The Best Advice I've EVER Received

I was watching "Talking with Chris Hardwick" the other day, and his guest was James Corden.  Now James Corden is not my favourite late night host. For me it basically goes Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and then maybe James Corden.  Anywho, I was watching these two chat, and Chris finished the interview with a question which basically got down to "what's the best advice you've ever got?"  And James answered about how his Dad used to say that the difference between doing something and not doing something is doing something; so DO SOMETHING! 

So that got me thinking.  What's the best advice I've ever received?  What mantra, or motto, do I try to live by or remember.  And I instantly grabbed my laptop to start writing.  Because I LOVE this piece of advice, and for some crazy reason I had never really shared it.
After high school I decided to not go to university straight away because I didn't know what I wanted to take.  So I got a job for an outbound telemarketing company.  Which meant I spent my 8 hour day calling, mostly Americans, trying to sell them stuff, usually a credit card.  After a few months I scaled down to half days because it felt like I was losing my soul.  I hated when people hung up on me.  I took every swear, every hang up, every angry word personally.  Those people on the end of the line clearly  hated me, thought I was a horrible  person, and I deserved an awful fiery death.   One day it really got to me and my supervisor noticed.  
She came over and asked me what was wrong, and I explained how frustrated I was because people kept hanging up on me and I couldn't make any sales (Type A goal driven personality over here!).  All around me my peers were succeeding, while I was failing.  

My supervisor asked me, "Can you control when someone gets upset with you?  Can you control the someone hangs up on you?" And I answered, "well no...." (there was a "but" coming but she cut me off). Exactly, she said.  You can't control if someone hangs up on you.  But you can control moving on to the next call, and maybe that next call will be the sale.  Control what you can control.
CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL!
This was a LIFE changing phrase that had, literally, NEVER crossed my mind.  I was (am) so Type A, so gripped by fear, so gripped by needing to control my world around me so I felt comfortable and safe, I felt the need to control everything, including other people, that I never thought that I COULDN'T control other people! But when I really let it sink in, she was right.  I couldn't control if that person hung up on me.  I couldn't control them.  I can ONLY control HOW I react and deal with the situation.
Now lemme tell ya, this has changed my life!  Do I remember this on a daily basis? No, I'm a human, and I fail all the time.  Like when I'm on a plane, sitting on the tarmac, and I need to get off to make my connection...yeah I'm freaking out and I wish that I had control over the plane!   But I TRY to remember to control what I can control.  Somedays it's easier than others.  And I know to some of you, with self esteem and confidence, this is probably the LAMEST revelation a person could ever have.  But for someone like me, who needs people to like her, desires people to love her, who needs exterior confirmation of a job well done, being able to LET GO of the idea that I needed to control everything was revolutionary for me. 

So maybe there's a pre-teen, or a teenager you know who could really use this motto...or a gal in her early 30's still trying to navigate what 'being an adult' is all about.  Would you share this with someone who could use a little pick me up? A little reminder that they only have so much control over this giant thing we call life.  What's the best advice you've ever received?  Share it in the comments below!

Spread the Love

As you may or may not have noticed, I've started writing a bit more frequently here on the ole blog...something I hope I can keep up (funnily enough the original title of my blog was Try To Keep Up!)  But with the super delayed spring, and just the world in general, I felt like I should spread some cheer!

If you have met me in person you have, no doubt, realized I am a smiley, goofy, big-laugh kinda girl.  I want everyone to have a good time and feel like they're "in on the joke".  And sometimes being in this #craftipreneuer #solopreneur world can get kinda isolating. 

And then I remembered something. A while back (ok like a long time ago), I read a realistic post about this one blogger's struggles & I empathized with her on so many levels.  So I reached out to her and basically gave her a virtual pat on the back.  And she emailed me back (!), thanking me for, what I considered, a tiny gesture. But what a HUGE difference it made in both our lives.

We tend to boost our friends or our tribes and rarely venture outside of those protective circles.  And for good reason.  We gather people around us that we trust and feel safe with.  But could you imagine if a peer from OUTSIDE your circle commented on something you did? Something you posted.  With genuine feeling? 

So I'm challenging all bloggers, craftipreneurs, mompreneurs, solopreneurs, basically anyone who reads this to go outside your tribe, find someone who inspires you, or posted a cool vid, or has a great product and tell them.  Honestly.  No emojis.  Just real talk. Direct message them.  Email them. 

