June Mid-Month Sponsor Love

I'm not fully back on track, but I am bringing you a sponsor love post in the middle of the month as planned (unlike last month). Please take just a few minutes today to visit these fabulous shops, products, and blogs.

Edi of memoriesforlifesb

 Edi has a handful of items that are perfect for pet owners such as this wooden dog picture frame.

Angela of AngleAh

 Angela's nautical tie pin is a great piece to wear any time during the summer.

Valerie of additionsstyle

 I am in love with the pearl and hardware pairing in Valerie's multi strand necklace.

Deb of storybeader

 Deb has experienced a lot of rain lately down in Oklahoma, and she shared some recent photos of it in her D is for Drizzle Alphabe Thursday post last week.

Tiffany of Ribbon Lane Supplies

 I think that this cheerful owl ribbon is just what you need for summer craft projects.

Kristen of Milo and Molly

 Kristen offers some great insight on the nature of personal versus professional blog posts.

Paige of Little Nostalgia

 Paige recently shared the wedding registry items that have proven to be the best investment for her and her husband. It's a wonderful resource for anyone who needs a little (or a lot) of guidance with this topic.

I hope that you found some useful resources here today!

Are you interested in becoming a sponsor? Click here for more information!

June Top Commenters and July News

This summer is going way too fast, but I'm doing my best to enjoy every minute of it!

Christmas in July

....is coming soon! How's that for an exciting way to start off a monthly post? It is a huge amount of work getting a big group of new sales items up and running on Etsy, and I haven't been able to make it my top priority this week. But I'm slowly pushing ahead on it and will have more details for you soon. This is the only time you'll be able to get these kind of discounts until the 2013 holiday seasons so get them while you can.

 

Top Commenters

It means so much to me that so many people take the time to stop by and leave their feedback, insight, and questions for me everyday. These lovely ladies all have handmade shops that you need to check out.

Summer Garden password notebook with index tabs, mini, 100 Web sites, spiral bound, tangerine blue pink green by MisterPenQuin

Wooden Post Earring Studs - Sunburst Design by memoriesforlifesb

Orange Sunset Artisan Lampwork Glass and Crystal Sterling Silver Earrings - Fall Sunset by BeadedTail

Romantic Floral Infinity Scarf. Circle Scarf. Women's Scarf. Spring. Pink rose print. Fresh green. by PeriDotbyDuni

Handmade Artist Notebook - Childhood Circles by storybeader

Nautical Sailor LOVE Signal Flag Resin Pendant Swallow Charm Necklace Silver by StalkingTheWildSnark

Color Block Necklace - neon, coral, mint, yellow, statement necklace by OhNostalgiaDesigns

Red Leaves Greeting Card by Pictimilitude

 

Blog Sponsors

I have an awesome round of blog sponsors! These lovely ladies all have Etsy shops and/or blogs. Check them out on the left hand side of my blog under "Private Sponsors." Would you like to join them? It's only $3 per month or $10 for 4 months to advertise with me. Check out all of the details about it right here.

 

Bring It On July!

• A lot of people in my family have early-mid summer birthdays, and I get to help celebrate with them in various Midwest locations the first week of July.
• There is so much amazing stuff that takes place during the summer! I always think that it will be a great time to get ahead on show inventory for the holidays and catch up on things around the house, but the weekends are way too busy for that. It's a good problem. There is plenty of time for those other activities during the cooler fall months.
• My freelance client loads have been so big lately that I haven't found much energy to get over to HubPages during my spare writing minutes on the computer. This is another good problem. June is the first month that I published less than 4 articles on HubPages since I started writing there over 2 years ago. I don't feel like I owe anyone any apologies. It will still be there when I do have the time to add new content.
• I put together an ambitious set of June through September goals for myself related to selling photography. Aside from not uploading on SmugMug as much as I wanted (largely because the uploads really slow down the internet so I have to remember to set them up while I won't be online), I did well with my June goals. I've been making some changes to my online routine so I can make this a bigger priority for the remainder of the year.
• June was an amazing month of getting out and taking pictures. I had a number of planned excursions as well as some completely unexpected opportunities, which was a great mix. I'm hoping for the same in July.
   

What is going on with your blog and/or business for July?

June Mid-Month Sponsor Love

I'm celebrating the middle of the month with a shout out to all of my wonderful blog sponsors!

Edi of memoriesforlifesb

 Edi's new triple arrow wooden necklace is simple and versatile. You can dress it up or down for any occasion.

Jamie of ForLoveofCupcakes

 Jamie is putting together a list of 101 free or cheap things to do with kids in the summer. Send her your great ideas over here.

