April 2019 – Katie's Blog

Mom Talk: What You Should Think About Before Joining A MLM

Posted on April 25, 2019 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! So lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of my friends have been joining MLM businesses. In the past few years, these MLM businesses have everywhere! There isn’t one person that I know that is or did join an MLM business.

If you don’t know what an MLM is, let me explain: MLM stands for multi-level marketing. It is also called the ‘pyramid selling’, ‘network marketing’, and referral marking’.

In simpler terms, they want you to have more of your friends join so you can go up higher in the company.

Here are a few companies that are MLM:

Avon
Mary Kay
Herbalife
Scenty
doTerra
Younique
Le-vel
Pampered Chef
It Works!
Paparazzi

These are just a few of the MANY MLM businesses that are out there. I only labeled a few that are the most popular or what I have seen is the most popular.

I bet you are wondering, who are the targets for these companies?

Stay-at-home moms or moms in general. Some companies like to have their reps post on how you can work from home and still spend time with your children. Which are most mother’s dreams, who wouldn’t want to stay home with their kids and make money all at the same time?

Unfortunately, a lot of people jump into these businesses, after being persuaded to try one of these companies products out. So, I’m going to talk about the things you need to know BEFORE joining an MLM business.

Do you like the products that they sell?

First things first, you have to love what you are selling before selling it. Most people get into MLM businesses because they loved the products that the businesses were selling. Think of it this way, if you wouldn’t use it or buy it, why would you have your friends and family buy it?

Talk to a form rep or read reviews from former reps online.

Before even investing a dime into an MLM business, talk to the former reps! From their experience, they can tell you what they wished they could’ve done differently. They can also give you some pointers on what helped them out when they were active in that company. Even ask them why they left and keep that in mind when you are thinking about joining an MLM company.

DON’T talk to the reps that are still active, they will most likely convince you to join the company and tell you how great it is, but you need to make sure you have not just the pros, but the cons too.

How much money will you have to invest?

This is another big one to think about. Especially, if you are a stay-at-home mom. Making sure you know or have an idea of how much money you spend on an MLM company, is a HUGE thing to know.

Reps will talk about how it’s only a small or one-time price to join, but you also have to think about if you will be buying more products. Remember, you have to show what you are selling to make a sale if your clients don’t know what it looks like or wants to see it in person.

Will you have the time for it?

This is also another thing to think about. Some of the companies want you to post on your social media all the time about the products or hounding you to make a sale. If you are a stay-at-home mom, you want to make sure that you can care and spend as much time with your kids, but if you also have to post or make sales, it might be harder to do.

How many other people, such as friends and family, sell it?

You won’t be the only one selling for an MLM company, but it is good to know who is selling from the same company you are. If you have more than 3 people selling the same products you are, it is going to be difficult to even make a sale.

A lot of people don’t think about it either, they get so excited to sell the products that an MLM is offering, that when it comes time to do so, they are having even more trouble trying to make a sale since they find out that more peeps on their friends list are selling the same thing that you are.

DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THE COMPANY!!

A lot of people forget to even think about this before joining. You want to make sure that the company is everything that you are told it is. If they support or donate money to a charity or support a group, make sure that they are really doing so.

Before becoming a rep, you want to make sure that when you get into an MLM company, they are everything you support. Making sure that the quality of the product is the same as well and also making sure what they claim is true, as well.

Doing your own research and making a list of the pros and cons of the company is something you must do, especially if you want to join an MLM company.

Take your time, don’t rush into it.

Looking over all the pros and cons of an MLM company, you can decide whether this is something you want to do. Talk it over with your spouse, family, and friends, get their insights about it.

Take as long as you need, just remember, the choice is yours. If you think it’s a great idea, go for it! Just make sure that the company and its products are what you are passionate about. Remember, if you wouldn’t buy it, why would you want to sell it to anyone else?

Crafty Sassy: Crochet Hooks, What Should I Get? (For Beginners)

Posted on April 23, 2019July 3, 2019 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! Since I am working on a few projects, I figured I would talk to you about the many crochet hooks that you can come to choose from. Especially if you are a beginner, knowing what hooks to get can is very important!

