tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68992796424204997342024-03-08T07:56:31.217-06:00QueenNmyOwnMindBlogger and Seller of Art, Antiques and Mosaic Tiles on EtsyCremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-12633389762778865292011-04-09T08:44:00.000-05:002011-04-09T08:44:22.728-05:00Ramblin RoseI missed blogging yesterday due to technical difficulties (storm knocked out electricity) so today as is my Saturday norm I've compiled a beautiful treasury.<br />
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<h2 style="font-size: 16px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4da060c4fd3d6d914fe6d924"> 'Ramblin Rose' </a> by <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia"> crememagnolia </a> </h2><h2 style="font-size: 16px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><br> </h2><table style="border-spacing: 8px; width: auto; border-collapse: separate; line-height: 19px;"><tbody><tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71794154" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.234462844.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71794154" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Romantic Getaway Weekender -... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/StarBags" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> StarBags </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$383.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71794476" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.234476481.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71794476" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Wonderful shabby chic hand a... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/metroart" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> metroart </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$250.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66912933" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.222392973.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66912933" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Handmade broken china Mosaic... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/myeuropeantouch" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> myeuropeantouc... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$75.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49774856" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.152555913.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49774856" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Pink, White and Yellow Roses... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/camstudiostore" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> camstudiostore </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$28.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68416464" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.220380711.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68416464" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Pink Bunny Wreath - Perfect ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBakersDaughter" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> TheBakersDaugh... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$34.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62485159" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.195106422.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62485159" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Dried Rose Pomander Ornamen... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/roseflower48" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> roseflower48 </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$10.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70077591" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.227309326.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70077591" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> h o n e y s u c k l e - pink... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kianda" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> Kianda </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$142.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71478228" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.233191532.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71478228" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> NEW LISTING Heart Felt Roses... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Rumpelfeltskin" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> Rumpelfeltskin </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$14.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46212027" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.142064788.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46212027" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> In the Rose Garden - Tsumami... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PetalMix" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> PetalMix </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$28.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70666316" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.229766125.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70666316" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Marie Antoinette Romantic So... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RiverOfRomansk" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> RiverOfRomansk </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$49.95 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44238881" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.135492536.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44238881" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Cottage English Roses - 5 x ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dolcechic" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> dolcechic </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$15.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59933037" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.186542747.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59933037" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Lilac Rose Vegan Handmade So... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DeShawnMarie" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> DeShawnMarie </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$4.95 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57912861" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.179780079.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57912861" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Orchid Rose Garden Tapers - ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ForestCandleStudio" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> ForestCandleSt... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$50.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69325799" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.224168597.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69325799" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Shabby Rose Easter Egg Quilt... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/darlkay52" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> darlkay52 </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$18.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68194692" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.217561824.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68194692" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Shabby Chic Pink Flower & Ri... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MidnightOilWreaths" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> MidnightOilWre... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$56.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70962553" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.230995392.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70962553" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> PDF 505: Layers of Ruffles C... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunsetCrochet" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> SunsetCrochet </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$5.95 </div></td> </tr> </tbody></table><p style="color: rgb(178, 178, 178); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.whalesharkwebsites.com/tools/treasury.php">Treasury tool</a> by <a href="http://redrowstudio.com">Red Row Studio</a>. </p><br />
Don't forget to stop by my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy </a>store to see all lovely items discounted 20% for the month of May!CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-12921795296830429502011-04-07T07:52:00.000-05:002011-04-07T07:52:25.014-05:00Tax time or Procrastinate Time?Is it Tax Time or Procrastinate Time? I'm one of the latter! For whatever reason I absolutely hate putting our tax records together in some semblance of order so our accountant can make sense of it. I look for reasons, any kind of reason to put off until the last very minute dragging out the scraps of paper that comprise our tax return.<br />
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Every year I vow to keep better records, and every year I spend hours digging through envelopes, files and computer just to submit a coherent, accurate return. I know I miss deductions but I figure if I'm ever audited I can add them later. It's sort of a tax savings account...just in case.<br />
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This is one annual task that is totally within my purview and my husband just doesn't get my procrastination. He doesn't understand why January 1st I'm not diligently working on our taxes. It's hard to explain so I don't even try...I just keep making excuses. <br />
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Yes I've already filled out my planner, compiled my papers and sent everything to my accountant but I really doubt the return can be completed in time. Geesh, you would think that since we have a few extra days this year I would/could make the deadline. But there is the fact that my account DOES have other clients.<br />
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So it is with this blog this morning that I urge my fellow procrastinators to get off your duff, drag out those deduction scraps and put them to work! I did it.CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-62998389406854362622011-04-06T06:40:00.000-05:002011-04-06T06:40:13.173-05:00What I can live with and without during a StormThis week our area suffered torrential rain storms and tornado's which caused us to be without electricity for many hours. During this time it gave me pause to think about all the things I could live with and without (more the latter than the former).<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=scream.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/scream.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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I am a coffe'aholic and readily admit to being a coffee snob. Since I'm the only one in the house that drinks coffee I think it's one indulgence we can afford. Without electricity coffee isn't possible.<br />
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I am addicted to my heating pad. It gets my sore bone going in the morning; soothes my muscles in the evening and anytime I'm cold I crank up the heating pad. No electricity, no heating pad!<br />
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The microwave is one if not my most favorite kitchen appliances since it is the the largest needed appliance to heat up my coffee. I rarely use it for anything else! Alas, no electricity no coffee no need for a microwave.<br />
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While my computer (laptop) has power when it's out in the rest of the house, if I have no Internet access I nearly develop a case of the vapors! Think about it, no news, no checking my Etsy Store, no gazing at my PayPal account and no blogging! I can live without the television but the computer with Internet access is almost more than I can stand...and I didn't have access for almost two days!<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=twitter.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/twitter.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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I can live without television and don't even have a problem with lights (we do have a stockpile of candles) but given that I love to do laundry, that's out too! <br />
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Electricity literally controls the things I can't live without - or better said,the things I love. What did people do before Internet, heating pads, coffee pots and microwaves? I remember when we didn't have these things but that didn't make the hours tick away any faster. <br />
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All I can say is that when all my "loves" came back to me I was a very happy woman.<br />
