Goose + Trisser

A random feature

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:00:00 +0000

As I was checking over my shop stats the other day, I came across a new referral site, lovelyish.com and decided to check it out. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this gem of a post, "5 Etsy items on which someone thought to stick Tupac." All I could do was laugh, in a good way. All press is good press, I guess.

Life in Photos: an update

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:36:00 +0000

I have no excuses my friends. I've been around, just living the day to day.

Here's what it looked like:

I've been writing over here a lot!
We celebrated Thanksgiving with my parents and lots of good food. I even spent the afternoon whipping up this stuffing (at T's request) and everyone actually liked it

Showered one of my best friends as she is expecting as well (we're due about a month apart)

We finally got a bit of work done at the new place, months later

Bird had her first peanut butter and jelly sandwich, yea for no peanut allergies

We took a trip to the science center, c/o free passes from our local library

Having business meetings with myself about what is in store for G + T in year 2
I've been growing this little man and can't wait to see him in a couple months

Winter weather is here, but we're still getting out to have some fun

Things I'm loving

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:09:00 +0000

On this rainy gray day, my mind has wandered to a few different things I've been loving lately:

kisses from my baby girl
hot cocoa as the days get a bit colder
when my mister gets home from work early due to inclement weather
cuddling up in blankets as the rain falls
the dance moves baby boy is perfecting in my tum
celebrating 4 years of marriage with the One
things that are just falling into place

enjoy your Wednesday!

Drum roll...

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:30:00 +0000

I can't believe I waited a whole week to post this, but on Monday we found out that our ever anticipated second child is a...

BOY!

I won't shame him already by posting the proof of his little bits on the web, but he is indeed a HE and we are ready for the adventure of raising a son in addition to our beautiful little girl.

Going into the ultrasound appointment, I was really nervous and a little scared (I don't know why!) and after the tech told us, I shed a tear of disbelief and happiness and continued to say "We're having a boy!" for the rest of the week at random intervals of time.

Now any recommendations for "boy" clothes, toys, etc. can be sent my way immediately. I can't wait!

10 Year Reunion

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:15:00 +0000

This past Saturday I attended my 10 year high school reunion. I will say that I'm glad that I went, because for a while I didn't think I wanted to go, and then with being sick I didn't think I would be able to go. It was nice to see folks in person that I really haven't seen in 10 years and a few that I have seen more recently and catch up for a night. So many updates, from weddings to babies to new degrees and jobs.

I even managed to make it in a picture or two.

I can now cross that one off the list.

The mundane

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:00:00 +0000

I have missed this little space in all the time that I took off and was sick. Even though I feel better now, I still have trouble with what to let out on my little blog.

Lately, things have been really standard around here: walks, ice cream treats, early bed times, busy summer at work for T, playground and zoo trips and general, lazy fun summer for me and Bird.

The mundane always seems so silly to share but that is basically what is going on around here.

Here's some shots of our days to brighten things up around here:

1. shopping for new baby | 2. salon day and new haircut | 3. shoe shopping | 4. craft show booth

Shop vaca

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:45:00 +0000

Last fall on Mackinac Island

You may have noticed but my shop(s) are on a bit of a vacation for a while!

During this time, I'm working on some fun new things, new takes on old things, and more tiny treats all around! I can't wait to share what I've been working on. Be sure to stay posted for sneak peeks, shop updates and a reopening in the fall.

Sample sale

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:17:00 +0000

Now that I'm feeling better and the creative juices are flowing again, I've decided to have a little 2-day sample sale in the shop to move out my older inventory and make room for the some new things this fall!

Use the code SAMPLEGT and take 50% off everything in stock til 8/25. Some things may be returning in the fall, others you may never see again, so hop to it!

The big return

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000

I know I know.

I've been gone.

And with good reason. We're expecting our second child!

With that came the sickness. Not normal morning sickness. Hyperemesis gravidarum. Three trips to the ER. A 2.5 day stay on the Labor & Delivery floor.

