Thursday, November 29, 2012

Pinterest and Tips For Creating Images People Will Share

Pinterest and Tips For Creating Images People Will Share.

Hello, and Welcome back to LilacsNDreams! Pinterest is another Social Network that has hit the internet, and has grown quite rapidly. It has also become quite popular with people too. People like it because it is another way to share some of the same interests, place to get some ideas from, and can be addictive just looking through everything that everyone is sharing there. You see something you like on the internet, want to hang onto some instructions, found an idea, and etc then all you have to do is "pin" it. Pinterest is like a really big bookmark for many people, and as of recently as become more to some as business now too. 

I have noticed when doing searches on the big old search engine of google that some things being offered are items that were pinned at Pinterest. So, depending what you do it can be helpful in traffic, being seen, and so on. 

From the Social Media Examiner the other day they had shared 5 tips for Creating Pinterest Images That People Love to Share. A few tips were shared in how to get your images ready for you adding them to boards there, and when people come along to pin them, and share them too.

1.)  Use Relevant Labels on Your Images

When someone pins images from your website, or blog post, the label that automatically appears in the description is the name you gave your image. Instead of image1, image2 you wuold like a label image with a relevant name that is specific to the image. Something like green glass anchor hocking vase, or whatever you image may be. 

2.)  Write a Text Message on Top of Your Image

Interesting idea, but I can see how it is helpful too. Add a text message onto your image so that your image will have a description with it at all times. There are many software programs out there to use for this, and many of them free too. Or, maybe you have a preference with one, and some also like to use what came with their computers too. 

3.)  Add Logo or Name to the Image

Add your business name, website, or a small logo can also make images more effective. So, if the image gets pinned everyone knows who created it. Others can find your site with doing this, and etc. I would like to mention that upon doing this make sure that your name does not over power the picture as well. People like to view things, and they don't like distractions in the way too. There are subtle ways of putting your business name on images without it being the center of attention too. 

4.)  Ask People to Pin Your Images

Make is easy for others to share your images by asking them to pin your images. Example would be to display a message such as "feel free to pin" or "feel free to share on Pinterest" Others are more likely to share your images. Kind of like when people ask you to Like them on Facebook, join my circle on Google+, Tweet me, and etc. 

5.)  Keep Your Descriptions Between 200 to 300 Characters

This is for that box that is below the pictures when you are pinning them. It's important to create fantastic images for your website, and blog. It's also important to pin your images with a description, and share it with followers on pinterest. 

A good description that tells a story behind images can capture followers, and makes your pins more shareable too. This is all interesting isn't it? Reminds me of doing SEO, and applying some of it to your images which is good for anything you do. It can help with relevancy, can help with your images also being found with engine searches, and so on. 

If you would like to read a bit more detail about this topic make sure to click Social Media Examiner at the beginning of this, or you can also click on the topic title right after the Social Media Examiner too. Either link will take you to the same place. 

Hope this helped some of you a bit with your pinning, and your images at Pinterest. I know, that place can be very addictive, and fun to see everything too. Thanks so much for sharing your time at LilacsNDreams today. Take care everyone, and see you again soon. 

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

More DIY Christmas Trees For Holidays and Festivities


Cupcake Liner Christmas Trees


The Yarn Christmas Tree


Christmas Candy Christmas Trees


Fabric Covered Poster Board Christmas Trees





More DIY Christmas Trees For Holidays and Festivities to see, decorate, make, and what fun!

Welcome back to LilacsNDreams everyone, and hope your week is going well for you this far. Christmas, Holidays, decorations, glitter, lights, and Christmas Trees! They are adorable for all shapes, and sizes. Some store boughten ones are gorgeous, and some of those that are crafted are gorgeous too. Such creativity, and what fun it is!:) So, thought I would share a few more of the crafted trees that I found when doing my post on Monday. Can never share enough ideas, thoughts, and creations right? I enjoy seeing what others do, and it sometimes will help my creative juices to get moving a bit too. 

