Mums who LOVE Made With Love- Jenica's review

You might remember back in August I announced and opened applications for 'Mums who LOVE Made With Love' which is a review panel of several mums, which due to the overwhelming response of applicants I ended up choosing 24 mums, who over the course of the next year will receive a set of party stationary (invites, card, banner and cupcake toppers) for their child's party in exchange for a review.

I will introduce you to Jenica and her review of her experience with Made With Love for her Son Lucas "Lukie or Pookie" who celebrated his second birthday with a Minions and Trains theme.

What is your name and what do you do?
I’m Jenica, and I’m a stay at home mum to Lukie, as well as wife to Simon who is a medical intern.

What is your child’s name and the age recently celebrated?
My son is Lukie, and he just turned 2! I can’t believe how big he’s getting…

What was your theme of the party being celebrated?
Lukie has two obsessions at the moment – and I mean OBSESSIONS. He loves “mimyums” (minions) from Despicable Me, and he’s absolutely crazy for his “choos” (trains).

When you were dealing with Talya from Made With Love, How did you find the customer service?
Talya is BEYOND amazing. She goes out of her way to make sure you’re happy, takes into consideration everything you tell her even if it seems irrelevant, and her attention to detail exceeds any I’ve ever seen. Nothing is overlooked. She was amazingly creative at incorporating two themes that have nothing to do with each other, and not only came up with an awesome design, but came up with SEVERAL awesome designs, which I ended up basing my entire party on. 

Please describe why you gave this rating.
Because Talya is awesome!

Did Talya help create the excitement during the entire process for your upcoming party needs?
Honestly (bad mummy moment) I had no excitement for my son’s party until I started discussing things with Talya. I had some ideas floating around in my head but figured I’d just throw some stuff together the week before. While talking with Talya not only did she ask the right questions to create her AWESOME invites, decorations and card, but she also got ME excited and planning for the party, which I honestly don’t think I would have done more than a few days in advance if it weren’t for her.

What were your first thoughts or reactions when you received your order?
Holy Crap!!! I was blown away. The packaging alone was incredible, but opening it up and seeing all the wonderful pieces she had made was like Christmas. The banner she made was incredible and I must have spent five minutes just staring at it before I even opened the rest of the package. The invites were so amazing – I can’t fathom how much time it must have taken to design and create them with all the tiny pieces! The cupcake toppers were super cute, and much sturdier than I expected. His birthday card was the best though. She even decorated the envelope! I couldn’t believe how amazing everything was.

What was your Child’s reaction? (if old enough to give a reaction)
Keeping in mind that Lukie is little and not fully verbal yet, he took one look at the invites and yelled “MIMYUM CHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!” so he knew what it was right away. Which is a testament to Talya’s work, because I made several minion decorations and pictures and he didn’t even look at them. He was SO excited to see his two loves combined together.

What was the reaction or feedback received from your invited guests?

Everyone was blown away. SO many people commented on the banner and asked where I found it. The kids were in love with the cupcake toppers, and most of them took them home with them.

What did you think of the quality of the invitations?
The quality is amazing. This is not your typical throw away invitation. They were sturdy and well made (nothing is coming apart on them despite being handled by toddlers), and they were INCREDIBLE. I couldn’t get over that each TOOTH on EACH minion was placed and stuck individually. WOW! They were far beyond what I had expected.

Are you planning on doing anything special with the invitations? 
Invites, his card, a cupcake topper, the banner and extra cut outs that I ordered will all be used for scrapbooking. Some extra invites that I collected back from people (yes, they are THAT awesome) will be framed and used to decorate Lukie’s room when he has his own bedroom.

How likely are you to want to refer Made with love to your friends and families?
I’ve already told my friends, my mums’ group and random people looking for invites on facebook to check out Talya’s work. It’s AMAZING

Do you have any feedback or comments you would like to offer?
Talya is amazing. Her work is amazing. That’s all you need to know.

Gallery of Images from the Party Below.

How cool are these Minion Balloons

Love this picture of the pinata in use!

Minion Dave guarding the cupcakes

Banana?

The Train track leading to the party!

Birthday 'Mimyum' in his costume playing with minions and trains

View of the table and cupcake toppers in use

Adorable cake trains!

