Archive for the ‘General’ Category

Ebay may be the largest auction site online but it gets better on BidMate day by day. Earlier this month I received notice that I had won a $100 Jewellery Package. It was a random draw for ID Verified members. I received the prize promptly and I must say how surprised I was at the gorgeous gifts I received.

There is a monthly prize draw which anyone can enter simply by being part of BidMate. Here are the details -

Competition for the Jewelry Package ending 2nd March 2009

The Prize is seven Pieces of Jewelry valued at a total of $100To be in the draw you need to be a ID Verified Member (see the left lower side of the Members Area) and have Purchased or Sold any item, on BidMate, between 2nd January 2009 and 2nd March 2009. The winner will be randomly chosen on the Evening of the 3rd March 2009 and their details listed here.

The prize was sponsored by Stuff4You who also have a BidMate store. Sponsoring competitions is one marketing idea you can venture into for your business. Take a look at Stuff4You – they have a range of beautiful inexpensive jewellery pieces plus other useful items.

Thank you BidMate for your support and assistance in helping small business owners and providing an alternative auction site with Nil listing fees and low Final Value Fees. You have a friendly and neighbourly community which is growing steadily and although not as big as eBay yet you’re building up to give eBay some serious competition. 

Ciao

Does this sound familiar to anyone? The huge task of reorganising the garage has begun. It’s been a job in waiting for two and a half years and we have finally taken the plunge. This is no ordinary garage … my father’s ‘things’ covered all the walls & shelves; EP Designs’ ‘things’ filled the centre; and everything else was stacked in between, around and on top. In other words it was a DISASTER ZONE.

Today we managed to get a third done – that’s a day’s work not just a couple of hours. More work needs to be done but at least we have finally made a start. I don’t dare show you any photos … perhaps when we’re finished I’ll show before & after shots.

It may take some time to finish it all but now I can see a little more clearly to plan the interior to make it a workable storage and packaging space for EP Designs; and a useable space for the houselhold needs. The state of the finances will dictate what can & can’t be done but I’m sure with a little imagination and ingenuity we can put together a pleasant enough area. Once this is complete I will be able to tackle my studio/work room behind the garage – can’t wait for this to be done because I’m ‘itching’ to get back into my creative work.

Is this a new year’s resolution? No way….. perhaps I should have made it so I could say ‘well I’m sticking to it’. No this is a big step to getting back on track. It will feel so good to have everything in it’s place and a place for everything; And anything that doesn’t have a place gets the boot.

Anyhow, I’m now off to have a well earned rest and then prepare for a lovely St Valentine’s dinner.

HAPPY ST. VALENTINE’S DAY to  Everyone.

Cioa for now

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Wishing you all a Very Happy and

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Holy Christmas

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….. and a Wonderful New Year!

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Ciao until 2009,

Elena

Another lovely surprise came my way when I received my BidMate Newsletter -

My new auction site store Timeless Treasures was one of the featured stores.

Customers are an important part of business. Without them there would be no business. OK, this is not breaking news but something I try to work on is looking after my customers. I find this is an ongoing thought process for me – ie. about service & care – and when I read a post at Pink Heels about Listening To Customers, it renewed my thought process again.

Pink Heels says

Through active listening, encourage comments, suggestions, and thoughts from your customers and allow it to soak. Do not become defensive of constructive criticism that you may receive. In most cases they are being honest in an effort to help you succeed. Take in all of the information obtained and reflect upon what they are telling you before determining how to satisfy their needs and wants.

This is so true and I believe this to be an important part to the success of a business. Being an active listener helps to build up trusting seller/buyer relationships. I also find myself taking note when I receive querires from potential buyers. Sometimes my first reaction can be “what kind of question is that?” But I now stop myself and go directly to my listing description ….. and usually find that I haven’t given enough detail or the description needs rewording ….. I find that I learn ‘something’ from the buyer and this helps me out with future product choices and listing preparations. I can be lazy at times and not take note but when Pink Heels asks the question -

What are your customers telling you? Are you ACTIVELY listening? What changes do you need to implement?

It made me realise that this is an ongoing part of business for business success just like doing the bookkeeping, research, planning and so on. And I certainly need to think about any changes that need implementing.

Ciao for now,

Elena

I posted my very first Pay It Forward on 30th September and by the end of that day I had my 3 participants ….. but as the last two came in so close with their posts I included a 4th.