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Don't forget to check out my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy</a> store as everything is discounted 20% for the month of April.CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-7231168725497985672011-04-03T06:49:00.000-05:002011-04-03T06:49:21.466-05:00Dogs and Cats are like ChildrenMy husband just got home from a vacation in Oregon. Notice I said "HE" just went on vacation and not "WE" went on vacation? Due to the fact that we have two cats and a dog, all with distinct personalities and quirks, someone has to stay home with the "kids."<br />
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We actually tried to find someone to house/pet sit two months before the Oregon trip but all the applicants bowed out when they met our pets!<br />
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We have one cat that lives to go outside - 300 times a day. She is mentally ill in that she wants in and out between snacks - which occurs from the time everyone wakes up on the morning until we go to bed.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=misskitty.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/misskitty.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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Our second cat has no front claws and cannot go outside. However, he is black, stealthy and likely to fool an inexperienced "sitter." Since we open the door 300 times a day for the mentally ill cat there is a very high likelihood that he make make his way out the door. He also tends to spend his nights howling if anything changes in his world. Typically it's when I'm not around. <br />
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The little dog is quite another story. We call her the Velcro dog! She weighs 9 pounds and if there is a lap to be had she's in it! She also watches television - I mean really watches it. That means that if she sees a dog or cat (and you would not believe how many they are in commercials and network television in general) she launches into a barking frenzy! We've tried everything to break this annoying habit but she just loves to watch television.<br />
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So as quirky as our animals are, no one is up to the task of taking care of them while WE are on vacation!<br />
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It's really too bad because I'm going to Mexico in June and my husband has to stay home with the KIDS! <br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=dogwithglasses.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/dogwithglasses.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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Don't forget to stop by my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> to check out my 20% discount for the month of April!CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-5816351101414043162011-04-02T06:31:00.000-05:002011-04-02T06:31:02.232-05:00Got my Pink On TreasuryI love pink and put together this collection to share for my Saturday morning Treasury.<br />
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<h2 style="font-size: 16px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d9707972d1b8eef991c0ba6"> 'Got my Pink On' </a> by <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia"> crememagnolia </a> </h2><h2 style="font-size: 16px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><br> </h2><table style="border-spacing: 8px; width: auto; border-collapse: separate; line-height: 19px;"><tbody><tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70666316" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.229766125.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70666316" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Marie Antoinette Romantic So... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RiverOfRomansk" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> RiverOfRomansk </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$48.90 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68514272" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.230601739.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68514272" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Hope Faith Love Pillow by Th... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyHome" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> TheShabbyHome </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$22.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58549977" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.181915065.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58549977" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Blushing Rose Origami Paper ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyBohemianSummer" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> MyBohemianSumm... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$12.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66469671" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.210459179.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66469671" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Gipsy Original Oil painting </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/morethanart" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> morethanart </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$400.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71310961" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.232438070.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71310961" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Scaled Mermaid Mask </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwistedWhimsey" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> TwistedWhimsey </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$69.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62527447" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.195250616.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62527447" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Pink crocheted washcloth / d... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sillylittlesheep" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> sillylittleshe... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$4.50 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63062980" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.230197012.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63062980" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Nude Peach Rose Necklace In ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/roomofyourown" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> roomofyourown </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$26.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70960259" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.230998407.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70960259" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Jennifer Paganelli's Cot... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/renklitasarimlar" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> renklitasariml... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$65.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71090807" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.231539369.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71090807" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Pandora Pen Pinky Red Marble... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fantasydesign" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> fantasydesign </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$10.75 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69894837" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.226548529.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69894837" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Kettle Dyed Extra Fine Merin... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Eliade" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> Eliade </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$24.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71309090" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.232444521.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71309090" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Princess Paisley Kindle 3 Co... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElizabethDavidDesign" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> ElizabethDavid... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$50.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44028112" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.134771765.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44028112" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Peony Pink </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hilaryupton" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> hilaryupton </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$25.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/35798844" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.197499851.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/35798844" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> LAST PAIR Cherry Splendor - ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThriftyBunny" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> ThriftyBunny </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$6.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69832227" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.226283876.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69832227" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Oh Deer lil Hoot Ready to sh... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ManicMuffinTotes" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> ManicMuffinTot... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$40.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70891186" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.230699786.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70891186" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Ariel on Earth Ruffle Wrap S... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fantasyclothes" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> fantasyclothes </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$44.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70583694" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.229416718.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70583694" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> 8 Large Twirlable Pinwheels ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pickledparlor" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> pickledparlor </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$25.00 </div></td> </tr> </tbody></table><p style="color: rgb(178, 178, 178); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.whalesharkwebsites.com/tools/treasury.php">Treasury tool</a> by <a href="http://redrowstudio.com">Red Row Studio</a>. </p>CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-49423579567462559912011-04-01T05:00:00.006-05:002011-04-01T13:19:39.955-05:00April Fools Day!Well here it is April, and April Fools day at that. It also happens to be my 20 something wedding anniversary! So I was thinking, what could I do in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> that would be a great celebration for the month of April? I was in the shower and it came to me! I am offering a lay-away plan for all my antiques and photography! Don't know why I never thought of it before.<br />
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I have loads of traffic in my store (well March was a great month)and I feel that during these times, while shoppers may want to buy, money might be tight. So I'm offering a plan that will allow buyers to pay for their purchases in three easy payments through PayPal! My antique plates and photography are great gifts and we have Graduations and Mother's Day coming up. All the buyer needs to do is Convo me that they want to Lay-away and it's a done deal!<br />
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Here are some examples of what is offered in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=Chintzsugarbowl.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/Chintzsugarbowl.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=1909plate.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/1909plate.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=crememagnolia.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/crememagnolia.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=071.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/071.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=gibsonplate.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/gibsonplate.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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Check out my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> and be sure to look at my antique plates and photography. Everything is authentic antique and the photography is 16x20 limited additions. <br />
