Finally, I Have a Plan

Finally, I feel like I am getting my business back on track.

But before I talk about business, I want to start with a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who follows my blog, comments, and shares their stories on Everyday Inspired!

I appreciate all of you and I have enjoyed getting to know you through blogging.

THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF THE EVERYDAY INSPIRED COMMUNITY!

Now back to business

I wrote a couple of post last month My Struggles and Please Share Your Thoughts, sharing with you the struggles I have been having with my business and blogging. For a while I thought I was going to stop blogging all together, but I realized I would really miss the process.

As much as I feel like I am writing for myself most of the time, I have learned a lot, shared my story, and discovered new things about myself while blogging, and because of that I can't give it up all together. 

As for my blog I have decided to move it to a different platform and a new format early next year. I wish I could work on it now, but as we move into the busy season I do not need another project.

So for the rest of this year I will post a couple times week with quotes and inspiring photos to help us stay motivated all season long. Doing these kinds of posts are just as important to me, and help me stay motivated as well. 

I will also share with you new pieces, photos from shows, and any other tid bits that are happening in my life in a few random posts throughout the holiday season. You can also follow me on Instagram for more regular updates about my shop and life.

As for my business, I will be making some changes in 2015. A new website, another Etsy shop, a big push into wholesale, and a lot less stressing and more enjoying my business.

Overall I feel a little better now that I have a plan moving forward into 2015. 

When you need a little motivation and inspiration, stop by Everyday Inspired for a little boost to help you get through your day. Even better, stop by every week for a burst of motivation all week long.

Are you ready to move forward into the busy season?

I'm Ready. Are Your Ready?

Welcome to the new and improved Everyday Inspired!

The summer went by quickly, and I spent my blogging break coming up with new ideas to share on Everyday Inspired.  I am looking forward to inspiring and motivating you in new ways.

I am excited to share the Everyday Inspired manifesto.

Feel free to share!

Take a look around, I have made a few changes to the blog. A new banner, more info on the about page, cleaner sidebars, and new advertising options. Check out the special deal I am offering through the end of the year, click here.

The Inspired Daily Newsletter will available once a month. So if stopping by 3 - 4 times a week is challenging, stay up to date monthly by signing up for the fun easy to read newsletter. Sign up box in the upper right corner →.

The new posting schedule will be 3 - 4 new posts a week. Each post will be created to motivate, inspire, and renew. My goal is to offer inspiring content to help you build your business, grow creatively, and succeed.

I am looking forward to a new series happening this month that will help you prep your Etsy shop for the holidays.  The week will be filled with lots of tips, ideas, and a surprise guest interview you won't want to miss.

Inspired Success week will be back in November and it's going to be all about Facebook. I have a great interview with Sadie from Yarn Obsession, who has built up her Facebook page to over 6000 likes and now has a thriving online business.

Be on the lookout, I have been working hard putting together my Everyday Business Binder e-book and webinar. I will keep you posted as I get everything together. I created the Everyday Business Binder to help plan, organize, and keep everything you need for your business all in one place.  More info coming soon.

That is a taste of what's happening at Everyday Inspired through the end of the year.  I always want to hear your thoughts and ideas please feel free to email me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Now for the winner of the 

Books to Inspire Giveaway

ROSE 

RandomCreativeArt.com

Congratulations Rose! Enjoy your books.

Thanks everyone for participating!

Join me on this new journey. I am looking forward to growing together. 

What is one thing you looking forward to with your business through the end of the year? 

A Sharing Moment

It has been awhile since I shared anything that is going on in my world, so I thought I would do a little sharing today.

April has been a crazy busy month so far, not to mention cold. I really can't wait for it to warm up, and for things to start turning green. 

On a personal note:
My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary last week (4/15). We made the best of the day. It was cold and rainy, and there was the awful event in Boston that made the day a little hard to enjoy, but we were very happy to be able to be together all day.

Today we are taking the 3 1/2 hour drive to our daughters college. She was nominated for a scholarship and they are having the awards banquet tonight. We have our fingers crossed that she will win one.

I have my first show next Friday. I have been trying to build up my inventory, but it has been challenging. My husband is starting a new job, so these last couple of weeks he has been home. We seem to have a new project or place to go everyday.

The view from the window

May is going to be busy as well, I have two shows, and my daughter comes home for a month and then we have to pack her back up as she heads back for summer school in June.

