Bluebird
Well-known member
Thanks! I lost some over the transition to the new style of boards, but hopefully my journal continues to stay intact in the future!Omg, so many beautiful photos on your blog
Fun and Frolic With Long-Term Love
- Thread starter Bluebird
- Start date
Bluebird
Well-known member
Ugh awake. Last night I mostly just dozed on and off so of course I now feel terrible this morning. I hired a friend to come clean today - my sunroom, living room, entry and shared yellow bathroom. I guess it’s okay to be awake now since she’s coming over earlier. I need to shower before that at some point.
Yesterday I did a ton of laundry, including the game room curtains and every rug and throw blanket in the sunroom. DarkKnight has a substantial role in a one-act play and he’s invited the cast to practice at our house, in the sunroom. I feel bad because more than half the plants are actively dying in there, and when I went to Home Depot last night to buy some ferns, they’re not out yet. I’m SUCH a terrible plant mom, omg.
I still have my garb to wash from the trip, and a pile of whites. I should get through those today, easily. I am completely out of hangers, so I ordered some yesterday evening after trying to buy locally. They should be here today. I need to clear out some items from my closet, but that won’t free up the amount I’m short!
Today I have a friend coming over to paint some laser cuts. She’s trading her painting in exchange for headpieces for herself and her service dog, as the dog has cancer, and she’s scheduled a photo shoot. She’s also prolly gonna borrow some garb from me for it - she needs some skirts to wear. We’re discussing her designing some of the lasercuts I want to create in my cryptid line. I’m really not the greatest at drawing, and she is crazy talented. We texted a bit about maybe making a gift set with cryptid pins and a coloring book! We will see where that idea goes.
I have some other commissions to create - three tentacle crowns for different people, and I need to make one for myself as well to wear at Ocean Renaissance. I’m not sure I can get all of those done today, but I’m going to try my best to at least get them started. I have a bee crown commission as well.
With the tentacle crowns, before I make any new ones I really need to experiment with the construction. They’re very top heavy - bending over means they will slide right off! I bought some elastic to help with that, as well as some combs to attach. So I will be fussing with those as options before I make another to sell!
This past week my Mounjaro 5.0 shot has REALLY kicked in and my sugars are around 100 or less now! Also, I can eat a higher amount of carbs and it will keep me from spiking, which is awesome. My next shot is due tonight, and DarkKnight will be transitioning to his first 5.0 shot. I have five extra boxes of that level, so he’s going to give it a try for a couple of months. He’s had four shots of 2.5 with zero side effects, but he said he hasn’t felt much of a positive difference either. I have four shots of 2.5 left in the fridge, so MisterMoonbeam is going to start those himself. Both of them got permission from their doctors to start Zepbound/Mounjaro. So we will see how it goes for them. The hope is that they can experience some weight loss and then can continue it without the medication, since neither of them are diabetic.
Yesterday I did a ton of laundry, including the game room curtains and every rug and throw blanket in the sunroom. DarkKnight has a substantial role in a one-act play and he’s invited the cast to practice at our house, in the sunroom. I feel bad because more than half the plants are actively dying in there, and when I went to Home Depot last night to buy some ferns, they’re not out yet. I’m SUCH a terrible plant mom, omg.
I still have my garb to wash from the trip, and a pile of whites. I should get through those today, easily. I am completely out of hangers, so I ordered some yesterday evening after trying to buy locally. They should be here today. I need to clear out some items from my closet, but that won’t free up the amount I’m short!
Today I have a friend coming over to paint some laser cuts. She’s trading her painting in exchange for headpieces for herself and her service dog, as the dog has cancer, and she’s scheduled a photo shoot. She’s also prolly gonna borrow some garb from me for it - she needs some skirts to wear. We’re discussing her designing some of the lasercuts I want to create in my cryptid line. I’m really not the greatest at drawing, and she is crazy talented. We texted a bit about maybe making a gift set with cryptid pins and a coloring book! We will see where that idea goes.
I have some other commissions to create - three tentacle crowns for different people, and I need to make one for myself as well to wear at Ocean Renaissance. I’m not sure I can get all of those done today, but I’m going to try my best to at least get them started. I have a bee crown commission as well.
With the tentacle crowns, before I make any new ones I really need to experiment with the construction. They’re very top heavy - bending over means they will slide right off! I bought some elastic to help with that, as well as some combs to attach. So I will be fussing with those as options before I make another to sell!
This past week my Mounjaro 5.0 shot has REALLY kicked in and my sugars are around 100 or less now! Also, I can eat a higher amount of carbs and it will keep me from spiking, which is awesome. My next shot is due tonight, and DarkKnight will be transitioning to his first 5.0 shot. I have five extra boxes of that level, so he’s going to give it a try for a couple of months. He’s had four shots of 2.5 with zero side effects, but he said he hasn’t felt much of a positive difference either. I have four shots of 2.5 left in the fridge, so MisterMoonbeam is going to start those himself. Both of them got permission from their doctors to start Zepbound/Mounjaro. So we will see how it goes for them. The hope is that they can experience some weight loss and then can continue it without the medication, since neither of them are diabetic.
Bluebird
Well-known member
My entries are being screwy, so I started a new one. I took this pic yesterday, after opening the mail. I ordered four new pairs of Glyder leggings, in a size large. They fit amazingly well! The ones I am now donating were a size 2X and they definitely weren’t giving me the compression I need! I’m scheduled to go hiking with TheEngineer on Thursday. I miss him bunches but we can’t get our schedules to align any earlier this week.