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If you simply want to send me an email...that's great too! kmager@crememagnolia.netCremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-90359288553790826822011-03-31T06:00:00.000-05:002011-03-31T06:00:35.069-05:00Blog Format and LayoutWe design our blogs with cool templates, fun widgets and ways for our readers to contact us. But do we layout our blog pages for optimum results? Do we make it easier for your reader to see what we WANT them to see?<br />
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Using Newspapers as the best example and analogy for blog layout, I'm going to discuss where to put your most important information; the do's and the don't's.<br />
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Everything that a reader can see when they open their browser is what we call "above the fold." This means your reader can see the most important information without having to scroll down. Everything below the fold is what the reader sees when they are scrolling down. The most important information is where you create an action. That action could be your store information or feed (you want them to click on it); or your "follow" button; or your button grab. Whatever is the most important aspect of your blog - that which you are promoting "action" should be placed above the fold.<br />
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Many times I visit blogs where I have to look for the "follow" button. I've also visited blogs that have their store information below the fold and in so doing the reader is not likely to see it much less take action. Blogs are selling tools and we as the "designer" must place our action tools where our customers can readily see and act.<br />
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My advice is to take a long look at your blog. Is your important "action" information above the fold and does it attract attention? In any kind of selling it's important to "tell" the buyer what you want them to do. In the case of the blog platform it is placement of "action" buttons or information to catch their attention first! If your focus is on advertising and "clicks" then is stands to reason you would want them to appear near the top - above the fold. If not, they should be located lower "below the fold" to make room for more important information (like your store information or feed).<br />
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I'm constantly arranging and rearranging my sidebar to reflect what I want my customer/reader to see. As a seller on Etsy I want them to see my store feed. I also don't want my reader to "hunt" for the "follow" button. I want both of those things to be prominent and readily available. Remember, most readers skim through a blog so you want every advantage...just like a newspaper - above the fold!<br />
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Don't forget to visit my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> to take advantage of the last day of my March Madness 25% store wide discount!CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-45646438354086056152011-03-30T07:53:00.000-05:002011-03-30T07:53:56.902-05:00April Customer AppreciationAs March comes to an end, most of us are thinking about what we can do to increase business in April; and what, if anything we can do to show appreciation to our customers.<br />
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I deeply discounted my store for the month of March because I wanted to attract new business and establish repeat customers. Obviously as a business person I can't do that every month. I've wracked my brain trying to decide what I want to do for the month of April. I think it's important for customers to feel like they are getting something along with a good price. Everyone likes a good sale, right? It's important to state that my inventory is not expensive, the highest priced item is less than $20 unlike some who have a much higher price point.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=salescustomerswhatnext-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/salescustomerswhatnext-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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So this morning I thought I would put it to my readers...what, if anything do you intend to offer for the month of April, and your justification for doing so. I've only been a seller on Etsy for seven months and I'm still wading around discounts and coupons. I would love to hear from you dear reader. If you are not going to offer a sale/coupon for April I'd like to know about that also.<br />
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I had planned to pen another subject this morning but this quandary has been rattling around my brain for some days now. Have a wonderful selling day and blog on dear reader!<br />
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Don't forget to check out my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy</a> store to take advantage of the final days (2) of my 25% complete store discount!CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-13805094144308831362011-03-29T06:37:00.000-05:002011-03-29T06:37:08.007-05:00Designer Glass GemsMany mosaic artists use different tesserae (tiles) for their projects and for several years I have been making designer glass gems for their use. I've made sets large and small and the difference is that I use designer fabrics as backing on clear gems.<br />
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Lately due to popular demand I've been making small sets to be used as magnets. The trick is the type of glue you use and the ability to wield an Xacto knife skillfully without cutting yourself and making the back as pretty as the front. I use heavy duty magnets so there is no way these little beauties are going to slide off the refrigerator! <br />
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I thought I would share some of my latest creations. <br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=Pinkpolkadot.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/Pinkpolkadot.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=Multicolored.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/Multicolored.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=BluePaisley.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/BluePaisley.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=BlueandRedRound.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/BlueandRedRound.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=BlackPolkaDot.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/BlackPolkaDot.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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My magnets are available in my<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia"> CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> and still 25% off for my March Madness Sale...and time is running out! Thank you for looking!CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-71946158077216460412011-03-28T06:35:00.000-05:002011-03-28T06:35:46.187-05:00SEO Marketing and Back LinksMy friend Paul Wright is an expert at creating backlinks and syndication marketing. Over the last two weeks he has been working diligently to create dozens of Press Releases to increase the exposure of my CremeMagnolia Etsy Store thus increasing my Google Search Rankings. I have to say that in the short time he has been working on my SEO, my shop ranking has increased to 8150 results in Google (as of today). The wonderful thing - not only does my shop appear but so do my treasuries and blog. The following is an excerpt of Paul's work. You can find Paul to discuss SEO for your store or blog at http://www.etsy.com/shop/OnlineBrandAwareness and I highly recommend his work! He wrote several Press Releases which were submitted to seventy Public Relations sites and the results have been nothing less than astounding. My Google Analytics tell me that my Unique Visitor rate is up almost 17% via Search Engine traffic. <br />
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In Paul's words; to increase your websites ranking, you need anchored back links – a lot! To get a particular keyword ranking high. Whatever back links that are created, you need your anchor text to be there as a vote back to your website. This is the best vote.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=communication-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/communication-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
Distribution of a Press Release through multiple networks has the power of getting syndicated all over the place on the web, hundreds of websites, sometimes thousands, which is pretty amazing.<br />
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Back links from Press Releases are highly valued by Google. Google’s job is to organize the World’s information and it cannot afford to lose out on important news. Therefore, if you do a few releases, you are guaranteed to get noticed. <br />
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These Press Release’s contain 4 hyperlinks to your website. When this gets syndicated all over the net, your back links get syndicated along as well. That’s the beauty of using Press Release’s to build back links.<br />
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However, it must be understood that not every one of these syndication's will carry the hyperlinks, many will be stripped which we have no control over. But there will still be many which do carry the hyperlink. Even the sites that don’t allow the hyperlink, the Press Release will still show the URL for the viewer to enter into their browser if they want to go visit your site. <br />
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This technique is so unique that it can build back links in the shortest time you can imagine. These links are coming from websites that are usually authority sites. The critical success factor is the PR sites. They are highly trusted, Google’s spiders almost camp at these sites and they pass trust and authority to your website. This is what you are after.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=internet.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/internet.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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As an example of the viral effect of a single Press Release. This release was submitted to 70 PR sites on the 15th March.<br />
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On the 20th March, there were 3,180 results<br />
On the 23rd March, there were 5,220 results<br />
One day later, the 24th there were 5,310 results an increase of 90 results in less than 24 hours.<br />
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This viral effect will continue as more and more publishers pick up the content and submit on their blogs, networks or publications.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=viral.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/viral.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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What this means is your content, plus website, plus you anchor text as a back link continues to gain exposure on the net indefinitely.<br />
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For more information as to how Paul can increase your exposure and optimize your search ranking, he can be reached through his <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OnlineBrandAwareness?ref=pr_shop">Etsy Store, Online Brand Awareness</a> or emailed at Paul Wright, paul.e.wright2@bigpond.com.<br />
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Don't forget to visit my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> as the March Madness 25% discount is quickly coming to an end. Need birthday, graduation or other gifts, take a look at my art photographs and antiques!CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-7417766525700672672011-03-27T06:37:00.000-05:002011-03-27T06:37:34.304-05:00Silent SundaySince I am involved in my very first giveaway I thought I would be silent today and give everyone a chance to register for the Limited Addition 16x20 fine art print! The winner will be announced on April 1 -- my wedding anniversary BTW!<br />
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Hosted by Singing Three Little Birds <br />
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http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2011/03/creme-magnolia-giveaway.html<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=005-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/005-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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There are several other Fine Art Prints in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> that are currently marked 25% off! Please check them out!CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-37317143773401193352011-03-26T07:16:00.000-05:002011-03-26T07:16:54.541-05:00A little Birdie told MeI couldn't help myself - spring is here and I love all the birdies that are back for the summer. Please enjoy my treasury.<br />
