PayPal Changes Scheduled and Being Shared With You

PayPal Changes Scheduled Being Shared With You from LilacsNDreams. Welcome everyone, and glad you could stop to visit for a bit. 

How many of you use PayPal services for your selling platforms, your business, with your websites, used as your payment processor, and etc? I myself have used them for years. Actually when I started with EBay many years ago I was signed up with PayPal. I have used them ever since then, and I am still using them to this day wherever I am making sales.

If you are using their services you have probably received notice of changes that are scheduled, or maybe you have heard some people mention something about it too. For those who miss placed their notices, haven’t received anything , are considering using PayPal, and etc I have enclosed notices that I received in my email along with a notice that was shared on E-commerce Bytes with subscribers too. 

Please take the time to read copies of notices I am sharing below. It really shouldn’t be a surprise for some kind of fee increases with PayPal. I really can’t remember the last time they made a change, or did any kind of increase. It’s all business, and there have been many places that have done increases, did more increases again, and etc. The Postal Service is one of them along with other shipping services too. I guess I can say I was not real surprised by the notice received by them. 

Another quick note about last weeks posting talking to you about the house we are hoping to have. It appears the numbers are looking good according to the realtor. We have to wait for the attorney to be back from vacation that will be doing the papers for closing, signing, etc. As long as nothing else comes up which it shouldn’t. Just being nervous, and anxious. Hopefully, and thinking that maybe by the end of July we should be moved in. It looks good, sounds good, but I guess just waiting for reality to sink in that we are close to moving into a little bigger home with some scheduled home improvements that are being noted. The house is move in ready as it is, but there are some minor things we would like to have done for our comfort. Course it also adds more equity to the home too. Wish us luck!

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams! Glad you stopped by, and feel free to drop by anytime. Take care, and be safe till our next visit. Toodles . . . . 

 

DIY Vintage Collectibles Repurposing With All Things We Do

 DIY Vintage Collectibles Repurposing With All Things We Do at LilacsNDreams. Welcome to everyone visiting today!

Wow! Where has this time gone? A lot of time was spent with my husband being ill, his recovery, doctors, hospital, ER visits, and etc. He’s back to work, doing good, still has an issue now and then, but its expected according to the doctor. 

Now, we have a house we have been working on getting too. Thursday we had a slight delay due to someone not doing their job correctly, got some feathers a little flustered, but all is good, and moving forward. The appraisal was done on the home Friday. There have been a few steps with The VA/VU that have been covered with their processing. Learning experience too. So, now waiting to hear the numbers with the appraisal, and hopefully things are good that we will soon be closing…I think it was predicted for mid July on closing. Time will really be moving along then. So many things to donate, downsize, pack, arrange where things will go in new home, which rooms, and so on. Especially where to put all my crafty things, and hopefully in the near future I can start crafting again. 

I will be so comfortable to be crafting again, painting, cutting, and doing some thrifting for pieces to work with, and looking for some vintage collectibles too. The Pandemic put such a hold on things. It’s great things opening up again, and to be able to work towards some normality of things also. I’ve missed doing a lot of things, and am really anxious to get busy with things again. Course, anxious for the house, and adding some touches in there as well. Next spring hopefully we start with some minor adjustments we want on the house too. Extending a room making a 4th bedroom, and adding another bathroom to the house too. Some remodeling, and updating has been done already. Simple things we like, and anxious to add a little more. Putting a tin roof on is also on the list. Dog should be happy there with the fenced in back yard too.

Well everyone I don’t want to bore you with my repeating, and rambling with my excitement of events. Cross the fingers, and wish us luck the next time you hear from me that we are moving. Thanks for stopping by, and visiting with LilacsNDreams! Take care, be safe, and see you again soon. Toodles . . . 

Memorial Weekend Rememberance For the Fallen and the Serving

 Memorial Weekend Remembrance For Fallen and Serving with LilacsNDreams. 

Wishing everyone a safe, and fun Memorial Weekend. Please remember those fallen, and those serving today with sacrifices they make for our freedoms. Thank you to all !!

