Monday, January 14, 2008

Back into it....

OK I'm back and I hope to be posting much more often now. I'm sorry but I think this will be one of those posts that I personally dislike in blogs; one with no pictures.

Lots of things have happened over that past short while. Todd and I have recently decided to become strict vegetarians (vegetarians who do not eat dairy or eggs), I have become far more acutely aware of our societies crazy consumption and why we should decrease how much we contribute to it and I have realised that if I'm going to make money as a WAHM (work at home mom) that I will actually have to make more of a serious commitment to my businesses. Phew.

Olivia has a number of food sensitivities that we try to completely avoid, including dairy, but what we eat when she's not around has not always been so dairy free. We had already cut our dairy intake down by quite a bit a year and a half ago when we found out about her sensitivity so this strict vegetarian choice is not a huge change for us. As a result of our conscious dietary choice I have accidentally made a New Years resolution to make sure that our family is eating a complete and nutritious diet. I feel really great about it.

Todd and I are comfort food lovers and as a result we tend to over do it on the grain part of our diet and under do the fruits and veggies. Not any more! We are both committed to changing this poor dietary choice and getting those vitamins and minerals. Also, we are working on lowering our fat intake. We fry too much and eat a lot of Earth Balance (our choice in vegan margarine).

During the holiday break I watched "The Story of Stuff" (www.storyofstuff.com). It is amazing. Todd and I have come a long way in recognising and eliminating our "need" to consume but this little video just made the reasons to do so so clear to me. I urge anyone who is reading this to watch it. It truly was life changing for me.

Since 2004 when Olivia was 1 I have been dabbling in the world of WAHM. That is when I started selling slings. I have never done any advertising or put any effort into the business and every tax year my income is in the negative, although every year I have become closer to zero :). This past year I started making toys and selling them on Etsy. Again, I have put little to no effort into this business. I realised recently that the reason I put nothing into these businesses is because I am afraid of failing. Is that silly or what? I recognise that I need an income but am too afraid to go out and get one. I have set a goal for a monthly income this year and am taking some steps to get myself there including contacting my local farmers and crafter's market to get a table there, something I have said I was considering doing since the first year I started making slings.

What have you been up to? I'm off to read some blogs and find out.

6 comments:

~amy~ said...

wow! good for you on going "strict vegetarian" (somehow different from vegan?) and for buckling down with your business! i noticed you put up new stuff in your Etsy shop-- adorable! good thoughts and more power to you with your new choices!

also, your story of stuff link is brokie ; ; (at least for me)

Anonymous said...
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amanda said...

I think I really understand where you're coming from with the fear of failure, and of course her evil twin, the fear of success! I've recently decided to launch into the world of WAHM and have astonished myself by NOT failing. I love your idea of doing local markets as well as Etsy, and setting "real" goals for income and striving to meet them. I have to say your shop is just the lovliest, and I think you have every reason to be very, very pleased with your offerings!!

Also, good luck to you with the dietary changes you are implementing. I hope they bring you and your family wellness and peace of mind :)

World Wide Alternative said...

Oh your those little babies!
SQUEEEEEEEEEEE!
You're on my Etsy favs for sure! Xxx

World Wide Alternative said...

Ok. That first sentence made no sense. But I have two small children so I think that explains everything no? Xxx

Tomtemama said...

Amy ~ Thanks for letting me know that the link wasn't working for you. It seems to be working for me. I'm not sure what could be wrong?

I use the term strict vegetarian because we still wear some animal items and eat honey.

Amanda ~Thanks for the compliments and for commiserating with me. You're right success is just as scary as failure. those two sisters are a couple of doozies!

Poppy and mei ('s Mama) ~Thanks for the compliments. I love it when people write "squeee" you're right up there in one of my favourite internet people page now. Believe me I know what you mean about being excused from crazy sentences for having two small children.