Hi Everyone,

Soooooooooooooooo it's been a long time since I've written a post. (Bad blogger!!!) But considering my life circumstances this past year, I'm going to give myself some slack. I know you will too.

I am not longer pregnant I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl 12/1/11. Leah Valentina Bordino. The love of my life. She will be uno ano in 2 months. (Exciting!) I am grateful I got to enjoy (read:survive) being a new mom for the first 9 months of her life. It is a life experience I will cherish forever.

Now that she is under the loving care of my family I can get back to work. Yes back to nursing work (meh.) but also back to my crafting life. (Yay!) I would like to thank my dear friend Kari Capone for inviting me to be a vendor with her the Seth Boyden Elementary School Autumn Festival. It has renewed my craving for crafting.

I am ready to slowly climb back on the crafting business ball. 1st order of business dust off my rusty blog and get keyborad click clacking again (Check!) and keep it moving.....

                                                                                        To Be Continued........ 

Delilah

This is the first monkey I mailed to Denville. The little girl loved her! It was a birthday gift from her mother. She named the monkey love Delilah. What a lovely name for a CoCo's Box Softie. 

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Hello Everyone,

Today I mailed out the last of two monkeys I made for a client. They are safely on their way to Denville NJ. Now that's taken care of, I'm going to start working on Halloween Amis. I LOVE Halloween it's my favorite holiday. I'm a little disappointed my choice of costume will be restricted to the maternity styles. But next year I'll have a cutie pie to dress up and take trick-or-treating. (I can't wait!)
My first set of Halloween Amigurumi will be bats. I made bats last year and they all sold out. I'm re-working this years design so they are a bit smaller with more features. They will be created free hand like most of my Amis so each one is a little bit different. I'll be working on their faces today. Happy Crafting Everyone!

Best, Niccole B

Hello Again!

Hello Everyone, (Remember Me Niccole B?)

How are you? I miss typing in my blog. I'm sorry I've been away for a while. I have alot going on, so much has changed in the last 3 months. My "boyfriend" David Bordino became my hubby and we have a baby on the way. Crazy Sauce right? 
I have been preoccupied with preparing for my bundle of joy (read busy). The last 3 months my mind has been else where, but now that things have simmered down a bit I'm going to get back to business.
I'm excited to say that I'm going to be a stay at home mom for a year or two which will allow me to work on my crafts and build Coco's Box while experiencing the joys (and headaches) of parenthood.
Crafting keeps me happy, keeps my mind off my changing body, and helps time pass quickly as I wait for baby. I'm currently working on a group of monkeys that were ordered by a client I met at a craft show. I actually have a box of finished product the needs photo graphing but after my last CWC meeting on photography I can't being myself to do it with my mediocre photography skills. lol I will however post quick pics of the monkeys I make before they go in the mail.
Gotta get back to work! I will talk to you all soon!

Best,
Niccole B.

Ready Set Easter!

Hello Everyone,

Sorry for the delay in my blog post. I wasn't feeling very well on Tuesday. I had a really long day at the Dr.s Office, and when I got out I had a massive headache and was nauseous. It took all night to recover. Thankfully I'm feelingg better and I'm back on the crafting ball. I just finished my first set of Easter goodies and am setting them up at Kari's cafe as we speak. Please, please, please, put in your orders for Easter Eggs bunny's and chicks early, I'm going to be in Brooklyn for Easter dinner with my in-laws. :-) If you want to check out the goods go to www.etsy.com/shop/Niccilocs. I'm having a special with the eggs.
1 egg is $3 , 2 eggs for $5 , 4 eggs for $8, and 10 eggs for $15. The more you buy the more you save. :-)
Happy Crafting!

Thanks for listening,

Niccole

Spa Wars - Book Review

Hello  everyone,

I want to put you on to a good read I've gotten my hands on. The book is entitled SPA WARS : The Ugly Truth about The Beauty Industry. It is a autobiography/memoir by Lora Condon an esthitician and owner/CEO of Magic Hands Spa. Lora wins awards annually for Best Spa and Best Spa Treatment, in Spa Magazine. She is a dynamite one women show, specializing in skin care, message, riki, make up artistry and my personal favorite Lash Extensions!  Her home is at Imagine Salon in Springfield, and she travels NJ/NY offering services to her a loyal customer clientele........but it wasn't always like that.