Birthday 'Mimyum' Riding on the track

Minons and Trains- Can see the cupcake toppers used

Minion Pinata

Minion Pinata

Is it a dream or is it reality?

What started off as a romantic jet set away soon saw reality crashing back down.

It all started when my husband suggested or more romantically demanded that I need a break well that we need a break.

Turns out he had this whole romantic holiday planned and it truly was beautiful!

We spent a gorgeous two weeks in a over water bure in Fiji and were waited on hand and foot, literally with medicures and pedicures and the facials too!

We renewed our wedding vowels which was so intimate and romantic, celebrating 5 strong years.

After touring the majestic island and swimming in the picturesque waters it was time to say goodbye to fiji and to jump on the cruise ship home.

That was when things took a rather unusual turn.

Here on the cruise liner I bumped into one of my old friends who is now this jet setting multi millionaire after having launched and invented this incredible product, which was just loved and adored by so many. Had been admiring his success for years, success that I wish would happen to come my way.

We got chatting and he mentioned that when the cruise ships gets into the Ports of Brisbane that we should follow him back to his 'pad' or should I say mansion for some drinks and he will fly us anywhere we want the following day.

Itching to get some craft and orders done more so some Santa Keys I asked if he could drop us off to our house back in Coffs Harbour. Told him the airport is quite fine as there was no need to escort us back to our humble abode- more that I was slightly embarrased at the fact we only rented this beautiful 3 bedroom house compared to owning a 20 bedroom mansion fit with butlers and maids.

Instead in mid air when approaching the Coffs Harbour Airport we struck some turbulence and engine failure and had to make the quick jump- skydive down out of the plane and into what we thought was our home..

In fact we landed on what appeared to be the set of Home and Away at 'Summer Bay'. Here we were greeted by the producers of the show who offered me a part! Yes me! I was quite shocked and Russ was a bit peeved that he wasn't offered a part but they told him he was far too old! I couldn't help but laugh.

Off I went to get my hair and makeup done. It was only going to be for a few episodes but my character 'Tayla' happened to be on a soul searching journey to find herself. or something like that.

I think Russ went off to snorkel and play with rocks.

After what seems like 2 days of filming Russ and I decided to head home along with my nice cheque from being on the show.

I don't recall how we got home but all I remember is waking up thinking "That would have to be one of the most wackiest dreams I have had in a long time".

I then remembered I hadn't infact been away for a romantic holiday or happened upon a tv set.

I had yet again been in hospital for acute pancreatitis, the past few days.

I woke feeling like I had been on this amazing adventure but I realised it was more then likely the morphine contribution to my dreams.

Ahh how much I would love to escape to Fiji for 2 romantic weeks though!!

September the month that was!

Oh September, you sure did show me that there was the good, the bad and the ugly to the start of spring.

What a month it has been! Certainly trying on many levels....

BUT

I haven't given up yet!!

Maybe I should start with the ugly and work my way to the good.. Trust me there is some really exciting news!

Well September saw me in hospital for acute pancreatitis and was discharged after a week as they couldn't find the cause- they think it could be due to a subsequent illness from the rare inherited gene, the same one that was the reason for my bowel removal. So have to take it easy and monitor it.

*Laughs to self* Take it easy? Not only are those words not in my vocabulary now is not the month to be taking it easy!

Being sick saw me behind in orders, which I was frantically trying to catch up and ended back in hospital. Only for 24 hours this time. But frustrating all the same, still tire easily.

THEN while trying to catch up on the 300 PLUS items needing to be sent out oh low behold my cutting machine broke and needs to be sent back for repairs.

WHY once trusty side-kick... Why?

I ordered $300 worth of promotional materials only to have them arrive askew, cut off and upside down. But I don't have time to have a new order sent out as my deadline needs these in Adelaide by the 1st of Oct for sample goodie bags!

So I think that was all the ugly and bad stuff I am allowed to share (trust me there is more)..

So are we ready to hear the awesome stuff?? The news that has me quite excited??

Well, not in any particular order of the rate of excitement but I really hope you are excited for me too!

