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A NEW START - Part II

© Barbara Massie

Take time this month to sit and think back. Look at your business, the good and the bad. Think of the things you can make better and the things to change. Challenge yourself to increase business.

Q. Is it just me? I feel like I am cheating my family every year during the big selling season. My crafts take up so much of my time during the late summer and fall getting ready to sell at the craft shows. My house doesn't get cleaned as it should; meals are many times just fast food; I get burned out on Christmas items because I make so many and then I don't feel like decorating, buying gifts, baking cookies for the children and being "merry." We did get through the holidays again this year, but I hate how I feel. Thank you for letting me unload on you. How do other people cope?

A. First, you have to set your priorities. What do you really want? Do you want to be creative and make quality crafts to sell? Or do you want to be the perfect wife and mother? Whichever is most important to you must take first place. some fun, but sensible reading can be found at Hirshbergisms.

I certainly am not one to set your priorities. I can give you some hints on how to have some of both worlds. It's with that old term you have heard, "Time Management." There's always an ominous sound to it, but it is a necessity.

If crafting is high on your list, you will have to decide how to have time to clean, cook and be part of the family. You must forget "perfection."

It's surprising that if you write down the time it takes to do some of the "chores," then list what must get done, you can fit much in during the week. Ex.: Making our bed takes me approximately two minutes and it makes the whole room look neat.

My mother was right. Before you go to bed at night, walk around the house and put the noticeable things back into place, straighten towels, make sure the sink isn't full of dirty dishes and the next day will start out better.

When you cook, make too much and freeze the leftovers for another meal. If school lunches must be packed, take time to make enough sandwiches for a week and freeze them. Make enough for your lunches also. You only have to take out all the fixings one time.

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