As a beginner myself, I jumped right into buying a set of crochet hooks from Wish and went from there. However, since I got lucky and only paid 3 bucks for a mini set, I wish I would’ve known there was more than just one type of hooks.

Each type of hooks can have a different feel or how they are in general, but before we get into how they feel, let’s talk about the different kinds of hooks you can get:

Aluminum Hooks
Plastic Hooks
Steel Hooks
Wooden/Bamboo Hooks
Japanese Hooks

I’m going to break each of these down just so you can get a picture of how they are like and if they are for you. The only ones that I don’t have in my possession, are the Japanese Hooks, but I will still explain and have a photo of them just so you know what they look like.

Also, I am going to put a chart of the different sizes of hooks you can get and how they are labeled, as well.

As you can see, there are 3 different types of labels for these hooks. USA, English, and Metric. The easiest one to go by is Metric, I found that it was easier to find hook sizes by using their actually metric size.

To me, using letters to determine which size hook, has been confusing and usually if a pattern says a hook size as a letter, I always end up looking up in my crochet books or search in Google, to get the metric size. Hence why my patterns, don’t have the hooks in letter sizes.

If you are a beginner, Metric is the way to go, but you can determine which one you feel most comfortable following. If you are wondering how small these hooks can be, they can get pretty small or really huge.

Now, let’s get down to talking about the actual hooks themselves.

Aluminum Hooks

There are one of the most common hooks you can get. I prefer them/use them, for almost every project! These hooks were one of the first ones that I bought to get into crocheting. They can come in all different colors and can go as little as 0.60!

However, for the little hook sizes, you have to be VERY careful. I actually have a few of the tiny ones and let me tell you, they can bend very easily. I haven’t even used them once, but they bent trying to get them out of the packaging!

Lucky, I haven’t reached a project where I’m required to use them, yet.

Another thing to look out for is that they can’t get wet! When I mean by that is if you have sweaty palms or hands, they can tend to be more difficult to work. First time I used them, I was so excited and nervous that it made it difficult to want to work with them.

Although, you can get grips or even use tape to place around the handle of the hook, making it easier to grip and easier to handle your work better!

Overall, they are perfect for beginners! Plus, I love the different colors you can get them in. My family usually get me crocheting books, and some of them come with these hooks, so I have already started a collection with my metal hooks!

Plastic Hooks

These next hooks are another fun-coloring type of crochet hook. Now, I want to let you all know that I haven’t had the pleasure to work with a plastic hook in a ‘normal’ size, meaning the only sizes I have are an 8.0-11.5.

Have I worked with them? Yes, I actually used one of them to make a basket for my mini balls of yarn. I do plan on getting myself a plastic set, just so I can have them for an option, which a lot of crocheters tend to so that.

These hooks work pretty well, I don’t have any complains, although I have seen and heard from a few people, that they are very easy to break, which I figured they would because they are made up of plastic.

However, I haven’t had one break on me, ‘knock on wood’, but I can see the smaller ones breaking a lot quicker than the bigger ones.

Overall, I see more people use the bigger plastic hooks more than I do the smaller ones.

Steel Hooks

I know you are probably thinking, ‘What’s the difference between these and the aluminum ones?’. Well, there are a few differences, but let me explain why.

These hooks have a built-in handle, which is perfect for if you have sweaty hands, as I do from time to time. Not only that, having a handle makes it easier for you to grip the hook better, but it makes it easier to control smaller hooks.

Yes, they do make them in smaller hooks. I actually bought myself a set, that also came with a storage bag, because I was looking for something to help me better grip my smaller hooks, especially, since I crochet a lot of towel toppers.

Although, these are one of my ‘go to’s’, the only problem I have with them is the grips. Now, the set that I bought, had rubber grips, but they were starting to slide off and it made it bothers me when they do that. Especially, when you are crocheting.

