The Tuesday Ten | Magnetic-Art

Thank you for inviting us to do the Tuesday Ten! Let’s just jump right into this!

1. Introduction

My name is Haley and I live in Hyrum, UT with my husband and two kids. Almost five years ago I decided to make some magnets for my classroom (I taught 6^th grade) because I wanted some magnets that were strong. I made several different kinds and decided to make an etsy account and try to sell a few. The next step was farmers market and that’s when my husband jumped on board. He thought I was crazy and kind of mad that I was spending so much money on supplies, but then he saw I was making money and was happy to help expand and improve the business. He’s the reason that this business has grown in to what it is.

2. What is Magnetic-Art?

All of our products are magnetic and include refrigerator magnets, magnetic jewelry, and magnetic games.

3. Designer Magnets

This was our very first product. It started as glass bubble magnets, then we did bottle cap magnets, and now we make our magnets with button materials (like pin back buttons).  

4. Tic-Tac-Toe

This was our second product. We love these games because it is small in size (4.25in x 4.25in) to easily fit in a purse or bag, the pieces are all magnetic so they don’t get lost as easily and stay in place while playing, and the convenient tin holds all the playing pieces when not in use! Most of our customers say they love bringing it to church for their kids to play with and it’s also great to keep in the car for road trips.

5. Magnetic Necklace

This is our best seller. We have hundreds of necklace images and they all have a magnet on the back to go in the necklace pendant. It is so many necklaces in one! These necklaces are perfect for teens and adults! The necklace images fit snug in the pendant so they won’t fall out. We have four different pendants—two silver and two bronze options.

6. Magnetic Bracelet

This is our newest product! All of our jewelry images fit interchangeably with both the bracelet and necklace. We offer two sizes of bracelet chains: 6 inch and 5 inch. They are so stylish and with so many image options, they can match any outfit!

7. Magnetic Keychain

Once again, these are the same size as our necklace and bracelet pendants so all of the images are interchangeable with the keychain as well.

8. License Plate Game

Allen and I are always trying to come up with new products. Since we already have the tins we use for the tic-tac-toe games, we decided to use it for another game as well. When we go on road trips, we love keeping track of all the different state license plates we see, and came up with a way to make it into a game! The check marks are magnetic and you can check off each state as you see it! This is a great way to keep kids distracted in the car on long road trips or even just as you drive around town. We recently had these games on jane.com and sold out by 1 pm on the first day of the sale!

  

9. Where do we sell?

We started selling on etsy. Because etsy is quite saturated with stores, it was difficult for us to get many sales on there. We have done farmers market every summer since we started and have been very successful there. We do lots of craft shows in Cache Valley, Farmington, and Sandy; we started selling on Very Jane this month, and we have a website www.magnetic-art.com. We are hoping over the next year to increase our online sales so that we don’t have to do quite as many craft shows.

10. Interested in free product?

Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/magneticart27) and Instagram (@magneticartproducts) for giveaways, exclusive promotions and discounts, and be the first to know about new products!  

Read More

The Tuesday Ten | Keeping New Years Resolutions

The Tuesday Ten

How to keep a New Year’s Resolution longer than a month!
I think that the beginning of every year people everywhere are
honestly wanting to become healthier, better themselves, and come up
with ideas to see a big change in their lives for the next year. I
know I have honestly made resolutions each year that I swore I was
going to keep, and I did good for a while and as soon as I had a
setback I completely lost hope or figured I had already bombed it and
gave up completely. Have you done that? Well think about these ways to
keep resolutions and either make new ones, or tweak yours so they fit
in these categories.

1. Write down your goals so you read them daily, or sometimes even
weekly. If you read your goal over and over, you are more likely to
achieve them! Trust me. I write mine on my bathroom mirror and every
time I see them it reminds me that it was something that I Really
wanted for myself.

2. Make your goal achievable and positive. Don’t just say something
like “Exercise” be specific and say something Achievable (remember)
like lose 10lbs by thanksgiving. It isn’t a big step in a short amount
of time. Remember most changes take TIME, eating healthy again, don’t
say cut out ALL sweets, do something like cut out 1 type of sweets a
week, or month, ect.

