someone else wants to host this year's gathering.
• Make reservations at a local restaurant and have your gathering there.
• Brainstorm with family members to come up with another alternative.

Remember, if the way you've always gathered as a family just doesn't work for you this year, or anymore for that matter, you owe it to yourself and your family to let them know so that changes can be made.

Advent Day 18

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.


December 18

Do not buy into the misconception that the only gift worth giving or receiving, is one that is bought. You don't have to buy anything, or spend a lot of time, to encourage someone or to brighten their day.

Here's a few ideas you might try...

• Call your church (or one near you) and ask  them if there's anything you can do to help them out.
• Offer to make and bring a meal to a family (perhaps an exhausted mother of small children).
• Send a little money or a note of encouragement to a missionary.
• Offer to watch a young couple's children, so they might have a night out.
• Take a walk with someone you love.

Can you think of others?

Advent Day 17

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 17

Do not prepare a new recipe for a holiday get together - especially if cooking is not your forte.There's enough pressure during the holidays without adding to yours, by trying to fix a dish for the first time for company. Do yourself a favor and choose family favorites that  you feel very comfortable making.
I found this out the hard way last year when I attempted to make a chocolate pie from a new recipe for Thanksgiving dinner. From now on, I'll be sticking to only tried and true dishes.
So what about you? Have you ever had a holiday food cooking disaster?

Advent Day 16

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 16

Do not miss an opportunity to enjoy the music of the season.

Music is an essential part of enjoying and processing life experiences and Christmas music certainly is no exception.

Truth be known, you probably have particular memories surrounding more than a few well known Christmas songs. Some happy, some sad, some comforting and some bittersweet.

The Christmas season, perhaps more than any other, is a nostalgic time, a time to look back, and to remember the way things were. And I think music can trigger these memories in very unique ways.

Case in point- Our former pastor pastor would always close our annual Christmas Candlelight service by singing 'Oh Holy Night'. I enjoyed it, but it became a special memory for me, the year he suffered a devastating heart attack and against all odds, recovered sufficiently to sing that song again at that service that year. That was many Christmases ago, but you know what? I always think of him and how much he and that event meant to me, each and every time time I hear that song. And I don't care who is singing that song now, (it could be Josh Groban himself), the person I hear singing it in my mind, is Dr. Corts.

So how about you? Care to share the Christmas song(s) that  triggers special memories for you?

Advent Day 15

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 15

Do not stress over holiday jobs you dislike or don't have time to do.
Everything does not have to be perfect.
Do you really need to make 20 different types of cookies?
Is it really that big of deal if everything is homemade or can you take a shortcut here and there?
Does the entire house need to be perfectly decorated?
Do all the presents need to have matching bows? 
Think about scaling back on items like these, so you'll have time to enjoy visiting with family and friends.

Advent Day 14

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 14

Do not let grumpy people spoil your holiday spirit.
You know the ones I mean.

For whatever reason, the holidays really seem to bring out the 'grumpy' in otherwise even-keel people, and if their normal persona is grumpy to begin with.... well, let's not even go there!. If you were to ask a grumpy person why they're acting that way, (and I do NOT recommend this), you'll hear a million different excuses, but here's a few of the most common.
          They are unhappy with events surrounding their lives.
           They're not getting enough sleep.
           They have no time to themselves (to unwind or recharge).
           They're mourning or grieving.
           They have problems at home.
           They're not getting own way.
           They're in financial stress.
But lots of the time, it's just become a habit for them. Being grumpy is simply how they've learned to deal with people and they really don't know any other way to behave. 

Let's face it. Grumpy people are everywhere, and sometimes they're impossible to avoid, (especially if they are members of your family). So what are some strategies we can use so that their crummy attitude doesn't rub off on us?
        
        1- Do not take their behavior personally. Grumpy people tend to be grumpy to everyone, not just you.

        2- Do not fight back. It only feeds their negativity, & chances are they are better than you at being bitter.
        3- Do not appease them. You wouldn't reward a bad dog, so why let a difficult person get away with bad behavior? If you let them get their way, they'll only be encouraged.

        4- Do not try to change them. It's really quite impossible to change someone else's entire being.
        5- Do not lose your cool but be firm and assertive. Let them know you won't be pushed around, but don't exasperate the situation by fighting an unnecessary fight.
        6- Do not argue. If you argue with someone that is being deliberately grumpy, it gives them a chance to justify their behavior. You'll be surprised at how many rediculous arguments a bull-headed person can bring up

So how about you? What are some ways that you find are effective in dealing with grumpy people?

