Business In THE Bag

Ornament Swap Blog Hop

2010-11-29T13:28:00.007-05:00

Yay! It's time to share. Recently I signed up for the very first Make Mine Pink Ornament Swap and Blog Hop. I love to make all things Christmas so it was a very easy decision for me to join in. You never know what treasures will come your way when you join a swap and I am so happy to share the lovely gifts I received.

First, from Katie DiBacco....................a delightful ornament in pretty shades of aqua and red.I don't know the first thing about making this style ornament...............but I do know I love it.

Secondly, is this adorable button ornament from Eileen of Forget Me Not Dreams. Eileeen knows me so well.................beautiful soft colors and soooooo sweet. I love it too!

Lastly, is a new friend - Jen from That's So Shabby. Jen put together a charming assortment of lovlies...........vintage laces, buttons, doily, and fabric.......all with a darling shabby burlap stocking with "Santa" on the front. You would think she knows me too!

For more fun, please stop by the MMP central stopping point to check out all the locations on todays Ornament Swap Shop Hop. Stop in all week as the ornaments continue to roll in! Just click..........here.

til next time............

Carol

Holiday Shopping Fun

2010-11-10T07:32:00.004-05:00

Won't you join me and my friends at Make Mine Pink for a special offering just for the upcoming holidays? An all new event....................lots of special holiday gifts, home decor and more.

The doors will open at 8:00 am for this special event and will close Sunday evening.
Stop on by, won't you?

til next time................
Carol

Small

2010-09-09T14:51:00.004-04:00

There's no doubt there are many "big" things in life about which to get excited. Seriously, what about weddings, birthdays, birth days of babies, travel. Well, just so many wonderful things.

Sometimes it's just the silliest, simplest little thing to put a smile on my face. Just the other day I found something small to get excited about. Really small (no, not velvet jewelry box kind of small!). I came across something at Wal-Mart and couldn't resist. Here's what I found..........

Composition books! Oh yes, and only 25 little cents each! Why, I wanted to scoop up about a 100 of them. But, alas, I settled for just 4 - $1.00 worth.

What a great $1.00 find! Better than any dollar store if you ask me.

So, why is this worthy of a blog post? Only because it's a reminder to always find joy in the little things. Make every day about finding a bit of seemingly mundance life to make into a celebration. No, I'm not so crazy as to plan a party around my find. But, I am crazy enough to share it with you!

Go out and get a few of your own Composition Books. They're fun........and cheap !

til next time..............

Carol

Birds of a Feather

2010-08-26T10:13:00.003-04:00

"No matter where we live, or what the season, our feathered friends inspire accessories and decor that create eternal springtime in our homes."

Everywhere I look are the beautiful images of birds, fresh perspectives and vintage images alike. What is our fascination with this winged creatures that soar above the earth with unparalleled freedom? How riveting are their songs, their nestings. How delightful to watch the hatching of Spring babies.

Please join Business In THE Bag, Esprit de Joie, and my friends at Make Mine Pink for this Fridays special shopping theme........Birds of a Feather. I'm sure you will find a fine feathered friend to treasure.

til next time.................
Carol

How Sad!

2010-08-17T15:24:00.002-04:00

Well, it is sad, truly sad, to feel so neglected and forgotten. Me? No, not me. My blog. Poor little blog sitting out there in a lonely world wishing for someone to show up and update.

I'm here at last. It is time get back on track and reach out once again. I have a new energy surrounding this little blog - a new attitude, as they say. My new goal is to bring you worthy subjects for your review.

Business In THE Bag (BITB, for short) is all about branding your business - making an unforgettable statement about what your business is, what it does, and more. Now, there's no way BITB can tell you who you are, but we can certainly help you find your own cohesive brand. We can help you be "remembered".

So please join me as I make this new commitment to bring you more information that you can use the build your personal brand. If you have not yet signed up for our newsletter, please do so. I will be sending monthly email newsletters to share much of this information.

So, until next time.............
Carol

Tea Time Baskets!

2010-04-26T10:47:00.003-04:00

At last, our brand new exclusive line of Tea Time Baskets is appearing on our sister site, Esprit de Joie. Beautiful nantucket baskets oozing with charm and loaded with goodies too.

