I've been "tagged" to share 7 random facts about myself and since this is an entrepreneurial blog, I will stay thematic.
1) In 1993 I began writing and publishing a newsletter entitled, "BIG Ideas/Small Budget." I think Vegetales stole my BIG Idea and they should pay me some money. Do you agree?
2) One time a subscriber gave a gift subscription to my newsletter to a friend for her birthday. This friend didn't quite "get" the gift and when she called to tell the giver about the subscription she said, "The folks from Vegetales just sent me the coolest newsletter." I think that was a compliment.
3) My friend, Bethany, joined me as co-editor. One year we were writing an article about thrifty shopping that was going in a national homeschool magazine so we dressed our families and went to the park for a picture. At the time I had 8 of my nine children and Bethany had 6 of her 7 so altogether there were 18 of us and we were totally dressed for less than $100, including shoes. At the time we thought we looked fashionable. Looking back at the picture now, I'm not so sure!
4) Before thrift shopping became easier than saving hand-me-downs I would keep my children's clothes in buckets labled by ages, gender, and season. One time someone said to Kelley, who was about 5 at the time, "You are always dressed so nice. Where does your mom get your clothes?" and she replied, "The attic." Nowadays, unless there is something memorable about the outfit (bought by a certain person or handmade), I rarely save clothes to pass down to younger children.
5) Our family designed, made and sold garnet and gold jewelry and hair products to Seminole fans (Go noles!). We learned early on that if it's garnet and gold, no matter what it is, someone will buy it. I created a headband that was made by weaving ribbon, adding beads and feathers. It fit all the way around the head and was adjustable. The ends of the ribbon hung down with garnet and gold feathers dangling from the end of the ribbon. I was quite proud of this creation. A local store in the mall bought them from me (The Garnet and Gold store) and sold them at several locations. One evening I went to an FSU pep rally type event and set up my products to sell, next to another vendor. I looked over at her table and there was my headband, only it wasn't made nearly as well (really, it wasn't). I picked it up and the vendor said, "I had to buy one of those for $25 at the mall just so I could take it apart and figure out how to make it." Another vendor told me I was lucky to have enjoyed being the sole maker of my design while it lasted. Then she said, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." I was flattered.
6) Since it's Valentine's day I will admit that I buy candy for my children, the day AFTER Valentine's day. They know they'll get more and I feel much better about paying less.
7) I won a Starbucks Gift card for $5 just by doing my searches online through Swagbucks. I already have enough credits to get another one, but I might hold out for something else. Sign up using this link and I'll get credit! http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=283240
I don't know how to tag so I won't. I'm sure many of my friends are relieved!
