A Journey

When I started my company in the summer of last year, I had no idea it would be something that would change my life. My thoughts were to treat it like a hobby. It would be something I could do to pass the time. It turned into so much more than a hobby. I find myself working harder than I have ever worked in my life. Everyday I am thinking about new ways to make my business better. It has influenced my oldest son to be more creative. He now wants to learn how to make what I make. :)

One of my favorite parts is also meeting new people. The friends I have made along this journey have been so great. If it wasn't for the business, I would never have come across these people from all over the world. We share ideas, laughs, and most importantly, we support one another because we know first hand just how hard it is to keep a small business alive. It's certainly not easy, but "nothing easy is ever worth doing."

My whole life I've always been creative. I loved to write poety and decorate and create things. I guess that stems from me being a very picky person. I need things to be just how I like them, and sometimes that was hard to find when I went shopping, so I would just create it myself!
Just recently my family's financial situation had changed. Just like most people these days our lifestyle/spending habbits had to change. That however didn't change the fact that people around me still had birthday's and holidays were always going to be there. When I'd go shopping, I'd find the prices of certain items outrageous. I wondered how anyone afforded these things. I decided to do something about it. It was such a turning point in my life. I thought I could start my own boutique where I can make the things I like and sell them at affordable prices so people could actually not feel guilty about buying things and not break the bank! This is how Krissy's Boutique was formed.

There will never be anything over $20 in my shop. I make it a point to kee my prices affordable for everyone. Last month, I even made it better and offered free shipping to all U.S. customers and only $2 for other countries. It was just another way to do my part in helping the customers that I have come to appreciate so much. Without the customers, I wouldn't be allowed to do what I love to do. I hope this journey goes on for a long time and continues to grow. I hope you will continue to journey along with me too!! :)

 
Some of my work::








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Believe In Yourself

When I was younger, I had many dreams. I wanted to be an astronomer, a ballerina, and then had a phase where I wanted to be a wedding dress designer! Each time I mentioned these goals to people, they would encourage me to do my best and try for them, but then there were others, they would give me reasons on why my dreams most likely would never happen for me. Isn't it crazy that you can have a million people cheer you on, but it only takes 1 or 2 negative thoughts to ruin someone's dream. I wonder why that is? 
Why do the negative thoughts stay in our minds so much more than the positive ones?  For me, this happened to me a lot growing up. I was too sensitive. I let people who really had no real part of my life, run my life. I think back and realize how silly that was. I never strived for those dreams because someone told me it would never work out. I regret some things, but I often say those mistakes led me to where I am today and right now I like where I am.
I have always loved creating things and finally last year decided to start up my boutique. I knew it would be hard and a lot of work and I made a valid point to NEVER listen to those negative people again. They tried to bring me down for whatever reason and I blocked them out. You can do anything you want when you put your heart and mind into it. It's very important to "surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams" because when things get hard, you need those people to help motivate you and tell you you can do it! Support is everything!
I hope whoever is reading this right now has a dream and decides to run with it. Never let anyone tell you you can't do it because you can! This is your life, you only have one, so make it GREAT! Live your dreams to the fullest! :)

Have you been working on a dream currently?   Share your story!

Guest Blogger: Molly Felicity Designs

**~~Molly Felicity Designs~~**

Molly Felicity Designs is a family run business based in the north Derbyshire village of Barlborough

Building on the current revival of 'make do and mend' culture Molly Felicity Designs brings you unique handcrafted items perfect for that gift for a loved one, or simply treat yourself to something special.

Amongst the many things that we do, we specialise in producing fabric bunting, both for general use & for that special occasion when you want to have something different.

 

 

All our fabric bunting is double sided, flags measure 18cm x 16cm (approx) with 10cm between flags.

Standard bunting length is 200cm but you are able to order as much or as little as you need.

Bunting can also be made to order and can be tailored to your own specific requirements, if you have a particular colour scheme or occasion suitable fabrics can be sourced.

Also we can produce personalised bunting, using your own photos, for that very special moment in someone’s life or a special celebration.

 

 

In addition, we have a range of fabric baskets, which can complement the fabric bunting or which are equally good as a stand alone product.

All our fabric baskets are fully reversible, baskets measure (approx) 15cm (width) x 9cm (depth) x 9cm (tall) unless otherwise stated.