The perfect gift for a special someone - or keep one for yourself. You deserve it!

Each Tea Time Basket comes complete with a specially lined basket with padded bottom, handmade satin roses, handmade linen napkin with lace edging, a perfectly coordinated brand new mug, a matching coaster, and a darling Oneida demitasse spoon. Everything you need for a little tea time treat.

Coming soon are our Tea Time Baskets for Two! Stay tuned.

til next time.....Carol

Mother's Day Shop Hop

2010-04-24T23:01:00.005-04:00

I just love the Shop Hop events at Make Mine Pink, don't you?

Won't you join Business In THE Bag, Esprit de Joie, and so many of my friends at Make Mine Pink for our annual

Mother's Day Shop Hop.

April 25 - May 1st.

What is a Shop Hop?

At Make Mine Pink, Shop Hops are a type of contest where you try to find as many "You Found It" images as you can. Each of the participating boutiques (see the list at Make Mine Pink) had hidden a special image on their site that says "You Found It" on the tag. Click that image to return to Make Mine Pink and get credit for finding it. The more images you find, the greater your chances to win super prizes. See the prize list to see what you can win!

At Business In THE Bag and Esprit de Joie, we will be offering daily specials as well as some fun new products! Perfect timing for gift giving for Mom.

There is no cost and no obligation to purchase anythng. Of course, if you happen upon something you are interested in, don't forget to bookmark the pages so you can return later. Good Luck!

til next time...

Carol

New Bags

2010-04-05T13:45:00.005-04:00

Exciting new bags are now available at BITB! We've added some new chic and sassy new bags in amazing fun colors. Three styles and a myriad of colors. Here's a little sneak peak.

Be sure to stop by and see all the styles and all the color choices. Just click here.
Thanks for stopping by .......have a happy Monday.

Sunday night thought.

2010-03-14T23:21:00.002-04:00

Well, of course, I should be all snuggled in bed for the night, but here I am at my computer as are so many of my friends. What keeps us up at night? Thoughts, of course. But, what thoughts?

Sometimes it's worry about the never-ending list of "to-do's", sometimes anticipation of something exciting about to happen the next day, or day after, sometimes it's our creative minds that just refuse to turn off, sometimes it's worry over the health and well-being of a loved one or special friend.

Whatever keeps us up at night, we have to fight the fight - not let this insomnia win. Sleep is so nurturing, restorative, and just..................well, nice! I always feel better after a good night's sleep, don't you?

So, tell me. How do you wage this battle? What tricks and tips do you use to turn off the thinking machine and get some zzzzz's? Pray tell, do share.

Another wintry day in February

2010-02-26T08:11:00.002-05:00

Gosh, I cannot remember when we've had so much snow! It is getting a little "past its use by date" if you ask me.

No matter, though. Spring is just around the corner and it's time to think about sprucing up and spiffing up our businesses. Are your marketing materials up to date? Do you have a complete plan in place to market your business? What are you doing to get your name out there?

Does your website need refreshing? How about all your printed products? Start making those updates now, before time slips away and you start "kicking" yourself.

What better way to spend a snowy, wintry day than to turn our thoughts to Spring?

til next time......
Carol

THE Ultimate Gift Basket

2009-11-18T07:28:00.004-05:00

Oh my! Can you even begin to believe the wonderful offerings you see in this custom, velvet lined basket? Many of my friends at Make Mine Pink put together this stunning basket just overflowing with special gift-giving ideas for you.

Each boutique has a special category in their shops to assist you in finding that perfect item to go in a gift basket of your own creation. Be sure to check them out by clicking on the photo and gathering all the details.

...AND.........as if that weren't enough! You could possible win this amazing basket, valued over $1000. This is the Grand Prize during the Make Mine Pink 12 Days of Christmas Shop Hop.

Can you just imagine getting this package on your doorstep? I am in awe - aren't you?

til next time......

Carol

Office Management

2009-10-16T12:01:00.003-04:00

Earlier today I had the opportunity to view an Office Manager at work.

My friend, Gail, of Gail Friend Designs is a very busy woman and found it necessary to hire some help to keep her office running smoothly.

