Surviving An Outdoor Vendor Event

Are you new to the world of vendor events? Well, let me start off by saying welcome, and I'm glad you found me in the vast world of the internet. I am a small business owner who has been setting up at both indoor and outdoor vendor events for over 20 years. With this experience, I believe I have some valuable tips and advice that may help you in your vendor journey, especially when it comes to outdoor events.

Be Prepared for Bad Weather

The most obvious advice, but also the most crucial, is to be prepared for bad weather. Event organizers have no control over weather conditions, and most smaller events don't have rain dates. These events are usually marketed as rain or shine. If bad weather will upset you greatly, outdoor events might not be the best fit for you.

I'm a member of multiple vendor groups on Facebook and am always a little shocked when I see people ranting about a pre-paid event that had bad weather. When I say "be prepared," I mean mentally prepare yourself as well as physically prepare to shield yourself and your merchandise from the elements.

Invest in Quality Equipment

For new vendors, you're likely using a tent rather than an enclosed trailer. Investing in a high-quality, durable tent is essential. Inexpensive tents might seem appealing, but they are often a one-and-done expense. I recommend this tent brand I've been using for years and swear by.

Additionally, buying sides and making weights for your tent is a smart investment. Tents typically do not come with sides, but in bad weather conditions, you'll definitely appreciate them. They come in panels, allowing you to decide how many sides to close in. During rain, having three sides closed can make a significant difference. It also helps if you're attending a multi-day event and can leave some items in your booth space overnight.

Essential Accessories

You'll also want to invest in folding tables. Most events, even indoor ones don’t provide tables. You can find some here. If your budget allows, I strongly suggest fitted table covers. They wash well, have no wrinkles, and look very professional. You can find great table covers here.

Practice Your Setup

If this is your first event, take the time to set up your tent and tables in your yard. This allows you to decide on a layout that works best for your products. Waiting until you arrive at the event can be time-consuming, especially when you’re first starting out.

Understand Your Space

Having a conversation with the event organizer is crucial to know where your vendor space will be located and if there are other vendors directly against your booth. Some events have enough space between each tent, while others place tents side by side. Knowing this helps you plan your table placement effectively, as your customers might only be able to access your booth from one side.

Consider Electricity Needs

Not all outdoor events offer electricity, and if they do, it's usually limited. If you absolutely need power, speak with the coordinator to check availability. I’ve covered more about the basics of vendor events in another blog, which includes questions you should ask before you pay and schedule to be a vendor.

Weights and Wind

Wind is a constant challenge at outdoor events. Believe me when I say you will experience wind. A gust can ruin your day if you're not prepared. It's advised to have at least 40 lbs of weight on each leg of your tent. I’ll create a blog specifically on tent weights in the future, as I've tried it all. A tent can literally pick up and fly through the air, causing damage and potentially injuring someone. BE PREPARED. You've been warned :)

Plan for the Temperature

Outdoor events during the summer can be brutally hot. Being prepared for high temperatures is just as important as being prepared for bad weather. Investing in battery-operated fans can make a big difference. There are also cooling towels available that you can wet and they stay cool for some time, providing much-needed relief. Staying hydrated is crucial, so pack a cooler with plenty of drinks.

Research the Event

Before booking an outdoor event, research it thoroughly. Find out if it’s the first time this event is being held or if it has been ongoing for years with good attendance. Also, plan how you will handle bad weather. Most events are booked well in advance, making it hard to predict the weather. Consider if you will be okay losing your vendor fee if the weather turns bad, and you decide not to attend. This can be stressful and disappointing, especially when you’ve invested time and money into your merchandise.

Final Thoughts

I hope you found these tips helpful. If you have any questions or topics you’d like me to cover next, please comment below. Happy vending, and may your outdoor events be successful and enjoyable!

Global Running Day 2022: How to Participate in the Largest Global Event for Runn

On Global Running Day 2022, runners from all over the world will come together to take part in the largest global event for runners. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced runner, there is something for everyone on this day. In this blog post, we will discuss how to participate in Global Running Day 2022 and what you can expect from this exciting event!

What is Global Running Day?

