We invite you to join us on Facebook , Twitter, and in our 2 Etsy Shops for lots of fun and GREAT Sales for all the little and grown ladies on your list!

Small Business Saturday we will be kicking off a fantastic sale of ready-to-ship items in a special photo sale album on our Goosie Girl Facebook Page. Everything will be ready to ship and will be PRICED to MOVE!!

On the Monday after Thanksgiving (dubbed “Cyber Monday” by economists) we will be having giveaways, contests and games all day on our Facebook page AND An AWESOME 25% off sale on EVERYTHING in our TWO Etsy Shops : Goosie Girl University~ Chock full of all kinds of DIY Ebook Instructions in easy and convenient pdf downloadable format (make your OWN gifts with the help of a Goosie Girl ebook!)

and our other BRAND NEW Etsy Shop Goosie Girl Express ~stocked to the brim with gorgeous one of a kind, and ready -to-ship tutus, tutu dresses and accessories of superior quality which you have come to expect over the last 8 years from Goosie Girl. To get the 25% off prices, just use coupon code, “CYBER MONDAY” at check out. Oh… and did we mention we now have direct checkout in our Etsy shops where you can shop easily and rest assured knowing checkout is secure with your credit cards OR paypal funds!

The Excitement is building!! We will be loading up the RTS Etsy shop the next few days with even more Goosie Girl Originals!!!

Their generation has been called the “greatest” and for good reason.
Here’s a lil’ story about my Grandpa & how he lived his life:  Ray was drafted into the Army in WWII, he saw 3 theaters of the great war~ South Africa, Italy and France~ He served in the Army Corps of Engineers, under Patton’s 7th Army~ He was at the Battle of the Bulge, he was wounded and received a purple heart, silver and bronze star. When he recovered, he came home to his beautiful wife and started a family (Grandma Judy’s parents)…he was an entrepreneur, he started his own printing business  and was successful. I have heard stories of how they ran the business from their dining room table before they opened up the actual shop. They did it TOGETHER. She ran the house AND helped him to follow his dream of being his own boss, of working for no man other than himself.

He lived for 40 years with shrapnel in his back & chest, when I was little, with my finger, I would trace the scar on his back in the summertime when he’d have his shirt off~Sometimes I would sneak into his bedroom, open his top dresser drawer and pull out the box that held his purple heart, open it and look at it~ I’d feel the purple velvet and run my fingers down the riboon. He never complained ONCE about his sacrifices, or all the hard work he had to do to get somewhere in life.  THIS is why I am the way I am..I am SO thankful I inherited his entrepreneurial spirit, his tenacity, and his COURAGE to never give up…although my heart still breaks everytime I think of the day I lost him~ I am SO grateful for My Grandma & Grandpa & the example they set for me ~in business and in life.

~~This is long, but If you want to know more about me and how I run this business of mine, then read this, and see the business world through the eyes of Goose:  <3

Goosie Girl is all about paying it forward ~ Goosie Girl likes to help & support fellow small businesses and their owners. I am not threatened by fellow designers (aka “the competition”) because I know I am good at what I do, and I’ve worked hard for almost 8 years to build my following and reputation. This is just one of the small reasons why I’m comfortable referring customers to other designers I trust, know their work and the service they provide to their customers. This is also why I like to do collaborations because I can bring the best of myself, and join up with another designer’s best of themselves, and we can rock out an amazing collaboration. This is also why I am able to share my experience I’ve grown over these past years in business and give advice, try to inspire and help out other designers.

Maybe it is a rarity that I am comfortable enough with my skills/talents/gifts that I can turn down a custom order because I know that shows the character and values I have built this company upon. From a business perspective, it may be wise to hold my cards close to my chest and not help others out there who are just starting out, but I believe you reap what you sow. (sew? hehe j/k!) I believe what you put out there, will come back to you eventually in one way or another~ and I trust in that when I’m sharing secrets, tips, advice etc with other designers/sellers/boutique owners/small business owners. I have helped MANY MANY others in their businesses (If I’ve helped you, if even in a small way please comment on this post if you like)

I believe in originality~ I don’t copy other’s designs, I try to “invent” new ways and unique ways of doing things~and I believe I have some pretty cool, original ideas of my own that set me apart from other designers (in my opinion). We all have areas where we excel and “specialize in”. At this time in my personal life, there is sooo much going on that with business there has been a shift from doing nearly all commissioned and custom work to doing ready-to-ship items, and writing ebooks to teach others how I make my original designs. Between being injured in April and all of “Grandma” Judy’s health issues,  life has gotten unexpectedly chaotic and I *WISH* I could do custom orders for everyone that would like one~ but it’s just not possible. I’d be dishonest, and fooling myself if I told myself I could keep up with that kind of pace and it wouldn’t be fair to you, my awesome customers.

Am I scared to lose the income of doing custom orders? sure I am.

