The Poll Results are In!!!

Thanks to everyone for participating in the recent polls!!! Here's what you said -

57 Percent of you are saving for retirement!!! 23 percent of you are not saving at all, and 18 percent of you plan to start saving in a few years!!!

43 Percent of you plan to start or grow your business in 2008!!! 21 percent of you plan to save more, 7 percent plan to buy a home, 17 percent of you plan to lose weight, and 9 percent of you have no resolutions for 2008!!!

Please take a minute and stop by the new polls :-)

Picture

Picture

Good Luck

Happy Holidays!! I Hope U Have a Sassy & Kreative Holiday Season!!!

Be Merry!! Be Happy!! Be Cheerful!! Be Kreative!! Enjoy the Season!!!

Happy Holidays from Boutique Mix




Holiday Sweepstakes

So, I got my winnings from Ladylanguage in the mail this week!! As I mentioned last week, I won this stunning red number from Ladylanguage.



I loved it so much that I decided to buy two items from Lady Language Boutique today. Here's my holiday gift to myself, all under $50!!!! I copied the pictures from Lady Language Boutique.



If you're still trying to assessorize your "new year's eve outfit," check out Tilshop Girl's picks!!!


A Fashionable Parisian Version of the Christmas Tree
Accessories by MiMi
Lady Language Boutique

Pictures from Boutique Mix Sales Party

The Boutique Mix Shopping Party was postponed due to work commitments (for day job)......... but Kreativemix was able to sell some wares at the GWAC Women Lawyer's Division event.

GWAC is the Greater Washington Area Chapter, Women Lawyer's Division of the National Bar Association. Below are some pics of some happy shoppers!!!!

Thanks to Kim and Stan for setting this up. You guys Rock!!!! Thanks to all the sassy GWAC ladies and the fabulous divas from Chicas in the City and TilShop for shopping their little hearts out and supporting small biz owners this holiday season!!!

Kim & Stan


Stella, Kim and Maureen


Nakeasha Sanders, The Sanders Law Firm




Andrea Evans, The Law Firm of Andrea Hence Evans

Purses

Tis the Season to Relax - Taking Time for Numero Uno

The year-end holiday season can be very stressful for small biz owners (and everyone). The stress of trying to meeting your annual business goals - growth, sales, marketing - to completing orders (quilting, sewing, making jewelry or baskets, baking, typing, cutting, gluing and whatever else you do) and sending them out....... then fielding calls from angry clients who didn't get their orders on time (and now their grandmother who lives in bumbumho won't get their gift on time because it takes 13 days to get there by post and now they're down to day 12)............because you got the post office late and couldn't send out the package on time (because it was snowing and hailing and sleeting and raining and you had a million other things to take care of and also because sometimes life happens!!!).......

Everything around you is sucking the motivation out of you............. You look around the room and all you see are your partially completed projects -

-your mother-in-law's quilt (2/3 complete and you don't have the energy to even look at it)

- your sister's scarf (1/3 complete and you're definitely not going to complete that by 1/1/08)

- your daughter's gloves - (.01 complete and you don't even know where you left the darn yarn)

- your mother's necklace (almost done.........it's the only thing you'll get done this year)

- your business plan (untouched)

- your financials (untouched)

- your tax information (you'll deal with that in january)

- those customer orders (you've stopped answering emails and phones)

- your best friend's bracelet (you can't even remember her name)....................................

And of course, while all this craziness is going on you're planning for 2008. You're listing all the things you think you want to accomplish........focusing so much on what you want to do in 2008 that you're forgetting what you need to get done today in 2007. You're down to your last ounce of patience....... you'll snap if anyone even looked in your direction........ You're wondering if you're gonna make it. You're wondering whether you should just chuck up your business because its not even worth it. It's so much work, after all. But what isn't? Breathe in ................ Breathe out............... Repeat................Repeat................. You feel better already :-)

Interestingly, the year-end holiday season is the least stressful season for me. I'm upbeat, happy, at peace with my progess, excited and hopeful for the new year. I met someone today who isn't so hopeful for the future. She's lost her ethusiasm for continuing her jewelry-making business, has decided its not worth the hassle and will just focus on her day job for now. She hates the holiday season and want's the "d*&^ holiday to come and be gone already." She believes everyone is just "extra phony during this season and it gets on her last nerves." She's "lost her motivation and 2008 is probably gonna suck anyway." And you thought you were having a bad day :-)

All I can say is "keep your head up chica!!!" You're not superwoman. You're only human. Breathe. Here's to hoping you have a relaxing season!!!


