Monday, December 30, 2013

New Year With 2014 Goals Plans Dreams


New Year With 2014, Goals, Plans, Dreams

Well everyone the year of 2013 is almost done. In a couple of days we will be starting our new year of 2014. For many we have one more day/evening of celebrations bringing in the new year. Do many of you have plans to celebrate with family, friends, or will you be home alone? Hopefully you can enjoy this special time in some way. 

With the beginning of a new year comes goals, plans, and dreams that we would like to achieve. Some will set goals for themselves, and there are some who do not like to set any goals for fear of not completing. Then, when it's not completed you have that disappointing, and discouraging feeling too. 

I try to set a few goals for myself. Generally I will set smaller goals to achieve so that they are easier/more realistic to achieve. Then, as I achieve those goals I will set another new goal in it's place. Keeps me busy, thinking, and something to work for as well. 

This year I am focusing more on setting goals for my shops I have online. Not only my shops I sell with, but also for blogging and my website too. At the same time I also want to narrow down the places that I sell with, and some of the social networks that I am signed up with as well. I would like to focus more of my energy, and time with places that I see results from them. In doing this I can better focus, and give the proper attention to those places which in turn will better assist my customers as well too. I have already begun with a list, and I have accomplished something from that list as well. On the 22nd of this month I put in my 30 notice to discontinue my membership with one of the platforms I was using. I debated, but decided it was time to do it. No sales from it, my views are way down there, and I want to focus more of where my traffic is at. 

So, it's a start for me with my list that I have made. Hopefully I am able to accomplish more as I move along with things. One day at a time, and I do not want to overwhelm myself with it all like I use to. Whew! LOL:) This is feeling good already!

After this week I hope to have a better layout of topics that I will be posting for everyone here. Another item on my list of goals to work with is better planning, and scheduling of different topics for ya'll here. If you have any ideas, or suggestions of things you would like to see or discussed leave a comment about it. No promises, but I really do appreciate the ideas shared and the suggestions which leads me into ideas too. 

Hope everyone had a good Christmas, and a wonderful weekend. Here is to a prosperous, and wonderful new year in 2014! Thanks for sharing time with LilacsNDreams, and see you all again soon.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Fire Fox Browser and Using Adobe Flash Player


Fire Fox Browser and Using Adobe Flash Player

Well, here it is Saturday, and hopefully this day goes better for me. Nothing serious, just a computer thing is all. For my browser I have used Fire Fox for a very long time as my default browser being used. I have not used Internet Explorer for so long now I don't think I would remember how to use it myself....LOL:)

Ok, yesterday...Friday.....I had a minor issue that usually I can fix. Dealing with the Adobe Flash Player. I have not been able to be updated with the newer versions, and that has been fine with me as I do not do a lot with things that I need to worry about using that player. Well, hubby decided he wanted to play his darn games on the computer, and of course it was coming up that my Adobe Flash Player was outdated. So, in order for him to play I decided to update the Flash Player...if I would have been thinking I would have just had him sign over to Chrome, and used that for playing his games. 

Anyway, of course I went through the same delima I have for quite some time with the player. It could not be downloaded, boxes keep coming up saying 11.9 r900 has stopped working, etc. etc. So, off to the control panel I went to remove the Adobe Player. Course, after doing this, getting upset I could not get the older version to the player back, etc....I then thought of him using Chrome to play his games. 

He played, he had fun, and later in the day I decided to work on the computer, and get that darn Flash Player put back in. I knew I would have to use the older version which was fine with me as I never had any issues with it before. Well, today it is not working. I cannot seem to get an older version put back in, have gone back to my computer restore to a later date, and that is not working either! I have turned off the anti virus, deactivated my firethreat protector, and I still cannot get the newer version of that Adobe Flash Player installed, and of course I cannot seem to get the older version installed back in either. 

Here it is 10 o'clock at night, and I still do not have the Adobe Flash Player installed for my Fire Fox browser. So, the heck with it, I am over to Chrome browser now and will use this for a while. At least till I can figure out the issue over at Fire Fox. I know, I know, Chrome is good too. It has more speed, and it is a recommended one to use as a browser too. But, I am one of them there "old" dogs stuck in their ways a little bit sometimes...LOL:) Not really that old, just saying:)

Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams as always. Here's to wishing you all a splendid weekend. Have fun, and be safe everyone. Enjoy the holidays, and see ya'll when you come back. Toodles...........

