I couldn’t resist with that title for these Valentine Heart Cookie Sandwiches… I love me some U2! And these little cookie hearts were meant to beat as one! They are perfect and cute and pink with red sprinkles. What is not to LOVE?! Supplies for Valentine Heart Cookie Sandwiches: your favorite cookie dough red food [...]

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As we all jump to make those BHAG (big, hairy, audacious goals) for the New Year I would like to interject for just one moment...because that's my job! Think back on 2011 and before you write all those goals you didn’t accomplish on your goal list for 2012 try reflecting back on the goals in 2011 that were a success.We are quick to forget what actually worked for our business as we are often too tied to the desire for instant gratification, quick fixes, or overnight success even when we know it just doesn’t work that way. Accomplishing your goals is a matter of patience and grabbing opportunities even if just by a hair. Look back to 2011 and reflect on what (even if it took all year) actually worked out in your favor.Don’t be afraid to dig a little...What marketing ideas did you enjoy following through with? What new product opened your world up? What colors were the most favored? What days of the week did you see the highest website traffic? What contacts did you make or new groups you looked forward to attending? ...these are all things that were actually successes! They weren’t overnight and they certainly took time to come through, but they were successes.  Set yourself up to accomplish your goals by doing more of what you have already succeeded at! A Perfect Example: During 2011, I kept pushing my ability to try new marketing styles. All the while anytime I would speak at an event, attend a network group, or just meet business friends for coffee I would gain a new client. My most successful marketing was getting in front of people. Yet I was so focused on what I didn’t get accomplish I continued to search for that “one marketing style” and it was right under my nose! If I had spent as much time finding new ways to get in front of people as I did coming up with new marketing ideas I could have gained upwards of 70 new clients for the year.Here’s to a new year minus some of the guessing game!Andrea Mansfield is the owner of Brand & Bloom where she guides creative women using clarity about their purpose and passion for a successful business.Main image courtesy of *~Dawn~*

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This is just what I need, a simple project for these winter blues. In Seattle, you know, it’s gray. The sun has been poking it’s head out here and there, but it’s mostly gray. So I’m looking for fun projects to brighten up my home, and this No-Sew Pillow tutorial that I found over at the [...]

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Imagine yourself drawing inspiration and fresh insights from the world around you everyday. Imagine you, your family, friends and work colleagues surrounded by creativity, ideas and endless possibilities. Imagine a year in which your intentions become a reality easily and effortlessly. More...

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A continued discussion of the five habits that will help you infuse creative energy into your new year’s resolutions. More...

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I love working with paper towel tubes. And stamping with them is fun, they make such cool shapes and are super easy for little hands to hold. Today, we’re making stamped snowmen for a silly winter kids craft! Supplies for Paper Tube Stamped Snowmen: paper towel tube plate for paint heavy cardstock paper, any color [...]

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It’s time for another showcase of fun crafts and ideas from the M&T Spotlight. This week it’s all about the wintry white of January. Here are 6 projects and recipes that will give a chill to your day. **Next week: I’m featuring snowmen, so link up your favorite snowmen crafts and recipes to Spotlight! Clothespin [...]

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It's the beginning of a new year and the perfect time to reflect on your business and plan for the future.  To help you plan your new year and look ahead to the future, we wanted to share ten business resolutions to adopt in 2012.These ten business resolutions are also the same ten core values that keep us focused every year and will forever be the foundation of Meylah.We wish you and your business tremendous success in 2012 and hope these ten resolutions resonate with you:1. Together We Create a Great Experience2. Be Committed to Helping Each Other3. Live and Breathe Creativity4. Show Passion in All That You Do5. Give Before You Take6. Smile and Have Fun7. Foster Dynamic Learning8. Be Humble and Honest9. Do More with Less10. Embrace ChangeWhat resolutions do you have for your business in 2012?Main image courtesy of morpholux

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I have to say I’ve got some pretty amazing contributors who come and write a post for Make and Takes once, sometimes twice, a month. From kids crafts, home crafts, recipes, and parenting tips, they each contribute fabulous “make and takes”. I’ve chosen these writers because they fit me, my brand, my vision. They do [...]

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Have you heard of empowering your customers?  Whether you're trying to get your first sale or take your business to the next level, getting your customers involved in your business, even from the point of creation, can mean the difference between success and failure.So, here are 3 simple ways that you can grow your business by empowering your customers:1. Share Your StoryShare your story by showing your customers who you are and telling them a little about yourself and why you’re passionate about your products.  This extra information personalizes the buying process and may just increase your sales.2. Educate Your CustomersThe more your customers know about your products and/or services allows them to make a more informed decision.  Unique experiences like this will keep your customers coming back and there's a good chance they will bring their friends.3. Ask Your Customers For Their InputAsk your customers for their feedback...this may seem obvious, but many still don't do it.  Ask them what they think of a specific product, what they think about your brand or even what ideas they have for a new product they like to see you create! Listening to your customers and giving them what they want is a sure path to success.What ways have you empowered your customers? Main image courtesy of Steve-h

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