My Structured Chaos

Veggie Crumbles

noreply@blogger.com (Ladipo) — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:19:00 +0000

My husband loves finding new healthy food and snacks. So when my church mother Mrs. Mary (who is a vegetarian) introduced him to veggie crumbles via a killer no-meat sloppy Joes. I SOO knew what was to come...we were going to be getting veggie crumbles.
And, of course it happened, but he didn't get one bag...he got 3!

But I must admit my nachos weren't bad at all with a bit of veggie crumble meat-substitute.
Wish I would have got a picture of the nachos, but once they were made, they were swiftly consumed!!

Would you try veggie crumbles?

She's Almost 17months!

noreply@blogger.com (Ladipo) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:36:00 +0000

My little baby is growing up, and I just don't know what to do!
Everyday I watch her grow and learn. And, with each new discovery I rejoice and wince just a little, I know she won't be mommies little baby forever, but I feel like she is growing so fast!

I know she will keep getting older, and I'm super excited to see her grow, I just don't want any regrets!
So I guess that means I have to take more pictures, and make more trips to the park :D

That's So Paper Crafts!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:47:00 +0000

Lately I have been hankering to do some paper crafting. I am absolutely clueless as to what it is I want to do, but I am going to figure it out!

I went searching around to find some inspiration to get me moving. Here is a few of my favorites...

Hopefully I can get a bit of paper crafting done soon!

Ready, Set, START!!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:33:00 +0000

It's Friday, and that means the weekend is right around the corner!

I don't know about you, but I have quite a lot to accomplish for myself.

Now that tax season is coming to a close my seasonal position as a "working on my return" agent has come to a close. So, in an effort to keep funds flowing to my account I am now taking classes to be a chat support agent for a wireless company, and boy is there homework!!

Outside of my everyday life I am also putting together a blog notebook. It's high time that I put some serious organization into this blog. I don't like how sporadic it is at times. It makes me feel like I don't know what I'm doing lol

So be on the lookout for some peeks into my journey of organization!

Hope everyone has a great weekend, and if you feel the need, I would love to know what you will be up to :)

Let's be real...I'm a mess!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:11:00 +0000

And, something has got to change.

Get a job --- check!
Get married --- check!
Close shop --- check!

It's official, I have decided to face myself......eww right!?! Well, it was bound to come to this point one way or another, and there is no better time than the present.

Today I checked my long forgoton returns email account, and what did I find...an email. And, not just a random email, but a 6 day old refund request.
OUCH!

I completely and totally paniced, sent out a refund confirmation email and staired at the computer.

Let me put some things into perspective.

I have only ever sold an item once from my website, and that was to my husband's Mother.
I'm so used to my shop not selling anything that I shamefully go weeks without checking any messages.
I did sell a few items on Tophatter, but they sold for so little that I couldn't even bank the money to send them off. Not to mention that I would rejoice if my account were sitting at $0.

So, as I'm frantically trying to figure out where I'm going to get a simple $4 from to refund my poorly treated customer, I start thinking.
"I'm not ready for this..."

I'm not organized and totally and completely ill-prepared to handle the everyday task of managing this blog on a consistant basis, let alone making a sell!
Which is why I have stepped back.

I am inlisting the help of my older wiser sister Malika to help me put together an organized and cohesive business plan that I can work and grow with. It may take a great deal of time going the "long way," but I would rather it work right than wrong.

Now, that I have put my junk out on the table let me reel it back in...

\\\\\\\FROM NOW ON\\\\\\\

No procrastination
No running from problems
No handing off responsibilites
No short-cuts or easy fixes

Sure, there is more to this story and much more to come, but I'm just getting started.

Off to Paris!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:11:00 +0000

If you just read the title and thought, "She's going to Paris?!"
Don't.

I'm actually talking about a swap-bot package that I have been trying to get off for some time now!!
First I sent it out and my completely understanding swap partner Arwen didn't get the package.
After I paniced for a couple of days, I contacted her back and let her know that I would just send off a new package.

I was a little sad because the first package was pretty epic (if I must say so), and I didn't really have the funds to make it that epic again...
So! When the package showed up at my door a few weeks later I was ecstatic!!

Now, I am able to send her package back out so she can get the original one I sent, plus I added a few extras that I haven't pictured here though ;) Just because I felt really bad about how long it has taken me to get the package out to her.

I really hope she likes the package :)
Swaps are the best! Hopefully my funds get in order soon so that I can move forward and get back to doing more swaps with great people!

I'm A Married Woman!!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:06:00 +0000

It has been a long time coming but I made it!!

There were obstacles and many snares, but I made in spite of the adversity. I am stronger, wiser, and so overjoyed, and all I can do is give God all the glory for being my strength through this process.

I finally have one!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 02:19:00 +0000

Alright do you remember this post??