Friday, December 27, 2013

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to All


Happy Holidays and a Very Happy New Year to All!

This is to wish you all well, hope your holidays have been good to you, and wishing you all the best in the new year . . . . 2014! Enjoy all this time off from things with family, friends, relaxing, lounging, and taking a holiday break for just a bit. It's been a year, and soon will be to the end of 2013. 

Wishing you all the Merriest of Christmas Holidays, and here is to a wonderful New Year Everyone!!

Thanks for stopping by LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you all again soon. Take care ! ! !

Friday, December 20, 2013

Christmas Holiday Weekend is Here


Christmas Holiday Weekend is Here!

Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! Here it is Friday, and the start of our Christmas Holiday weekend. Whew! This time has gone by fast don't you think? For me the rush is on this weekend to get all things finished with cleaning, dusting, and preparing the house for everyone. I found some of my round table cloths I added as skirting on 2 of my trees, I put up another 2 foot tree in front the dining room window, and put a round table cloth over that stool holding it. We now have a small tree in front of 2 living room windows, the dining room window, and I have one on our freezer in the walk way as you come in. I also put a small square tablecloth around that base too. In front of dining room window facing road I have our bigger tree sitting there. Then....on door window in dining room I hung a lighted wreath, and there is a lighted wreath in our kitchen bay window too. I like things lit up:) 

Once Monday comes I am on the run getting our son from Army Base to bring home for about 10 days. Get him home then hubby should be rolling in, and Monday afternoon/night turkey gets pulled out, Tuesday I start making all the pies, peeling potatoes, and setting things out for the next day for food preparations, and for everyone to arrive. 

I researched it on the internet to help me out a little bit with freezing bananas. Every year I make a very simple banana pie, and everyone likes them. It has become habit that I make them, and they all expect it too. Over time I end up making more of these than I do the other pies. Yep, at least 4 banana pies, an apple pie, and a pumpkin pie this year. See what kind of energy I have maybe I will throw in another kind of pie too....we will see...LOL:) 

So, in preparation for the banana pies, and trying to cut a little bit of time for me, I peeled, and cut up the bananas tonight. Yikes, right? Not to worry. After doing this I then put them into freezer bags, and have put them into the freezer. Prior to use I will pull them out to thaw, and that is one BIG step I have saved in doing this. The rest of it is easy. Line the crusts, and pour in the banana pie filling, and into the frig to chill. Hmmm.....I might be getting hungry already!...LOL:)

So, what does everyone have planned this weekend? Anything special? Will you be celebrating on Wednesday, or is there another designated time for you due to families, work, schedules, etc etc? Whatever you are doing this weekend I wish you well, be safe, and happy travels to you. Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams. Enjoy the weekend everyone, and see you all again soon!

                           MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Using Light Bulbs and Making Christmas Ornaments DIY




Using Light Bulbs and Making Christmas Ornaments DIY

Welcome to LilacsNDreams, and happy to have you dropping in! Christmas is almost here. During time up until Christmas we have done our decorations which includes using lights for everything. While using these lights, strands with the little bit bigger bulbs, sometimes go dead. They might all light up, and within a few days we find some dead bulbs lurking around. What to do....Hmmm.....

Now, there are other light bulbs that will go dead, or quit working too. Some of those bigger ones that we use for lamps, in our ceiling fans, and etc. Boy, that's a lot of dead bulbs we sometimes have to deal with, isn't it? Again, do we just throw them, or is there something else we can do with them?

I found someone who is sharing some cute ideas of what to do with some of these dead bulbs we get. Check out DesignRulz to see a few ideas that were shared with some instructions too. Sweet, cute, adorable, and who would have guessed, right? Have a look, and if you have done some make sure to share them also. Love to see the creativity from so many people. 

Thanks for sharing time at LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you again soon. Take care, and have a Happy Day!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Cute DIY Snowmen Made From Mittens

http://diycozyhome.com/mittens-into-cute-snowmen/

Cute DIY Snowmen Made From Mittens

Cute craft idea to make snowmen with! I know that socks are used, have been used, but using a mitten is such an adorable way to make these snowmen.  I love how there even appears to be an arm with this snowman to hold whatever you desire to put there.