I’m happy to  let them all know that today I posted off their gifts. So, Korina from Koliv, Olivia from Piktorize, Melissa from Business Mums Network and Louisa from Tonic Gifts will be receiving their gifts within the next day or two.

I enjoyed creating and preparing these gifts and it was a great feeling heading off to the PO - I do hope you like them ladies

Ciao for now,

Elena

Earlier this month while visiting  My Cozy Cottage World I found this gorgeous idea for a giveaway called “Pay It Forward”. It’s a lovely way of giving away gifts and receiving them.

Today I received my gift from Debbie at My Cozy Cottage World. She hand made it herself and it’s so lovely to receive a beautiful gift from someone halfway across the globe.

Debbie packed the gifts nicely, wrapped in a white scallop edged kerchief and tied with pink and white ribbons. Thank you Debbie for the gorgeous notebook, giftags and card …. just beautiful

Now, would You like to take part? It’s so easy. Here is how it works -

• To the first 3 interested bloggers who respond that they would like to be a part of this, I will be sending a gorgeous something to each of them.
• You MUST leave me a comment on this post to let me know you are interested in joining.
• I responded to Debbie’s post. Now I hope you will respond to my post! The first three of you who leave a comment on this post here at EP DESIGNS will get something from me in the mail.
• Then those first three bloggers who responded to me, promise to pass it along or “Pay It Forward” to the first three who respond to their post…and on and on it goes.
• Your something can be anything you’ve made, bought, found or were given. Keeping in mind that it might be something you would like to receive.

If you want to join the fun…PLEASE leave a comment on this post and then copy/paste this information about the giveaway on your blog. Then send something to the first 3 bloggers who sign up on your post.

OK, Who Wants to join in the FUN and “Pay It Forward”?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Ciao,

Elena

 In Melbourne the rain has come and settled in continuously. It hasn’t rained like this since 1992, so it is very much welcomed. But no matter how welcome this rain can be, continuous grey skies and dark afternoons can easily affect our moods. 

I feel that these occasions could be used in a positve way. It’s a great opportuinity for taking ‘time out’. Although it’s easy for me to say this at this point in time as I’m still on the road to recovery.  So, as I take it one-day-at-a-time, and do ‘one-thing-at-a-time’ I also manage to browse through other web sites and blogs. This time I came across an article written by Michelle Sweeney at TONIC GIFTS, on the topic of Winter Blues – it’s a good read and there are a range of interesting posts about products available from the Tonic Gifts web site.

Another enjoyable browse is over at MARAKYE if you’re interested in creative jewellery and gifts. Kylie is also into glass art and has a couple of pieces on show.

Of course, I always enjoy catching up on news at the BUSINESS MUMS NETWORK so if you’re interested in joining a supportive group of business mums pop in and have a look around.

I’ve also been updating my PRECIOUS TREASURES BLOG. I’ve chosen a new theme and added posts regarding World Youth Day Sydney 2008. The Precious Treasures web site is on hold for now and so is the EP DESIGNS web site. But I feel that I’m not too far away from the launch.

To all Melbournians – enjoy the rain!

Ciao for now, Elena

I couldn’t resist posting these photos of some amazing pavement art. I didn’t want to flood my EP’s Treasures blog with them so I’ve added some here to share with my EP designs’ friends. Take a look at these creations – great talent, great imaginations, entertaining and a fabulous photo opportunity….. how could you resist.

…… white water rafting …. I hope he’s a friendly croc…

…. someone should clean up this mess…..

… it’s a long way down…

…. artist’s reflection

…. just adding the finishing touch?……..

… nice way to cool off…..

…. soar high on eagles wings….

…… the big catch that got away?…..

…… watch where you step…..

This is not a new concept I know – they’ve been doing them for years but I find myself marvelling at them every time these photos come my way. If you enjoyed these pavement artworks then take a look at my EP’s Treasures Blog for more amazing works by Julian Beever or go directly to his web site.

Ciao for now,

Elena

It’s that time of year for the Gifts & Homewares trade show in Melbourne. Although I haven’t recovered fully from my ailments I couldn’t let this trade show pass by without making an appearance. It’s one of my favourite business activities where I’m on the lookout (along with thousands other retailers) for new products to add to my range at EP Designs.

It’s exhausting work and my feet may not forgive me for a while but it’s now over. I am so looking forward to recovering completely so that I can take up my creative work again and tackle my web site once and for all. I will be listing items on eBay soon plus I’ll be looking at trying out another auction site too.

