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Wednesday 9 May 2012

Last chance to grab a bargain....for a while

As of June 15th 2012, a couple of coupon codes are expiring. The Facebook one and this, which I offer readers of my blog to use:


STEAMPUNKERS for 11% off.


I'll admit, I'm quite new to internet marketing. I love making my items and really appreciate it when they sell. Being a stay at home mum, my income is from my Etsy shop and my Reiki practice. They are growing, gradually, but I'm still at the beginning stages.


I cannot stress how much each customer and client means to me. Each exchange, however small, makes a tangible difference. We're lucky enough to have all the basics covered (house, food, water, clothing, energy) and some luxuries beside (TV, car, internet, phone). For all these I am truly grateful. 


We're in the same position as many families. I catch myself thinking 'if only'... however, as I recently read Tossing aside the if onlys , it reminded me once again to focus on the small, immediate, positive steps I can take. Like following the urge to write a blog entry.


So, I choose to be honest and open with you by saying I'm no charity case but every bit of money energy flowing my way is extremely welcome right now. And if you have enough to pass a little my way in return for a lovingly created one-off Navigatrix special (or indeed, some health-encouraging Reiki), then I thank you and thank you and thank you again. In advance. Because I'm getting the message that that's how things work best.


Wishing you all Happiness, Health and all kinds of Wealth,


In gratitude,


Sally-Ann 

Monday 7 May 2012

The Magic of Gratitude


I'm a student of the Law of Attraction. I love uplifting, positive articles, get the Cygnus Review every month and love books and DVDs by Louise Hay and Rhonda Byrne, to name a couple. 

Currently, I'm reading Rhonda's book The Magic which focusses on gratitude.
 I thought I was a grateful person, I really did. I'm polite, I remember my please's and thankyou's. I occassionally feel that swell of appreciation on a sunny morning or during a delicious meal. This particular book is really opening my eyes to how much more grateful I could be. Having done quite a few exercises now, I notice how easy it is to begin to feel good after just a little sincere gratitude. What is even better is that I am getting into the habit of beginning my day in gratitude.

So how does this reflect on The Navigatrix? Well, to begin with it fosters a positive attitude and nurtures a success and prosperity mindset, essential for running a shop. I truly believe that The Navigatrix will grow and be shared by hundreds and thousands of people, some of whom will do me the great honour of buying things. What they don't necessarily realise (until I tell them) is that their payments increase my self-esteem and support my positive attitude. You might not realise just what a big deal that is unless you've suffered ill health or depression as I have in the past. They don't necessarily realise that they are helping a mum fulfill her daughter's dream of having a Big Buzz for her 4th birthday (one of my major goals and incentives) and contributing to a family's essential income. They are also helping the shop owner to buy gifts for family and friends and to treat herself to something special once in a while.

What an impact we can make with such small gestures! 

It is with gratitude in mind that I have been inspired to create this treasury:


I do thank you for taking the time to look and leaving a comment, here or there, should you feel inspired to do so!

If you would like to practice more gratitude, try this simple idea*: in the morning, before you get into your day - I make myself a cuppa first :) - write down 10 things you feel grateful for.They could be events, people, things ... just write what comes to mind. When you have your 10 things,read through your list, out loud or to yourself, saying 'Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou' after each one. Don't just say it, really feeeel it. The the magic happens.

I would be interested to hear about your experiences with gratitude; what effects does it have upon your creativity, your inspiration, your sales, your feedback, your customers? What related books or dvd's do you love? Who inspires you to feel more grateful?

I thank you in advance for your comments and support!

Wishing you Happiness, Health and all kinds of Wealth,

Sally-Ann

*Idea from Rhonda Byrne's 'The Magic'

Tuesday 1 May 2012

My Steampunk Outfit

 
Jacket from Clockwork Couture *

This gorgeous jacket was sold out in green (as this picture) so I bought a 'sand' coloured one and used Dylon dye, which has turned out to be a close shade.


 I love this frilled shirt. The one minor drawback is that the tacking stitches holding the front ruffles up were not very secure so I need to re-sew it more securely.
An eBay find!
Corset from Timeless Trends.
 This is featured in The Navigatrix
(links below)
  




 Yes, the clip that started it all (and taught me which glue *not* to use...)
My very first Navigatrix hairclip! This piece started my shop :)
Charity shop wins again.And they were a gift so cost = £0. The ribbon was recycled from some fancy chocs I once received. I knew that would come in handy one day! (badaboom!)
Customised, weathered and stained leather gloves. 
 I was very lucky with this. It was advertised for public sale but is in fact a wholesale model (not her, the corset). The mistake was pointed out but I was allowed to purchase it. I'm so grateful because I'd scoured the web looking for the one I'd fall in love with and this is it!





Living Dead Souls (I think..)

This skirt is getting a copper taffeta lining - all cut and ready to sew when I get a moment.It looks great with the front lifted and clipped up. The wrong side of the material is
not pretty.



...and the boots, of, the boots! Metropolis Vintage.eBay.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/94583829/steampunk-inspired-handbag-shabby

Still getting the hang of Blogger's layout system...

So, what do you think? I'm still needing bloomers and have ordered a custom pair of goggles from my brother Matt at Arcane Armoury. I am intending to be able to dress up when I attend my first Steampunk fayre or convention. When I have the final touches, I will get myself photographed in full kit.
(The LRPer in me is still straining to see the Character Creation Guidelines in a Rulebook...seems that Steampunk doesn't quite work that way.)
Looking forward as always to your comments,
Sally-Ann

* Edited 19/06/2012 as it was pointed out to me that I had erroneously credited the jacket to Steampunk Couture. In fact, it came from Clockwork Couture and the label inside reads 'by deep, Los Angeles'. Apologies.