How many times have you lost a mitten, your child has lost a mitten, and there you have only one mitten. Generally when this happens many of us will throw them away as they do us no good. Now, if you happen to find a single mitten, or lose one make sure to hang onto them now. Such a cute creative handmade item to make with them.  

This idea was first found with Croissant and Lavender. Stop by there to see what little goodies they are showing with using a mitten, and adding some other characteristics with it too. Just adorable. Careful, you might finding yourself oohing and awing over these little snowmen.

It's Wednesday, and we have a week left for Christmas. It never hurts to add a few more crafty little things to make with everything else you have done. I know I am still doing some small things, or at least working on some things yet. I should get them completed though so that I can again, one more time, clear out my dining room from working in there. LOL:)

Thanks for visiting with LilacsNDreams, and I hope these little snowmen have helped you with some of your creative juices. Hope to see ya'll again soon. Take care, and Happy Crafting everyone!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Good Morning Everyone, Happy Tuesday to You






Good Morning Everyone, Happy Tuesday to You!

Here we are one more day closer to Christmas, and for me it is getting scarey with trying to get everything done. I have a simple project of painting a square border around a piece of wood so that I can complete my ideas with it for a christmas gift. I have the wood wrapped in plastic sitting here looking at me along with the primer, and the paint. So, what's my problem that it is not done yet? Once I get that done that is the most time consuming part of it. So, why haven't I done it yet? LOL:) Maybe we could figure it out together. 

Anyway, hope this finds you all having a great start to your Tuesday! Wishing you a super Happy Day. See you all again soon. 

Monday, December 16, 2013

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Holidays


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Holidays

Wow! Where is the time going because it sure seems to be rolling right along now, don't it? All worried about Christmas, food, gifts, wrapping, cards, and then to be reminded right after that is the new year already! I think after the Christmas celebrations I will be ready to celebrate bringing in the New Year. What about you?

Besides trying to do all of this for Christmas I am also downloading pictures, editing pictures, and trying to get some listings done for my shops as well too. Got some vintage collectibles, upcycled repurposed, wedding home decor, and things are being added to my shop at Etsy, working on Ecrater, and also putting things into Ebay too. Time of year for everything. Working on getting inventory down, making room, so after first of year I can get organized again. Then, starting working on some new pieces again too. Making my lists of things to fill up with again, and you know. All of that fun business stuff.  Oh, and a reminder if you see something you like, are interested in, contact Me. I would be happy to invoice you myself with Paypal.

Anyway, I do hope everyone is moving right along with all their festive holiday preparations. Will you be celebrating Christmas day, or will you be celebrating from that day till New Years eve maybe too. I always worry about people having a place to go during these holidays, if they have someone to share it with, and most of all hoping no one is alone during these times. 

Depending when you are doing your get togethers there is still time to shop, get things mailed, and as some will also explain to those receiving....it's on it's way. Thanks for visiting LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you all again soon. Take care, and have a Happy Day everyone!

Friday, December 13, 2013

Snowman Ornament Made With Tea Light DIY


Snowman Ornament Made With Tea Light DIY

I have tea lights I use at home within candles, within candle holders, and so on. I like moving them around, and using them. Yet, this is one thing I would not have thought of till I found the idea with DIY Cozy Home site. How cute, right? Just take a tea light candle, and decorate it as you wish for a snowman. Add some ribbon to the top to maybe hang it from your own tree, hang with some stockings, maybe it attach it to some round balls making a full bodied snowman, or put a bunch of them together forming a tree. You would have a nicely lit little tree wouldn't you? The idea was originally found with Trusper website, and simple instructions can be found there to work with this.

So, look around the house, and see what extra things you have sitting around to make this little snowman ornament with. Such fun, and just in time for the holidays yet too! 

Thanks for visiting LilacsNDreams to learn a little bit about making this Snowman Ornament. Have fun with your creations, and hope to see you again soon. Have a Happy Day!

  

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Candy Cane Sleighs DIY Christmas Fun

http://diycozyhome.com/candy-cane-sleigh-tutorial/

Candy Cane Sleighs DIY Christmas Fun! 

Feel it yet? Christmas is getting closer, and actually coming faster now too. Not much more time is left to get all the last minute shopping done, decorations, and of course some preparations for everyone on this special fun day too!