Let's call it....a Random Act of Real-ness

A Random Act of Real-ness can be anything. Maybe feature someone who needs some exposure?  Write an email to that "big time" blogger you admire.  Send a hand made card (or even e-card) to one of your followers?  We're all "regular" people.  Even the people who we think have "made it big", or are "more Insta famous" than us. They are totally normal humans, just like you and me!  So go ahead! Tell someone you like them.

I hope I can inspire you to spread a little love outside of your regularly scheduled programming.  If you decide to get involved, copy and save and post the Random Act of Real-ness image! XOXOXO Happy Tuesday!

Happy New Year

Hi Everyone!  I know it's  been a while since we've been active over here on the blog, but we had a SUPER busy and very successful fall market season.  "Thank you" will never really be enough to show our gratitude to all our crafty friends and awesome customers who are out there staying #prettyandwarm!

First things first.  The other day on Facebook, I posted a bit of a cryptic message about 2015 and how some unexpected challenges have already popped up.  I'm taking today to share exactly what I meant, set the record straight and just fill everybody in on what's happening with West Coast Leslie Designs.

The big news is that Tyler (my husband) has accepted a job with the Ministry of Transportation!!! So super exciting! He starts MONDAY (January 19th).  The flip side of the coin is that the job is based out of Kamloops, a city about 355 km away from our house. This is not the ideal situation, obviously.  But it's the reality.  My "day" job, being a dance teacher, keeps me in the Lower Mainland until June, because I can't just up and walk away from my students-that's not really how I roll.  What happens after June is still in the air.  And if I'm being perfectly honest, I don't know if we'll know what to do by the summer; I mean it's only 6 months away and that time is going to fly by!  But this exciting, new, awesome adventure for Ty makes me stop and re-evaluate West Coast Leslie Designs.  So while I had BIG plans for 2015, I may have to step back a bit and figure things out as we go :)

Here's what I do know, and I hope you can get excited for;

1). More frequent and scheduled blog posting.  Jill & I really want to interact with our fans, customers and friends!  We want to help you out from knowing how to care for your WCLD garments to helping you succeed with your business (handmade or otherwise).  We'll be offering some awesome info on the blog in 2015, so follow us and never miss a post! BlogLovin' is an easy way to follow the blogs you love :)

2). Community building.  What I took away from 2014 is that I LOVE THE HANDMADE community!  And I want to hang with you ALL. THE. TIME. We're on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and our blog, website and newsletters.  But you know what?  We don't post the same stuff on every social media outlet.  That's boring, and overkill if you follow us on more than one platform.  Here's what you'll find on each social media feed.  Pic your favourite and follow us :)
Facebook is where we want to hang out with you-our friends, the community at large.  It's the best place for us to get your feedback and find out what YOU want.  We also link our blog posts to Facebook! Oh and we like to have contests, giveaways and SALES on Facebook!


Instagram is where you'll find a blend of my personal and business pics.  It's an insiders look at how things get made, works in progress, my day to day life and general goofiness.  I LOVE Instagram and hope you'll hop over and follow me for all the fun!

We're using Twitter a little more formally.  If you want to know where we'll be, what craft markets we're checking out, and who we're following, follow us on Twitter.
And lastly, in 2015 we're recommitting to our Blog "Try To Keep Up".  More pics, more posts, more everything!

3). Online sales.  While we'll still be working markets, we're going to ramp up our online store and open up to more custom orders.  So please, check out our Storenvy shop or shoot us an email.  We want to make online shopping easy and convenient for you!  Because some days it's literally too cold to leave your house to buy a scarf! LOL

4). Teacher at Heart.  That's me.  To a T.  From an early age I've always known I wanted to be a teacher.  Writing on chalk boards, leading others, encouraging people to learn and love learning!  So I've created a sales course to help other amazing handmade peeps sell their products.  I want others in the handmade world to be profitable and have fun doing it (without feeling like a scum bag, and keeping your brand and personality intact) so keep your eyes peeled this summer for this awesome learning opportunity!  I promise you'll learn SO much and it will really help you gear up for the holiday market season!

Ok so that's long enough!  I want to thank everyone who's been along for the ride with us.  We are continually learning, and evolving and trying things out, so thank you for sticking with us and inspiring us.  We are super excited for 2015 and hope you are too!

Who Am I? Why Am I Doing This? Do I Even Want To Do This?

I don't like blogging.  I shouldn't say that.  I don't like blogging when I feel like I'm not connecting to anyone.  I don't like doing things that don't impact others.  That's something I've always loved to do.  I have always had a desire to make an impact.  Something.  Whether it was in a dance performance on stage, whether I'm teaching a student, writing a birthday card, or cooking a meal, I want you (yes you!) to walk away with more.

