DelaneyGates.com

Exciting News

 
Want a juicy tidbit? My business I've been working on (on and off, that is) for many months will be launching on MONDAY at 8am CST! I suppose I've been putting it off because I wanted to have a more extensive product line. However, I decided I just need to go ahead and get my feet wet NOW and keep adding products as I make them in the near future.

I've been giving it a lot of thought and so often in life, we put off doing what we want to because "the time isn't right" or everything isn't "just so"... Well friends, the time is now. So, I'm going through with it!

(The business name and product concept will remain a secret until Monday.)

Another update coming soon!

Reaching Out

 

This week, I experienced an excellent reminder about the importance of reaching out: going the extra mile - connecting with others - in attempt to achieve a goal. Far too often, we sit semi-contentedly in our comfort zone, wishing for more, yet are too lazy or afraid of failure or the unknown to seriously pursue anything.

Do you find yourself in that situation? Do you imagine something greater than what you have now yet are afraid to take the first step? (This elementary concept still applies regardless of the aspect of your life you desire to improve.)

Remember, several baby steps add up to the same amount of progress as one drastic, scary step!

Baby Step One: Tell someone your plan! (Preferably someone who supports you and believes in your abilities.) Putting it out there holds you accountable and verbalizing it transforms it from a private daydream into a goal you've shared with someone else.

Baby Step Two: Reach out and talk with someone who can help you accomplish your plan or provide guidance on how to go about it or a roadmap of how they already did it.

Baby Step Three: GO FOR IT! But, start small. Little victories keep us going, give us experience, and motivate us to drive on.

I reached out this week and I'm thankful I did!

To be continued!

Cozy Acorn Necklaces for Autumn by Sweetnellie

 

Each necklace by Sweetnellie epidomizes the coziness of autumn. The acorns are crocheted from fine gauge wool, stuffed and stitched together, suspended from a raw-edged silk-like ribbon. The perfect accompaniment to a warm cardigan and falling temperatures.

Click on the photo to visit the Sweetnellie shoppe!

Handmade Receiving Blanket Kit by Anna Maria Horner

 

Anna Maria Horner is definitely in my top five favorite fabric designers. This kit is simple and relatively inexpensive! I like that it includes coordinating bias trim...no need to scour the internet for it after one receives her fabric package in the mail. It looks like it's something even *I* could sew. Click on the photo to shop!

10 Steps to a Lovely Day

 
1. Smile at strangers.

2. Slow down.

3. Say thank you.

4. Give lots of compliments.

5. Dress nicely.

6. Wear perfume.

7. Observe and listen.

8. Be charming.

9. Laugh.

10. Wish people a lovely day.

(List found here.)