Christmas is one time of year that I search for ideas of things to do, so enjoy the creativity that surfaces during this time, and it's so much fun to do too! These candy cane sleighs are adorable, editable, fun, and are for everyone too! Hand them out to everyone, put in the stockings, display them before they get eaten, and so on. 

This is something that everyone can do. You just need some candy canes, and some yummy chocolate bars too. Once you have completed the sleigh you can even add some other touches to it like a big bow, have santa sitting on the sleigh....you can get him in chocolate too. Possibilities are endless, so much fun, and in this case....so yummy too! 

Along with the candy a glue gun is used with just small, light drops of glue used to get everything to hold together. Everything is in wrappers, and is no problem using it. You could find other alternatives maybe if you wanted to also. Maybe use some of the glue dots from the craft stores, and instead of candy wouldn't it be neat to use maybe some packs of gum too. I originally found this idea being shared at DIY Cozy Home, and from there she showed the original source to this. For further instructions visit with Ellyn's Place where she shows pictures, and gives you full instructions for this adorable idea. 

Hope you have fun, and are able to try this candy sleigh idea out too. Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you again soon. Have a Happy Day!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Tabletop Christmas Ornament Knitting Needle Tree

http://inmyownstyle.com/2011/12/tabletop-knitting-needle-ornament-tree.html


I like to keep Christmas simple, but I also like to decorate too. Doesn't always have to big, and flashy. Sometimes just the simplest things, right from home, can come together to make an adorable piece for the home too. I have found a non-permament way that was shared to use your ornaments, is easy....even I can do it LOL:) Can be done in many different ways to display with a counter top, by itself, bay window, mantel, and just a wonderful accent with your decor anywhere. After Christmas you can put it apart, and use the pieces again for something else, or do the same thing for the following year too.

All you need is about 4 sizes of ornaments, and about 20 of them. Should be about 4 of each size which is large, medium, small, and the minature ones too. You will need a knitting needle that is about 14 inches long. Then, it is optional with the rest of the supplies to be used. A tree topper, or star. Ribbon spool, some spray paint, paper cutter, glue, and some scrapbook paper. 

As you can see above one tree was done with the ribbon spool for the base, and the other one does not have it. You can do this tree with ornaments only, or as you can see the tree topper can be added as well. For full instructions that are step by step, and believe me they are easy to do. Just follow over to InMyOwnStyle website for the full details of this. 

By the way, I did make one this afternoon really quickly at home. I had the knitting needle which was already silver so I did not feel the need to paint it. I had different sized ornaments from times past. For my topper I had used an ornament that was made into a round ball of like strands of pearls. Nothing fancy, and it fit nicely into the bay window in our kitchen with the hanging wreath that has lights there, and a big glass jar that I have colored lights filling it too. It only takes a few minutes to put this little ornament tree together, and it fits in nicely with the christmas decor too. 

Thanks so much for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams, and hope you enjoyed the Making a Tabletop Christmas Ornament Knitting Needle Tree. Very quick, simple, and enjoyable afterwards too. Have a Happy Day everyone, and see you again soon. 

Monday, December 9, 2013

Upcycled Repurposed DIY Shutter Inspirations


           Upcycled Repurposed Shutter Table Chippy


            Repurposed Upcycled Shutter Chalk Message Boards

               
            DIY Shutter Headboard Upcycled Repurposed


Upcycled Repurposed DIY Shutter Inspirations   

Welcome to a wonderful Monday with LilacsNDreams! I know that I have talked about this before, but I found some other inspirational pieces I thought I would share with you. 

DIY upcycled repurposed shutter inspirations. There is so much out there that you can upcycle, and repurpose with. Many things from your own home, things people throw to the curbs, founded items from thrift shops, and etc. Shutters are one of those things that can be used in many ways. 

I have seen them painted, and then hung or leaning holding magazines, put together to make a shelf, making a stand that has 2 or 3 or 4 shelves, put together to make room dividers, use as a message board center with clips for everyone, hang them, lean them against walls, decorate with them, and just so many things to do. Many possibilities from what the mind can imagine. 

Above you see pictures for how a small little table was done using shutters on all sides, adorable message boards made with some small chalk boards and clips, and the last one is an adorable headboard made for the bed that adds to the decor of the room. Just lovely, and creative too!

