Balancing a Job, a Teeny Business, Planning a Wedding and Kids.

First of all, let me state for the record that I fully realize there are mothers out there with busier schedules than mine. I realize that there are single mothers who DON'T have the help that I am blessed with. I used to be one of those single mothers.

This blog is not about complaining.  This is just about my life.

I started Kittn's Purrfections in October 2010 when I had no job, a child in school, and a quiet pre-schooler at home. Immediately, I realized I was wayyy over my head. Owning a business online can be a VERY scary place. I was starting up with almost no start up cash, and a dream in my eye.

KP has had its ups and its downs, mainly from the financial side. I had no idea how steeply I was undercharging the customers, wanting only to offer FAIR prices to my fans who I had grown to laugh and cry with. Not only did they earn the title Purrfectionistas, but many earned the title of friend as well. In the process of making sure they got amazing prices, I forgot to be fair to myself.

In September 2011, my family and I hit rock bottom. My fiance'e was laid off after an injury that put him out for 6 weeks. (Ever broke your tailbone? I have. Twice. And Mister Boss Man, the agony my darling felt those 6 weeks from being injured on YOUR farm was all too real.)

I no longer had ANY funds to make up for the extra costs. Faced with closing KP down, I stood before my Purrfectionistas, my friends, and laid it all out. I was done for. I had never been one to give up easily, but this is a woman who couldn't even keep her electricity on, much less keep up with a business that was steadily costing money to run, and not giving anything back.

Those same friends didn't give up so easy. Always understanding and always kind, they cheered me on the days I needed heroes, the days I thought I could never smile.

But I did slow down. I took more time to fix my own problems, getting jobs while my fiance'e searched desperately for work. (He has a blip on his background that I won't bother going into,  at least not in this blog.)

I even started working towards my GED, an accomplishment that I couldn't be more proud of.

My mom passed in September 2012 and threw me for another loop. My friends in real life, online, and KP suffered horribly. I was in a foul mood for months, easy to piss off, and quick to tear up. I was a wreck.

Then one shiny day, I woke up with a smile. I had woken to a busy, BUSY day of school, work, and advertising to get KP back up and running. It felt natural, right some how. Kids were put on the school bus, I worked until 6pm, came home to homework & baths (Thank Goodness dinner is DADDY's job) and tucked safely into bed.

Oh how I wanted to rest my tired feet. Instead,  I spent the next 48 hours posting brand new items, at amazing prices, and advertising the hell out of my shop. If you were on Facebook in those 48 hours, I apologize for the spam in your news feeds.

It worked. I've since spent several 48 hour blocks on the shop, and three weeks later, I'm consistently selling enough that I have a few bucks saved to start making up those lost giveaway items and packages that I owe.

It's neverending. It's exhausting. Tuesday through Friday I am home with my children, and constantly chugging through on KP. If I don't post sales and discounts,  I don't sell. If I don't constantly reach out to NEW fans, I don't sell. Tuesday through Friday, I'm a walking zombie. Saturday through Monday, I work from 9 - 7, if not later. Generally, I fall asleep after work, or work on a Facebook page that I admin for in my rare free time.

So why did I wake up smiling?

Because simply put, I woke up with a plan. I had gained my GED with high scores, had a plan for college (for my lifetime choice of career) if I could just get my hands on a laptop, and I knew what I would have to do to see KP shine once again.

For the first time in over a year, I felt in control, and blessed. I knew it would be hard, and it HAS been. However, the rewards of self worth, confidence, and this newfound smile makes every single day worth it.

I couldn't have done it without my Purrfectionistas, my amazing fiance'e, and three amazing children who understand more than they should about being poor and hard times.

Yep. I'm pretty damned blessed and I'm loving every crazy, hectic, stressful moment.

DIY Tips & Tricks from Around the Web

Are you a crafter? Do you want to be? Do you want tricks to make your life in general simpler? I've compiled some of the best tips & tricks I've read around the web, plus included links! Read on. Because if you don't, Miss Bossy Ass Kittn will be sad.

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"If you have ever had to give eye drops to a small child, you know how hard it can be. Ask you child to lay down and close his/her eyes. Place a small drop on the inside corner of the eye. The drop will slip onto the eye ball as soon as the child opens their eyes."

"Use Press'n Seal saran wrap to line your refrigerator shelves. When the shelves get dirty, just remove the wrap, toss in the trash and replace. No more scrubbing nasty food spills. (Kittn: "Other materials work as well: Vinyl Shelf Liner, Cheap Plastic Placemats, the possibilities are endless!")"

"Two boxes that should be in every home are a "Fix it" box and a "Donate" box. Whenever you child comes to you with a broken toy that you don't have time to fix instead of letting it clutter up the kitchen counter or get lost with the rest of the toys just toss it in the "Fix it" box. Next time you have the glue gun or sewing machine out look through the box to see what can be fixed. Toss anything that is too small or your kids no longer play with into the donate box and once a month (or more if needed) drop the items off at the donation center."
diy home sweet home

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For picture frames with two holes, hang them evenly and easily by placing a single strip of masking tape over the back covering the two holes. Mark each end of the tape where the holes are located for hanging the frame. Take the tape off and place it on your wall. Make sure it is level then hammer a nail in at each pen mark.
Adventures in Creating has the entire tutorial.
(Toothpaste also makes picture hanging so much easier!)

