SUCCESS!

How do you define success?  Webster defines it as: a : degree or measure of succeeding
b : favorable or desired outcome.  I define it as having a dream, vision, goal....and then working hard to make that a reality.  And I feel like this past weekend was a SUCCESS!  

I attended my first show as a VENDOR!  Yes, it was a LOT of work!  We were a little late in the game, and only had 5 weeks to prepare.  There were days when I wondered if I had truly lost my mind.  My husband and children were afraid to stand still lest they be covered in burlap and passed off as "vintage!"  The last four days before the show were filled with meals that consisted of Taco Bell, McDonalds, Jack in the Box, and pizza...in no particular order!  But in the end, we all survived!  And yes, there are things I will do differently next time.  But I had so much fun!  It was really special for me to be able to do this with my mom.  This has been something we have both talked about for years, but were always too afraid, too hesitant, to try.  We put ourselves out there, sent in an application, and we're still here today to talk about the experience!  Imagine that!  We are already planning for the next show in April...I can't turn off my brain!  I'm looking forward to re-connecting with the new "friends" we made, setting up our booth next to "old" friends, and being able to connect with like minds!  Thank you to The Three Speckled Hens for giving us our "breakthrough!"  

I'm also very happy to be able to return to the everyday rituals that I couldn't keep up with, like cleaning the house, cooking REAL meals, and decorating for the holidays!  This is my absolute FAVORITE time of year!  I love wearing sweaters and boots, the colors of fall, listening to the falling rain while snuggling on the couch in front of a crackling fire!  I can't wait to make all of the comfort foods that go along with fall and winter...soups, osso bucco, mashed potatoes, turkey, holiday desserts...BRING IT ON!  I'm also looking forward to game nights with our kiddos, watching my son play football and my daughter's graceful beauty on pointe.  These are the times we must cherish...they go by so quickly!

I'm going to try and post more regularly on this blog, give it a new look, start adding some tutorials...hopefully connect with more of you!  

I will leave you with some pics of our booth...I'm off to create!  

HUGS!  
Tracy

I'm still here!

YES!  I'm still here!  Really!  I've spent the last month getting ready for Three Speckled Hens (http://www.threespeckledhens.com/) and now...it is only 3 days away!  I'm so nauseous excited and can't wait to set up our booth!  I've been working on a LOT of goodies and will post pics as soon as everything is organized and decorated.  Our home has been looking like an episode of Hoarders buzzing with the sounds of sewing machine, power drill, table saw...all in anticipation of this show!  Here is a little preview of what will be in the booth:

(Messy garage and hands are NOT included in the sale price...)

Stay tuned for more pics of the show!  Wish me luck! 

THREE SPECKLED HENS!

It's official...I got a booth!  I'm so incredibly excited and nervous at the same time!  It's still a little surreal for me, considering that I started this year with the DREAM of getting a booth at http://www.threespeckledhens.com/  in one year.  That was my goal.  And...8 months later...it has become a reality!  Now I'm just praying I don't fall flat on my face  look like a total novice that I can finish all of the projects and furniture I have for the show!  My partner in crime  mother will be joining me and I'm so happy that she will be a part of this!  So I might not be on here very often in the next month or so...not that anyone is keeping track!  Need to buckle down and work on finishing all of these goodies!

And many more!

HUGS!

Working on a few goodies!

Today I'm putting the sewing aside and finishing some items I've been working on for a little while.  I found some great windows, with chippy paint in awesome colors, that just BEGGED to be made into chalkboards!   I forgot to take "before" pictures, but remembered before I finished completely!

I absolutely LOVE the color on this window...the minute I saw it I knew I had to use the botanical print!  Some things are hard to sell...this is going to be one of them!  BUT...I'm really hoping to get a booth and this will go there if I'm lucky!

Also working on this adorable little child's chair...going to use Annie Sloan's "Old White" and "Louis Blue"...and then do something really fun for the seat!

I'm thinking this would be a really cute "Time Out" chair...what do you think?

Go out and seize the day!  CARPE DIEM!

HUGS!
Trace

Flutter!

I submitted my first application for a show and I'm nervous, apprehensive, and dying of suspense!  SOOO...what does this girl do in such a situation?  Creates a new line and SEWS!  This is the first of my "Flutter" line...pillows, lampshades and more....

The doll baby sketched a booth diagram, in the event that said application is accepted...I don't want to get her hopes up, but I so appreciate her faith in mommy and desire to contribute!  Regardless of getting accepted or turned away, I feel a huge sense of accomplishment.  I pushed aside my fear of rejection and put myself out there.  For me...that is success!

HUGS!

Winner!

The winner of the "LOVE" pillow is Haydee, from Trash to Treasure!  Haydee, please send me an email or private message through FB, with your address.  I will send that to you asap!  :)

GIVEAWAY!

Okay, I know I'm a little silly....!  I'm so excited that my Facebook site has over 100 "likes" that I'm having a giveaway!  I will be giving away my new "Flower Power" pillow to a special someone!  To enter, please become a follower of my blog, then leave a comment letting me know you did and what inspires you in life.  For a second chance to win, head on over to Facebook, check out my page and photos, refer a friend, and then leave a comment letting me know you did so!  You are all encouraging me every day, with your friendship, support, kind words, and happy thoughts...whether or not you know that!  Hope your day is sunshiney and blessed!

                                                       FLOWER POWER OF LOVE!

I've definitely been feeling the love...THANK YOU!

HUGS!
Tracy