Stay tuned for more EP Designs’ news.

Ciao for now,

Elena

 Since I started blogging I’ve come across many gorgeous blogs and chatted with bloggers all around the world. At ‘Me and Mine’ I discovered a post titled ‘Friends Around The World’. They are aiming to reach 1000 blog links – Come along and join in. Being added to the blog list will help your Technorati ranking plus you will get to discover many more blogs & make more blogging friends. Just follow the instructions below ….

::Start Copy Here::

Rule:
1. Copy from ::Start Copy Here:: through ::End Copy Here::.
2. Add your blog to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. Just make sure to post this to each of the blog you added in the list.
3. Tag other online friends you know.You don’t need to be tag in order to join. If you want to join just post this one in your blog.
4. Let me know your blog’s name and url by leaving me a comment
HERE. I will add you to the master list.That way, everyone is happy and can meet new friends too!
5. Come back once in a while to get the master list! Let’s see how this makes our Technorati and PR goes up!
6. DO NOT REMOVE THIS: scrap page made by Yen. Using alphas and tapes from Kate H., flowers from Ida,paper by Catrine.

1. Me and Mine 2.Creative In Me 3.Little Peanut 4. Pea in a Pod 5. Sugar Magnolias 6.Because Life Is Fun 7. Piece o’Kaje 8. Mon a Bric 9. Celebrate Life 10.My Journey11. Deeply In Love 12. Pink and Brown Diaries 13. Happyheart 14. Wilstop 15. Fun|Fierce|Fab 16. Nita’s Random Thoughts 17. Nita’s Corner 18. Thomas Web Links 19. Thomas Travel Tales 20. Make Money Online 21. Great Finds and Deals 22. PRC Board Exam Results 24. My Wandering Thoughts 25. Nita’s Ramblings 26. Just Me.. Eds 27. Etc Atbp 28. When Silence Speaks 29. Juliana’s Lair 30. Juliana’s World 31. Juliana’s Library 32. Blessed Chic 33. Can of Thoughts 34. Hailey’s Domain 35. Hailey’s Beats and Bits 36. ISL family 37. Arbitrary Thoughts 38. D’ Cooking Mudra 39. My Big Picture 40. Dancing in Midlife Tune 41. Blessings In Life 42. My Colorful World 43. Dare to Blog 44. Life Realities 45. WebGeek Journal DotNet 46. WebGeek Journal 47. Let’s Travel Philippines 49. MY DAILY THOUGHTS AND MOODS 50. A Sweet Taste Of Life 51. My Life in this Wonderful World! 52. Denz Techtronics 53. Denz Recreational 54. Surviving Deplyoment 55. Ester’s Raptured Dreams 56. Nipa Hut 57.Picture Clusters 58. My Wanderings 59.Maiylah’s Snippets 60. EuLehKulit 61. Life Quest 61.Being a wife. Being a Mom. 62. MoMie SPace 63.Woman Xplore 64. PinayWAHM 65. Agring’s Simply Digital 66. Agring’s Home & Garden 67. Agring’s Homecooking & Baking 68. Agring’s Electronics & Entertainments 69. Scrap Addict Sundays 70. Mommy Talks 71. Aggie Scraps 72.Teacher’s Corner 73. My Drift 74. lancernews 75. My so called Life 76. See Me for what You Will… 77. kathycot.com 78. buhaymisis.com 79. All about Mye life 80. Everything has a Reason 81. Life’s Impression 82. Some Thoughts I have 83. Life’s Lessons 84. Just Let Go 85. Pieces Of Me 86. Winding Creek Circle 87. BOTH SIDES NOW 88. Happy Life 89. Blessed Sanctuary 90.Confessions of an Army Life 91. moms….. check nyo 92. Mommy’s Little Corner 93. Wanna Be SuperModel 94. Gandacious 95. Jo-Jo’s Place 96.My Quiet Zone 97. Proud PINAY 98. Simply Jen 99. Jenny Said So 100. A Slice of Life 101. My Blog 102. TIP OF AN ICEBERG 103. Coffee Cup Princess 104. Deranged Insanity 105. Just Another Day 106. Stev & Emz Journey 107.Runaway THoughts of Emz 108. Heart of Rachel 109. Nora’s Notes 110. In the Life Of Mne 111. In my Kitchen 112. Nyumix’s Blog 113. Everything’s Here 114.Out of Nowhere 115. My Simple World 116. Seek Health. Feel Great 117. Smile Puppies 118. Almanacqueen 119. The Life of an Outback Pinay 120. Dancing With Butterflies 121. My Treasures 122. Everything Green 123. 