 

 

We also produce a set of three nesting fabric baskets in a variety of fabrics. These measure (approx) 11cm x 9cm x 9cm for the small basket, 15cm x 9cm x 9cm for the medium basket, and 21cm x 9cm x 9cm for the large basket. These make great storage around the home and are an ideal gift for special occasions. With Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day just around the corner they could be just what you are looking for.

 

 

Just like our fabric bunting, our fabric baskets can also be made to order and tailored to your own specific requirements.

Our latest addition to Molly Felicity Designs is our fabric bunting hire service where you can hire bunting for weddings, christenings, parties and special events.

Bunting can be hired in 5 metre lengths, and you are able to hire as much or as little as you need, subject to availability. Lengths can be tied together to make longer lengths if needed.

Bunting hire is for a 5 day period allowing you plenty of time to prepare for your event. Extra days can be booked if necessary although this will incur additional charges.

Bunting can be hired anywhere in the UK and Europe, and the hire price includes postage and packaging to you.

 

 

We ask for a refundable hire deposit of 50% of the bunting hire for all orders, and once the bunting is returned, undamaged, the deposit will be returned to you.

And finally, we are the sole supplier for The Cross Stitch Collection which has been especially created for those people who enjoy the art of working counted cross stitch.

The Collection offers a wide range of counted cross stitch kits to suit everyone, from the complete beginner to the most experienced.

And finally, finally, if you have anything that you are looking for and can’t find it, why not get in touch and ask – you never know, we might just be able to provide it, or know somebody who can!!

Please be sure to visit the links below::
Molly Felicity Designs On Facebook

Molly Felicity Designs On Twitter

Molly Felicity Designs On Pinterest

Molly Felicity Designs On Etsy

Official Molly Felicity Designs Site

 

 

 

 

Recipe: A Chicken Dinner!

One of my favorite foods to eat is chicken! I'm always trying to find different ways to make it better or different recipes to make the dish not so boring. Usually I just dip it in egg and flour and pop it in the oven, but I came across this recipe a little bit ago and gave it a try, it came out really good! Of course I didn't follow the recipe exactly because for me, I know certain things work and other's don't. The original recipe baked the chicken, here I grilled it. I hope you'll give it a try and let me know what you think!

What you will need::

Boneless Chicken Breast
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper (Here i just sprinkled a dab of pepper due to my son eating with me)
1/2 teaspoon Onion Salt (the recipe called for onion power, but I only had onion salt)
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Power
1/2 teaspoon Paprika
George Foreman Grill---The best kitchen appliance ever!! :)

 

Mix all the ingredients into a bowl as shown below.

 

                                   

The next thing I did was cut my chicken to make it thinner, so it would cook faster. You don't have to do this if you don't want to.

Rub the ingredients onto your chicken.
Put the chicken on the grill.
In just a few minutes you have a very flavorful piece of chicken!! :)

 

I hope you enjoy this! I sure did! If you have any recipes you'd like to share, comment below and share them! I love trying new things & I'm sure other readers do too!

Gem Exploration: Taking Care of Your Gems

Gem Exploration: Garnet

There are many different colors of garnets. I find it so amazing how when it first comes out of the Earth it looks so, well, boring. It's fascinating how after it's polished and cut how beautiful the stone can be. The picture* below shows a few different colors of garnets before and after they are faceted!
What is your favorite color? 
I really love the Rhodolite Garnet! I think that color of magenta pink is fabulous! Many people love the berry color of the garnets because it closely resembles a ruby, but garnets are not as expensive as a ruby, so it's the next best thing!

Facts:

--Garnets come mostly from Africa these days. There are a few other mines in Russia, India & Central and South America.
--Garnets are one of the only stones that do not require special enhancements to be beautiful. Once they are polished and cut, their beauty is all theirs!

 

How To Take Care Of Your Garnet Jewelry::

--Always take off your jewelery when washing your hands with soap or putting on lotions.
--Never use a steamer to clean your garnets. The hot temperatures could fracture the stone.
--Use warm water, not hot, to clean your garnets. Use just a little mild soap and a soft brush to clean the stones & be sure to rinse well. Then dry with a lint free towel.

*Pictures above are from Hershel Friedman and Mineral

Guest Blogger: Can I DoYou A Favour?

 

Laura Lane--Owner of: Can I Do You A Favour?

 

 

 

 

 

Company:
Can I Do You A Favour?