Hey, I hope ya'll had a great weekend. Hope you are able to stay warm as some are getting very cold weather with some snow too. Yes, I am one of them to have a little bit of snow, and some really cold weather! Brrrrr.....

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you again soon. Have fun creating with all the possibilities, and have a Happy Day everyone!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Upcycled Handmade Christmas Holiday Wreaths


    Handmade Nostalgic Christmas Wreath Vintage Chic


   Handmade Victorian Shabby Christmas Wreath



Upcycled Handmade Christmas Holiday Wreaths

Welcome back to LilacsNDreams to visit, and share about some wreaths that are upcycled, and handmade. I truly do enjoy this time of year with all the festivities, the decorations, yes the shopping too. I really enjoy bringing some of the old family pieces out to sit for displays during Christmas, and using some of the pieces found to make our own christmas wreaths too. 

So many many things you can use to make a wreath of your choice, your color, and what you want. You can start with a wire wreath, or some will use the styrofoam wreaths too. When it comes to filling in, and making the wreath there are many things you can use to fill it all up with. Tinsel, garland, mesh, netting, old sweaters, ribbon, buttons, ornaments, lights, letters, bulbs, pinecones, fabric, and just some everyday things you have sitting around the house can be applied. 

Hey, just like with scrapbooking there are no rules, no instructions saying it has to be this way, you have to do that, and so on. Lay some things out, start moving your hands, and let it come together. What fun it can be too!

Thanks so much for sharing some time with LilacsNDreams today. Sorry to have missed ya'll on Wednesday. Something came up that was needing my attention, but I did think about ya'll here. Felt guilty for not getting my usual post done. Take care, and hope to see you again soon. Have a Happy Day! Toodles . . . . . 

Monday, December 2, 2013

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping


Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping

So, did everyone survive the Thanksgiving weekend? Some spent time with family, friends, and some also spent some time maybe vegging in front of the tv doing their own thing around the home. Whatever you did I hope you had an enjoyable weekend. 

How many hit the specials with Black Friday? To this day I have not once attempted shopping during Black Friday. Don't take me wrong I enjoy specials, I enjoy really good deals, I love working with people, but I have a hard time dealing with shopping and very rude over ambitious shoppers who take the fun from shopping during this time. Now, for Cyber Monday I could see me doing this. I enjoy being online, and as mentioned I do enjoy shopping. 

Whatever you did during these special shopping days I hope you enjoyed it, and are still enjoying the specials that you can find. Better yet.....I hope the shopping has been fun for you, and you got what you were looking for....and them some extras too. I mostly enjoy shopping during this time of year for others, and being able to give to some a little bit of what they want too. Special the grand daughter. Watching a child's face during this time of year makes it more fun, and all the more enjoyable too. 

Hope everyone had a great weekend, and that you enjoy any Cyber Monday shopping you might be indulging in as well. Don't forget to search online for some of those special gifts you are looking for, or checking out some of the shops offered by many with their treasures of vintage, everyday, upcycled, and handmade goods being offered with Etsy, Ecrater, Ebay, and so on. Check the search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo and just put in some words of items you are interested in. There will be choices there for you to further view, and shop with.

As always thanks so much for sharing some time with LilacsNDreams, don't forget about viewing my LilacsNDreams Shoppe page right here with the tab above, ask any questions by contacting me at LilacsNDreams@yahoo.com with a subject noted so I can quickly refer to your questions. Hope to see you all again soon. Have a most Happy Day!


Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone




Today starts my Thanksgiving week for me, and at home here. I will be leaving soon to travel to the army base to get our son, and bring him home for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Tomorrow family, and friends will be together enjoying the company of each other, eating of course, and having a relaxing day together. I am thankful for so many things, and am thankful I am able to share this special time with others. What are you thankful for?

So, today's post to everyone is short. I am thankful that you visited with LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you all again soon. Have a safe, and Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

                                   HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

Monday, November 25, 2013

Watermarking Our Photos For Our Shops, and Online


Watermarking Our Photos For Our Shops, and as we do some things online.

As we sell, show our hobbies, accomplishments, and have things we want to share we often do it with our photos. Pictures can show things that we want others to see. When you show your photos did you ever think of having any issues with someone using them for their own usage? It is something that can happen, does happen, and many times you might know about it till you are notified, or you come across it yourself as you roam the internet. There is no complete way of preventing this from happening, but we can try different solutions to maybe prevent some of it. 