Lora begins her story revealing to her readers how and why she decided to make esthetics her life career as opposed to going to law school as her mother had hoped.  How schools for esthitics/beauty are often understaffed, and hire professors who are unqualified or who just don't care to teach students, and how she managed to learn the skills required to be the best through work experiences.

Once she acquired her basic skill set she hit and road. And shares stories of her many jobs in the beauty industry. Some will make you laugh, gasp, or just shake your head in shame at how hideous people can be. And I though nursing was bad. She shares the DOs and DON'Ts when receiving spa services, aka Spa Etiquette. Why tipping your esthitician is so important, and how to get the most out of your spa experience.

She lets the lay person in on "Beauty Bullshit" that cosmetic company's often feed clients to get them to spend money. How to manage skin conditions like acne, dryness and fine lines, and the best beauty products for your buck.

It's a short, informative read. Lora is a woman of great integrity and speaks her mind. If one of her stories is about a company/spa/cosmetic line that you just love, don't get bent. Remember YOU didn't/don't have to work for them. We don't know what goes on behind closed doors in the beauty industry. That's one of the reasons Lora shared her story with the world. Buy it. Read it. Learn from it.

Thanks For Listening,

Niccole

A Bit Messy

Hello Everyone,

Today is social media Tuesdays. I've had a long day and I'm very tired so this post won't be long. I'll probably add another tomorrow. I'm formatting all of my social sites so they will reflect my new logo. Some sites are easier than others. The site has been particularly difficult. As you can see my blog has been rearranged a bit, and there's no logo to be found. Sigh. I've got lots of work to do. Tomorrow I head to AC moore for new yarn to start my Easter projects. I'm actually behind. I should've started already. But I was recovering from a monster sinuss infection so I'm behind a week. I'm trying to play catch up now. Well I'll see everyone tomorrow. I need to get some shut eye. And hey if you are reading this please got to my Facebook business page search : CoCo's Box and "like" my page. Thanks

Thanks for Listening,

Niccole

Blogger Tuesday's

Hello Everyone,

I love blog Tuesdays! It gives me something to look forward to on this underdog day. As I battle the Cold of 2011. I'm surprised that I still have enough energy to keep doing things for my small business. Of course it's in small sections of time as I'm constantly napping (Blame the NyQuil). But I'm getting work done nonetheless. The wine holders are finished and up on Etsy. Wills wine holder is on Etsy and ready to be shipped. I finished 2 baby book worms in two days and I'm starting another. 
Maybe because I'm home I get time to work on all theses things, without interruptions. What's more is I get to finished up Lora's book so I can write a review on it by next week. Well It's back to work/rest for me.

Thanks for Listening,

Niccole

Over the Hump.

Hello Everyone,

Happy Thursday, the day after hump day. I'm sorry I missed my scheduled Tuesday blog day. I've been.....still am under the weather and it's been hard to muster up the energy to do anything other than nap on the couch. But today I'm forcing myself to get up and get going because I've got a commission to complete, a photo shoot to complete, items to list on Etsy and I have to make a run to Kari's to get the last of the St.Patricks day items to her.  Phew!

A full pot of Cafe Bustela is on the warmer and Stevie Wonder on Pandora to keep me motivated. Talk to you soon! 

Thanks for listening,

Niccole

Lookie Cookie!!!!!

Hello Everyone,

Yes, I know Tuesdays are my blog days. Nothings changed, Tuesday is still my blog day, but I can write up on what's happening here at CoCo's Box. Especially really exciting things like....(drum roll)....my new logo!

That's right. I got an email from Steven Defendini an illustrator and ceramic instructor from North Bergen. He designed my logo, for me and I love it. It reflects my personal business spirit,  incorporates my brand colors and makes Mortimer The Mess Maker Monkey my official poster child. Check it out.

Yes Steven is up for hire. He loves drawing. (Can't you tell?) I'll have his business info soon. Need a logo, ad graphic? Drop us a line!

Thanks for Listening,

Niccole

Blogger Tuesdays!

Hello Everyone!

Happy Tuesday! If I haven't mentioned it already, I've decided to make Tuesday my official day to update my blog. Just doing it when ever something happens isn't good enough for my followers or my business! Besides I need the disciplined schedule, as I'm becoming more busy with CoCo's Box, I need to implement time management skills to keep every corner of my business afloat.

