These Tough Times

The news just doesn't seem to be getting better, is it? Seemed like a good time to post on another creative strategy to make the best in these tough times - and best of all, IT IS FREE.

Bartering, according to Websters, is "to trade by exchanging one commodity for another." I was reading Real Simple last month, and they had a great article on bartering that you can read here. What a super idea - you want a necklace, I want a picture? Let's swap!

Here are some ideas:

Instead of SHOPPING for new clothes, try SWAPPING and host a Girl's Swap Night

Do you have a special skill? You make excellent birthday cakes, you make jewelry, you knit, you quilt, you know how to make pillows - all of those are great skills! Why not swap with other friends and leverage those skills to create a win/win where you both get something you want for free! I did this with a friend of mine who is an amazing knitter - she knit booties for my friend's baby boy, and I will send her a necklace. And aren't handmade things more meaningful than big-box store purchases anyhow? Get creative!

Those of you who are parents - why not swap kid days so you can have more time for a part-time job or even precious rest and refreshment time? It takes a village, after all - lets work together and help each other out.

What are some creative barter ideas you can come up with?

By the way - I'm open to bartering. Feel free to contact me with any ideas. :-)

image: http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/leightonarabhall/images/paintings/midsize/p21.jpg

These Tough Times

I found a great article on Design*Sponge that fits perfectly with my "These Tough Times" series.

Meg, author of the wonderful book Craft, Inc., says:

For one thing, I think it’s a pretty good time to start a side business. If you’ve been laid off, this misfortune may really be an opportunity for you to jump into your dream business. Or if you’re a new grad on the job hunt, you probably have plenty of extra time you can dedicate to a business. Or if you’re currently employed, considering it’s probably not the best time to ask for a raise, starting a side venture can be a great way for you to earn some additional income.

The good thing about starting a business during a down economy is that you will do it with DIY ethos based on a foundation of frugality. Building a business foundation based on excess is never good—just look at a majority of those dot-com businesses back in the day. And when the economy finally rebounds, your business will be in great shape to handle all the opportunities and challenges that come its way.

Read Meg's plan of action and the full article here.

This definitely encourages me to expand my business and think creatively about growing Paper and Pearls in this down economy.

So - hope this inspires you would-be entrepreneurs to GET OUT THERE and give it a try!

These Tough Times

My least favorite phrases are: "economic crisis", "these tough times," "highest scary statistic ever".

The news is pretty bad. But it's so important to face bad news with creativity and hope. This feature is my small way to offer suggestions to make everyday a little more pleasant. What are the small triumphs we can savor each day? The little gifts? The creative solutions to problems?

So - here I offer tip #2:

If you want a new bit of technology or kitchen gadget, why not ask around and see if someone has something they aren't using? You might even get what you want for FREE!

I was whining to my coworker about how I HATE chopping. I hate it. She came back the next day with a Pampered Chef chopper she wasn't using! How fun is that? Her gift has made my dinner preparation much more fun!

And my dad had an Ipod he wasn't using anymore, so he sent it to me. I am happy as a clam! I don't needed the latest updated million gigabyte version!

Pampered Chef chopper plus Ipod = priceless fun for moi!

And to keep the gift going - I am giving a friend my old Canon camera. I got a newer one for Christmas.

Why not reuse or recycle stuff we aren't using to someone else who could really enjoy it?

Check out your local thrift shops, check Craigslist, and just ask around! Who know what you'll find?

These Tough Times

There is so much bad news these days, isn't there? So many people are losing jobs and afraid about the future.

So - how can we have a rich full life in the midst of so much uncertainty? I remember the old quote - "necessity is the mother of invention" ... How can we harness our creativity to enjoy and savor life - even when it's hard?

"These Tough Times" will be a series of simple suggestions to make the best of a challenging season.

Tip Number 1:

READ COMIC BOOKS!

My husband and I are of rather intense natures - when we were dating, we were jokingly told to talk about something silly for a change - like our favorite colors. I think the advice applies when we are stressed out too - we all need a good laugh. Laughter truly is the best medicine.

We love The Far Side - my favorite strip ever is "Lulu - Mrs. O'Leary's Ill-Fated Cow" from 1992. It basically is me - I too am prone to odd scrapes like tripping over buckets and igniting things.

My other favorite is posted above - it gets me EVERY time.

Calvin and Hobbes... Dilbert... So many options... go, get some comics, laugh, and enjoy the light side of life. You'll feel better!

http://www.freewebs.com/horseloversveen/the-far-side-comic.jpg image