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15 Nov

LADYBUGWREATHS HOLIDAY WREATH CONTEST HAD ENDED! 

I AM VERY PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS!

Grand Prize Wreath               Suzanne in Austin, Texas

First Prize Ten Videos            Deland in Newnan, Georgia

Video Winner                         Terry in ??

Video Winner                         Kelly in Atlanta, Georgia

Video Winner                         Stephanie in Pelham, Alabama

Video Winner                         S in Moose Jaw, Canada

Video Winner                         Dottie in Toledo, Ohio

Video Winner                         Joyce in Memphis, Tennessee

Video Winner                         Judy in Saint Louis, Missouri

Video Winner                         Carmen in Mountain View, California

Video Winner                         Florence in Jacksonville, Florida

Video Winner                         Joan, in San Juan, Texas

Video Winner                         Karen in Villa Park, California

Video Winner                         Judy in Indianapolis, Indiana

Video Winner                         Vickie in Lima, Ohio

Video Winner                         Susan in Pineville, North Carolina

CONGRATULATIONS TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!!! WE WILL BE HAVING MANY MORE CONTESTS…. EVERYONE HAS LOVED THIS ONE.  I HAVE HAD TONS OF FUN TOO!

 

12 Nov

I have the Christmas Spirit!  I know, I know, you say but it’s not even Thanksgiving yet….. And you’re right.

But you don’t understand, I have to have the Christmas spirit, and do you know why?  It is because I am going to make another video on Saturday.  Yes, you guessed it…. we are going to film decorating my home.  And we’re going to cover everything from decorating the tree, putting garlands around my door and up my outside steps, to decorating my chandelier, to positioning cute little elves climbing up my kitchen island lights.

Oh, and that’s now all!  We are going to brave the elements and decorate Christmas trees outside in my “Pergola” (a pergola is actually an outside room).  I’m going to make outside arrangements out of fresh greens, show you how to add fresh greens to an artificial wreath, wrap packages, and much, much more!

So, that is why I absolutely HAVE to find my Christmas spirit really fast!  Oh, don’t worry, I can do it, :)  When I owned my brick and mortar business, I actually turned my entire shop over to Christmas in June or July every year.  Now that sounds crazy, doesn’t it?  Yes, I thought so too.  But customers would start coming in around the middle of June looking for glittering, whimsical Christmas goodies.  So, I would give in, and put it out.  Thank Goodness, I don’t have to do that any more!!

My friend, and employee Shirley will be here is just a few minutes.  Today she is bringing some help with her.  We’ll have her son Max, and daughter Elizabeth.  They both have helped me before - actually Elizabeth helps me every week.  My Christmas tree is already up so Elizabeth will begin the “fluffin” process.  And Max, well, we will use his strong, muscular body to have him running up and down the stairs bring down my many, many boxes of Christmas finery.

One advantage to owning my shop for so many years is that I always purchased something very special for myself each year.  And… then what do you think we did with all of those Christmas items which never sold? lol…. Well, I took them home, they are here at my house, and I thoroughly enjoy putting them up every year.

It is now 8 am, and Shirley has just arrived waiting for me to tell her where we’ll start first.  So, I must get busy, and get decorations organized, and separated.  It will take quite a while to get things in order so that we can film on Saturday without any delays.

I’ll post some pictures here later today.  I have pictures of my decorated home when when we were on the tour of homes in ‘06.

Maybe I have you thinking about Christmas today.  If you decide to start pulling out Christmas decorations, I just know you’ll have as much fun as we are going to have!

Smiles…. Nancy

We

24 Oct

I’ve Got Poppy’s Chair! As my Husband, Steve and I are sitting in our den relaxing after a long day’s work, I see that Steve has been writing as hard as he can.  I also noticed the same thing last night, but I just thought he had brought work home, which isn’t unusual.  But when I asked, he said he had just finished writing a poem about a little game he and our grandson, Lucas play everytime Lucas visits with his Mom, Dad, and baby sister, Ava.

You see, Steve is a phenominal writer, everyone wants a poem for their birthday, special occasion, or just no occasion as all.  But he is really good.  It would be nice if he could retire from his Engineering job, and delve into this as a second career - I think that would be so exciting for him.

Reading this poem brought tears to my eyes, and my hubby’s also.  I just though you might like to hear it.

I’VE GOT POPPY’S CHAIR!

The door barely opens and he’s in on the run,

Before the first greetings have even begun.