Well, yes that was a long while ago and I still hadn't taken the leap to get one for myself, but today I write before you as a proud owner of a Square!!

I'm super excited, and for seemingly no reason, since I have no money to collect anywhere lol
But, I suppose just being able to accomplish a small goal feels very rewarding :D

So let's dig into the package shall we!

I got the package in the mail and I was all WHOO!!
Took out my phone and thought...hmm mine looks almost like the one in the picture :D

Very well cushioned, as to not damage the inside goods...

and voila! The square. Plus some stickers to place on things so people know you accept credit/debit.

And, Here it is plugged into my phone witht the Square app open!

I'm going to be having a yard sale next week so I will try to see if I can test it out than :D
Super excited!!

TopHatter...New addiction...??

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:36:00 +0000

So the other day while browsing around the etsy business forums I came across a thread that mentioned a relatively new application to sell handmade work called TopHatter!!

And, the best part is THINGS REALLY SALE!

So how does it work?
You submit one of your items to go up for AUCTION (yep, that's right people will be bidding on YOUR work).
Your work goes up on the day you choose. One of the nice features is that there is live chat, you can see how many people are in the auction room and you can also see who made what bid.

Something else I really like was that the seller get's to stand along-side the auctioner and answer any questions bidders may have!

This is a peek at how the auction room looks...

The whole process is very fun, the site is simple and easy to navigate, and auctions are very face paced!

I ended up spending over 2hrs watching auctions lol

Here is a more detailed view of the right side of the screen where the item up for auction will appear.

You will also be able to see what items will be coming up next, or even check out auctions for the next day.

Signing up to participate is simple and easy, and the best part is that if you just want to buy or watch you don't need an account!!

So no need to create a whole new account to be a part of a new application, just simply hit the join auction button.

I encourage everyone to check out the TopHatter website, I really enjoyed myself there.

And, just to let you all know, these are screen shots from my personal visit to the site :)

I Wear Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:18:00 +0000

Hi Hi!!
(double the excitment for double the "hi" )

I'm sure anyone who reads my blog by now knows that I adore handmade work. Well, I was just soo exstatic to actually be able to own a few handmade pieces.

It isn't often that I have expendable money so when I do getting nice things for myself is a MUST!!

The Dress under the jacket is actually from my engagment party late last year. It was made by Mienkintosh Fairie!! I adore this dress, you should see it in the summer time :)

And, these awesome legwarmers were sent to me by the awesome GothBarbie during a private swap! She did some amazing work :D I really wanted to wear them before the SUPER HEAT hit Georgia, so whooo!!!

Dude! My lips are red!!!
Yes for the first time ever I wore lip color, crazy sauce :D

Mmmhmm, GURL!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 01:07:00 +0000

So, God has been so good to me :)

First, I have to admit I was quite harsh on my fiance in regard to the proposal he last gave me.

Him: "Here"

Me: " Wha' O......but, it's blue..."

But mainly the ring bugged me :(

The thing about it was it was 3 sizes too big...and the ring was blue...my LEAST favorite color...AND HE KNEW IT!!!!

But, I digress lol...

Well, just yesterday he re-proposed to me and I'm so so happy and I love LOVE my ring :D

The proposal wasn't something crazy fancy or anything, but I got everything that I wanted!
He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him :D
I was ecstatic!!!

Thanks again for joining me for another post :)
ttyl

Horses Hold!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:48:00 +0000

First things first, YES, I did cut my hair...AGAIN.

But, at least this time it looks good :)
So right now I'm working on my wedding plans and moving out of my soon to be in-laws house (ick). In other news, I got a job working for Arise!!! Whoo, finally a steady income :D

I'm really working on my life as well as my walk with the Lord right now.
AAANNND, my shop is closed.

I don't know if I will re-open it, but I do know I want to improve my skills. I just did a bag not to long ago and it really made me re-evaluate every thing....sooo, yeah....

ttyl

Victim de la Mode!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:20:00 +0000

Or something like that lol.

Just recently I got the urge to really get up and make something. To be perfectly honest, it has been a while since I have been hit this hard with a need to create. The craziest part is that what I have the urge to do is totally left field of my current work.

By that I mean it isn't as playful and colorful, but I still really like what I'm doing :)

source

Now, I just need to get my thoughts organized with my schedule and I'll be in the house!!

Because I don't want to run into my usual problem of falling behind and than not being able to get things accomplished in a reasonable time frame.

First Newsletter!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:18:00 +0000

both; text-align: left;"> In my last post about creating a newsletter had me thinking of ways to engage my audience. So, after crawling the etsy forums I came across this great post about House shows and Virtual Parties!

Well, to say the least I was impressed but still unable to do either for different reasons, BUT low and behold a door opened ! Now, I can have virtual parties and private sales! I'm so excited :D

This is how my first newsletter looked...