We can watermark our photos. There are many mixed feelings with this. You either love the idea of the watermarks, or hate it. Unfortunately, it is not a definite way of preventing the so called theft of ones pictures. Watermarks can tend to look ugly, and sometimes can ruin the image too. It is one way to consider in protecting your images by being used by someone else for other purposes. 

If you do wish to use them try to make them as subtle as you can. It depends on how fancy, and involved you want this to get. You can use a photo editor to put some text over the image, or overlay a slightly visible designed logo over the image or in some other area of the picture. Some put it at the top, sometimes the lower right corner, sometimes underneath it, etc. With this you can also determine the font you wish to use, the size of it, use some funky font, put a box around it, use color, but it is up to you what you would like done. 

There are different programs that can be used for such a task. Before downloading anything you might already have something on your computer. IrfanView is a popular oldie, but goodie image viewer for windows has a watermarking feature built in. Googles Picasa photo managment has a feature in the Option menu, and Photoshop Elements offers an easy way to create watermarks too. When I do something like this for my pictures I use a free one called Picmonkey

As mentioned you can simply overlay some text on top of an image with your copyright info. It can viewable, but it does not have to over power the image either. I like to do simple, hardly visible, but it is there. I generally place mine as close as possible to the image without distracting from you viewing the picture. 

Get as creative as you want with the size, color of text, font, position, and so on. I don't think you need to over complicate things, but this is up to what you would like to have done. 

Hope this little tidbit of information was able to help you some today, or give you some places to look further. Thanks for sharing your time at LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you again soon. Take care, and have a Happy Day everyone!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Pinecone Christmas Tree Decoration Ornament Crafts





Pine Cone Christmas Table Decorations Handmade



Handmade Pinecone Tree Pots



Pinecone Christmas Tree Ornaments



Pinecone Fun Christmas Crafts Ideas




Pinecone Christmas Tree Decoration Ornament Crafts  

I know Thanksgiving is next week, and by now most of us have done what we would like to do for our decorating with that holiday. Many of us have, are doing, thinking about it, and working on our christmas decorations. Some will buy handmade, some will buy items from the stores, and many of us will have fun making and crafting our own things for this precious christmas holiday.

So many thoughts, and so many ideas for Christmas Crafts to share. What you are seeing now is some pinecone christmas tree decorations, and ornament crafts. I have shared just a few things with you, but know there is so much more to see and do. 

Some are able to go out to the yard, and get their own pinecones...like me. Others will get some from neighbors, friends, and you can also buy some at different places too. If you get your cones from outside make sure to get them in the oven for about 20-30 minutes at 250 degrees to get rid of any nasties, and to clean them off a bit before you craft with them. Once you have all the cones you want there are many possibilities that you can craft with them. Make little pot trees, make little trees, ornaments, figurines, wreaths, paint them, and the list is endless. 

A small reminder that Christmas does come a little earlier to us this year following the holiday. Thanksgiving was a little later this year for us. Hope everyone is enjoying all their preparations for the upcoming holidays, and maybe able to get a few more ideas as well. It's not too late to still do some of these things. 

Thanks so much for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you all again soon. I always enjoy hearing from you, and having your share your thoughts and ideas with us all too. Just leave your thoughts with us in the comments for all to see. Thanks again everyone, and have a Happy Day!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

ABout Me Page, Me Page, Personal Me Page


About Me Page, Me Page, a Personal Me Page

When we set up shop some where, set up our blogs, even setting up our own websites we often question...along with many other things.....but we wonder if we should do a personal page that is about us. Is it really necessary, does it get read, and does it really help us by doing this. I use to ask the same questions myself. Most of the time I would complete this page because I felt the impression would be I do not complete everything in full, and I didn't want anything over looked. 

I do believe that this Personal Page should be done by everyone. Does haven't to be anything real long, real lengthy, nothing fancy, don't have to give a life story completely either. Filling out this page is your time to share your story, and your style. This page will reflect more on who you are in a personal way.  

If you walk into a store don't you kind of look around to get a feel of the place? If you are interested you walk in further to see more, right? Upon your purchase if you meet the owner it is nice to converse with them, get a feel for the kind of person they are, and if you leave on a good note feeling comfortable about the whole situation you will probably return.

