Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake

My lovely friend Susan has just started the sweet Shoppe of My Dreams blog, which is already filled with lots of fabulous finds.  I often admire her style and simplicity in so many of her favorites, which is the reason for my post.  She now has me admiring the sweet Bake It Pretty shop, and stalking it often in hopes to get this oh so popular little set, which always seems to be sold out....

The owner is perfectly right with her statement

which is why I keep returning in hopes of it being in stock, but to no avail.  I do however love the following from Cupcake Social and want to Bake It Pretty with my girls for an upcoming birthday that's coming really soon (exactly why I'm stalking Bake It Pretty).   

Stop by her shop and fall in love with all the delectable goodness it holds!  In the meantime, I will follow Jenny's advice and just

Go visit Bake It Pretty , The Shoppe of My Dreams, and Jenny's Bake Shop!

Standing Up For Professional Values

I could easily stoop that low name this post something else and direct this somewhere else, but it's about being professional, and so I shall restrain myself, when God knows I just want to unleash on a certain handful...ha!

Dippilulu has nailed it where it hurts!  These are so perfect and I couldn't agree more when it comes to a "nasty copycat" or those who directly "rip off your work".  I love her little biting statements that socks it to those who don't "Show Respect and Give Credit" or lack the ethics to "Stay Professional and Be Honest".  Remember, to always "Keep Integrity and Be Honest". 

Following these words of wisdom will get you a long way and keep you from burning way too many bridges.  After all, if you have a business of your own, you want to be successful and stay running, right?  Keep up the good ethics and don't be deceitful to try and get ahead.  Lots of business owners do it, and guess what... their businesses fold quickly not to mention the guilty conscience they will continually carry for doing so!  I've seen it happen first hand!

Now on to the good stuff...

 

A Tad Bit Late, But I'm So Excited!

I started off BellaSymphony just like all the other million and one WAHMs that have online baby boutiques. I wanted something that fit my style and didn't want to pay a fortune for it.  I ventured off and started a company with very little experience at hand, but, I am quick at understanding directions and crafting comes easy to me.  Who would of thought this could be, I by no means thought I had a creative piece in me, but I've seem to have proven myself wrong. Some of my old friends from high school may disagree due to the creativity I put into my clothing back in the day, but hey, money was tight and the thrift store was my friend.  So I digress  :)

Any how, I started BellaSymphony off not even knowing what a bobbin was or it's purpose. I on the other hand was determined to make my own stuff because I knew I could do it.  The hubby had to school me on what a bobbin was when after trying to sew over and over again, nothing was happening!  Needless to say, it wasn't a a very great lesson to learn because "Mr. Home Ec" had to teach me....  Why the heck didn't I ever take this class that I shunned and thought was so silly during my youth?  I probably could have made a much better wardrobe than I had from the thrift store had I had some mad sewing skills and a machine!  I have since come a long way, but really want to improve in many areas of sewing, and actually learn the correct methods to clothing construction.

So back to BellaSymphony.....  My little business is doing well, actually more than well as I sit and add up all my sales for each month, I am blown away, and totally thankful for God's provision in bringing me lots of stylish & hip customers.  I am loving making patterns and ebooks, but my knowledge only goes so far when dealing with sizing.  Clothing has somewhat become a love of mine, along with many other things, and I really want to pursue that at this time.  I am super excited to finally actually go to school for Fashion Design!  I'm going to actually learn professional industry techniques, pattern making, couture sewing and so very much more!  

So, in the excitement of it all, I thought I would share a few lovely "back to school" items I would love to have, from my fellow Etsy artists, as I head back to school in Fashion Design.... enjoy! 

I'm a total sucker for red and thread by Emmalynne

I will definitely need a new pencil pouch (love the houndstooth on the backside) by madebyhank

A lovely vintage stapler from TopsyDesgin

a sketch book (I love that it's bingo, so fun!) by Somavenus

Totally not necessary, but I have loved this since I seen it on the FP of Etsy from Spacejam

I may need an extra sketch book, and this one is just perfect! by Doti

Of course I will probably be fully stocked for supplies and notions since I have a whole room dedicated to sewing and crafting, but the above items are all things that I would so love to have to start off as a new Fashion Design college student...

And The Winner Is...

Amber!  

Thank you all for stopping by and participating with your lovely comments!  Keep an eye out for more giveaways, and hopefully some new posts on my favorite things that I have set my eyes on!