Linda of PruittCreations

 There's still time to pick up Linda's adorable Fourth of July apron set before this year's festivities.

Angela of AngleAh

 Angela's nautical brooch is the perfect summer accessory.

Valerie of additionsstyle

I love so many of Valerie's simple geometric jewelry designs like these dangle drop earrings.

Deb of storybeader

Check out Deb's recent hand sewing project for Glue It Tuesday. Isn't that neat?

Tiffany of Ribbon Lane Supplies

Those of you who enjoy crafting with ribbon have to head over to Tiffany's shop to check out her great deals on ribbon. Of course I love this rainbow chevron design.

Paige of Little Nostalgia

 Does anyone else struggle with work dress codes during warmer months? I definitely did when I was teaching. Paige has some outfit suggestions to get around some of the most difficult dress code rules and still keep you cool.

Kristen of Milo and Molly

 I agree with Kristen about this topic completely. Enough said there...

I hope that you found some useful resources today!

Are you interested in advertising with me? Click here!

May Top Commenters and June News

Happy June!

Who else is so excited for the beginning of summer?

Biggest Announcement of the Month

Let's just get right to it because I'm so excited about it. I've been working really hard this past month to get my SmugMug account up and running. I have my pricing structure in place and a number of photo albums together. Of course I will keep adding more, but there is plenty to choose from already. Go check it out and spread the word!

Top Commenters

As always, I really appreciate all of the feedback that I get on this blog. It means a lot that so many people take time to share their insights with me.  Thanks to Catherine of Living the Gourmet for stopping by and commenting regularly! Check out goodies from some of my other top commenters who are selling their handmade items online.

Purple Hearts Sleepmask. Eye Mask. Sweetheart. Valentine. Soft Cotton Sleep Mask. polkadots by PeriDotbyDuni

 

Lavender Purple Beachy Nautical Knot Celtic Earrings Freshwater Pearl by StalkingTheWildSnark

 

Custom Caterpillar Beadwoven Bracelet in Purple and Brown Made Just for You by BeadedTail

 

Wild Asters Notebook from Pictimilitude

Maroon covered Art Journal - collage and lined interior "Junque Journal" by storybeader

 

Drop Earrings Dangles Black Metal Hardware Jewelry Eco Friendly by additionsstyle

Mother's Day Photo Album Scrapbook - MOTHER by memoriesforlifesb

Cloth Napkins - Set of 2 - Handwoven Guatemalan Cotton - Purple Ombre by pasqueflower

 

Buttons and Flowers Gift Tags by PruittCreations

Blog Sponsors and June Advertising

I have an awesome round of blog sponsors! These lovely ladies all have Etsy shops and/or blogs. Check them out on the left hand side of my blog under "Private Sponsors." Would you like to join them? It's only to advertise $3 per month or $10 for 4 months with me. Check out all of the details about it right here.

Bring It On June!

• Jake and I are starting the month with a trip to Chicago to see the Book of Mormon (which will have already happened by the time this post goes live). We're following it up the next weekend with a Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra concert featuring the music of Mad Man and then Wicked in Milwaukee the following weekend. How can June possibly be a bad month?
• Before the month even started, I already had a whole slew of freelance client jobs in place. I love having that work waiting for me and not having to scramble for jobs each week.
• I kept my holiday traffic going strong on HubPages through Mother's Day this year, which was a considerable extension from Easter last year. My numbers are still about twice where they were this time last year, so I really can't complain. I'm anticipating a pretty decent Fourth of July spike. Otherwise I'll keep building my base through the summer.
• Many of you who follow me on Facebook know that I've been able to get out with my camera a lot more since the weather got nicer. I'm taking considerably more photos than I've been able to share here in a timely manner, which is a good problem. I'm hopeful that June will bring a lot more great opportunities to take photos.

What is going on with your blog and/or business for June?

Saturday Link List: the June recipe edition

Happy June!

Where did May go? Let me know if you find it. I feel like I was just putting together my May recipes post a few days ago. I am excited about a number of plans that I already have for this month, many of which I'll be sharing in my shop news post in a few days. For now, I have a new set of recipes with some great seasonal options. Enjoy!

Chicken Pizza Omelette Recipes from Gordon Hamilton

California Omelette from Once Upon a Cutting Board

Super Simple Spicy Thai Noodles from Mel's Kitchen Cafe

 

Crockpot BBQ Beer Chicken from How Sweet Eats

Different Ways to Cook with Mushrooms from Audrey Kirchner

 

How To Make Herb Butter from Sheri Faye

Gaby Dalkin’s Avocado Coconut Ice Cream from Design Sponge

I have always avoided making cinnamon rolls because of the lengthy prep process and am really excited to give this a try sometime.

