The Good Stuff...and some not so good.

Really? Whining is out...

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:35:00 +0000

My poor neglected blog. The holiday shopping season from November through December kicked my ass and the first part of this month has been nothing but cleaning up, checking inventory, designing new stuff, photographing the new stuff, taxes, orders, reading a few books during some blocks of free time.....I'm out of breath!
And then I see that my last two posts on this neglected blog are about....whining. I hate whining. Sometimes I get it but in general, I really can't stand it and especially when it's for the sake of getting people to say "oh, poor thing!" and sympathy votes. That really wasn't my intention.
So, let me start fresh in 2011 and break the "whining" cycle. New posts, more of them, and the stuff that can only happen to me...good and not so good.
~Victoria

Another hangup...what else is new.

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 22:27:00 +0000

Been awhile but that's got to change. I'll be back more because I've got too much on my mind and got to get it out. But I have to vent my latest business hangup...

Professionalism...my perspective and opinion.

If you are going to own your own business, you might want to consider being at least a little professional and respectful with your customers, your retailers you wholesale to, your Twitter fans, your Facebook Likers, and pretty much anyone that might be reading what your posting and listening to what you are saying. Make absolutely sure you have all of your facts straight before making libelous and slanderous comments and posts in regard to another company offering similar products. Just because those similar products (and I don't mean copying designs or copyright stuff) are offered doesn't necessarily make that company a copycat and a thief. And before I forget, your version may not be the absolute best out there. Confidence is one thing. Arrogance and narcissism are another. You want to make water bottles? Go for it. Want to start carrying lunchboxes? Have at it. Think you want to get into stationery? Start printing. Remember to respect your fellow designers' work (which is a whole other post!) but nothing says you can't. It's why companies sell these items as blanks. You get to buy them and dress them up with your own designs.

My point is this. Spinning, manipulating and altering reality to make yourself look like the honest, sweet, innocent victim is ridiculous. There's a professional way to handle those situations and you might be surprised how many people will appreciate that attitude. You may not care if you offend someone by making mean-spirited, immature, unprofessional, rude and bullying comments, but not all publicity is good publicity. And just because you scream the loudest that you were stolen from won't make it true if it's really a crock in the first place. But something to consider...having a handful of like-minded, rabid and delusional people cheer you on doesn't make it alright. The immature reactions are a little pathetic.

This rant is my reaction to some information a dear friend shared with me. She was absolutely flabbergasted by a slew of comments on someone's certain social media business page that she is a huge, HUGE fan of. My friend is one of those people that calls 'em like she sees 'em and won't blow a bunch of smoke up your butt. You screw up, she'll tell you. So I asked her what part of it bothered her the most and she said...."a grown woman posted that stuff. My fault for thinking that grown meant mature. It's so high school". From what my disappointed friend and I are gathering, there's a serious lack of maturity there and that's a shame.

I own a business. I think a little professionalism, decency and respect go a long way. I think no one is perfect and sometimes you've got to deal with certain things. Grow up. Remember the Golden Rule. Karma is a bitch.

~Victoria

Just 30 minutes more...a moment to whine.

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:43:00 +0000

It's cold out this morning and it was my turn for take-kid-to-school duty. So when I was awakened just a tad earlier than I needed to be, I wasn't thrilled. Instead of waking up to the beep, beep of the alarm clock, I woke up to "what can I wear to school?!?!?!" Now, let me explain. Her dresser is full of jeans, khakis, capris, tshirts, tops, socks, etc. She is not in need of anything, trust me. I'm not sure what the problem was. Just pick something. Sheesh.
But there I was, awake too early saying to myself 'just 30 minutes more'. Our morning routine is simple and we live, literally, five minutes from the school. There was no reason to be up a full hour before needing to leave the house. No reason....whatsoever.
So, now it's still cold out this morning. I've been awake now for a little over two hours and I'm still saying just 30 minutes more. I hope this hasn't set the tone for the day. Fortunately, waking up on the wrong side of the bed doesn't always apply to me, but I have to confess that it applies more than I care to admit.
I think it will help to make this morning productive and make sure a bunch of these orders get shoveled out the door. I guess the positive is that I can get 30 minutes more work done, right? Done whining for today. Time to move on!
P.S.- And, to add that dash of 'that's just great', I meant to stop at Starbucks for a hot latte and didn't.
~Victoria

A metamorphosis. A reincarnation. A new start.