Anyway, the shirt I am wearing I bought to support a musical group at the Arizona Ren Faire. It’s a unisex shirt, but it is a size medium! It fits perfectly! It’s amazing. I’m scared to step on the scale and see where I’m at. I already drank my morning protein shake, so I fudged that up as I normally would be naked on the scale before showering, on an empty stomach. I will just have to check later this week what my new weight is now.
I need to check in with my dietician and see what her true goal is for me. She was pushing me to get to 169, as that’s where the BMI chart says I am no longer classified as overweight. She said the chart is crap, but it was a good number to aim for, regardless. She knew I was resistant to being that low, but I knew she wanted me even lower! This body does not feel right to me. I can say with certainty that my body dysmorphia surrounding my ankles is actually fading though - they look like they fit my body now! That said, a million other parts look inhuman to me and wrong. I need to talk to my therapist about this, as I am feeling more and more like I need to get skin removal surgery to feel correct.
Bluebird
Well-known member
I now have a business bank account! This afternoon I need to set up my Square site and account, so I have a shop and can take credit card payments.
My other plans for today include putting together corsages to match the headbands I made while in Arizona, and to put liners (eucalyptus leaves) inside the crowns from then. After, I am going to set up my booth again, as I got the hemmed curtains back this morning, and my display is now all painted. I want to get some new photos! Hopefully I have time to get everything done!
All of my packaging has now arrived - this is the stuff that came yesterday, but there is more!
The clear bags are going to be for my tentacle headbands and fabulous crowns - I want anyone carrying their purchases to have people be able to see what they got! The solid sage bag is for regular size headbands, and then I have the small paper eucalyptus-print for jewelry. The gold mesh bag is also for jewelry items. Not pictured is what is on my doorstep right now - a smaller solid sage bag which should fit my lasercut pins.
All of these bags will have logo stickers on them, once I get them printed this weekend!
My other plans for today include putting together corsages to match the headbands I made while in Arizona, and to put liners (eucalyptus leaves) inside the crowns from then. After, I am going to set up my booth again, as I got the hemmed curtains back this morning, and my display is now all painted. I want to get some new photos! Hopefully I have time to get everything done!
All of my packaging has now arrived - this is the stuff that came yesterday, but there is more!
The clear bags are going to be for my tentacle headbands and fabulous crowns - I want anyone carrying their purchases to have people be able to see what they got! The solid sage bag is for regular size headbands, and then I have the small paper eucalyptus-print for jewelry. The gold mesh bag is also for jewelry items. Not pictured is what is on my doorstep right now - a smaller solid sage bag which should fit my lasercut pins.
All of these bags will have logo stickers on them, once I get them printed this weekend!
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Bluebird
Well-known member
Omg I am exhausted. I keep forgetting to update here!
I had therapy today and it was a good session. We agreed that my next one we are going to really get into the possibility of me stopping by to see my mother in May. One thing is didn’t realize until today is that it’s on the calendar to happen on Mother’s Day. That makes me feel some sort of way, I can tell you that.
I took Lenny to the vet today for his annual check up and he’s lost a pound and current weighs 11 pounds. She said he looks good at that weight and she’s happy with his overall health. He got a rabies and a leukemia vaccination. He was most unhappy with me but I guess he has overcome that displeasure because he’s currently laying on me and purring.
Here’s a photo of all 4 of our kitties: ColePorter, Albus, Harry and Lenny
I hope to have some updated photos of my booth this weekend - I’ve made a bunch of progress since I last posted! All of my branding is looking good on my bags - DarkKnight just printed the last batch of stickers and I will slap those on tomorrow. My banner arrived for the front of my table, but now I am waiting for the bungee cords to attach it.
TheEngineer came over yesterday and helped put feet on the display he built (he 3D printed some!), as well as helped figure out how to better attach the mirrors to each bookcase.
Last week, he and I went hiking and managed to rack up 3 parks! I’ve now hiked in 52 of 64 Maryland State Parks. It feels so amazing to finally be back able to walk in the woods again! The last hike was in Patapsco, and we did a trail that about kicked my butt - my sugar dropped super low, but I made it through! It’s now been just a smidge over 5 years since I started working toward this goal, and never did I think it would take this long! My life has been crazypants, I guess. Here I am at the beginning - hike 1 was at Greenbriar in 2020.
I guess you can see my weight loss! It’s still hovering at 51 pounds lost. I talked a little more with my therapist today about skin removal surgery possibilities, but as that isn’t happening this year, we didn’t unpack it much. I don’t see where more weight loss is supposed to come from at this point, other than removing the excess skin. My dietician wants me to lose more but I’m not sure how that will go. MisterMoonbeam and I started walking everyday together around the neighborhood loop, so that’s still about the only regular exercise I am getting, other than hiking. The guys did manage to get the broken treadmill and elliptical to the dump though, so we have the gym partially cleared out now. I just don’t have time at the moment to get it all set up. Ocean Renaissance is one week away!
DarkKnight & I:
MisterMoonbeam & I:
I made these acorn pendants that I’m going to sell for $10 each. Each one contains at least 3 random pieces of faerie magicks! (The possible options are glued along the bottom of the display.) I am hoping they will be impulse purchases at this lower price point.
Here’s a pic of my loaded checkout cart, with all the tissue paper and bags:
I had therapy today and it was a good session. We agreed that my next one we are going to really get into the possibility of me stopping by to see my mother in May. One thing is didn’t realize until today is that it’s on the calendar to happen on Mother’s Day. That makes me feel some sort of way, I can tell you that.