Needless to say this gave me a good reason to make a newsletter and I'm happy about it too :)

And, if you would like to sign-up to receive the Structured Chaos Newsletter sign-up below!

She's One!! And, a Giveaway :)

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:45:00 +0000

My little daughter pumpkin is officially one today! I am so happy :D I just can't believe it has been a year since she was born!

We plan of throwing a her a little party on the third so everyone will be back in town after thanksgiving :)

One of the main things that concerns me is that I haven't really documented anything for my daughter as she has gotten older. I want to have the memories, but I can't seem to find the time (or energy) to put anything together.

So, when MyMemories contacted me about a digital scrapbook I was ecstatic! I was able to simple choose a theme and the pictures that I wanted and they were aromatically entered into the pages :D You can also work from scratch, but that feature wasn't for me lol

And, let me just be the first to say that I can't stand scrapbooking because it is just so tedious and time consuming! But, this was easy fast and simple :D

I plan to have the album completed before her birthday party so that I can give everyone a CD. I'm going to add some of the videos that I recorded of her, which is awesome!

And, here is the BEST PART! One of my awesome readers will have the chance to win this sweet digital scrapbooking software :D

Take a look at the video below to see all that My Memories Suite can do :D

-It's International -

Here Are the Rules:

Leave a comment how you would use My Memories Suite.

Like My Memories Suite on Facebook

Follow the My Memories Suite on Blog

**Please leave a separate comment for each thing you do**

And, if you can't wait you can use the coupon code: STMMMS34412 for $10 OFF My Memories Suite V3

I will be choosing the winner on November 29, 2011!

Fear Filled Ambitions

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:17:00 +0000

source

Often in everyday life as well in my business endeavors I want SO MUCH but can only imagine so little. Almost everyday at least twice a day I have a great idea, but before the day is out I find every reason under the sun why it just can't happen.
Either I don't have the time, funds, following or expertise...blah blah BLAH!

On the other side of the spectrium if everything is "okay" I stand around waiting for the right persons approval (whoever that is) and when it doesn't come or any one person tells me I can't do it or that it isn't a good idea, I throw it out.

source

Sadly it doesn't take much to demotivate an idea for many of us, because we are always working with fear filled ambitions.
Fear that it won't work, that the idea will be rejected, fear that our idea will take off!!

source

Sometimes you have to get yourself to a point where you have to say enough is enough!!!
I'm no longer going to use my excuses as a crutch to stand on, because at the end of the day I have to live my life and live with my choices.

So don't fall victim to your fears and insecurities, break out of the box that says you can't do it!

Sure, it will take planning and maybe more time than you anticipated, but in the end you will be that much happier you went ahead and went after your great idea, project or whatever it is you want to do :)

Thanks for reading, hope to read your comments soon!! :D

Getting Excited For Thanksgiving!!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:13:00 +0000

Canadian Forest

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I am super pumped to get to the yummies!! This will be the first year that I actually contribute a dish to the thanksgiving feast with the family, so I am extra EXTRA antsy to get to work! I am not too sure on what I will be making but, rest assured that it will be DELICIOUS :D

Another thing to be happy about this coming thanks giving is, that I have so much to be thankful for.

That is basically what has been on my mind today so, thanks for reading :)

Discover: Milk~fly

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:51:00 +0000

When I was younger I love LOVED to play with fake food! I would dream up all kinds of outrageously spectacular occasions with my sister and we would have a blast :D
My memories of having a tea party or pretending to cater a masquerade ball are cherished moments, and that is something that I would like to share with my own daughter. I really want to grow her imagination and since of adventure!

Sunday Breakfast

A little while back I found this great shop called Milk~fly that sells amazing (and very realistic) felt foods! I ADORE everything they sell there :) It is me getting super-duper excited for when my daughter gets older and can play with toys like that!

Strawberry Cheesecake Slice

Cheese Platter

Banana Cream Pie

P.S. Someone gifted me a whole heap of clothes!! I'm super happy and feeling blessed :D

Thanks for reading :)

Shop Talk: The Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:07:00 +0000

source

I'm at a loss.
My website features a newsletter sign-up, and since it has been there I have 2 subscribers + 14 family members that I signed up ~~against their will~~, so they could forward some to their friends. With that in mind I have found myself at a cross-roads, I'm somewhat feeling like, what's the point??

Plus, every time I sit down to really make a newsletter I am a complete blank slate! Should I make a newsletter plan, should I have planned campaigns only?? I suppose I need to find some purpose and function before I run with the seemingly great idea...
I just don't want people to be signed-up and than one day out of the blue they get a newsletter and it's been so long that they don't even remember subscribing!

I suppose this must have just been a rant to myself more than anything. I need to get up and get moving!