Things are much better now (prayers are always welcome for continued health) and we are "over the moon" excited to become parents of two!

I swear I got a lot done

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:44:00 +0000

Boy, I sure have been busy, right?

I hate neglecting this little space but that seems to be the first to go when life gets a little full.

What have I been up to you ask:

*My little family helped Andrea with her promo for her shop, Flair in her Hair, and I have to say, it warms my heart to watch it. Her husband, Ryan, owner of Epic Motion, shot all the footage and it is just a little vignette of our funny little girl and her parents doing what we do best, enjoying our time together. I was so proud of her because she did so well the whole shoot, despite not starting until her bedtime.

Flair in her Hair - Promo from Epic Motion on Vimeo.

*I have been getting ready for my first craft show, July 4th, in Clawson! My display is almost complete and I've been stitching the nights away to complete some new inventory for the show. I've been so lucky to have so much help getting ready, from my mom helping with my tablecloth to T working hard on my stand up display. This show will be the first of a few I'll be doing this summer, alongside Miss Andrea and I'm so excited to get out there, meet some new folks and show my work.

*I've been doing some knitting on a project that I'll show off soon enough, but rest assured, I can't wait to reveal the final product!

The summer is always a busy time and this one is sure to be full. I can't wait to share all of our adventures!

Create, don't hate

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:46:00 +0000

There has been a lot of chatter going around lately about inspiration vs. originality in art and other works. A lot of the talk is about the work, but I feel like one thing that has been left out are the people. On both sides. The people that feel wronged and the people that get attacked for "wronging" someone else.

I feel that there is far too much mudslinging, gossip, and overall "mean-girl"-ing and not enough real conversation happening. So many people are quick to judge before taking the time to communicate with another person.

I remember I was once told by a potential customer that her husband thought she could do it herself and didn't need to purchase something from me. I was also told by someone that they liked my work so much that it inspired them to learn how to create the same things for themselves.

I could have gotten mad or angry at either of those things. Instead I felt joy because I still helped to create something. I helped fuel a small interest, which could turn into a burning passion for something that I, too, love to do. I helped someone else see that they can be creative and can create with their hands.

It also helped remind me that we are all created and even if you don't like someone or something they did, they are still a person, loved by someone or many. Please take a moment to take care with the things that you say to others. You may even create a friendship.

The weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 01:54:00 +0000

This past weekend was one of my favorite kinds, the ones where you just get to relax, have no real plans and everything is exactly what you want to be doing right then.

*We checked out the pool in our new neighborhood. I would say it was a win-lose outcome. Bird did not like the pool but enjoyed playing outside of it and laying in the sun with T. The "best" part was the comic flirting done by the teen girls with the lifeguard/pool watcher. Ah, to be young again.

*An early morning trek to Trader Joe's was made to pick up some challah bread for an epic french toast + bacon breakfast.

*Family photo/video shoot for Andrea's lovely Flair in her Hair. Me and Bird got to model and there are some pretty funny outtakes from the evening. I'm so excited to see the final product. We also got a couple good "family of 3" shots since we haven't had any good ones done since last summer.

*We visited and had dinner with my parents since my older brother is in town. It was so fun to see Bird run around their backyard, giggling and "playing soccer."

*Took a walk to get ice cream with my other older brother, T and Bird. Again, the youths were cracking me up with their antics. While we ate our Blizzards we watched some kids try to get their lacrosse sticks out of an evergreen tree they had been stuck in (?) and a gaggle of young girls run back and forth in front of side street traffic while their parents were not watching. I definitely got sassed by one of the girls when I mentioned that they might not want to be doing that. I'm officially old.

*A few orders for the shop got sent out and I got to work on some new pieces for the show I'm participating in come July!

bridal + mint chocolate chip - coming soon!

Routine

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Fri, 20 May 2011 16:00:00 +0000

1030 am wake up | The little lady decided to sleep in today and that meant I got to as well. I could get used to this.

morning face

But I shouldn't.

I want to get into a more regimented routine around here. There is just so much to get done every day and I am the kind of person that works best with a schedule and routine.