So when I started West Coast Leslie Designs, I just knew I wanted to make things.  I wanted to make things that other people liked as much as I did.  I loved the feeling of wrapping up in a big cozy scarf, that encircled me and made me feel warm, safe, happy, and felt like home.  (ah that concept of "home"!  It's maybe the best thing ever-to feel at home).  So I started making scarves, and selling a few scarves; to an Aunty, to a former student's parent.  Then I thought, well I could really do this. So I made more.  I applied to 1 (ONE!) craft fair, I got in, I started my Facebook page (it was slow-it's still slow), someone saw it and asked to sell my stuff in their store.  At the same time a really good friend of mine started a VERY similar business to mine (albeit in a TOTALLY different geographical area, but an area I still had strong ties to), and she started a Facebook page and she starting selling her items.  WHOA! Talk about a major self esteem blow.  When I looked at what she was doing all I could think was "she has a better name than I do, a better logo, better merchandise, better prices", and it seemed (to me) that she was WAY more successful than I was. 

All the while I kept making and feeling the pressure to be "legit".  A pressure I put on myself, a pressure that was being fed by comparing myself.  I felt like I couldn't make an impact unless I seemed credible.  People wouldn't accept me and my brand if I didn't have a business card.  People wouldn't purchase from me if I did have a website; an online store.  

So I rushed. I'll spare you the gory details (e.g. buying things, then having to call the web company to ask for a refund as I was NEVER going to learn how to use WordPress). I jumped in-DIVED in really (that's how I roll-no time to think, I have an iDEA! LOL) And now I feel the need to step back. Do I love the name West Coast Leslie Designs? (well that Leslie part is kinda cool, but it sure is LOOOOOOONG, especially if I hand write all my tags) Does a vintage looking silhouette represent my brand?  What the hell is my brand?  How do I find out what my brand is without shelling out thousands of dollars to people who claim to know all about online marketing and strategy (ps if you've spent any decent amount of time working in retail, you already know A LOT of it!)  I love coral as a colour, but does it have the long term appeal I'm looking for.  Will this font last the test of time, or am I going to have to re-brand myself in 2-3 years?  It's daunting and scary, and I look at people on the web I admire and feel bad about myself because (I feel) I'm not making the impact that they are.  I read the copy (that I wrote) on my website and think "Who wrote this? This feels fake-that's not how I talk. I think some of these things, but not all of them." I look at my website and wonder if it represents who I am, what I want for others, and what I can offer you! 

I think for many of us (online, blogger types, crafty types) we look for how we can make a difference.  We want to make a difference.  Our souls crave to make a difference, even if just in a couple of people.  And that's what I'm going to try to do.  So don't mind me, the gal in the corner over thinking EVERYTHING but also trying to go with her gut, with her intuition.  Being genuine about myself and what I do.  

Top 5 Posts of 2013

Happy New Year!  Wow! Welcome to 2014.  

I have so many plans for 2014 - some personal, some business, some random ( I really know how to overload my plate!)  But as we start a new year I wanted to share my 5 top posts from 2013.

We have a tie for 5th place....

Check out this quick and easy hostess gift (100 views)

And this DIY Photo Board also hit 100 views

My first crochet pattern was a hit in 2013 (150 views)

 

This simple iPhone update hit 205 views

Runner up to most viewed blog post is my Turban Earwarmer (509 views)

And the most viewed blog post from 2013...

Microwave Potato chips with a whopping 702 views!

Thanks so much.  

I can't wait to continue sharing a little bit of everything with you this year!

Giveaway Part 2

Ok, who knew that offering an awesome, cute, fashionable, flirty infinity scarf could garner such immediate response!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!  We've gained some GREAT new followers (welcome to the crazy world of West Coast Leslie/Try To Keep Up!).  So I got this crazy idea, could I hit 125 likes by New Year's Eve?  I bet we can.  And to sweeten the deal I've added to the giveaway

YOU HEARD RIGHT! More to giveaway! (And we all love free stuff, it's like another Christmas present!)  So now if we can hit 125 Likes (my secret goal is actually 150, but who's counting?) by New Year's Eve, I'll giveaway the Moss Infinity Scarf and the Cream Turban Earwarmer!  

The cream Turban Earwarmer is one of our best sellers, it goes with everything and it keeps your ears warm while keeping you hairstyle! Head over to my Facebook Page and click like and be entered to win both these goodies! Good Luck!

Official Website

Phew!  I just returned from a whirlwind shopping trip in Seattle this past weekend (SO dangerous!) but I wanted to share my new, official website for West Coast Leslie Designs!  

