THE CITIZEN INDEX

Sunday, June 16, 2013

99% Thrifted. 100% Visible


The sunglasses are the only items I'm wearing that weren't thrifted. The bandana and the necklace are thrift-shopped items that have been in my closet for YEARS. The top- a recent score from the local Value Village was something I picked up to re-sell, and well, I've been wearing ever since. I love it, and even though it's a bit, uh roomy for me, I'm going to hang onto it a while longer. Like I've said before, it reminds me of Vix, Misfit Sarah, and Helga, so all it does is make me happy!

Do you know what also makes me happy? YOU. 


#SHOPSECONDHANDFIRST Colorful. Visible and 100% Ethical.
 
I've got a few things up my sleeve, and it's all about you- something I think you're going to get a kick out of, something you are going to love. It's all shhhush-mums for now, but for those who just want to know- sign up for the Citizen mailing list- I'm going to send out very short and sweet monthly posting to get you in on the secret. Click HERE to sign up- my first newsletter launches the first of next month! 

I do have an announcement that I can make now, and here it is: as of July, 2013, I will no longer be accepting sponsors for this blog. So the sidebar should look a little cleaner, and I can re-focus this blog into a personal space. There are several reasons for this but it all comes down to my commitment to create great original content, AND to make a viable living.  

I'll be honest with you: I've been working hard for 5 years, trying to earn a living as a blogger  and freelance writer, yet struggling to do so. Juggling sponsors, my own small business of re-selling vintage, and promoting others (via the +40 Blog Roll) has been long hours, much of it unpaid and a bit tiring, and ultimately, not enough. I can't make ends meet doing what I've been doing, how I've been doing it. It has come down to my survival. I need to earn a living-  so my life, and my blog are getting a spring cleaning, and a re-boot. What will be left will be simply what works. 

 A big thank-you to my past sponsors: 
There are some others as well, but the companies and individuals mentioned above have shown such tremendous support over a long haul, and each in their own way, have taught me so much!  If I've neglected to mention someone, please forgive me- every person who's helped me these past five years, deserves a shout out of thanks! 

For the moment,  this blog will see a a bit of a slow down, as I focus on other projects and on taking care of business. That also means, I won't be visiting my blog pals' blogs for a while: I hope you can understand- but my time management has got to be focused on earning a living wage, and right now, I've been burning candles at both ends, and not making ends meets. This is said in all honesty, and I hope without a whiff of complaint- I am so grateful for all this blog has given me! 

The Citizen Rosebud isn't going away, but look for some changes, and dare I say?  IMPROVEMENTS. 

A quick story about the sunglasses: they are NOT Pradas, but a knock-off, sold by a company called Moraleyes. They were $15, free shipping and for every pair purchased, they donated money to a charity. How win/win was that? I bought the pair over a year ago, because I intended to write an article about the company. Unfortunately, the company appears to have gone out of business. I'm guessing, like me, they had good intentions but a poor business plan. RIP Moraleyes. The MORAL of the story: vote with your dollar!  PLEASE support people and the companies you believe in!  


Wishing you all a very visible and cheerful Monday! --Bella Q




 Linking to Patti and all the lovelies for Visible Monday.



30 comments:

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

Hang in there, Bella. Your perseverance will pay off. I could not blog without my teaching salary. I understand.You are so talented. I know you will find the way to make it work.

Gabriala Brown said...

Bella Q, I look forward to seeing all the good things blooming from you. xo

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

I'm very, very excited for you!! Change is good, and I can't wait to see what emanates from all your energy. Do what you love, the money will follow. (There's a book out there with this title, and it's so true!!) You look gorgeous in your florals and I hope Seattle is embracing you, as it should. XXOO

Carelia said...

Changes make us stronger!! I have confidence in your skills as a blogger, fashionista and writer...so I have no doubts that you will succeed in your new journey. I am excited for you and I can't wait to see your blog new look.
Bella, I want to thank you for posting my blog link in your list and for your awesome support to bloggers over 40.
Hasta muy pronto ;-)
Carelia.
Mysmallwardrobe.com

Patti said...

Excitement ahead for you my friend! You will bloom, I am sure of that. Thanks for sharing the joy with Visible Monday!

popcosmo said...

Best of luck to you and can't wait to hear about what you are going to be doing! I've enjoyed following your blog.. but am sure you have something exciting up your sleeve! And those sunglasses *sigh* what a shame the business is gone....
Best of luck!!
XO ~Kim

Unknown said...