Below is an excerpt of some advice from Romanus Wolter for combating stress. This may come in handy for those who get "special stress" during the year-end holiday season.

As entrepreneurs, we often let stress get in the way of our success. But while we are driven to succeed, we need to realize that taking time to relax isn't a gift for ourselves-it's a necessary and indispensable part of performing at our peak and staying sane.

True success comes from appreciating your achievements and managing your business growth. To accomplish this, you must take your well-being seriously. You need to reflect on what you've accomplished and take time to let your nerves go, even if only for a few moments.

It's easy to grow accustomed to an increased level of stress. To avoid getting burned out, don't just make relaxation an item on your to-do list. Learn to rejuvenate your soul and increase your creativity by:

1. Taking a break-even if just for a minute: Relaxation can take any form that's appealing to you and any length of time. Studies have shown that simply tensing your muscles and allowing them to relax is an effective way to decompress. Find a quiet place to lie down, uncross your legs and arms, and rest your palms on your stomach. Close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Tense every muscle from the top of your head to your toes for a second. Then simply clear your mind for a moment.

2. Making relaxation part of your routine: Take 15 minutes each day to reflect and have downtime. No amount of regret can make up for lost time or opportunities. Achieve clarity by recognizing your successes, letting go of your stress, and deciding on the best step for you to take next.

3. Turning frustration into inspiration: When obstacles cross your path, it's much easier to get riled up than it is to calm down. No one can predict the future. Instead of becoming aggravated about occurrences out of your control, relax and try to spot opportunities. Ask yourself "How can this situation fuel my success?" You'll be amazed at the possibilities you discover.

4. Saying no to less important things: You are in control of your to-do list. Learn to use your intuition to decide if opportunities are right for your business. Saying no is a big part of your overall success, and people will respect your honesty. In fact, they will begin to approach you with the right ideas that will help you achieve success on your terms.

To truly relax, you must be true to yourself. Pay attention to any physical or emotional symptoms that arise in response to stress. When you feel anxious, recognize that it's OK to relax, slack off for a short period, or get more sleep. Success comes from attaining your goals-and relaxation has to be one of them.

Excerpted from Entrepreneur.com.

Life Happens
Christmas Pills
Soaking Feet
Relaxing Day

Setting Prices for Handmade Goods

Pricing Issues

For all small biz owners and [k]rafty divas, setting prices for handmade goods can be very difficult. After spending long hours, creating, taking apart, recreating, reworking and finishing your wares, you're wondering........... hmmmm....... how much do I charge for this so that it makes all this time worth it?

Apart from you COGS, you obviously take into account all the time you spent on it. Sometimes, this gets quite tricky. I stumbled onto (actually I googled) a website that discusses this issue and provides some good advice.

Check out ohboydenterprises.com for some helpful information.


Picture

Gift Sweepstakes

Today I found out I won a red dress in Lady Language's Holiday Sweepstakes. Thanks so much Lady Language. I will post a pic of the dress as soon as it dress arrives :-)............

I'm going to do a valentine's day gift basket sweepstakes, where one lucky winner gets a "lovely" valentine's day gift basket........... looking forward to it!!!

Side Hustles for 2008 with Boutique Mix and Stella & Dot

For those of you who have been looking for a side hustle or trying to figure out what to do with all that luxurious spare time you have coming up in 2008, don't fret!! Carla Goodman (below) has done the first part of your research for you. All you have to do is choose and GO!!


KreativeMix's enquiring mind wants to know......

Do you currently have a side hustle?

What is your side hustle?

Do you enjoy your side hustle?

How much time do you spend on your side hustle per week?

Do you plan on having a side hustle in 2008?

Is it on Carla's list?

If not, what will it be?

How are you preparing for it?

What is your top goal for 2008 and your top accomplishment for 2007? ....... we still have 18 more days to work on our top accomplishments!!!

If there is one dream that "the genie in the bottle" could make a reality in 2008, what will it be? [It doesn't have to be related to your side hustle].

Carla's top Part-time Business Ideas

Antiques
Make new money from old treasures and have fun doing it! Scout garage sales, estate auctions and flea markets for great buys on antique furniture, toys, clothing and other treasures from the past. Rent space at antique cooperatives, or set up booths at weekend fairs to sell your antiques.