Am I scared that the customers I *do* refer out to fellow designers won’t come back to me if I am able to do customs again? sure I am

but I wouldn’t be doing anyone any favors if I promised things I know I could not deliver either.

I believe what comes around goes around, and I believe this business of mine has staying power. I believe the good vibe I put out will be returned to me. I’ve recently reached a big milestone of 13,000 fans and Goosie Girl is STILL growing on our social media and blogging venues. I think maybe playing fair, going out of my way to help fellow designers instead of worrying they will compete with me has blessed me. I’m the kind of girl that would give most people the proverbial shirt off my own back and often times being “nice” in business has not paid off well for me, but when I lay my head on the pillow to go to sleep every night, it is with a clear conscience~ and that is a reward far above any money I could make while in business.

Further Suggested reading for those of you that have liked reading what I’ve had to say, I suggest this book. The Power of Nice: How to conquer the business world with kindness. This book is a favorite of mine and it’s a national best seller. It really helped me to put my values and what I want to accomplish in perspective for me. … Good Read!

This super easy recipe is a tried & true one from the kitchen of Goosie Girl. I’m crazy busy these days~ not only with all of the creative mojo happening in the studio, but my mom, Grandma Judy is back in the hospital and the kiddos are in three different schools! Moms taxi anyone? I don’t have time to start cooking dinner at 4:30 or 5:00, I need to have dinner make itself! EVERYONE loves this recipe, it’s easy and great for a crowd after a parade or the Big Game.

For my family of 6-8 I use a 3-4LB bottom round roast (at Aldis it was almost $20) ~ that might seem a bit on the expensive side but this will serve us dinner plus lunch or dinner leftovers the next day too! (and if you add up what we’d be spending on having pizza or McDonalds, it’s a much more affordable choice!)

Put the roast in the crock pot and pour 1 jar (I use mild~ if you like SPICY and your kiddos don’t mind, use TWO jars, and/or the HOT variety) Giardiniera (italian pepper, onion, garlic, carrot, celery relish) ~ I used to have to buy this at the bigger (more expensive) grocery store but Aldi is carrying it now too! Pour the juice and the whole contents of the jar right on top of the roast. I also add 1 heaping tablespoon of minced garlic.

Let it cook in the crock with the cover on for about 6 hours. When it’s done & tender & falling apart, take 2 forks and shred the meat… and then serve on buns for a fantastic home made shredded italian style beef sandwich!

OFFICIAL NOTICE about How Goosie Girl is handling Halloween Costume Orders this year:
1.) If you’d like me to create a CUSTOM costume for your child (newborn-size 5) there are FIVE spots, these 5 spots will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The 5 highest bidders will get the opportunity to work directly with me to create an over the top gorgeous one of a kind, custom costume for their child.

3.)

If you’re like me, your children have worn their Halloween costumes maybe once or twice and you packed them away in a box in your attic, or closet.

Goosie Girl is hosting a Halloween drive to collect gently loved Halloween costumes for sick & less fortunate children this year.

If you have any costumes you’d like to donate, you may drop them off at my studio:

Goosie Girl

408 Arbor Ave.

West Chicago, IL. 60185

(there will be a clearly marked plastic bin w/a lid on the porch, please put them in there)

or you may mail them to our studio as well, if you are not local. I am going to be working with a few organizations including Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital (pediatric division) in Wheaton to get these costumes into good & deserving hands!!

I am also going to be contacting the social services department with the West Chicago Police Department for families in need as well.

Who doesn’t love dressing up at Halloween and going trick-or-treating…

why shouldn’t EVERY child have that opportunity? Let’s do some good this Halloween!!!

Be the change you want to see in the world, pay it forward!!

xoxo

Goosie

I have a serious fabric and ribbon addiction…

Well, let’s be honest here, I like all types of creative supplies. I am a hoarder of all things crafty. I’m not gonna lie, it’s the truth~ and the 1st step to recovery is admitting there is a problem.

OR

learning how to organize all of it better so that it doesn’t look so bad to people who drop by! haa!

Here’s a ribbon storage idea, and YES it is EASY and INEXPENSIVE! Sooo easy that my 12 year old son helped me install it! I went to my local hardware supply store Menards with my daughter and made my supply purchase.
Supplies needed

• aluminum gutter (most are sold in 6 foot sections)
• OR
• PVC “Adjust-A-Spout” gutter drain + 2 end caps
• 2 gutter brackets for every 3 feet of gutter used (optional) OR you can screw/nail it right into the wall if you like.
• Tin snips (optional if you’d like to trim your aluminum gutter to a custom size)
• nails or screws (I suggest nailing/screwing every 2 feet or so)
• Hammer or electric drill

I have seen other people using traditional aluminum gutters for ribbon storage, and that is what I was planning to buy~ HOWEVER, I was thrilled to see an alternative product that would work just as well (maybe even better??) Menards and most big box hardware / home improvement stores have a product called “Adjust - A - Spout” not only is it “green” ; i.e. made of Recycled post consumer waste PVC but I drive a VW bug and transporting a 6 foot section of aluminum gutter was not an option. If you have a van, truck or larger vehicle than me, feel free to use the traditional aluminum gutter section.
This is a photo of  my awesome alternative, the adjust-a-spout downspout for gutters in use as it was intended from the manufacturer

You can get them nearly everywhere , even on Amazon!