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Don't forget to mosey over to <a href="http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2011/03/creme-magnolia-giveaway.html">Singing Three Little Birds</a> to register for my Fine Art Photography limited addition giveaway!<br />
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<h2 style="font-size: 16px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d8dd7ab6b6f8eef3f2f815c"> 'A little Birdie told Me' </a> by <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia"> crememagnolia </a> </h2><h2 style="font-size: 16px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><br> </h2><table style="border-spacing: 8px; width: auto; border-collapse: separate; line-height: 19px;"><tbody><tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69485115" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.224838399.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69485115" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Large Abstract modern white ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ModernHouseArt" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> ModernHouseArt </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$85.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70287244" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.228183723.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70287244" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Summer Birds Wedding Cake To... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/indigotwin" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> indigotwin </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$60.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69670619" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.225610637.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69670619" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Pretty Birdie Baby Shower Ba... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thepaperblossomshop" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> thepaperblosso... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$28.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64750878" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.203596326.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64750878" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Sweet Birds Scallop Tags (se... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/uniquegrabs" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> uniquegrabs </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$2.40 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60072402" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.187008114.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60072402" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Every day bag , adjustable s... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sineminugur" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> sineminugur </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$35.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67703592" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.215530527.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67703592" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Spring SALE 10% Off The Love... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftypagan" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> craftypagan </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$6.53 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62694346" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.209554739.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62694346" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Mom's Nest (c) - set of ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sjengraving" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> sjengraving </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$48.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63877181" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.200208295.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63877181" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Small Wood Burned Cardinal B... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/inspiredbymarie" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> inspiredbymari... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$30.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70730816" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.230028810.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70730816" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Exotic Bird Fused Dichroic G... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ccvalenzo" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> ccvalenzo </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$28.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62081516" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.193755379.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62081516" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> 15 Birds Nest Muslin tags </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/YourAngil" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> YourAngil </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$3.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/30861457" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.90223796.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/30861457" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Scrabble Tile Pendant - Moth... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ACharmedObsession" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> ACharmedObsess... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$6.95 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58133206" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.180518627.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58133206" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Vintage - Peacock Bobby Pin,... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreationsbyJuliann" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> CreationsbyJul... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$16.50 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68647487" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.225152640.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68647487" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> French Script Pillow Cover B... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/gatheredcomforts" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> gatheredcomfor... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$32.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68968147" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.229659325.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68968147" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Owl in Red Cedar by Donna Ma... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DonnaMariesArt" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> DonnaMariesArt </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$30.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70817730" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.230398749.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70817730" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Desert Song: Bracelet of Pol... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/annabella1966" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> annabella1966 </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$30.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67679665" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.215433041.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67679665" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> March Madness Sale (5 Dollar... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JustBeadItDesigns" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> JustBeadItDesi... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$37.00 </div></td> </tr> </tbody></table><p style="color: rgb(178, 178, 178); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.whalesharkwebsites.com/tools/treasury.php">Treasury tool</a> is sponsored by <a href="http://lazzia.com">Lazzia.com A/B image testing</a>. </p><br />
Don't forget to check out my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> for the last days of my 25% discount on everything (including Photography and Antiques) sale!CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-40332057232079002282011-03-25T06:00:00.000-05:002011-03-25T06:00:16.026-05:00Grand Giveaway of the SeasonI've never participated in a giveaway so I thought I would make my first venture into this new world with aplomb and in concert with the last days of my March Madness Sale! My friends at <a href="http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2011/03/creme-magnolia-giveaway.html">Singing Three Little Birds</a> are hosting the giveaway.<br />
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I chose one of my Fine Art Photograph Limited Addition Prints to giveaway for this event. The giveaway is called "Spring Peony" and was photographed by myself in 2009. It is printed 16x20 on archival paper and is signed and numbered.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=005-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/005-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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You can enter the giveaway on <a href="http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2011/03/creme-magnolia-giveaway.html">Singing Three Little Birds</a> blog! Good luck!! <br />
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<b>Don't forget to check out my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy</a> store as the final days of my March Madness 25% discount are coming to an end. I have several fine art photographs and many antique items for sale. My items make will make wonderful Mother's day and Graduation gifts!</b>CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-58142964727107523592011-03-24T06:40:00.000-05:002011-03-24T06:40:18.090-05:00Blatant Promotion March Madness!As March draws to an end (one week left) I thought I would write about the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> March Madness sale going on now. It's not usually in me to blatantly promote, especially in my blog but there are some really great deals, especially fine art photography and antiques. I have created a 25% discount coupon for the entire store!<br />
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Before my March Madness sale began, I purposefully marked some items down and with the 25% discount these items are at or below my costs. Why? I've been a seller on Etsy for six months and want to introduce new customers to my store as well as clear some inventory for new summer listings. Repeat business is my goal - and cost or below is the cost of doing good business for me. This is without question my biggest sale of the year!<br />
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Some of the best deals are my Antique Calendar Plates and Fine Art Photography (on archival paper or canvas). I also sell hand cut mosaic tiles but to a very specific demographic. <br />
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Here are some examples of the best values in my store:<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=gibsonplate.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/gibsonplate.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56439937/25-discount-1910-antique-calendar-plate">102 Year old Gibson Girl Calendar Plate</a><br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=crememagnolia.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/crememagnolia.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69448477/25-coupon-fine-art-photography-creme">Fine Art Photograph 16x20 Magnolia Limited Addition Print</a><br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=Chintzsugarbowl.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/Chintzsugarbowl.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69476456/25-coupon-antique-chintz-sugar-bowl">Antique Chintz Sugar Bowl</a><br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=236.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/236.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69448036/25-coupon-fine-art-photography-monet"><br />
Monet style, Fine Art Photography 16x20 Limited Addition Print</a><br />
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I've seen a lot of sales on Etsy this month but none as deep as this opportunity! Please take a minute to check out my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy</a> store and if you want to add a little beauty to your home or will need gifts this summer - now is the time to buy!<br />