I have started decorating at home. Small trees everywhere this year. Making room for people that will be here, those coming and going, and so on. I have a small white one on an end table, I have a blue one in our kitchen bay window, I have another white tree I need to decide what to do with it. Of course there are lights on the trees too! I have put out our lighted gifts that we have, have a garland with the light in it to hang in the big doorway to the living room tomorrow. I have a string of green lights I am testing, and found the problem to fix. I also have an idea for our big wreath that usually hangs outside. Since the house has new siding, new wood, and etc I do not feel like damaging anything to hang right now. So, I have come up with another idea that I think will work, and hopefully it is descent enough out tomorrow or Thursday to allow me to do this.

Hope ya'll enjoyed the pictures shared with you. Don't forget you can click on the titles to the pictures, and you should be able to visit where they came from as well. Some great stuff out there, and enjoy reading about it everyone. Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams today. Take care, and see you again soon!

P.S. Don't forget to visit my LilacsNDreams Shoppe page too. See pictures for items being offered, links to see more pictures, details, and etc. Thanks again everyone!:)


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Christmas Season is Here Shopping Gift Giving and Fun

Christmas Season is officially here. Shopping, Gift Giving, and Fun. Thanksgiving has passed, Black Friday is gone, Small Business Saturday has passed us, and Cyber Monday is now not cyber monday. Onto Christmas, decorations, shopping, fun time, and more. 

Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone, and hope you have survived the weekend full of activities with all the sales going on, and actually some are still taking place yet too. I just wanted to drop a quick note to those passing through that I have been adding products at Ebay for sale, and a lot of my products are be presented at Ecrater, and Etsy for sale as well. To be a bit more updated you can always visit my LilacsNDreams Shoppe page with the tab/link at the top too. There you will find some products with buy it now buttons, or where they can be purchased at too. 

Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams today everyone. Any questions make sure to contact Me, okay? Thanks so much for visiting, and enjoy your holidays shopping, reading, wrapping, cooking, and everything that you do. See you again soon. 

Monday, November 26, 2012

Christmas Tress Being Crafted Tis The Season



Ruffled Christmas Tree



 Ribbon Christmas Tree


Button Christmas Trees


Sweater Christmas Trees




Christmas Trees Being Crafted, Tis The Season

Welcome back to LilacsNDreams, and hope ya'll had a wonderful fun filled weekend. Now that Thanksgiving is past us things are going to start moving much faster, so many things to do, and time is going to get shorter and shorter to do it all too. Black Friday is done, Small Business Saturday is past us, and today is Cyber Monday. Everything has kind of carried during the weekend, or since Thursday night for many places too. 

How many are ready for Christmas? LOL:) Lights, trees, decorations, hanging, nails, pinning, knick knacks, and so on. I usually have a start to things, or have been working on them. Not this year. Tonight I finally got a few things out to get started with Christmas decorations at home. Over the summer I was down sizing things, and I did get rid of a lot of bigger things too. So, here I am starting over with some things, and not having the full amount of supplies I generally had. Then, I got to thinking I shouldn't have to buy everything to decorate with. This year let's do a little more with some crafts for Christmas decorating. Some things will not take too terribly long, use some scraps of things around here, or when out shopping I can pick up some small things to help with too. And....it will be fun too!

Above you will see just a few pictures I am sharing from things found when in roam on the internet. There is so much out there to see, get ideas from, some people are really crafty and good at what they do. They make it all look so easy too! 

At the top is the Ruffles Trees. You can roll some poster board to make a tree, or use some styrofoam cones for this too. The base is what you want it to be. You can use some wooden spools, some wood pieces you might have around, and etc. On these particular trees the little finials were put at the top to add to it's look. How cute, right? Then, there are the Ribbon Trees. Same thing you can use some poster board rolled, styrofoam cones, your empty rolls from paper towels, and there is bound to be something at home to use. Then, just use some ribbon, loop as you go, and go around, and make your tree. This next one is really cute too. The Button Tree. This is a great time to use some of them buttons you have been collecting, or maybe you want certain buttons from the store for this project too. You can either glue your buttons on, or use a pin for each of them to stick onto the tree. That is the white centers you see. Lastly is the Sweater Trees. How neat is that idea! Got some old sweaters around that you use for scrapping with, or whatever reasons. They can be used to just slide over your trees, and then don't forget to leave them little droopy curls at the top too.

