I'm Back. Let's see how long this will last!

I know it's been a while since I have posted here. I really want to make it a new habit of posting once a week. Talking about what's new and talk about my handmade small business.

Since my last blog post I have expanded my handmade business, went down to VERY part-time at my day job, and gained a new family.

My husband and I had a baby boy in October of 2019. He is the combination of both of us, and I couldn't be prouder of him. Coming up on 4 years now, he changes so much. just as the seasons change here in Indiana. We are struggling with no naps most days and trying to figure out the best way to tackle potty training.

When we do get nap time, I enjoy my craft time so much more! That is when I get orders made as well as work on new products and get any sewing I can get done. Things have changed from hemming pants, fixing buttonholes and sewing on buttons that have gone missing.

I still have bags on my website and my Etsy shop. With different sizes and styles.

I have started making window clings and suncatchers from reusable window film. The new additions to my business have been such a joy to create and sell. I started out with making a few gifts for friends and family members. 

Expanded to pieces that speak to quilters and fantasy collectors. Gothic and dark art market have been interesting to fill a need.

I have also started making shoelaces/shoestrings. Using the same fabrics, I make my bags from. I found a use for thin scraps I had left over and didn't want to toss. 

You can find my rainbow and skull laces to be the most loved of the whole collection. 

All items can be found on my website or Etsy shop.

Lilfoxdesigns.com

lilfoxdesign.etsy.com

I took a chance and join this class 2 years ago. With step by step help from Kara, I have grown my Etsy shop so much. I love this course and the group of fellow handmade shop owners that I became an affiliate of this amazing class. Kara also offers more courses. This class is open for a short time. Starting this Tuesday!

Take a look at the link below and read about the course for yourself. If you have any questions, just send me a message.

https://turtlewinstherace.com/https://turtlewinstherace.com/e-shop-success-workshop/?ref=18 Course opens Feb 4, 2020 - closes Feb 11, 2020

4lbs lost going into Week 4

 

Whew!

What a week! I started out my work week, taking a break from sewing. But don't worry, I have photos of new quilting to share at the end.

 

 

This week, I am finally at full dose of my Plexus. Taking it in the morning to start my day. After work as my evening dose. Then taking my Bio in the evening before bed! Sunday went rather well. I got an extra nap, that carried into Monday. Then as always, Monday starts my work week. We finished up the new racetrack set up, and got all our gondolas stocked and moved to the sales floor. When I got home, I missed my evening dose. OOOOOOOpps!

Well I will tell you, that was something I didn't want to experience EVER again! I woke up with the biggest stomach ache. I have learned that I should miss my evening does and take it at bed time. Glad I got up early to start my day, but I was dragging butt. I didn't get enough sleep. The rest of the week played out smoothly.

 

I have a new challenge coming. Dun Dun DUNNNNN... I started my Plexus challenge after my last menstrual cycle. I have always had horrible cramps. Migraines were so painful, and my whole body would ache. (I am sure any family members or men reading this are wondering why I am sharing this.)

I am 36 years old, I haven't had any kids. My husband tells me before I know when he knows my cycle is starting. HOW you ask? He knows me so well. He can tell by my behavior, attitude, and habits he has seen for the past 3.5 years. I notice my cycle is coming by eating a TON of junk food, sweets and chocolate! I have been told that Plexus not only curbs the cravings, but heals from the inside out. I am ready for that healing!

 

Now for this weeks photos!

Front

Side

After taking a few days off from sewing in my studio. I got back into the groove And got some #quilting done!

Here it is!

 

I have project bags I am working on. I have a set to sell in my Etsy shop, and I am making a set for a friend to sell in her hand dyed yarn shop on Etsy.

(Casey's shop link: www.etsy.com/shop/IriaYarnCompany )

 

 

I have a few sales going on now in my shop. I have pot holders and towels on sale.

 Find my shop at  www.lilfoxdesign.etsy.com

Colts items to decorate your kitchen!

We have wallet as well as Aprons on sale!

 

 

All Aprons are made from repurposed black denim jeans. Pockets are functional, great for gardening or crafting.

Wallets of many colors and patterns. Some with matching purses!

 

 

 

 

 



Come on week 3

THE RESULTS ARE IN...

I have lost a total of 4 pounds in just 2 weeks. YES I said 2 weeks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have struggled with my weight for a while now. I can hear you say it now "She doesn't look overweight" And I will reply. "I am a solid woman, and I have worked third shift for 14 years"
If anyone has worked the grave yard shift, they know that their whole world is turned upside down, inside out, and thrown into reverse!