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:53:00 +0000

So here's the deal. I've been so wrapped up in my business for the last few months that I forgot something. I forgot me. I do that a lot. We all do it. It's inevitable with the ebb and flow of marriage, parenthood, making a living and just, well, living.
I started Victoria P. Zurcher Designs almost seven years ago. Since then it's been reshaped, redesigned, adjusted and readjusted, overhauled and revamped. Today it is no more. I tell most people that I just changed the name of my business, but it was much more than that. In my mind, I killed it and for good reason. Despite the fact that the business name WAS my name, it really didn't reflect me. My business is a somewhat selfish venture that fulfills my desire to create and design. The fact that it is successful is just gravy.
So, My Lucky Wish was born. A new website emerged. And a truer reflection of me was created. With all of that came a lot of social media, marketing, and preparation for the inevitable metamorphosis, reincarnation from Victoria P. Zurcher Designs to My Lucky Wish. With all of that also came a halt to a little "Me" time and a place to share my stories and observations which is this lovely little blog.
Now, I have my business website, my business blog attached to it and also this sweet little place to really let loose, maybe not always be so professional with only the occasional promotion of My Lucky Wish.
It's a new start and I'm thinking I'm going to enjoy getting back into it. For me.
~Victoria

I really do work sometimes.....

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:11:00 +0000

I realized my last post was about our beach vacation and now I'm posting about our couple of days at the lake. Really, I do get some work done but I also like to share my "free" time with you, too!

Short and sweet......

My in-laws live on the lake so when we go up, Sydney hangs out with them and really doesn't care if I'm around or not. Don't worry, this doesn't hurt my feelings. Honestly, it's great for them and lets me spend in my absolutely favorite spot in their whole place....the porch swing. I take my sudoku and crossword puzzles, swing, enjoy this view and occassionally doze off. No matter how hot it is outside, that porch has the best breeze coming through.

Sydney loves riding the jetski so she can usually con somebody to take her out. Her daddy started doing 360s with her on it and she looooooved it. I think we have speeding tickets in our future.

When her cousin, Scott, took her out he took it one step further and she looooooved that even more. Was I a little nervous? Yes, but she loves it and has a blast.

She loves her cousins and they love her. I hope they'll be close despite their age differences. Those boys are the best.

So just to prove to you that I have been working.....I've added some fabulous new lunchbox designs and will be adding quite a few more. I've also got a great new product that I think you'll love...coming soon!

Don't forget to 'Become A Fan' on our Facebook page to stay up to date with any new products, discounts, contests and giveaways.

Have a great rest of the weekend!!

~Victoria

I'm back...

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:09:00 +0000

I'm back from vacation and still trying to get my groove back. I think we all have that special talent of jumping right into "vacation" mode, but how many of us have the talent of quickly jumping into "work" mode when we get back home? I don't have that gift. Unfortunately.

We had such a great time at Discovery Cove and swimming with the dolphins. I highly recommend it and simply don't have the words to describe how amazing it is to actually touch them. Just so fun!

The rest of my vacation days were spent by the pool, in the ocean, napping on the sofa and eating way too much. MyT had fun, too, until her daddy came home. She was so sad so I gave in and changed our tickets to come home a couple of days early. I wasn't ready to come home, but what do you do?

So, yes, back in "work" mode. I'll be finishing up some fab new lunchbox and water bottle designs and just in time for the back to school season. I'll post the goods when I get them done!

~Victoria

That long?

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:21:00 +0000

Has it been that long since my last post? That's not very nice of me....
It's been busy, busy around here getting orders turned around and dreaming of vacation next week. We are so excited because the first part of the trip will be a day at Discovery Cove and swimming with the dolphins. How cool is that? MyT's face lights up when we even mention it.
MyT's last day of kindergarten is tomorrow..unbelievable. No more on that or I'll start crying. Our partnership with Beau coup has been fantastic so far which is a complete thrill. I've also been busy creating a new group of lunchbox designs for the back-to-school season which will be ready by the end of June!
OK, back to work! More to come soon...plenty to jab about.
~Victoria

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Sat, 02 May 2009 15:03:00 +0000

You know when you've found something that has to be shared? I found that something!

