New beginnings

I decided I needed to do something about my weight. I am not going to diet, that is absolutely and definitely not going to happen.
I met up with an old friend and, while it was lovely to finally meet up with him, I felt so ashamed - ashamed at my dire financial state, ashamed of my weight, ashamed of being so unconfident, ashamed of my nails, whatever! I was ashamed of every aspect of my life and that blighted our few hours together.
At the weekend I sat and thought through the situation and, I think for the first time, started to plan my future.
The plan so far is for me to:
- up the promotion of all of my retail avenues.
- improve Network Marketing.
- attend regular Car boot Sales
- photograph items for sale online
- attend Craft Fairs
- Take on Avon catalogues
- increase Craft sales.
- cut down on food consumption

It's not going to be easy, just putting myself out there is taking myself out of my comfort zone, but I'm going to do it - things have got to change and I just have to face my fears.
Sunday I attended my first Craft Fair - was a nervous wreck upon arrival, convinced everyone else's work was better than my own but, with costs covered, I came away with the grand total of £3.50 profit - better than nothing! Confidence boosted, I'm now making a blanket for a bespoke order that I recieved from posting news of the fair online (YES!)
Yesterday I started with my new eating plan. As I've mentioned before, I refuse to diet - I need an eating programme so, with that in mind, I ate nothing throughout the day, drinking just tea, coffee and warm water. Come the evening, I cooked a quorn curry - plating up with rice for Neil, and saving a bowl of curry (without rice) aside for me. I had a cheese and red pepper sandwich and two stuffing balls with a small bowl of apple & blackberry crumble.

Day 2 has just gone ~ Started my day with a mug of warm water. I had the bowl of Quorn curry I cooked last night for a sort of brunch. I couldn't be bothered to cook any rice. I have allowed myself a latte from McDonalds (because it's free) Dinner was a Tuna, mayo and sweetcorn sandwich with a mini magnum. I'm looking forward to seeing if my efforts make a difference and, if they do, how soon it'll start showing. 

Breaking out into the Craft Fair World

I'm so thrilled, I've just attended my very first Craft fair. There were 8 tables set up - so pleased there was one free as I just turned up unannounced, I bet they were pleased as well. The process took me right out of my comfort zone because I've never put my work out for public perusal. The fair was as important for me to get my face and name known, and to boost my confidence as much as making money.
The attendees were all kind and approachable which was lovely as the nerves had kicked in quite drastically. However, two young ladies were busy looking through my products as I was tipping them out of my bags, I made my first sale quickly - a Snowman phone sock for £1.50

They had picked out a baby hat, but they decided they'd not enough pennies and walked off to the other stalls.
Suddenly remembering I'd abandoned my candles in the back of the car, I disappeared off to fetch them. As I placed them on the table, the two girls returned and chose a candle depicting Father Christmas selling for £2.
Several people meandered past, lots of lovely compliments but very quiet after that, giving me chance to interact with all the crafters there. One lady was of particular interest having just invested in half a dozen Merino sheep with fleece to buy. Of course I'm now desperate to invest in a spinning wheel and carding set up. Neil's going to be impressed lol
Having made another sale of a pair of earrings, I felt justified in allowing myself a cup of tea.
At the end of two hours we all packed up, after table costs and my cup of tea - amounting to £3.50 - I went home having made £3.50 profit. Not the greatest earnings, but it was a start and a successful venture in confidence for me.
Roll on the next fair. 

Desperately seeking that elusive pot of gold

Gosh things have got tough! It seems that our lives are contuously blighted by debt, debt and more debt on top of a huge STINKING pile of debt. Neil has been shopping for the last few weeks with just £13 in his pocket. This week however, It's been different - Neil's car went back to the garage in what is very quickly becoming it's  bi-weekly and very expensive  problem. So we've been reduced to buying just cat food, bread and margarine this week. Ohhh woopiedoo!
However, It's not all doom and gloom, I met up with a friend on Thursday. I've watched his meteoric rise from poverty to huge wealth, just as my personal wealth declines. I am so thrilled to have met him, It's given me the impetus to get going, he gave me the proverbial kick up the backside.
I've come home with a plan to improve my situation. This includes pushing my crafting sales, promoting Bodyshop, increasing my blogging and attending regular carbooting events. I want to raise the funds to enable me to embark on extra training, which in turn will lead to employment.
I'm determined to do it, I need to be more organised if I am to succeed, and I'm determined to succeed because we're so far down - the only way is up!  Signing off for now but I will say to you - watch this space.