3. Share your goals with friends and family. The more support you have
the more likely you are to have help to keep them. Some will want to
help you by watching your kids while you go to the gym, or helping you
make healthy eating choices when you go out to lunch. Get a group of
people to try the same thing. The more support you have the better the
outcome.

4. Don’t expect Perfection. You will mess up, there will be set backs.
Its ok. As long as you are moving in the same direction as your goal
you can succeed in keeping your resolution. Remember, every resolution
is like a hill, you have to go down before you can be on the up and
up. Slip ups are normal and part of life. They don’t mean failure.
Don’t wait for tomorrow, or the start of next week. Start getting back
on Track RIGHT NOW.

5. REWARD YOURSELF! That’s easy right? Make milestones and as you
reach them, plan something fun, whether it’s a lunch date, a new
shirt, a new book, a date night, or an activity that you have wanted
to do for a while. Rewarding yourself reminds you that you want to
keep going.

6. Make yourself a priority. You do enough for family, friends, kids,
and co-workers. Give yourself the care, knowledge, and attention that
you need to reach your goals. Take time to make a plan, research how
to achieve it, and visualize what it’s going to be when you do reach
it.

7. Remember that everything is a choice. It is your choice to make a
resolution, it is your choice to eat a burger instead of a salad, it
is your choice to sit on the couch instead of go for a walk. And every
choice has a counter. Ask yourself before everything if this
‘solution’ will really help you in the long run.

8. Keep a journal, write daily or weekly, but reflect back on it.
Keeping track of your accomplishments help realize you are making the
change you want to, and that each day you are moving forward.

9. Believe in yourself. You are your worst critic. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

10. And lastly have fun. If you have something your working on and
make it a chore rather than something fun in life, you are going to
get sick and tired of it very fast and give up. Change it up, think of
ways to spice things up, live your life each day with Passion for that
goal you are trying to achieve. And take time to breathe. Step back
and ponder on the progress you are making!

Guest Post by Shayna Larson

 ______________________________________________________________

We are now Stacey Hansen Photography!

Stacey Moss Hansen is a Logan Utah Newborn, Wedding and Family Photographer. She loves meeting new clients, capturing the personalities within her clients and sharing her love of photography with others.

www.staceyhansenphotography.com

www.facebook.com/photographybystaceymoss

www.instagram.com/photobystaceymoss/

**We just changed from Photography by Stacey Moss to Stacey Hansen Photography. We will still honor all gift cards from Photography by Stacey Moss**

Read More

The Tuesday Ten | What to Wear in Engagement Photos, Guest Post

The Tuesday Ten 
Let me introduce you to a new Tuesday Ten, Monthly Series! I've teamed up with the coordinators at Temple Square to bring you a monthly Tuesday Ten Series on tips and planning your wedding! 

___________________________________________________________

What to Wear in Your Engagement Photos

Today I’m pleased to have a guest post from Weddings at Temple Square. When you’re planning your Salt Lake City wedding, be sure to follow these tips and check out the beautiful venues at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and Lion House downtown!

For 90 percent of women out there (not a real statistic but I’m sure it’s pretty accurate), deciding what to wear for the day is a 20-minute ordeal and usually ends with clothes scattered all over your closet and bed. If you can’t decide what to wear for your everyday activities, how will you ever choose what to wear in your engagement photos?

There’s a lot of pressure riding on making sure your engagements turn out perfect. You’ll have these photos for a lifetime. You’ll print them off to frame in your house, at work and most likely you’re using them in your wedding invitations or with your save the dates.

But trying to figure out what to wear for your engagement photos doesn’t have to be a big, time-consuming ordeal that makes you want to pull your hair out. Your engagement photo shoot day should be full of laughter and smiles, and the following outfit choosing tips will help you feel at ease and ready for the day.

Mind your surroundings.