The adjust-a-spout is more expensive than the aluminum gutter. I paid about $16 for the 3 foot section and about $8 for the end caps and brackets, so I spent about $24 in all on this project as shown. (If you use an aluminum gutter & already have the tin snips, you’ll be looking at about $10 for the whole project!)

If you’re using the 6 foot section of aluminum gutter and want to trim your gutter into 2, 3 ft sections (or any custom size)~use the tin snips to cut your cutter into 2 equal pieces~otherwise, just use as 1 long piece if you have the wall space.

Step one: My 12 year old son hammered nails into the wall under my cork board for my studio.

Then we attached the brackets to the gutter as shown~ the gutter snaps right into the adjust-a-spout section. Then we snapped on the end-caps

and then put the rolls of ribbon inside the gutter
Tip: the ribbon dispenses easier when you place them as shown, the ribbon end UNDER the spool

(like a roll of toilet paper) and over the edge of the gutter.

I LOVE my new ribbon storage center.

P.S.This works best for ribbon spools that are 4″ or less

in size.

If you enjoyed this, and find it helpful, please leave a comment (under the title of this blog post, where it says “comments”) and let me know~ or help spread the word about the cool tips & ideas you find on the Goosie Girl Blog by hitting “Like” to share on Facebook, or Pin It on Pinterest. Thank you!!

Another FANTASTIC idea from Goosie Girl for ramping up your photography of small items, such as hair bows, accessories, jewelry and more. Take your Etsy and Website photos to a new level and get more sales! Improve the appearance of those custom boutique and handmade item photos. Appear more professional in your presentation with my NEW idea.

I have a tutorial available for sale on my website:
Goosie Girl
and also in my Etsy shop:
Goosie Girl University on Etsy
which teaches readers how to create a miniature room for photography of small items such as accessories, jewelry, miniatures, etc.
However, I had another new idea which totally ROCKS and it is SOOOO inexpensive. I wanted to share it here on my Blog so that you too can try it & see what you think. I always appreciate feedback!!

We were in Menards the other day. For those of you not in my area, Menard’s is midwestern based big box hardware and contractor store. I came across these paneling samples!! I thought they would make a WONDERFUL floor drop for the type of photography that many of us in the custom boutique and handmade line of work need! If you don’t have a Menard’s, just go to Lowe’s, Home Depot or your local hardware store and ask if they have a section that carries paneling. In most bigger name stores, they will. Then just look for the samples.  I found these hanging on a peg rack at the end of the paneling section. They measure 9″ high x 6″ wide. They sell these samples so that contractors can show potential clients their options (or so that you can take them home & hang them on the wall to be paneled and compare which you like the best!) .

They have SEVERAL styles available, I chose the 3 I liked best…

2 “bead board” styles in different colors: white & oak, and a faux stone style.

This is what they look like on the back

and this is what the “Castlerock” sample looks like in use!!

They only cost me from $1.19 - $3.00 each and they are AWESOME!!

I hope you like this idea, if you have any questions,

please leave a comment at the top of this blog post,

right under the title where it says “comment”.
Another helpful tip from Goosie Girl!!
Please help spread the word about my blog & my ideas by clicking the Facebook “LIKE” button and by Pinning it on Pinterest Please!

I’m a mid-western girl, and I loves me some bratwurst grilled and thrown between a nice french bread roll. There is nothing that says summertime more than a good barbecued Brat!

“Ya Hey Dare, Dose are Some Good Brats Ya Got There, Dontcha Know?”

(oops I slipped into my midwestern/cheesehead/minesoooota accent there for a moment)

Who doesn’t love a good summertime BBQ?

I’m going to share my bratwurst recipe with all of you~ most people have their own way to prepare them, but I have a secret ingredient that you will be surprised at, and LOVE how mellow it makes them taste in the bun!!

Ingredients:
8 bratwurst sausages (uncooked)
1 C. chopped and peeled onion
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 TBSP chopped Garlic
2, 12 0z cans of CREAM SODA (some people use beer, but THIS is my secret and FABULOUS ingredient)

Place all ingredients in a stock pot, medium heat. Bring to a boil and lower heat, simmer for about 20 minutes. Drain and place and get ready to place them on the grill.