Many of us sell online. It has it's advantages compared to having a brick and mortar store which we see over time. Selling online can be hard not only because customers cannot see the product in person that they are interested in, they cannot feel it, and they do not see us the sellers. When we describe our products we try to include everything we can think of for the customers because they can not be there to see it, or feel it. We should be doing the same with our personal pages too. This is a time for us to share our stories of who we are, how we got started, to show our interest in what we do, why we like what we do, and to also give a sense of our style as well. We want our customers to have a comfortable shopping experience with our stores, and this is another process that should be included. 

Is this a rule for us to do? No, it is not. When we do things for our shops we try to do it with having a customers eye view of it. This is something I have seen mentioned before, asked about, and thought I would share my view on this with you. 

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams, and hope you enjoyed your visit as well. If you have something you would like to share you are always welcome to do so with the comments. Love to hear everyone's ideas, and perspective with things too. Take care, and have a Happy Day!

Monday, November 18, 2013

Help Me Name My Shop My Business


Help Me Name My Shop My Business

Selling online has many factors to be considered for setting things up as we have learned. One of those is choosing a name for your shop, or business. Do we use our names, do we use keywords that pertain to what we sell, do we choose a name that fits more to what our personalities are, our tastes or favorite things, and so on.

 When you do choose a name you would prefer not to have it to long, and hopefully a name that would be easily remembered too. Then, you will also find that you might find something you like for a name, but it is already being used by another person too. You could try to use that name in another way with a different spelling, numbers, and etc. Keep in mind when doing this that your name might not necessarily be your name alone. It would be in some way associated with the original name you wanted too.

When choosing a shop, or business name it would be nice if it would tell your story, and style with it too. So, why did I choose LilacsNDreams? I had chosen other names when trying to choose a name for me. I thought I had some other good choices, but at that time they were already taken by someone else too. When I was choosing my name I would search with the search engines, the platform I was deciding to set shop up at, and etc. Like others I wanted a name that was me, my name, not used by others, and that I could grow with. I like Lilacs, and soft colors. Like others I like to dream as well. I wanted a name that would work for the variety of things I was selling at the time too. I am a simple person, and wanted something that would go with this style of me too. That is kind of how LilacsNDreams came to life, and I have had it since 2004.

Another thought as you choose your name that you want. If you sell with other places, have a website, blogs, and etc. Will you use the same name everywhere, or will you choose a name for each place you sell at. Also, if you want more than one shop should you have different names, or what should you do? This idea varies with many people. If you have more than one shop at one particular site, then yes you will need different names to do this. If you want to sell with other places some believe in using the same name, and others feel you should choose another name. My decision was to have the same name, and use it everywhere on the internet I was associated with. When my name is searched in a search engine you will see the different places I am associated with come up with that name. I wanted to use the same name as I felt it was a good way to get my name out there, be seen, get exposure this way, and that when the name was seen it would be associated with me, and no one else. 

So, over time I have kept the same name as my preference. I have domains directed for the name, and over time the name has become mine. Yes, the business license, or permit also has this name. If someone were to buy this name, take copyrights to it, they would have to spend time and money to structure to what they wanted it for. 

Anyway, a little something else to think about when setting up shop for selling online, getting a website, setting up your blogs, and etc. Hope this tidbit of thoughts helps you out a little with your thoughts, and decisions if you are in the process of choosing a name. Just giving a little idea of some things to think of when doing so as well. 

Thanks for visiting with LilacsNDreams, and hope to see ya'll again soon. Take care, and have a Happy Day!



Thursday, November 14, 2013

Avatars Banners For Our Online Shops Platforms Blogs Websites


Avatars Banners For Our Online Shops Platforms Blogs Websites

Many of us do sales online as our business, and for some it is a hobby too. When we set up shop with different venues, market places, platforms, blogs, and websites we often have many questions as we set them up. Colors, do we use animated pictures, do I need a template, should I have a signature with my emails, what about my avatar, and do I need a banner? A lot of things to consider, and this is just some of it to begin with. 

A lot we can discuss, and this opens the door to many things. I am going to start this off with a simple subject now. Avatars, and banners is an issue that I see discussed quite often with different places like Etsy, Ecrater, Artfire, our blogs, and of course some of our websites too. Is there a true answer to this? I have yet to find one that is 100% correct, and says it is the law to do it. But, when we set up shop online we like to treat it like having our own brick & mortar store. Appearance can grab attention, and it can bring the customer in for a closer look. Don't get me wrong, our products definitely bring them in to look, read, learn, and hopefully purchase. As they enter sometimes appearances can reflect on you as a seller too. 

