I Need to Take More Pictures

Source

Source

Source

I want to look as interesting as these people taking photos.  However, this post is not about my drive to become more interesting, but my need to be more productive. I just thought these retro photos were neat. Sorry to disappoint you.

Every Etsy seller has their own routine with their shop.  For as long as my shop has been running, my time to work on the shop has been limited to when the kids are taking a nap or resting, which allows me about 1.5 hrs in the early afternoon to steam pieces and take photos. 1.5 hrs is not ample time to perform these tasks but, it's all I have because if my energy allows, I edit and list items after the kids go down at night.  Lately, my energy level has not allowed this and my addiction to the show "The Walking Dead" prevents this, also. :\

However, I realized I need to change things up.  My steamer broke down a couple of days ago.  I immediately ordered a new one and it should arrive by tomorrow, but I have been unproductive with the shop because I have no items to list.  I could measure and make draft listings, but this steamer predicament caused a no taking pictures problem, which has slowed down my listings dramatically.  I realized that if I had a stash of photos of items ready to list, I would prevent this shortage of listings in the shop.  I could just list jewelry and accessories, but I have this weird need to always list at least two dresses in every batch of listings.  Anyone else like this?

So, for now, I will be mending, measuring, and cleaning items until I get that steamer.  Oh, and cooking, cleaning, and taking care of my kids.  And when I receive my steamer tomorrow, I've decided to photograph as many items as possible during the day to prevent this backup again.

Which works best for you? Taking as many photos during the day and listing items throughout the week, or taking just enough photos of items that you plan to list for that day?

A Little Big Update

Edwardian Dress

1960s Floral SUNDAY BRUNCH Dress // 1960s Spring JETSETTER Shift Dress

 1950s Silk MUSE Cheongsam Dress //1950s Gray IN THE MIST Cheongsam Dress

1970s Backless Halter SOUTH BEACH Dress

1960s RAY OF LIGHT Brooch // 1970s Agate Necklace
1950s Bouquet of Daisies Brooch // 1940s Sparkle Sparkle Bow Brooch

1950s FRENCH QUARTERS Boater Hat

1950s PAR AVION Cardigan // 1970s TRILLIUM Floral Blouse

1960s Tweed VIOLETTA Skirt // 1960s RIVIERA Maternity Blouse

1960s SPRING TULIPS Dress // 1960s Nautical Romper

1950s SWEET TOOTH High Heels

1950s Novelty Print SWEET SUBTLETY Dress // 1950s TINSELTOWN Party Dress

A few items were added to the shop last week, but I couldn't find the time to blog to share with you all the new additions.  I haven't modeled anything for the last couple of months, but the Edwardian dress stretches to 23" at the most, which looked awful on my one dress form.  So, I literally sucked in my gut, held my breath, and tried it on.  I have no idea how I got that dress to fit, but once I was in it, I realized how beautiful this piece was.  I didn't want to take it off, but I had to because I thought I would faint from sucking my stomach in for so long.  So, it was painful to put on and take off! But, so worth it to be able to wear for that time.

All these, except for the cream embroidered cardigan, which has been sold, are in the shop now!

DIY- Ombre Nails

When I used to teach and not have children, I would always pamper myself with a pedicure once every other week.  That luxury is gone, but I don't miss it.  I actually really enjoy painting my own nails now.  It's quite self-therapeutic after a long day.  I recently tried ombre nails on myself, and here's how they turned out.

If you want to try at home, all you need are the following:

1. 3 different shades of nail polish, all in similar colors of course.

2. Q-tips

3. Nail polish remover

4. Make up sponge

5. Top coat

After you've cleaned up your nails and cuticles, here's what you will need to do.

1. Choose the lightest color of the nail polishes.  Some websites suggested painting your nails white first, but I didn't have white nail polish, so I chose the lightest one as my base.  Use two coats and wait for your nails to completely dry before going to the next step.

2. Dampen your make-up sponge.  I ran it under the sink and then squeezed the excess water out.  This will be the tool you will use to create the blended ombre effect on your nails.

3.  Paint the nail polish onto the make-up sponge with the lightest color being at the edge of the sponge.  

4.  Tap the make-up sponge onto your nails in a slow up and down motion.  The lightest color will be closest to your cuticles and the darkest color will be at the top of your fingernail.  You can cut the make-up sponge to be smaller to create less of a mess around your finger nail.

5.  Clean up any excess nail polish around your fingernails using the q-tip and nail polish remover.

6.  After your nails have dried, paint a top coat.

I won't lie, this took a little longer because it is absolutely important that you wait for your base polish to dry. Otherwise, it may get ruined while dampening your make-up sponge and/or it will definitely not look good when you actually apply the make-up sponge onto your nails.  I didn't mind the time though because the kids were down and it was my time to vegetate.

Have fun and let me know how it goes!

Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

Tans and greys in the shop this week.  It's ironic, or maybe just coincidence, that I took these images when the weather decided to provide a peek of sunshine on a dreary day this week.  Either way, I'm very thankful for the momentary sun, especially because there's an impending Southern CA storm.

I'm especially in love with the accessories this shop update.  I usually emphasize the dresses, but I'm admiring the earrings and gold mesh heels so much that I'm wondering if I should keep them.  Hmm.

Anyhow, since spring is just around the corner, the shop is having a weekend 15% off sale!  Take advantage!

What a Difference a Day Makes

I had a really good day yesterday.  I rarely feel productive and efficient, but yesterday, I really thought I had it all together.  I baked, entertained my kids, made 3 meals, and even worked on the shop.  

That feeling was sure fleeting because today was a hard day.  My little one came down with some sort of stomach bug and threw up 3 times in the morning, twice in the car, and has had diarrhea every 30 minutes.  To prevent a horrible diaper rash, I'm washing her toosh in the sink under warm water instead of with wipes.  While carrying her to the sink in her diaper, the diarrhea leaked onto my shirt.  Not complaining here, just stating facts.  

Today's definitely not running as smoothly as yesterday, but seriously, why should I ever expect the days to run smoothly?  Haha.  We will all survive and thank goodness for Disney movies.  It's been a difficult day, but not necessarily a bad one.  

Anyhow, I baked these cookies yesterday, with the help of my children, and I think they're really delicious.  You can't even tell that they're whole wheat!  They're whole wheat oatmeal chocolate chip raisin cookies and even my husband and children eat them.  My husband even said they were good.  So, if you want a healthier option with simple ingredients, try these!  I took the recipe from here and just added some raisins.  If you do bake them, let me know how they turn out!