I was so lucky enough to receive a 3 day pass to this exciting and upcoming conference called 'Mumpreneurs on Fire' it is in Adelaide in Oct 23-25th! I am so excited and call tell others are too as there is only 14 tickets left.. that's right only 14 tickets! I have the privilege of creating the 80 thank you cards to be given to attendee's. Have created these to match the conference branding, colours and values. Sneak peak below.

So I have been busy planning my holiday and I haven't felt this excited in ages!! Also need to thank my supportive husband for allowing me to go from Coffs Harbour to Adelaide.

I have never been to Adelaide but have always wanted to go, and after the year I have had especially with having my bowel removed and recovering, I am excited to be able to do something for me!

I am so excited to be meeting a really close friend for the first time in person. We met through our handmade businesses and have chatted everyday for the last 18 months. She kindly has offered for me to stay there when I am not at the hotel for the 3 days of the conference. I cannot wait!!

I have booked my hotel which is only 1 min from the conference (I am not a morning person would be an understatement) so it was convenient for me!

I have also booked the train, Indian Pacific heading from Sydney to Adelaide. I have heard it is an experience and it already seems to be. I got my own cabin to myself and all these other perks! If only there would be wi-fi or mobile service along the way!

Speaking of internet we have had the NBN co come and install our new NBN service this month and just waiting for them to turn up and flick the switch now. I am looking forward the most to having faster internet, mainly to have my husband stop his 'lag rage' when playing his online games.. yes Lag rage is a real thing as most of you would realise if you have teenagers that game!

I have a friend who is making me the most gorgeous plus sized clothing to wear at the conference. I received one of the gorgeous dresses today and am picking out more options to wear to the conference. She also has a handmade business so stay tuned for the reveal!! Massive thanks to Meilling from Sewaholic Creations.

But wait there is more!!

Made With Love-Cards And Crafts is now officially trademarked pending!! YAY!! Massive thanks to Jaqui from Mark My Words Trademarks for her amazing help!

I also had the first ever mini magazine/catologue printed called 'Made with love cards and crafts: It's all in the detail' which is a glossy 12 page booklet introducing you to the brand, the designer, the products you love and special offers. These look absoloutley amazing. You can read the online version here. Massive thanks to Indy Visual for designing these!

The booklets and marketing materials will be packaged up to be sent to Adelaide to go in the conference bags! You should see my packaging so far it looks absoloutley divine and all branded in MWL colours and of course handmade. Will show you a teaser below. Each different colour is a different piece of cardstock too! All hand punched!

In case you hadn't heard we were featured in Babyology who did the most amazing feature article, and an absoloute surprise, especially while I was in hospital! Also keep an eye out for MWL in the upcoming xmas buying guides!

Speaking of upcoming issues we were asked by Tickle the imagination to create an Australiana themed Santa Key in yellow and grey! Cannot wait to see the issue! Below is a sneak peak of the Santa Key sent.

Seems everyone is loving the Santa Key this year, with a lot of upcoming media attention and also have been nominated for the 2013 Australian Craft awards for the Santa Key design. If you love the design too would love your rating! You can rate the Santa Key here!

I feel like I am forgetting to tell you some more exciting news, I swear there is more!

So leaving September on a positive note this week we see the return of many favourite tv shows Oh how I have missed Grey's, Hubby is excited for the new Marvel tv show (if you haven't worked it out yet he is a big nerd).

But if you haven't heard of BellaBox Australia before you do now! I signed up for $15 a month you get a box delivered each month filled with the latest and greatest beauty products and a magazine. This month I received so many items with some products worth retail of $15 or more!! I think it is a fantastic way to sample the latest products available without leaving the comfort of your own home. You can find out more about BellaBox here!

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Currently I have had to close custom invitation orders until further notice as I have such a backlog of current orders and need to focus on the xmas range. Please also note from the 16th-30th of October I will be away in Adelaide and unable to do orders until I return. I will be on holidays. Please note that this does not affect current orders.

That is all for now

You want to get personal with your customers? I can help!

We all know the key to your businesses success isn't just all about having a raving product (although it does help) but it is also about the impression you leave on your customers.

You want to aim for a memorable and lasting impression on your customers and I want to help you get personal with your customers.