Thanks for stopping by everyone, and be safe!! See you next time.

Repurpose Upcycle DIY Handmade Vintage Collectibles

Repurpose Upcycle DIY Handmade Vintage Collectibles at LilacsNDreams. Welcome, and glad to have you drop by!

I’m so very very very sorry to all those who have visited, and no new postings done for you to read. I deeply apologize for this. Once in a while Life can throw a curve, or two. Well, that time came for us this past month. 

My husband was scheduled to have all his upper teeth pulled. That went successfully. The dentist liked how things looked his first day after surgery. The following few days from there husband was not feeling well. I was feeling a little off myself too. But, unfortunately for him he kept not feeling well. One of the biggest issues is he was not eating. About a week and a half later I took him to the ER. Great service there. 

Unbelievably he was not tested for COVID. They gave him an IV for dehydration, and talked with him about foods he could eat, and things to drink for protein.

Next day he had a dental appointment. Explained to them what had been happening, some of it they knew about the issues of not eating. Checked his upper mouth, things were still looking good for the healing process, adjusted his denture again to help him. My husband was getting bad headaches too. Dentist wasn’t sure what to say about that. The next night we had the ambulance at the house because hubby was having a hard time breathing, it would hurt, and some slight pain in his chest.

So, off he went in the ambulance with me following hoping we would get some answers as to what has been happening. He still wasn’t eating, drinking water, not enough, and the symptoms kept happening. Got him checked into the ER...different hospital than from a couple nights ago. Went over all the same things, same questions, blood work done, chest X-rays done, hooked him to the IV again, and we were asked again about COVID. He was not tested before his oral surgery, he was not tested at hospital other night, and this hospital was astounded no one had tested him. They tested him on this night, and it was positive. He had COVID Pneumonia, and he was admitted to the hospital. Here he stayed for about 6 days, and sent home with a few instructions. 

He came home on a Tuesday, and on Wednesday Night I took him back to the hospital. Same issue with breathing. He was tested, things look good, and given some instructions. Thursday morning I was woken very early, hubby had called ambulance again due to his chest, and breathing. Rescue unit got there first, his oxygen was good, and things calmed down. He cancelled the ambulance. About 1/2 hour after they left he had me taking him to the ER again. 

This time we spent all morning at the hospital. Ran tests, did a scan checking for blood clots, talked with him, etc. everything was coming out good, no clots, blood work good, etc. Doc spent time talking with him. Explained some situations of COVID, he had it at 1 point, nurse had talked with him about her having it, how long it can take to heal/feel like yourself , etc. This time they explained more, covered a little more, an gave a few more suggestions too. Some medicine had been prescribed, some over the counter sleep aid suggested, and an oximeter was suggested too. Now, with that object my husband treats it like a security blanket. It’s helping him get through this situation, he’s starting to eat more, getting more of an appetite, and he is up moving around a little more walking. He hasn’t worked for 3 weeks, its gonna be about another 2-3 weeks before he can consider working again. 

Who would have guessed this would happen, right? Never any issues with the cross country driving he does in the truck. I feel fine. Just dealing with allergies right now...that time of year you know. Lots of washing, cleaning, and spraying/sanitizing things around the house, the patio furniture, and the car too. 

So, to keep things healthy for him at this time I have not done any kind of crafting, thrifting, yard sales, shopping, etc. Getting a little antsy myself. Things will pass, they will get better...slowly getting there, and he will be back to work, and I can continue with things I have been doing. Slight delay right now, but it will be better soon. Just working with time right now, and this healing process for him. 

I’ve missed being here every week, and I deeply apologize for it too. I’m happy I could take a little time to share with everyone what the real issue is, and please ask for your patience with me during my husbands healing. 

Thank You so very much for visiting with LilacsNDreams everyone! Take care, be safe, and stay healthy! See you again soon, Toodles!

 

Thrift Store Shopping Good Will Hunting Price Changes

 

Thrift Store Shopping Good Will Hunting Price Changes with LilacsNDreams. Welcome to everyone visiting! 