Mean Cards, the gal behind them and her humor are right up my alley. She's fabulous and please don't skip her blog. That's where you can see her hysterically funny mind at work.

I'm not being paid to write this post....in fact, she doesn't even know about it.

Despite my colorful designs, the people closest to me know that I can be a bit sarcastic, frank and seem to have a "different" and sometimes dark sense of humor. I always show my brother this kind of stuff because he gets it, too.

I will be offending many friends and family in the future with these cards. It's OK, you won't offend me if you give me one. In fact, I'll be thrilled because I think Mean Cards are well, yes, mean, but also perfect and appropriate for a great laugh.

~Victoria

Made my mom cry a little......

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:33:00 +0000

I designed one for my mom and one for me. I know Mother's Day isn't until next week but I always show my mom my latest stuff and well....I knew she would love it. I've designed one for a baby gift and a wedding gift. I think these are perfect, sentimental and unbelievably personal.

Apparently, my designs have been "borrowed" recently so beware and make sure you get the original VPZ's!

Yes, I will have them on the website soon. They are too much fun to design which, of course, is my favorite thing to do. Meanwhile, if you want one designed for yourself or a gift, just email me for details. I would love to do it!

~Victoria

P.S.-Yes, that is my handsome husband and me in the picture....eight years ago this May 12th.

Earth Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:25:00 +0000

Click on the picture to go to VPZ Designs to see more!!!
~Victoria

Oh, you devilish printer...

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:10:00 +0000

Since all of our printing is done in house, I have a lot of printers. They all do something a little different depending on the product they are printing for. I love my printers. But every once in awhile, they decide it would be just oodles of fun to do something crazy. The printers think it's funny...I don't.

Here's the latest funny little trick.....

No, you aren't seeing double. How does this happen? I thought I heard my printer laughing in the background again.

~Victoria

Holy Golf Head Covers, Sandy!

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:37:00 +0000

I love my mother-in-law. She rocks. No, I'm serious....she really does! I also love her best friend, Sandy. The three of us have sat next to each other at various family things-funerals, showers, weddings, etc. We shouldn't sit next to each other at these functions because we inevitably make observations and comments that will get us in lots of trouble. It's just one of those things..what can I say?

So, meanwhile, with much encouragement from TidyHusband, I've decided to take up golf. The closest I've gotten to golf is putt-putt at Zuma, the one in Farragut and the Five Oaks one in Pigeon Forge. Nevertheless, I've been sort of wanting to try it and MyT wanting to take golf lessons has just made want to give it a go even more. I've got my new golf shoes and that's about it. Lucky for me, Superstar Sandy, is an avid golfer and competes regularly (and usually wins). She has more golf clubs than diamonds in her jewelry and she is going to teach me the golfing ropes. I'm so excited about going to the golf course with her. You have nooo idea. I will probably end up like Charles Barkley and his horribly hilarious swing.

But after shopping around the web for nothing I really need, I found these at Lola B.

I may not end up being a very good golfer, but I will look good trying. These are so cool and pretty! Who would have thunk it? Sandy, if it's ok, I will pay you for your golfing expertise in fabulous golf accessories including these head covers and the lovely belt that holds your tees like bullets.

So freakin' cool...I can't wait.

If you see me coming to a golf course near you, run. Run far, far away.

~Victoria

Photos from Lola B....so pretty!

Lemonade

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:36:00 +0000

OK, so MyT has been talking about doing this lemonade stand. I'm not sure where this came from but we thought it was a great chance to teach a lesson or two in the process. In the beginning, my entrepreneurial spirit had me thinking the lesson could be how important it is to save your money, invest it and not blow it on some...toy. But after our trip to Memphis last weekend to see our nephew, Chad (see pics included) and seeing the St. Jude's billboards showing adorable kids with no hair, fighting for their lives, it was obvious that the better lesson to teach our 6-year-old MyT was to help others, too.