You should be able to click on all the titles, or names next to each picture to visit the sites, and to get some more detailed instructions. I like the idea of crafting some things for Christmas. Fun, more personal, have your own decorations, and you get more of what you want to. 

Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams, and hope you enjoyed this tree crafting visit today. Hey, if you have anything you would like to share please do. The more ideas, the better for all of us. Take care, and see you all again soon. 


Saturday, November 24, 2012

Small Business Saturday Cyber Monday Black Friday

Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday along with things from Black Friday are happening all weekend. This is a big weekend for retail shops, but also for all those who sell online too. If you are able to please be supportive of those who sell online. Visit, see what they have to offer, window shop online, look around and get some ideas, and you know. 

Hey, how was Thanksgiving for ya'll? I know, some are still celebrating during the weekend, and many are dealing with left overs too. How them tummies feeling...LOL:) 

I was just stopping by quickly to leave a small note here for now. I have a mess of items to organize that I pulled from the closet, and get them ready to list. If you want you can visit my LilacsNDreams Shoppe page where I show pictures, links to purchase, or I have been slowly adding in but it now buttons to purchase here too. I also have items listed with Ecrater, Etsy, and some items are going into Ebay with the holiday season. 

Hope ya'll are enjoying your weekend, have some where to be, someone to be with, family, friends, travels, and etc....enjoy it all everyone. Thanks for visiting with LilacsNDreams today. Take care, and see you all again soon. 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving, Have Fun, Enjoy, and Be Safe


Happy Thanksgiving, Have Fun, Enjoy, and Be Safe!

Hello, and Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! Here it is the day before Thanksgiving. Many will have already been on the road traveling to some where, there will be some making preparations to leave tonight, others will be making all kinds of food and goodies.....Hmmm! Come tomorrow it will be a day of relaxation, spending time with family and friends, some will be doing volunteer work, and hopefully everyone will have some way of being able to celebrate this day, and giving thanks. 

I have many things that I am thankful for, and the list could carry on. I am most thankful for my family, my friends, and that I woke up this morning to enjoy another beautiful day with others. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. Have much fun, enjoy the time, and please everyone be safe too. Thanks for visiting with LilacsNDreams. Take care, and see you again soon. 

                                     HAPPY THANKSGIVING ! ! ! ! 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

LilacsNDreams Shoppe Page Being Updated on Blog

LilacsNDreams Shoppe Page Being Updated on Blog

Hello, and Welcome everyone to LilacsNDreams! Shopping in stores, Online Shopping, Thrift Stores, and so on. We all enjoy shopping them, and we all enjoy bargains too. Online Shopping is a very hard business to deal with, takes a lot of work, a lot of time, and eventually over time depending on what your goals are things can be good for you too.  Yes, having a brick and mortar store is also much work, and that I won't deny. But, there is a bit of difference from the physical to online as we learn over time too.

I am a slow bloomer I guess. I have done Online Sales since 2004 where I first started with Ebay. I enjoyed the hunting of products, finding good deals...some of them stayed home with Me:) But, I always enjoyed shopping, and digging for just the right items to be offered at Ebay to sell. Since then I have moved on. I still sell occasionally with Ebay, but I have moved more products over to Ecrater, Etsy, and some things with Artfire too. Lower fees, better sites, little bit more control of things you can do, and more opportunity as well. As I moved on I also had the need for something else I should be doing. I then got into repurposing, upcycling, recycling, and reusing items to make different pieces for the home. I adore vintage, glassware, pretty things, and have been enjoying what I have done so far with different pieces. I am selective with items found to use, and sometimes I think I am too selective. But, if I would be happy to have it used/displayed with my own home, then I feel it is ready to offer to others as well. 

At some point I thought it would always be a great accomplishment if I could have my own website too. Whew! Has anyone ever really checked into those, what it takes, the cost of things, all the coding, the complications, the different hosts being offered, domains, shopping carts, etc, and etc. It can get really spendy. Well, I am one who has always tried to save a penny where I could, but still have the advantages of what some others might be offering too. I do have a website I have been working with slowly....very slowly really. I have enjoyed working so much with my blog, and what I can do with it. The more I learn, and teach myself the more I enjoy it. As many of you can see at the top I have tabs to different pages I have added with my blog. I did these pages in a way that we could all still interact on them, and that when I wanted to make changes, add things, remove things, and etc....that they would work for what I needed them to do. So, right now I am doing the best way I know to do things, what I have taught myself, and making things simple for everyone too. 