So you have been there from the start of the customer's interaction, you have guided them through ordering and checkout, and then you have the order all ready to be packaged and sent.

Do you just whack the order in a satchel and off it goes or do you take the time to make sure it is well presented?

For me I have taken the well presented idea literally and have ordered high quality satin giftwrap in my business branding which I wrap the order up as a gift.

But every present needs a card and that is where I can come in and help.

I have decided to offer businesses the chance to get even more personal with their customers through purchasing personalised and customised thank you cards. BUT these will be like no other thank you card you have seen because these have been made just for you, your customers and your business. Simply write a note of thanks which trust me will have your customers feeling all warm and fuzzy.

A thank you card or note is a beautiful gesture to show your appreciation or thanks whether it was
for receiving a gift, or if someone had helped you in terms of your business you are thank your customers for the support of not only your business but of your family and your dream.

You will remember when you received a thank you card before how it made you feel all warm
and fuzzy inside and you created a memory. This is exactly the same feeling and experience we are wanting to create for your guests who purchase from your business.

Your customers would have left your business all mesmerised with how great your business was and would
have created a memory to go with this experience! Sending a thank you card for their support,
and purchase will have an ever lasting memory of your business.

When writing your thank you, remember how you felt when you received their order or when you were making it. Focus on that feeling when you are writing your message, it will show your genuine appreciation
for what they have done for you and your business!

A lot of love and care has gone into the making of each card, they are made with love which will reflect on your customer service.

There are different types of thank you cards that can be created and customised to suit your businesses branding and needs.

You can email me to discuss this more. Will be doing a special price for businesses.

You can even arrange to have handmade cards made to send to your customers for Christmas, which is fast approaching! Get in early to secure your very own personalised handmade thank you cards for your business today!

Email talya@madewithlovecardsandcrafts.com.au with subject heading 'Business Thank you Cards'.

IS YOUR BUSINESS SAFE FROM

YOU? AN UNEXPECTED? ILLNESS?

These are ALL possibilities of what can go wrong in our handmade businesses, BUT are you prepared for when things go wrong?

From not only personal experience but through my studies and certifications in business and management, it is always a great idea to have a contingency plan in place.

Think of it as your back up plan or as your game plan for the unexpected. Either way you need to have some sort of plan in place especially when you are doing project management.

Wait did I just hear you say, "I don't think I need this or it won't apply to me or my business"? You will be surprised at how important it is so before you finish reading to this point just see why it is important to have a back up plan!

So you have a handmade business, that is fantastic and massive congrats!

You work endless hours to create a product, to do the photographing and editing, PR and marketing, you answer a lot of customer enquiries AS WELL AS being a mum, a wife, running and managing a household. I bet you have had many a sleepless night while you are up working hard to get your business off the ground or you go to bed in the very early hours of the morning e.g 3am as you have been pushing for a deadline.

So YOU work hard but what happens if something unexpected happens and you don't have a contingency in place, what will you do? Will all your hard work and slaving hours into your business be for naught?

I would like to say No, but without understanding or knowing the importance of a risk management plan it well and truly could be!

So I will talk about two different types of contingency plans that I use in my everyday use of my business. I don't mean that everyday there is a use for the back up plan, but I have it there just in case.

Remember that not only will having a contingency in place help you but it will also be beneficial to your client and in most cases will actually protect your customer service!

I have one for my overall business and then I have one for individual projects such as each individual order I receive.

You might have been wondering why I have a terms and conditions document that is supplied to customers upon placement of a custom order. Some have told me its too long and detailed, but it helps all parties to understand what is expected of them with the order and explains why certain things are done the way they are.

You also might have been wondering why it is that I ask customers to contact me approx 8-12 weeks BEFORE their party? This is to ensure that there is plenty of time and notice for the order in the event that I am off sick for a week, or if there is a natural disaster and I am unable to send or receive packages crucial for the completion of the projects. But it is also to help me ensure that there is time to act if something goes wrong. Could be underestimating the materials used to complete an order and have to await the arrival of more cardstock, glues, cutting mats, printer ink, blades etc. I always try to have one if not two packets of the item there to replinish my stocks, but sometimes that is not always the case and I do run out.