He’s wearing a big grin as he quickly zips by,

Barely slowing, he turns to catch his Poppy’s eye.

The game is on and they both are aware

That for the next few moments, the prize is…a chair.

Not just any chair, mind you, it has to be Poppy’s

Later he’ll be intrigued with sports and jalopies.

But today, at this time, make no mistake,

Lucas is competing, my seat to take.

He races to gain the first advantage

With another chair, Poppy will have to manage.

For a few moments, these two simply have no cares,

As the game evolves into musical chairs.

Lucas scores first, diving into my recliner,

Now it’s time to switch places…to swap our behinders.

Laughing, giggling, all the while through

(that’s me – but I see he’s enjoying this, too!)

Perhaps he’ll eventually wind up in my lap

Where not too long ago, I held his pap.

But today, it’s just us two running around.

Him taking what’s mine; me, pretending to frown.

One day this game will give way to other pursuits

Like bicycles, skateboards or books by Dr. Seuss.

But the “Poppy’s Chair” game will always remain,

Indelibly, lovingly, imprinted on my brain.

Played often, it’s fun and quite a cardio workout.

It pays “divi-grins” and helps keep me stout.

It strengthens the bond of grandfather-grandson

To see that boy smile has become my “job one”.

When “I’ve got Poppy’s chair!” resounds in my ear,

It means something much more than a game around here.

Lucas may never know that from the very start,

He could have had my chair…’cause he already had my heart.

Steve “Poppy” Alexander (Copywright, 2008)

October 23, 2008

21 Oct

I Have the Christmas Spirit

Oh yes, I certainly do know what you’re thinking….Seems a little crazy to me also.  But to retailers - Christmas is upon us.  I have ordered and received all of my Christmas supplies.  My shop is filled to overflowing.  And…. my husband’s garage, which he lost to me a long time ago, is stacked to the rafters.  We have arms attached to every wall sticking way out into the middle of the garage, and they are filled with our wild birch wreath forms and birch baskets.

Tables run right down the center with open boxes of Christmas supplies stacked upon each other.  Every one is open with little twigs of reds, greens, glittered treasures, and ornaments.  Santa and Snowman heads, yes, and bodies are hanging out of one box, while garlands are hanging out of another.  The shelves around the walls are full.  It’s like walking into a very cold (no heat) winter wonderland. 

It is so much fun now that we are designing our Christmas creations!  We have about 6 new wreaths made and ready to list.  That is, as soon as my computer expert, John, comes over this morning and gets the virus off my computer which I somehow managed, last night, to entice to join me!  I am usually very careful, and never take a chance, but there was a free program that I wanted so very  badly, that my greed took the place of my common sense, and yes, I got in trouble!  A quick call to John at 8:30, and I was hearing a message saying…..flip the switch…..turn the whole system off, and don’t touch it until I can get there in the morning.

Boy, what a downer.  I had a teacher coming over to give me my weekly class on Photo Shop, and after that I was all ready, with pictures already loaded to list all of my newly made wreaths.  Shirley made these for me yesterday while I was typing away and working on my website, and eBay.

But, I am all ready to go this morning.  It is 8 am, and Shirley is in the shop working away, I am working on my husband’s computer gettings shipping labels printed and orders answered while awaiting the computer expert’s arrival.  I WANT and NEED my own computer back - I am totally lost without it!

OK, I know that is enought ranting and raving for this morning!  Tee Hee Hee!!! 

Oh, I almost forgot, “THE CONTEST” you have exactly 26 days left to sign up for newsletter contest.  The response has been phenonemal - over 100 new members in the last 2 1/2 weeks.  By joining my newsletter list, you have a chance to win  any of over $1,000.00 worth of prizes!  The drawing will be November 15th at noon eastern time.  Make sure you enter, and get your name added to my free newsletter.  By reading in the posting below, you can find out exactly what each prize is - and I mean, they are really GREAT prizes.

In the upcoming months, we have so many articles about Christmas and home decorating, tips on wreath and floral design, and more contests as well as give-aways on the horizon.  So, join now, and don’t miss any of these very special treats we have in store for you!  Oh, also, and now is the time to purchase your Instructional Floral Design Videos!  You have time to get them in, view them, go shoping for all your supplies, and then begin making all of your Christmas presents for this year.  Your friends and family will be so very impressed!!!!

Have a very special day filled with blooms and blossoms!  Smiles…. Nancy

13 Oct

Dare I, Should I?   Well… Yes, I Did..