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Tint glasses any color you'd like with modge podge and food coloring! Momtastic has the scoop!

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If your kids are anything like mine, they NEVER pay attention when opening or shutting doors. Some days, it's frequent to hear a bang and immediate blood curdlinh screams from whoever got their fingers smashed. Use a cut up swimming pool noodle ($1.00!) for a door stopper!
Source: Diana Mattoni

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Expensive picture frames are super cute. Expensive LOOKING frames that you made yourself are better. Use scrap paper over a cheap frame instead!
FaveCrafts

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Do you have stuffed animals EVERYWHERE? Put em in a bean bag chair slip cover! It looks adorable and becomes an extra seat in your child's room!
Pink and Green Mama

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Have you seen the beautiful painted wine glasses sold on Facebook and Etsy? They are actually pretty simple to make! Check out Something Turquoise if you'd like to try it. I will be giving it a try for our wedding glasses!

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Did you know that you CAN paint letters and words on wood perfectly and even every single time? Trace the full outline of your word with a ball point pen over paper to leave a traced indent in the wood. This indent actually holds the paint!
That's My Letter

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What about you Purrfectionistas? Do you have any tips to make your life either prettier or easier? Share them here!

**Important KP Information You Might Have Missed**
I'm giving away a set of CUTE little piggy hair bows. Giveaway here. Very few entries at time of posting this blog!

♧♣The Saint Patrick's Day sale is here, and everything green is 25-50% off!

Exclusive 20% off discount when you shop at Crusade Boutique on Storenvy and enter "KITT20" at checkout! You can also shop the Crusade Boutique Facebook Page and follow the instructions for ordering underneath the items or by sending a PM on the page. Just remember to send your coupon code "KITT20" via message as well!

St. Patrick's Day is almost here!

St. Patrick's Day just happens to be my favorite holiday.

This is pretty predictable since St. Patrick's Day celebrated everything I love: my Irish roots, the color green, and good old fashioned rowdy fun.

(To celebrate: All green items are on sale 25% ~ 50% off at Kittn's Purrfections)

But did you know the answers to these questions about my favorite holiday?

1. Who was St. Patrick?

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, although he was born in Britain, around 385AD. His parents Calpurnius and Conchessa were Roman citizens living in either Scotland or Wales, according to different versions of his story.

2. When did St. Patrick come to Ireland?

As a boy of 14 he was captured and taken to Ireland where he spent six years in slavery herding sheep. He returned to Ireland in his 30s as a missionary among the Celtic pagans.

3. What about the symbol of the clover?

Legend has it that St. Patrick used the native shamrock as a symbol of the holy trinity when preaching and brought the Latin alphabet to Ireland.

4. What did St. Patrick do to be celebrated?

Miracles attributed to him include the driving of serpents out of Ireland. However, evidence suggests post-glacial Ireland never had any snakes in the first place.

5. We celebrate with green, but what color should St. Patrick's Day have been?

Wearing green, eating green food and even drinking green beer, is said to commemorate St Patrick's use of the shamrock - although blue was the original colour of his vestments.

6. Why has this holiday become a day to get drunk?

St Patrick was said to have proclaimed that everyone should have a drop of the "hard stuff" on his feast day after chastising an innkeeper who served a short measure of whiskey. In the custom known as "drowning the shamrock", the shamrock that has been worn on a lapel or hat is put in the last drink of the evening.

7. Popular Irish toasts on St Patrick's Day, include may the roof above us never fall in, and may we friends beneath it never fall out.

8. When was the first St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in America in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1737. Around 34 million modern Americans claim Irish ancestry.

9.When did St. Patrick die?

It is believed that St Patrick died on March 17 in 461AD. It is a national holiday in Ireland, and on the island of Montserrat in the Caribbean, which was founded by Irish refugees. It is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland and a provincial holiday in the Canadian province of Newfoundland.

10. Dublin has a parade that attracts hundreds of thousands of people, while in Chicago the river is dyed green for a few hours. The biggest parade is normally held in New York, while the largest celebration in the southern hemisphere is in Sydney, Australia.

Pictured: Sydney Opera House on St. Patrick's Day

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Exclusive 20% off discount when you shop at Crusade Boutique on Storenvy and enter "KITT20" at checkout! You can also shop the Crusade Boutique Facebook Page and follow the instructions for ordering underneath the items or by sending a PM on the page. Just remember to send your coupon code "KITT20" via message as well!

Whew. A day of pretty ribbon, and a feeling of satisfaction

I was a busy kitty today.

Up until the past two weeks, I have had one order every few months.

In the last two weeks I have had quite a few  orders.