Advent Day 13

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 13

Do not be swayed by what other parents are giving their children (or what your children say other parents are giving them).

This time of year, many parents wonder how much is too much? We all want Christmas to be magical for our children, but how can we know if we're going overboard?

Take some time to consider that in the process of exuberant over-giving to children, parents rob something truly meaningful from their kids that money can't buy: The chance to dream, to imagine, to create out of nothing something wonderful for themselves. We give our kids books that do the reading for them, video super heroes that electronically fight every battle and dolls cloned and re-cloned for every event in a fashion doll's glitzy life. When we give these things in the overwhelming quantities that we do, there's not a whole lot of room left for the beautiful simplicity to be found in being alone and having the ability to make a happy moment out of whatever is at hand.
Think about teaching your children how to enjoy those happy moments by giving them gifts that empower and inspire their imaginations, rather than steal the richness of creativity from them. In years to come, they will genuinely appreciate such a precious gift.

Advent Day 12

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 12
Do not forget the plight of those who are less fortunate. 
The holiday season is a great time to reflect on all we have to be thankful for, but it also provides an opportunity to remember the plight of those who -- for one reason or another -- lack the food, housing and warmth that so many of us take for granted. Take stock of your many blessings, and be thankful. And, if you can afford it, consider sharing those blessings with those who aren't so lucky. It nourishes the soul, and it's what this season is all about. Here's a few meaningful ways you can help those in need;

• Donate money to a worthwhile charity that serves the poor, such as your local Food Bank, Samaritan's Purse or the Salvation Army (to mention just a few).
• If you can't contribute financially, lend a hand. Volunteering your time and effort frees up money for charities to direct where it's needed most.
• Search your home for surplus items to donate such as clothing, school supplies and non-perishable food items. There's always the need for diapers and personal hygiene items such as soap and toothpaste.
• Hold a canned food drive at your office, church, school or recreation center. Challenge other groups to do the same, and compete to see who can collect the most. This can be a fun and successful way to help those in need.

And don't forget to involve your children. The true spirit of Christmas is not about what we can receive, but what we can give. With this in mind, ask yourself if you are teaching your children the meaning of Christmas. Whatever your activity of choice, consider spending a little less on gifts and using that money to give to others less fortunate this year.

Advent Day 11

AdvenFor the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 11

Do not wait until the last minute to decide what you'll wear to holiday events. You don't have to spend a fortune, or buy a whole new outfit to look festive. Here's a few ideas.

1. Look for sparkly details. The holidays are a time when you can pull off dressier looks, such as sequined cardigans, metallic knits and cashmere sweaters.
   
2. Go for the gold. Holiday occasions are perfect for wearing clothing, footwear and accessories in metallic shades. Gold heels add class to a black sequined cardigan or party dress. Silver necklaces and earrings also brighten up darker colors and add a festive touch.
   
3. Throw on accessories. You can perhaps avoid purchasing a new outfit by accessorizing an old outfit, a new way! Last year's black party dress will take on a whole new look with a brightly-colored pashmina or shawl, and sparkly jewelry always adds a bit of glamour. Gold heels can accent red scarves, hats and gloves. Just be careful not to overwhelm your outfit with too many accessories, especially if they are bold. One statement piece is really all you need.
   

December Handbag of the Month Contest

November's Handbag of the Month contest was another nail-biter. The winner wasn't determined until November 30th.

And here it is....

Shannon Maciejewski of Almont, MI created this silky, sweet Harmony Handbag out of bargain table fabric from JoAnn's. Just goes to show ya that you don't have to spend a fortune to be fashionable!

Thanks to all that voted, but guess what? We've got another tough choice for you, so here's the entries for December.










Linda Ross of Lake Saint Louis, MO made this impressive Carolina CarryAll from a quilted irridescent rayon/poly fabric and added a gold satin lining. She said that the exterior fabric was very difficult to work with because it frayed like crazy and had a stretch to it, but eventually it worked out fine. (Linda added that she'd be using cotton next time!)









Nicole Mays of Sacramento, CA approached me in my booth at the Quilt Market in Houston to show me her gorgeous Odyssey backpack . I was so impressed that I took this picture on the spot. Nicole says she gets oodles of compliments on it!

