Marketing...on a budget

My etsy store is doing a bit of shifting, as I'm adding some adult shirts to my store. Marketing them is always a challenge...and then you add in some kids, freezing temps, and "OH MY GOSH WE'RE LATE FOR SCHOOL!!" 

I look at real life fashion blogger moms and I'm like - NOPE. I'm just not buying it. 

I recruited Nolan for this picture. We are sporting matching shirts. He was cold and mad. Jack was the photog. Yes, Jack...as in my 6 year old son.

The "photo shoot" took approximately 90 seconds...because there was a one year old model, a six year old photographer, and a four year old who wanted to be in every shot.

Josie was tasked with the job of making Nolan look at the camera. She wasn't happy about not being included in the picture. It was also "pajama" day at preschool...and I didn't think potential customers would appreciate unicorn jammies...but perhaps I'm dead wrong. I should definitely reconsider.

After school - Josie changed IMMEDIATELY - because she said she "needed to look pretty, not stinky." (Ummm, my pajamas beg to differ on that opinion) ...and then we took a selfie.

Read to me

One of my personal goals for 2016 is to get my items into a few local shops and boutiques. My "read to me. please." shirts are now selling in the Northville Public Library's gift shop. BIG moment. Super excited.

And my "model" was there to help me celebrate the occasion. We were going for the "extra enthusiastic" look. Nailed it.

What's up...

...with the Becker Three.

Jack has been REALLY into building things with Legos. He was recently introduced to the regular size Legos and Tyson & I have enjoyed watching his creativity come alive. Here he is showing a "Robot Monster."

Josephine is still enjoying her Mommy & Me class. Last year I worried that she would be sad to be away from me...and now I know that's entirely FALSE. She would be JUST fine without me.

Nolan spends his days cuddling with his mom, napping in his carseat (because we are always on the go), and he's also earning his keep as a MODEL for the Printed Poppy.

Last Friday night we had family pictures taken. If ever there were a person who didn't believe that the TERRIBLE 3's are worse than the TERRIBLE 2's...just come hang out with Josie when she's tired. She's hands-down the most stubborn child I know. She wasn't interested in taking pictures. So heads up - our Christmas card might be a little on the "BAH HUMBUG" side.

And finally, Nolan recently received an elephant towel from two friends he will come to know & love - Mark and Karen Dixon (lake buddies). Bath time is his favorite time of the day, so this towel is a big hit. Tyson didn't believe me when I told him how excited Nolan gets for bath time. He can anticipate it. Then I had Tyson give him a bath and he saw it for himself. Pure joy.

What's Been Going On?

Since my blogging has been slacking a bit lately...I thought I share what's been going on in the Becker House lately...

Josie is obsessed with tutus (her addiction is currently being filled by BOTH of her grandmas). She also received a "princess" nightgown from Greta and it must be worn EVERY night. Above you can see her reaction to learning it was in the wash. She wasn't happy.

Question: How did someone so ANTI-pink, ANTI-princess end up with a daughter who loves both?? Funny joke, Universe.

We've been playing outside...unless I'm on the brink of a pregnant-woman-meltdown (Tyson knows all about these) and then we stay in the A/C. On this day - Jack was hitching a ride with Josie - who is a terrible driver, I should add.

Tucker is tired. He dreams of living at the lake...where someone is 100% dedicated to throwing his ball for him.

Nancy and Denny came up for a Jack & Josie fix. Josie accompanied Grandpa to buy a new car, while Jack went to Flint with Grandma to pick up some of Aunt Kristin's art.

I was told - about 6 months ago - about a local grocery store that allows customers to shop online and then pick up their groceries curbside at a set time. I held off...until Monday. I decided on our menu for the week, placed my order Sunday night, and arrived at the store at my set time. I called the number and told them I was there for a pick-up. The man came out to check my ID - because I bought beer for Tyson. Then returned a few minutes later to load my order in my car. This is a $7 service...and worth every single penny. I spent less (because I wasn't tempted to throw stuff in the cart) and I left with my sanity (because I wasn't forced to grocery shop with two children). Win - Win. Also - dangerous and borderline lazy.

Finally - I'm pretty excited that one of my wine cup designs has hit the shelves in Winona Lake! My "sales rep" (aka: Jerry) took a cup into Eagle Creek Farms Market and she decided to sell them in her store! She is the woman who sells Rise n' Roll donuts...and I've considered getting paid in donuts. However, my CFO (aka: Tyson) thinks that's a bad idea.

Baby Update:
- Braxton Hicks contractions are still strong & often.
- I have my hospital bag 50% packed
- Baby Boy has some clean clothes & diapers all set
- He is still un-named
- I still haven't put clean towels in the car

Wine Sippy Cups

Just an offer to friends & family - I am getting ready to place a couple big orders for some friends & some recent Etsy orders. If you are interested in purchasing wine sippy cups for Christmas gifts, let me know. The bigger the order, the cheaper the price! And if I'll see you - (Michigan people & Indiana people) then you can avoid shipping costs.

Go Visit Floyd's Momma

You should stop by Total Basset Case today to visit, Sarah (aka: Floyd's Momma). She is hosting a special "giveaway"!! She also has inspiring recipes and craft ideas...not to mention fashion and amazing taste in decor. She's pretty fabulous.