Saturday, October 27, 2012

Why Purchase a Shipping Scale

I've made the decision to purchase a shipping scale for my Etsy shop. As of right now I don't have any shipping costs listed and this worries me. I'm scared that it will scare potential customers away because they don't know how much shipping will cost them. I'm scared that if I do post the shipping cost I will either charge too much, or too little and neither is good. 

A shipping scale will benefit me because it will save me time and money. I won't have to wait in line at Canada Post just to find out how much shipping will cost, and I won't have to guestimate how much it will cost with the (great) possibility of being wrong. 

I've actually just ordered a shipping scale off of ebay for $15 that can weigh items up to 75 pounds. You can get scales from 3 pounds, to 400 pounds. Even a simple kitchen scale could work for selling small items like jewelry. Since I'm dealing with a lot of housewares and home decor my items will have a range of different weights so I believe the 75 pound scale will be best. 

More to come on this later!

Thanks, 
COLE

Monday, October 22, 2012

It Really Works Like Magic

Inspirational Quotes


"If you take any activity, any art, any discipline, any skill - take it and push it as far as it will go, push it beyond where it has ever been before, push it to  to the wildest edges of edges, then you force it into the realm of magic."
Tom Robbins (B. 1936),
Writer

Rhonda says, "You should love your job, whatever it is, and be excited about going to work, and you shouldn't settle for anything less. If you don't feel that way about your current job, or if it's not your dream job, the way to receive your dream job is by first being grateful for the job you have." Page 71, The Magic.

Gratitude for Work

Today's assignment is to write down as many things you have to be grateful for today at work. The longer the list is , the more magic can be brought to your money, work success, opportunities, enjoyment and fulfillment. Page 72, The Magic.


The Challenge

Pretty easy challenge today. I guess I should share my list:
  1. I am grateful for my job. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  2. I am grateful for my rate. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  3. I am grateful for my supervisor because he takes the time to listen to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  4. I am grateful for my supervisor because he can say thank you and show his appreciation for a job well done. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  5. I am grateful for the freedom to take my breaks when I need to. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  6. I am grateful for the flexibility allowed me for my start and stop times. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  7. I am grateful for the opportunity for continuous learning that my job offers. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  8. I am grateful for the variety my job offers. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  9. I am grateful for the tools provided to perform my job properly. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  10. I am grateful for my private office. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  11. I am grateful for my comfortable chair because I spend most of my day in it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  12. I am grateful for the internet because I can easily find answers when I need them. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  13. I am grateful for my co-workers because they make the day go faster. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  14. I am grateful for my co-workers because we help each other out. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  15. I am grateful for the semi-private washroom in our office area. LOL Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  16. I am grateful for the full size refrigerator because we all put food in there to share. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  17. I am grateful for the microwave and stove because it provides the means to cook a wide variety of food and we are not limited to sandwiches. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  18. I am grateful to my coworkers who provide the occasional lunch ordered in for the group. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  19. I am grateful to the company for the Christmas Party. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  20. I am grateful to the company for the milestone program. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  21. I am grateful that I am able to help people in some small way. Thank you, thank you, thank you.



Gratitude Stone

I was most grateful for the peace and quite today because it has been a long time since I have been able to enjoy it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.. 






Gratitude Journal

I Am Grateful:
  1. For that I was able to rest while I had the stomach flu. My Mom took Faith with her for a few hours. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  2. For my job.Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  3. For my Mom because she gave me a lift into work today and picked me up. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  4. For the food in our refrigerator and cupboards because I was able to easily get Faith breakfast and make her lunch. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  5. For my comfy cozy bed that I melted into when I felt sick. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  6. For my little Honey Bunny, Faith. I got so many hugs and kisses from her today. She must have told me about a dozen times today that she loves me "this much" and she stretched out her arms. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  7. For Gary who kept checking in on me and asking if I needed anything. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  8. For the clothes I own. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  9. For getting skinnier everyday because I will soon be at my ideal weight. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  10. For Nicole who came to keep me company and talk in my room while I was feeling ill. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Conclusion

This was an easy assignment. I love my job. Once I get there, I dive right in to the pile waiting for my attention.

I would like to read your grateful list.

Consider following me or posting a comment.


Ravenhead White Fire Bowl Set, up for sale!