I took Lenny to the vet today for his annual check up and he’s lost a pound and current weighs 11 pounds. She said he looks good at that weight and she’s happy with his overall health. He got a rabies and a leukemia vaccination. He was most unhappy with me but I guess he has overcome that displeasure because he’s currently laying on me and purring.
Here’s a photo of all 4 of our kitties: ColePorter, Albus, Harry and Lenny
I hope to have some updated photos of my booth this weekend - I’ve made a bunch of progress since I last posted! All of my branding is looking good on my bags - DarkKnight just printed the last batch of stickers and I will slap those on tomorrow. My banner arrived for the front of my table, but now I am waiting for the bungee cords to attach it.
TheEngineer came over yesterday and helped put feet on the display he built (he 3D printed some!), as well as helped figure out how to better attach the mirrors to each bookcase.Last week, he and I went hiking and managed to rack up 3 parks! I’ve now hiked in 52 of 64 Maryland State Parks. It feels so amazing to finally be back able to walk in the woods again! The last hike was in Patapsco, and we did a trail that about kicked my butt - my sugar dropped super low, but I made it through! It’s now been just a smidge over 5 years since I started working toward this goal, and never did I think it would take this long! My life has been crazypants, I guess. Here I am at the beginning - hike 1 was at Greenbriar in 2020.
I guess you can see my weight loss! It’s still hovering at 51 pounds lost. I talked a little more with my therapist today about skin removal surgery possibilities, but as that isn’t happening this year, we didn’t unpack it much. I don’t see where more weight loss is supposed to come from at this point, other than removing the excess skin. My dietician wants me to lose more but I’m not sure how that will go. MisterMoonbeam and I started walking everyday together around the neighborhood loop, so that’s still about the only regular exercise I am getting, other than hiking. The guys did manage to get the broken treadmill and elliptical to the dump though, so we have the gym partially cleared out now. I just don’t have time at the moment to get it all set up. Ocean Renaissance is one week away!
DarkKnight & I:
MisterMoonbeam & I:
I made these acorn pendants that I’m going to sell for $10 each. Each one contains at least 3 random pieces of faerie magicks! (The possible options are glued along the bottom of the display.) I am hoping they will be impulse purchases at this lower price point.
Here’s a pic of my loaded checkout cart, with all the tissue paper and bags:
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Bluebird
Well-known member
Gah! Just realized I needed to edit my last post - my acorn pendants are $10, not $20.
Today I am home alone for a bit, as MisterMoonbeam has to go in to the office in Dulles. I’m in the middle of making a to-do list of things I still need to get finished for Ocean Renaissance. I was thinking I would take down my booth completely every day, starting on Saturday, but because of other priorities, it looks like that might start on Sunday.
I had hoped to go to the JoAnn Fabrics in Frederick, since they’re closing. The one here in town is small and I’ve been several times. The Frederick location I am told is much larger and still has lots of stuff. I was supposed to have a date day with TheEngineer on Friday, where I would be able to go to JoAnn’s in the morning and then spend the afternoon helping him get his workshop better organized.
Unfortunately, MisterMoonbeam needs to go into the office again on Friday! So that means no car again for me. TheEngineer said he can come see me in the afternoon, but I just don’t see that as helpful. I’m bummed about it. My friend is coming over because I am making her and her dog flower crowns for a photo shoot on the 12th. She came over last week and painted some laser cuts for me - just a handful - and she needs to do another session to cover the cost of the second crown (we’re bartering).
I’m excited to see her because we’ve decided to partner up on creating a cryptid coloring book. She’s drawing it all - two pages per cryptid - and I’m going to print lasercut pins of each one: Bigfoot, Nessie, Snallygaster, MothMan, etc. Those will be packaged up together so as a gift set, customers will get the coloring book, some paint markers and X number of pins - maybe 2 or 4 - to color themselves. We wanna keep the price point to $35 I think. We’ll also sell the lasercuts fully painted and as a set.
She REALLY needs a drawing tablet and my daughter BugGirl is going to bring hers over (tonight hopefully) for us to take a look at to see how it works.
Today I am home alone for a bit, as MisterMoonbeam has to go in to the office in Dulles. I’m in the middle of making a to-do list of things I still need to get finished for Ocean Renaissance. I was thinking I would take down my booth completely every day, starting on Saturday, but because of other priorities, it looks like that might start on Sunday.
I had hoped to go to the JoAnn Fabrics in Frederick, since they’re closing. The one here in town is small and I’ve been several times. The Frederick location I am told is much larger and still has lots of stuff. I was supposed to have a date day with TheEngineer on Friday, where I would be able to go to JoAnn’s in the morning and then spend the afternoon helping him get his workshop better organized.
Unfortunately, MisterMoonbeam needs to go into the office again on Friday! So that means no car again for me. TheEngineer said he can come see me in the afternoon, but I just don’t see that as helpful. I’m bummed about it. My friend is coming over because I am making her and her dog flower crowns for a photo shoot on the 12th. She came over last week and painted some laser cuts for me - just a handful - and she needs to do another session to cover the cost of the second crown (we’re bartering).
I’m excited to see her because we’ve decided to partner up on creating a cryptid coloring book. She’s drawing it all - two pages per cryptid - and I’m going to print lasercut pins of each one: Bigfoot, Nessie, Snallygaster, MothMan, etc. Those will be packaged up together so as a gift set, customers will get the coloring book, some paint markers and X number of pins - maybe 2 or 4 - to color themselves. We wanna keep the price point to $35 I think. We’ll also sell the lasercuts fully painted and as a set.
She REALLY needs a drawing tablet and my daughter BugGirl is going to bring hers over (tonight hopefully) for us to take a look at to see how it works.