You want a place that’s meaningful to the two of you. Once you decide location, consider your surroundings and what you plan on doing while there. If nature is your comfort zone and you’ll be in a field or climbing over and around tree branches and tall grass, opt for cute flats rather than high heels. If you plan on jumping or being held by your fiancé in some of your takes, choose pants and a long shirt over a dress or skirt.

Color coordinate but don’t be matchy-matchy.

One-year-old twins who wear matching outfits are adorable. Couples who wear matching outfits aren’t. Skip the beach family white tees and jeans getup and just wear colors that complement each other. Go with colors in the same color family. Your outfits will pair nicely and make it easier on your photographer to find lighting that’s flattering to both of you.

The fit matters.

While the camera doesn’t really add 10 pounds like we’ve always been told, it does capture all the curves and thickness that your fiancé might love but you don’t want standing out in your photos. Don’t be too revealing with your outfit choices. Stay away from clothes that are too tight, shirts that are really low cut or skirts and dresses that are pretty short. But also don’t wear clothes that are super baggy. In a picture, most oversized clothing items make you look bigger than you actually are.

Don’t be afraid to be bold.

If your chosen shoot location is meaningful but simple, such as near an old barn, bring in a pop of contrast with a bright color or bold pattern or a combination of the two with a bright red patterned dress. This ensemble choice works too if your fiancé is wearing neutrals. The contrast your outfit brings will not only create a beautiful photo, it’s going to draw all eyes to you. And shouldn’t all eyes be on the bride-to-be?

Express your style and personality.

The best photos are the ones where engaged couples look and feel like themselves. No need to buy new outfits. Wear clothes you already own to show off your style and personality, feel comfortable during the shoot and save money. Add even more personality to your photos by throwing in accessories that show off your personality, like a fun hat or a baseball bat and caps if you two are baseball fans.

Comfort is essential.

Unless you’re a model, getting your picture taken feels a little unnatural. If you want comfort and confidence to come out in your photos, then choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. Go with outfits that fit your style and personality but that you also feel comfortable in so it’s easy to move around and pose, and so your face looks relaxed and happy, not awkward and worried.

The right outfit choices for you and your fiancé show off how good the two of you look together, correctly express your style and personality, and enhance your shoot location.

Don’t stand in your closet staring blankly at your clothes for hours or go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. Follow these tips and picking out your engagement photo outfits will be even easier than deciding what to wear for a normal day. And remember, engagement photos are only one part of the wedding planning process! Keep up with all the other parts by downloading our wedding planning checklist.

 ______________________________________________________________

We are now Stacey Hansen Photography!

Stacey Moss Hansen is a Logan Utah Newborn, Wedding and Family Photographer. She loves meeting new clients, capturing the personalities within her clients and sharing her love of photography with others.

www.staceyhansenphotography.com

www.facebook.com/photographybystaceymoss

www.instagram.com/photobystaceymoss/

**We just changed from Photography by Stacey Moss to Stacey Hansen Photography. We will still honor all gift cards from Photography by Stacey Moss**

Read More

The Tuesday Ten | Favorite Thrive Foods

Today is a follow up post on Thrive Life Foods. The original post talked about Why Thrive but this one is all about good stuff! It's a guest post by Stephanie Atkinson and she writes "Here's my 10 favorite Thrive life foods"

We have so many great foods and here is just a few of my favorites! 

1-Bananas-they are yummy and last a long time!

2-Pineapple- talk about flavor! And no cutting the pineapple- they are already done!

3-Yogurt bites- such an easy snack for little ones and tasty

4-Sliced Strawberries- flavor! And no prep- no washing, no cutting

5-Chicken- oh my! It's already cut cooked and ready to eat!! Saves so much time and energy

6-granny apples- love these! No cutting apples and delicious

7-tomato sauce- this makes a quick and easy sauce for pizzas, spaghetti

8-chopped onions- no tears, no chopping, no onion smelling hands it's all done for you- oh and no waste- I don't know how many times I buy an onion and only use half if it and the other half gets lost in my fridge!

9- macaroon cookies- so yummy!