If you do want to get yourself a set of these hooks, go for the ones that are built onto the hook itself. If you do end up getting a rubber set, take some hot glue or craft glue, and glue the inside of the rubber piece, and slide your hook back on.

Overall, they do have some very cute grip holders and they can come in multiple colors. These are definitely a must, especially, if you are a beginner!

Wooden/Bamboo Hooks

These hooks were the first thing that I really wanted, as soon as I got into crocheting! They were handmade and hand-carved, but I really just wanted them as an option and to grow my hook collection.

They are so smooth to the touch and have a point at the top of the hook, which makes going into stitches easier. The size of every hook is hand carved into the hook itself. These were so pretty I didn’t want to use them, but I did have some problems.

The ones I have, they felt weird to use, but when it comes to trying out different hooks, it can take a while to adjust, but it felt weird to use them. It’s not that I didn’t like them, I just the hook itself is very awkward.

I even put on a handle, which I didn’t want to do, but with the handle, it was a little easier.

The smallest size they go, in carving them with would, is a 3.0. Anything smaller is just a metal hook with a wooden grip, which I would like to note, the wooden grip is very strong and I haven’t had any problems with it.

Overall, I like to have a set, just to have it, but I have used them before. It does take some type to get used to, but you also need to be careful because since these are made up of wood/bamboo, they are very easy to break. Hence why they don’t go smaller with size!

Japanese Hooks

Now, as I said in the beginning, I’ve never tried these, so I can’t really give a good detailed explanation whether they are good or bad. I do see quite of bit of other crocheters that do use them.

What I have read, from my crocheting books, these hooks are perfect for people who have small hands and it helps with arthritis. From the looks of these hooks, they do look very comfortable.

Overall, you have to try them to get the feel from them. I do plan on getting a set in the near future.

In order to find out what hook works for you, try them all out! Of course, you don’t have to buy the entire set of them, you can always get just one of each and see how they are for you!

I like to have options, especially when crocheting. Have a set of each different hook can give me more options to choose from, no matter what size hook I need!

Leave a comment down below letting me know what kind of hook you prefer to use! I’d love to know!

Don’t forget to follow my Facebook page, I update my temperature blanket daily on there, go live crocheting, and even have free giveaways! Link is down below!

https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/

Arts and Crafts, Beginner Patterns, Crochet

Crafty Sassy: Crocheting a Completely Solid Mini Granny Square (Beginner)

Posted on April 16, 2019July 3, 2019 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! I wanted to show you how to make a solid granny square, but this one is an actually solid granny square. The reason why I wanted to show you what a complete solid granny looks like, I wanted to also kinda see what I’m going to use it for.

The question I know I’m going to get asked is, ‘What’s the difference between a solid granny square and a completely solid granny square?’

Well, let me show you!

The purple square is a completely solid granny square. The blue one is a granny square, which is actually what I used to make my temperature blanket. The difference is that you can’t see the holes that are made for making the granny square.

*Note* They are NOT the same size. The completely solid granny square or the purple one is only 2 rows. While the other square has 5 rows.

I actually found the pattern on Youtube because I was looking for it for one of my ‘big’ projects. Needless to say, I got very lucky and it just happened to be in my suggestions for videos to watch.

Here is the link for the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3TElIayQS8&t=640s

Now, you are probably wondering, ‘What project were you going to use to make with these?’

Well, here’s the thing. I love making stuff for others and I wanted to make my mother a blanket for her birthday, but I ended up going with the C2C method. The only problem was that I jumped into it and made a lot of mistakes.

To the point where I ALMOST finished it, but instead of printing out another sheet and ripping it, I decided to just rip it and got granny square small instead. Which is why I suggest to really pay attention when it comes to C2C and learn as much as you can!

With that being said, I am currently, been making a bunch of tiny granny squares. You are also probably thinking that I’m crazy for doing so, but in the end, it will look awesome!