As of today...still a working progress, and things will change as I move along with it. My secondary page to my blog that I focus with is my LilacsNDreams Shoppe. Here I have always shown pictures of items I am offering in my shops, and I leave clickable links for everyone to visit so that they can view more pictures, see more details, and so on. Wasn't trying to hide anything from anyone on this landing page of my blog, my main page here, but I also did not want this to become all about business with my blog either. That is where different pages I wanted were slowly added in for different interests, and to keep some things a bit separate from the next one as well. 

Anyway, I have now started to add buy it now buttons to items I am showing on my Shoppe page. No shopping cart yet, it is all a working progress for me. Learning, trying things out, and looking at shopping carts as well. Paypal offers them, and there are others that also offer them for sites as well. But, for me it is a start, a working progress. So, when you get a chance hop on over to see what I have done so far with my LilacsNDreams Shoppe page. If you have any ideas please share them as I am still learning, and many others are also learning as well. Some day (one of my goals) I am hoping to mostly be selling from my Blog/Website, and not having to deal with the extra shops, rules, glitches, and etc. Anyway, till then....have a look, and I hope you enjoy what I have started with so far. 

Take care everyone, and thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams. I know I generally don't post on Tuesdays, and this comes a little later in the morning than what I schedule, but hope it finds you all doing well. I am sure the rush is on in preparations for the holiday, travel, and etc. Be safe everyone, and enjoy!:) See you again soon. 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Thanksgiving Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Thanksgiving Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Welcome to LilacsNDreams, and hope everyone had a great weekend! Things are moving faster, and this week is already Thanksgiving. Where did November go to? So many things to do, shopping to be done, food preparations to be making for Thanksgiving, etc. Not only Thanksgiving this week, but to also start preparing for Christmas which will quickly be here too. 

Not only is everyone getting ready for Thanksgiving with Family, Friends, or however it is being spent, but there is also Black Friday to consider right after this. In fact, not even the next day, but some start things at midnight, and I heard of 1 place that was doing something at 8 p.m. Thursday night too. How fun, and exciting. Yet, it is also sad too. We push the holidays, gotten caught up with the rush of things that we have forgotten to truly acknowledge the holidays we are celebrating. 

So, how many have plans for Black Friday? Whether you do sales online, or you are attending the sales yourself, it is a big day. The rush of people going into stores, some will be at the stores extremely early to wait for them to open, things will get hectic, and yes people will also be pushing & shoving to get some where. You will see some rude people during this time too. After we have Black Friday then there will be Cyber Monday too. I know there are people who do online sales that are also gearing up for this event as well. Pictures, listings, tagging, titles, keywords, and etc. All the preparations being made during this time for these events. 

How many will be attending different stores on these events? If you are selling online, or have a physical store are you prepared for them as well? You know I have never participated with a Black Friday yet, and not quite sure if I will be doing it yet this year either. Hope everyone is getting prepared for those times, but also don't forget to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with others too. 

Thanks for visiting with LilacsNDreams everyone. Have a wonderful day, and a beautiful week! Take care, and see you again soon. 


Thursday, November 15, 2012

Am I a Hoarder or Am I a Collector




Am I a Hoarder, or Am I a Collector?

Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! How many of you feel you are hoarders? Are you accumulating too many things? When is it that you cross the line from collecting, and become a hoarder?

Ever ask yourself this question "Am I a hoarder?" because you are worried with all the things you have collected from Estate Sales, Yard Sales, Thrift Stores, and over time they start to accumulate. I like to comment sometimes with different places that I am not a hoarder, but a collector of treasures. Sometimes I will also comment how I am a keeper of treasures too. Well, it works for me, and sometimes takes away that guilt of having to many things sitting here. 

Have you ever watched that show Hoarders? Now, that gets to be some really scary stuff. I can honestly say I am not that bad, or have not gone that far. I am thankful to be able to draw the line at a certain point, and stop before it gets that far. 