Now.....don't tell Gail this, but I fear her Office Manager is "sleeping" on the job.

I have a fair amount of experience in this regard.

Here's a pic of my own Office Manager. Note the similarities!

til next time............

Carol

........and the answer is.............

2009-10-15T08:45:00.004-04:00

Here's the answer.....my new oh so luxuriously soft Scotty Dog.

And, the winner is...............................Lynette Larson-Campbell!

Please email your addy to me at espritdejoie@comcast.net, Lynette, and he will be on his way to you as quick as a wink.

NOW! Many, make that MOST, of you were very very close. Little Scotty does have a friend...

Little black velvet Kit Kat! Many of you thought she should be the answer, but alas, she is not. These sweet little velours will be available starting tomorrow on Make Mine Pink's Posh Tots.

Look for them then......and thank you ever so much for playing!

til next time.............

Carol

Contest!

2009-10-13T17:45:00.007-04:00

Well, it's about time, isn't it??????? I have a little contest for you - it will run until Thursday morning only. Anyone is eligible to enter and win.

So, here's all you have to do.
Guess what is in the picture below. Hint: it's my latest creation.

Do NOT put your guess on here, but DO post that you've been and seen.
Then email me your guess at espritdejoie@comcast.net

I will do a random draw from all the correct guessers Thursday morning at 9:00 est.
The lucky winner will receive one of these "somethin somethins" in the mail from me.

So, give it a try. Follow the rules.............and keep yours fingers crossed. (toes too wouldn't hurt!)
til next time..............

Carol

More Exciting News!

2009-10-12T16:26:00.003-04:00

You are just gonna love this! I just know you are!

It's a brand new, exciting event at Business In THE Bag, Esprit de Joie, and Make Mine Pink.

What is it??? It is......................

Yes! Make Mine Pink's new Pink Twilight Sale!

Every third Saturday of the month from 6:00 pm to midnight you will find unbelievable buys from boutique owners at Make Mine Pink. Of course we will be participating here at Business in THE Bag and also at our sister site, Esprit de Joie.

Once a month - for six hours only - you'll see buys like never before on Make Mine Pink. You won't want to miss this - so mark your calendars. I know I will.

til next time...

Carol

2009-10-01T22:58:00.001-04:00

Greenfield Village

2009-10-01T09:49:00.003-04:00

Yesterday may have started out cold, cloudy and windy, but finished up with a gorgeous day with temps at about 60 degrees. My BFF, Debbie, and I made our annual pilgrimage to Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI.

I so enjoy being transported back in time each year when we visit. It always makes me wish for a simpler life. Thought I would share a couple pics that I took as we walked along.

The large white building is the Eagle Tavern where we enjoyed a delicious 1940's style harvest meal. Don't know why I didn't take pics inside! It is such a delight.

I hope you enjoy these pics!

til next time.............Carol

Make Mine Pink Friday - Timeless Textiles

2009-09-24T08:02:00.006-04:00

This week's theme at Make Mine Pink Friday is all about textiles..........old or new, pristine or weathered. I love textiles and have a quilt collection of my own. There's something about pretty antique pillowcases with hand-embroidery that always draws my attention.

As the years pass, they grow more beautiful by adding the threads of history to their own. The original colors might fade, but these timeless textiles stay bright with the memory of the hands that created and cared for them. The stories they know are never truly forgotten when we make room for them in our lives and in our homes.

I hope you will join my dear friends at Make Mine Pink for this special event - Friday, September 25th. Just click here.

til next time.....
Carol

Where oh where????

2009-09-13T12:24:00.004-04:00

Where have I been? Geez, I can't believe I haven't posted in so long. I guess I've been pretty busy.

Right now, I'm finishing up a few orders and then I absolutely must re-arrange my desk top. Wouldn't you know it, but I was forced to go out and buy a new printer. I didn't want to get a new printer. I wasn't 100% happy with the old one, but these are the times of "making do" and "getting along" with what you have.