Carole Snyder of Catasauqua, PA used pre-quilted fabric in her Carolina CarryAll. She told me that the directions said not to worry about getting the pleats perfectly symmetrical, and she didn't, and got gorgeous results! Carole added a pin to the front so she could easily distinguish the bag front from the back. She found the pin in her deceased Mom's jewelry box, so this bag is a sentimental favorite for her. I think the pin is a great touch!


So there you have it folks- we only had three entries this month, but lucky for us, they are all worthy of your vote. So, when you're ready to decide, just click here.

So how about it? Interested in competing in our January contest?Just attach a photo of your StudioKat Designs creation to an email and send it to info@studiokatdesigns.com.
You never know....YOU could be next month's winner!

Advent Day 10

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 10

Do NOT forget to thank the folks who quietly serve you on a regular basis. (The mailperson... your garbageman... the newspaperboy...your hairdresser...)

Need some gift ideas?
A pair of warm gloves or mittens
A big mug with packets of hot chocolate tucked inside
A gift card to a restaurant
Gift card to a coffee shop
Pair of warm socks
Anything chocolate. Who can resist this?
even a nice thank you letter would be very much appreciated!







Even a simple note of sincere appreciation can really be a HUGE encouragement to a public servant at this time of the year.

A Handbag Clearance Sale!

That's right- your eyes are not deceiving you!

We're having a clearance sale at StudioKat Designs and we're selling off LOTS of our design samples (like the one to the right). They're all in perfect condition. Most have been on the tour, making appearances at trade & trunk shows, but it's time to clear a few out to make room for new ones. So if you're looking for a great store sample, or a unique gift for someone special (or even for yourself)...then Click here for more details.

Please note: All sales are first come-first served. 
Each sample is one-of-a-kind. 
There are no duplicates.

Advent Day 9

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 9

Do not neglect the needs of your fine feathered/furry friends outside. It's tough trying to survive in the cold dampness of winter. Birds and squirrels need extra food and fat in their diet and here's a fun way to give them both. Click here for some easy instructions for pine cone feeders. It could be a terrific activity that the whole family, (even small children) could enjoy together!

Advent Day 8

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 8

Do NOT feel compelled to buy everything on your child's Christmas wishlist. Set limits on how many gifts your child receives.
And along those lines, here's an unusual version of an Advent Calendar that I located at http://www.buynothingchristmas.org/resources/youth-guide2.html. It might be a fun way to raise funds for your favorite charity and raise your child's awareness about world poverty and the everyday blessings that we take for granted in our own lives.

This is an Advent “calendar” that has a bite to it. On each day of December leading up to Christmas, count the appropriate privilege/blessing and pay the fine. Send the money to your favorite charity.
1. 10 ¢ for every hot water tap in your house
2. 75 ¢ for every vehicle your family owns
3. 5 ¢ for every pair of jeans you own
4. 25 ¢ if your family subscribes to the newspaper
5. 5 ¢ for every bed in your house
6. 3 ¢ for every /beauty makeup item you own
7. 3 ¢ for every pair of footwear
8. 3 ¢ for every light switch in your house
9. 20 ¢ for every tub/shower
10. 10 ¢ for every flush toilet
11. 2 ¢ for every bar/dispenser of soap
12. 15 ¢ if you have dishes to eat off of
13. 15 ¢ if you have cooking pots in your cupboards
14. 5 ¢ for every window in your house
15. 10 ¢ for every outside door
16. 20 ¢ for every television in your house
17. 5 ¢ for every magazine subscription
18. 25 ¢ if your family has more than 25 CD’s (music or video)
19. 5 ¢ for every meal you had meat with this past week
20. 10 ¢ for every non-water beverage you drank yesterday
21. 25 ¢ if you have a snow blower or a gas/electric lawn mower
22. 3 ¢ for every item of hair care stuff
23. 15 ¢ for every bedroom in your house
24. 5 ¢ for every blanket in your house
25. 15 ¢ for every gift you received this Christmas

Advent Day 7

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 7

Do NOT shop at the same time of day that everyone else does, if all possible. Store traffic and highway congestion are usually lightest on weekday mornings. You may miss out on some of the weekend sales, but in a society where time is money, it's really a case of 'six of one;and a half a dozen of the other'. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings are a good second choice but try to avoid shopping on Friday evening and Saturday morning like the plague.

Advent Day 6

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 6

Do not feel compelled to accept every invitation you receive this season. It's OK to decline invitations in favor of spending a quiet evening alone or with your family.

