Starting the shop up...Again

So I have added a couple things to my shop! I read a quote in a book that said "Don't wait until everything is perfect to start, just start!" It's really hard for me, and without even realizing it, I've been struggling with that for a long time. It tempers my creativity so much when I start worrying what people will think, and how silly the shop will look with only a few things (who am I kidding, it looks sillier empty.) I've spent too much time paying attention to others and what they're capable of, and downplaying what I can do, that I crippled myself! Ugh, but enough focus on that. Here are some of the recent pictures, I'm gonna kinda let them stand alone and hope you come visit my shop!

Smart Succulent (or any plant) Purchasing

Are you here because of those totally dreamy succulents I posted on Instagram?

Whether you are or not, you're gonna want to hear this if you like a good deal. Now, first a little disclaimer: I am not a professional; in fact, I am a reformed black thumb. The only thing that's important though, is that I am working on being a true blue gardener slowly but surely...AND that there is a less expensive way to purchase plants.

Some of the succulents I purchased and re-potted today.

You may remember from this post how I said that I started a tree seedling business for/with my dad. Well, since then, I've kinda gained a newfound interest in plant life! Seeing my garden grow from seeds might have helped as well. Secretly, I've always loved succulents, but was too afraid to try growing my own. Since a few months ago when I bought an aloe plant-which has been thriving-I became convinced that I can indeed grow them.

Agh, get to it already Elisabeth! Okay, so today I went with Momma (the true gardener) to buy some succulents, and as I veered in that direction she said, "Wait, first we need a buggy, and then we're going to the specials."

Woe.

What?

Around my house, that means something. Dirt cheap. Saving money. Pinchin' pennies. Deals. Extra ice cream money y'all! So, at Lowe's (and other places like it-so I've heard) there are shelves with plants that are not doing well. They're significantly marked down in the hopes that they will sell quickly and not be a total loss. Big stores don't have time for one-on-one plant-sitting. Usually these will be in a less obvious place, so that IF you know about the specials you'll pass all the beautiful blossoming flowers first and find them irresistible. Today, lots of plants were marked down to a dollar!

So what are you waiting for? Oh, more tips! You know me well. If you have a specific plant in mind, find out when it is going out of season, or finished blooming. They become significantly less attractive and much more difficult to sell, and will likely be marked down. If you're a succulent hunter, look for plants that have had "babies" or spread; it is fairly common, and you're basically getting 2+ for the price of one-you can separate them at home like I did. Lastly, late fall is when stores are in a hurry to get rid of their live plants. During the winter, the people that rush in to beautify their yards in the spring (inexperienced) don't even bother the garden section, so the plants will be marked down like crazy.

Did that help you any at all? I hope so. I like to pass on anything that I learn, and I would love to hear any bits of knowledge you can add to this! Lemme know in the comments! 

#10 The meaning of my name

Hi all! I’m getting back on track with the Single Woman’s Blog Challenge! Find out more about it here!

Today's assignment is:

10: Google the meaning of your name, and tell how it does or doesn't match your personality.

My name is Elisabeth Arona. My dad's name is Aron, and somehow as the third child (that wasn't a boy) he decided to add an A to his name and make it my middle name. He claims to this day that he was only joking when he suggested it, and that mom ran with it.

In American, the meaning of the name Elisabeth is: Devoted to God. Hebrew Meaning: The name Elisabeth is originally a Hebrew baby name. In Hebrew the meaning of the name Elisabeth is: From Elisheba, meaning either "oath of God", or "God is satisfaction".

My parents named all of my sisters and me Biblical names, and they even knew the meanings. I love when people give their children names that they then grow up to fulfill. The spelling of Elisabeth (with an‘s’ instead of ‘z’) is also biblical. I can't say that "oath of God" made sense to me for quite some time. I know now that it means promise of God. God proves to be my satisfaction when I'm distressed and when things aren't going my way. Songs about him and scripture regarding his promises are always my solid ground to stand on.

As for the newer meaning of my name, I am indeed devoted to God. He is an integral part of my daily life. I was raised in the church, but as I've grown older, instead of growing less active in church ministries, I've only become more active as my knowledge of and love for Christ has grown.

The name Arona is a Maori baby name. In Maori the meaning of the name Arona is: Colorful.

I thought this was so interesting. When I was growing up NO ONE had my middle name! Even when I was younger, I loved (and continue to love) anything artsy and spend a lot of time daydreaming, drawing, and reading. Now, I would say that my colorful personality shows through a lot-some people call it quirky or crazy, I now know to call it colorful!

So, tell me, how do you feel about your name meanings and how they fit you?