Despite my growing patient load, I'm keeping CoCo's box humming. I'm almost finished the "boobie pillow' project, tomorrow I finish it up on my weekly craft date with Nancy DelloMonaco. Yes it looks awesome! Pics will be up before the end of the week!! All of my creative cookies who got a sneak peek of it today via text message. What do you think??? Feel free to leave feed back on my blog or fb page.Thanks!

I had a very productive weekend. I recently caught up with ol' Clara Maass co-worker buddy Will Chu. A health care professional with an alter (artistic) ego, kindred spirit Will is a Chef, writer and food critic. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America Will has worked as a chef at restaurants up and down the East Coast. He is also the mastermind behind www.chuonfood.com  A (far more entertaining) blog that critiques new restaurants in NYC. Will and I mutually decided to do a segment on the restaurant Park Avenue Winter and their dessert de'jour Volcano Flambe. Tune in to www.chuonfood.com for our review video and pics. Chu On baby!

Which brings me to my next project. Foodie and wine enthusiast Will asked me to dream up a more stylish way to B.Y.O.B. So, it's back to the drawing board everyone! time to grab a hook and yarn. See you all on facebook!

Thanks for listening,

Niccole

CWC Tuesdays!

Hello Everyone,

Tonight is Creative Women's collective business/meet up meeting. Tonight's discussion MARKETING. Not my strong suit. There's alot about running my business that I'm not very knowledgeable of. :/
This whole "business" aspect of running a small business, has come upon me. I've made it through 2010 without a business plan, marking plan, or major branding. Now I've got to hop to it.

I've got alot to do. I've got to marketing work to do. Target audience research, and an Etsy page to update. Just thinking about it makes my head spin. Someone hold my hand. Sigh. 2011 will but busy, it'll be full of me being cranky from all the necessary evils I have to do for my business but it'll benefit me in the long run. Thanks for listening to me you guys. I'll keep you posted. 

Happy Crafting,

Niccole B

Happy New Year! (Again!)

Hello Everyone,

Niccole here. I'm fresh and bouncy from a fun filled weekend in NYC. I celebrated the lunar New Year with Mari,David, and Ellan. We had a great time. I picked up my lucky 2011 rabbit, got a new cell phone charm, ate really yummy Chinese food and got great pics of the parade if you want to check them out visit my Facebook page.
Since it's a new year I'm going to sit down and review my business plan. The honest truth is I never had one.  I just started selling my things because people wanted to buy them. But now, I'd like to move forward with my biz and so I need a business plan. I uploaded a Creative Business , Business plan from Etsy. and I started working on it tonight. It will take me a while to finish it but it'll get me started going in the right direction for 2011. In the mean time I'm working on my goods for St.Patrick's Day. I'm finished my Valentine's Day merchandise. I got it on the shelves of Kari's just in time. My Valentine's Day gift boxes are moving fast. :-)

I still don't have any shows scheduled so now is a great time for commissions if anyone wants anything special. :-) Look out for St.Patricks Day stuff in a few days!

Thanks for listening,

Niccole

An Ode to Snow!

Hello Everyone!!

How are you? I miss you guys! I don't have a pc right now, I'm using the ones at the JC public library. I also have a new DYFS client who I must visit twice a day. 'Phew' Trust me, I'm pooped. But through it all I'm finding time to work on my crafts and blog. Sadly I missed the JC Etsy team meeting this week. :-( but I was about to tune into my team page and get the highlights of the meeting. I also was able to catch up on my Etsy success projects will which I will be starting today. This includes, re-evaluating my prices, writing up a business plan, and shining up my Esty shoppe.
Hey did I tell you David finally finished painting my studio and I am slowly moving mt craft supplies into my new room. :-) I just completed the last of my Valentines day toys, I will be doing a product shoot today so that I can price them and have them in Kari's Cafe by the end of the weekend. If you haven't heard, Kari's Cafe is now open, early at 6am during the week. So stop by and get you am cup of Joe! Well I've got to go. I have alot of work to do today. See you guys soon!

Thanks for Listening,

Niccole

Happy New Year!

Hello Everyone!