I'd love for you to hop on over to www.westcoastleslie.com.  Not to toot my own horn, but I designed the whole thing (with a little help from Wix.com) so I'm very proud of it.  I'm proud of my products and just pretty  much everything I've been working on.  My poor husband has had to live in, what was starting to look like, a crochet sweatshop - with only one worker, me! LOL.  This is my first website (besides the blog) and I know my brand and my online presence will evolve but for now, this is it.  And I hope you like it!  I've also added pages on the top of my blog that link to my Storevny store and my website, incase you forget the names :)

And if you notice any issues like bad links or things that don't load etc, please email me or leave me a comment.  Thanks so much!

My Online Store

I am SO excited to finally be able to share my online store with you!  I went through a lot of trouble; reading pretty much EVERYONE'S (and their dog) opinion on what kind of store I should use etc etc and I finally decided.

West Coast Leslie Designs is open!

Right now I have classic scarves and ear warmers online.  After Crafty Affaire I will be adding any unsold items as well! The classic scarves will be available all year round, but also can be made to order.  I'll be adding more to the store, seasonal additions and other goodies, so please be sure to check back often.

I'll be taking Christmas orders up until December 10th!  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about custom orders.

A big thank you to my Mum and sister, who I've annoyed with all my texts, phone calls and email, asking for their opinions and help!

Stay tuned for the announcement of the West Coast Leslie Designs official website launching soon!

Buh Bye Google Reader?

So I guess y'all know by now that Google Reader is no longer.  I personally never used it, but that doesn't mean there are people out there who don't.  So I just wanted to let all my lovely followers, however they choose to follow me tryin' to keep up, that you can now easily follow me on Bloglovin'. 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Google friend connect seems to still work, so if you have a Google Account just click "Join This Site" up there on the top of my sidebar.

Also if you like me on Facebook, I often post my most recent blog post there!  Follow me on Facebook

If you're into seeing what inspired me, check out my Pinterest account.  It's a hodge podge of creativity - ENJOY!

And for a behind the scenes look, follow me on Instagram.  I'm microblogging all the time, crazy pics of me and what I'm up to in between posts!  There's a little blue icon right there on the side, to follow me on Instagram! ---------->

Thanks to everyone who follows me, reads the blog occasionally, interacts with me on Facebook, or by email.  I cherish and appreciate every comment, like, smile, and encouragement.

Instagram!

Ok, I have to admit.  Some days I'm an crochetey old lady inside a 29 year olds body.  Seriously.  I hear things coming out of my mouth and I honestly wonder if I really was born in the 80's.  "Don't move my plants"  "I'll take it, just in case" "*loooong sigh* my back" And if that's not proof enough, I crochet and embroider. 

My old lady ways mean that I am slow to joining the hip new trend of the moment.  I honestly resisted Facebook for like a solid 4 months.... I was going to say that now I do it all...but I don't.  Why? Well because there are some social media sites I like more than others.  And because I'm an old lady.  Remember? 

Facebook-love it!  I'm pretty active on FB so.... Follow Me

Twitter- I'm on it but I don't really care.  And I don't think anyone else cares that I'm on it either, cuz hey, I'm no celebrity. But if you wanna follow me?

Instagram-I like pictures, sign me up!  I signed up for Instgram in  early 2011 but have really only started using it this year.  

I post crazy pictures like this....

and like this.....

Instagram is a super easy way for my to mini blog about my day without having to watermark my pics or write...stuff.  Plus it's cute and I like selflies #truth, oh and #hastags.  Follow me on Instagram

And I love following you back and sneakin' a peak on what you're up to!

30 Days of Salads IS BACK!

The hottest blog series from last summer is back!  Ok, who am I kidding?  But it's a pretty handy little party to find delicious new salads to try during the summer months when it's just too hot to cook.  I know it seems cold now (for some of you), but the summer is coming.  Fresh produce, fresh fruit and salad season.

Do you have a great salad recipe that you want to share!  Well hop on the 30 Days of Salad bandwagon as a guest blogger!  Send me an email at westcoastleslie@gmail.com if you're interested.  I love reading and taste testing new salads and hope you do too!

30 Days of Salad kicks off on Sunday May 5th and runs until September 1st!  Check back each and every Sunday for a brand new salad.  

Hey Look Up Here!

  

You might not have noticed but I added a Recipe Tab!  Right up there^  

I couldn't believe how many recipes I had already posted and I know that I go back and look for certain recipes on the blog and I have a HECK of a time finding them.  SO I put them all together on a neat little page.  Well, most of them are up there.  I'm still going through old posts and finding links for recipes.  So it will be updating regularly.