I suppose by now that everyone who reads my blog, and shops on my website has seen all of the new videos which we’ve produced in the last year.  Well, it’s a lot…. ten in all…. I really cannot believe we have ten very good videos on floral design.  There are multiple ones on wreath making of all types, and styles, and experience levels, and two are on Centerpieces, oh and one on a table Christmas tree… and I musn’t forget Ribbons & Bows!

 These are really selling.  I’m having a hard time keeping some of all of them in stock!  The feedback I am receiving from loyal customers has been astounding.  I have ladies making wreaths and arrangements who have never attempted any florals in their lives.  And some who are selling their wreaths - yes…. that’s what I said, they are really selling their wreaths!  I am SO VERY PROUD OF ALL OF YOU! 

If anyone reading this wants to learn this wonderful, fun-filled, and rewarding hobby, all you have to do is purchase your first video, just take the step, and get started.  They are not expensive, and I promise you, they are not hard at all!  Actually they’re very easy with the way we describe each step with detailed text and close-up shots.  I haven’t met anyone yet that I couldn’t teach to design a floral piece, so I certainly don’t want you to be the first.  I have a money back guarantee on these…. so what do you have to loose?  You can click here to read about each one that is available for sale !

What does “Dare I, Should I, Well I Did…” mean?  Well, I am going to tell you this just because I need your prayers, your encouragement and good thoughts.  I have had several people urge me, and downright push me into applying to retail stores to sell my videos.  Well, after all these urgings by a lot of friends, realatives, and customers, I got up the nerve and did it - YES, I REALLY DID IT!   I sent off five (5) proposals last Friday to different retailers - with a copy of my newest video “Merry Christmas” in each and every one.  They should be arriving today or tomorrow.  I ask that you say a little prayer for me.  But truly, I know that if this is God’s will, it will happen.  I just pray that each one who receives my proposals takes the time to at least read each and listen to my video I made to introduce myself.  You can CLICK HERE  for a copy of my introduction video if you would like to see it - it’s about 4 minutes long.

I just felt like I needed to share that with you today.  I have come to really VALUE my new internet friends.  I have special friendships with many of you, and have received SO MUCH encouragement about my business.  I thank you so much….. and well, I guess we’ll just see what happens!

Have a wonderful week, with this hint of fall in the air!  I Just Love Fall!!! 

Smiles & Blossoms…. Nancy

 

07 Oct

SPECIAL LADYBUGWREATHS HOLIDAY WREATH CONTEST!

Good Morning!  I just wanted to tell everyone who reads my blog about the very special Contest that LadybugWreaths.com is having….

It’s FANTASTIC, it’s MARVELOUS, it’s UNBELIEVEABLE!!  Ok, I know, I know…. that’s really playing it up a little much, right?  Well, when I tell you about it, I think you’ll actually agree with me.

Here is a copy of my newsletter which just went out this morning:

You Don’t Want to Miss This VERY SPECIAL Newsletter!!
 
These are hard economic times right now.  People are worried, business owners are worried.  I have decided to face this challenge with something unprecdented - at least in my business.
 
I trust that things are going to work out, I trust that the economy is going to turn around.  I’ve got the Christmas holiday spirit early this year, and I’m feeling very generous as I count my many, many blessings in 2008.
 
I’m excited, to announce the first ever LadybugWreaths Holiday Wreath Contest where 16 lucky winners will win really wonderful prizes.  All the details are posted online for you to read at your convenience:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=JoXTa&m=1fkqv9UiWhso.1&b=lpa8AmU3BVFLc3ryccyx2A
 
This contest is open to all subscribers of my LadybugWreaths Newsletter.  Its my way of saying ‘thank you’ and also a way to start the holiday season off in high spirits!  The Wreath pictured above is “Merry Christmas”, the subject of my last video.  It just recently sold for $330.00 on eBay.  By signing up for my newsletter you have a chance of winning “The Grand Prize” which is a wreath EXACTLY like this one!

Also, in this picture, you’ll see the ten Instructional How-to Videos on different types of floral design which have been filmed in the last year.  The first prize winner will receive all ten of these videos - a $320.00 value.  So make sure you click on the link below to learn more about this wonderful give-away.  As if this wasn’t already enough, there are more prizes that you’ll definitely want to learn about!

Please pass this message along to friends and family who would be interested in learning more about wreath design, or reading articles on interior decorating, gardening, and even selling on eBay.  Maybe they might be in the market for a beautiful custom wreath of their own.  They can subscribe to my newsletter and
immediately become entered in the contest also. 
 