For example you might have noticed that in my listing of the Santa Key I have stipulated that these will be available within 3-4 weeks. This partly is because I am waiting for a stack of cutting mats and cardstock to arrive which give or take the slow postal system here can be anywhere from 1-2 weeks. I also don't just order 1 of the item, I generally order 3 or 4 of each item needed.

An example of recently where I enforced a contingency plan was when the glue I use was being discontinued and a red version of glue was being introduced and replacing the clear glue I use and need. It took me over a year to find and trust in this one specific glue used on all my projects. So I asked everyone I knew to head to their local store and purchase whatever stocks of the glue this one specific supplier had and post them to me. People thought I was nuts and didn't need that much glue! But trust me I do! One friend ended up arranging 264 of the glues! But I am worried about what happens when I run out as I can't seem to find anywhere to purchase these from direct from the wholesaler.

But I am not nuts or crazy or going overboard, because I NEED glue! Can't do much papercrafting without glue now can I?

I remember once, when I didn't have a backup plan in place I had not long gotten my awesome Silhouette Cutting machine, and it was a thursday night, I was buried in a stack of orders I was frantically trying to get out and had a deadline with this order due Friday. I was half way through when oh behold, my cutting blade just snapped! I didn't know what to do, I sat there crying for hours and the closest online store that stocked these was on the Gold Coast, in Queensland, a good 5 hour drive one way! I had only just had my machine for a couple of weeks and was told blades last for up to 6 months, so why would I think to have a back up of blades? Well after that fiasco I ordered 5 blades and ensured I always had at least 4 on hand at all times. Don't worry I didnt make the drive to the Gold Coast I just had to explain to my customer that it would be a couple of days delayed. Thankfully they were amazing and understanding. But didn't help that I was angry for not having a back up supply.

So the same principle of a contingency plan can work in your sewing business whether it is knowing somewhere that can service your machine in the event that it stops working, or ordering double of the fabric needed for a single project incase you cut or sew it wrong, or having back up supplies of needles/threads/rotary cutters etc.

In the even that you are unable to complete a job whether it is from becoming too overwhelmed and stress, becoming sick or something beyond your control has happened, it is always great to know if someone can help you and your customers out whether it is a friend or family member stepping up to the task or if you contract your work to another designer.

Let's think about the more tangible risks to your business.

INTERNET-What happens if your internet is not able to be provided for a x period of time? Your provider might not be able to organise anyone to come out to your place of business to fix the issue. Do you have a back up? I have one of the telstra wireless broadbands (pre paid) that I take with me on any business trips. Even if the place is supposed to have internet, what happens if it doesn't work and your stuck with no internet access and you run an internet based business. Bit of a pickle isn't it? I know when I went to hospital for 4 weeks I took my laptop as the hospital had wireless broadband available. But when I got there, it was available but wouldn't connect to my room as it was too far from the receiver. So I had my trusty prepaid internet that I was able to connect my laptop, phone and iPad to all so I could still keep in contact with my customers and to try and keep things running as smoothly as possible. One thing you don't want to do is have customers contact you and they feel you are ignoring or do not care about them, which isn't the case as you just don't have internet access. But all the same it will improve your customer's experiences if you are prepared and have a back up.

INSURANCE- What happens if there is a natural disaster and your house floods or if your house burns down in a horrible fire and you lose everything? What will you do or manage things if you don't have insurance? I am not saying that insurance will make everything okay but it will certainly make things easier for you. Can even  be income protection insurance or insurance on your credit cards or debts. What happens if you are unable to work, would your family be able to eat? These are things that although we don't want to think about we need to  be prepared for.

I can gurantee no matter what business you have you will need a contingency plan for risk management of your projects and business.

I am a mum who LOVES Made With Love Cards & Crafts

Hi lovely mums and thank you for your interest in this amazing opportunity to apply to become one of 12 mums who LOVE Made With Love Cards & Crafts. Thank you for your interest applications have now closed.

No doubt you all LOVE Made With Love Cards & Crafts BUT there is only 12 spaces on the exclusive panel of mums who LOVE Made With Love Cards & Crafts for 2013-2014.