Hoarders are compulsive collectors who save almost anything that they convinced themselves have some value: newspapers, books, containers of things, animals, clothing, and a little bit of everything. Now, they shouldn't be confused with collectors of glassware, salt and pepper shakers, memorabilia, and so on. Collectors aquire things to show them off, and with hoarders they are not collecting to have that collection be a part of their persona. 

I like pretty things, I like glassware, I like things old, and with some pieces I see possibilities too. My dining room table is half full of items that need to be cleaned, repurposed, maybe pictured for listings, and etc. My kitchen counter top has a bottle of mod podge, some ribbon, sponge applicators, and my scale to weigh shipments for postage. I do have a craft room upstairs that needs to be organized, but that is due to some house remodeling that has finally been completed too. It is not difficult to use rooms in the house, or walk through them. I am not getting myself stressed over my collections....just items I need to get completed...LOL:) 

Everyone gets overwhelmed in one way, or another. We don't all take care of our homes like they use to do some 25 years ago. Don't worry, we are not alone everyone. About 50 to 70 percent  of us have the issue that we suffer from "too much stuff" So, solving some of our clutter problems is actually a good thing really when you think of it. Being a hoarder can be a bigger problem.

Interesting thought of being a hoarder, and seeing it in a more positive way. So, while you think you might be a hoarder don't worry. You are not a true full pledged hoarder till the house is too full to walk through, it has become stressful for you, and in some cases how they are sanitary issues too. Take a deep breath, smile, and remember as I do "Just a collector/keeper of treasures"

Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams today everyone. Sorry this is coming out to you all a little later today. Hope you enjoyed, and if you have any experience with hoarding please share with us. Take care, and see you all again soon. 

Monday, November 12, 2012

Washi Tape Used For Crafts, Organizing, Creating, and More

 

 Washi Tape Used For Crafts Organizing Creating, and More. This is something that is new to me, and like me you might be asking what is it? Washi Tape is like duct tape, strong as duct tape in some cases, is functional as well as pretty, and is desirable by many who are learning of it. 

It does feel like masking tape, but is very very pretty. It is made of a paper, and not as delicate as you would expect. What is really neat that every where I look you can see how it comes in many patterns, many designs, and many colors too. 

If you check out Pinterest, and enter Washi Tape you will be quite shocked with all the projects that people have shared with using this. It is wonderful for everyday, and decorative use. 

There are many ways to consider in using this tape which would include wrapping gifts. Use wrapping paper, and treat the washi tape as ribbon. You can keep organized with it. In your books, and such it can be used the same way as a highlighter. Use it in scrapbooking, tags, making flowers, use it on your walls for design, and to decorate. I seen samples of it being used on vases, notebooks, and computers too. Many uses for it. 

The cost of a roll of Washi Tape will vary depending on the quality, and the design. In general it can run about $5 a roll. 

This is a picture that I found at Curbly showing a few ways of how the tape was used. Many many ways to consider, and what fun it could be too!

One of the reasons for this post today is because I recently had won a giveaway for this Washi Tape. It looks like I won about 10 rolls, and tags if I remember correctly. I was shocked, surprised, but also excited too. This will be something else for me to play with, and experiment with as well. I had won this give away when I happen to hop over to read a posting over at My Repurposed Life. Very informative place in showing many DIY projects, and a place to learn a little bit from too. Anyway, I stepped into a giveaway there, left a comment with my email address as instructed, and thought nothing more of it. I never win anything. I was soon notified how I had won on the giveaway, and was I excited! Great way for me to get some product to work with, and experiment with too.

So, have any of you used this Washi Tape? If so, what have you done with it, and how did you like it? I know it is not something that is brand new, has been around for about a couple of years or so, but I still had not heard of it till recently. Now, I am seeing many talk about it frequently too. Would love to hear from you about any experience you have had, or share what you have done too. 

Thanks so much for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams everyone. Glad to have you, and hope to see you again soon. Take care everyone.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Veterans Day 2012, Thank You to All That Have Given





Veterans Day 2012, Thank You to All That Have Given

Welcome to LilacsNDreams today, and during the weekend everyone! I generally don't post through out the weekend as everyone is busy with their own thing, doing things that have waited to do all week, and etc. But, tomorrow is Veterans Day which is a significant time for our country, for our freedoms, and observing those who have served and are serving too. 

