Survived!

I survived my first week of business class. Thank goodness it is online or I would never get the opportunity right now to try it.
I have learned that 1 class a semester is all I can handle and that summer classes may not be the right idea.
I was able to get some work done thanks to a friend, Shout out to Philly! She let me borrow her sewing machine while mine was in the shop. I am sad to see her wonderful machine go but, mine looks so sad sitting on the floor waiting for its turn to sew again. Luckily, I have one job and a few projects to start.
I got in some work making this month a lot better than the last few but still nothing to write home about. but, having work to do makes me feel useful, like when I was teaching. I know my little ones need me but there is something completely different about working on a project or order that makes me feel like I am contributing to my family as well as the daily care. In actuality I am not contributing to the family but throwing it back to my business but I ignore that mostly ignore that part.
I am hoping to have another good month- even better then June. I am stating it off with a clearance sale.
I have decided to stop using one of my vendors. So, I am liquidating their items from my store. I will begin advertising it tomorrow. I don't feel that they are an honest company when it comes down to selling their products to small businesses. I refuse to be forced into debt so they can make a few bucks. Said company likes to ship and charge me for extra items I do not want, do not sell do to age appropriateness of my store, or just don't have room for. I am not a dump! They even sent me stuff this last order I specifically said no to. I called in for 2 items, no more and they sent me 6- a variety of things I didn't want. They have even done this with written order forms.
Last time they did this and every time I have ordered from them they say it will take months to be able to ship it back. What?! So I am selling them, at a large discount. I want them gone- I am discontinuing them in my store. From there I will begin purchasing items to feel the void from other suppliers. Plus, in October I will be heading back to the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas and hopefully will find some vendors willing to do business with a me and not try to take advantage, plus my other eco friendly rules- above all.
I think that should start off July with a bang! That and what the neighbor just shot off- yikes! Good-bye June hello July 1st.

Etsy Showcase day ,new items, good days

WooHoo! Today is our childrens showcase on etsy.
I am so excited!!!!
There are items on there that are not currently on our regular business site. For example our tshirt bags, fabric covered picture frame and cherry tote bag. I had so much fun making all of these items. I have so many more frames and bags to make - all the ideas are floating around in my mind and making it quite difficult to focus on the kids and homework.


I am optimistic about our store being promoted today.
I have already lined up a second showcase day for our bags and pouches.
Why etsy you might ask? Because, I am addicted to it! I love it!


www.etsy.com/shop/lizzysbusybaby

The kitchens in our neighborhood lack space. So when we moved in- thinking we weren't going to be here long we add an 'island,' really it is a workbench. And we have been here a long time! I am on the march to make the rear a play center for the kids. 1 chalkboard side and 1 magnetic side. This is the chalkboard side so far. I need to frame each side and put some sort of bottom barrier/chalk and magnet holder on the bottom. So far I think the little one really enjoys the new works of the 'island.'

The idea to do something to he back came from my mom who has been bugging me to make it look for attractive, especially since we enjoy entertaining. At a friends house, you might now her as Olive and Love she takes design and passion to a new level and actually does what she is inspired to do. In her daughters room she has a magnetic wall up. I think she got it from Ikea, but the point is it makes a fun little learning center. I get ideas from everywhere, and that was my source of inspiration.

My kids are always hovering while I'm in the kitchen. They either go off after a minute and play in the backyard, where I can still hear and see them or they stay under my feet and annoy me. Currently they have an activity center on the refrigerator door. Obviously, that doesn't work well while cooking/preparing.

Stage 1 is finished and her are some photos.
The boys helping me paint with the acrylic 'chalkboard' paint (Made by the same company that makes Mod Podge).


The finished chalkboard.

Tot Tote

I may make the Naturally: Diaper Disaster Kit for little ones but no counterpart for toddlers. And age I really should have something for. This is a time when mommies are more willing to leave the diaper bag behind but still want to keep necessities handy. I wasn't looking in that direction, even when I came up the go-go kit. The go-go kit is just a shrunken version for your purse- a mini diaper bag if you will.
Recently, a friend and reoccurring customers asked me to customize a Naturally kit for her car. Her child is turning 3. No problem!


The tot tote includes an organic toddler tshirt, eco pull on diapers, eco wipes, biodegradable disposable toddler toilet seat covers, biodegradable diaper disposal bags, Boogie Wipes, Clean Well alcohol free hand sanitizer spray, biodegradable coloring placemats, 2 crayons, spf 30 sunscreen, lotion, latex-free bandages and alcohol wipes (for cleaning wounds). This kit has it all.

As usual I am always working on the packaging. But, for now this is where we are. The best part of the Naturally: Tot Tote is the price. $32.95 Better price point, better age range, and I think a great gift for families with a toddler and baby, or preschooler and toddler.

Summer plans

LBBP has a few summer plans of its own. I really wish I had enrolled the boys in some activity in which they would be busy for a few hours every other day without me, in a safe and inexpensive environment. But, I don't think that exists for little ones.

The big push this week is the launch of a new advertising campaign on Bay Area Parent Online Parenting Expo. Although I am not sure if they are going to get many onlookers however, the ad runs for 6 months and I need all I can get. I cannot miss getting in on their success. It is a risk I just have to chance.

June 22nd we have our showcase on Etsy. I am trying to get as many items in my shop as possible. Which means new items have to be thought through, mocked up then made for sale. Yikes! This day is quickly approaching.

1 Day before then my Introduction to Business class begins. After reading the course syllables I think I may have taken this class as an undergrad, but I am sure a refresher wouldn't hurt.

July, I will be hosting a summer sale to try and rid myself of a company I know longer want to work with or purchase from. Let's just say big business shouldn't practice staying profitable by taking advantage of those of use who are trying to keep our eyes above water.

The following weeks will consist of lots of reading and homework, working on other ads and sewing.

I need to make myself an weekly chart of items to get done. Rarely does having 1 thing to do actually mean doing 1 thing. There is usually the planning, the drafting, the execution, the advertising, the money management and the TIME!

Maybe I can train the kids to be my assistants.

Summer is busy, and feels even busier when I think about the beach calling my name just and when I hear the family playing in the slip and slide. But, hopefully the outcome will be worth it.