As a current subscriber, you are automatically entered into the contest without doing anything at all.  If you like, you can click here to learn more about our sale:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=JoXTa&m=1fkqv9UiWhso.1&b=jsRmjmacHGUCwwUf0tSMCQ
Oh, and I wanted to tell you also that all my videos have been reduced in price for this fall into the holiday season.  That makes this a very good time to stock up now in order to begin making Christmas gifts for friends and family!

If you would like to learn all of the details about this UNBELIEVEABLE contest, click on this link.  Every prize, their value, and pictures are listed here.  You’ll also find a link to the pdf version of all Contest Ruleshttp://ladybugwreaths.net/newsletter-signup.htm

I’ll be sure to keep you posted as to how the contest is going.  And in the meantime, I wish each and every one of you the BEST of Luck! 

YOU ARE ALL WINNERS!!

Smiles… Nancy

01 Oct

Hectic & Wonderful Sunday Afternoon!

My daughter-in-law, Sara, has a college friend who is a wonderful photographer.  She has taken some of the greatest black and white photos of Ava and Lucas which I’ll post some of later…

Anyway, she came to my house on Sunday afternoon to take pictures of the whole family out in our garden and the pergola.  She did such a wonderful job, that I want to post some here for you to see.  It’s hard picking out which ones to show you, because we have over 600! 

My sweet Hubby, Steve has the magic touch.  Lucas loves his Poppy so much and plays with him continuously. 

Even little Ava at only 2 months old follows every move he makes with her deep beautiful eyes.  In this picture, you’ll see that no one can calm a tired little girl like her “Poppy”!

The Handsome Men in My Life!!  These four “guys” are the best.  Steve is a wonderful husband and father.  And our sons, Matt and Andy are the most loving, caring, Christian men.  It just takes my breath away sometimes to know how very blessed I am to have such  a wonderful family.

This one was hard to take because Sebastian, my King Charles Cavalier just loves to give kisses, so Lucas and I are holding down his head so we don’t get licked to death!

And little Ava Grace is so tired, she is just starting to drift off!

Steve truly is the Love of my Life!  I knew it from the first moment I met him 38 years ago!  We’ve been through many ups and downs with my fibromyalgia.  He is my constant, my peace, and my joy!  Thank you God!

We am so very blessed that our sons have chosen wonderful, Christian women to share their lives, hopes and dreams with!

 

Smiles…. Nancy

 

 Have a wonderful day filled with many “blossoms!”

27 Sep

New Logo and I Just Love It!

I have this wonderful new logo and I am so thrilled!  It symbolizes my wreaths, and my signature ladybug.  I am being “branded”!  I’m sure most of you know what that means, but for those who don’t, branding is a logo which symbolizes your business in many different applications.

I just have to tell you who is doing this for me.  She is the most tallented lady I have ever met, and her name is Katherine Brungs, President of Lacewing Communications LLC.  Linkedin You really need to take a look at Her Portfolio on guru!   I have never - ever found anyone that could create anything like this for me that I liked immediately without making changes. You can contact her here:   lacewingcom@gmail.com

 Even when I owned my storefront business, I  had to do my ad copy for the newspaper, because I was never happy with what they did.  I have even made all of my own business cards for years and years because I am so particular.  Well, Kathy you’re the BEST!!  Thank You!

This logo is now at the top of my website, it you would like to look at it there along with my new colors! www.ladybugwreaths.com

 Yes, I know - I am a color person,  I just can’t help it.  Colors just really do something for me and to me!!  Anyway these are some of my favorites, although there really are many!  And I guess you can tell from the colors on my blog which are some of my favorites also!   Tee Hee

Some very cool and exciting things are happening for me and my business right now.  I am going to share those with you because I need your good thoughts, and prayers.  I feel like God is leading me to get my videos into retail outlets for resale.  So we have been working VERY hard working on a presentation letter along with a newly filmed video presentation .  There is a long list of stores which we are planing to target, so I pray that if this is God’s will it will happen in a big way.  But if not, then I have lots of fun in the process along the way!

I thought I would share that video with you now if you’re interested:  Video Sales Promotion

I would really love to hear feedback from you! 

Smiles…. Nancy

 Have a wonderful day filled with many “blossoms!”

 

27 Sep

My Newsletter

I am working very hard at sending out my Ladybug Wreaths newsletter on a much more regular basis.