Many of us like to thrift, some of us have our favorite second hand stores we will favorite, Good Will is popular amongst many too. As you frequent some of these places have you noticed a change with some of their prices too? Are you finding that some of them are a little bit spendy? Have you found some to have a little more than a thrifty price? 

Some of the different shops still have reasonable prices for all of the changes we have been experiencing. Yet, some of them have become a bit spendy, and I find myself not able to shop with them. I don’t over price things myself I don’t think, and try to be reasonable in pricing myself. Like many many others I do have to make some kind of profit in order to do what I do, be able to offer what I do, and have fun shopping too. I take pleasure doing what I do.

Anyway, I feel it’s a bit bothersome when some of the clothing is priced higher than maybe Walmart, Target, and some of those stores. What is also disturbing is that some of the prices for items of interest are being priced as what is being found on eBay. Reason I mention this is due to a couple incidents I had. When I asked a couple of clerks how they determined some of their prices  for some pieces I had found I was told it was due to what they sell for on eBay. 

I’m sorry, and I know it is terrible of me to do, but the answer of using eBay made me chuckle. I then asked if they were an auction house accepting bids on items, if their items included shipping which evidentially they were not doing with physical shopping, and etc. They sad No of course not. I did remind them that items they were selling had been donated to them, and that eBay items sell for a different price due to different factors involved that they did not have in the physical store. Like people buying things in order to resell.  I also asked if they had collectors books to research with for pricing, and to actually verify what they were selling. I was told no to that. I did mention if it was of any value they were better to have a silent auction like they do from time to time.

I’m sorry, I do apologize. I thought Thrift Stores were for people to go to, and buy things for their homes, sometimes gift giving, and for crafting. Some people with a lower income, or having a hard time rely on some of these stores for clothing their children to be a little more acceptable with schools, societies, etc. 

At one time I had read an article with ecommercebytes blog about this particular subject. I found it interesting to read, think about, and read a few thoughts and comments left by others who shared their opinions as well. 

So, what about you? What do you think? Have you noticed some of this when you are thrifting, or bargain shopping?

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams! I appreciate you visiting, and letting me share some of my thoughts, and opinions. Remember, I am no expert with anything, but just like to converse and share things with you. Take care everyone, and be safe, See you soon! Toodles . . . . . . 

Glass Cloche Dome Cheese Dish Refurbished Restyled

 

Glass Cloche Dome Cheese Dishes Refurbished Restyled by LilacsNDreams. Welcome to all, and glad to have you stop by. 

                   Black Glass Cloche Dome Covered Wood Pedestal Stand Refurbished Restyled

                          Blue Glass Cloche Dome Covered Cheese Tray Refurbished Restyled

                           Pink Cloche Glass Dome Cover Cheese Tray Restyled Refurbished

                          White Cloche Glass Dome Cover Cheese Tray Restyled Refurbished

How has everyone been doing with their Thrift Shopping? My shopping hasn’t been to eventful itself. Thrift Stores are open around me, and I’m dying to rummage through them really. The weather has been good, you can feel spring in the air, and I’m excited to get out there. Unfortunately, due to us being in the process of house hunting, and moving I am trying to preserve myself right now. It’s killing me because it is that time of year to do these things with thrifting, rummaging, and hunting. However, less packing, and less issues with worries of breakage with things will make the trip of moving just a little less stressful for me. Until then I might work on small transferable projects,, and sharing some things I have done in the past. I apologize, and ask you to bear with me 1 more time. Soon I shall have a better area, and more room to work with...if everything goes as planned. Crossing fingers. 

All the pictures you see above are different Cloche Glass Dome Cover Cheese Trays I had refurbished, and restyled. These were all done with wooden bases, and were all done over time with different pieces found. Most of them I kept simple with priming, and painting the wooden bases. I painted 1 black, 1 blue, 1 pink, and 1 white. 