 

7 and a half years ago I joined a dojo and started working out with someone that wanted to manage MMA fighters. I signed up for a membership to use the facilities, since joining a "known" gym in town was out of my price range. I worked hard. Showed up to my boxing and kick boxing classes 3 times a week. I worked out to get down to 162 pounds. I was healthy, well I did still eat junk food, but went to the dojo and worked it off! I practiced my yoga as well. Stayed flexible, which really helped my training as a kick boxer/MMA fighter.

 

If you ever take up yoga, DO IT!!

I then lost my way, being so obsessed with not having a companion, that I hung out with the next available guy that distracted me from what I loved doing.

That was upsetting. He kept me from going back to the gym, told me he was okay with whatever I did. Was active helping me with my handmade business. Joined me at my shows, then slowly got me from enjoying that as well. Things were going down hill.

I look back and would have changed many things.

Now I am changing them. I was taken off track for a little while. But my focus has become clear again. Starting these new supplements, I feel a lot better about myself and don't feel so down in the dumps that I thought I couldn't have things that I truly wanted.

 

Now, since I have changed my schedule at work. I have more time for things that are important to me. I am sticking to my Plexus schedule. I set goals for myself as far as adding things to my life again. Like yoga and boxing again. I have set goals for myself for my business. I have a lot of sewing to get done!

 

I am sharing photos of new projects in the works up in the studio.

I will be adding these delicious colors to my shop soon. Stay tuned for the update next Sunday!

Also there will be an Inventory Sale in my Etsy shop starting April 1, 2016.

Link: www.lilfoxdesign.etsy.com

 

 

 

 

 

 



A New ME

It has been over a year since the last time I wrote a post on my blog.
I still plan to share projects I am working on, and photos of new items in my shop. Details of my next show.

But I want to show you more of me!
I have decided to take my health seriously as I do my love of creating handmade items.


~After taking my Health Risk Assessment for my insurance at my day job. I have my results that everything is good. Well, not everything! My weight is an issue. At 36 years old. 5'10", I am 213lbs. That is considered overweight/obese. Not good.

I have started eating better than I have in the past 3 years. And getting help with a weight loss program called Plexus. I stared last week, by taking photos of my self. (front and side views) As well as taking measurements of my arms, legs chest and waist. The numbers I wrote down were not exciting. The higher the number, the bigger I am. UGH!
I want to start a family. I know I have gained weight since I married my wonderful husband. He is an amazing cook. And I just don't know when to say WHEN! If I were up to me. I would not eat. or just eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Since I work during the day and run my and made business the rest of my time. I barely have time to cook. (YES, I get house work done, but if you were to give my home the "White Glove Test" I would fail miserably!!)

Here I am baring my ugly secrets. Photos and TRUE numbers, to you my new reader. As well as the world.

Here I am for the world to see.

Here's what's new from the my studio.

 We have towels and Hot pads to make your kitchen look great.



Coin purses and ear bud pouches in different shapes and colors to fit your personality! 



We have new hands-free Hip Clips and small cotton wallets available in the shop.

Click my logo at the top of the

 blog page or the link below to get to my Etsy shop.

www.lilfoxdesign.etsy.com

Happy New Year

First day of the new year. Starting off fresh.
One resolution I plan to keep is being consistent!
I make plans to do something and after a few weeks or months, I stop, drop and roll over. I want to post to my blog once a week. Share new products, give updates on my Etsy shop, and change this year the way I want to.

I want to quit my third shift job. Work from home full time. Be a mommy, and remodel more of my home.

I have made my list. Daily, weekly and monthly. I have it where I can see it everyday. And following through is a must!

So, I must get back to work. Things to make, orders to fill.

See you next week!


www.etsy.com/shop/LilFoxDesigns

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

It has been almost a year since my last post. I have been super busy.
I got married, became a wife to an amazing man and my best friend. Also became a stepmom to a wonderful, smart, funny, beautiful 9 year old girl.

Things are about to change and for the better, not the worse.

With more attention going to my Etsy shop (link below). And wanting to create more of my work and new items to bring to you, I have made a plan for 2015 to build a better business and a better me!

Follow me here, on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and on Etsy!

www.lilfoxdesign.etsy.com
email lilfoxdesigns@yahoo.com
www.facebook.com/lilfoxdesigns
twitter @lilfoxdesigns
Instagram @lilfoxdesigns



Love to all
Mary