10-diced potatoes- simple! They come ready to use! Throw them in a casserole, or breakfast burritos!!

www.Thrivingwithstephanie.thrivelife.com



435-232-2230

There will be an open house Girls Night out with Thrive, Scentsy, Origami Owl and a FREE head shot for your linked in/facebook/etc profile. For more info contact Stephanie, Stacey or Shayna!

Read More

The Tuesday Ten | Thriving with Stephanie

Today's Tuesday Ten Post is by Guest Blogger Stephanie Atkinson. Stephanie is here to talk about Thrive Life! 

A little bit about Stephanie... Steph, as we call her, is my older sister! She's an amazing woman and mom. She has 5 kids! They range from 13 to 1 year. Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband Ray and their kids, baking, Texas and family vacations. With a family of 7 they were like many other families and went through a lot of food, produce etc. She has been looking into Thrive Life for years and decided this was the year to take the plunge. Here's why! 

What is Thrive Life? Freeze dried delicious foods...

Here are my 10 reasons why I Love my thrive life foods.
1- Healthy
Thrive life has some awesome products- they are GMO free, some are gluten free, and are freeze dried and dehydrated!! The freeze dried process helps lock in the nutrients so u are getting more of the "good" stuff from our foods!! Which make our foods "more" healthy for you! They aren't losing all the nutrients in shipping cause we freeze dry them 2-4 hours after picking!! 

2- Fast

Our foods also save u time- who could use more time?? ME! I don't have to wash, cut, or chop my THRIVE LIFE foods, they are already done for me! 

3- Convenient

Thrive Life foods are delivered to my door. Simple as that. 

4- Easy 

With these foods there is no washing or prep- I just measure out what I need and put my meals together. 

5- Long shelf life

Our products have a shelf life of up to 25 years depending on the product so they are perfect for food storage or everyday use. They also have a 1 year shelf life once they are opened! Who wouldn't love to open a can of strawberries and have it last an entire year? (Well pending if they get eaten, and they will because they are delicious!)

6- Less Waste

I hate it when I buy onions at the store and get them home and only use half of one and the other half sits in my fridge and I end up throwing it out- with thrive life I just measure what I need and leave the rest for next time. All of my Thrive Products have helped my family have much less waste!

7- Saves money

I am not throwing out as much food as I used too and there for Saving money on my groceries! Also, with Thrive we have a Q club- which is just like the grocery stores- Qpons, or club memberships- we have that too, so I get my foods discounted as well!

8- Easy Shopping 

I go online pick out what I want put it in my cart/ Q- and check out-- simple- I don't have to drag my kids to the store and hear them wine over what they want or don't want. It really saves me a headache! 

9- Did I say fast, easy and simple? Yes they are!

10- What about healthy? 

Did I say that already!! So very healthy!! We have all kinds of products from Gluten free, non GMO, TVP foods and more. 

Check out my Thrive Store online at: Thrivingwithstephanie.thrivelife.com

Find me on Facebook! 

or call me! 435-232-2230

Schedule your in home Thriving Life Party today! As a host you can earn FREE product! I had one host earn ALL OF THIS for FREE! 

Read More

The Tuesday Ten - 10 Reminders for Photographers

Another guest blogger on today's Tuesday Ten! Stacey Marble is a local Cache Valley Photographer. She wrote today's Tuesday Ten Blog Post on 10 Things to Remember when Photographing a Wedding. (Though most of these can apply to any session you photograph!). Thanks Stacey for sending this over to me! Enjoy! 

*All photos were provided by Stacey Marble. 

1. TAKE CHARGE.  I remember the first couple weddings I photographed. They were friend's weddings of course.  But I am not the large and in charge type, so I found it a struggle to get those group photos going and onto the bride and groom photos so they could get out of there in a timely manner.  By my third wedding, I just did it.  I took control and people actually listened! It was great.  We got things done, people did as I said and things went more smoothly then before. Remember you are in charge of the photos, and people know that, so they will listen, and in most cases, people are just waiting for you to tell them what to do anyway. 