However, you don’t need to make a bunch of small ones, as I did. Anyway, let’s get down to what you need for this pattern:

Medium Yarn or Size 4
- I’ve been using Red Heart Super Saver since it’s what I’ve been using for the project itself.
5.0mm hook
- You can use any size, depending on the size yarn you are using.
Marker
- These are a must when it comes to doing this the first time! Especially if you plan on making these squares bigger!
Sewing needle

The pattern is pretty simple, but it can get confusing, let’s begin!

You can either start with a magic circle or a chain 4. The difference between the two is that the chain 4, you have to make a slip stitch to start. Which

Row 1 ( If you used a Magic Circle to start): Chain 2.(counts as your first stitch) Make 2 double crochets in the circle. *1 treble crochet. 3 double crochets.* Repeat from * until you have 4 corners. Join with a slip stitch at the top of the chain 2. Place a marker at the top of each of your treble crochets.

Row 1 (If you chained 4 to start): Make 2 double crochets in the last chain from your hook (You’ll be working in this chain). *Make 1 treble crochet. 3 Double crochet.* Repeat from * until you have 4 corners. Join with a slip stitch at the top of the chain. Place a marker at the top of each of your treble crochets.

The next row is the same for both the magic circle and chain 4.

Row 2: Chain 2. *Double crochet in the next stitches, until you reach your stitch marker or first corner, remove it and remember to put it back for each treble crochet stitch. Make 2 double crochets where your stit marker was. Make treble crochet in that same stitch and another 2 double crochets in that same stitch.* Repeat from *. Join with a slip stitch in the top of your chain 2.

Repeat Row 2 until you have reached the desired size. Fasten off and weave ends in.

There you have it! I will also make sure that I update you on my current project that I’m working on for my mom!

Make sure you are following my Facebook page! I do free giveaways on some stuff that I have made! Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/

Books, Reviews

Book Review: A Sucky Love Story (Brittani Louise Taylor)

Posted on April 4, 2019April 4, 2019 by Katie Night

I am a big Youtube fan, I’ve been watching Youtube since I was 13. Always wanting to start a channel of my own and really be myself. There were two big names that I used to watch on the daily: Shane Dawson and Brittani Louise Taylor.

Ever since then, I’ve followed them both on social media, but we are going to talk about Brittani, first. The first video I watched of hers, was the mini two-part episode she did with Shane, ‘Emo Breakup.’

Here is the link, if you would like to see it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st8-oYpI_FE

Brittani was one of those people who loved to show herself being herself, which is one of the reasons why I loved watching her videos. She gave me the inspiration to keep being myself. However, little did any of us followers knew, she had been going through something even more frightening. An abusive relationship.

Since she was going through a trial, she wasn’t allowed to say anything about what was going on in her situation, so her lawyer told her to write a book instead, which she did. Out came ‘A Sucky Love Story’.

I’m not going to go completely into details, but as a person who has been watching Youtube for a while, you never would’ve thought anything wrong would be happening in their lives.

Brittani was on Tinder, trying to find her ‘soul mate’, as she says in her book. She had a few failed attempts at Tinder, but was still hopeful, until she found Milos. At first, she didn’t like him, but over time, he changed everything about him to what Brittani was attractive too.

In the end, Brittani had gone through hell and back, figuring out that everything that he told her, was turning into a lie. At one point, multiple detectives and law enforcement officials said that the way Milos actions of him and his so-called ‘mother’, made them think to believe that they were going to try to human traffic her and their son.

Brittani wanted to tell her story so that anyone who does start or is currently trying out online dating, just to make sure you know the signs and that you are careful who you meet. She wanted to make sure that no one goes through the same thing she had to endure.

My Opinion of the Book:

I couldn’t put it down, I had to keep on reading, so that I could find out the real truth and what really happened to her. She does an amazing job and had notes from when everything happened. I ended up getting teary towards the end of the book, but it was amazingly written.

I would 100% recommend it, but I highly recommend it to those that are thinking or already started online dating. It’s good to keep in mind what can happen to you when you meet someone online and how cautious you need to be when it comes to that.