So, do we need an avatar with some of our shops? Do we need a banner with our shops as well? Is it really necessary, and does it really matter? In some ways yes it can make a difference with some shoppers. When choosing these things what do we choose? What is the best thing to use? Many have said that we should show a picture of something that we sell, or have sold. That is a good point. It is also mentioned to show a picture of ourselves with our avatars. I have also seen shared that we should not have these things to busy, don't have too much frill, and then there is also colors too. Yes, it is nice to show pictures of items you sell, give the customer a feel of what it is you do and offer, but I myself also think it is good to show a little bit of yourself. What I mean by that is show a little bit of who you are, your personality, and not only show what you sell, but let the customer feel comfortable entering your shop with a welcoming feeling of who you are too.

I know, it's a bit over whelming right? Don't let it intimidate you. Experiment with it a bit, and get some feed back from customers who buy from you, and from others within your same niche too. 

I myself like to keep things simple if I can. Yes, I use the same banner....most of the same banner pretty much everywhere I have set up shop. I try to stay with the same colors, and use the same avatar as well. I myself feel that this helps with recognition when shoppers are out searching that big old internet for things they want. Does it help? I have had some comments from past customers and acquaintances meeting up with me on Facebook, or maybe Google+ asking if it was really me, they remember me from this or that place, and it was nice meeting up with me again. Sometimes the comment I thought I recognized you which is a good feeling. 

Some like to change things every month with their avatars, and banners too. Maybe not every month, but at different times they will change. It works well for some, and others also have a different view with this. I would Love to change my avatar, and banners myself. I have often been tempted to, but at the same time I decided to stay with everything the same. I am still someone small, still trying to grow, and trying to be recognized by others as well. So, to keep things simple again, and not confuse anyone I keep the same. Eventually I will change things out, and maybe then I will have someone else design things for me. Till then I do it myself, and keep it simple being LilacsNDreams.  

I know I probably didn't give you complete answers to some of this, but I hope it gave you a little bit to think about as you venture onto your online shops. I appreciate you sharing your time with LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you again soon. Take care, and Have a Happy Day!  

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Holidays Thanksgiving Christmas Are We There Yet



Holidays Thanksgiving Christmas, Are We There Yet?

Happy Holidays Everyone! How are we doing so far. Thanksgiving will be here in a couple of weeks, and it's about 5? weeks till Christmas, right? Where the heck is the time going, and it really is moving along at a quicker speed now too. 

Every year is different on how the Holidays are being treated, which one is getting more attention, and if we want to consider it all festive as it use to be, or just another day. I remember when I was younger (yes, I was there once) being excited for Thanksgiving, all the food, seeing family, spending time playing on the farm, seeing this grand parent & that one too. Then, there was Christmas to be all excited about as well. The trees, the lights, the festivities, the preparations, Santa, and searching for them hidden gifts parents would hide away from us. I actually liked winter, and the snow then too.

Now as each year goes past it seems like the holidays are not quite what they use to be. Some of the fun, and much of the meaning has been taken from it. I feel as though it is pushed upon us, and has become something more of a retail holiday than what the true meaning of it all is. A little bit each year seems to get lost with all the hustle of things. 

So, anyway, how do you celebrate and are you ready for all this? How do you celebrate Thanksgiving? Each year it seems to be the same thing, but this year we are working on maybe trying a few things just a little differently. You know, trying to add a little of the fun back into it all. Christmas will be more festive as our son will be home from army base for about a couple of weeks...unless he changes his mind. Be nice to have some company around the house again, and to be sharing all the fun stuff with family as well. Course we will be thinking of those who are no longer with us, and knowing that they too are celebrating right along with us as well. 

I have been blessed with a few sales the past week, and a half. I am thankful for this, and know that most of the items are being used for preparations in festivities for others as well. I just cannot believe how the time has flown, so much to do around here, and was curious how others were handling this as well. 

Thanks so much for sharing time with LilacsNDreams, and always happy to hear from all of you too. Take care, and drop by again soon. Have a Happy Day!