Bluebird
Well-known member
Thanks.
Bluebird
Well-known member
I’m leaving for my first event on Thursday morning and time is SHORT. I woke up this morning anxious about all I need to do and what I don’t have ready yet.
I did get my California commission completed, but I have two tentacle headpieces for different people in Virginia to make still. One has the tentacles attached but no flowers yet. The other has the tentacles printed and nothing else started. I also have the bee-themed headpiece to create.
I bought six long stems to turn into fairy wands, and a tall gold vase that sits on the floor to hold them. Those need ribbons tied on, at the very least. I do need to go buy ribbon. I’m not sure what colors I need so I have to take stock. I plan to sell these for $15 a pop. I think they will sell really well at the outdoor event next month, so ideally I’d like to go buy a lot more, as the flowers I need are 40% off and very seasonal. My designated credit cards are all close to being maxed out though. I‘m hoping they’ll go on bigger discount when I come back from Ocean Renaissance. I need to make a small price sign for these.
I still need to make my fabulosities - big crowns that are more for show than sale, due to the price. I have ideas and flowers but zero time. I want to make at least 3.
I have lost my price stickers. They’re someplace. Everything needs to be tagged and photographed today, and uploaded to my Square inventory. This is a non-negotiable for today. I printed out some little signs yesterday for the jewelry, but I need to find my straight pins to attach them to various places. I need more magnets to attach others, but I’m waiting for Amazon to deliver those today.
My table banner is still floppy because I need more magnets. Again, Amazon needs to come through for me!
I did want to make some more floral unicorn horns to add to the mix. These take a couple of hours to dry so I haven’t made time for them.
I need more random corsages in inventory. I set some up to glue leaves to the bases and realized that I was out of the plastic parts. So a new batch is arriving today. When the mail gets here, I will absolutely stop what I am doing and line up a dozen to attach leaves and let dry. Again, it takes several hours for the glue to set up so that’s probably as far as I will get today.
MisterMoonbeam is still charging my lights. A lot were dead or almost dead, so it’s taking a while. My goal is to take a photo tonight of my space lit up in the dark.
I need to update my website so it’s accurate for ordering tentacle crowns. I’m not allowed to sell them at the event, so I’m going to be taking custom orders and hoping for the best. (The coordinator told me absolutely no 3D printing.)
This is one I created for myself to wear while at Ocean Renaissance, and the blue one will be available for online ordering.
If I had another week, I’d make a few more to list on my website so people at the event could order online and then MisterMoonbeam could deliver to their hotel rooms. I won’t have time for that, unfortunately.
As I take pics of my inventory today, I will be taking down and packing up my booth to make sure I have enough bins and that everything fits in the van. Afterward, it all needs to be set back up for the nighttime pics.
I need to assemble a kit to take with me that has stuff I might need. Tape measure, scissors, a pen, my hot glue gun, cutters, random floral pieces for fixes, a sticky rolly for lint & pet hair, and I gotta have cash for the cash drawer - which isn’t a drawer, as I will be wearing a fanny pack.
I really need to get my outfits all packed up. They’re mostly finalized but I’ve got to make sure we don’t forget any pieces. That’s ten outfits - 3 for each of us for vending in, and then 2 for each of us for the two Tempest Balls.
Then I have just regular chores today - I need to do laundry and water the plants. I also need to pay the electric bill. I need to remind DarkKnight to clean the water fountains. Oh, and MisterMoonbeam is going into the office tomorrow and Tuesday, so I need to iron his outfit.
I did get my California commission completed, but I have two tentacle headpieces for different people in Virginia to make still. One has the tentacles attached but no flowers yet. The other has the tentacles printed and nothing else started. I also have the bee-themed headpiece to create. I bought six long stems to turn into fairy wands, and a tall gold vase that sits on the floor to hold them. Those need ribbons tied on, at the very least. I do need to go buy ribbon. I’m not sure what colors I need so I have to take stock. I plan to sell these for $15 a pop. I think they will sell really well at the outdoor event next month, so ideally I’d like to go buy a lot more, as the flowers I need are 40% off and very seasonal. My designated credit cards are all close to being maxed out though. I‘m hoping they’ll go on bigger discount when I come back from Ocean Renaissance. I need to make a small price sign for these. I still need to make my fabulosities - big crowns that are more for show than sale, due to the price. I have ideas and flowers but zero time. I want to make at least 3. I have lost my price stickers. They’re someplace. Everything needs to be tagged and photographed today, and uploaded to my Square inventory. This is a non-negotiable for today. I printed out some little signs yesterday for the jewelry, but I need to find my straight pins to attach them to various places. I need more magnets to attach others, but I’m waiting for Amazon to deliver those today. My table banner is still floppy because I need more magnets. Again, Amazon needs to come through for me! I did want to make some more floral unicorn horns to add to the mix. These take a couple of hours to dry so I haven’t made time for them. I need more random corsages in inventory. I set some up to glue leaves to the bases and realized that I was out of the plastic parts. So a new batch is arriving today. When the mail gets here, I will absolutely stop what I am doing and line up a dozen to attach leaves and let dry. Again, it takes several hours for the glue to set up so that’s probably as far as I will get today. MisterMoonbeam is still charging my lights. A lot were dead or almost dead, so it’s taking a while. My goal is to take a photo tonight of my space lit up in the dark. I need to update my website so it’s accurate for ordering tentacle crowns. I’m not allowed to sell them at the event, so I’m going to be taking custom orders and hoping for the best. (The coordinator told me absolutely no 3D printing.)This is one I created for myself to wear while at Ocean Renaissance, and the blue one will be available for online ordering.
