Creatively Made Home E-Course

For those of us living in the Northwest, it's the time of year where we say good bye to many of our outdoor activities, and prepare to settle in for the long, rainy season ahead. To stay-at-home moms like me, it means many hours spent indoors. It means focusing on the interior of our humble homes, and making them as cozy, clean, and functional as possible. That said, what I am about to share with you couldn't have come at a better time!

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I received an email the other day from an amazingly talented friend, Kimberly Taylor, of Kimberly Taylor Images. She was sharing news with me, that she and four other creative ladies will be hosting an e-course designed to help you create the beautiful home you desire. 

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"This course isn’t just about “keeping up with the Jones’” which is a large part of the American culture these days.  It’s not about switching out your decor regularly.  It’s not about creating a home that is esthetically pretty but emotionally empty.  It’s about creating a home that is beautiful BECAUSE the people that live in it and the happiness it has within it’s walls."-Kimberly Taylor

Some things you can expect out of the course:

* Each week you will have amazing truthful videos from not only the five teachers but other creative women.

* Each week we will take a room from one of YOU and all five women will give their suggestions telling you how they would transform the room with their style.

* There will be 50+ project videos.

These will be incredible videos that include everything from gardening, cooking, gift giving and decorating.

* There will be written tips from each woman telling you how she starts a room, picks paint, fabrics, etc.  You will learn where to start when putting your own home together.

* Tons of beautiful house photos from each of the five women.

* Videos that truly reflect what life is like in each of their homes.  The stuff that life is really about.  Believe me it has nothing to do with the perfect table setting.

* Each woman will share their own truthful journey about how they started making their home a reflection of their hearts.

* Each person registered will get an easy entertaining e-book to download.

It will contain go to recipes for beautiful and easy entertaining (they do go together), photos of table settings that take the stress out of having people over, favorite drinks and so much more (and their funniest entertaining story).

* There will be a private Facebook group to connect with other class members.

* There will be a once a week live discussion with one of the teachers!

* You will get printables and pdfs to keep and use again and again.

This course is about loving your home, loving your family and blessing those around you….and having fun doing it.

To register, please visit Kimberly's website.

http://kimberlytaylorimages.com/creatively-made-home/

Small Business Experience~Pulling the Trigger

After creating my first Cowgirl Canteens (hip flasks for women), I was more than excited to tote them off to my first show. I can recall the joy I had in creating something unique that shoppers responded so well to. Lucky for me, the bride who bought the whole batch for bridesmaid gifts left them on display in my booth until she was done shopping for the day. This gave me the opportunity to see how others would react to my product. In doing so, I gathered first-hand information on what kind of people would be interested in Cowgirl Canteens, and the occasions they were interested in purchasing for. When I went home at the end of the day, my head was spinning! I could hardly wait to create more flasks.

I started out small, making a few and listing them on etsy. I also opened up my own online shop through Bigcartel. Between these two ecommerce sites, I was able to list and sell my product for only pennies at a time. All the while, my husband, family and friends were urging me to approach retail shops and start selling wholesale (a thought that scared the living day lights out of me). I remember the moment I finally broke down and went for it. Upon asking my husband a “business” type question, he replied with,

“Have you ever realized that you are doing everything in your power to put off succeeding? What are you afraid of? Stop talking about it, pick up the phone and call a store.”

Sounds a little harsh right? But, it’s what I needed. He was right, and I went inside, picked up the phone and made a few calls. I planned a road trip to Bend, Oregon knowing there were a few shops that would be a good fit for my product. During these initial phone conversations, I asked to speak to the person who did the purchasing for the company. Once on the line, I introduced myself and my product, letting them know that I had an item I thought they might be interested in. I would then ask to set up a time to stop by the shop with samples. Three out of five business I visited that weekend placed orders, and some continue to.

While that first step felt more like a shove out of a plane, it has paid off in many ways. Contacting new shops no longer causes me to have an upset stomach. For me, it’s never been easy putting myself or my product out there…especially in a situation where it has to be judged, but it has gotten less nerve racking. So, if you make something special that others are telling you you’d be crazy not to sell…Sell It! Go for it! Stop making excuses and pick up the phone. 

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Appreciation Sale~All flasks just $20 for a limited time!

The Farrier's Daughter's facebook page reached 200 "likes"!

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To show our appreciation, we will be offering a SALE, making the flask of your choice 

only $20!!!

Please visit the Shop to chose yours today.

www.thefarriersdaughter.com

Black & White Damask with Yellow Wedding Theme

Your Invited...

(to join me as I drool over these ideas for a black and white damask wedding with pops of yellow)

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I'm loving this cake because the formality of the damask takes a back seat to some black and white polka dots and a huge flower that add a hint of playfulness. 

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This idea board has so many wonderful things, I'm not sure where to begin...

Top Left: 

These invitations are to die for! The modern flower design, is simple, yet powerful...and not too dark for a wedding invite (making this wedding classy, but not landing it in the evening-wedding-only category.)

Top Right: 

Chandeliers...need I say more?

Bottom Middle:

I love how this cake looks like the decorator took a piece of lace from an old wedding dress to recreate an edible design. It's also perfectly paired with a black milk glass stand, which is really just as good as the icing on the cake :-)

Bottom Right:

This adorable black and white damask clutch has great shape, and could likely be used for a night on the town even after she says "I do". With a satin yellow bow and rhinestone/crystal brooch to add to the fancy factor, this little bag is ready to be stuffed with tissues and lipstick.

