...sometimes you need to slow down and do something else

I've spent over 110 minutes on hold today, had five conversations with my webhost (4 with billing/customer service and 1 with tech support), spent a few minutes having a meltdown and 9 minutes on Verizon's site troubleshooting our phone service and realized that I am not receiving ANY business emails from my server. Some days you're not supposed to do certain things.

On the very bright side, I'm working on three cards that are so lovely! They are for submission to a project on handmade cards. In spite of all the small business woes, I am happy. Get this - two turtle doves were eating from our birdhouse outside my office window. CUTE!!! Next time, I'll have the camera on hand.

Well, when life is overwhelming (or underwhelming), make something lovely. Here are some inspiring DIY projects:

An amazing hand stitched quilt that you can make yourself. 

image courtesy of the Purl Bee 

Repurposed Security Envelopes

images courtesy of Design*Sponge

Reuse those envelopes your bills come in or finally use that 

box of #10 security envelopes you have sitting around the office.

Shoe Rack Attack

image courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Shoes off the floor? I like the sound of that one. Of course you could paint the rack a nice shade and change out the hooks if you're feeling particularly randy. 

NO PICTURE BUT WORTH CHECKING OUT

Alicia Paulson's embroidered dishtowels. This one comes with a freebie pattern. She asks that her images not be used, but you can CLICK HERE to see the pictures and the pattern. Yay for the Rosy Little Things blog. 

So have some fun and take a freakin' break!

gifts, gifts, gifts - or ways to distract from web drama

I am trying to be relaxed, people. I've racked up countless HOURS on the phone with our web host. I'm trying to install my SSL certificate so you can shop on our site safely. It's been 3 days (not including Sat + Sun). Aaaaargh!

To distract myself from these annoying issues (being a small business owner is amazing though), I'm thinking about gifts. I loooooove giving presents. When I was rolling in the dough ($$) I gave some pretty amazing gifts. Now that I'm a bit more...financially challenged, I've had to cut back. I do predict some $$ rewards for my work, so I'm preparing myself for the windfall.

Besides, what makes you feel better than giving someone you love a really nice present?

What I like to bring to brunch:

Sparkling Sake tickles the tongue and is a party in your mouth.




A fabulous cocktail hat for a Spring gift - how chic is this (can't you imagine Marion Cotillard rocking this little treat):

from the ridiculously talented Kelly Christy (ladies she also handmakes the most heavenly veils) this would be gorgeous on your best friend.




The best way to carry business cards:

**Lauren Merkin's leather card holder. It also comes in patent leather!



Remember, it's still winter out there:

**Lisa B's super soft contrast toe wool socks.




Cute, cute, cute:

Shinzi Katoh's bag. Oh he makes the cutest things. Luckily they're available Stateside at superbuzzy.com




For that handsome esposo or novio:

also from Kelly Christy. This hat is so freakin dope. Oh and each hat is made by hand - yup blocked by hand and everything. Genius!


**= These gift ideas are from the ultimate gift-giver, our friend Zetna. If she isn't your friend, I'm so sorry, because she knows how to give a gift.