The Modern Life of The Vintage Seller : How I Use My Phone For Business

The nice thing about these...

is they don't do this...

But there is also so much more those old vintage phones don't do. Keeping connected with your customers and running your business efficiently is so important when running your own business. Your cell phone is the answer to doing that!

My phone broke this weekend (again) and it was time to get a new one. While going thru the delightful task of setting up the phone again with everything I need, in the way that I like it, I thought I would give you a window into how I use my phone for my business. Keep in mind that this comes from a Type A personality in overdrive who likes everything to be organized and running at peak efficiency at all times. So take away what works for you and leave the rest! 

The phone :

Allow me to geek out on you briefly. Nine years in the cell phone industry does have its effects. I have had a Note for years and Samsung for many more. Needless to say, I'm a fan. The Galaxy Note Edge was so appealing to my desire to have something new and flashy but eventually my practical side won over and the Note 4 found a new home. (See, that wasn't so bad) Must you have a Note 4? No. Almost all the ways I use my phone can be done on any Android or Apple phone.

Set-up : 
You know when you are on your home screen and you scroll to the right or left and there's stuff there? Yeah, you can customize what you want there. This keeps your apps compartmentalized and convenient to keep you from searching through a large list of apps every time. Resist the urge to add everything you've ever used and just stick to the ones you use frequently. That weird game you played once will still be there should you ever decide to pick it up again.

My home page houses weather, alarm, and my most used apps. 

Next screen over is all my business apps.

Next screen over is personal.

The apps : 

There are so many apps to use in the app store. Trying out apps that others use is a great way to find something useful to you. Otherwise, feel free to browse the app store and give something a try. If you find yourself not using it, you can always remove.

Business apps :

• Social media : Oh yes, the SM word. You've got to do it, do it well, and do it consistently. Having your social media apps at the touch of a button allows you to post any time, on the go, waiting in line, or just watching tv. Of course I have Facebook Pages Manager, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, and more at the ready.

• Photo Editing Apps : What do we want? Photos. When do we want them? Now. There are so many great photo editing apps to make sure your photos are fun. I use PicsArt, Rhonna, and Snapseed, to name a few.
• Apps to run your business : There are lots of apps that make it easy to run your business right from your phone. Here are a few that I use.

• Sell on Etsy : Super obvious for the Etsy seller. Keep up with favorites, new orders, conversations, and update listings right from this app. I frequently get appreciative comments from customers on how quickly I respond to their questions.

• USPS Mobile App : Oh, the beloved postal service. Every night I set up a pick up for the days orders, to be plucked right from my front porch the next morning. This has saved me countless hours driving to the post office and the emotional scarring of dealing with postal workers. You can also track and look up prices from the app.

• Credit Card Reader : The Paypal Here app is so easy and the card reader is free. It's really a no brainer folks. Whether you use Paypal or Square, you must accept credit cards at shows or you will lose money. Period.

• Apps and features that keep things going : 

• Camera : All my photos are taken with my phone and I don't do any editing for Etsy. As a vintage seller, I need items to be shown in their exact condition. With the Note 4 rocking a 16mp camera, I don't see a reason to drag out the old Canon and tripod. You should be snapping a photo at all times to use later on social media as well. All photos back up to my Google Drive, making it easy to post to Etsy from my laptop later.
• Calendar : Things can get hectic. Everything goes on my calendar whether it's meeting with a friend or doing a show. All events are color coded so it's easy for me to know what is going on when.

• Google Maps : What would we do with GPS? Sure, you might feel better printing out a paper copy of directions from Mapquest but what happens when you take the unexpected turn down a country road on the scent of a hot estate sale? This has gotten me out of a pickle on many occasions whether on the way to a new show, delivering an order to a customer, or hunting down a pick.
• Mileage Tracking : When tax time comes, it sure is nice to just export a spreadsheet of miles used. Whether you realize it or not, you probably spend a good bit of time in your car for business sake whether you are running to buy supplies, ship an order, or head to a show or business meeting. It's so easy to take a sec before leaving your driveway to enter some mileage.
• Music : I don't know about you but music goes a long way in keeping me moving and inspired. Your life needs a soundtrack.

Personal Apps : As a business owner, keeping your personal life organized can be just as important as keeping your business organized. As you know, they tend to blend together. I keep my banking app on the ready for account checks and super easy mobile deposits, grocery list app so I don't forget what I need, and my Starbucks app for when I need to be caffeinated (which is frequently). I keep entertainment and news apps like Flipboard, Netflix, and Redbox for those times you need to switch off the old brain.

Maybe you can see why my phone is my bff. Not only does it keep me organized and running smoothly, it allows me the flexibility to be on the go, meeting friends and taking care of family members while still taking care of business. 

Don't worry, there are still lots of fun uses for those land line phones.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/pippa/bookends-diys?sub=2464747_1422180

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/114138171783467450/

http://www.theartofupcycling.com/2013/03/diy-lamp-funky-lamps.html

I'm sure you've taken away more from this blog post than "this person is nuts", I'm sure. Right? Feel free to share how you use your phone for business in the comments!

Check out our shop at Maliasmark on Etsy! Find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Farm Life : My Visit To The Farm At Rabon Creek in Simpsonville, SC

Whoa, I know. Three blog posts in a month. This is huge. I'll give you a moment.

So, today is cloudy. I thought it would be nice to think back to a beautiful day a couple weeks ago when me and Pappy went to meet Lisa of The Farm at Rabon Creek in Simpsonville, SC.