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This next photo is for the boys.

Want your wedding photos to stand out from the crowd?

Try mixing it up with a patterned necktie!

With mustaches being all the craze, think about easing wedding day jitters by adding a little humor to your day via mustache on stick!

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And for the ladies...

Your shoes typically aren't seen too much on your big day, so why not have fun with them?

Go for a bit of a surprise when your new groom goes to slip off your garter.

 

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While we are on the subject of accessories...

Might I suggest, The Little Black Book as a perfect complement to your theme?

Another fun way to add interest to your wedding day photos, while saying thank you to your bridal party! You can find these, and many more for your big day in the shop at 

The Farrier's Daughter 

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I saw this tablescape and instantly fell in love.

I love how they have made a dramatic statement while keeping in fresh and airy. 

Thanks for taking that little journey with me. 

Even though I've already had my wedding day, 

I still find so much joy in others'.

Must Have Summer Accessories for 2012~Unique Jewelry (Horsefeathers Gifts) & Funky Flasks for Women (The Farrier's Daughter)

Looking for that perfect accessory to compliment your summer look? 

We all know how much we here at TFD love our cowboy boots with sundresses. But today we take it a step further, and pair that look with some one-of-kind, handmade jewelry from our friends at Horsefeathers Gifts, and Cowgirl Canteens!

After a recent purchase of a silver stamped horseshoe necklace, I can honestly say that Horsefeathers Gifts offers high quality jewelry that can withstand the hustle and bustle of my busy life. Not only that, you can rest assured that you are buying directly from some hard working, down to earth gals! 

Cowgirl Canteens can be found on our website in a fun array of designs.

Perfect for concerts, camping, rodeos, weddings, etc.

*Photos Courtesy of Horsefeathers Gifts

Your number one source for hip flasks for women! Bridal, Bachelorette, Rodeo and Concerts...the list goes on!

It feels so good to finally make this announcement:

The Farrier's Daughter now has an official website!

Please check us out at 

www.thefarriersdaughter.com.

From this wonderful location, you'll now be able to shop our new low prices on many Cowgirl Canteens, and find links to follow us on facebook, twitter, and pinterest.

Please feel free to bookmark us, or even better...link up! 

Cheers!

Guest Post on Thrifty Living

Today's guest post on Thrifty Living comes from a very special source.

Meet Darcie.

I talk about her often on this blog, and if we've met at a local show, you have almost definitely met her as well. She is fun, hard working, and has a heart the size of Texas. 

She is my baby sister.

After finishing her Undergrad degree at OSU, she has been working as a CNA at the hospital, while taking classes to prepare for nursing school. The big news came this past week with a late morning phone call from Darcie, "Lin, I got in!"

She did it. She got into the nursing program she was hoping for.

Chills covered my body, as I fought back the tears of pride and joy in my little sister.

Just yesterday, she read one of her scholarship essays to me.

By the end of the short and sweet 500 word ditty, I found that the corners of my mouth were turned up in delight. She had produced an entertaining read on a topic that has become a way of life for this stay-at-home mom...making me proud yet again.

Without further ado,

Darcie Rabun on Thrifty Living

During my time at Oregon State University where I earned my undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Science I also learned the science, importance and sheer thrill of penny pinching.  It was during these college days that I held down a position at a local feed store, assisting the community of self-appointed bird and wildlife animal conservationists with all of their bird seed and squirrel feed questions and concerns.  The money I earned working 20-30 hours every week helped pay groceries and rent for my modest apartment I shared with 2 other girls.  I had a vehicle to drive, however the old Toyota with 300,000 miles was saved for lengthy trips, so the majority of the time I opted to hit the pavement, saving money on gasoline.  It wasn’t uncommon to walk 20 minutes to campus then another 20 to work, equaling a grand total of 40 minutes hoofing it home, usually in squishy water logged shoes thanks to a typical Oregon rain storm.  Over the summer months I was a bona fide poop scooper for local horse stables, which earned me cash that I put towards paying for school tuition and used during the school year.  By the time I graduated from college I was catering to over ten barns by feeding horses and cleaning stalls.  

Today, I am still nurturing my thriftiness but I am doing it bigger and better.  As I am about to start nursing school in the fall I have adopted many great methods of saving money.   The most impressive gesture I have made yet in the name of saving money is living in a barn.  My husband and I have seized the opportunity to live rent free in an old barn on my parent’s property.  We have successfully converted the old space into a cozy, semi drafty dwelling, with only the occasional uninvited bat, spider and mouse. (Although that takes the guess work out of what’s for dinner that night, another money saving tip.) We utilized yard sale finds and Goodwill treasures to furnish our abode for dirt cheap.  I physically cannot pay full price for something, my stomach begins to churn and I get clammy all over.  I treat this self-diagnosed physiological disorder by shopping at brilliant places like Ross Dress for Less, TJ Max and second-hand stores.  I have no mercy in the game of saving money, not even on my beloved tresses, so I have implemented the practice of minimal hair washing, usually every 3-6 days, and in turn my long locks are healthier for it and I save a great deal on shampoo and conditioner, although my husband can and does enforce the sniff test and informs me if my hair is due for a washing.  Along with these efforts I have bought a new cell phone for one cent, which does not have internet capability, I put water in my mascara to make it last longer and I line dry my clothes.