New Year Resolutions

There is something very refreshing about starting a new year when you own a small business. It's the anticipation of what the year will bring and the opportunity to set new goals. It can also be overwhelming because of the pressure to use this fresh start to your advantage. Here at Take Root Creative, I tried to create some goals that are easily achievable while others will take a little work. I believe that all of these things will have a positive impact on the business and myself, so here's to 2012!

1. Read one article a week about an inspiring entrepreneur
• When I do take the time to read about other entrepreneurs (usually in the National Post, Globe & Mail, or Mashable) it always gives me new energy and drive so why not have that every week?
2. Create one new offering a month for my clients
• This is easier when you have a retail operation, but as a service based business it takes some brainstorming but the end result is worth it!
3. Engage more with other professionals in my industry on Twitter
• I currently use Twitter for research, posting my own thoughts and responding to other people, but there is a lot more engaging on important topics that could be happening.
4. Attend at least one design conference
• Living within about an hour of Toronto, I have no excuse to not do this
5. Take lots of photos and become more observant of the world around me
• I have heard more than one person say that when they stop their daily rush to take a photo, you not only get inspired by the little things in your everyday life, but you appreciate them more too.
6. Learn how to make cinemagraphs (Not sure what these are? Click here and here to see the work of a master in the field. PS: it is not a video)
• This is a big challenge since I would want to do it effectively
7. Visit other local designers/artists in their studios. 
• There are a lot of blogs that showcase creative people in their studio and I find it incredibly inspiring. Why not do that locally instead of in front of my computer (where I already spend a lot of time)?

Do you have your own business resolutions? Personal ones? Print them off or write them down and stick them in a place where you'll see them everyday. It will take you one step closer to making it happen.

Last Minute Gifts {From the Shops of Uxbridge}

The clock is ticking and you still have a couple gifts to get. Maybe it's because you have an unexpected guest for dinner this year or you just haven't found the perfect thing for that special person in your life. Have no fear! We have a wide-range of gifts featured today from a gigantic gummy bear (the largest in the world!) to luxurious woven scarves made locally by Nancy Newman. Hope you feel inspired to make that last trek out there to finish off your list!

[Low's Furniture, Strawberry Threads, La Petite Fleur, Uxbridge Shoe Repair, On the Lamb, Woods & Woods, Gypz Bzar]

Stocking Stuffers {From the Shops of Uxbridge}

Even though Santa takes care of the kids stockings, mom and dad need to stuff the big socks for each other (at least that's how it works in our house!) so we've brought together a collection of things for the last minute shopper. (These also make great 'Secret Santa' gifts!)

[Presents, Presents, Presents, Baked at Frankie's, Strawberry Threads, Blue Heron Books, Woods & Woods]

Gifts for a Foodie {From the Shops of Uxbridge}

Everyone has that person in their life who knows a good wine from a great wine, or how to cook a fabulous six course meal, or how to enjoy a great cup of coffee, and if you are looking for a gift for them this holiday season, check out these great options below. And as usual, you don't have to look far - everything is available locally.

[Passionate Cook's Essentials, Tin Cup Caffe, Woods & Woods, Baked at Frankie's]

Gifts for Kids {From the Shops of Uxbridge}

Continuing with our local gift guides, today we have gifts for kids! You'll have just as much fun deciding what gift to choose as they will have unwrapping it on Christmas morning.

[Presents, Presents, Presents, Little Acorn, Blue Heron Books]

Gifts for Guys {From the Shops of Uxbridge}

Today is Day #1 of our week of last-minute gift guides all available locally. Whether it's for your father, brother, husband or good friend, buying for guys can be one of the trickiest tasks of holiday shopping. We have searched out a number of great finds to make that hard-to-buy-for man in your life giddy with glee! (Okay maybe not giddy, but certainly very happy!)

[Woods & Woods, Gypz Bzar, Presents, Presents, Presents]

We've Moved!

It's been a little while since the last blog post, but many exciting things are happening here at Take Root Creative. Firstly, we have re-located to Uxbridge, ON and are so excited to be settled in time for the holidays. Secondly, my home office is now a gorgeous serene place to work thanks to my amazing husband who spent his days off to install laminate, paint the walls and replace light fixtures. We are just doing the finishing touches and then I'll post photos of the before-and-after.

In the meantime, check out our moving announcements - inspired by a blog post from Oh So Beautiful Paper by the ladies from Antiquaria.