Computer Tutor
Whether you're an expert at Windows or Linux, desktop publishing or Web research, HTML or word processing, you can help anyone enhance their computer skills. Start promoting your computer-training services by teaching classes through organizations in your community which offer adult education courses.

Custom Jewelry and Accessories
Put your creative talents to work designing custom jewelry and accessories. Whether you work with sterling silver or recycled metals, clay or papier-mâché, there's a market for your custom earrings, pins, bracelets, necklaces and belt buckles at art shows, crafts fairs and holiday boutiques.

Espresso Cart
Brew up profits day after day! Specialty coffee drinks generate gross profits of 55.1 to 61.5 percent per cup, says the Specialty Coffee Association of America. So brush up on your coffee drinks, buy or rent an espresso cart, and head for sporting events, concerts and farmers' markets in your community.

Garage and Attic Cleaning/Hauling Service
Nobody likes to spend a weekend cleaning out the garage, attic or garden shed--it's dirty and time-consuming, and when it's done, there's still the task of hauling off all that discarded junk. But if you don't mind putting in the physical labor, a cleaning and hauling service can be a lot of fun. You can usually find a few treasures among the trash which most people are delighted to give away, and you can add to your income by recycling bottles, newspapers and metal castoffs. You'll need a pick-up truck or other vehicle capable of carrying everything from cast-iron sinks to old timbers.

Handyman
If it's broke, you can fix it. Your phone will ring off the hook with calls from homeowners, senior citizens and others who don't want to fix it themselves. Advertise in shopper publications and on bulletin boards, and drop off fliers at real estate offices. Then start repairing everything from leaky faucets to broken windows.

Home Inspection
Buyers need not beware when they hire a home inspector to conduct a complete physical checkup on their dream home. You'll inspect the house for structural problems and refer your clients to the contractors or handymen who can make the repairs. Knowledge of construction and your local building codes will get your business off the ground.

Medical Transcription
Work as an important member of a medical team without leaving your homebased office. There's big demand by hospitals, doctors, dentists, chiropractors and veterinarians who need outside help transcribing patient medical records. Training in medical terminology and linguistic skills will keep your business healthy.

Mobile Home-Entertainment Service
When it's dirty, disconnected or in need of repair, you'll save the day for homeowners who want their stereo, compact-disc player or videocassette recorder in working order. Brush up on your electrical and wiring know-how. Door-to-door fliers and calls to retail-store managers about your services will get your business off to a great start.

Mobile Window Tint
With some training and basic equipment, you'll be seeing plenty of green with your mobile window-tinting business. For best results, have a pager and van ready to help car, van and truck owners prevent heat damage to their vehicles' interiors. Other hot markets: homes, high-rise condominiums and office buildings.

Office and Home Organizer
Attention all neatniks: Help packrats, overworked executives, and other organizationally challenged individuals clean out messy closets, straighten files, and throw out the excess clutter. Putting your knack for neatness to part-time business use is bound to arrange some tidy profits for you.

Personal Chef
What's for dinner, honey? Great home-cooked meals for working parents and busy professionals who hire you as a personal chef. There's plenty of demand for this specialized service. So plan your menu, make out your shopping list, and go to work to satisfy your hungry clientele.

Personal Trainer
Pumping iron; pumping profits. Americans of all ages, sizes and shapes want to keep fit, trim and healthy, and they're willing to hire their own personal coach to exercise correctly. Spread the word about your physical-fitness expertise at health spas, running, swimming and biking clubs, and other athletic outlets.

Picture Framer
Get in the frame with a picture framing service. You can work with gallery owners, artists, portrait photographers and individuals who've purchased a print, painting or fine photo. If you aren't already a framing expert, read up, take classes at a local college or community center, then assemble your tools--including clamps, saws, miter boxes, glue, and a pneumatic or hand stapler. Establish relationships with local artists' groups, galleries, photographers and print shops that can give you their business or refer their customers to you.

Plant Leasing And Maintenance
Got a green thumb and a delivery van? You're all set to service corporations, home builders, health clubs and other businesses who want fresh greenery. Develop a steady clientele with a regular watering, pruning and fertilizing program and a full replacement guarantee.

Records Search
Using specialized databases, you'll search public records on your computer to help your clients find lost loves, check out questionable suitors, track down debtors, verify a contractor's track record, or dig up facts on a business opportunity. Clients include attorneys, businessowners and individuals.