At the very top of these dome covered cheese tray pictures you will see the black pedestal dome stand I did. This one was fun, and a learning experience for me too. A bit challenging, but still fun! I used the original wooden base that you find with these cheese trays, and attached it to a wooden candle holder. After the glue dried completely I applied a gray primer, and then painted it all black. Once that dried completely I applied a piece of sheet music that I fitted to the circular center tray of this piece which had been slightly stained, and then mod podged. I used some of the scrap music sheet I had cut to apply around the middle of the wooden pedestal stand. Around the neck/top part of the middle pedestal I added a white satiny ribbon that matched with the paper. This added just a touch more character to this piece.

Now, on the white cheese tray I used mod podge, and again cut some sheet music to fit the center. I slightly stained the cut sheet with some coffee, and tea. I then slightly burnt the outer edges of the sheet music before applying it to the center of the base. I had left the blue one plain, and with the pink one I had included one of my vintage doilies I had.

With all of these cloche dome covered cheese trays I had listed them with my Etsy Shoppe over time too. I enjoyed sharing pictures of different ways to consider using these too. 

While thrifting it may seem like we collect some of the craziest things, or that we accumulate things with no definite goals in mind. Showing these things to you is how it can all come together for me, and can for you too. 

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams everyone! Always glad to see you stopping by. Till the next time take care, and be safe! Toodles . . . . . . 

Etsy EBay Bonanza Ecrater Poshmark Mercari Marketplace Platform

 

Etsy EBay Bonanza Ecrater Poshmark Mercari Marketplace Platform with LilacsNDreams. Welcome to all who are visiting!

Been thinking about, and trying to feel what platform is for me to sell on. There are so many choices out there. Trying to choose one, or which ones you would like to use can be confusing. Everyone says sell here, sell there, no this one is better, etc. You need to choose the platform that will benefit for you, and what you sell.

I started years ago with EBay. Back then it was fun, and I looked forward to listing things there. Things started changing, and honestly I was changing too. From EBay I moved onto Bonanza, Ecrater, Artfire, and I did land on Etsy where I spent more time there too. 

Things are changing again with Etsy. Fees, rules, how they are charging the sellers, advertising fees that are forced upon you according to the money you make. I was fortunate enough to be able to opt out from that. If you offer free shipping, advertising, and so on its suppose to help with your position of how you are found in searches. Honestly with what little bit I do I have been seen more by my internet actions than what Etsy has done. 

So many places, so many ways to put things together for you to sell. Using a platform you pay fees with, place that you could pay monthly plans with, and many things to consider. Maybe you wish to do Big Commerce where you can work with Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram being in same place. You could consider Shopify, or maybe Square Space too. Then there are ideas for your own website.

So, now you need to consider the shipping company or companies you would like to use. Trying to use the best rates possible with shipping costs being an issue for some right now. If you do some of your sales yourself you need to have a payment processor for completing transactions by collecting money paid. 

Wow! It can be overwhelming can’t it? I have a friend who has a store at EBay, she does well, and enjoys what she does. She has also been using Facebook Marketplace, and doing pretty good there. Less hassle, less fees, and rules to abide by. If you offer items for sale there you should also consider offering shipping with your items too. People notice a difference with sales there by offering shipping which makes it better. I also just found out that if you have an item to sell for over $500 on the Marketplace they do not permit you to offer the shipping. Why I don’t know, but I do find it odd. Some are able to get around that by noting their price for $123, and explaining their asking price is actually XXX amount. 

I’d love to have my own website which takes a little money for that. So, till then I use Etsy a little bit, I show things with my Blog/Site that I have, and I have been picturing items that I will be offering at Facebook Marketplace for sale. Wish I could do more, and be speedier about it too. Unfortunately, there isn’t much support from home to do these things. So, working at my pace, and time I have for me is limited some days. 

I apologize if the posting I offer today seems kind of short. I have been feeling a little under the weather today. Nothing serious. I think yesterday caught up with me riding around looking at properties for sale, checking some areas out for living, realtor in the morning being given information and ideas to look for, etc. Over did it a bit I think, and the weather changes aren’t helping a lot either.

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams! Stop on by anytime, say Hi, share something if you like, and hope you enjoy the visit too. Till next time take care everyone, and be safe. Toodles . . . .