Best of luck to you and all your project .. don't worry .. people will stick around :-)

Monica
www.pear-shaped-gal.com

Melanie said...

I feel sparks from the south - from Seattle - and I'm sure that's your brain as it fires up for the next project. The energy you've put into this I hope pours freely into the new thing - like shot-peening in engineering where the metal holds the kinetic charge and makes it stronger.
You look fantastic in that floral madness, blooming madly as always. Thank YOU for all your support. It does not go unappreciated.

Thrifted Shift said...

I'm looking forward to seeing what you have up your creative sleeves!

Ofelia said...

Bella, at times you have to take some strong actions in order to accomplish your goals.
Take all the time that you need; at the end of the day you need to be able to pay your bills, live a fun and healthy life and not exhaust yourself by wearing so many hats.
You do so much for our blogging community, while trying to run a business and be creative; it sounds exhausting just writing about it.
I can't imagine doing all of that at once.
Mil besos mi amiga y cuidate y concentrate en ti y en tu negocio.
Co much amor,

Sara Kristiina said...

I understand you, and I wish you strenght and success ! I am eager to hear the improvements and what you are going to do with your blog in the future! (I joined to the mailing list, by the way) :)

Anonymous said...

Bella, you will bloom and I'm excited to see where the next and newest blooms will be.

mispapelicos said...

I am so looking forward to your new blog face.
I am with you 100%.
Besos hermana.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

thorne garnet said...

I'm signing up, can't wait to see what changes are coming

Vix said...

With your attitude and determination you will succeed, I just know it. Change can be daunting but it's also exciting and thrilling and with all your virtual friends' backing I just know it will be blooming marvellous. xxxxx

CityScape Skybaby said...

It all sounds good Bella, I 'll look forward to seeing what you do next, you've always got some new idea on the go! And I love that top, no wonder you decided not to sell it. Good luck with all your new ventures! xx

Unknown said...

you look so gorgeous, i love this colour on you! mind you, i love everything on you!! have a beautiful week beautiful lady xxxx

Curtise said...

Great colours and floral print.
Best of luck with your new project, Bella - onward and upward! xxx

Unknown said...

Wish you good luck with the Changes!
You look great!

Krista said...

Cha Cha Cha Changes!!! More than anything a girls gotta be able to buy her own shoes :) That was a line from a book I just finished, advice from a Daddy to his little girl, I thought it was sound advice as the kid loved shoes! I wish you nothing but luck, love and sunshine!
XXOO

Suzanne said...

All the best in your new endeavours. It sounds exciting and a change is always a good thing.

Looking forward to seeing what your new projects will include.

bisous
Suzanne

Anonymous said...

Hooray for being able to refocus and decide what's best for you!

Love the color and festive print of that top!

The Style Crone said...

Do what you need to do to take care of your dear self. I will follow you wherever you need to go and support you as always. You are gorgeous in your florals and your energy and talent will take you to the next level, I am sure.

And I see that I've already signed up for your newsletter. So will be waiting to hear about what's blooming next.

And thank you for all the support that you have given to The SC.

Shybiker said...

Do whatcha gotta do, buddy. And thanks so much for the mint tights. I'm going wear them soon.

Forest City Fashionista said...

You have to know your basic needs are covered to have energy left for creativity and blogging, and I know I'm lucky to have a day job that gives me that freedom. I will be curious to see where your path takes you and what new projects you have up your sleeve. Best of luck, Bella, and I will stay tuned!

Unknown said...

Our Bella ... glad to see you evolving and still rockin' and rollin'. Looking forward to everything to come, and wishing you the BEST of everything.

SeƱora Allnut said...

dear bella, love that your top makes you thing about fabulous ladies all over the world, it's a happy piece and also a great and colorful top!
And I would like to send you all my support to your projects!, you're rockin' the world!
besos & mucha suerte!

Anonymous said...

Dear Bella--most importantly you need to take care of YOU and not over-tax yourself!!
I will be waiting to see where all of this takes you!! I know wherever it is you will BLOOM!!!

BTW--love the outfit--especially the color combo of pink, porange, blacj and white!!

off to sigh up for the newsletter!

Anne M Bray said...

Well, my Rosebud,
Roses go dormant seasonally, so you can too! Looking forward to new growth...
xxox

Unknown said...

AHHH YOU LINKED THIS BEAUTIFUL POST! THANK YOU I LOVE IT XXXX