My sister and I are going away for a few days in the middle of May. I am really looking forward to hanging out with her. We rented a house on Lake Michigan with no TV, so we are just going to relax the whole time.

A few things happening on Everyday Inspired:
Watch for a week that will be all about you. Embracing Harmony: 5 Days Creating ME Moments will be coming in May. It will be a week of ideas to find and enjoy time with yourself.

There will be a extra post each week on Saturday or Sunday, so watch out for more ways to enjoy ME Moments all summer.

If you have not considered advertising on Everyday Inspired, now is the time. It's easier then ever with passionfruitads.com. I would love to have an ad for your shop or blog on my sidebar!

Etsy Shop update:
New items are going to start showing up in my Etsy shop in May. They are going to have lots of color and stones. I have been experimenting with lots of new ideas and I can't wait to start listing them. Watch out on Facebook and Twitter, I will list them there first.

Here are a couple of pieces recently listed in my shop.

I have been sick for the last week and trying to get back into the swing of thing. I will be around to everyone's blogs next week.

I hope you're having a great Spring!

Do you have anything going on in your world you would like to share, I would love to hear about it in the comments!

New in 2013

2012 was my best year ever. It has inspired me to set some big goals for 2013 including growing my Etsy business, getting more wholesale accounts, and creating a blog with useful and inspiring content, and building up my blog community.

Be on the look out for a new look this month and new series to inspire you creatively, personally, and your creative business.

I am retiring Be Inspired Wednesday, for Inspiration Boards that will show up a few times a month. They will be full of inspiring photos and quotes to keep your creative juices flowing.

Two new series will become regular features, one is called Breathing Room which will have posts about organizing, relaxing and wellness, and creative time. The other series is Inner Spark, these posts will guide you to discovering new thing about yourself and your business.

Some blog favorites like Motivation Monday, DIY Friday, Artists to know, and Inspired Success Week, will all be around in 2013 as well.

I am looking forward to a year of creating exciting new blog posts, sharing things I learn, and getting to know each of you a little more.

Join me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for more tidbits and inspiration, and to see all the new items showing up in my Etsy shop.

What are you looking forward to in 2013?

Big Significant Goals

It's a new year and time to be inspired by new challenges. 

I'm not just talking about your goals, but setting big significant goals. Accomplishing one thing (or several) that you have always wanted to do, but were afraid you would not succeed at completing.

I worked on my list over the weekend and I set myself three significant goals I want to accomplish this year. One is growing my blog and the content, I want Everyday Inspired to be a blog full of inspiration for your creative life, business, and life.

My vision board for 2012

To guide me on my journey I created a collage of inspiration for my goals to hang in my work area, as well as a list of my goals for my business journal. Keeping your goals written down, and/or in art form is important for achieving success.

I am looking forward to a new year full of new adventures, and success, how about you?


Have you thought about what you want to accomplish in 2012? Do you have one big significant goal you are striving for this year?

A New Season

It's always a little exciting when the fall and holiday season start.  This is the time of year I like to start new things and challenge myself to reach new goals.

I am thrilled to share with you a few changes that will be happening over the next few months. 

♦ I am excited to announce that I have added 2 new regular blog post contributors. 

• Kelly from The Kelly Tang blog will be doing a monthly post about fashion. 

• Kim from Kzdesign will share a DIY tutorial with you twice a month. 

• Pam from Open Space will be back doing a monthly post with tips to simplify your work and life.

Look for their new posts starting in September!

I am looking for additional contributors. If you have an idea for a monthly post and would like to write for Everyday Inspired contact Valerie at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com

♦ Don't forget to share in my monthly post Check This Out (usually mid month). It's a great way for each of us to get to know each other better and updated everyone about what's happening in your shop throughout the holiday season.

♦ I will also have guest posts from Etsy artists sharing what inspires them. Look for the monthly Artist Inspiration posts, starting in September.  

♦ Looking for a place to advertise, look no further. Everyday Inspired is now offering advertising spots at a new low rate.  I also have a special offer for September - December. Click here for more details.

♦ As I mentioned in yesterdays post I have set a goal for myself to make 100 sales in 100 days, and I would love to have you join me.  Look for all the detail in the September 6 blog post!

Lots of new and exciting things happening this season, I hope you join me on the journey.

Do you have big plans for the fall and holiday season?

If you have any ideas or suggestions for Everyday Inspired, I would love to hear from you. Contact Valerie at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com

Ready for the Weekend

OK, I know you are tired of hearing about my daughter and how she is graduating from high school on Sunday so I promise this will be the last post.