 

Well, I'm Laura, I'm married and a Mummy to 7 month old twin boys! I'm a teacher by profession but I have always been creative. I made the favours and table stationary for my own wedding and when I was trying to think of something I could do to earn a few pennies, so that I could stay at home with my boys, this idea popped into my head and the business name soon followed. I was so surprised that no other business had already taken the name as its so simple!

 

The photograph that I use when promoting my business is of the favour boxes I made for my wedding, simple but effective. I have gone on to create a range of favour boxes which can be found on my Facebook page - Can I Do You A Favour?  I also make matching Place Card, Table numbers/names, Table Plans and Children's activity boxes. Favour boxes are not the only option. Favours come in all shapes and sizes...organza bags, cones, handbags, buckets, chocolate lollipops just to name a few! They also come in a wide range of colours to suit any colour scheme or theme. I am always looking for new ideas so I am happy to create a favour based on given ideas.

 

Purple is set to be 'Hot' for 2013 and I have a range of purple favours and table stationary. I recently made white chocolate dove lollipops with purple tie wraps and place cards with silver and purple detail along with Purple children's activity boxes! There is so much that can be done if you're having a purple themed wedding...or any other colour for that matter!

 

I am happy to make samples of favours and place cards as this gives me a reason to 'create'! They do cost a small amount but this cost is refunded if an order is made. I'm very lucky to have such a supportive Husband who looks after my boys allowing me to spend time making and creating. I will be exhibiting at 5 different Wedding Fayres over the next few months which is very exciting and I'm going to make sure I have lots of stunning samples on show. I am also looking into building a range of decorative items that I can hire out to couples such as wishing trees, bird cages, fish bowls, candy buffet and so on but this will take me a while to build a suitable collection.

 

                                       Ribbon and Lace range with pearl and diamante embellishments


                                          
                                                               Gold butterfly and ribbon range


Please check out the following sites:
Can I Do You A Favour? ---- BLOG
Can I Do You A Favour? ---- Facebook

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**If you would like to be a guest blogger in the future, please message me anytime at: KrissysBoutique@hotmail.com   :)

 

 

Did you know January is National "Thank You" Month?  It was something I recently found out. I think it's fantastic that there is a whole month dedicated to being polite to other people! I know it's something that should be taken for granted, but you just can't anymore and that's sad. There are some pretty mean people in this world these days, but with months like this, maybe we can change those types of people...bring them over to the nice side for a change!  Often times we judge people too quickly. We don't know what their life is like and what kind of day they had. Give people a chance, and maybe a second one too!
Lets really think for a minute just what thanking someone is all about. We say 'Thank You' probably more times in a day than we realize (I hope!!). In the morning when the girl at the coffee shop gives you your coffee, you say 'Thank You', or if someone hold's the door for you on your way into work, you say 'Thank You'. It's something we should really mean because think about what the other person is doing for you. They are taking time out of their day to do something for YOU! Whether it be a second or a few minutes, they are considering you and that deserves a true, meaningful 'Thank You'!

Yesterday was my birthday and I was overwhelmed with the 'Happy Birthday' wishes and each time I got one, I made sure to thank that person. No one had to take the time to wish me anything, but they did and I very much appreciated it! It's the kindness of other's that really light up the day. It only takes a few nice words to erase all the bad things that are going on in your life. So when you start the day today or tomorrow, spread a little light along the way! :)

Think about your day....did someone do something nice for you today?   Tell me something you're thankful for today! :)

Color Of The Year--Emerald Green

 

2013 is all about the green! No, I don't mean making money (but that doesn't hurt though haha), I'm talking about the color green! Emerald green to be exact! It's the color of the year! I'm very much over last year's burnt orange color, so green will be a nice change indeed.

Did you know humans see the color green more than any other color?  It's all around us and very easy to incorporate in our wardrobes! It's not a color to be scared of. I believe some colors are just too much for some people (again, last year's burn orange color), with green, you can go to any shade. Real dark with hunter green, or be the life of the party with lime green! I would say Emerald green is right in the middle. Very easy on the eyes and still gets you noticed!

Pantone is the leading color expert company. They are the communicators between designers, manufactures, retailers and customers! That's where we get our yearly color pallets from each year in fashion. Below is a picture of just some ways they suggest you can incorporate emerald green into your life.



                                

    
It's not just about the clothes, but the accessories you wear (necklaces, earrings, bracelets ect...) and also the accessories in your home (candles, couches, curtains, bedspreads, ect..)  Give it a try, don't be afraid to add that touch of color to your everyday life. Start off slow and work your way into it!  