124. Memoirs of a Filipina 125. The Pit Gadgetry! 126. My Daily Life Experience 127. Married and Happy About It 128. My Discoveries 129. iCreate+iDeas 130. My Healthy Living Journal 131. Busy Moms Cook 132. Christian Weekends 133. Reflexes 134. Caramel Corn 135. Sunny Side Up Foodie 136. A Mothers Horizon 137. Bits and Pieces 138. Whats Up! 139. Simply Me 140. Life and Me 141. A Handful of Surprises 142. Anything and Everything in Between 143. from here and beyond 144. The Nameless Blog 145. Exploring Asia 146. Malaya 147. Swan Portraits 148. BUSYNESSWORLD 149. Sprawt 150. Thinking Consciously? 151. BLOGSILOG 152. Cherry’s Comfort Zone 153. DigiScrapz: Captured Memories 154. Buzzy Me 155. Thinking Out Loud 156. Wishing and Hoping 157. Jobs for Davao 158. Jobs for Cebu 159. Filipino Jobs Abroad 160. PRC Board Exam Results 161. Nakedminds 162. Personal 163. Interesting 164. squeeshies 165. Shenzee’s World 166. Geekyology 167. Swanportraits 168. Rumination Under the Clouds 169. In My Home by Ria aka Msculit 170. It’s my Party (and I’ll cry if I want to…) by Ria aka Msculit 171. Malaya 172. Cheese: Jherson84 173. Beans: Jherson 174. EP Treasures 175. Republic of A 176. Nora’s Family Treasures 177. Points of View (Discussion Blog) 178. Gala Tayo! 179. Lucky Peso 180. Buhay Pinoy 181. Pinay Mommy’s Love Blog 182. MOMEMO 183. OnlineBiz and Resources 184. 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My debt blog 226.1stopmom’s blog 227.Mommy Gamer 228. My First One Million Pesos 229. Mindless Thought 230. MommyandMe Boutique 231. My Life’s Labyrinth 232. 100% Kelly 233. Of Colors And Styles 234. KadusMama 235. The Maven 08 235. Rainbows 236. My freehand 237. Sentiments of a Effed-Up Man 238. Princess Vien 239. My freehand 240. Confessions of an Enchanting Princess 241. Marites-Pinay Heart Wanderings and Musings 242. Me, the Islands and the World243. Leaf In Deforest 244. MAX 245. Lhedy 246. Making sense..(somehow) 247. Our Life Together 248. The Chic Shopaholic 249. In Depth 250. That Blog 4 Me 251. A Nice Thought 252. Live it Up! 253. Chronicles and Tales Unlimited (RED) 254. Momhood Moments 256. It’s a woman’s world! 257. Forgotten 258. Esophoria 259. Pixel Dust 260. GladyGirl 261. Uncomplicated 262. Gentle And Compassionate 263. Kwentong Kengkay 264. Mind Juice In Full Throttle 265. Jo’s Precious Thoughts 266. Hobbies and Such 267.Jenny’s Wandering Thoughts 268. 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Please NOTE that you are not allowed to change the “ HERE ” in number 4 to your own blog url. I am making this so that everyone can enjoy the benefit of higher technorati rank and who knows more PR! And being the author of this one, I’d appreciate if you respect that.

Murano art glass designs are very beautiful and stylish. If you can afford to buy an original it’s well worth it. I would love to own an original. The shapes, colours & effects they achieve is amazing … but it’s understandable coming from such highly skilled craftsmen.

The vase seen below is not an original Murano vase but a reproduction of a Murano design. The quality is not the same but at a distance looks the part. The glass is a gorgeous red with gold flecks throughout.

…. another reproduction of  Murano design. Possibly a classic design like the ones I remember from years ago. I think just about all our Italian ralatives had a similar vase somewhere in their home.

Not a Murano design at all but I’d say still classed as an art glass piece. Made from fused glass and hand painted, these table lamps give out a cosy warm glow. The one seen below is titled Danseusse, and is one of my favourites.

Summer Breeze is another of my favourite designs. I love the warm colours of these lamps and the fact that you also have an art piece on show.

Ciao for now,

Elena