Things I'm going to work on this next week:

*Formalizing a schedule for Bird's day, complete with wake up times (right now its when ever she gets up, we get up), nap time, meal times, dance parties and most importantly bedtime!

Her chair and favorite place to dance it out

*Working out a schedule to split my available work time between goose + trisser and papernstitch.

*Finding some me-time during the day to nap, read, workout, have a manicure, + connect with friends

Flying lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:25:00 +0000

Because I can't get enough of her giggles!

Hanging around

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Fri, 13 May 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Necklaces, freshly added to the shop in the wee hours of the night!

Thanks to Andrea for being my ever willing model.

Back in the groove

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Wed, 11 May 2011 01:07:00 +0000

This past weekend we headed up North to visit with T's parents for a bit. What did we get into? What didn't we get into:

*Marathon shopping spree at Sam's Club and Target featuring a belated birthday/early Mother's Day present for me | a Garmin nuvi 3760 GPS

source

*Breakfast for dinner at Bob Evan's | french toast and sausage links

*Breakfast for breakfast, cooked by the ladies | waffles, pancakes and an entire package of bacon

*A visit from T's brother and girlfriend | love having family time and when Bird gets to see her uncles

*Epic ladies nap, that Bird did not want to take, but myself and my MIL gladly took part in

*Bird's first bike ride | she fell asleep for the first leg, due to the lack of aforementioned nap, and then enjoyed the second trip back home, making faces at me as we rode along.

*Thrifting in the downtown area | found a stash of embroidery hoops, thread, bobbins, fabric, spools and embellishments. Complete score, felt like I cleaned them out!

*Two date nights in a row - We got to hang out with friends and just have a good time knowing Bird was home safe with the grandparents

*Mother's Day breakfast made by the gents! More pancakes, more bacon, and eggs, along with present opening.

for our moms | madebyhank

for me! | iPad 2 Keyboard case

*Checking out the Rust Belt Market! The space was so open and vibrating with creative energy. Andrea and I would love to show there some weekend soon and it was great to go look around and meet some of the artists/creators/sellers there for the opening weekend.

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Now that all that fun is over, we're slowly getting back into our groove here at home. Bird is going to bed at her regular bed time, instead of having 11 pm dance parties with her grandparents. T and I are back to not eating out every other meal, vacations are always the hardest for that. We're glad to be home.

Proud to be small

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Fri, 06 May 2011 00:30:00 +0000

precious orders ready to mail

I know I haven't been in "the business" long.

I know I'm a small business.

but...

I know this is just the beginning.

I know my word is all I have.

I know my awesome customer service means a world of difference when it comes to online marketplaces.

I know I love working on each and every order that I get.

I know I enjoy collaborating with someone new to make something special.

I know that, even as I get busier + busier, I will always strive to make each customer feel like a person, rather than an order.

I know I've been given one shot and I have to do my best each and every day.

I'm not saying I'm doing it all right, cause I know I'm not. I know I have a lot to learn - but I'm ready, to learn + grow + share.

I'm proud to be small.

Of course I've been up to something

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Wed, 04 May 2011 17:21:00 +0000

You know when things get quiet around here I've been up to something, too busy to sit and organize my thoughts. Here are the bits:

*I've had a mini vacation from my work over on PNS, which has been great because it has given me time to prepare my shop for the latest exhibition! That's right, I'm not only an intern, I'm also a client! Pop over to check out the exhibition featuring Goose + Trisser among many other talented exhibitors.

*Did a little interview with Ms. Ilene of Much Love, Illy, check it out! (p.s. there might be a chance to win something, woot!)

*Been trying to get into pre-pregnancy shape (read: a healthy shape/routine before getting pregnant, not the shape I was in before I ever got pregnant - been there, accomplished that) as we restart our path towards growing our family. I've been using the Lose it app on my iPhone to keep track of calories and such and the reminders are great to keep me aware every day of just how much I'm eating and to log it. To add to the motivation, T and I went to check out some new sneakers for me, as I hadn't bought any since I was 18 - the last two pairs were gifted to me and that was at least 6 years ago! I looked at a few pairs and settled on these quickly, they are super comfortable, not too expensive and best of all, not giant white running shoes like my last pair!