I have been working on this concept and what to offer for a while now and I am confident and excited to be offering this opportunity for you all!

What is the 'mums who LOVE Made With Love Cards & Crafts reviewing panel' about?
Well I am offering 12 mums the opportunity to be on an exclusive panel of reviewers who in exchange for their review and promotion/exposure of Made With Love Cards & Crafts will receive a customised and personalised birthday party stationary set ALL handmade by myself. There will be 1 mum for each month of the year who will receive their customised order. After you have received your order, handed out your invitations and after the party you will be required to send through a review of Made With Love Cards & Crafts, your order, the process etc. I also hope and expect that you will help share and promote Made With Love Cards & Crafts in good faith to your friends, family, followers, anyone who you think will LOVE Made With Love Cards & Crafts.

So what will I receive?
You will receive a handmade, customised and personalised set of:
~ 20 invitations
~ 20 cupcake toppers
~ 1 deluxe birthday card
~ 1 birthday banner

What if I have more then 1 child?
The offer and opportunity is only for 1 child's birthday. When applying you can do an application per child. But note and please understand that only 1 will be chosen. However if you are selected and you have more then 1 child I will more then happily discuss and offer you something for consecutive parties.

If I am on the review panel for this year 2013-2014 can I be on it next year?
Unfortunately if you are successful in applying for this 2013-2014 period you will not be eligible again. This is to keep it fair to other applicants and to help offer someone else the opportunity to experience what Made With Love Cards & Crafts has to offer. I hope you understand.

If I live outside of Australia can I apply?
Most certainly can! I am offering this opportunity to worldwide. No restrictions unless I am unable to post to your country!

Will the postage/shipping be included?
No, the postage will be paid by you, and will be the only thing you will pay for this order/experience.

This sounds like an amazing opportunity and I certainly want to apply. What do I need to do?
Simply fill out the form below by Monday the 12th of August 2013. Applications will close at 6PM AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time).

***PLEASE NOTE THAT IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO WRITE YOUR ENTRIES FOR THE REQUIRED FIELDS IN A WORD DOCUMENT AND COPY THEN PASTE THEM INTO THE FORM BELOW. THAT WAY IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WHEN SUBMITTING THE FORM YOU WON'T HAVE TO RE WRITE THE WHOLE FORM AGAIN TO SUBMIT. FOR EXAMPLE IF YOU DO NOT FILL IN ALL REQUIRED FIELDS IT WILL CLEAR THE FORM AND YOU WILL NEED TO START AGAIN. THIS IS BEYOND MY CONTROL. SO PLEASE WRITE IN A WORD DOCUMENT TO COPY AND PASTE INTO THE FORM. THANK YOU***

Thank you for your interest and best of luck to everyone.

No Power? Now what!

Standing in the kitchen this morning making my husband his lunch for work when the power went out. Complete darkness. You know what my first thought was? "Oh shit, did I pay the power bill?". Yes that was my initial thought, but I forgot that I actually pay it weekly so there is no bill.

I headed to the power companies website via my trusty iphone (where on earth would I be without it, I do not know) and looked up their planned outages and saw one for 'Pacific Highway' Coffs Harbour. Turning to my husband in having a blonde moment (I blame lack of caffeine for the morning) and asked 'Pacific Highway has critical updates apparently. So would that be affecting us?" My husband laughing (he was lucky to get his coffee before the before the power cut out) said "Talya, we live on the Pacific Highway, We have no power, of course it is affecting us".

Normally the power company are so kind and considerate with a phone call or letter to let you know that there would be a planned outage. But this is the third time this week there has been no power through the day and no warning or notice.

As he was walking out the door, still laughing at me he made note that I am stuck inside unable to leave as the garage wont open as there is no power. Our front door is dodgy and doesnt unlock/lock from the outside so only way in or out is via the garage.

No power meant NO FACEBOOK! What on earth would we do without facebook! I am kidding, don't worry. I was more devastated that I couldn't use my silhouette cameo cutting machine.

So there isn't a great deal that you can do through the day with no power other then housework and reading a book. I opted to read the book.

Certainly makes you realise how much we take having luxuries like electricity, hot water for granted.

I am hoping that this gave you a bit of a laugh.