If I had another week, I’d make a few more to list on my website so people at the event could order online and then MisterMoonbeam could deliver to their hotel rooms. I won’t have time for that, unfortunately.
As I take pics of my inventory today, I will be taking down and packing up my booth to make sure I have enough bins and that everything fits in the van. Afterward, it all needs to be set back up for the nighttime pics. I need to assemble a kit to take with me that has stuff I might need. Tape measure, scissors, a pen, my hot glue gun, cutters, random floral pieces for fixes, a sticky rolly for lint & pet hair, and I gotta have cash for the cash drawer - which isn’t a drawer, as I will be wearing a fanny pack. I really need to get my outfits all packed up. They’re mostly finalized but I’ve got to make sure we don’t forget any pieces. That’s ten outfits - 3 for each of us for vending in, and then 2 for each of us for the two Tempest Balls. Then I have just regular chores today - I need to do laundry and water the plants. I also need to pay the electric bill. I need to remind DarkKnight to clean the water fountains. Oh, and MisterMoonbeam is going into the office tomorrow and Tuesday, so I need to iron his outfit.
Bluebird
Well-known member
Here are the two fabulosities I was able to make the last two days. I’m still hoping I can squeeze in a pink one tomorrow.
These are full floral crowns with multiple flower stems. I’m selling them for $88. I don’t know that anyone will buy them, but they make my heart super happy just to see them!
I also got two of my tentacle headband commissions completed this week:
I’m really happy how those turned out as well! These I sell for $68.
I’ve accomplished a lot but I’m still anxious about having enough product. I made a set of 5 headbands with little succulents on them, along with some sea glass and beading. I created 3 last night and 2 this morning. They turned out nice! I also made 25 more elastic band unicorn horns with flowers on them. I don’t think I will sell them at this event, though I will bring them with me. I’m thinking they’ll go at the May show, honestly.
I paid for a June Farmer’s Market show tonight. The coordinator had asked me a couple of times to come, after seeing my work. I figured I would give it a shot because my mentor had suggested I sell at one. It took me a bit because it’s in Pennsylvania and I needed to apply for a transient vendor license so I can do taxes in that state. It was easy but it was still took time.
Oh, I finally made my dietician’s goal! She wanted me to get to 169 pounds and I am now 168.4! I’m not sure what the next step is, to be honest.
These are full floral crowns with multiple flower stems. I’m selling them for $88. I don’t know that anyone will buy them, but they make my heart super happy just to see them!
I also got two of my tentacle headband commissions completed this week:
I’m really happy how those turned out as well! These I sell for $68.
I’ve accomplished a lot but I’m still anxious about having enough product. I made a set of 5 headbands with little succulents on them, along with some sea glass and beading. I created 3 last night and 2 this morning. They turned out nice! I also made 25 more elastic band unicorn horns with flowers on them. I don’t think I will sell them at this event, though I will bring them with me. I’m thinking they’ll go at the May show, honestly.
I paid for a June Farmer’s Market show tonight. The coordinator had asked me a couple of times to come, after seeing my work. I figured I would give it a shot because my mentor had suggested I sell at one. It took me a bit because it’s in Pennsylvania and I needed to apply for a transient vendor license so I can do taxes in that state. It was easy but it was still took time.
Oh, I finally made my dietician’s goal! She wanted me to get to 169 pounds and I am now 168.4! I’m not sure what the next step is, to be honest.
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Bluebird
Well-known member
The van is all loaded up, except for the roof storage thingy. MisterMoonbeam said tomorrow morning is best for that, and I’m not gonna argue since my luggage isn’t packed yet.
I made two headbands and corsage sets today but then discovered that my cat Harry peed on some new flowers I just bought that I had left in a pile on the floor. I was not happy to throw money away like that! Ugh. You can see the culprit in the background of the corsage photo, along with Lenny. Two corsages, two cats.
Less fancy photos because I was in a hurry! I really wish I had one more week to prepare for this show. I don’t know where I put the new business debit card that came in the mail this week, so I can’t link it to my Venmo. Sigh.
I’m a little bit anxious. It’s like a 3.5 hour drive or so to Ocean City tomorrow and it’s supposed to be raining. Lovely. I fucking hate the Bay Bridge and having to drive my mini van over it in the rain while loaded down with stuff inside and on the roof rack is not my idea of a good time. Also, I need to get cash at the bank, and I have to make a stop at Staples. My receipt book did not arrive on time from Amazon, so I have to go buy one in person, apparently. Hopefully I have cash buyers! I just remembered that DarkKnight told me tonight that two warning lights stayed on the dash of the van and to not freak out. They went away after a bit, only to reappear later. I think he said one was the parking brake? Ugh ugh ugh
This morning I met up with someone online who buys the same garb as me. I visited her at her house in Martinsburg, as she was selling a bunch of it off. I bought some shoulder pauldrons and a drinking horn, two skirts and a necklace. Oh and a shirt.
The skirts I bought for a different friend as it freaking matched her royalty damask fabric wench corset PERFECTLY. She was very excited to pick it up today!
Here’s my photo of the day. I wore my fox hat because I didn’t care that I had a mammogram and a gyno appointment today. Life is too short to be boring. So many people gave me compliments and/or smiles.
I made two headbands and corsage sets today but then discovered that my cat Harry peed on some new flowers I just bought that I had left in a pile on the floor. I was not happy to throw money away like that! Ugh. You can see the culprit in the background of the corsage photo, along with Lenny. Two corsages, two cats.
