My 101 List

My 1001 Day Project ends on Friday, October 1, 2010 in .

• Main Goal
• Do something towards my goals every week (1/104)
• Cooking
• Catalog all my stray recipes
• Grow an herb garden
• Grow an organic garden in a pot
• Learn to cook fish
• Learn to cook flan
• Learn to cook my dad's garlic chicken
• Learn to cook pastelles
• Learn to cook piononos
• Declutter
• Clean out garage
• Declutter house
• Photograph and post at least 10 ebay or craigslist items for destashing 1x month (1/34)
• Photograph and post at least 10 supply items for destashing 1x month (2/34)
• Scan and shred all household documents
• Financial
• Create a budget
• Establish a $1000 emergency fund
• Inventory household items for insurance purposes
• Pay off all credit cards
• Health
• Establish an exercise habit
• Get hair trimmed 3x year (1/9)
• Get a real hairstyle…and not just a trim
• Grow my Kickboxing skills
• Lose 80 pounds
• Plan my meals out and shop for them 1x week (1/143)
• Start mountain biking again
• Start rollerblading again
• Test for brown belt
• Visit dentist 2x year (2/6)
• Household
• Buy/make non-disposable shopping bags
• Finish our living room curtains
• Fold laundry 1x quarter (4/12)
• Landscape yard 2x year (0/6)
• Paint our bedroom
• Setup memory board/mirror display in living room
• Vaccuum house 1x week (0/143)
• Wax truck 2x year (0/6)
• Jewelry
• Buy a tumbler and shot
• Establish a blogging schedule for A Pretty Rock
• Learn Chinese knotting
• Learn silver wire fusing
• Pay off A Pretty Rock debt
• Redesign website
• Submit website for write up to 4 blogs 1x month (3/34)
• Knowledge
• Learn to type Spanish language characters on keyboard
• Read 3 books in Spanish (0/3)
• Read Boriquas: Influential Puerto Rican Writings -- An Anthology
• Refresh my Arabic language knowledge
• Loving my dog
• Brush Snickers 1x week (0/143)
• Take Snickers for walk around block 5x week (0/143)
• Personal
• Create a family tree book
• Create an "in event of our deaths" list for both our moms
• Help our mom's fill out their own lists (0/2)
• Give blood (hate needles)
• Have a baby (again...hate needles...and pain)
• Create a book from my Grateful 365 project
• Take my mom to see The Nutcracker
• Recreational
• Attend a USPS dead letter auction
• Create website for my WoW guild
• Create wedding scrapbook (been 9 years…about time!)
• Finish baby blanket cross-stitch (started for my godson who is now 2)
• Go hiking in the Appalachians (I live so close!)
• Go horseback riding
• Learn how to handbind a book
• Learn to alter/customize clothing for myself
• Learn to rock climb
• Learn to snowboard
• Participate in project 365
• Purchase a dSLR
• Read all the Chronicles of Narnia books
• Read my lapsed comic book series
• Visit a corn maze
• Wear a costume to DragonCon
• Relationships
• Buy/make everyone's Christmas gifts before November each year (0/3)
• Host get-together 3x year (1/9)
• Keep track of birthdays and anniversaries (and addresses) and send a card on each one.
• Write thank you notes every time I receive a gift
• Spiritual
• Go on a missions trip
• Memorize a bible verse 1x month (1/34)
• Read bible 5x week (2/143)
• Travel
• Go back home to Puerto Rico with husband
• Take Jason to La Palguera
• Visit St. Thomas/Virgin Islands
• Visit New York
• Go to the top of the Empire State Building
• Go to the top of the Statue of Liberty
• See a musical on Broadway
• Visit Europe
• Visit Las Vegas
• Take a weekend getaway with my husband 1x year (0/3)
• Work
• Back up my computers 1x week (0/143)
• Create a program to serve a useful purpose for others
• Grow my business so my husband can stay home and work with me
• Join a networking group
• Learn a new programming language 1x year (0/3)
• Learn to expertly analyze web traffic tracking results
• Organize files on computers (0/3)
• Read a technical book 4x year (1/12)
• Setup landing pages for all my registered domain names
• Update paperwork for taxes 4x year (0/12)
• Write a blog post 1x week for Turtletopia (2/143)
• Write a blog post 1x week for YazminMedia (1/143)

The Day Handmade Died · 01/28/2009

Graphic courtesy of Joey and Aleethea

That just might be what we end up calling February 10th when the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) goes into effect. By now, if you are involved in any way with handmade – buying or selling – you will probably have heard of this act. If not, here’s a quick overview.