Instant Cinnamon Buns from Living the Gourmet

Churro Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting from I Heart Naptime

What recipes/foods have you been enjoying lately?

Create your own link list and grab a button for your post or simply spread the word on your blog.

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Did I feature your work here?  Grab a button for your blog or web site!

<center> <a href="http://www.randomcreativeart.com/search?q=Saturday+Link+List"><img border="0" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/396530_10150514242164025_1130419591_n.jpg"/></a></center>

 

Did you use one of the resources, tutorials, or recipes from my link list?  Leave me a link in the comments or send me an e-mail (randomcreative28@gmail.com) with your photos and stories.  I would love to post them here.

Stay tuned next week for the a special Father's Day edition of my link list! 

June Top Droppers and Commenters and July News

We're already several days into July!  I'm so glad to be through with June and to have gotten a nice start to July.

TOP DROPPERS:

Here are the top 10 for May.  Thanks so much to those of you who also take the time to leave me comments!

TOP COMMENTERS:
If you're new to this blog, you can check out my Top Commenters widget on the right side of my blog.  It's under my blog roll.  I will feature an item or give a shout out to everyone on that list in this monthly post.  I really appreciate those of you who take the time to leave me feedback!

Thanks to Ann of Ann's Snap Edit & Scrap and for stopping by and commenting regularly!  Here are some lovely items from the ladies on my list who have Etsy shops.

1) Shabby Chic Laundry Bag. Lingerie Bag. Sweet Rose Medallion.  Polka dots. Pink by PeriDotbyDuni
2) Engraved Wooden Wedding Invitation - Real Wood Invitation - Double Heart Design Joined Heart Design by memoriesforlifesb
3) Flowers with Fern Green Swarovski Crystals Beaded Sterling Silver Earrings by BeadedTail
4) Mr. Random Dude is hiding on the Beach - ACEO OOAK Original mixed media painting by tapestry316
5) Handwrapped Florentine marbled paper beads by storybeader
6) Unicorn Warrior - Fridge Magnet of Steampunk Art - Brass Armor by aquariann
7) SILK SCARF, hand dyed, Under the Sea, blues by SplendidLittleStars
8) Handmade Journal -- You Are Meant to be Whole, Tell Your Story -- Custom, Personalized Sketchbook by ArtfulRising
9) Long Pearl Necklace - cluster, beaded, crystal, gunmetal, antique silver, thin, vintage inspired, 1920s, flapper by OhNostalgiaDesigns

CHRISTMAS IN JULY:
I'm running a Christmas in July sale all month.  Check out all of the sale items right here.  I have all Christmas items marked down as well as lots of red and green items.  Everything in the sale section is 15% off with free shipping.  Prices are already adjusted accordingly.  I debuted two Christmas charm bracelet bell designs for my 2011 Christmas shows and added them on Etsy for the sale.

Blog Sponsors and June Advertising:
I have an awesome round up of blog sponsors!  These lovely ladies all have Etsy shops and/or blogs.  Check them out on the left hand side of my blog under "Private Sponsors."  Don't forget to visit my newest sponsor, Valerie of additionsstyle.  I love her shop!

Would you like to join them?  It's only $3 per month or $10 for 4 months to advertise with me.  Check out all of the details about it right here.

Bring it on July!

•  The HubPages Apprenticeship Program is going well.  It has forced me to overhaul the way that I write articles there for the next 5 months, which will hopefully be for the best.  My article National Holidays in July: The Food Holidays which I wrote during the first month was picked for the site's Hub of the Day on July 1.
• Somehow I got everything together and am hosting an Etsy Milwaukee open house in 2 weeks.  I'm still in shock that this is happening and that I have a handful of enthusiastic ladies on board.  If all goes well, there will be more of these in the future.  If you live in the Milwaukee area and would like an invite, leave me a comment.
• Jake started his residency program July 1 and will more or less be working a M-F schedule.  I cannot even begin to tell you how amazing this is after the craziness of this past year.  I've revamped my own work schedule to coordinate with his.  I'm striving to increase the amount of time that I spend writing each week and take more time off on the weekends.  For the first time in months, we have a lot of social activities planned, and I want to fully enjoy them.
• I have five holiday shows scheduled with two more applications pending.  I'm doing my best to keep devoting a little time each week to non-jewelry projects so I don't have to spend every possible second during October and November creating show inventory.  

What's going on with your business and/or blog for July?