OH HI THERE.

Hello, internet. It's me, Lauren. Not sure if you remember me, as it's been a while since I've posted something substantial that wasn't a giveaway or HTWV. Anyway, how've you been? Things have been absolutely crazy around here lately. I think I've touched on it, but haven't fully explained why I'm so busy. In the last few months, I've gone from being a blogger/Etsy seller and "Stay at Home Daughter," as I like to call it, to having 4 jobs. I wake up on weekdays at 5:30 to "baby sit," which really means wake the kids up and make sure they get on the bus in one piece. Then I have about an hour-and-a-half until I go to work at a clothing store. After that, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I work as a hostess/bartender at a restaurant owned by the same family as the store. Most nights I'm home anywhere from 8:30 to 12:30, and I pass out and start over again the next day. In between all that, I try my best to blog and work on the vintage and handmade shops. I know my life isn't the hardest, but going from working in sweatpants and hanging out with my dogs all day, to being on my feet at least 8-12 hours a day...I'm starting to lose my marbles. Fortunately, as time goes by things are getting easier. I'm finding more time to work on the shop and see my loved ones for more than 5 minutes a day.

I know this might sound terrible, but right now the only thing keeping me going is the money. My parents always told me that instead of moving out after college, I should move home and save up to buy my own home instead of renting. I thought that was great until it hit me the other day that I'm 27 and still nowhere close to buying a house. I'm taking this influx in job opportunities as a sign that I really need to focus myself on my finances and my future. I have a little bit of student loans left to pay off, then after that all my money is going to savings. Okay maybe not "all." Let's say "most."

In other news, my Black Friday weekend sale was moderately successful! Truth be told, I was hoping for a little more, but honestly, who knows if I even would've been able to keep up? (Quick reminder/shameless plug that all vintage is 45% off + you can use code "HOLIDAY25" for 25% off in both A Wild Tonic Vintage and Wanderlust Print Co. The coupon code expires at midnight tonight, but the 45% off in the vintage shop will continue for the time being!) I'm happy to say that I sold another print in WPC, which brings the grand total to three. I don't know what's up, but ever since I separated my prints to their own shop, sales/views/favorites have dropped off almost completely. Time to step my game up with that. In a perfect world, my print shop would be my number one source of income, with my vintage shop and blog as a nice little bonus. I don't know if you guys know Julie from Julie Ann Art, but I stumbled upon her blog a while back and she's been a mega-inspiration for me. Her cards are so cute and way successful. Maybe one day!

One last thing: I lowered sponsorship rates for the holidays! Small ad spots are now just $5. It’s a great way for small businesses or up-and-coming bloggers to get your name out there! Check it out at the sponsorship page.