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<b>I'll announce tomorrow a huge giveaway hosted by my friend Singing Three Little Birds - it's big!! Really BIG!!</b>CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-65242406638709907092011-03-23T06:49:00.000-05:002011-03-23T06:49:46.228-05:00Using Google Analytics to your Advantage ThreeIt's often asked, "when is the best time to list items in my store?" The simple answer is that Google Analytics will tell you what time you have the most traffic! Knowing the best times to list will save you both time and money but most importantly increase your sales.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=j0401408.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/j0401408.jpg" border="0" alt="My how time flys"></a><br />
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To find this information from your GA dashboard, on the right side click on Visitors, then scroll down to Visitor Trending, then Visits. Once you are at the Visits screen in the top right hand side of the screen there (just under the date) is "Graph by" and four little icons.<br />
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Click on the first icon which is a little clock. A graph will appear showing you what times you have the most visits to your shop. If you hover over a specific time it will also tell you how many visits! Viola, you now have good information as to when to list new items in your store!<br />
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PS..the cool thing is that you can add this report to your dashboard by clicking the icon at the top of the screen (export, email, add to dashboard). <br />
<b><br />
Please don't forget to visit my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> as my March Madness and 25% discount is quickly coming to an end!</b>CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-77357733402413096892011-03-20T07:24:00.000-05:002011-03-20T07:24:41.735-05:00For whatever Ails youMy husband has been sick for the better part of a week and I made honest to goodness Jewish Chicken Soup to help speed his recovery. I was fortunate enough that years ago my mother in law taught me how to make this wonderful soup to cure what ails you. There are some secret ingredients and special methods so I wanted to share the recipe and technique with my blog friends.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
One whole chicken cut into pieces (or 4 large chicken breasts) including skin<br />
One large onion - quartered<br />
One bunch (or bag) of carrots - cut in thirds<br />
One stalk of celery - cut in thirds<br />
One bunch of fresh parsley (tied in a bunch)<br />
*One bunch (or bag) of parsnips - cut in thirds<br />
*One bunch of fresh dill (tied in a bunch)<br />
Salt & Pepper to taste<br />
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*the last two ingredients are the secrets to making the perfect soup.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=chickensoup.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/chickensoup.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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In a large stock pot combine all ingredients and cover with water. Bring to a boil and continue cooking on medium heat for at least 4-6 hours (covered). Make sure to skim the liquid several times during this process (my mother in law used to call this skimming the shum). Continue to add water if the veggies or chicken aren't covered. <br />
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Remove veggies and discard (they should now be cooked to death), remove chicken and reserve. What you should have left is a huge pot of stock with nothing floating around.<br />
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De-bone and discard the skin. At this point two things can happen. You can either shred the chicken and return to the stock or reserve the chicken for another recipe (which is how I was taught to do it - and I'll share that too).<br />
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Add to the stock thin noodles and boil until fully cooked (about 6 minutes). <br />
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*However, I was taught to make dumplings (matzo balls) and the meal can be purchased in any large grocery store - it's called Matzo Meal. The recipe to make the dumplings (matzo balls) is on the box. Where the directions call for water, substitute with club soda to make your dumplings light and airy. Cook in salted water per the directions (about 20 minutes). Reserve the dumplings until just before serving (so you'll know how many you will need for dinner) and reheat in the soup. Unused matzo balls can be refrigerated in a tight plastic container for left-overs - not stored in the soup. <br />
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*I was taught to make dumplings versus noodles as the latter will tend to make your soup a bit starchy. <br />
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What to do with left-over chicken not returned to the stock pot - (what I was taught). Per tradition the chicken soup should be clear with the exception of noodles or matzo balls and I was taught to use the cooked chicken a second time, for another meal.<br />
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Place chicken in a oven proof dish (pyrex) and cover with Catalina salad dressing. In a 350 degree oven warm until the dressing is bubbly. Catalina Chicken can be served over noodles or rice for a great second meal. <br />
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Enjoy!<br />
<b><br />
Please visit my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy store</a> to take advantage of my March Madness 25% discount sale!</b>CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-34481753134061118682011-03-19T06:38:00.000-05:002011-03-19T06:38:38.028-05:00The season for ColorI have a thing for handbags for every season. I put this treasury together to share the beautiful colors of spring!<br />
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<h2 style="font-size: 16px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d8493d3b6cd8eefe00ea9bb"> 'Carry your Spring' </a> by <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia"> crememagnolia </a> </h2><h2 style="font-size: 16px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><br> </h2><table style="border-spacing: 8px; width: auto; border-collapse: separate; line-height: 19px;"><tbody><tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69881959" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.226490870.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69881959" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> SALE Gorgeous clutch in purp... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiberinaBags" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> LiberinaBags </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$89.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62232102" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.227002936.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62232102" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> CANDY - two tone pebble leat... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artoncrafts" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> artoncrafts </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$115.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69671058" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.225609448.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69671058" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Navy, Blue, Green...Sea and ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/renklitasarimlar" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> renklitasariml... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$51.50 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69601968" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.225320848.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69601968" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Summer crochet Tote Bag in r... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MelsStyleShop" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> MelsStyleShop </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$75.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70283953" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.228169453.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70283953" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Handmade Avocado Knit Bag, C... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/effybags" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> effybags </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$40.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56066958" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.173601692.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56066958" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Sun Spots in Wine </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ToonDesign" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> ToonDesign </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$12.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51643535" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.192828419.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51643535" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Red Rose Reversible Tote Bag... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/oneperfectday" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> oneperfectday </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$46.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70343341" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.228416422.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70343341" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Lil' Miss Bag - jdore Pa... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LukaMish" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> LukaMish </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$25.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/17196259" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.44497077.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/17196259" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> cottage garden bag </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/vague50" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> vague50 </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$120.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61772486" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.192718075.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61772486" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> KAWAII BALLERINA TOTE DIAPER... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FRANCISBEL" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> FRANCISBEL </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$30.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61037125" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.190251790.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61037125" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> QT Canvas Tote in GOLDEN ROD </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kinies" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> Kinies </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$42.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70341983" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.228414887.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70341983" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Mustache Parlor large &quot... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pursemafia" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> pursemafia </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$65.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69572046" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.228262657.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69572046" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Sweetie Pie Silk Clutch Wall... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cottonpurr" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> cottonpurr </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$112.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69937049" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.226728134.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69937049" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Stripe make up bag </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/evabdesigns" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> evabdesigns </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$10.50 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57576591" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.178652707.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57576591" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Fabric Zippered Pouch, Bag O... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoTrees" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> MomoTrees </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$29.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70011320" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.227045415.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70011320" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Grey Taupe Leather and Handw... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/byloomandhyde" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> byloomandhyde </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$230.00 </div></td> </tr> </tbody></table><p style="color: rgb(178, 178, 178); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.whalesharkwebsites.com/tools/treasury.php">Treasury tool</a> is sponsored by <a href="http://lazzia.com">Lazzia.com A/B image testing</a>. </p><br />