So, after much discussion and explaining the benefits of donating the profits of her lemonade stand, MyT absolutely agreed and we set the date for our 1st Annual Sydney's Ade for Kids' Aid Lemonade Stand on May 3rd. We've decided to make it more of an open house/invitation thing (to absolutely everybody we even remotely know) instead of leaving it to chance that you find our house and buy some lemonade and cookies. I got to work on designing the invitation and TidyHusband will be building the lemonade stand and I'll get the banner done. Kids can play and parents can mingle. We'll have real, homemade lemonade and cookies from scratch....none of this processed stuff!

I'm really excited and hope the weather cooperates. East Tennessee weather can be a real nightmare so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I've probably jinxed the whole thing by even mentioning it.

If you live in the area and want to come, just email me at shop@victoriapzurcher.com for directions. Of course, bring any friends and family, too!

~Victoria

Clipboards, Notepads, Mousepads, Coasters....Oh My!!

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:42:00 +0000

I love creating my original designs. I also love putting my original designs on my hand-picked, practical and fabulous products that you want to give and receive. This year has brought some really fun and exciting changes so far including some new equipment and new products. The personalized aluminum water bottles are flying off the shelves. It seems that quite a few desks needed dressing up because our mousepads are pouring out the door. Spring is coming fast and so are grilled dinners out on the deck-that means you'll need some of our oh-so-perfect coasters. Just when we thought we might be able to stop for a minute and catch our breath....I go and put the latest, greatest goody on my site and we're back to work!!

I am a self-confessed organizing junkie who loves The Container Store, office supplies stores, the perfect pens, paper...it's endless. There are times when I spend more time getting organized to get organized. I know some of you do the same thing! You can admit it!

I think this is why I'm loving my new Personalized Clipboard & Notepad Sets! The designs are fused to the surface so that means absolutely permanent. No labels to peel off or fading ink here. Of course, we'll be happy to do something custom for you, my sweet peeps. These aren't the giant full-size clipboards, but instead the half-page ones...very convenient and easier to carry around in your bag or purse. They'll last forever because of the durable, flat clip and if you need a refill notepad...well, we've got you covered.

I have added my own special little twist to them. We'll print a gift message or favorite quote at no extra charge on the clipboard underneath the notepad to make this an extra special gift.

These absolutely rock and I think you'll agree! Check them out!

I'll post again soon to show some fun pics from our trip to Memphis last weekend.

'Til then....

~Victoria

Color change and a new direction.....

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:38:00 +0000

Our grass is green, the daylillies and hostas are coming up and we finally got our pond/fountain cleaned up with a new pump. With all of the changes of the spring season, I got antsy and decided to make some color changes to VPZ Designs. Don't get me wrong...I still love my black and white and think it's a forever classic. I just needed to brighten things up a little and definitely think I've done it. I've changed all of it-the blog header, Facebook page, Twitter background, and of course, most importantly, the website. I designed the new scheme in a flash and the colors-pink, peach and lime green-make me smile. Close your eyes and think of cold pink lemonade, cantaloupe and kiwi.

With these new changes comes some interesting prospects for VPZ Designs and the new and exciting places my company is going. Without giving away all of the details just yet, we've made a great connection with a very high-profile company to carry one of our newest products with some exclusive designs by....me! The potential is fabulous and incredibly exciting! Of course, I will keep you posted with links once it's done and share some of the details with my peeps.

If spring hasn't made it your way yet, you know it's coming soon. Enjoy it. Maybe it will inspire you to make a change or two like it did me.

~Victoria

Good grief.....

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:15:00 +0000

Well, it seems VPZ Designs has started a bit of a trend as we are seeing some of our product ideas popping up all over the place! Let's see...water bottles-check, mousepads-check, mini clipboards & notepads-check. What else?!?! So much to share with you in the next week! Just name it...we're doing it and doing it well. I suppose a good idea is just a good idea and there's no denying that.

Visit my shop...enjoy the new stuff...and definitely let us know what you think! Pictures are always fun! Send us a pic of your kids wearing their tees, your best friend with her travel mug or you using your water bottle. You send a pic, we'll thank you with a fabulous coupon off your next VPZ Designs purchase! Just send your pics to shop@victoriapzurcher.com with a little message allowing us to us your photo on our site. How cool is that?