Grill until cooked through, and nicely browned all over. Serve on a fresh bun with chopped onions and mustard (optional)

they are DELICIOUS!! If you try this recipe, please let me know in the comments (under the title of this blog post)

Top 10 Digital Photography Tips

Take Your Digital Photography to the Next Level!

Whether you are a beginner or more experienced with photography, there are some tips that will benefit you and give you better results. Here are some common issues that you may have to deal with and some tips on how you can use them to your advantage.

1

Compose in Thirds

To use the rule of thirds, imagine four lines, two lying horizontally across the image and two vertical creating nine even squares. Some images will look best with the focal point in the center square, but placing the subject off center will often create a more aesthetically composed photograph. When a photograph is composed using the rule of thirds the eyes will wander the frame. A picture composed by the rule of thirds is more interesting and pleasing to the eye.

2

Avoid Camera Shake

Camera shake or blur is something that can plague any photographer and here are some ways to avoid it. First, you need to learn how to hold your camera properly; use both hands, one around the body and one around the lens and hold the camera close to your body for support. Also make sure you are using a shutter speed that matches the lens focal length. So if you’re using a 100mm lens, then your shutter speed should be no lower than 1/100th of a second. Use a tripod or monopod whenever possible. In lieu of this, use a tree or a wall to stabilize the camera.

3

The Sunny 16 Rule

The idea with the Sunny 16 rule is that we can use it to predict how to meter our camera on a sunny outdoor day. So when in that situation, choose an aperture of f/16 and 1/100th of a second shutter speed (provided you are using ISO 100). You should have a sharp image that is neither under or over exposed. This rule is useful if you don’t have a functioning light meter or if your camera doesn’t have an LCD screen to review the image.

4

Use a Polarizing Filter

If you can only buy one filter for your lens, make it a polarizer. This filter helps reduce reflections from water as well as metal and glass; it improves the colors of the sky and foliage, and it will protect your lens too. There’s no reason why you can’t leave it on for all of your photography. The recommended kind of polarizer is circular because these allow your camera to use TTL (through the lens) metering (i.e. Auto exposure).

5

Create a Sense of Depth

When photographing landscapes it really helps to create a sense of depth, in other words, make the viewer feel like they are there. Use a wide-angle lens for a panoramic view and a small aperture of f/16 or smaller to keep the foreground and background sharp. Placing an object or person in the foreground helps give a sense of scale and emphasizes how far away the distance is. Use a tripod if possible, as a small aperture usually requires a slower shutter speed.

6

Use Simple Backgrounds

The simple approach is usually the best in digital photography, and you have to decide what needs to be in the shot, while not including anything that is a distraction. If possible, choose a plain background – in other words, neutral colors and simple patterns. You want the eye to be drawn to the focal point of the image rather than a patch of color or an odd building in the background. This is vital in a shot where the model is placed off center.

7

Don’t Use Flash Indoors

Flash can look harsh and unnatural especially for indoor portraits. Therefore, there are various ways you can take an image indoors without resorting to flash. First, push the ISO up – usually ISO 800 to 1600 will make a big difference for the shutter speed you can choose. Use the widest aperture possible – this way more light will reach the sensor and you will have a nice blurred background. Using a tripod or an I.S. (Image Stabilization) lens is also a great way to avoid blur.

8

Choose the Right ISO

The ISO setting determines how sensitive your camera is to light and also how fine the grain of your image. The ISO we choose depends on the situation – when it’s dark we need to push the ISO up to a higher number, say anything from 400 – 3200 as this will make the camera more sensitive to light and then we can avoid blurring. On sunny days we can choose ISO 100 or the Auto setting as we have more light to work with.

9

Pan to Create Motion

If you want to capture a subject in motion, then use the panning technique. To do this, choose a shutter speed around two steps lower than necessary – so for 1/250, we’d choose 1/60. Keep your camera on the subject with your finger half way down on the shutter to lock the focus and when ready, take the photo, remembering to follow them as they move. Use a tripod or monopod if possible to avoid camera shake and get clear movement lines.

10

Experiment with Shutter Speed

Don’t be afraid to play with the shutter speed to create some interesting effects. When taking a night time shot, use a tripod and try shooting with the shutter speed set at 4 seconds. You will see that the movement of the object is captured along with some light trails. If you choose a faster shutter speed of say 1/250th of a second, the trails will not be as long or bright; instead you will freeze the action. This technique works well if you are using a tripod and if you are photographing a moving object.

Information provided by www.exposureguide.com

I got this delicious recipe from my SIL, Jill (Ha! That rhymed!)

She got it from pinterest, lol… no matter where it came from I LOVED it,

it is the most perfectly refreshing lemonade punch I’ve ever enjoyed!

1 cup powdered lemonade mix
2 cups cold water
2 can’s sprite~ chilled
1 large can of pineapple juice~ chilled.

Mix well, serve over ice! YUMMY!