<b>Please Visit my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Shop</a> as everything is discounted 25% </b>CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-61045261694242737072011-03-18T11:04:00.000-05:002011-03-18T11:04:37.078-05:00Using Google Analytics to your Advantage TwoI briefly wrote about using Google Analytics on Wednesday and today I am writing about one of the most powerful analytical tools GA has to offer; Visitors to your blog and what the numbers mean. I will use hypothetical numbers but you will get the picture.<br />
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The overview of the "Visitor" tab tells you the total number of visitors over a period of one month, however if you look closer there is so much more to see. Absolute Unique visitors are the total number of first time visits which are calculated as a percentage of the total. In the case of my hypothetical blog there are 733 visits (total) and 344 Unique; this equates to 41.4% new visits for the period. The visitor to this blog spent on average of 3.42 minutes on the site (reading) and 2.19 average page views. What this tells the Blogger is that their subject matter is interesting enough for the visitor to continue beyond the landing page. In this example there are 1608 total page views. The number that is the best indicator over time is the number of Unique Visitors because as that number increases (and bounce rate decreases) it tells the author that their blog is becoming increasingly more popular. If the average minutes on the site increases the bounce rate will decrease correspondingly.<br />
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Drilling down under the "Visitor" tab is a segment called "Page Views for All Visitors" and will show how many (both in real numbers and percentage of the total) what days were the most popular (GA will always be a complete day behind in the data provided). In my opinion these numbers give the blogger the best information as to which topic was the most successful and more importantly the ability to plan for future blog topics. As an example; if a blogger posts a treasury or a giveaway promotion and the "Page views for All Visitors" on that particular day is low, it tells the blogger that this may not be the most successful topic for their blog going forward. In my opinion this is the best number to use for planning future blog topics. <br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=j0438865-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/j0438865-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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It is very important that the Blogger know what the GA numbers are telling them for future planning. To ignore "Page Views for all Visitors" is a common mistake and should not be taken lightly if a Blogger is in it for the long haul and potentially solicit sponsors for the blog. The Blog owner should control the content at all times especially when posting expert, interview or tutorial type posts. Not all content is commensurate with the goal of the Blog which is increased visits, visitor loyalty and low bounce rate. This is what is known as Future Value.<br />
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Many Bloggers profess not to look at Bounce Rate but in my opinion this is tantamount to ignoring a credit card balance. The Blogger wants to hold onto their visitors "especially" if they originated from a referring site versus organic visitors from search engines (while search engine visits are important, this is the number that will take the longest to obtain). Scrolling down on the GA opening dashboard will reveal the "Traffic Source Overview" and source of incoming Blog traffic.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=ideas.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/ideas.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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To wrap up this tutorial, Google Analytics is a powerful tool that should be examined on a very regular basis, at the very least weekly. Plan for your Blog goals based on these numbers and your Blog will be very successful over the long haul and possibly generate income based on its popularity. <br />
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Please don't forget to visit my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> as there is a 25% store wide discount for the entire month of March.CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-67963136581048563612011-03-16T08:08:00.000-05:002011-03-16T08:08:24.746-05:00Using Google Analytics to your AdvantageGoogle Analytics is a great tool if you know how to read what it's telling you. I'm not going to go into great detail this morning but I would like to hit the highlights of what mine are telling me.<br />
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The Dashboard gives a plethora of information and from there you can drill down to more in depth information. At the very top right just under the name of your site is a button that says "advanced segments" where you can customize what you want to instantly see and it will appear in graph form.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=j0410142.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/j0410142.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <br />
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The information is presented in one month increments. I first look at number of visits and number of page views. This tells me how many of my visitors are drilling down to more than one page. My second most important piece of information is the amount of time my visitor is staying on my site. This is important if you want to know that people are reading or simply landed and left. Everything will show in actual numbers with a corresponding percentage of the total. <br />
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An important aspect is the total number of visitors to new visitors. This will give you a feel for how your blog content has performed over a monthly period. You want first time visitors to convert to Visitor Loyalty over a period of time. I also look at non-bounce visits. While some will tell you that your bounce rate is not important, I for one respectfully disagree. If I'm looking at a high bounce rate then I know visitors have landed and instantly moved on to another site. As it happens my bounce rate is down almost 5% in the last month and the time spent is up correspondingly. I'm elated.<br />
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The bottom line is Google Analytics is such a powerful tool and should be checked on a very regular basis. I could write a book about the information contained in these reports but ... Google has done the work for me!<br />
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Check your reports, keep a log if you wish (I do) and you will know how your work is paying off. The bottom line is not the number of people who "follow" you but how many people are reading (or commenting) on your blog. As I've said many times before; I've seen blogs with hundreds of followers but fewer than a dozen comments during a week. <br />
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<b>Please take a few minutes to check my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store!</a></b>CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-72278907373653563402011-03-15T05:21:00.000-05:002011-03-15T05:21:07.627-05:00Surprise SuppliesOne of the most overlooked items for Treasuries on Etsy are supplies. I've put together my favorites in hopes that you too will find a new craft supplier. Enjoy!<br />
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<h2 style="font-size: 16px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d7f3bc4ead16d91d8487032"> 'Surprise Supplies' </a> by <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia"> crememagnolia </a> </h2><h2 style="font-size: 16px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><br> </h2><table style="border-spacing: 8px; width: auto; border-collapse: separate; line-height: 19px;"><tbody><tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62109569" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.193849114.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62109569" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Handspun Shetland Wool 2 ply... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jen6265" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> jen6265 </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$17.40 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68512453" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.220785629.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68512453" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Vintage Watch movements Ste... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/steampunkjunk" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> steampunkjunk </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$16.95 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61778216" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.192785252.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61778216" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Souvenir of Paris 30mmX40mm ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/blackNwhiteDesigns" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> blackNwhiteDes... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$4.50 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56115803" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.210697668.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56115803" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Copper Color Freshwater Pear... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/loveofjewelry" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> loveofjewelry </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$4.99 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56808388" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.176088402.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56808388" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> 10 pcs of lampwork beads fla... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/yadanabeads" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> yadanabeads </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$3.95 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69835143" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.226296051.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69835143" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Laguna Agate bead </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JodiRaeRocks" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> JodiRaeRocks </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$35.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70074770" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.227299137.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70074770" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Handmade Lampwork Beads - Bl... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OnTheChain" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> OnTheChain </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$3.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69250944" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.223851446.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69250944" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Approx. 75g/3oz Hand Dyed Co... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fiberaddicts" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> fiberaddicts </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$11.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62010997" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.193519692.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62010997" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> S085 Fruit - Dragon Fruit - ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/candycanebar" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> candycanebar </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$1.20 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44312695" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.135741293.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44312695" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> WHITE Round Eye Glass Connec... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lustrousthings" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> lustrousthings </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$3.