Happy Holiday Season!

Now that Christmas is over, and New Years is just a couple of days away, it’s a good time to review the past year- successes, highs & lows, personally and professionally.

Christmas was low-key and relaxing! Totally enjoyable and complete with a lovely turkey dinner. I hope your Holiday was as pleasant.

 

 

Professionally, I’ve had a successful year overall. My day job status is a long & boring story but the “highlights” are:  I’ve gone from being permanent part-time to temporary full-time and now am just a casual employee.  Part of this is by chance and partly by choice.

Meanwhile, I’ve been growing my Etsy shop and becoming a small business owner with my husband as my partner. Our on-line business is developing from a part-time to a full-time venture, and that’s what I’ve been aiming for! My husband has taken on my packaging and shipping, and has helped us expand our selection by making 2-sided frames and photo lapel pins. This year I’ve made over 2,000 wedding bouquet charms- for brides, Maid of Honours, bridesmaids, moms, sisters, best friends, nieces and hope to make more next year.

On the challenging side- I’ll be reviewing our prices in January, as costs have steadily increased and I haven’t changed the prices in a couple of years. On Jan 11/16  Canada Post will be increasing postage prices, so I’ll be reviewing my shipping prices as well. Which means now’s a good time to order! (and I have a coupon code: 5FALL2015 to get 5% off of orders over $10. which expires New Years eve- Midnight Dec 31/15.)

Personally, I’ve got a lot of improving to do. I haven’t balanced my work and personal life very well, neglecting many things. However, on the bright side I have been taking small steps in the right direction & will continue to do so. Spending more quality (not working) time with my husband & boys is on the top of my list, as is getting more organized around the house and with my workspace. Our new bed & bedding this year has really motivated me to keep it made and the sense of pride when I see it inspires me to do more 🙂 My cousin suggested I checkout a blog by the FLY lady… I’ve peeked in at her home site and found her to be quite inspiring! Will be reading & following her suggestions some more.

This year has gone by so fast. I hope to have a more productive and organized year ahead, allowing time for fun amongst all the working hours.

I’d love to hear how your year was & what you look forward to in 2016.