Such a beautiful location, tucked away right off Fairview Road. We were driving down the road and then boom, picturesque farm country and a feast for the eyes.

First thing I saw, was true love. Lot's of rustic junk, collected right here on the property from centuries gone by.

Then we step into wide open spaces and a rustic setting for great events!

And of course, animals!

So by now you're wondering, how can I get some farm time? I know! Who doesn't want to get out in this beautiful, peaceful setting? 

Lucky for you, The Farm at Rabon Creek hosts all kinds of great events. They have partnered with Tupelo Honey and Mill Village Farms to host The Tupelo Honey Farm Dinner. Eat great, fresh, local food and support a great cause!

They also host Farm Fresh Fair every year, hosting local, handmade, upcycled, and vintage treasures and farm fresh produce along with entertainment and food trucks for a wonderful day on the farm. Benefiting a great cause, you're not going to want to miss it!

If that's not enough, book them for your own event! You could not find a better setting for your next party or wedding. Great covered areas, lots of green space, easy to get to, and it has a fantastic fire pit. What more do you need? Keep up with them on their Facebook page!

So, I'm sure you can see why my mind is on such a place on a day like today. A place where the sun shines, time stands still, and good things are being done for the community. Amazing place. You're going to want to visit!

As always, follow Maliasmark on Instagram to get pics, tips, and sneak peeks immediately. That way you don't have to wait until I finally blog. ;)

The Splendor of Cabin Trip 2014 : Homage de Bryson City, North Carolina

A couple weeks ago, we took the long awaited for winter vacation that is Cabin Trip. So many hopes and dreams, and it lived up to them all. There is nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than being in the woods and doing absolutely nothing. Well, almost nothing. Here's how it went, as I continue my love affair with Bryson City, NC.

First I closed up shop, packed the car, and drugged the dogs for the ride up there. 

I hate to close the shop but one of the wondrous things about Cabin Trip is no connectivity. I always think I'm going to hate it and I cling to my phone like a child with it's teddy bear. For the first day, I still check my phone (even though it is in airplane mode) like messages will magically arrive. Nope, if you want to get a hold of me, it's smoke signal only!

The ride up there is typical mountain highway, until we get of the beaten path close to the cabin. I remember the first time we went last year, my PIC looked at me like I was trying to cash in on his life insurance policy. It gets rustic. Folks aren't too fancy, they don't much care for upkeep, and the yard is just another storage area for junk and trash. Quite a feast for the eyes! Then you leave paved road and you are crawling up a gravel road, with deadly curves, no guard rails, on the edge of a cliff, hoping you don't get a closer view of that beautiful valley below. Needless to say, you are pretty glad for a small patch of flat ground when you finally pull down your driveway and into your parking space. 

Like I said in my previous post, cabin decorating can be pretty interesting. But this cabin was beautifully and simply decorated, with a kitchen fully stocked with everything you need, and between the hot tub, fire pit, pool table, air hockey, fooseball, and games, there is plenty to do. Oh yeah, and the view is amazing!

First thing I did was promptly find myself a spot on the couch and started to read. And did I read. And read. And read. Ok, this is why I don't read at home. Nothing else would get done! One day I sat on the couch and read for 6 hours straight. Talk about pure bliss! During this trip I read 3 books. "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline was the first book I read and my favorite. It followed and paralleled the lives of two orphans, one from the early 1900s, one modern, weaving together history, heartache, and redemption into one amazing story. Next I read "At The Mountains of Madness" by HP Lovecraft which was just a great creepy, sci-fi, terror read. And rounded things out with "The Great Gatsby" for my classic fix. We worked on a puzzle. Seriously, who ever has time to sit and stare at a box full of cardboard pieces and painstakingly try to fit them together. We did.

Although PIC was being quite accommodating as I descended into my own world (or the world of the book I was reading), I sensed that he was itching to actually do something. So we did a bit of exploring.

Tons to see and do in this area, especially if you love the outdoors. We walked down the Nantahala River, taking pictures. We walked back on the Great Smoky Mountain railroad, where I found a treasure trove of wonderful rusty railroad spikes! We took a drive to Mingo Falls, a great waterfall hidden just a couple hundred feet off the road. Rocks, water, trees, bark, moss...just a few of my favorites things.

Needless to say, the weekend went fast and suddenly it was the last day. So much to fit in! We hit the road for some exploring and junk finding. Let me tell you, there is nothing like the back roads of NC. Like I said, these people let it all hang out. They like to share their junk collection with nature and share they do! Found a little place that sold my favorite delicacy from childhood, Slush Puppies.

We got some wood, made a roaring fire, ate popcorn, and drank our Barrel Aged Chocolate Cherry Stout from Nantahala Brewing Company as we star gazed and solved the world's problems, fireside.

As we waved goodbye to Bryson City and headed on down the tracks, we decided to try to ride home on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Signs at the entrance stated to avoid if it was foggy. It was foggy. But we went anyway. There is a reason that sign was there. 

Visibility was quite limited and as we were not in the mood to see if the car could fly and scenic views had all the splendor of a cotton ball, we got off at first chance.

So back to civilization we went and we have not been the same since. We are still on "cabin time" which includes staying up late, getting up late, having no responsibility, and eating junk food. As in, we wish we could do those things but alas, duty calls. I feel like I need to go into a rehabilitation program. Until next time, cabin!

Lots of wonderful rustic treasures were found on this trip. To see them go to Maliasmark on Etsy!