Restaurant Delivery
Whether it's macaroni and cheese or a five-course gourmet meal, at-home meal replacement is fast becoming the newest way to dine. When customers want their restaurant orders "to go," you'll be "on the go" with your restaurant delivery service. A great way to make your late afternoons and weekends extra-profitable!

T-Shirt Design
If you're an artist in search of a medium, why not make T-shirts your canvas? Paint, draw, bead or appliqué your designs on plain T-shirts, and spend your weekends showcasing your art-to-wear at farmers' markets and crafts fairs.

Wallpaper Hanging
Help residential and commercial clients turn drab walls into works of art with your wallpaper-hanging skills. Build a growing business with great referrals and repeat customers. Drop off fliers at paint and wallpaper stores; also, advertise in shopper publications, in homeowner-association newsletters, and on bulletin boards at local supermarkets and malls.

Yoga and Tai Chi Instructor
In today's hectic, fast-paced world, parents, business owners and students alike can benefit from the deep-breathing, relaxation and centering techniques you can teach them. Get started by offering classes at health clubs, through your city's recreation and parks department, or on your own.

Excerpted from Entrepreneur.com

Purses

Side Hustles for the savvy recessionista - Are you in the DC Metro Area and love to shop with your fabulous girlfriends, but don’t want to go the mall or log onto your computer? Been working 7 days a week and don’t have time to go shopping?

Host a wine and cheese shopping party with Boutique Mix.

You may host the party at your place or at the Boutique. All you have to do is invite as many people as you can to ensure a great turnout.

A great mix of friends equals a fabulous time for fashionistas shopping in a comfortable and relaxed setting!!!.

Gather around with your circle of fabulous recessionistas for an afternoon of dresses, purses, jeans, jewelry, belts, candles and other sassy fashion accessories with Boutique Mix.

Shop your hearts out!!!

Email boutique-mix@hotmail.com for more details and learn about the hostess incentives.

Arrange a time, sit back, relax, and enjoy a cozy, intimate and personalized shopping event.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP Boutique Mix!!

"Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live." - Gianni Versace

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
- Coco Chanel

"Delete the negative; accentuate the positive!"
- Donna Karan

"A Girl Should Be Two Things: Classy and Fabulous." -Coco Chanel

Hello EVERYONE - I would love to introduce you to Stella & Dot's fabulous jewelry designs (www.stelladot.com/boutiquemix). I am a Stella & Dot Independent Stylist (MiMi Dabo; Stylist ID 103764) and love it!!

Stella & Dot is a stylishly creative direct sales company founded by women for women like you. It is a fab opportunity for women working from home, stay at home moms, fashionistas, jewelry lovers, women looking for a part-time job, side hustle, anyone who has lost their job, anyone looking to start a business with no overhead and women who want to live life to the fullest. Everyone deserves to indulge - what better job than hosting trunk shows with deserving women!! Stella & Dot offers a fun career, part-time alternative or wonderful side hustle to women who know the sky is the limit. Work as much or as little as you want.

Celebrities are not the only ones with the inside scoop on Stella & Dot. There's a reason why EVERYONE is wearing Stella & Dot. Stella & Dot has a lot of fabulous styles that I'm sure you and most of the women in your life would love adore. With 50% of the jewelry under $50, it fits every recessionista's budget.

Learn more about Stella & Dot at www.stelladot.com/boutiquemix and contact me at
boutique-mix@hotmail.com to host a Trunk show and/or join my team!!

Hosting a Trunk Show is quite simple, it can done in-house at a location of your choice (for those in the DC metro area) or online (fashionistas can shop in the comfort of their home - for those outside the DC metro area). As a hostess, you will earn hundreds of dollars in free jewelry; up to 25% of all sales. I have some availability for trunk show bookings and would love to add you to my fashionable schedule!! If you are not interested at this time, but know someone who would love to host a trunk show, shop, or make some part-time/full-time cash, please pass it on!

Signing up as an Independent Stylist is quite easy!! Just visit www.stelladot.com/boutiquemix and learn more or email me anytime at boutique-mix@hotmail.com. You get up to $350 in FREE JEWELRY to start your business, 50% off the fab jewelry, a free website and unparalleled support. It's the perfect opportunity to women who want to take charge of their financial future. Why not see what all the buzz is about and work for the BIG BOSS----YOU!!!

