When Family and Friends Don’t Support Your Business

Most of us have been there: starting a business and promoting the heck out of it only to realize the people you care about don’t care about your business like you do. I’m here to let you know that it’s completely fine. So what if they don’t re-post your blog, makeup look, outfit of the day, products, or services? Total strangers and those have purchased from me - those are the people I keep in contact with and have given me so much support.  

Ladies (and gents), your family and/or friends are not obligated to support your business endeavors. In a perfect world, our family would be our number one supporters and promote the hell out of our work and sing our praises, but we don’t live in a perfect world. I would and do - but not every one wants to see others succeed.  Just like you’re busy getting and keeping your life together, so are they. And just like you have your interests, so do they. My family is so uninterested they have no idea I even have an online business. As to my friends, nope not interested. Except when I post about loosing a sale or when I closed one business. They were happy. 

News flash – your target audience should never include your family and friends. Boy did I learn that lesson. It should be generic yet specific. Do I really want someone that posts daily about every ache and pain posting your stuff or do you want someone whose very post is negative and bitter to share what you have worked so hard on? NO! No you don't. 

This goes for those who rack their brains over unfollows and unsubscribes. Hell, my social media numbers fluctuate so much, and people unsubscribe from my email list when I send out newsletters, but I don’t worry about those people. Why? Because they probably weren’t planning on purchasing, sharing or engaging in any way, shape, or form anyway. Why cry over spilled milk? Focus on the people who are here to stay and strategize on reaching 10 – 10,000 more people with each post or product. Focus on convincing others that you’re what they need and they are your winning team.

Let go of the “they don’t support me, so I’m salty about it” attitude and start strategizing on receiving more engagement from the people who already support you. People are weird. You’re weird. I’m weird. It’s a numbers game. 

I'd be thrilled to see more followers clicks the links in this blog. If they don't work be sure to let me know.

~CG

My Magnolia DIY Wreath

I've looked for several months for a magnolia wreath that wasn't expensive and looked natural. I just can't pay $99.99 for a wreath. This is a wreath I want to use all year not just for Christmas.  I found a pretty full one online for 35.00 including free shipping but it was too green.
There was a big difference between the picture on my computer screen and what I received.
Here's what I received.

I decided to keep it and work with it. So I dug out my paints and decided to paint it! Why not? You can't ruin the wreath you can always wash to paint off.

And here's my wreath all painted. I do think I'll spray a matte finish - when the weather is a bit warmer - just to make it easier to wash.

I intended to hang this over an old window like this.

But these seem to be in short supply and I haven't been able to find one - once I do I'll update this post.  

Desk Blotter Makeover

As you can see from the before picture my desk blotter was pretty messy.  It just needed a little sprucing up. I didn't want to trash it - just needed to make it pretty.

I had some left over blue leather I used for another project.

I cut it to size using a box cutter.

and then ...

sprayed both the blotter and back side of the leather. (follow the directions on the can) each brand is a little different.

I'm pretty happy with the results.

I worked on this and the temperature was not optimal - it's was a tad cooler than it should have been. Once the warmer air hit the leather settled down and was pulled into the blotter making a tighter fit.

Lemon Jello Poke Cake

The cake is super moist. The flavor was the perfect combination of sweet and tangy… I really liked having a lighter option for dessert. 

Ingredients

Cake

• 3-ounce package lemon Jello
• 1 box lemon cake mix
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup hot water
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Whipped cream and extra powdered sugar for topping (optional)

Directions

Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix Jello and water; cool.
3. Mix oil and cake mix.
4. Add eggs to the mix, one at a time.
5. Add the cooled Jello and mix.
6. Spread in greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 27-30 minutes.
8. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes, then add the glaze.
9. Allow cake to cool completely before cutting.

Glaze

1. Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
2. Using a toothpick or fork, poke holes in the top of cake; pour glaze over top and sides.

Sprinkle on some extra powdered sugar and top with a dollop of whipped cream (optional) before serving.

~CG

Best Egg Salad Sandwich

Author: CGPin it

Best Egg Salad Sandwich

prep time: 15 MINScook time: 15 MINStotal time: 30 mins

Anything in the kitchen that saves time and yields something as delicious as this classic egg salad sandwich recipe is on my list.

ingredients:

6 eggs
4 pieces of cooked bacon
2 Tps chives
¼ cup shredded cheddar
4 ounces cream cheese
3 Tbls mayonnaise
½ t salt  
¼ t fresh pepper
6 large croissants

instructions:

Boil for 3-5 minutes. I go with the greater time because I do not like soft yolks.Turn off the burner but let the pan and eggs set there for about 15 minutes. Plunge eggs into an ice bath. Crack the eggshells, and peel. In a small bowl, mash together cream cheese, mayo, chives, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, use a pastry cutter to mash up eggs. Finely chop the bacon and add to eggs. Add shredded cheddar and cream cheese mixture to eggs and bacon. 
Mix together until everything is mixed really well and eggs are covered in cream cheese. 
Serve on a croissant with spinach. 
Completely cooled egg salad tastes the best. In a covered bowl can be stored for 3 days.  

What is Chalk-Finish Paint?

What is Chalk-Finish Paint?

Chalky-finish paint is a latex-based paint to which a fine granular powder has been added—often Plaster of Paris. After the paint dries, the granules create a matte finish. Brush strokes and imperfections become part of the look, making it a forgiving finish to apply. The finish can be sanded in places to create a distressed look or waxed for either an aged look or more satin finish than paint alone.

Chalk-Finish Paint Recipe

This DIY version of chalk-finish paint can be antiqued or distressed and tinted in your choice of colors. Note that the addition of Plaster of Paris to any paint color will lighten it slightly compared with what you might see on a paint color chip. Mix your own using the following supplies and instructions:

• Flat latex paint
• Plastic paint buckets
• Plaster of Paris
• Stir sticks
• Plastic measuring cups (do not reuse for food)
• Water (cool, not warm)
• Paste Wax

Mix 1/3 cup of Plaster of Paris and 1/3 cup of cool water; stir until completely smooth. Mix that with 1 cup of latex paint and stir thoroughly. This will make enough chalk-finish paint for one coat on a six-drawer dresser. Chalk-finish paint should not be stored and reused. If you have a smaller project, mix smaller amounts of plaster, paint, and water in the same proportions.

There are many brands out there - and you can even buy Chalk Spray Paint. 

~CG

Chalk Paint Inspiration

Photo Credit

TenZero8 Studio. It is Annie Sloan Emperor's Silk with Graphite top with dark wax.

I have a 30-year-old bedroom set that's in great condition. I want to make it more modern but my husband is not on board. (yet)!

I took to the Internet to find some ideas and something that will impress him.

It took me 25 years to get rid of the colossal "Hutch Mirror."  It's funny, it didn't take him long to like the dresser without the hutch he came around to not missing that. It's still sitting in my basement tho'.

30+ years so it's real wood - that's his reason for not touching it. But... there was never a protective finish and all those years it's not looking good. I want something a little classic and not distressed.  From General Finished Design Center

~CG