Back later with more for my peeps!!

~Victoria

Because it's a fabulous thing every kid needs......

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:46:00 +0000

My peep, Lori, owner of SuperNoots, was on TV the other day sharing the story and benefits of all things SuperNoots. You can click here to read the interview and watch the video. I remember when we were on TV together last year when we first started SuperNoots and how surreal the whole experience was. I'm no longer a partner in SuperNoots, but I still do some of the graphics work. My heart is in it and I think every child should have a Starter Pack.

Definitely give Lori some love and visit the site. They are perfect for kids, but just as great for us grown-ups!

Later!
~Victoria

Wild ride

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:37:00 +0000

MyT turned 6 years old today. Where has the time gone? It has literally flown by but at the same time we've done so much and our family has been through so much. It's all good and she is absolutely great.

We had her birthday party at Jumpity Jump again. That's what she wanted. Instead of the giant monster cakes we've made in the past, MyT and I decided on cupcakes....giant monster cupcakes. Really easy to make with the jumbo cupcake pans and so cute!

The theme was Looney Tunes because she loves Bugs Bunny (so do I) so it was lots of fun to do. My mom and I pulled together one of these gigantic cupcakes just for MyT. She loved it and was completely surprised! I just couldn't handle another year of carpal tunnel from decorating another huge birthday cake so this worked out really, really well. Icing cupcakes is much easier than doing the Big Cake. Click here if you don't know what I'm talking about.

The party favors were red tees I did with some of the characters....a huge hit!

Needless to say, we've been busy around here and so has VPZ Designs. I've decided to redo my website with the help of a fabulous design company, Quirky Bird. The owner, Staci, is talented beyond belief and I can't wait to get the ball rolling. Although the current site is nice, there are some limitations that we've just outgrown and need to change. So...the next few weeks will be even busier.

Finally, the aluminum water bottles are off and running! Be sure to check out the mousepads, notepads with a special twist and of course the stand-by favorites like the stationery, tees and lunchboxes. It's not all loaded up yet, but it's definitely coming! Check back often since we'll be adding stuff to the shop everyday!

Back again soon....

~Victoria

I think I'm repeating myself.....

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Did I say I'm ready for Spring? Oh, yeah. Time to buy MyT's Lilly Pulitzer dresses for spring and summer. I've decided to buy little Miss S. (my cousin's baby we baptized last year) her first Lilly dress for Easter. It doesn't help that this morning's Martha Stewart is all about Lilly stuff and it's gray and getting cooler outside around here. So, I bought myself a little something, something.

I know...not the best way to spend $50, but I thought it was too perfect. You can get one here or here.

Patiently waiting for spring...

~Victoria

So ready for spring....

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 03:16:00 +0000

Some of you may know...I would rather be sweating in the heat than freezing in the cold. So this time of year always makes me antsy and very ready for spring and summer. My latest goodies in my shop definitely reflect that. After looking at my latest patterns, you'll realize it and hopefully get bitten by the warm weather bug! I've got the new designs on stationery, tote bags, and my newest aluminum water bottles (coming soon!). Click here to see the latest!

Next, MyT will be turning six March 15th. Ugh. I just don't believe it. I..really..don't..believe..it. She is sassy, funny, full of herself, acts like a 16 year old and is absolutely fabulous. She's so fun and I'm still mad at her for growing and not staying tee-tiny.

She's was adamant about having her birthday party at Jumpity Jump with a Looney Tunes theme. Bugs Bunny is her favorite! Very cool with me since none of the cartoons on TV today can even compare. It should be lots of fun and I'll definitely post pics of the party stuff.

Just wanted to get a quick post out there, but I've got more to chat about soon...

~Victoria

Surgery, birthday, lost tooth...in that order

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:24:00 +0000

After the CPSIA testing junk, I've decided to continue to be involved, but also to move on a little bit and get back to the fun of creating and designing and not get so bogged down with the yuck part of running a business. The recent stay of regulation is a good thing (sort of) but it's time to start sharing more of what's going on around here! Here's the latest......