I am so proud of her, she has worked really hard this year in school, participated in lots of after school activities, and is working a part time job.  She's my baby and I love her lots.

I just want to let you know their won't be a new post until Tuesday 5/31. I was going to try to have a new post on Monday but everything is getting a little crazy with all our family in town.

Don't forget Motivational Monday will start June 6.  I have gathered lots of ideas so we can be motivated all week long.

If you are looking for low cost advertising opportunities, look no further.  Everyday Inspired has a spot for you.  Click here for more information.

I am always open to ideas, suggestions, or even a  message just saying HI. Feel free to email me anytime at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com

Have wonderful three day weekend!

It's April

I can't believe it's April already.

I am looking forward to warmer weather, brighter days, and everything turning green.

This month is going to be all about my Etsy shop and my blog.  I have lots of plans and growing my business is my top priority.

I am going to put in more effort in my Etsy shop by trying to get at least five sales a week all month long. This is going to involve renewing daily, hitting up all the social media outlets daily, and adding new items to my Etsy shop every single day during the month.

I am also really excited about this months blog content.  It's going to be all about going green and being green.  Including creative ideas, artist interviews, being inspired, and ideas about green living and working.


Are you into being green?  Want to be a guest blogger?  Be a guest blogger on Everyday Inspired and promote your shop and blog.  Email me with ideas at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.  Do you have a  idea and suggestion for a being green blog post, contact me.

Looking for a inexpensive advertise opportunity? Advertise on Everyday Inspired! Purchase a month of advertising during the month of April and get a month FREE.  This is going to be a one time offer so don't miss out.  Click here for more information.

I am going to be busy this month, what kind of plans do you have?

Everyday Inspired 2011

Happy New Year! 

 I wish you a year filled with creativity and success.  

Are you ready for a year filled with inspiration, creativity, and tips for business and life?  Then join me this year as I take this blog to the next level.  I look forward to growing our community and creating a space for all of us to flourish creatively.

There will be a new post every Monday - Saturday.  Each post will have ideas you can use, and the opportunity to share your own thoughts and ideas with the community.

I am going to spend the month of January giving the blog a new look.  The blog will have a cleaner and easier to read format, and the side bar will be filled with information you can use.

New this year, their will be the opportunity to share your shop / business on the blog. Watch out for more information an the end of the month.

Is their something you would like to see on this blog, any thoughts or ideas?  Your ideas are important to me, feel to contact me anytime, additionsstyleblog@gmail.com. 

I look forward to sharing with you my creative process and inspiration.  I hope you join me all year long!

What is one thing you are going to do for your business in 2011?


The Boost your Business Blog Giveaway starts January 17

Back on Track

I've enjoyed a great week with my sister relaxing and just hanging out. She is leaving today and I will miss her a lot, but now it's time to get back on track with my business and posting blog posts everyday.

September will be full of posts about fashion, trends, and color. So join me as we prepare for fall.

It was a great week sister, I will miss you!

Additionsstyle NEWS

BLOG News

Would you like to advertise on this blog? Check out this opportunity to support an amazing project about artists and get exposure for your shop and blog. This opportunity is only available till the end of the month, don't miss out!

You can now get email updates of blog posts via Feedburner. Check out the left side bar to sign up.

Pam Moore is back! She will be doing a series of post about planning, organizing, and preparing for a trip. Her first post will be this Friday.

Creative Book of the Week
Make your Creative Dreams Real: A plan for Procrastinators, Perfectionists, Busy People, and People Who Would Really Rather Sleep All Day by Sark. Check out the right side bar for a link to Amazon.com.

SHOP News

I have added a new banner to my shop with my new photo's:

What do you think?

I have gotten a lot of mixed messages on my new pictures, some people like them, some people like the pictures with the colored background. Please share your thoughts on my new neutral backgrounds.



I am going to keep making changes to my shop and my blog, have any suggestions let me know additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Have a great week!


*Click her for a - A unique Advertising Opportunity

Additionsstyle NEWS

BLOG News

I started making changes to my blog last week, if you did not notice I have changed the name to my blog it's now called EVERYDAY INSPIRED. I started with a new banner, and I will be working on changing the items on my sidebars so that the blog will be easier to navigate. Watch for new changes every week.

Coming soon, the Creative Business - Quick Tip. Ideas you can use for your creative art business. If you have any ideas you want to share, email me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com. As the source of the tip I will include your name, and your shop and blog links to the post.