Advent Day 5

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 5

Do NOT forsake your health and fitness routines. Food is an integral part of almost every holiday gathering, and there's no reason we should deny ourselves the pleasure of wonderful holiday foods. So  enjoy those seasonal treats in moderation. Take the stairs whenever possible. Park your car at the outer perimeter of the Mall, wash your hands frequently when your in public places and be sure to take your vitamins.

Advent Day 4

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

Do NOT throw away sales receipts or price tags.
It's a good idea to write the item and your recipient on the back of each receipt and store them all together in an envelope. To be safe, continue to save them until at least Jan 31st. I can't tell you how many times a giftee has waited two...three... even four weeks after Christmas before finally asking me for a receipt in order to exchange or return a gift.
 Saving and recording receipts in this way can also help you keep track of and control how much you're actually spending as you go, and thus help prevent over-doing it!

Advent Day 3

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 3

Do NOT choose your Christmas tree when you're in a hurry.
Always stand it up, then run your hand along a branch or two.
A fresh tree won't drop but a few needles. If it's dropping lots of needles already, then you'll have a mess on your hands once it gets in house. For more tips on how to choose the right tree, click here.

And speaking of trees, here's another... Do NOT forget to water your tree, every day! It's absolutely amazing how much water they can drink in a day and a watered tree will stay beautiful and aromatic much longer.

'Mondocized' Zippers

Most of you know that I admire Mondo Guerra's work on this past season of Project Runway (and YES, it was a rip off that he didn't win). But here's the deal- Mondo may have single-handedly changed the way we look at fashion by showing us how to envision black & white prints as the "new neutral".  

So what does this have to do with zippers? It's quite simple actually. 

If you're like me, you've struggled trying to find purse zippers to use for your handbags, Why? Because they're only available in black, navy blue, or a color they call boxwood. Boxwood? What the heck does THAT match? It's not khaki. It's not beige. It's not cream. And best I can tell, it matches NOTHING!
And then it hit me!

I simply asked myself...

"What would Mondo do?"

And actually, I didn't have to look any further than my sewing table to get my answer, because look how fabulous my handsome Joba looks on both of these wild prints. 

So the short answer is-
Mondo wouldn't try to match colors at all. He'd just use a black and white zipper instead. It's so perfect! But wait a minute... I've never seen a black and white zipper.

I guess that means they aren't available ... or are they?

So when I  was at the Quilt Market a few weeks ago, I went on a quest to find the elusive black and white zipper, or at least someone who was willing to make one up for me and voila! It was a successful mission!

I was stoked! I found a great company to work with and the new zippers came in yesterday!
Check the example to the right. What color zipper would best match this wild striped fabric? Light blue? Yellow? Or that weird green? Good luck finding that!

But check out how great the black and white stripe zipper looks with it!


And look how incredibly perfect it looks on THIS bold print?

The second I saw this zipper tape I knew that I HAD to do!

I love these zippers and I've gotta tell you, I am beyond excited!

No more struggling to find a good zipper match, or worse, not getting to use a cool fabric for a purse exterior, just because the zipper color would look so bad with it!  (I hate to tell you how often this has happened!)

I loved the idea so much that I also got a good supply of regular nylon 'dress-type' zippers made, as well as a standard separating zipper. I'll be using this zipper in my new design for spring, but judging by the phone calls I've gotten from many of you, I know I'm not the only one who has struggled with zipper selection, so I decided to let you in on this now.

Starting today- I now have the following zippers in stock. You can see more details by clicking here.

18" Purse Zippers (especially for the Trifecta)
22" Purse Zippers (especially for the Odyssey)
16" separating zippers (can be easily used for the SideKick)
12" standard dress-style nylon zippers (can be cut down and used for most any other application.

So what do you think? Are you ready to 'Mondocize' YOUR next bag?

Advent Day 2

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 2


Do NOT schedule any appointments, or start any projects that aren't absolutely necessary. Let's face it. Even under the best of circumstances, the holiday season can be hectic and tiring. This is the wrong time for example, to get a new puppy, start painting the den or schedule that routine colonoscopy.
Unless it's a true emergency, those things can wait until January.

Advent Day 1

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share a plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas when we'll begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 1

Do NOT overspend-  Wouldn't it be great to start out 2011 without dreading those inflated credit card bills from unchecked Christmas spending? Why not sit down with your spouse and discuss what each of your gift expectations are this year, then set a budget & make a pact to stick to it. Need some ideas on how to get started? Click here for some great Christmas budgeting advice.