Less fancy photos because I was in a hurry! I really wish I had one more week to prepare for this show. I don’t know where I put the new business debit card that came in the mail this week, so I can’t link it to my Venmo. Sigh.
I’m a little bit anxious. It’s like a 3.5 hour drive or so to Ocean City tomorrow and it’s supposed to be raining. Lovely. I fucking hate the Bay Bridge and having to drive my mini van over it in the rain while loaded down with stuff inside and on the roof rack is not my idea of a good time. Also, I need to get cash at the bank, and I have to make a stop at Staples. My receipt book did not arrive on time from Amazon, so I have to go buy one in person, apparently. Hopefully I have cash buyers! I just remembered that DarkKnight told me tonight that two warning lights stayed on the dash of the van and to not freak out. They went away after a bit, only to reappear later. I think he said one was the parking brake? Ugh ugh ugh
This morning I met up with someone online who buys the same garb as me. I visited her at her house in Martinsburg, as she was selling a bunch of it off. I bought some shoulder pauldrons and a drinking horn, two skirts and a necklace. Oh and a shirt.
The skirts I bought for a different friend as it freaking matched her royalty damask fabric wench corset PERFECTLY. She was very excited to pick it up today!
Here’s my photo of the day. I wore my fox hat because I didn’t care that I had a mammogram and a gyno appointment today. Life is too short to be boring. So many people gave me compliments and/or smiles.
Bluebird
Well-known member
OMG. I had JUST finished setting up my booth, and the vendor coordinator came over and bought my most expensive piece! She had a difficult time deciding between the two largest headpieces I brought, and she said she might buy the other if it doesn’t sell tomorrow! 
It was amazing!! Also, apparently she owns a booth at the PA Ren Faire, and she wants to talk to me more about working for her, making headpieces for her business in August and September!!! 
I am absolutely blown away. Tomorrow there’s a chunk of time 8 am til 2? to continue to set up, and I will be in my booth, putting price tags on everything. Here it is, right after I sold my yellow and blue fabulosity.
It was amazing!! Also, apparently she owns a booth at the PA Ren Faire, and she wants to talk to me more about working for her, making headpieces for her business in August and September!!! I am absolutely blown away. Tomorrow there’s a chunk of time 8 am til 2? to continue to set up, and I will be in my booth, putting price tags on everything. Here it is, right after I sold my yellow and blue fabulosity.
Bluebird
Well-known member
I was really hoping to make my booth fee ($187) back this weekend. Y’all, I did more than double that in the four hours I was open today. Squeeee!
MisterMoonbeam and I coordinated outfits, and people asked him for pictures. I absolutely believe he was the best dressed pirate there!
At the end of the day, my left-side neighbor hadn’t shown and the coordinators figured out they weren’t coming. So I was able to expand into that space. I moved over, and gave my neighbor on the right more space too.
I think my eye makeup is causing issues - after washing my face tonight, my right eye is raw in the space along the bony part of the socket. I’m not sure if that description makes sense, but it’s definitely not happy.
I am exhausted and I will be falling into bed this minute! We decided to skip tonight’s Tempest Ball. Tomorrow is our one year wedding anniversary!
MisterMoonbeam and I coordinated outfits, and people asked him for pictures. I absolutely believe he was the best dressed pirate there!
At the end of the day, my left-side neighbor hadn’t shown and the coordinators figured out they weren’t coming. So I was able to expand into that space. I moved over, and gave my neighbor on the right more space too.
I think my eye makeup is causing issues - after washing my face tonight, my right eye is raw in the space along the bony part of the socket. I’m not sure if that description makes sense, but it’s definitely not happy.
I am exhausted and I will be falling into bed this minute! We decided to skip tonight’s Tempest Ball. Tomorrow is our one year wedding anniversary!
Bluebird
Well-known member
Some quick photo drops!
Day 2 at Ocean Renaissance had me up at 3 am, anxiously using phone apps to redesign my booth layout. I went from 8 feet of space to 12.5 feet of space, PLUS, I had an entire side aisle to the left to put my chairs! The unfortunate part is I didn’t have any extra furniture or product. I worked it out though, and I absolutely LOVED my new booth!
Saturday was actually my one-year wedding anniversary with MisterMoonbeam!
My garb for the day included the wench corset I wore on our wedding day! I love this “water flora” fabric so much - I bought a split front overskirt to match and I think it made my outfit all the more grand!
We DID attend the Tempest Ball glow party on Saturday night! We were both exhausted, but we weren’t going to let our neon pirate outfits go to waste!
Day 3 of the event, I honestly had sold out of so much! I was able to keep the booth looking okay though! In this pic I need to refill, but it didn’t stay looking this bare until near the very end of the show.
I had worn this outfit previously to Mythicon this year, but I added a Sgt. Pepper vest and a cropped vixen corset to it, and the fanny pack.
I needed that to hold my money!
Overall, I made way more than anticipated at this event. Not only did I walk away with almost 8 times what my goal was, after I cover all of the costs, I will be able to pay off one small credit card balance and drop a chunk on two others.
Unfortunately, I won’t be doing that anytime soon, because this morning at 4 am my bank messaged to tell me my card details had been stolen and fraud was detected on my account! Luckily they flagged the transactions and they’re mailing me a new debit card. I am 100% certain the gas station on the way home is where the theft took place - I used cash only during the event! Anyway, I now have no debit card until the new one arrives.