Already planning for the holidays? 

Well, this gorgeous vintage set of 7 bowls will be perfect for any holiday party! 

Up for sale as of tonight, in excellent condition and in the original box! 
Ravenhead White Fire 7 bowl set!

Get it here:






Thanks, 

COLE

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

16 Ways to Develop an Attitude of Gratitude

Making an Attitude of Gratitude a Habit

I know I have come a long way in the last few weeks by following the practices outlined in The Magic by Rhonda Byrnes but I also know I have a long way to go still.

I don't know about anyone else, but when I am learning something new, I need to review it several times before it sticks. I have decided to write up a summary of calls to action from the book. It will be a reminder at a glance of the different ways I can integrate gratitude into my life and make it a habit.


Developing Your Attitude of Gratitude

  1. Each day make a list of ten blessings which occurred today and why you're grateful.
  2. At the end of the day, hold your magic rock and say the magic words, thank you for the best thing that happened to you during the previous day. 
  3. Carry your magic rock with you as a constant reminder to be grateful. I keep mine in my change purse.
  4. To make a relationship flourish, list five reasons you are grateful for that person. Do this to improve a relationship with someone you are having difficulty with. It will also give you more patience, understanding, compassion, and kindness.
  5. Post a note to yourself in a conspicuous place, " THE GIFT OF HEALTH IS KEEPING ME ALIVE." and I want to lose weight so I am going to add, "I AM GETTING SKINNIER EVERYDAY."
  6. Post a note to yourself in a conspicuous place, " THANK YOU FOR ALL THE MONEY I'VE BEEN GIVEN THROUGHOUT MY LIFE." and I am going to add "MONEY COMES EASILY AND FREQUENTLY."
  7. While at work, look for as many things as you can to be grateful for and say, "I am so grateful for ________. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
  8. If you think or say something negative, stop immediately and say, "But I have to say that I am really grateful for ________"
  9. Before you eat or drink anything, take a moment to look at it and say thank you.
  10. When you receive a bill write across the front of it, "Thank you for the money." Once you have paid the bill, write across the bill " Thank you - Paid."
  11. When you wake up to a new day say thank you that you are alive and that you have been given another day of life because each day is a gift. Continue saying thank you as you touch each item during your morning routine. I like to also say, "today is a great day to be alive!"
  12. Keep a list of your dreams, your wishes. Strike them out once you have received them and add new ones as they appear. When you add a new item say thank you three times and feel grateful as if you have already received it.   OR   Create a magic board and title it with THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU in big letters. Attach pictures of all your desires.
  13. Print the magical cheque and write it out to yourself with the amount of money you want and post it someplace you will see it often. When you look at your cheque picture yourself doing or having what the money has given you.
  14. Magically transform mistakes into blessings. You you make a mistake, create a list of ten reasons you are grateful for making the mistake.
  15. Magic Mirror. Whenever you see your reflection say thank you. If you are feeling brave, say three reasons you are grateful for being you.
  16. Magic Dust. Think of gratitude's energy looking like magic dust. When you express gratitude to someone for something received from them, you are sprinkling magic dust onto them. Be grateful and say thank you to another person for anything you receive from them. It is vital for improving your life.
This is my Gratitude Practice List. I am going to print it and put it on my magic board and on the refrigerator and on my nightstand and . . . You get the picture.

Do you have a Gratitude list? How are you going to continue integrating gratitude into your life? 


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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Back to Work


Yep, it has been three months but I am now back at work. I was nervous about returning. Didn't know how people would treat me or what they would say. I was hoping they would not ask me how I was doing or say anything but, glad to see you're back.

So far so good. In fact nothing has changed here. The same battles are being fought. It's just like missing a few months of your favorite soap opera then returning just to find out nothing has happened since the last episode you watched.

So this is my second day at work which means I can do the practice which I skipped over. I will have to go back and read it so I can complete the challenge tomorrow. I am kinda curious.

Did you skip this chapter? I'd like to know how you did. Please leave your comments. Thanks

Monday, October 15, 2012

Little Shop of Treasures NOW OPEN

We are happy to finally have our shop up and running! 

Please check it out at:


Currently we have our -

Set of 4 Royal Doulton flat cups and saucers with the Indian Summer pattern.