I'm back on my blog! The last time you saw me. I was all swollen and sad, because I just had two teeth pulled. I'm all healed now. I did sustain some nerve damage, so my jaw still aches now and again but nothing too tough that  I can't get back to the work of making softies. I love it so much! 

So I just finished, my first set of softies for 2011. It includes pretty spring bunnies with flowers, and of course goodies fro valentines day. :-) Check them out on www.etsy.com/shop/Niccilocs. Next I'm finishing up, a bunch of birdies. Once they're done, I've got to make some hearts, and get started on goodies for St.Patrick's Day! Yeah! So I'll see you there. 

Thanks for listening,

Niccole

Mr.Choi

Hello Everyone,

I hope you are all safe in the snow, and I hope everyone is feeling well.
Sadly I haven't done any crafting since Sunday. My wisdom teeth have been bothering me the past two weeks, so I had the last of the removed yesterday
Needless to say I've been in a lot of discomfort since then. Now my neck has decided to stiffen and swell. So that's what I'm working with today.
However I would like to say, that I've had a very good ally in the war against pain. And his name is Mr.Choi. He is a aromatherapy rice doll I bought from Sarah of Bennyvilleon Etsy. Sarah and I were at the Craft show together in Glen ridge and I love her rice dolls. Not only are they cute. They make you feel good! Check her our at www.etsy.com/shop/bennyville and buy your own Mr.Choi. (By the way he's not a fox. He's a red panda.) :-)

Thanks for listening,

Niccole

There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart) (Remastered)

Hello Everyone! Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas From CoCo's Box!

Ok so for those of you who don't know me personally, know this, I LOVE MUSIC. Music is a very important part of production over here at CoCo's Box. Today I found an 80s Classic I used to sing when I was 7...and well I'm still singing it today. :-)

Thanks For Listning,

-Niccole-

Get it together!

Hello Everyone,

I hope your work day is going smoothly. It's a busy Monday and I'm up and about over here at CoCo's Box. Today I decided to organize my yarn. I'm working on my projects for the spring and need to get a clear look at what supplies I have so I don't waste any time or money at AC Moore buying what I may already have hidden in my studio.
After a trip to the 99cent store for zipper storage bags. I went through my big yarn bin and sorted, spun/wind, cut, untangled, and bagged, skein after skein of yarn. I sorted my yarn by color since I'm always looking for a specific color rather than a weight when I'm working. The picture above is the finished product. Actually I need more zip bags because I have more yarn than I though. lol I'm going to put it back in the bin now nice and neat, before Penny uses my bags for a place to nap. lol
Happy Crafting!

Niccole

Business Reflection

Hello Everyone,

How are you? Happy Holidays! Things are going well over here at CoCo's Box. The holiday season was very good to me. I had nice sales at both of the craft shows I participated in this year. I'm already looking to the new year. I'm spending the last days of 2010 moving my holiday inventory to make room for all my spring goodies which I've already started working on. 

This year, look for birdies, flowers, bunnies, owls, and all sorts of happy "spring things". I've been busy keeping up with the Etsy Blog Storque, maintaining my shoppe, (I'm still working on my banner :/) And I joined a few Etsy teams. The Left Handed Ladies and Gents team. And I'll be looking to join the Jersey City Craft Mafia. After all I am in Jersey City. lol Well I've got to get back to work. I've got some downtime in between shows so if you want a commission piece email me with your requests @ broughton_n@yahoo.com. Happy Crafting!

  -Niccole-

Success!!

Hello Everyone,


I'd like to thank everyone who came out to see me this weekend at the 7th Annual Artisan Gift Market at the Glen Ridge Congregational Church. I had a great time, I was surround by happy fun vendors Laura,Anne, and Pam. I got some great bartered gifts from Sarah and Pattie.

The time went by quickly, I made new clients, sales were brisk,  and still got to work on new pieces during down time. (Awesome)

For those of you who don't know, I just started a new web page just for CoCo's box on Facebook. Along with my blog it will keep friends, family, and clients abreast on what's going on over here at CoCo's Box. If you haven't subscribed to my blog or my Fb page it's time to bust a move, and keep up with CoCo's Box.

Finally I would like to add that since I have downtime till the next show. I am doing commissions. I will start 1 for my sister this month and one for my mother in January. If you'd like to commission me for a CoCo Box cutie. E-mail me or contact me on Facebook. Thanks!

"Play More."

Niccole