When I went into the office store (for the 3rd time), this particular salesperson told me my old all-in-one is about 6-7 years old. What??? Where did the time go? I am not one to throw away good for the joy of purchasing all the latest, greatest new goodies. I try to get every bit of mileage I can from what I have. What about you??? Are you a frequent upgrader?

Well, anyway, I bought one printer and brought it home to my studio and it just wasn't doing the job. It was very clunky sounding - even tho it printed better quality than my old printer.
Now.........I am not going to name names (brands, that is) but back it went to the store.

It interests me how you can go to one store three times and get different salespeople who tell you different things. Why didn't I research on the net? - I did - yup - but that just resulted in confusion too. Anyway, I'm making this into a longgggg story, I know. In the end, I bought another printer and .............drumroll...............I love it! I have been upgrading my materials for several months and now have upgraded my printing.

Bottom line (thank goodness, right?) .........better quality for my customers. Yay!

Well............til next time...........
Carol

Make Mine Pink's Friday Event

2009-08-27T22:48:00.005-04:00

Getting Organized

at Make Mine Pink's Friday Shopping Event.

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday,

August 28, 2009 as we present "Getting Organized"

Getting Organized has taken on a new look! From being strictly functional to being functional and stylish has become the latest and greatest way of getting and staying organized. Pretty and stylish organization means that you no longer have to hide everything away in back room closets and filing cabinets. Instead, old locker baskets painted pink and stylishly chic organizers help you get organized in creative ways.

Please join me at Business In THE Bag, along with many of my friends from Make Mine Pink, in our special offerings to de-clutter and organize your spaces and life.

til next time...........Carol

Giving Back - The Pink Slipper Project

2009-08-26T09:13:00.004-04:00

My heart is full of joy and excitement this morning as I think about this heart-warming (and toe warming) project started by Joyce Lucas at Make Mine Pink. "The Pink Slipper Project will be joining hands with Terry Grahl of Enchanted makeovers.org as we offer comfort and support to the women and children at Newhouse in Kansas City, Mo. (http://www.newhouseshelter.org/), a shelter dedicated to providing new beginnings to abused women and their children. Our challenge is a big one but one I'm sure we can meet. The girls at Make Mine Pink and Quilt 'n' Stitch Marketplace are ready to roll up their sleeves and dust off their sewing machines!"

I just couldn't wait to jump in there and start making slippers. Here are a couple I've made so far. These are made from decorator fabric, but just imagine how adorable they would be in flannel, or fleece, or cute cottons. I encourage all you sewers and non-sewers alike to participate. The pattern is soooooooo easy - I am not kidding. Anyone can make them.

Stop over at http://www.pinkslipperproject.org/ and download the pattern and get to work. I know you'll enjoy yourself too. Won't you help us meet this make this challenge a success?

til next time...............
Carol

Show and Tell Monday - August 3

2009-08-03T13:34:00.007-04:00

Good Monday Morning!

It's a gorgeous day here in Michigan with temps in the 70's and beautiful sunshine everywhere. We have been so blessed this Summer with milder than usual temps and I just love it.

Today I thought I would share with you a very special day I spent last week with my BFF, Debbie. She treated me to a very special garden tea luncheon in celebration of my birthday. Would you like to see a few pics?

This is the Heavenly Scent Herb Farm in Fenton, Michigan. This is a spectacular place started about 20 years ago. They have beautiful walks through gardens, a gazebo for parties, fountains, a greenhouse with their own grown plants and................inside is a retail store that is a feast for the senses! I love walking through - their displays are always gorgeous. For obvious reasons, I was prohibited from taking interior pics. Ah well - you'll have to use your imagination.

Here are pics of my BFF, Debbie on the left..........and me on the right.

What a beautiful entrance! And the gardens are spectacular! I couldn't post them all, so here are just a few.

Luncheon was a very lovely event held under the gazebo. We started with scones (blueberry and orange/poppy seed) served with fresh-made lemon curd and devonshire cream - along with delicious Ginger Peach iced tea.

The next course was a lovely Chicken Pesto Salad on croissant with a side of apple/cucumber slaw and fresh fruit. I don't care for cucumbers, but this slaw was soooo declicious. It had a hint of cinnamon too.

Then for dessert was a lovely wine glass with a delightful and delicious chocolate mousse/strawberry trifle. Yum!