Just wanted to let y'all know about the easiest way to find all the recipes I've tried out!  I really hope that helps!

Enjoy!

Popular Posts

I dunno about you but I'm often really surprised by my most popular posts.  Right!?!? Anywho, since it's easter weekend and I'm getting into competition season (read: crazy busy, driving all over to see my dancers compete) I thought I'd share my most viewed posts with you.

Most Popular Post - Paint By Numbers

Seriously, if you follow my directions you can create a canvas like this

Most Pinned Post

It's a tie between my DIY Hair Mask and ... 

my Microwave Potato Chips

Do you have a favourite post?  I mean there's almost 300 posts here, so I know it's hard to pick a favourite.  But I want to thank you for making these three posts oh so popular!

Fabulous Feature!

I'm always so stoked when someone features me!  It's kind of mind blowing !

If you haven't heard, Miss Halsey over at Spunky Junky is throwing a new weekly party called "Stick a Pin in it".  It's a great party to showcase all the lovely projects you've been inspired to make from Pinterest.

Remember these lovely ladies?

Well I linked those up at last weeks party and wouldn't you know it, they're being featured today over at Spunky Junky.  Stop by and check out all the Pinterest Projects...and don't forget to link up your goodies too!

Thank You 2011

Hello all you Try To Keep Up-ers!

As 2011 comes to a close (what an eventful year) I want to thank all of you new followers that joined me this year.  I essentially doubled my readership this year (LOL) and I hope to keep that trend into 2012!  Tell your friends I'm real funny :)

And a big ginormous hug and sloppy kiss thank you to all my loyal longtime followers!  Among which include Jill, Amy, & Mum, who text me when I don't post new stuff.  Keepin' it real. 

I'm thankful for the kindness of other bloggers.  I've received some beautiful and inspiring comments in the past two months which have helped me get through this difficult time.  I look forward to passing on this kindness in 2012 and hopefully inspire other bloggers, old and new.

I'm really looking forward to 2012 for a few reasons

1). I got a new Silhouette Cameo for Christmas!  So I look forward to sharing many swear-filled posts about my new creations.

2). I am getting married in August!  I will keep you posted about all the craziness that will undoubtly ensue.

3).  I will be co-hosting an awesome recipe link party in January!  Can't wait! Stayed tuned for the deets!

4). I am starting a new (additional) dance teaching job!  Don't worry, it's only an extra 3 hours a week, but it should be an inspiring challenge.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog this past year and that it has brought some light and laughter into your day.  I am truly humbled when I receive your comments and messages about projects or recipes I've made.  Thank you for stumbling into my online life and I hope that you'll stick around.  I wish you a very safe, happy and prosperous New Year.

Stashbusting Feature

 

Hola!  While today I haven't much time to explain my absence (this will come, I promise...if you care to read check back soon), but I did want to share with you my feature over at The T-Shirt Diaries as part of the Upcycled Awesome! 

 Check out my feature here!  Honestly, I'm so surprised when people like the things I make-makes me feel so validated.  Thanks Robin!

Stashbusting September

Hola chicas! I'm very excited to announce that I am guest posting over at The T-Shirt Diaries today as part of Stashbusting September! If you have a lot of scrap scrapbook paper lying around, you'll definitely want to check out my post!

What are you waiting for?
Hurry those buns over there!

1st Crazy Cooking Challenge-tomorrow!

What a great long weekend!  I hope you got out and enjoyed it-I sure did.  Ty and I went on an adventure filled road trip to Central Washington.  We stayed in Omak WA and visited Lake Chelan (gorgeous!), the Grand Coulee Dam and the Old West town of Winthrop.  If you're ever in the area make sure to go to Lake Chelan Winery.  They have a BBQ every night from 4pm onwards.  Best ribs ever....pictures to come!

I also wanted to remind y'all to check out my post tomorrow as part of the Crazy Cooking Challenge.  The theme for September is Mac & Cheese and I have one cool recipe to share with you...unconventional and cool.  All the posts will be up at 12 noon PST (lucky me) so take some time tomorrow and check them out!

Totally Personal

Hola!
I wanted to note a very exciting and momentus occasion. If you weren't paying attention you would've missed it but I've finally hit 30 Followers! This has been a personal goal of mine for a while, to hit 30, but I didn't want to say anything in case I jinxed it! I want to thank Robin & Clydia who are my two newest followers! They are the authors of the T-Shirt Diaries & Three Mango Seeds respectively.

I'm so excited that my adventures in crafting and cooking has garnered at least a little bit of a following. Thank you to all my followers-I truly appreciate all of you! Here's to the next 30!