What’s the problem?

After imported children’s products were found to contain lead, our congress quickly came up with a law banning lead and phtalates (aka carcinogenic plastics) in children’s products. In addition, it requires that all manufacturers of goods for children under age of 12 to test each and every component of their final product. They are also to provide certification of testing upon request.

Good idea, but poorly thought out. It seems that the congressmen were not thinking of small business when they put out this law. Testing and certification has already proved to be a very expensive process. On top of that, if you’re in the business of making one-of-a-kind products for children, hundreds or thousands of dollars in testing fees for a $25 product will put you out of business.

How does it affect you?

Don’t think that only applies to “legitimate” sellers. Plan on selling last year’s children’s clothing on eBay? Donating children’s items to Goodwill? Making a blanket for a friend’s baby? Think again…this applies to you, too.

You’re probably saying “Yazmin, but you don’t sell jewelry for children. You don’t even have children! Why do you even care?” The fact is that what affects one of us, affects all of us:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren’t originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children’s books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there’s always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all. Article from the American Library Association

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it’s passed testing. It won’t even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can’t sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can’t even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children’s items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you’ll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you’d better start buying now because it’s all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren’t certified as safe.” Wall Street Journal Article

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes.

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

(Courtesy of Winklepots and Chichiboulie.)

It’s a nightmare in the making.

What can you do to help?

1. BLOG ABOUT THIS!
The more people that know, the more can get involved.

2. TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
Talk it up! Around your friends, your circle of moms at school. The more the merrier.

3. CONTACT THE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE
The Committee On Energy and Commerce is the congressional committee that
sponsored the CPSIA, and they are the ones who can call a hearing to delay,
amend, or repeal the CPSIA.

Please urge them to hold a hearing on the CPSIA before February 10th. This is
the first step to getting the legislation delayed, amended, or repealed. (See Etsy’s CPSIA Resource PDF for contact information and a great sample letter.)

4. CONTACT YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES
They need to hear from you! It’s your voting power…use it wisely and let them know what matters to you. (See Etsy’s CPSIA Resource PDF for contact information and a great sample letter.)

5. CONTACT THE CPSC
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is in charge of implementation and
enforcement of the CPSIA. They are taking public comments on the CPSIA law until January 30th. Make sure you are heard! (See Etsy’s CPSIA Resource PDF for contact information and a great sample letter.)

6. SIGN THESE PETITIONS
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/reform-cpsia-hr4040.html

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/RepealCPSIA/

Make your voice be heard!

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tags: cpsia law, etsy, press

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December Modish Holiday Marketplace · 12/01/2008

Jena has got the December Modish Holiday Marketplace up and running and guess what…I’m there! Go check it out for some great discount codes from fantastic indie vendors.

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Mixed Plate Holiday Gift Guide 2008! · 10/31/2008

Holiday gift guides are starting to pop up everywhere. Most recently, the Mixed Plate Holiday Gift Guide launched this past weekend. Sponsored by Liana of Mixed Plate blog fame, she’s crafted a good mix of categories to fit any gift giving criteria.

Come find me at the “Under $20” category! Lots of great things to choose from and plenty of discounts to be had!

Oh…and Happy Halloween! I hope you had a good one. :)

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Indielove Holiday Gift Guide 2008! · 10/27/2008

The Indie Love Holiday Gift Guide has launched! Sponsored by Kristen of Indielove blog fame, she has a selection of fantastic handcrafted and indie gift items for your viewing pleasure.

You’ll see my shop there among others with gifts for friends just a click away. At the very least, you should go to check out the discounts offered!

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Etsy Blogger's ROCK!: Etsy Treasury Feature - 09/25/08 · 09/25/2008

StormyDesigns is great at making sure the Etsy Blogger’s team is promoted as best as possible. So when I woke up this morning to see that the team had a new Etsy Blogger’s Rock! treasury, I wasn’t surprised to see that she was the curator.

