Promises

I've always been a lover for fortune cookies. It's the best part of my meal when I eat at Chinese restaurants. There's something magical about cracking that cookie open and reaching for that small piece of paper that predicts your future or shares a bit of wisdom.

I was so happy when I discovered that Dove decided to mix my love for dark chocolate with words of inspiration. Since I've decided to cut back on indulging in my Dove Bars, I treat myself to a piece--sometimes two or three--of Dove Promises practically every night.

"Believe in yourself." -Dove Promises Message

Oh, boy, was this something I needed to unwrap and believe. It's been quite some time now that I've been saying I'll probably start up Sweet Posy Designs, but I've been hesitating and it's mostly because I'm not as confident in my work as I would like to be. I tend to compare my designs and ideas to other artists and think that their work is better or that I won't end up selling any of my work. My friend had to remind me that every one has their own style and that I do have great designs. So when I unwrapped this chocolate candy, I thought it was life giving me a message. As I shared earlier, I finally decided to take the plunge this past weekend and set up shop on Etsy. Even though I only have two designs up right now, I'll get there, I just have to believe in myself.

And on the topic of Dove Promise, you can send an e-promise to a friend! There are many different themes: friendship, love, hope, inspiration, confidence, indulge, attitude, and life. You can even create your own message! Plus, Dove partnered with Susan G. Komen to capture the strength, compassion, and voice of women who have overcome the battle in their own lives. Breast cancer survivors can log on and enter their own words of hope and inspiration, and these emotional messages will be transferred onto the Dove chocolate wrappers in an effort to spread breast cancer awareness. Spread the word--the program lasts only until November 30, 2008. Hopefully they extend it or just make it an ongoing program!

I took the Handmade Pledge

I finally did it! With a finnicky wi-fi connection, I was finally able to set up my shop, Sweet Posy Designs, on Etsy. I only have two designs advertised right now, but I'll create more products once things calm down around here.

I've sold numerous items on many sites before--eBay, Amazon, half.com, but I must admit that it was harder for me to sell on Etsy. Not that it's difficult--the steps are easy to follow and there's tons of support from teams and other members. Perhaps it's more that it's personal and meaningful to me because it's a business of my designs rather than another company's products. I took lots of time in figuring out my policies, shipping, pricing, listings, etc, and I'm happy with the layout. If you have a chance, take a look at my shop, and let me know what you think. I'd love to hear your feedback so I know what I can improve on! Thanks!

Now if only Blogger would stop being temperamental with me as well and show me the link, "Add a Gadget," on my Layout page, I'll be able to advertise my listings on here! Oh, how I hate the internet connection out here!

DIY Chocolate Bar Wrappers Rachel Ray Style

Rachel Ray knows how to end a party in style! She shares these Sweet Talkers for you to customize for any occasion! All you have to do is buy jumbo chocolate bars (5 oz.) and customize your pick with your name and date. Print, cut, fold, and glue. Voila! You just made your own candy bar favors!

These designs are wonderful, and I'm inspired to create more designs! I just need to find the time!

Thanks, Shawna, for the tip!

I'm It!

Shawna, creative genius and founder of Styleberry Home, tagged me, and I always loved playing Tag as a child! Get ready, it's a mix of her 5 & 7 tags...

5 Years Ago:

1. I lived 1100 miles away my then boyfriend turned hubby.
2. I was the Treasurer for Delta Phi Gamma during my junior year at UC Irvine.
3. I planned out my class schedule so that I wouldn't have classes on Fridays--weekends started Thursday nights!
4. I lived with 3 awesome roommates in a tiny apartment across the street from campus.
5. I went to work in jeans, a sweatshirt, and flip flops (not all at the same time) at Beachhouse.com in between classes.