I found a few things to share with you from a National Geographic site on the internet talking about Veterans Day. 

With events across the country, people in the United States gathered today to honor the millions of men and women who have served or are serving in the nation's armed forces. 

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, and the date was chosen for its symbolic significance. "November 11 was intended to observe the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, which marked the armistice of World War I,"

The first Armistice Day in the U.S. occurred on November 11, 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson declared that "to us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory. ... "

Armistice Day was declared a legal holiday by Congress nearly 20 years later. In 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day, following a national campaign to have the day honor all veterans, not just those who served in World War I.  

Something as simple as finding one veteran and saying thank you, it doesn't just light up their life, but it's amazing how good you feel when you see their reaction.

By many it is believed that Veterans Day is "a day to teach young people about the sacrifices made by their fathers and grandfathers, uncles and neighbors, and mothers and grandmothers." 

"It's about making sure that when the children of today hear the history lessons and traditions of our great country, they know that it would not be possible without veterans." 

This is a time for all of to remember, and to be thankful for today.     

This was found at a National Geographic News site upon internet research with Veterans Day. I hope everyone is enjoying this weekend, and on Sunday that you take a moment to remember our veterans for what they have done, remembering those who are still serving our country for Us, and don't forget to say Hi to a veteran if you see one too.

Thanks for sharing your time at LilacsNDreams. See you all again soon. Have a wonderful weekend, and Happy Veterans Day!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Upcycling Reimagining Repurposing Bookcase Paint and Trim



Upcycling Reimagining Repurposing Bookcase Coffee Table Paint and Trim!

Welcome to LilacsNDreams! Wow! Where did this week go to? Halloween has passed, our first weekend for November is now by us, and the presidential elections are now past us too. Christmas will soon be here, and everyone is busy with Holiday preparations, shopping, filling our online shops, and making time for being creative too. 

I wish I would have copied it over here for ya'll to read, but I read a statement from Kovels little newsletter that I get periodically. This little letter shares about auctions, and what some things of interest have sold for, is informational, helps people with identifying marks and things with their items, and etc. In this particular letter received today they had made a comment about Recyling. They had noted how recycling is a trend. I believe them about this too. Through searching on the internet, watching what others share, and even your physical brick & mortar shops feature this within their shops that is often shared on Facebook too. 

This is something I found shared on Facebook that you will be viewing below. Have you ever had one of them shelves, or maybe a book case, or some other form of furniture resembling this that you maybe move from room to room, don't want to get rid of it, but yet know there is something else you could do with it? Below the pictures come from Crafty Nest, and from their post they did on Oct. 16, 2012 called Before & After, Blast From the Past . . . Plain Bookshelf = DIY Fancy China Cabinet. In this particular posting they share with you the before, and after of this item. They share with you how they did this piece, where some of the pieces were found, and etc. 

Is this not lovely what they did? If you are interested in this DIY project done with this book shelf, give their website a visit for further details.


I hope that you enjoyed this DIY transformation of this book shelf that I am sharing with you by Crafty Nest. I hope it helps you with ideas of what to do with your own pieces, and that maybe this is also inspiring for some of you too.  Repurpose, Upcycle, Recycle, and Reimagine is the trend of today.

Thanks so much for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you again soon. Take care, and hope this week ends well for you. Have a wonderful weekend. Till the next time . . . .

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Presidential Elections For the New President, Obama or Romney



Presidential Elections For New President, Obama or Romney?

Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! I am sure many of us have been caught up with all the ads, flyers, mail received, and so on for the upcoming election of a President. Today I was gone most of the day with family time before our son leaves for basic training for the army next week. But, when we got home we had the tv on right away, and was watching the Presidential elections as they took place. Generally I like to kind of skip through, visit now and then, and just give the elections a moderate view/thought. This year is a bit different. 

Our nation has been going through such a termal with all that has happened to us since our last election. Unemployment, bail outs, foreclosures, debt, insurance, bringing our troops home, gas and fuel, etc, and etc. Many things has happened these past 4 years with President Obama, and of course many questioned if he was the right person for the job again with this term. 