The Heart Symbol

 

 

I have introduced some new key chains into my shop today. Pictured above is just one of the new key chains I added. I love hearts, so wanted to add some more of them into my shop. I believe the symbol itself just makes people happy and comforted For me, it also brings a sense of peace. I think they are quite beautiful and can look very different and mean different things to everyone, but it is a universal symbol for love!

Early cultures believed the heart was not only just an organ in the body, but the center of your soul that held all your emotions. I guess some people still think that way. I personally believe the heart is also more than just an organ. It's a powerful thing in my opinion. It's just one of those unexplained things!
As a mother, I think the feeling of love is most powerful between you and your child. When I was pregnant with my 2nd baby, I thought it was impossible to match the same feelings I had when I first saw my oldest son. I was shockingly surprised to feel the same overwhelming love for him. The bond between a mother and child is something very sacred and something so powerful that it just couldn't come from a thought in your brain, so in my opinion the heart has a lot do with that.

Fun Facts:
-The heart symbol has been traced back as early as the last ice age 10,000-8,000 B.C.E.

-Leonardo da Vinci was the first artist to draw a truly accurate sketch of the organ.

What are your theories on the heart?  Do you feel the heart is just a blood pumping organ, or are there emotions that stem from it, or something spiritual about it?

...Cherish The Moments...

 

It's Sunday morning and I'm up bright and early! I have 2 children and they decide when it's time for the house to wake up. :) Cartoons are more important than sleep with you're a little one. How simple life is when your young, right? I guess not in their eyes though.

I remember being 6, the age of my oldest son right now, and my wish was to be tall enough to see over the kitchen counter. I remember thinking that very thought each time I stood next to my mother in the kitchen. I also wanted so much to be 10! When I turned 10, I hoped 13 would come quickly and after that, sweet 16, then I couldn't wait to be 18 so I could move out, go to college and have my own life. I realized I spent my whole life wishing for time to fly by. Now that I am 30, I so wish I could have that time all back because it really does pass too fast.

This morning, over breakfast, I looked around at my kids eating and just felt so happy. I don't want time to fly by anymore. I want it to take it's sweet time, so I can conitnue making precious memories with my family. Life is what you make it. Sometimes you need to look at the small things and realize they are the BIG things in your life.

Life is too short to stress over things you can't control. My new plan for this year is to go with the flow. Take my time, try new things, cherish the moments in my life because they are gone as quick as they come. 2013 will be a great year!


Did any of you make a New Year's Resolution this year?  If so, what is it and what will you do to stick to your goal this year? 

Gem Exploration: The Garnet

This month we'll be talking about the gemstone: Garnet. It's the birthstone of January! I've decided that each month this year we'll talk about a different gem (this year will be the birthstones). On my exploration of the garnet, I've found so many things I never knew about this stone. I'm a January baby myself, so this is my birthstone  Honestly, I've never been a big fan of it, due to the fact that I'm not particularly found of the color red, BUT I have discovered garnets can come in many different colors, EXCEPT blue! One of the great things about this stone is that if you're just looking for a traditional red garnet, they are not that expensive! When you get into the different colors, the prices go up a great deal.
The garnet has been around for centuries. I found a quite interesting story about how Noah used a garnet lantern to steer his ark in the dark nights! Also many explorers through-out the world were said to carry garnets with them to help fight off evil.  Who would have thought a gem could do so much?!?  Journey with me all this month as we discover the GARNET together!

My First Post! :)

Hi! I'm Krissy Worth! I'm the owner of an online boutique called Krissy's Boutique! I opened this shop in the summer of last year and so far it has been quite a journey! I have not only been able to do what I love to do, but I also have met some really great people from all over the world! It's because of those great people that I've decided to start this blog. I want to get to know more about everyone and I want people to know more about me.
I have many passions and this blog will showcase them all. I hope you enjoy it. This is my first post and it's quick due to the fact that I am just starting out and I want to get myself familiar with the blog site. I just wanted to post something to introduce myself a little bit and let you know there is MORE to come! :)
Stay tuned!! :)
In the meantime, you can follow me on Twitter / LIKE my FB page too! Links are below!  Subscribe to this blog (if that is even an option haha) and that way you will stay up to date on when I post!  (I will have a better intro when I figure out this site!---any tips would be greatly appreciated!!)
Krissy's Boutique Twitter
Krissy's Boutique Facebook

~Krissy