What did I say about learning along the way?

So I thought it'd be nice to send coupon codes via Etsy conversations for those who have liked my item. I mean, I'd be happy to receive discounts on the things I marked as favourite!

What I didn't know was that there are strict rules for promotions:

You must not use Conversations to send unsolicited advertising or promotions, requests for donations or "spam."

If someone adds your item or shop to a Favourite List, that is not an invitation to send a Conversation to that person.

Oops. So much for trying to be entrepreneurial.

Thankfully one member (the first who ever favourite my items) gave me a friendly heads-up and shared about other channels, like creating email lists. (I think she wants to warn me before Etsy throws me out.)

After I sent out an 'Oops I'm sorry I'm still learning' message to others (more convos... haha) I also received replies like "no problem :)".

Thank God for kind souls. And I've also since changed the promo wording to coupon codes will ONLY be sent if you alert me via convo.

I think if I'm an easily discouraged person, I'd have left Etsy in my first month cos setting up something, no matter how small, seems sooooo hard!

But being the thick-skinned person that I am, I will continue trying. Yep.

2nd month promotion

Into the second month of my so-called business, so am doing a little promotion.

From my Etsy shop:

"PROMO: From now till 31 Oct, receive free domestic shipping in US when you favourite our shop or any of our items (coupon code will be sent to you via Etsy conversation)! To thank you for your purchase, we will also send you a $2 off thank you code to be used for your next purchase (thank you code expires on 31 Dec).

Have fun shopping!"

Learned to create coupon codes for the first time. So exciting... let's see if it works! ^ ^

Is romance dead?

I was chatting with a group of old colleagues in WhatsApp and one of them said there's no love at first sight. And that after marriage, you have what you called the 'best friends' kind of relationship, love that is comfortable.

But not romantic.

Well I believe passion is important in a relationship, regardless of length. I recalled writing a post in Feb this year, asking whether we can be lovers and friends at the same time. This is because I have the most loving husband, one who dotes on and spoils me a lot. And yet, I miss that adolescent hit-you-in-the-gut-make-your-heart-race feeling.

I think I finally found the answer. That romance does exist. You can be a lover and a friend at the same time in your marriage.

It all depends on you.

You want to be surprised with gifts once in a while? Do that for your hubs. You want to be rained with kisses and hugs every day? Do that for your hubs. You want to be treated like the most important person? Do that for your hubs. You want to receive text saying "I miss you" and "can't wait to come home"? Do that for your hubs.

Love and romance is not magic. It's not even work. It's a blessing that you give to your spouse. And it's reciprocal.

So you want romance in your marriage?

Give romance and then see the blessings happen.

Quoi de neuf? What's new?

It's been too long since I last wrote... What have I been up to?

1. Taking up regular church duties. Yes, with children again!
2. Part-time social media work. I'm on trial till the end of the month before they decide if I am suitable for the job. Client's key concern is time-zone difference but I do hope I can get it on a longer-term basis.
3. A long holiday to Toronto and New York. In fact, we just came back on Sunday!

FaceTimed with Mom today and towards the end, she asked nonchalantly: "Any news?"

I gave her a blank face cos I thought we just shared the latest for the past half an hour.

She decided to ask directly: "Are you pregnant?"

My eye immediately popped out with a "WHAT MAKES YOU THINK I'M PREGNANT? AM I FAT???"

Moms. Sigh.

(For the record, yes I've put on weight during the trip but no I'm not pregnant.)