I'm perky right now. :)

Let's see:
12 Hairbows,
4 Clothing Items,
3 sets of Earrings,
7 Necklace sets,
6 Boys' Bow Ties
4 Bracelets
And 3 No Sew Fleece Baby Blankets.

I've been rocking it too.

Packaged Up:
6 Hair Bows,
4 Clothing Items, 
3 Sets of Earrings,
& 7 Necklace sets.

I am currently waiting for more ribbon for 3 of those bows. Frustrating! I thought I had TWO rolls.

Good thing my supplier ships rush if needed for no extra money. :)

Anyway, it's been a heck of a two weeks.

First, I reached 1,500 Fans in the middle of my "Wanna Be 2000 Fans Sale" (but that's a story for another blog.)

Then, those 1500 fans decided they really liked my products. Kittn couldn't be more proud.

Less than a week later,  I reached 1600 fans. I'd be lying if I didn't give myself some credit.  I was out there networking like crazy, not only on Facebook, but Tumblr,  Twitter, Pinterest, and anyone in the mighty internet world who never pretended to be interested.

At one point, I stayed up 48 hours, just getting the old shop back to order after being closed for so long. I immensely enjoyed every minute of it.

Keep 'em coming guys!

Pictured: Order for Holly shipping out today
And the 6 Hair Bows I have completed.

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Exclusive 20% off discount when you shop at Crusade Boutique on Storenvy and enter "KITT20" at checkout! You can also shop the Crusade Boutique Facebook Page and follow the instructions for ordering underneath the items or by sending a PM on the page. Just remember to send your coupon code "KITT20" via message as well!

20% Discount Off Your Entire Order at Crusade Boutique - KP Exclusive!

A fellow shop owner has provided you and all of my Purrfectionistas one heck of a deal!

But first, let me give you a little idea of what Crusade Boutique is about!

CB offers Juniors, Women's & Plus Size Women's Apparel that is PROUDLY "Made in the USA" They carry size Small to 6XL!
I have included a few pictures of the SUPER cute clothes! I'm always proud to shop USA if I have a choice. :)

Anywho, just for being a Purrfectionista you get 20% off your entire order at Crusade Boutique! EXCLUSIVE and ONLY available to KP fans!
How do you claim this wonderful prize?
Easy, peazy!

You can receive your exclusive 20% off discount when you shop at Crusade Boutique on Storenvy and enter "KITT20" at checkout!

You can also shop the Crusade Boutique Facebook Page and follow the instructions for ordering underneath the items or by sending a PM on the page. Just remember to send your coupon code "KITT20" via message as well!

(No worries! I will include this information under all posts for you to find.)

Tristan, thank you soo much!

Purrfectionistas, don't forget to show your love and thanks in comments. :)

How to Hide Your Activity on Pages (Facebook Tutorial)

1. Go to your profile. Under your timeline cover are several boxes including "Friends" and "Notes". Click the little arrow to see more.
2. Click the box that says "Likes".
3. To the far right of your screen, click "Edit".
4. Next to each group of Likes, click the globe.
5. Click "Only Me".
6. Make sure to change the settings for "Other Pages You've Liked" as well.
7. Return to the top right of your screen and click "Done Editing".
8. Enjoy being able to comment without it showing in your mama, pastor, friends' newsfeeds!

THE DRESS. Squeeeee!!!!

On Christmas Eve 2009, Griff proposed to me with his mother's ring in front of his family, the only family I've ever felt that I belonged to.

Since that day, I have searched all over the world for the perfect dress.

I found one in March 2011 but after discovering that finances did not allow for a marriage, much less a wedding, I grew disheartened and deleted every trace of wedding planning from my life.

This year, we decided to do it. We were setting a date, FINALIZING it, even. We would not budge this time, consequences be damned.

So I had to get all eye of the tiger on my dress hunt because we chose a date.

In. September.
Of. THIS. Year.

This meant no more idle day dreams of my wedding day, but rock solid, concrete decisions.

Those that know me are laughing their ASSES off at me. Just know that I sit here sticking out my tongue at ALL OF YOU.

I found a dress shortly after I started searching. I was DETERMINED that I could find it somewhere handmade and cheap. I didn't. It was too extravagant of a choice. I had to do like many brides all around the world do: walk away.

Granted, it really wasn't that hard. I've never been one to spend a ton of money on myself, especially for a one-day outfit and the price tag on this one was outrageous. However, this did mean that the dress-hunt started over.

Then, I found this. The most perfect wedding dress ever. At one hell of a price. All HANDMADE, AND 100% CUSTOM TAILORED.

Yeah. I kicked that dress-hunt's ASS.

THEN, I also found bridesmaids dresses here. In my bridesmaids' budgets? Check. Pleasing to the bridesmaids? Check. Pleasing to the bride. Flippin' check.

Now, I shall stress about flowers, music, freaking cakes, but about The Dress no longer.

Aline Romantic ivory layered Organza Wedding by MermaidBridal