After filling our tummies, we learned a bit about the language of flowers and their meanings. Our final enjoyment of the day was making a fresh tussie mussie. Here are before and after pics!

What a wonderful day we had. I am so blessed to have my BFF, Debbie, in my life.

Hope you have a wonderful week ahead.

til next time............

Carol

Show and Tell Monday - July 27th

2009-07-27T10:44:00.004-04:00

Well, it's Monday again and what a week it has been! All last week was our fantastic event - Christmas in July Shop Hop - hosted by Make Mine Pink and sooo many beautiful boutiques.

I hope you all had an opportunity to find all the little hidden totes and enjoyed a bit of shopping while you were visiting the shops.

In the meantime, I have been a busy, busy person. (Doesn't feel right to say girl - cause I am soooo far from that...........and don't care for the work "woman" here either.........so person it is).

I have a couple new Signature Bags to show you today that have been just added to our line-up.
Here they are:

I have also been working some other goodies that I cannot wait to share! It's going to be another busy week so I'd better get at it.

til next time...........
Carol

Christmas in July Shop Hop

2009-07-20T19:20:00.009-04:00

It's here, it's here. It's time for Christmas in July Shop Hop

at BusinessInTHEBag.com and MakeMinePink.com.

This is such a fun and exciting event - you

will want to participate. Just head on over to either BITB

or MMP and register to get started. There is no purchase

necessary to participate and you have an opportunity

to win great prizes. Gee, I wish I could participate!

But! I will be shopping during this event as all the wonderful boutiques will be offering specials, giveaways, discounts, etc.

It's the perfect time to get a jump start on your holiday

shopping. So, what are you waiting for????

til next time..........

Carol

Christmas in July Shop Hop!

2009-07-10T15:45:00.003-04:00

Oh my goodness, I can hardly wait. In just 10 short days it will be time for the Make Mine Pink - Christmas in July Shop Hop! This event is always soooo much fun and there are tons of really special prizes to be won.

We will also be offering some great new gift ideas for your holiday shopping along with specials to make your shopping even MORE enjoyable.

Be sure to stop back on the 20th!

til next time.......Carol

Monday, Monday......

2009-07-06T09:10:00.004-04:00

Don't you just love Mondays? I do - really, I do. It's a chance to start a whole new week with a whole new attitude and fresh ideas. (not to mention that diet =) )

This weekend I received a most wonderful and fun gift in the mail. I am participating in a Secret Sister exchange with my friends at Make Mine Pink. It is always great fun to get to know each other a little better and do something special. So..........thought I would share my gift with you.

My Secret Sister sent me a wonderful book for Creative Entrepreneurs, a booklet of K & S cards to play with, a sweet jar of robin's egg blue flowers, a jar of vintage black buttons and another jar of vintage white buttons, a roll of great olive ribbon, a package of beautiful needles (yes, there is such a thing a beautiful needles), a stack of four gorgeous black/white fabrics, cute little package of purse kleenex, a nice length of vintage trim, a page of wire words (love), a sweet vintage handkerchief with robin's egg blue edging, and a wonderful crocheted (I think) doily with a flower basket design.

Now..........that is a lot of wonderful stuff. BUT.........in addition was a package of robin's egg blue (can you tell this is my favorite color?) M & M's. Mmmmmmmm - just for me. I guess you can tell how much I like those cause I had to open them even before I took these pics. Ah well.

Thank you so, much Secret Pink Sister. I have a couple clues to your identity and will be posting my guess on Make Mine Pink.

What a great day!

til next time...................Carol

Show and Tell Monday

2009-06-14T18:23:00.012-04:00

Yep, it's Monday again! Amazing how quickly these Monday's keep rolling around, isn't it?

Today, I am excited to be sending off a special package to Enchanted Makeovers. If you haven't had an opportunity to visit this site, it is a MUST. Terry Grahl, founder of Enchanted Makeovers, is doing some pretty awesome work revamping and prettifying women's shelters in Michigan. I am pleased to say we share the same metro area of southeast Michigan.