I had a hard time in determining which candidate I would favor. I watched the debates more this year, listened to things, and sometimes was concerned that I did not hear Obama really tell of anything new he wanted to do. I heard that he would be doing the same of what he had already done. Oh, sorry, Obamacare which is to go into effect. Then, you have Romney, and like any other electives you will hear good, bad, and some of the skeletons come out from the closets too. I couldn't be sure if he would be the right choice either. 

As I had commented to a few people I wish we could vote none of the above since I was so undecided. I was not really sure if either one was a choice I could make. Or, do I go with the thought that we need a change, and vote for someone new?

Boy, the elections were close tonight. Very close, and it was a very close call too. It looks as though Obama will one more time be our President, and lead this country for another term. Sorry, but not exactly sure how I feel about this victory. I have questions as I did before, I worry if it is the right choice like I would have no matter what way it went, and sadly still undecided myself. I hope that Obama was the right choice for this next term, and I pray that we can have a few more better results than we had these past 4 years with him as well. 

Did you vote? Are you happy with the decision that was made? What are some feelings with this? Remember, there is no right or wrong answer to questions I ask. Just honest opinions, and everyone being open minded to them as well. No fighting, and play nice everyone:-)

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams, and hope ya'll had a good visit. Take care, and hope to see you again soon. 

Monday, November 5, 2012

Bloggers With Shops Stores Boutiques is This a Trend


 Bloggers With Shops Stores Boutiques, is This a Trend?

Welcome to LilacsNDreams, glad to have you here. I have a silly question, how many of you blog? Do you only read blogs, or do you also have a blog. Next question, over time have you noticed that many people who do blog now have their own shops too? Not only the brick & mortar shops, but also those Online Shops as well. Sometimes I am seeing a trend with this.

Upon reading blogs, following with some, sharing, etc I have noticed over time that some have ventured off into becoming shop owners as well. Yes, some have gotten a building for their shops to do their own thing in as they wish. There are some shops that are open 7 days a week, 6 days a week, 5 days a week, and there are also many that have chosen particular days of the week or month to be open as well. While some have been fortunate to venture off into their own shops they still maintain their blogs during this time too. There are some who do have websites while they are in business, but many no matter what still have their blogs. 

One of the advantages to having a blog is that the Search Engines love them, and if you have something like Word Press you have the flexibility of the plug-ins with them too.  
Don't you think that is a neat concept? Have you seen things to also imply that this may be a trend? Have your blog, or maybe a website you have dealt with. Over time you were able to grow from your blog into a shop. Some with their shops will have their blog logo stamped onto their store bags for a reminder to customers. Many have schedules worked out with their hours of operation they have, and when they will blog. Different shop owners found that with blogging it was a good start for them, and is still a good thing for them with their shops as well. 

So, how many of you have the dream of having your own shop, and advance from blogging? Wouldn't it be neat? Having your own shop would you use the same name as your blog, would you choose a different name for business, would you keep your blog after you opened your shop, would you be like many others who then treat their blogs as their website too?

I have often thought of opening a shop again, and yes I would use my blog up till that day, and also continue to Blog too. Blogging has been a way to communicate with others, share ideas, share thoughts, make friends, but has also been a great way of showing products and advertising with the advantages of the Search Engines liking them too. 

Upon having my shop again I would have different hours with it, and I would have different days that I would also be open. On days that I was closed I would still be in the shop shooting photos for my blog, writing and blogging, creating different things to offer in the shop, have days to shop for supplies and inventory, and things like that. 

So, what do you think? Would love for you to share about your Blogger Shop ideas. Have you opened a shop yourself? Are there plans in your future with a Blogger Shop idea? 

Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams everyone, and hope you enjoyed your visit today. Have fun blogging, and planning, and see you all again soon. Take care!

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Friendly Reminder to Turn Back The Time

A Friendly Reminder to Turn Back The Time

Welcome to LilacsNDreams! Well, it's that time of year again. Not only is the weather changing for many of us, but it is now upon us to turn the clocks back with time too. So, don't forget to set your clocks back this weekend. Yes, they fall back 1 hour as I am sure many of us will enjoy this gaining of another hour.

Hope the weather is good for everyone this weekend, and you are able to accomplish all you wish to. Painting, gluing, repurposing, upcycling, reusing, thrifting, and cleaning some of those vintage pieces too. Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams, and see you again soon.