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62675352" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.195744875.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62675352" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> 2 Dozen - Iridescent BLUE an... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BearyBox" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> BearyBox </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$5.75 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61457486" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.191657629.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61457486" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> dream - Large Embossed Handm... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/funkydreamsmosaics" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> funkydreamsmos... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$3.49 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69621705" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.225409785.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69621705" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> DOMINO TILES for pendants, s... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CacheStash" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> CacheStash </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$2.50 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/43584723" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.133324764.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/43584723" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> FUNKY Egyptian Rulers People... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KimsCustomCaps" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> KimsCustomCaps </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$22.00 </div></td> </tr> </tbody></table><p style="color: rgb(178, 178, 178); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.whalesharkwebsites.com/tools/treasury.php">Treasury tool</a> is sponsored by <a href="http://lazzia.com">Lazzia.com A/B image testing</a>. </p>CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-64554716964217886202011-03-14T08:02:00.000-05:002011-03-14T08:02:55.413-05:00Workspace Blues TwoLast night my husband and I were discussing yesterdays blog, (amid hysterical laughing about my lack of workspace) and he asked if my little business has a board of directors? Imagine laughing at a six foot dining room table as my total workspace, i.e., studio. Without missing a beat I responded that yes of course I have a board and each member has a very distinct job and purpose.<br />
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We are empty nesters however we are now owned by two cats and a yappy little dog. While this may not sound like a houseful of small children, trust me, they all act like little children. I take full responsibility for their personality quirks.<br />
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Our two cats are mother and son although the hissing that emits from "mom" is no testament to their relationship. The son is huge, actually twice her size and full of himself most of the time. He is who I call my "honey man," and I am the only person in the house (husband or visitor) who is worthy of his attention. My honey man does actually have a name, Krazy Kat, and he spends every waking hour on my heels no matter what I'm doing, he's there. This goes for crafting, shipping, listing and of course housework - he's there! When I'm working he is not above landing on the table to check everything out - sniffing the glue so to speak. Krazy is in charge of "Quality Control" and "Shipping." When not busy with his chores he finds the most comfortable spot on the house waiting for his next call to duty.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=krazy1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/krazy1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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On the other hand, our dog, Miss Louise is completely in charge of "Personnel" and "Security." She keeps the cats in line, is always one step away from breaking up a "hissing contest" and always but always keeps her eyes trained on me. During my work sessions I cannot keep the television on - because my dog watches it and barks like crazy when any, and I mean ANY cat or dog appear on the screen. If there were a more successful marketing strategy I don't know about it, because you would be amazed how many commercials contain animals - both overt and covert! Needless to say Animal Planet and Pet Network are out of the question. And by the way, she also barks at animated characters as well as the gecko!<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=Louise1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/Louise1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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So such is life, all my creative juices are expended on a dining room table and my little board of directors are busy...when not asleep!<br />
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<b>Please check our my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> to see what my little crew and I do all day! </b>CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-26793203717501753692011-03-13T06:08:00.001-05:002011-03-13T06:22:31.726-05:00The Workspace BluesMany years ago when I first began making art "full time" I was lucky enough to have a small 750' cottage on our property, complete with a full kitchen, A.C. and anything else to make my life comfortable. It was in every way a studio. In preparation for retirement we began to downsize. <br />
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My second "studio" was a 500' completely finished basement with fantastic light, a view to die for and I never had to leave as I had all the creature comforts. My studio could handle commercial bakers racks for supplies, two 8' tables and two large easels. Again I had all the room in the world to create with lots of space to walk around.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=paintbrushessmall.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/paintbrushessmall.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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We are on our third downsize as retirement is getting much closer and I have been relegated to the dining room! Our office is stuffed to the brim with two desks and as much storage as it can handle without bursting so here I am, working on a 6' dining room table (and a card table in the corner).<br />
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On days when I have multiple projects going on it's complete chaos. Crafts on one end; photography equipment, with lights and light box, tripod and extension cords; and when I make a sale the center of the table is shipping and receiving. All going on at the same time.<br />
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Since we have what is known as a "great room," you can imagine the look from the den when I'm in the middle of everything and can't or won't take everything down.<br />
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Recently my husband took a trip to visit family (I had to stay home and babysit 2 cats and a dog). Right before he came home - I hurriedly put all my "stuff" away in their respective plastic bins so as to be able to see the top of the dining table. All neat and tidy I told him what the table had looked like only hours before.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=colorpen.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/colorpen.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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We are big on acronyms at my house and we now refer to the dining room table as CMI; CremeMagnolia International. I've learned to work in my tiny if not inconvenient space; but when I want my house NOT to look like a hurricane whipped through, CMI has to be stored in her plastic "studio."<br />
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<b>Now run along and check out my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy</a> store to see what my little studio has produced. </b> <br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=roadtosuccess.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/roadtosuccess.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-45033878989337170272011-03-12T05:00:00.001-06:002011-03-12T05:00:04.226-06:00Poppy Red is not Average RedI love red, but not just any red. There is cherry red, apple red, cranberry red, RED and probably hundreds of versions of RED! My personal is Poppy Red and when I see it I almost swoon. I created this treasury as my muse for Poppy and I hope you enjoy it as much as I swooned over it. <br />
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<h2 style="font-size: 16px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d78db93cfa66d911a764965"> 'Poppin Poppy' </a> by <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia"> crememagnolia </a> </h2><h2 style="font-size: 16px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><br> </h2><table style="border-spacing: 8px; width: auto; border-collapse: separate; line-height: 19px;"><tbody><tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68737277" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.221889290.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68737277" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> original large red poppis fl... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jolinaanthony" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> jolinaanthony </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$229.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56944677" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.176538475.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56944677" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> The Original...Poppy Fields ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OutonaLimbDesign" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> OutonaLimbDesi... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$28.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69601086" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.225316744.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69601086" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Red Poppy Lariat / Alpaca, s... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lanadeflor" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> lanadeflor </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$28.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69718791" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.225808000.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69718791" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Poppies Baby Blanket </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/VannaBananaBaby" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> VannaBananaBab... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$29.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55290580" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.171009779.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55290580" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> giant chandelier in poppy re... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/uncommon" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> uncommon </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$300.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60057318" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.186958245.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60057318" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Reversible Hobo Bag - LG - R... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/retrofied" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> retrofied </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$48.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/32133136" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.94489462.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/32133136" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Poppy Table </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PeggithasPieces" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> PeggithasPiece... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$225.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58758316" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.182610665.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58758316" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Personalized or Thank You Fo... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetbellacards" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> sweetbellacard... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$16.50 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67205087" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.213481146.