On New Year's Eve morning, I had a gall bladder attack. If you haven't experienced this pain before, it's right up there with labor pains. Horrible. After an appointment with my doctor and a surgeon, I had my gall bladder taken out last Wednesday. I spent nearly four days in pain and discomfort and I am now feeling 99% back to normal...yeah! They gave me oxycodone for pain which left me in a fog and feeling very, very lazy which stunk, so it's taken a bit to get in the swing of things again.

This was a good time to have to lay low because we got about two or three inches of snow and MyT was out of school for a couple of days. It was a good packing snow, too. The kind that makes snowballs pack down really good and turn to rocks that do lots of damage. Of course, MyT loved that. This is the view out of my kitchen window which is always the perfect picture. In the spring and summer, it's a full, healthy red japanese maple. In the fall the leaves turn a little lighter. But normally, in the winter, it's just bare. I'm not a big fan of cold weather, but the snow was so pretty on the branches.

The one week anniversary of losing my gall bladder was marked with my 39th birthday. And no, I'm not dreading 40. Really, I'm not! So, MyT was out of school because of the weather and spent the day with my mom while I got my staples removed and just spent a very quiet day doing a little work and lot of nothing. Tidy Husband came home with flowers for me (beautiful) and my mom and MyT came with a custom birthday cake designed by my perfect little tomboy. Of course, Plankton from SpongeBob because I think he's the funniest. The big 3 and 9 candles were her idea, too. She even got me balloons! She is a very thoughtful, sweet, little brat and her mommy loves her.

Meanwhile, MyT has had two loose front teeth for about three weeks now. One of them was getting looser than the other and was hanging by a thread. I just knew it was going to come out at school and she'd lose it. Nope! It came out while she was brushing her teeth before bed last night. Add that to the events of my birthday! She looks so funny with that little hole and asked her daddy if her teacher would notice her "big change." It's hard to miss it.....

So, that get's you caught up! Not glamorous at all, but I guess it will do! I'll be adding the latest batch of new designs onto my website so definitely take a look.

Later, Peeps!

~Victoria

Products passed with flying colors and I'm pissed.

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:17:00 +0000

I had a very productive morning. My peep, Lori, and I went to have our products tested for lead to meet the compliance of the CPSIA. We packed every little thing that needed to be tested (finished products and components), met up for our 10:00 am appointment and met David Weekley. David was nice enough to let me take a couple of pics to share with you in this post. He's the President of Environmental Consulting & Testing LLC located here in Knoxville and here's his picture.

David is a super nice guy that, I'm sure, was thrilled to listen to Lori and me talk about all kinds of stuff like our kids, husbands, girl stuff and corn (that's for you, Lori). It was a no-brainer to have David do our testing after talking to him on the phone for a bit. He was very nice, didn't talk to me like I had no idea what I was talking about, he's local and if I had to pay to have my already safe stuff tested to be compliant with the CPSIA, then my money was going to stay right here in my neighborhood instead of being sent to a lab in China.

We learned a lot about what David and his company do and while he says he's a "vanilla" kind of guy, it seems his work life is pretty exciting and interesting and just as important to Lori and me.....his cost to test was easy on our wallets and worth knowing that our products and materials are safe. Needless to say, I recommend him and his company. I hope he might consider becoming one of those third-party accredited labs so I can go back to him to meet the August 19th deadline requirements. Click here to get to his website if you need anything tested. He absolutely rocks.

After David got his XRF scanner calibrated, we were off. Lori had fewer things than me so we started with her stuff first. I have to say, waiting for the XRF to give the reading for each thing was a little nerve wracking, but we knew it had to be done.

I had a lot more I needed tested. I took finished products, components, papers, blank tshirts, laminates, stationery, placemats, plates, travel mugs, growth chart, drawer knobs....everything. David scanned each thing I asked him to. If he didn't have any carpal tunnel issues before he started, he might have after he finished.

Here's the rub. Every thing he tested passed with flying colors and was ridiculously below 600 ppm and 300 ppm. Woohoo! Our products are safe and don't exceed the total lead content limits set by the CPSIA! We should be happy about that, right? Not so fast.