2. BE ON TIME! Or better yet, be early!  My brother-in-law and his wife's photographer was late to their temple wedding so they just waited inside the temple until she got there to make a grand entrance. I was terribly unimpressed.  It ended up not being a huge deal, but still, it's not nice to make people wait on their big day. Also, it was June at the Salt Lake Temple, it's a busy time and there are plenty of people around taking photos, you can't waste that time. 

3. GET THE "MONEY SHOT."  You know what I mean. Do not leave that session until you have "the picture."  The one that they'll choose to print huge and hang on their living room wall. I also sometimes think of it as the "mom" shot--my mother made sure that mine and my brother's wedding photographers knew she wanted a photograph with the couple and the temple in the background so she could put them all on her wall. If you don't get that photo, there will be some disappointment, regardless of the other shots you get.  

4.  BE FLEXIBLE.  Obviously, I don't mean let people take advantage of you and your precious time. But not everything always goes as planned.  Make sure your schedule allows you to have some flexibility and work with your clients when they've run into a dilemma.  Just today I got a phone call from a client saying she was worried about the weather on the day we planned to do their wedding formals and was wondering if there were any other options.  It's about the customer, and I strongly believe in having great customer service. It doesn't matter how great your photos are if your customer service stinks. They won't come back if they don't feel important.

5. BE AWARE OF DETAILS.  I don't know how many times I've finished with a photo session, gone home, uploaded photos and cringed when I saw a simple detail that I could have fixed to make a photo ten times better. Whether it's a tie that's flipped around, a hair in the bride's face, a posing error--don't forget to check the details before taking the shot.  It can make all the difference.

6. GET THE SINGLE SHOTS.  Don't forget to get a few shots of just the bride and just the groom.  It can be easy to forget since the day is all about them together as a couple and in most cases they can't even seem to let go of each other's hands for more than a couple seconds.  But it's nice to have those shots and most people will appreciate that.  (Granted, if your bride had bridals done earlier, then it's not as big of a concern.)​

7. BE PREPARED.  This is a big one that covers lots of things and could be a post in and of itself, but I'll just run over the basics.  You can't control everything, but it's nice to be prepared with some things that can help.  Bring an umbrella or two in case it rains/snows.  Bring bobby pins/hair spray just in case the bride is in need.  Take chapstick/lip gloss. The bride most likely won't have pockets in that $700 dress and who knows if the groom is thinking properly at this point, so you better have the goods. ;)  Have a water bottle ready--for you and your clients.  Also--on sunny days, I'd suggest taking a small tube of sunscreen. My first bride didn't put any on and was fried at her reception.  I couldn't believe how many people commented on it that night.  

8. KNOW WHAT YOU'RE CLIENTS WANT. I know, I know, your clients should want what you photograph.  You have a style, they've seen it, they want it, great.  I'm not talking about style here, I'm talking about specific poses.  Ask the bride specifically if there are any images that she has in mind that she would love to have.  Have her write them down or show you and make sure you keep track of it and get a couple for her!  It's not that difficult really, and it's the least you can do for a paying client.  I actually love it when the bride speaks up and asks if we can do something that she has in mind, one less pose I have to worry about.  

9.  BE TIME CONSCIOUS. Have you ever been taking wedding photos at the Salt Lake Temple on a Saturday in May or June?  It's crazy, right?  There are so many people there, it's kind of like a wedding factory.  It seems most people want their group shots at the steps of the temple. I can't blame them, and I'm happy to do it since it's a shady spot and great for big groups!  But you've gotta remember there is going to be another two brides coming out that door in the next 20 minutes and there's usually only two sets of steps in the shade--and that's where every other photographer is going to go first. So be aware of those other photographers around you, you'd want the same courtesy. Plus, the family will love you when you get those group shots done in a jiffy!

10. HAVE FUN.  And be happy. When you're having fun, they're more likely to have fun.  Not everyone loves to be put in front of a camera.  Try and make it an enjoyable experience rather than a dreaded one. :)

Read More