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67205087" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> SALE Up With Poppies </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AquaGirlArt" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> AquaGirlArt </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$29.00 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69348353" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.224260464.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69348353" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Red poppy handpainted scarf </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/chiffonart" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> chiffonart </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$38.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65401399" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.206148436.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65401399" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> BLACK Baby booties with beau... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FiestaKidsBoutique" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> FiestaKidsBout... </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$24.50 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67603420" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.215118242.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67603420" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Poppies Domed Resin Pendant ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artyscapes" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> artyscapes </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$11.99 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68766448" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.221828505.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68766448" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> POPPY - Made To Order - larg... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RiRiFisch" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> RiRiFisch </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$45.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54224083" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.167446591.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54224083" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Blythe collection lined in I... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FIAZCO" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> FIAZCO </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$70.00 </div></td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69414328" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.224541099.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69414328" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Poppy Flower Seeds - 'Re... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JBFFarms" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> JBFFarms </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$1.98 </div></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" height="170px" width="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67070155" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.212927778.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67070155" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Poppy 5 hand dyed silk ribb... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dfer7666" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> dfer7666 </a> </div><div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">$13.00 </div></td> </tr> </tbody></table><p style="color: rgb(178, 178, 178); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.whalesharkwebsites.com/tools/treasury.php">Treasury tool</a> is sponsored by <a href="http://lazzia.com">Lazzia.com A/B image testing</a>. </p><b><br />
I hope you will stop by my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> and check out my 25% discount March Madness Sale!</b>CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-82572437839567009132011-03-11T04:30:00.001-06:002011-03-11T04:30:01.269-06:00How to Motivate yourself to Blog and Find the Right TopicLess than a month ago, after reading thousands of blogs, I entered the realm of writing my own blog. When I made that decision, the world as I knew it changed. Writing a blog is a commitment, not to one’s self but to followers and potential followers. I quickly found out that it takes “grit” to develop an interesting blog several times a week, or every day as in my case. Developing a way to motivate oneself to the craft of writing is probably one of the most difficult things – after topic.<br />
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I have a term for the prolific or would be prolific blogger, “blog mode.” I begin every day in blog mode. Because it’s quiet and I get up early, this is the best time for me to write a blog. I rarely promote my Etsy shop (exclusively) and only use Treasuries when I’m just worn out from the week – I call this my cop-out day (but that’s just me).<br />
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It’s not easy to get into “blog mode” so I have developed an exercise that works for me. Instead of wracking my brain about a topic and dragging myself to the computer to compose, I know from the time I get up in the morning that I am going to write a blog. My routine does not vary because I have made the commitment to my followers and to myself; “today” I will blog.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=coffee.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/coffee.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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While having my first cup of coffee, I sit quietly and simply look around my living room. I carefully look around at the different objects and think, blog. I continue to look around and think blog and ponder whatever object my eyes rest on. I let my mind and thoughts wonder all the while thinking blog. Finding a topic as any blogger will attest is an arduous task; and as I continue to let my mind wander, a topic, or several will simply pop into my head. At this point I don’t dash to the computer. I finish my coffee, keep looking around, let my mind completely wonder, and dismiss a handful of topics that just come to me.<br />
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I maintain that having a great topic is the motivation for blogging. Some people only blog a few times a week, some everyday. But if you have a great topic every single day of the week, you’ll blog every day of the week (time permitting). It’s kind of like having cake; if there’s some left in the fridge, you’ll have it for breakfast!<br />
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Putting pressure on oneself to find a topic is no way to motivate oneself to write a blog. Rather, make it easy as eating cake. Make the commitment, whatever commitment you are comfortable with. Pick a time that is best for you to write, and don’t vary from that time if at all possible. Let your mind simply wonder, and as you do think the word blog - but not so hard as to push other thoughts out of your brain. In my case after a month of using this exercise I have observed that it only takes me two or three “thoughts” of the word “blog” until my mind rests and begins a creative thinking process. <br />
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While I can’t guarantee my method of creative thinking and motivational processes, I can guarantee that once the commitment is made its part of our lives, and one that will continue. It is said that it takes 27 days for something to become habit…try it for 27 days and see if my “blog mode” works.<br />
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Please don't forget to stop by my <a href="http://queennmyownmind.blogspot.com">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> and check out the 25% discount sale!</b><br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=roadtosuccess.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/roadtosuccess.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899279642420499734.post-82374162050768983832011-03-10T05:08:00.000-06:002011-03-10T05:08:00.454-06:00Blog Etiquette and how to get the Most from your Blog WorkBlogging tends to be a “me” forum even when we are featuring another blogger – there’s usually a “me” link in there somewhere. I’ve been asked and read so many times, “why don’t I have more followers/comments?" There are several reasons for this and I will address a few.<br />
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When a blog is used solely as a venue to promote a business, after the first or second visit, the reader gets bored. Even when throwing in a little personal snippet, it’s usually not enough to bring the reader back for more. In the first place, they have already followed your commerce link, hopefully; and secondly your product may or may not be something they are interested in. Hence no new comments. My suggestion is to mix it up with business, personal and expert posts. The latter is the most popular as people are always interested in reading expert accounts on just about anything. Business or Store posts tend to be redundant and don’t carry much weight with new visitors. And it goes without saying not everyone cares if you have just had foot surgery. Keep your posts on point, and easy to read and not an epistle. Epistle writers need to break up their text with photos or diagrams to keep the reader from going to sleep. The eye will “refocus” when they see a photograph and they will continue to read.<br />
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I’ve seen some blogs that are simply difficult to navigate or worse, difficult to read. Blogs with black backgrounds are difficult to read, especially if you choose red as the color of your font. Further, these blogs take longer to load and could result in a visitor hitting the back button. I follow a blogger whose heading (using a very specialized and personal jpeg) and blog are black and I nearly have a birthday waiting for it to load and almost go blind reading.<br />
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When laying out your blog, think about the reader first. Make it easy for them to follow; I highly recommend Google Friend Connect as it’s easy and it doesn’t take over a separate page/tab. The best aspect of Google Friend Connect is it allows followers (who use Google Reader) to have a 24/7 blog feed and they can easily follow you and make comments. I can’t stress how cool this is versus clicking all over the web looking for a specific blog or clogging your favorites in your browsers tool bar.<br />
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<a href="http://s1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/?action=view&current=keyboard.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee499/KarenRenaVowellMager/keyboard.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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A couple of other tips for laying out your blog; if you run advertisements (or friend buttons), don’t litter your blog with so many that it distracts the reader. While its’ great to have people follow you on Twitter and Facebook, don’t make those an in-your-face or in the way feature distracting your reader. <br />
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There is a setting on nearly every blog platform that allows you to see, via email when a comment has been posted, by whom and to which article. Don’t just sit there basking in the glow of “comments.” Get back in there and comment back to your readers, regardless of how many comments you have on a daily basis. Readers like to know that their comment it appreciated and developing a relationship is extremely important to a successful blog. Finally, if you have a new follower, it is common courtesy to follow them back and make a comment if you are so inclined. I’ve seen blogs that have over 500 followers but have less than a dozen comments a week – what does that say? It’s not the number of followers, it’s the number of people interested enough to comment.<br />
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On the flip side of the coin, the blog visitor; please, please don’t leave comments like, “nice post.” If you’ve read a particularly interesting article extend the courtesy to the author of a more detailed comment or even a question. “Nice Post” and leaving your blog URL is rude and in this case, no comment is better than rude. It goes without saying that cursing or personal snarky comments are also rude. Blog reading takes time and it also takes commitment. Pick a time that is good for you, when you are least distracted, brew up your favorite beverage and have a ball reading all your favorites. Please try to keep in mind; the blogger has made a sincere commitment to put words to blog and if it’s a really good blog, it’s really worth the time to check it out on a regular basis.<br />
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<b>Please don't forget to stop by my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/crememagnolia">CremeMagnolia Etsy Store</a> to take advantage of my 25% off March Madness Sale!</b>CremeMagnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10978803307166800803noreply@blogger.com23