Terry has a special cooking class scheduled at her newest shelter for young women. The aprons you see below are a collection of simple, but sweet aprons that I made to donate to this very special day and cause.

Doesn't it just make you feel good?

til next time.......
Carol

Lowboy Update

2009-06-10T16:32:00.006-04:00

Well, I'm back already! I finished up that lowboy I was working on and thought I would share. I've decided it's not quite what I started out to do.

I'm thinking about sanding off the drawer fronts and starting over with something hand-painted instead of applied paper.

I've also painted on my favorite saying "Esprit de Joie" on the top drawer - which also, incidentally, happens to be the name of my other web site. I've been so busy here at BITB that I am seriously and sadly behind adding new products to Esprit de Joie. I'd love you to stop on by tho. http://www.espritdejoie.com/

So, tell me what you think. Redo the drawers????? And don't worry, you won't hurt my feelings at all.

...til next time...Carol

Show and Tell Monday

2009-06-08T08:11:00.009-04:00

Good Monday Morning, my friends.

I can't wait to share with you a wonderful gift I received yesterday. My Mom and two of my sisters and I got together for a long-overdue lunch yesterday at the home of my youngest sister, Gayle.

Gayle is busy these days with her full-time job (in the numbers field), a young teenage daughter, her DH, and grown children with three little grandchildren. On top of this, she is taking a full load of classes working toward her degree. Whew - I am tired just thinking about all she is doing.

Happily, she has reserved a little space in her life for creativity. She, like my other sisters, Mom, and me...........is a "doer - a maker - a creator" of beauty. Recently she took up scrapping and altered art. I loved seeing all the special touches she has added to their home.

As a special gift, Gayle made us each a very personal altered art photo memory book. Here's a peak at mine.

That's my place card on the left - yes, it's me.

Here's my book. She knows me so well - I LOVE the toile and blue.

Here's the oldest three of us (there were seven!).

These are pics of me as a little tyke.
These are my parents - Dad on their wedding day and Mom as a young teen.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this little journey into my past. There were also pages for each set of my grandparents, and more of Mom and Dad.

Thank you so much, Gayle, for this special gift.

til next time.......Carol

Having Fun!

2009-06-03T17:46:00.005-04:00

Oh my am I having some fun today! Can I tell you about it?

I have a two-piece highboy that I purchased approx. 15 years ago when I had my retail store. I ordered it without a finish so that I could apply my own custom finish.

Well..............do I have to even tell you it was still sitting in my studio - without any finish. Yes, seriously! Talk about major procrastination.

I recently moved my office to my lower level near my studio so that I could be more efficient (plus it was hotter than heck in my upstairs office - hormones???). I split the two pieces apart and nestled the top below my work table where it is soooo handy for supplies, tools, etc.

But, what to do with the bottom - which is now a lonely lowboy????

Guess what?! Today, I found some inspiration and started painting it. Yes, I did. I softened my favorite robin's egg blue and added some brown to it to ease the brightness. First I gave it an allover soft blue coating. Then I went back and added a bit of antique gold on the molding edge and in the carved shell motif on the center drawer.

Then I found a wonderful vintage print that I copied onto a couple pieces of onion skin typewriter paper that I have had stashed since the Flintstone days! If you know what this paper is, then you MUST be as old as me. =)

Now I'm letting that cure and I'll go back and do an antiquing process over the entire piece, put back the drawer hardware (changed the finish on that too) and I'll have myself a wonderful new piece for the living room.

Stay tuned and I'll post a few pics when it's finished.

...til next time....

Carol

Weekend Thoughts

2009-05-29T17:18:00.004-04:00

So....what are you doing this weekend? I have been up to my ears in moving my office. I had my office located in the third bedroom of my home, but completely outgrew it.

This week I've spent some time (way too much time) moving and rearranging and personalizing........and all those things that go into relocating an office. The great news is that my studio and my office are all in one space now - along with my shipping center! I absolutely am thrilled to have one location - I was pretty tired of traipsing up and down the stairs everytime I needed something.

So.........here's a little sneak peek at the beginning stages. I'm a bit embarrassed to show you, so please be kind. I hope to be able to show the after pic sometime in the next week. That is............if I get it done.

til next time......