I don’t always catch myself in treasuries, but when I do, I like to say “thanks!” So if you find me in a treasury, let me know!

Thanks Stormy for the feature!

And if you’re interested in the earrings, you can find them for sale here or on my Etsy site!

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tags: etsy, etsy blogger's, etsy treasuries, press

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Front Page Etsy Treasury...and I was Sleeping... · 09/18/2008

When I first joined Etsy, I found myself on the front page a few times. Not all the time, but enough to make me feel like my items were interesting and unique and attractive to the general populace.

Well, seasons change, new people come, others go. As the time passed, I found myself less involved with Etsy and of course less noticed, which translated into no front page features, that I knew of. That can really get to a girl’s ego.

So you can imagine how excited I was this morning when I got an email from Cindy of Starry Designs, letting me know that I was on a front page treasury last night!

She was even kind enough to grab me a screenshot:

I don’t always catch myself in treasuries, but when I do, I like to say “thanks!” So if you find me in a treasury, let me know!

Thanks Cindy for the capture and thanks JennyBunny for the feature!

And if you’re interested in the earrings, you can find them for sale here or on my Etsy site!

Too bad I wasn’t awake to enjoy it more. :)

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The Count Me In Feature on SheFinds is Live! · 09/16/2008

Go check it out!

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The Amazing Wrappers: Etsy Treasury Feature - 09/12/08 · 09/12/2008

Ginger of MsBelle has very good taste in gems and finished pieces. While I’m not trying to send business away, if you are looking for a fantastic pair of earrings with a classic cut AAA quality gemstone, Ginger is your gal. I don’t know how she finds her beauties, but make sure you check her out.

I mention Ginger because she created an Etsy treasury and put me with such good company: The Amazing Wrappers! I don’t always catch myself in treasuries, but when I do, I like to say “thanks!” So if you find me in a treasury, let me know!

If you missed the treasury, you can click on the image to view my capture larger.

Thanks for the feature, Ginger!

(And if you’re interested in the earrings, you can find them for sale here or on my Etsy site!)

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Etsy Treasury Feature - 08/24/08 · 08/24/2008

Here’s a lovely peachy and creamy treasury: Gaslight Streets! I don’t always catch myself in treasuries, but when I do, I like to say “thanks!” So if you find me in a treasury, let me know!

Make sure to check out the bird bracelet by theBeadAerie. It’s fantastic! If you missed the treasury, you can click on the image to view my capture larger.

Thanks for the feature, PeachCult!

(And if you’re interested in the hairpins, you can find them for sale here or on my Etsy site!)

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Etsy Treasury Feature - 08/21/08 · 08/21/2008

I don’t always catch myself in treasuries, but when I do, I like to say “thanks!” So if you find me in a treasury, let me know!

Check it out! Another treasury feature! Maybe I’m coming back in Etsy style. ;)

If you missed the treasury, you can click on the image to view my capture larger.

Thanks for the feature, ToteNTots!

(And if you’re interested in the earrings, you can find them for sale here or on my Etsy site!)

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Etsy Treasury Feature - 08/16/08 · 08/16/2008

I don’t always catch myself in treasuries, but when I do, I like to say “thanks!” So if you find me in a treasury, let me know!

Check it out! Another treasury feature! Maybe I’m coming back in Etsy style. ;)

If you missed the treasury, you can click on the image to view my capture larger.

Thanks for the feature, SedgeWorks!

(And if you’re interested in the bracelet, you can find it for sale here or on my Etsy site!)

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I'm back and had a nice surprise! · 06/25/2008

Our trip was great! We watched a ton of movies and ate good food. Needless to say, we’re beat.

“Trunkt’s Front Page Showcase! Summer & Candy”
courtesy of Loella Medina

About to go to bed, I was catching up with the many Flickr photostream feeds I follow…(must feed my need for visuals.) That’s when I saw that my friend, Loella, of Loella Medina Jewelry posted a snapshot of today’s Trunkt showcase featuring one of her pieces.

Fire Drop Necklace – $74.00

It also featured my Fire Drop Necklace.

What a nice surprise. :)

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