I am thrilled that guest blogger Pam Moore will be back with another series of post's about planning, preparing, and packing for a trip. Look for her first post next week.

As I mentioned last week, this month is going to have a travel theme. Last Tuesday's post was about Summer Vacation. Take a moment to check it out I would love to know what you have planned this summer.

Book of the Week

Last week in Check It Out... Kelly from Sour Tang shared with us a book she was reading called It's Not How Good You are, It's How Good You Want To Be by Paul Arden. It looks like a great book! Check the right side bar for a link to Amazon.com.

SHOP News

I started taking pictures with my new background last week, what do you think? I am hoping with the new lighter more neutral background I may get in more treasuries, and a few more features.

I am going to start adding them to my shop next week.

FREE SHIPPING on all Men's Accessories

In my Etsy Shop - until June 13

Give the men you life something fun and unique.

Have a great week!!

Additionsstyle News

BLOG News

I am going to make some more changes to the blog over the summer starting with the name of the blog. The new name will be EVERYDAY INSPIRED by Additionsstyle. What do you think?

Some other changes, I'm going to add some ad boxes that will be available at a really low price sometime in June, more links on my link page for your business and creativity, and more ways for us to connect as a community. If you have any ideas or suggestions let me know, I want this blog to be about growing and sharing as artists and your ideas are important to me. additionsstyleblog@gmail.com

If you missed last Monday's post there was a fun link for a self test (takes about 3 min) to find out What Archetype you are. After you take the test stop back and share your results in the comments section.

Creative Book of the Week
The Creative Journal by Gwen Diehn
Click on the link on the right side bar to read all about this amazing book.

SHOP News

I am going to start my big project of changing all the photo's in my Etsy shop with a new background, rework the tags, and making use of SEO to bring more customers to my shop.

New items with my new background will be coming this week.

All my shops (1000Markets & Zibbet) are going to get a update. Each store will have it's own identity and selection of items. I will keep you posted when I start making those changes.

I hope everyone enjoys their long weekend, have a great week!

Additionsstyle NEWS

SHOP News

I have not had a sale for a couple of weeks, I have been frustrated because I was basically working for free. On Wednesday I found out that I was featured in Etsy Finds post on Etsy Storque on Tuesday. It was my first time and very exciting. It's funny, when you are feeling most frustrated something happens to make you excited about working again.

While trying to get thing going with my Etsy shop I made some plans for big changes in my shop that I am going to work on over the summer. For starters I am going to re-shoot all the pieces in my shop with a new background, rework my tags, and work on the SEO (search engine optimization). Hopefully all this work will pay off for the holiday season.

I also plan to create several new pieces so I can start adding a new piece everyday, with the hope of having between 150 and 175 pieces available in my shop by September.

I hope all the changes will bring my shop to the next level, more sales, features, and maybe even a chance on the Etsy front page.

What are you doing to help increase sales in shop?

BLOG News

Last Sunday I shared information about my new project, if you missed it check out the post My Inspiration.

I shared a couple of links this week, the blog Hearts Expanding and a fun website for creating word clouds called Wordle. Both worth checking out.

Follower News
In the post Check It Out... trixiefishstabber productions wants to start sculpting Fimo Clay and is looking for a tutorial or website with information into the process. If you know of any sites send a link to Trixie.

Creative book of the Week
This weeks book is called Foolsgold:Making Something from Nothing and Freeing your Creative Process. Click on the link on the right side bar to go directly to Amazon.com.

Have a great week!

Additionsstyle NEWS

BLOG News

If you missed it on Monday and Tuesday I had a list of 22 Rules for success. The list included some thing you may know about running your business and some new ideas, check it out and share your thoughts.

Trina from Gallery 32 has written a guest post about the inspiration behind her wonderful photography. You won't want to miss this, so stop back tomorrow (Monday) to read her story.

I can't believe that the end of the month will be here this week, coming in May creativity will be the theme on the blog. Join me for more inspiration and ways to be creative all month long.

Follower News
I want to thank everyone who participated in Check It Out... on Thursday. It was great to hear about all the things everyone is doing with their business. lavenderdreams4ever and Luann Danzl both have new blogs, stop by and check them out.

Creative Book of the Week

12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin

SHOP News

This is the best week to buy your Mom or yourself some Hardware in Bloom to go with all your Spring styles, because until 5/2 for all orders over $20 I will include a FREE pair of earrings!

Hardware in Bloom

Have a great week!