5 Things on My List Today:

1. Sleep & nap while Tristan sleeps (yes, I have to tell myself to do this everyday!)
2. Update my address with everyone
3. Purchase flight tickets to go home for the Holidays
   
4. Create listings on my Etsy seller account, Sweet Posy Designs
   
5. Figure out how to code my domain name so that when I type www.sweetposydesigns.com in the URL, it says "Sweet Posy Designs" and NOT "Untitled Document"

5 Snacks I Enjoy:

1. Jamba Juice's Aloha Pineapple
   
2. Trader Joe's Orange Flavored Cranberries
3. Chips with Salsa or Guacomole
   
4. Pinkberry's Original Frozen Yogurt with Raspberries & Blueberries
5. Special K Bar Strawberry

5 Things I Would Do if I were a Millionaire

1. Pay off all debt
2. Buy a retirement house either in California or Colorado
3. Buy a house for my mom in Redondo Beach, CA with an extra room for us to stay in when we visit her!
   
4. Invest in mutual funds, stocks, bonds, etc (best time to buy is when the market is low!)
5. Save for Tristan's college fund

5 Places I Have Lived:

1. Carson, CA
2. Irvine, CA
3. Las Vegas, NV
4. Milton, FL
5. Corpus Christi, TX

5 Jobs I Have Had:

1. Executive Assistant
2. Operations Assistant
3. Customer Support Manager
4. Associate Financial Representative
5. Public Relations Specialist

7 Random/Weird Facts About Me:

1. At work, I am a neat freak and have everything completely organized, but at home, it's the exact opposite, and I'm a complete mess (for the most part).
2. I have NEVER colored my hair.
3. I randomly sing the same verse & chorus of this song that we used to sing at my high school's masses around the house, especially when I'm in the shower. I've tried googling the lyrics, but still can't find the name of the song.
4. I used to run "fashionably late" to every event, but ever since I had Tristan, I've actually became better about arriving on time!
5. In search for answers, I google everything.
6. The only dessert I can successfully bake is Chocolate Lava Cake. mmm...yummy!
7. Whenever I see something I like and don't want to pay for the price, I make it a DIY project from planning my wedding to painting Tristan's letters for his nursery. I just wish I could find more time to work on projects!

7 Random People I Tag:

1. Laura Miller Photography
2. Events by Jem
3. Serah's Soap
4. Caroline Bertani's Just Because Jewelry
5. Esculon Says
6. She Just Got Married
7. Christine

Shipping Tidbits

Why is it that while I love receiving mail, I hate sending it? I decided to drop off the candy bars package at the main branch since I figured it would have one less place to travel. Plus, I wanted to send it via Priority Mail, so I assumed that since it was the main branch, it would have plenty of flat rate boxes in stock. Well, I was wrong. They didn't have very much in stock of anything, but, luckily, I had the huge box I brought the candy bars in, which, I learned that the dimensions of the box just increases the shipping size. It wasn't until I logged onto usps.com that learned that you can order shipping supplies for free, which I will now be doing in the future so I don't find myself in the same situation again. USPS has an Express Mail Service Commitment page where you can determine the delivery date and time for your shipment. I think they should do this for all of their mailing services, so that you can compare the best shipment service just like their postage price calculator.

Now when I arrived at the post office, there was barely anyone in line. While packaging my items into the original box that I brought, more people were streaming into the office and the line was getting longer--all the way to the door. There were three associates on the opposite side of the counter, and I can sympathize if all three of them were busy helping us. However, it was frustrating to watch that one of them place the sign "Next Register" on his booth and another employee just stand there and watch her coworker help us. So instead of three people working, it was just one guy! I don't understand it, and I was upset when I was in front of the line and watch the only guy working walk away to the back and have the "Next Register" guy say, "He'll be back in any moment to help you." Why doesn't he just help me? Is that too much to ask? I would possibly understand if I was the only customer, but the line went all the way to the doorway. It just doesn't seem logical, productive and unteamlike to me. Ugh. Next time I'll request a pickup.

These are just a few lessons learned from my neighborhood post office. I definitely don't want to go through that again, especially with the holidays right around the corner!

Sweet Sixteen

I received my first client! (Yay!) My friend's daughter just turned 16, and is celebrating it with a ball this weekend. I am honored to be a part of it by creating candy bar favors for her big day.


Like my mom says, "don't be in a hurry to grow up." Have fun and cherish these sweet times!

Eat at Your Own Risk

Rather than cleaning up my home, I decided to make miniature candy label favors for a Halloween party. I've found that designing labels and wrapping candies have become a great stress reliever for me lately.

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!