Carol

Your Brand and Your Colors

2009-05-11T07:54:00.004-04:00

What does your choice of colors for your branding say about your business? Successful companies know that they can make a statement using color, such as UPS (brown), IBM (blue). Are you using warm colors or cool? Are you sending an energetic message or a calmer, more reserved message?

I recently came across an interesting article by John Williams of Entrepreneur.com. Take a moment and read through the universal meanings of colors and think about the message YOUR branding color is sending. Are you conveying the message you want? Does your brand color accurate portray YOUR business?

til next time....
Carol

Mother's Day Shop Hop

2009-05-03T08:03:00.004-04:00

Join us for fun and prizes

May 4th - 10th

Lots of great Prizes - No purchase necessary to play! Just find the shopping bags on the MMP Boutique sites and enter into a drawing to win the associated prize!

MMP Shop Hops are a type of contest where you try to find as many MMP “shopping bags” as you can. Each of our participating boutiques (see the list ) has hidden a shopping bag image on its website that says, “You Found It!” on the tag. Click this image to return to Make Mine Pink and get credit for finding it. The more bags you find, the better your chances of winning great prizes. See the prize list below to see what you can win!

Anyone (excluding MMP members and employees) can register to play. There is no cost and no obligation to purchase anything. However, if you do happen to find some products you might be interested in, don't forget to bookmark those pages so that you can come back later! Good luck!

Start by registering here and then just find the shopping bags on the MMP Boutique sites and enter into a drawing to win the associated prize! Have fun and good luck!

til next time....
Carol

Pink Friday

2009-05-01T07:14:00.005-04:00

Welcome to May! Yes, it is already the month of May. I personally love this month. I love the cool morning temps, the arrival of shy Spring flowers that poke their heads through the Earth to greet the sun. I love how the birds are so busy finding jus the right spot to build their new homes and introduce their mates. Yes, I love Spring.

Don't forget to check out all the lovely offerings at the boutiques of Make Mine Pink. Today is Pink Friday - Romantic Delights. If there is one thing you are sure to find at the Make Mine Pink Boutiques, it is sure to be romance. Take a few moments to check it out - you'll be glad you did!

til next time.................

Carol

Show and Tell Monday, April 27, 2009

2009-04-27T10:09:00.008-04:00

What a glorious Monday it is. In my little part of the world (Michigan), the sun is shining brightly, there's a lovely breeze, and it's heading to the mid-80's today. Wait! Mid' 80's? Only about 20 degrees higher than normal. Oh no, it can't be Summer yet. I need those tempting days in the 50's and 60's that entice me to wander outside and work in the yard. It is NOT going to happen in this weather, I assure you.

But, I am wandering here. Let me share with you our newest product line. Custom Personalized Ribbons - beautiful double-faced satin ribbons too.

I have been working on this product line for some time and I cannot tell you how excited I am to finally introduce it to you.

You can now order special, custom-printed ribbons for event, gift-giving, and branding. Yes, what a thoughtful touch to put on outgoing purchases. Your customers will surely remember you and come back for more.

We have a tremendous 576 possibilities made up from your choice of combinations from 12 ribbon colors, 6 print colors, two lettering styles, and 4 ribbon sizes. If you add the ability to choose your own font, the sky is the limit. We can also add small icons (one color only - same as print color) to your ribbon. An example could be a bird, or a flower, or fleur de lis, etc.

If you need a ribbon color not found in our line-up, just email us. We love custom orders and will work to find the perfect solution for you.

So, hop on over to www.businessinthebag.com to place your order. Today is the day.

...til next time........

Carol

Pink Friday at BITB and Make Mine Pink

2009-04-09T16:43:00.004-04:00

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday April 10, 2009 as we present For The Birds.

Spring is here, and you don't even need to look outside your kitchen window or open your front door to know it. Just waking up to the sweet melody of a backyard robin cheerily singing outside your window is enough to tell you that life is renewed and spring is reborn. The birds of spring have returned and the earth reawakens.Outside, in our fenced yards and open fields, brightly colored bluebirds and streaked song sparrows flit between tree branches and land carefully among the budding leaves. Singing songs of love to each other, chirping madly over jealousies. Bringing home odds and ends to build their nests - bits of bright string, broken twigs. Items insignificant to everyone else, but the stuff of life for the feathered set.