Green chip and dip bowl.

Amber juice glasses.

King Kroker macrame project instructions.

Patons Carefree knitting pattern.


Within the next couple of days we will be posting new items, so come back soon!

Thanks, 
Cole

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Count My Blessings Instead of Sheep

"When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep."
Irving Berlin (May 11, 1888 - Sept. 22, 1989) 
Composer and Lyricis

So many days have passed by since my last post. I have been wondering through the days aimlessly. Forgotten the magic.

I need to get motivated but I am so unmotivated that I can't even wrestle up the energy to get mad at myself for being such a slug.

Sitting up at the table here is exhausting. If I didn't have bones to help keep me erect, I would be a puddle on the floor.

So how do I pull myself out of the depths? Some Magic Dust would be nice.

I am so good at helping others feel better but help myself? Forget it. 

Okay. I am going to get serious here. But first I NEED to grab a couple of oatmeal chocolate cookies. I will be right back.

Three cookies and a two hour nap. I am back.

I think the root of my problem is sleep deprivation. My day starts at eight a.m. and ends about three or four a.m. I am mentally and physically lethargic.

Why have I been staying up so late? Could it be that I haven't accomplished enough on my to do list and so I don't want the day to end. If I don't get enough done in a day, I feel like a failure.

I wonder if this is how Torrey Shannon feels. On her blog, she describes her troubles getting to sleep. Here is the comment I left on Torrey's blog (http://torreyshannon.com/):

October 7, 2012 | 1:00 pm
Hi Torrey. It sometimes amazes me how similar our lives are. My husband who has PTSD also hits the hay early and I am awake to the wee hours. I stay up until I am completely and utterly exhausted. Once my head hits the pillow and I get into my comfy spot I am out like a light.

Although I have to admit, there are times that even after a hectic day, I lay awake with thoughts swirling chaotically in my head. If I am lucky, I remember to count my blessings. It stops the run away train in my head and I can fall asleep with a smile on my face.

Thanks for letting me know I am not the only person anxiously waiting for sleep – hoping it hits me before the sun rises.


Here is my advise to myself,
"Hi Darlene. It sounds like the expectations you set for yourself are too high. You are setting yourself up for failure by making the list unrealistic. When creating your "to do list" set realistic goals. Allow enough free time for unexpected requests for your time. You will also need to set aside enough time to take care of yourself. You are not superwoman. " 

Are the expectations you set for yourself unrealistic? Do you expect way more from yourself than others in your life?

I would love to read your comments

Royal Doulton, Bathroom Set and Amber Bowls

Another few items that will be listed on our Etsy shop, Little Shop of Treasures:

 3 Piece Vintage Bathroom Set includes:
cup, toothbrush holder and soap dish.
Sticker on bottom says McGregor Bath Fashions,
Made in Japan.
Good Condition, however cup has small chip on the rim.






Vintage Royal Doulton Set of 4 Cups and Saucers,
with Indian Flower Pattern. Made in 1973-1978.
Excellent Condition.





Vintage Amber Chip and Dip Set,
Good condition.




Thursday, October 4, 2012

Etsy Store Opening Soon!

I'm happy to say after weeks of getting some great vintage items together, Little Shop of Treasures will be opening on Etsy within the next week! We have a lot of really nice housewares and clothing patterns, but we will also be adding pictures, crafts and artwork within time. Our main goal is to offer beautiful, unique items for around the house and your wardrobe! Following are a few pictures of what will be for sale:
Vintage Anchor Hocking Green 3 Piece Chip and Dip Set.
Chip bowl diameter is 9.25", hieght is 3.8"
Dip bowl diamter is 5", height is 2.4"


Vintage Amber Glass Tea Cups in a set of 4.
Vintage Amber Glass Serving Bowl with Unique Flower Pattern.
Vintage Vereco Frankrike Juice Glasses in a set of 6 from the 1960s.
Vintage Copper Cups with Wooden Handles, was originally made in Germany to hold a clear glass insert for hot cider or hot totties.
 Vintage Dress Pattern from 1969.
 Vintage Children's Clothing Pattern from 1968.

Vintage Knitting Patterns from Men's and Women's Jackets and Sweaters from the 1970s.


Vintage Knitting Patterns from the 1960s.
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