I also can’t find the new debit card to my business bank account - it disappeared the same day it arrived in the mail! I’m pretty sure I set it someplace safe in the house.
sigh
Anyway, yeah, I made a bunch at this event, and I learned a lot too. I am excited to start creating again for my show next month. I have like 6 weeks, I think? I sold out completely of my acorn pendants (absolutely I am going to restock all of these) and both my fabulosities sold. I sold about half of my floral crowns and the large majority of my headbands. The corsages were a steady upsell, as intended, and I sold 4 of the 6 flower wands I made last minute. Those I am definitely restocking in a larger quantity for the next Ren Faire, as they will absolutely fit the theme better at that one.
Oh! I also sold both of my Maryland Pride headbands, and the Old Bay slap bracelet! I will be purchasing materials to buy enough for 6 more of those - I think I will probably be able to sell at least one at each event I vend at. There’s always some spirited soul that wants to rep the Maryland flag and Old Bay.
Another positive is that the vendor coordinator did tell me again that she wants to work with me at her Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire flower booth in the late summer. I’m excited at the opportunity, and to hear what she has in mind. I would love to do an “artist in residence” sort of thing, or even just a collaboration where I supply bespoke headpieces to her. I don’t think it’s the latter though, as she asked me specifically about my schedule was for weekends in August in September! (Right now I am vending at Oakenmist Ren Faire one weekend in August, and then I will be vending at a masquerade ball one night in September. So I am mostly available!)
The other real, real positive for me was seeing the direct impact my floral pieces had on customers. Honestly - just people in general. So many smiles! One woman was in tears after she put on a headband! My mentor on Instagram told me that making people feel beautiful does have an impact. Like, I know that, but I was still struggling with it not being as important as work I did with my Blessing Box.
This past weekend totally blew all of my fears and doubts out of the water. I actually had repeat customers - people who bought on one day, and then came and saw me the next day to buy another accessory to wear with their new outfit! Everyone had smiles when I saw them sporting my stuff at large at the dance and at Faire, and they would stop to gush and tell me how much they loved their purchases! I felt like I had done so much good in this little community, and I am enthusiastic about continuing!
In other news, my friend did the photo shoot with her dog and she sent me two preview photos which are absolutely amazeballs! Again, knowing that I helped make this memory so meaningful to her is a wonderful feeling!
Day 2 at Ocean Renaissance had me up at 3 am, anxiously using phone apps to redesign my booth layout. I went from 8 feet of space to 12.5 feet of space, PLUS, I had an entire side aisle to the left to put my chairs! The unfortunate part is I didn’t have any extra furniture or product. I worked it out though, and I absolutely LOVED my new booth!
Saturday was actually my one-year wedding anniversary with MisterMoonbeam!
My garb for the day included the wench corset I wore on our wedding day! I love this “water flora” fabric so much - I bought a split front overskirt to match and I think it made my outfit all the more grand!We DID attend the Tempest Ball glow party on Saturday night! We were both exhausted, but we weren’t going to let our neon pirate outfits go to waste!
Day 3 of the event, I honestly had sold out of so much! I was able to keep the booth looking okay though! In this pic I need to refill, but it didn’t stay looking this bare until near the very end of the show.
I had worn this outfit previously to Mythicon this year, but I added a Sgt. Pepper vest and a cropped vixen corset to it, and the fanny pack.
I needed that to hold my money!Overall, I made way more than anticipated at this event. Not only did I walk away with almost 8 times what my goal was, after I cover all of the costs, I will be able to pay off one small credit card balance and drop a chunk on two others.
Unfortunately, I won’t be doing that anytime soon, because this morning at 4 am my bank messaged to tell me my card details had been stolen and fraud was detected on my account! Luckily they flagged the transactions and they’re mailing me a new debit card. I am 100% certain the gas station on the way home is where the theft took place - I used cash only during the event! Anyway, I now have no debit card until the new one arrives.
I also can’t find the new debit card to my business bank account - it disappeared the same day it arrived in the mail! I’m pretty sure I set it someplace safe in the house.
sighAnyway, yeah, I made a bunch at this event, and I learned a lot too. I am excited to start creating again for my show next month. I have like 6 weeks, I think? I sold out completely of my acorn pendants (absolutely I am going to restock all of these) and both my fabulosities sold. I sold about half of my floral crowns and the large majority of my headbands. The corsages were a steady upsell, as intended, and I sold 4 of the 6 flower wands I made last minute. Those I am definitely restocking in a larger quantity for the next Ren Faire, as they will absolutely fit the theme better at that one.
Oh! I also sold both of my Maryland Pride headbands, and the Old Bay slap bracelet! I will be purchasing materials to buy enough for 6 more of those - I think I will probably be able to sell at least one at each event I vend at. There’s always some spirited soul that wants to rep the Maryland flag and Old Bay.
Another positive is that the vendor coordinator did tell me again that she wants to work with me at her Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire flower booth in the late summer. I’m excited at the opportunity, and to hear what she has in mind. I would love to do an “artist in residence” sort of thing, or even just a collaboration where I supply bespoke headpieces to her. I don’t think it’s the latter though, as she asked me specifically about my schedule was for weekends in August in September! (Right now I am vending at Oakenmist Ren Faire one weekend in August, and then I will be vending at a masquerade ball one night in September. So I am mostly available!)
The other real, real positive for me was seeing the direct impact my floral pieces had on customers. Honestly - just people in general. So many smiles! One woman was in tears after she put on a headband! My mentor on Instagram told me that making people feel beautiful does have an impact. Like, I know that, but I was still struggling with it not being as important as work I did with my Blessing Box.