At the end of Brittani’s relationship with Milos, the best thing that came out it all was her son Rex, who is now happy with his mother and grandmother. Brittani is still doing Youtube videos, whenever she has a chance, but because of her relationship, she has to alter her and her son’s life.

If you are one of those people who says, “If he is abusing you, just leave,” it’s a lot hard said than done because that person can manipulate you to change your mind and try to work out things together.

If you are in an abusive relationship, talk to someone and try to make a plan, there are all kinds of people and place who are willing to help, even if you have children, they want to help you. Here is the list of links if you want to reach out for help:

If you want to check out Brittani’s channel and watch the videos she made when she was with Milos or what she is currently doing now:

https://www.youtube.com/user/BrittaniLouiseTaylor

If you want to get somewhat of a sneak peek to what really happens to Brittani, she did make a video with Shane Dawson explaining bits and pieces of what really happened to her, but in order to really find out what happened, you will need to read her book.

Link for Shane Dawson’s video with Brittani: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNuKpwX6Tz4

Crochet Blanket 2019

Temperature Blanket Update 2019: March

Posted on April 2, 2019April 1, 2019 by Katie Night

Hey Dearies! If you have been following me on my Facebook page, you would’ve noticed that I was behind on my daily squares, due to running out of yarn, which can happen when doing a temperature blanket!

Anyway, let’s talk about how this month went, we are FINALLY getting some warmer days and we also had our very first 60-degree day, which was also on the last day of the month.

January, February, and March!

So, if you are wondering how big this blanket is going to get, well, it’s going to get pretty big! This blanket is also being laid on a King size bed, so by the time this blanket will be finished, it will most likely go over the sides and fit perfectly on the bed.

We already have about 90 squares on this blanket. In the upcoming month of April, we will be able to start seeing different colors since it is beginning to warm up and make it feel like spring!

Also, you might have noticed a slight color change for my dark purple, this one also one of the colors that I did up end up running out of and had to substitute it with a different type of purple.

It’s still the same Red Heart brand, but a different line of yarn, so I will add that to the list of colors, as well. Hopefully, I won’t have to make any more color changes to this temperature blanket, but it is my first one, so mistakes are bound to happen.

Just in case you want to see what the colors will start to look like, as the temperatures get warmer:

20181222_124142 — 100 degrees – Fire Red (I Love This Yarn)
90 degrees – Pumpkin (Red Heart Super Saver)
80 degrees – Bright Yellow (Red Heart Super Saver)
70 degrees – Jelly Bean (I Love This Yarn)
60 degrees – Green (Main Stays Basic Yarn)
50 degrees – Turqia (Red Heart Super Saver)
40 degrees – Soft Blue (I Love This Yarn)
30 degrees – ~~Dark Orchid (Red Heart Super Saver)~~ *Changed to the following – Violet (Red Heart With Love)
20 degrees – ~~Orchid (I Love This Yarn)~~ *Changed to the following – Orchid (Red Heart Super Saver)
10 and below – Light Gray (I Love This Yarn)

How do you tell which color to use?

I, personally, go with the overall temperature. So, let’s go by today, for example.

Today in Maine, the overall temperature is 17 degrees. I would choose the light gray.

Let’s say that it was an overall temperature of 22 degrees, I would choose the Orchid color. All my temperatures, for my colored yarn, has to have the same number first number. If that makes any sense, I’m sorry if it doesn’t!

What was the highest temperature for this month?

Well on the last day of March, we got a 60-degree day! So, the light green is just the beginning of what temperatures will start to look like in the upcoming weeks!

What was the lowest temperature for this month?

So, our lowest temperature was actually 20-degrees, but on those days, it felt a lot colder than that!

Do you post daily updates?

Yes, I do. On my Facebook page, I post a picture of the square for each day. I also tried to post every week’s worth, but it was hard to keep track of, so I’ll be posting monthly and daily instead.

If you haven’t liked my Facebook Page, here is the link below! It keeps you posted and updated on my temperature blanket and any updates for my blog and YouTube channel, as well!

https://www.facebook.com/katiesblog96971617/?ref=bookmarks

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