*I got to serve alongside my mom in my church nursery this past weekend. It was so awesome to see her with the other babies, making them laugh, comforting them, and just sharing her love. She really has a heart for kids and I guess that is where I get it from. She'll be volunteering with me throughout May and it is an experience I'm really looking forward to continuing.

what have you been up to?

happy wednesday! enjoy!

Oh wait, did I tell you?

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:00:00 +0000

The new shop is up and running!

Don't have an etsy account? Don't want one? No problem! Head on over to the new shop and see what's in store!

I'll occasionally be updating my Etsy shop but for everything fresh + new from Goose+Trisser, the new shop is the place to be.

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To celebrate + perhaps pick up something for Mom before her big day (May 8th!) take 25% off your order this week with code SPRINGOPEN ENDS 4/29 AT MIDNIGHT

enjoy!

Easter 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:03:00 +0000

This year was sweet and simple.

sleeping in
blueberry pancakes
lovely service at Kensington
good naps for Bird
big dinner at my parents
ice cream for every one
phone calls with uncles
Easter basket full of goodies + a bunny for a special girl + awesome throwback toy (Slinky!)
matching gold shoes for mom + baby (dream come true)

Thank you Lord. We are truly blessed.

Easter 2010

Spring Bird

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 20:37:00 +0000

I weeped a bit this morning. She has gotten so big. And not to brag, but she is so beautiful!

Seeing my little girl grow up over the past 15 months has brought up all kinds of emotions. I just see so much potential for her to do anything in this world that she wants to do, to be a kind hearted person and help where she can. I see the joy she already brings to people now with her smiles and her giggles. It really amazes me how much she learns and grows each day. She truly warms my heart daily, such a blessing to my life.

Happy renters!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:00:00 +0000

As of last Friday, we are no longer homeowners!

There were so many little setbacks that popped up along the way, especially these last two weeks. From last minute upgrades to the house to the buyer going to the wrong office to sign the closing documents, we ran right up to the last hour. In the end all the papers got signed and everyone could breathe a sigh of relief.

The best part of the whole closing was after everyone left the real estate office. We were sitting in the car and the new owner and her man were walking out of the office. She looked so happy and then she broke out into a dance + started jumping up and down! She had no idea we were watching. To see the sheer joy that we helped bring her, that moment was worth it all. We couldn't be more grateful that the house has moved on to make someone else happy for a season of their life.

We are still getting settled in our new place, the last of the boxes + bins should be emptied this week. I'm looking forward to making this place our home. I'll be sure to share some photos as soon as things settle down a bit.

Happy Monday from your happy renters!

Secret bonus of moving

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

In 2 minutes I was able to lower our car insurance by over $150, just by updating our address with our insurers! This move just keeps getting better!

Happy weekend everyone!

p.s. cross your fingers that our closing goes well today, updates on Monday!

Now in the shop

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

A little something for the moms! Check it out here!

blog special: Take 15% off til Easter Sunday (April 24th) with code MOMBLOGLOVE ...enjoy!

i'm 28

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Anne) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

good news:
I made it to another birthday

bad news:
I'm still a homeowner {update: til Friday!}

plans for the day:

{updated} my plans for the day were blank before because I really didn't have any. Lucky for me I got some made for me.

I got to have breakfast with T and enjoy a little play time with Bird before he had to head into work and I headed off for a little me time. Thanks to Andrea, I got a couple hours to myself and went and had a manicure at the Aveda salon in downtown Royal Oak! I headed back to hang with Andrea and our littles for a bit, got to meet her neighbor and Bird got to play in a bounce house (which she loved!)

Now all is quiet as Bird is sleeping and I'm catching up on work before T takes us to dinner and I get to see my parents this evening!

More on birthday surprises later this week.