This past weekend totally blew all of my fears and doubts out of the water. I actually had repeat customers - people who bought on one day, and then came and saw me the next day to buy another accessory to wear with their new outfit! Everyone had smiles when I saw them sporting my stuff at large at the dance and at Faire, and they would stop to gush and tell me how much they loved their purchases! I felt like I had done so much good in this little community, and I am enthusiastic about continuing!
In other news, my friend did the photo shoot with her dog and she sent me two preview photos which are absolutely amazeballs! Again, knowing that I helped make this memory so meaningful to her is a wonderful feeling!
Bluebird
Well-known member
I’m home and I’m starting to become anxious again. I have SO MUCH to do to get ready for the next event, and that’s on top of all of the regular day to day stuff. My to do list is a mile long. I need to pay bills and budget and order things.
MisterMoonbeam took a half day in the afternoon yesterday. He took me to lunch at Mission BBQ and to Hobby Lobby. Their flower sale was still 40% off and their long flower stems I’m selling as wands were almost sold out. I bought them all up - since they’re a spring season product I won’t see them again for a while! They cost me $6, and then I am adding a clip with 3 butterflies which cost me 60 cents. Two cuts of ribbon - I dunno, 25 cents? Total I pay less than $7 and they take me 2 minutes each to spruce up pretty. I timed myself for this past event. I sell them for $20. Easy peasy! I thought they’d be a hit with kids but I only sold one to a child, the rest went to adults dressed as faeries and butterflies.
Anyway, I then went to the bank and my small business rep helped me set up my online banking so I can easily switch between business and personal accounts, and he ordered me a new debit card for my business. The minimum for business savings accounts is $300, so I’m going to go back in a couple of months when I have that to set aside - I want an account JUST for sales taxes owed. Right now I figured out I have $48 owed on my cash sales for Maryland, but I will have to do math to figure out my credit card sales. I think Square already did that but I will have to see. I’ve declared Thursday to be my math day.
Today I am going hiking with TheEngineer at Rocks State Park. Gotta get those parks in this year!
MisterMoonbeam took a half day in the afternoon yesterday. He took me to lunch at Mission BBQ and to Hobby Lobby. Their flower sale was still 40% off and their long flower stems I’m selling as wands were almost sold out. I bought them all up - since they’re a spring season product I won’t see them again for a while! They cost me $6, and then I am adding a clip with 3 butterflies which cost me 60 cents. Two cuts of ribbon - I dunno, 25 cents? Total I pay less than $7 and they take me 2 minutes each to spruce up pretty. I timed myself for this past event. I sell them for $20. Easy peasy! I thought they’d be a hit with kids but I only sold one to a child, the rest went to adults dressed as faeries and butterflies.
Anyway, I then went to the bank and my small business rep helped me set up my online banking so I can easily switch between business and personal accounts, and he ordered me a new debit card for my business. The minimum for business savings accounts is $300, so I’m going to go back in a couple of months when I have that to set aside - I want an account JUST for sales taxes owed. Right now I figured out I have $48 owed on my cash sales for Maryland, but I will have to do math to figure out my credit card sales. I think Square already did that but I will have to see. I’ve declared Thursday to be my math day.
Today I am going hiking with TheEngineer at Rocks State Park. Gotta get those parks in this year!
Bluebird
Well-known member
Ugh. Today is bleh. We had a massive thunderstorm here Saturday night and we’ve now been without power since then. There are like 13 poles down in our development and easily 50 or so trees. Three of our neighbors have trees on their roof. Thankfully, the trees that came down on our property missed the house.
MisterMoonbeam spent most of yesterday with a chainsaw, and DarkKnight carted the clippings to me, and I ran the fire pit. There’s still lots to burn. TheEngineer came over and helped the guys get the generator going for the first time - I’m so thankful I bought one last month!
I’m hoping the power comes back on soon. I need a shower desperately. I also have not been able to really work on my business. Once I got home from my show, I did inventory and realized I needed better storage, so MisterMoonbeam built me a new stand - it’s a rolling & spinning platform that holds 16 buckets of flowers! This is in addition to my wall storage. I can pull this over to my craft table as needed.
I completed two commissions for tentacle headpieces and one got mailed out today. The other is paid for but they’re going to pick up at some point.
And here’s a photo of TheEngineer and I when we went hiking last week. I’m hoping to go again tomorrow, but it will depend on whether we have power or not.
MisterMoonbeam spent most of yesterday with a chainsaw, and DarkKnight carted the clippings to me, and I ran the fire pit. There’s still lots to burn. TheEngineer came over and helped the guys get the generator going for the first time - I’m so thankful I bought one last month!
I’m hoping the power comes back on soon. I need a shower desperately. I also have not been able to really work on my business. Once I got home from my show, I did inventory and realized I needed better storage, so MisterMoonbeam built me a new stand - it’s a rolling & spinning platform that holds 16 buckets of flowers! This is in addition to my wall storage. I can pull this over to my craft table as needed.
I completed two commissions for tentacle headpieces and one got mailed out today. The other is paid for but they’re going to pick up at some point.
And here’s a photo of TheEngineer and I when we went hiking last week. I’m hoping to go again tomorrow, but it will depend on whether we have power or not.
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Bluebird
Well-known member
Yay we have power! We went to a hotel last night so we could all shower, and when I got home this morning there was electricity. My house smells horrid though and every room is a mess. I feel very unmotivated but stuff needs to be handled.
MisterMoonbeam drove into work again today and I dropped DarkKnight off and kept the van. TheEngineer is coming over and I’m not sure what the plan is at the moment.
MisterMoonbeam drove into work again today and I dropped DarkKnight off and kept the van. TheEngineer is coming over and I’m not sure what the plan is at the moment.