I wrote this article for my latest newsletter, so thought you might be interested in reading it:

To read this current newsletter, plus many more Sign up for my FREE newsletter!  By signing up to be on my FREE newsletter list, you’ll receive a FREE downloadable copy of one of my e-books.  This one is entitled “Deck The Halls”, and it’s just in time for Christmas!

Decorating on a Budget:

Are you ready for a new look, but just can’t afford to redo
everything at once?  There are a couple of major things you can do
which will not be expensive, but will make such a big difference in
your living space.

First:  I know you have heard this before, and probably think you
don’t have time, or it’s such an ordeal, or that you really can’t
afford it right now.  Have you guessed what I am referring to?  If
you guessed paint, well, you are exactly right.

If your room is dark or drab, or so bold that it’s downright
irritating, then it certainly is time for this kind of a change.
I’m telling you, a couple of gallons of paint can make such a
difference; it will make your room look like it has totally been
redone.  And that’s without recovering or buying any new furniture.

Here are several tips on paint.  I always buy Benjamin Moore paint.
It costs a little more, but it covers exceptionally well.   If you
take your time, buy as good a paint brush as you can afford (none
of these .99 specials!!), and a little more expensive roller with a
little nap on it (awh, come on now, how much can a nice roller
cost?), then you can do a professional job yourself.  If you are
not making a drastic change on paint colors, one carefully applied
coat will probably be enough.  Most professionals say always use
two coats, but remember, we’re trying to change our lives on a
budget.

If your doors and moldings look half-way decent, then leave them if
necessary.  However, a little soap and water can make most of them
look like new.  Now, this one step has saved you lots of time and
money.  Next, with a nice angled brush, cut in on the walls around
your windows and doors.  This is the step which takes more time,
and you really won’t see how great it’s going to look while you are
tackling this job, but your persistence and hard work will pay off!

Next comes the fun part; where you can really begin to see a
difference in your room… roll the paint on your walls.  Roll
slowly overlapping as you go.  Keep your roller filled from the
paint tray, being careful not to load it too full, or you’ll have
drips.  Get as close to the trim, lapping over where you have
already cut in with your brush and slowly go all the way around
your room.  If you have to stop for a while, never stop in the
middle of a wall - always in a corner.  The same hint applies if
you run out of paint and have to buy another gallon.  Even though
you purchase the exact same color, you can often tell a difference
in colors which are purchased at different times.  So starting and
stopping in a corner takes care of this little problem. Continue Reading »

25 Sep

Life’s Treasures

I haven’t had time to post in a while.  My days are filled with the joys of family and with work.

My dearest Ava, the newest addition to our lives is so very special - her sweet plump cheeks, the pouty lips, and the smiles of her dreams.  She rarely gets put down when at our house.  We all must hold her and don’t want to give her up.  She is a a “charmer” who loves to cuddle close and to be held forever.  That’s OK, what are Mimi, Poppy, and aunts and uncles for anyway - yes, you’ve got it - spoiling!!  Never did I think our first little girl could bring such joy.  we are so very blessed.  I so look forward to the months and years ahead as we see her blossom and grow!

 

And Lucas, our first little grandson, just turned 3.  He has started playschool two mornings a week and wakes up every morning wanting to go to school.  His personality is bursting fourth with words, and thoughts far beyond his years.  He is a loving, caring, and sensitive child, loves his baby sister so very much, and so very smart - oh my, I just cannot imagine what God has in store for him one day.  We are so very blessed to get to babysit at least once a week, and have our entire family every Sunday for lunch!

In addition to loving and having fun with our special grandchildren, Steve’s 85 year old Mother fell off her treadmill.  She dislocated both shoulders at once, fractured one, and has a rotator culf tear in the other.  At her age, this has been very hard and very stressful.  But she’s a strong woman (I only wish I were that strong) and a trooper, and she’ll be back on her own very soon.  Here is a picture of Nana with both arms in slings with Lucas and Steve helping her blow out her birthday candles.

Our sons, Matt and Andy, are both married, and have been led to the most wonderful wives.  Sara has been married to Matt for about 5 years, and Stephanie and Andy married in April of this year.  I now feel like I have four children instead of two.  They are both wonderfully strong, and caring women.  Boys, it just can’t get any better!

Smiles…. Nancy

“Give God the blossom of the day… do not put Him off with faded leaves…….”

(This came from my devotional this morning.  Thank you God for your love and your care, and all of the blossoms in our days!)

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