My Stella & Dot business (www.stelladot.com/boutiquemix) has provided me with so many great emotional and financial rewards that I want to share this wonderful opportunity with others. I am actively seeking people to join my team. You don't have to live in the DC metro area to join my team. You can join from anywhere. Sign on with me and Stella & Dot has a wonderful network of ladies around the country that will join me in providing encouragement and support to you all the way!! Not interested in signing on, host a trunk show, online or in-house.

Contact me at boutique-mix@hotmail.com or visit www.stelladot.com/boutiquemix

Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Stylishly yours,

MiMi (www.stelladot.com/boutiquemix)

P.S- If you are in the DC area and interested in becoming a stylist, join me at Shecky's Girls Night Out at the DC Constitutional Hall from 5pm to 10pm on October 13, 14 and 15. Email for your complimentary pass to Shecky's - DC's Ultimate Girl's Night Out Shopping Event this Season. Come see the jewels upfront, ask all the questions you want and see what Stella & Dot has to offer you. Can't make it to Shecky's, then email me and let's connect soon!!! With the holidays fast approaching, take advantage of the highest selling season - october - december - and get everything on your holiday wish list!!!

For more information on Shecky's, please CLICK HERE

Read more about the Stella & Dot business opportunity right here

Get Free Jewelry - Host a Trunk Show with MiMi and Be the Hostess with the Mostess

Be your own Boss - Become a Stylist with Stella & Dot (www.stelladot.com/boutiquemix)

Enjoy fabulous Style - Shop online (www.stelladot.com/boutiquemix)

Get Inspired - Watch Video of the Stella & Dot Story

To view the video, please click the link below:



MiMi (MiMi Dabo; Stylist ID 103764)
Owner, Buyer & Designer, Boutique Mix
Shop Stella & Dot Jewelry - http://www.stelladot.com/boutiquemix
Fashion Examiner Fashion Articles - http://www.examiner.com/x-2218-Fashion-Examiner

Holiday Planning Guide for Small Biz Owners

It's that time again............ Holiday Gifts!!! - How Small Biz Owners Can Prep for the Holiday Season

1. Make Sure you Have Enough Materials - Stock up on raw materials. You don't want to run out of materials during the busiest season of the year. You want to be able to fill customer orders without a backlog.

2. Advertise your Business - Put an ad in your local paper, send emails, etc.

3. Think Fresh - Now is the time to think outside the box. Come up with fresh, creative ideas. Look on the internet, look through fashion and jewelry magazines, etc.

4. Send gifts to customers - If possible give holiday gifts to your best/favorite customers/clients. They appreciate your fabulous freebies.

5. Be generous with your staff (if you have any) - Bonuses, Gifts, etc. A gift certificate to a spa, starbucks or walmart goes a long way.

6. Budget - Budget wisely!!!!

I've been busy getting ready for a "gift basket party." It's kinda like a tupperware party. I host a bunch of smart, savvy, intellectually stimulating, otherwise boring (i'm kidding - they're smart, warm, friendly, sassy, fabulous and generous :-), albeit a tad bit overworked), women and feed them. They in turn, browse my wares and (hopefully) shop from Boutique MIX.

First, I have to fill in a bunch of holiday gift basket orders from some colleagues and neighbors. I've hit a creative roadblock today, but I have some pics of what I've done so far. Obviously these are going to change 100 times before I deliver them next weekend, and I have run out of tulle. I'll go get some tulle early next week.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining at all......... its just that I lost my eye glasses when I went out to buy some gift basket supplies earlier today. I can't see without them so I'm quite unhappy at the moment because I"m sure there's a Columbo rerun that I'm missing at the moment. Though I can always turn on the tv and just listen since I can't watch. I'm that much of a fan. Anywhooooo, back to the post - here are some pics of my progress thus far.

Last week I committed to making 75 gift baskets for donation to a charity event. I stayed up all night making the gift bags, but it was quite fulfilling and definitely put me in the holiday-giving spirit. I wish I could bring myself to give more. I remember back in high school, I was part of a group called Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and each holiday season we made gift bags for nursing home patients. We'd go to the nursing homes, spend time with the residents, and distribute love, gift bags and holiday cheer.

Sometimes I feel awful for not making the time to continue that tradition, but I cut myself some slack when I remember that I do share my time and talents with family, friends and others throughout the year. My new year resolution for 2008 is to be a better me!!! What's yours? Oh, and don't forget to take the 2008 Resolution Polls to your left!!!

Below are "not-pretty" pictures of the charity gift bags, which I must admit made me very proud and a little more human :-)