Happy Holidays

The holidays are here and they're filling me with a little extra stress this year.  I have been feeling like I don't have enough of anything.  Not enough hours in the day, not enough money coming in, not enough help with the bows, not enough time for yoga.  I feel like we are all probably feeling like that this time of year, at least a little.  

I think I'm going to try something new, every time I feel like I don't have enough of something, I am going to think of 3 things I am lucky to have.  

My friends. I have some really amazing friends.  I can be a difficult person at times, and they love me anyway.  Caroline, Melanie, Darcy, Kassie you guys have not only promoted my business, but bought from me too. Your support means the world to me.  

My boyfriend.  This spring will be 10 years that we've been together!  Can you believe it, ten years!!!  We bought a new house last summer, and honestly couldn't be happier.  How is it after ten years I still love his goofy ass so much?  And he still tolerates my emotional break downs, not to mention the glitter EVERYWHERE! 

My jobs.  First is my job here, making bows, being crafty and creative and happy.  It has it's highs and lows, but ultimately having your own business is amazing.  Amazingly difficult, but amazingly awesome too.  Second, is my grooming job.  I get to work at a place that lets me work there only 7 days of the month.  I get to work with some really great people, including one of my best friends.  I have become a better groomer because my coworkers have been (and are) so incredibly talented and inspire me everyday to do better.  And my boss.  She's awesome.  She has held me while I cried, she has helped me when I needed it, and she has truly cared every single day.  She helps keep me sane. 

My Family.  (ps- family this is in no particular order). Those who don't know, my dad died almost 9 years ago.  It absolutely breaks my heart pretty much every day.  In many ways he is still my role model.  He was constantly flirting with the idea of his own business, and unfortunately none of his ever took off, but I hope he would be proud of mine.  When my dad died it brought my mom and I much closer.  She's one of my best friends now and I can't wait for the next time she comes to visit.  I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers, plus one adorable new nephew, 2 sister in laws, 2 parent in laws, some great aunts and grandparents.  They're all just amazing and I'm so lucky for each and every one of them.  They have supported me even when I'm making horrible decisions.  

My Customers. Man you guys are awesome.  You're understanding when your orders are late, you check in when something is happening in my personal life, and you promote my business every chance you get.  It's been really awesome.  Special thanks to Tiffany, without you there would be no business.  Really.  Ok, you really want to know, I'll tell you the story.  So I started the business on Etsy.  For about 6 months I was selling next to nothing.  Like $20 a month and that was it.  Well Tiffany had purchased a couple times from me so I reached out to her and asked if she could leave reviews for her purchases in the hopes that would help.  Well she did more than that, she shared me all over facebook!!  I will never forget laying awake that night and just watching the orders pour in. She changed my life and I honestly don't know if I will ever be able to thank her properly.  

My new helper Mary.  Couldn't do it without you! 

My Dogs who give me kisses on rough days

My Cat who resists the urge to lay on my face and smother me in my sleep.  (He did this once but he was sorry). 

Florida.  Ah Florida.  I love life here.  

Yoga, thank you for yoga.  It keeps me sane. 

Wine, yes, I may be a glass and a half in as I'm typing this and so bear with me.  

Trader Joes Dark Chocolate and Peppermint covered Jo-Jos.  You are heaven.  Will have to do extra yoga tomorrow to make up for all these cookies.  

Ok, the wine is doing it's work and so I need to wrap this up.  It's been a really great year.  I've had some lows but some crazy highs and you're all to thank for that.  I hope you have the best holiday season and a fantastic new year to come!  

With Love
Aubrey 

Bow Maker
Glitter Master
Dog Wrangler
Wine Drinker

PS- Click on the link up top that says Brown Dog's Beds to learn about our new business coming soon!!!