No matter where we live, or what the season, avian accessories create eternal springtime in our homes too. Birds and their nests placed carefully upon our shelves, painted delicately on a wall, stitched on a delicate needlepoint. Perhaps we invite into our homes the same birds we see each spring. A veritable rainbow of color unfurls inside and out of our homes in the hopes of eternal spring.

I have designed some beautiful new Springtime Celebration stationery featuring vintage birds and cottagy accessories. For all purchases today, I am including $16 worth of freebies - including free shipping and personalization! So, run on over to Business in THE Bag and see what we have to offer. You won't be disappointed!

... and then hop on over to Make Mine Pink to check out what all the other participating boutiques are offering for this fun Bird theme.

...til next time,
Carol

Show and Tell, Monday March 30th

2009-03-29T18:43:00.009-04:00

So....what's in store for today? I have something fun I would like to share with you. Back in the day.......LOL, I used to collect quilts. I would collect old quilts in good condition and in cutter condition; I would collect newer quilts; I've made a few quilts; I've collected coverlets; and so it goes.

I realized lately (as I've been purging), that I neatly folded and stored many of my quilts upon moving to this house four years ago. I keep a few out and use them regularly, but so many have been relegated to "the closet".

I'm thinking about letting many of these quilts go and thought I would share them with you first.

Here's a pic of the closet doors opened........

...and here are some pics of the individual shelves.

My DH and his daughter will be setting up at an antique market in a couple weeks and he would like to take them. I'm thinking I'll let him - or maybe I should post them for sale. I don't know. It's going to take a bit of thought, but it's probably time to let them go.

well..........til next time..........

Carol

Show and Tell Monday - March 23

2009-03-22T20:01:00.011-04:00

Hi All!

Well, I am officially starting my regular blogging here at Business in THE Bag. I have sooooo many exciting new ideas and products that I will be developing and sharing with you.

Today I just have to show you something I am VERY excited about. I have redesigned all my own branding. Here are a few pics of my new logo and branded materials.

I will be changing out my web site as well, although this will take just a bit more time.

I was directed to a wonderful, informative blog, Modi sh, just the other day. Have you stopped in? Well, Jena Coray, has some great biz info there. I cannot agree with her more when she said "...branding is the most essential tool you have for the success of your business". How true.

What are you doing to brand your business? To stand out from the crowd?

...til next time

Carol

Pink Friday - One of a Kind Treasures

2009-03-19T17:14:00.006-04:00

Please join me and so many of my dear friends at Make Mine Pink as we celebrate the beginning of Spring with One Of A Kind Treasures. You were used to finding my special goodies at Clutter Bug Studio, but that has all changed.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to my new sister site, Esprit de Joie. This new site allows me to continue to share with you very special one-of-a-kind goodes made from my heart, by my hands. You will find a small selection of delectibles that called to my heart to be created. I hope you will stop by to visit and introduce yourself.

Please also hop on over to Make Mine Pink for the Pink Friday fun. My friends have stocked their boutiques with beautiful items - beware...you WILL be tempted!

...with a joyful heart...

Carol

2009-03-11T09:42:00.002-04:00

Welcome, my friends to my new Business in THE Bag blog site. I look forward to sharing many newsworthy items with you this year. Perhaps a tidbit about branding or marketing your business, perhaps a preview of new products being introduced at Business in THE Bag, perhaps just a sharing of a cute story or pic. I hope to visit with you from time to time.

As the calendar shifts, the joyful march into spring begins, a cacophony of bird calls fills the blue skies, the trees show their fresh green buds, and the tulips start to poke their heads from the earth to face the sunshine. Colors are about to burst forth, and the earth will be new again.

For the Boutiques at Make Mine Pink, spring cleaning is over, and we would love to show off our fresh new colors and exciting spring merchandise.

Please join me and my friends for our "March Into Spring" Shop Hop from March 16 through March 21, 2009. The shop hop is open to anyone that would like to participate (limit one registration per physical address). Please register if you would like to participate.