SHOP
Some of you may have noticed the “shop” tab appear in my header bar. Perhaps it seems ironic that someone who talks about simple living and frugality would also have a “shop” on their blog. 
In defense of the frugality issue, many of the sites I’ve chosen have saved me money over time!
As for the simple living thing…. obviously I’m a work in progress there. Or maybe I flunk. Which is kind of an interesting word to use given we never used it when I was at school. It was always “fail” not “flunk”. But I digress….. did it work? Did I neatly detour your attention away from the simple living issue and onto thinking about whether you use the word “flunk” or “fail”? Good…..
So, back to my “shop”. Did you know that when I was a kid I always wanted to be a shopkeeper when I grew up? I wanted to be a teacher too… Probably even a fireman or somesuch at some stage as well. I still like the idea of a little cafe with good coffee and yummies to eat. Maybe a few handicrafts in the corner….
Now, where was I? The shop. Yes. You see. It’s like this. My husband is a farmer and we’re in the middle of a drought so you gotta feel sorry for us….. Just kidding. 
Not about my husband being a farmer. He is. But about feeling sorry for us. We’re okay. Sort of. 
No, really. We’re doing fine. Well, we’re in less debt than many farmers which is fine all things considered.
Honestly, my shop has nothing to do with our financial situation. I just thought… well…. if you wanted to shop with those particular places anyway….. well, maybe you wouldn’t mind clicking via my site so I get a teeny bit of pocket money so I can buy food for the family chocolate and shoes and stuff. Not stuff. Of course not stuff. Cos that would be clutter and I’m trying to simplify. But chocolate. Chocolate is kind of necessary for bloggers. Keeps them blogging. Hey Kelley, did you see that nice bit of link-love I snuck in there on the word “shoes”? See, shoes are practical. Plus Kelley assures me they make a girl smile. And you know how I love to smile!!!!! 
So yeah, if you want to use my shop (for stuff you would buy anyway of course) and maybe even save a few dollars or find some lovely practical gifts for people (instead of just more “stuff”) then 
(that’s a bit smootchy kiss for you as thanks). If you don’t, well….. 
. Just kidding. Would I use emotional blackmail on you my lovelies?????
Alright, enough stuffing around. The shop is there. Use it if you like. Thank you if you do. If you’re very anti me earning money via my blog, this post is a figment of your imagination. I figured if I do it this way, it’s not in the face of those who object. But the opportunity is there if you love me would like to make use of it.
And if you’re an international reader (big wave), I’m working on some affiliates for some of those countries as well so stay tuned.
P.S. I’m running a poll on Lightening’s Blogworld so if you have time to pop over and have your say, that would be great! It’s to do with how many blogs you regularly read.
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Being one person who said that they didn’t like advertising on blogs, I think you have done it in a brilliant way so thumbs up to you!!!!
So where/what would you recommend if I’m shopping for gifts for a 7year old girl? I’m looking for a birthday gift and a Christmas gift, both in $20 price range.
Marita
Shamelessly seeking shopping help.
Thanks Ali.
Marita - Vistaprint has some really interesting stuff. It’s not the place that you would think of to shop but you can get notepads made up with the girls name on the top. Or a stamp with her name. That kind of stuff. Identity Direct is also great for getting personalised stuff. It’s the kind of stuff you don’t just walk into a shop and buy so great for a “hard to buy for” child. Snapfish also have some great gift ideas if you have an appropriate photo to use. Okay, that’s from my affiliates.
Outside of that, I find chemists a great source for gifts for girls. They never seem to have enough hair ties, or funky sunnies or even some personal products (depending on what the parents allow). Hope that helps a little. 
Great ideas thank you. My 7yo niece is very difficult to buy gifts for as she has everything. I love the Snapfish suggestion.
You know I think the definition of being ‘frugal’ is to take what resources you have and use them to your best advantage… seems like you have done just that! Enjoy all your chocolate and shoes!
I love how you introduced your shopping page. We have VistaPrint in the US, and Snapfish, but do any of the others ship to the US for a reasonable fee?
Well done and very clever Lightening !
Would you use emotional blackmail?
Of course you would, heh-heh.
But I’m strong.
I didn’t click on the link and I didn’t shop.
Yet.
Kate - so true. Thanks.
Kirsten - I’m sorry, I’m not sure. The company I have used for my affiliates does run in the US and I’m looking into signing with them as well although the paperwork required kinda scares me a little.
Jayne - thanks. Let’s hope it works.
River - I don’t really need to resort to emotional blackmail do I???? Since I know you all loves me so much anyways!!!!
Like I said, only if you need something or were going to buy anyway. If you’re going to buy on my behalf, you may as well just send me the money and save yourself the clutter problems. LOLOL.
Good luck with it. I think its very unobtrusive and shouldn’t bother your readers at all.
Shoes!!! Buy SHOES!!!!
But where is the shoe shop? Tres disappointed.
And I just bought name labels from another company, grrr. If I had of known last week I would have bought them through your links as Identity Direct is the other company I would have used. Will remember for when I need more.
ooh I will check out your shop… I think this is a great way to advertise without it being in your face… Yay.. cheers Kim
Yes well done Jodi. I have already shopped. I already use Snapfish for all my photo printing so its not biggy for me to go through your link first. I made some fantastic photo calendars through their site for Christmas presents this year. Great gift ideas.
Bettina - thanks for your feedback.
Kelley - buying shoes online is kinda hard though isn’t it????
Kelli - thank you
Kim - thanks very much!
HisPrincess - oooohhhh, my very first sale. How excitement!!! And it’s already showing up as a sale.
Now to wait to meet the minimum payout figure so they actually send me the money! 
Great idea, Lightening! I think you’ve found the balance between the advertising and the readers really well - its there without overwhelming the content. I can vouch for vistaprint too, they have great products and lots of really good deals. I made photo calendars for Christmas presents too and they turned out really well.
And good to see the top commentators plugin working! Yay!