Things People Make

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:39:00 +0000

A week or two ago I joined this great handmade community called Things People Make! I haven't done very much with it just yet, but I hope to get some projects and tutorials up soon :D
Plus I'm sure I will find new handmade items to love like these!!!!

source

One of the interesting features of this new site is that while showcasing your items, you can also opt to sell them as well!?! I thought it was cool and odd at the same time, they don't have a listing fee or transaction fee because it works by the principle of the pay-pal button. Something cool to try maybe :)

Sign-in is done through facebook...at first I was a bit apprehensive about the whole process but than I got over it lol

So if you decide to join pop by my page ok!

This Just In!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:34:00 +0000

I am quite sure you all have noticed that I have recently made some changes to my blog as of late :)

But, if not let me bring you up to speed!

The blog now has sponsors :)

Making this decision took a long time for me, but now my mind is made! I'm super happy with my choice and more happy with the wonderful sponsors that are joining us this month of November!!

So, if you have some time please show them some love because they have some wonderful shops.

Also!! There is a sponsor showcase button now on the blog that you can check out each month to find out more about the sponsors and preview some of their great items!
So here are this months AWESOMELY COOL sponsors ;D

* * * * * *

O U T O F A L A B A S T E R

Digitally drawn silhouettes by me, no automated Photoshop magic. So this way I can put great care and effort in to preserving each tiny little detail.

The silhouette is sent in a high-resolution digital file so you can take full advantage of custom sizing! Making great keepsakes, home decor frame or just send as a gift.

Shop - Blog

**click image to view item**

____________________________________________________________________________

E L A C Y N H A N D M A D E C R A F T S

Elegantly Stylish bunnies and flowery accessories, all made from quality felt.
Crafted by two best friends who work together to create and craft the most cutesy and elegant items available.

They put in so much effort, love and patience in every item they make with the homes of bringing a smile to your face :)

Shop - Blog

**click image to view item**

____________________________________________________________________________

T R U L Y A E S T H E T I C

Truly Aesthetic™ is a handmade, holistically inclined body care concept which aims to evoke the connection of the mind, body and spirit. Based in Durham, North Carolina, we develop high end organic body care products that exude complete luxury.

By using only the finest essential oils and high end, organic and wild harvested ingredients, Truly Aesthetic™ products will open your mind, soothe your spirit and most importantly, give your body the ultimate spa feeling it deserves.

Shop - Blog - Facebook - Twitter

**click image to view item**

And, if you would like to sponsor My Structured Chaos for the month of December just contact me and let me know!

Thanks for reading :D

If you haven't already, please do!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:15:00 +0000

I know I mentioned this before but, please go run by Blue Eyed Night Owls blog and enter my giveaway for the Citrus Hannah Clutch!

There is only a little time left :D

Birthday on a Budget!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 22:24:00 +0000

My daughter is turning one this month and I want to do something special for her. As a child I never had a birthday party or celebration of sorts but I would really like to share the excitement of those types of moments with my daughter :)
Plus, though my immediate family have all met my little one, the rest of my family have all but been left in the dark.

That being said I want for everyone to finally meet her but my budget is super duper tight. Sadly, even if I had a dream budget I wouldn't know what I would need to do. I just don't know the proper ingredients that make a successful party (less we re-live the engagement party...)

I know she will only be one and very likely not remember anything from that day I still want it to be something special to look back on.

So anyway!
I went ahead and collected some images of inspiration to look to when I go ahead and start putting my ideas to work.
ENJOY :D

source

Hopefully I will be able to get my sisters together or maybe some friends and we can craft some things up for the party! And, if all goes well I will be able to get some pics and share them with everyone here :)

Thanks for reading!

Shop Talk: My First Blog Feature!!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:13:00 +0000

Since my shop has opened I have been all over trying to get exposure, and I'm so happy to announce that Christine of the Urban Jewelry blog featured one of my totes on her blog!!

It was actually very nice to see my work on someone else's page :)
If you would like to see my feature please click here.

She has her own shop on etsy so if you have the time please stop by and show her some loves!

Red Bracelet

Bead Earrings

Thanks a mill for reading :D

A Picnic!

noreply@blogger.com (Pattie) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:16:00 +0000

Today, I was at a bit of a lose of what to blog about when I remembered that a little while ago my sister her guy, me and my fiance went for a picnic right before Fall hit.
So I searched my computer to see if I had any pictures and VIOLA!

It ended up taking place much later than I would have personally liked, but I had fun and we ate well :D

My sister set everything up, she loves making a big deal out of everything, and this was no exception! I thought she put quite a bit of effort into the design of the whole event.

As for food, we had kettle chips, fried chicken, prosciutto, and lots of other goodies! To say the least by the end of the night I was feeling royally spoiled, and stuffed to boot (and there is nothing wrong with that!).

At the end of the night everyone had a toast (but me, cause I don't drink) and we said goodnight.
Hopefully we can picnic again in the daytime :)