I made the decision that I wanted my business and the items I produce to be in compliance with the CPSIA's February 10th deadline. Regardless how ridiculous I think this law is, it's still a law that directly applies to my business. As a responsible business owner, I felt I needed to obey the law and just do what needed to be done. I chose XRF testing as "a reasonable testing program", found a reputable, trustworthy company to administer this testing and I will provide the necessary GCC's to the shops carrying my products to meet the approaching deadline.

So, why am I so pissed?

I already knew this law was poorly written. I already knew that it wouldn't accomplish what it was meant to. What I didn't know (since I'm not a chemist) is that, after talking with David Weekley, 600 ppm, even 300 ppm, is off the charts for total lead content. I'm pissed because Congress wrote a law that was supposed to take unsafe toys off the market to protect our children, but, in fact, will have no real effect of accomplishing that goal. It comes as no surprise that while working under the guise of making the toy world safer for our kids, they didn't do their homework in respect to how this will affect businesses of all sizes, setting the total lead content limits at such a high level and by doing that, didn't make anything really safe at all.

At least Congress can feel really good about themselves and give each other pats on the back for a job so well done.

Thank, peeps, for letting me rant about the CPSIA once again. I can't promise I won't do it again soon, but I will try to offer more fun stuff, too.

~Victoria

Julie Vallese messed with the wrong crowd.......

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:01:00 +0000

This was posted by Trisha at MomDot.com. She has a true knack for summing up my, and lots of others, feelings about the CPSIA and the lovely politicians that made it all happen. Oooohhh, this is priceless.....
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CPSIA Insults Mommy Bloggers
Submitted by Trisha-admin on Thursday, 15 January 2009
Last night while on twitter, @thesmartmama twittered out a video from the commissions village idiot spokesperson Julie Vallese from the CPSIA. If you can get through this totally cringe worthy, nonclarifying video long enough to see her blame the misinformation of the law on mommy bloggers, you will see that the CPSIA are basically hall monitors that are excited to be passing out detention slips, but having very little real knowledge of their own law, how to enforce it, or even where they will get the resources to do so. I was so insulted by the condescending attitude and little smirk that was on this ladies face at times, that I wanted to reach through the computer and pull a Pumpkin from Flava Flav move.
Julie, the reason us mommy bloggers have to talk about the law, is because your idiotic council got a hard little erection at the thought of passing a law and rather then doing the research and enacting something that was going to help our country be safe from lead based toys from China, created an umbrella law that doesnt allow me to purchase hairbows for my daughter anymore.
Go suck on an egg.
~trisha
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See what I mean? You just gotta love it.
~Victoria

Twitter, Facebook, oh my.....

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:03:00 +0000

The holidays are over and we're back to "normal"...whatever that means. MyT is back at school and just in time. She was definitely ready. It took me a few days to really get back into the swing of things, but doing fine now! Oh yeah, both of her top front teeth are loose! I know they will fall out at the same time and she isn't so excited about that.

My pal, Lori, and I started our own Facebook pages the beginning of December and have completely gone over the deep end with it. She REALLY has...way more than me! Trying to find old friends, reconnecting with high school classmates, starting groups, etc. You lose track of time with that thing. So, yes, VPZ has a Facebook page and a group for VPZ Designs. Just login and search Victoria P. Zurcher Designs and you'll be right there!

As if that wasn't enough, I had joined Twitter awhile back but never took the time to really jump into it. Well, I got that going, too. Follow me at www.twitter.com/vpzdesigns! I really like Twitter, probably more than Facebook. It's easy to just leave a quick comment or question and move on!

Well, I'm really looking forward to this year and some new ventures. Besides the fun stuff on my website, I also have a custom stationery business that keeps me very busy. I've been excited to have a couple of very popular stationery shops ask for exclusive designs from VPZ! Our new site will focus more on my new stationery line and other great paper goods. I think you'll really like it and I can't wait to get it all done for you to see!

OK, now back to designing and back to work! Come follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and definitely get involved with the desperately needed changes of the CPSIA!!!!!
See ya', peeps!
~Victoria

noreply@blogger.com (Victoria) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:52:00 +0000

The new year is going to bring lots of changes to VPZ Designs and I couldn't be more excited. New website, new products, just....lots of good new stuff.
Until then..........Merry Christmas!!!!
~Victoria