Additionsstyle NEWS

BLOG News

Last week I had a post called Why do you Create, What your Create? everyone who commented shared a great story about how they got started or why they create. When your done reading don't forget to add your story too.

Book of the week
The creative book of the week this week is The Creative Entrepreneur by Lisa Sonora Beam. It's the business of running a art business, while planning like an artists. I did a review on this book early last year. This book is worth checking out!

I have a QUICK POLL on my Facebook page right now, stop by and share your favorite Spring flower.

SHOP News

New items coming this week!

Have a great week!

Additionsstyle News

BLOG News

I have been working on my blog to make it place to visit when you need inspiration. On Wednesdays I have a new series called Be Inspired. You will find a variety of ways to be inspired and creative. There will be quotes, ideas and projects to boost your creativity, and photo's to inspire new idea.

Don't forget Check This Out... on Thursdays. Where you can update everyone on your shops, new items, blog posts you have written or read, a family event, whatever you want, so we can all get to know each other a little better.

Follower News

In Check This Out... last week TF shared with everyone a link to an artist who creates amazing fairies. Check out her blog Chopoli, and see her work. Thanks TF for Sharing the link!

Creative Book of the Week

The creative book of the week is - The Creativity Book by Eric Maisel. It is a easy read, with one chapter for each week and it's a year's worth of inspirations and guidance. Check out the right side bar for a link directly to Amazon.com.

SHOP News

I have almost all the pieces I created for the Hardware in Bloom collection listed in my Etsy shop and only a couple more to go. The last few pieces will be listed this week.

I got a new supply of hardware for the recycle place, and I was able to add back a few piece to my shop that I deactivated because I did not have the hardware to make them. I love new supplies, and I got some cool new items coming soon.

I jumped on the bandwagon and opened a Zibbet shop last week. I will be adding more items over the next few weeks, filling it with popular item from my Etsy shop.

Anyone else on Zibbet? Are things selling? I hope this proves to be a good venture.

Have a great week everyone!

Additionsstyle News

BLOG News

If you missed Tuesday's post 5 Strategies for Success, check it out. It has easy steps to help you reach the level of success your are striving for. Also, there are a couple of great ideas in the comments section.

Friday I had a post about staying positive and I am starting a list of ideas to stay positive even when thing get challenging. If you have any ideas to share, check out this post and leave a comment.

Thanks to everyone how participated in Check this out.... Stop by and join in on the conversation every Thursday.

Check out the right sidebar for The Creative book of the Week, This week is Aha! 10 Ways to Free Your Creative Spirit and Find Your Great Ideas.

SHOP News

Just in time for Spring, more Hardware in Bloom!

What color flowers would you like to see?

Have a great week!

Additionsstyle News

BLOG News

Have you checked out my new series? Well, Check This Out... is a new way to get to know each other and our businesses. It's a weekly post so stop by this week and share with everyone.

I have a guest blogger coming this Friday in the Artist Inspirations series, and you won't want to miss his inspiring story. Just a hint it's a guy who does amazing handmade embroideries.

The creative book of the week is Twyla Tharp The Creative Habit - check the side bar for a direct link to the book at Amazon.com

Follower News - Ramblin Mama shared in last weeks Check This Out... that she has been accepted to participate in a prestigious swag event and she is frantically working to produce 200 sample items for the worthy event!
Congratulations Ramblin Mama!

SHOP News

I have more pieces to add to my Hardware in Bloom collection. I don't have pictures yet, but I will be adding a new piece every day this week to my Etsy shop.

I added a new banner to my shop for spring, what do you think?

Have a great week!

Blog / Shop News

BLOG News

This past week I started a new series called Check This Out... it's a way for all of us to get to know each other and our business. It will be posted every week on Thursday or Friday. Take a moment and participate. Each week someone from the comments will be featured in Sunday's post. If you know anyone who would like to participate, please share the link.

I also had a guest blogger who shared her inspiring story in the Artist Inspiration Series. Thanks again Laura from MABJewelry for inspiring us with your beautiful jewelry.

Next week I will start Creative Book of the Week, I will share books I've read and inspired me. I will also take suggestions, so if you have a book that has really inspired you and you want to share just leave me the title and author in the comments and I will add it to the list. The book will be on the right side bar all week, so check it out.

SHOP News

I am excited to share my new collection coming soon! A few new pieces will be available in my Etsy shop starting this week.

Hardware in Bloom

What do you think?

Have a great week!