Global Running Day is an annual event that celebrates the joy of running. On the first Wednesday of June, runners of all levels and abilities come together to celebrate their love for running. This year, Global Running Day falls on June 1st.

No matter where you are in the world, you can participate in Global Running Day by simply going for a run. You can run by yourself, with friends, or as part of a community group. There are no rules on how far or how fast you have to run, just enjoy the experience! If you want to go the extra mile, you can also donate to a running charity or sign up for a race in your area.

So why should you participate in Global Running Day?

First and foremost, it's a great way to get active and celebrate the joy of running with others. Additionally, participating in Global Running Day helps support important causes - like getting more people active and helping to fight obesity. And finally, it's simply a lot of fun! So whether you're a seasoned runner or someone who's just getting started, be sure to sign up for Global Running Day 2022. We can't wait to see you there!

How to participate in Global Running Day?

Joining Global Running Day is easy and free - all you need to do is pledge to take part. Then, on June 15th, simply go for a run (or walk) at your own pace, in your own neighborhood. You can even invite friends and family to join you!

If you're looking for more structured activity, many running stores and groups will be hosting special events on Global Running Day. These can range from group runs and fun runs to special sales on running gear. So be sure to check with your local running shop or group to see what they have planned.

No matter how you choose to participate, we hope you have a blast on Global Running Day! Remember, the goal is simply to get active, have fun, and celebrate the joy of running!

Celebrate Earth Day 2022: 8 Fun Ways to Show Your Love for the Planet

Happy Earth Day, everyone! Today is a special day to celebrate our planet and everything that she provides for us. There are so many ways to show your love for the earth, and we have compiled 8 of our favorites below. From planting trees to reducing your carbon footprint, there is something for everyone to do on this important day. Let's work together to make Earth Day 2022 the best one yet!

Plant a tree

Celebrate Earth Day by planting a tree! Trees are one of the earth's most important resources. They provide us with oxygen, shade, and homes for wildlife. planting a tree is a great way to show your love for the planet.

Recycle

One of the best ways to reduce your impact on the earth is to recycle. You can recycle items like paper, plastic, and metal.

Reduce your carbon footprint

There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint. You can carpool, take public transportation, or ride your bike instead of driving to reduce pollution. You can also save energy by turning off lights when you leave a room and unplugging appliances when they're not in use. Help create a sustainable future by doing your part and reducing your carbon footprint.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the earth. You can help clean up a local park, plant trees, or work with an environmental organization.

Educate yourself and others

Learning about the earth and its many wonders is a great way to show your love for the planet. You can also teach others about ways they can help protect the earth and increase awareness.

Buy eco-friendly products

When you're shopping for new products, look for items that are made from recycled materials or that are eco-friendly.

Compost

Composting is a great way to reduce food waste and help the planet. You can compost kitchen scraps and yard waste to create nutrient-rich soil for your plants. Check out Loomi! This is a way to turn your food and some plastic leftovers into compost!

Celebrate nature

One of the best ways to show your love for the earth is to simply appreciate all of the natural beauty around you. Spend time outside, go for a hike, and take in all that mother nature has to offer.

Which of these Earth Day activities will you be doing? Let us know in the comments below! And don't forget to share this post with your friends to spread the love. Together, we can make a difference!

Pennsylvania Spring Events: A Guide to Fun in the Sun

Looking for some fun plans this spring? Pennsylvania has tons of events happening all over the state! From arts and culture events to food festivals to outdoor activities, there's something for everyone to explore. Keep reading for a guide to some of the best spring events in Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh also has a ton of events coming up for spring. One of the most popular events is the Pittsburgh Folk Festival which takes place each spring in downtown Pittsburgh. The family friendly event celebrates world culture and features events like live performances by international musical acts, arts and crafts vendors from around the globe, and lots of delicious food! The event features over 100 different events during its three day run.

Future events in Pittsburgh:

Pittsburgh Winter Beerfest - Feb. 25th & 26th @ David L. Lawrence Convention Center

See here for tickets!

Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Spring Fever Festival - March 18th-20th @ Monroeville Convention Center

See here for tickets!

Philadelphia

Food events are a popular choice in Pennsylvania. There's always plenty of these events happening throughout the year but springtime is when they really ramp up! The Philadelphia Flower Show is one of the most popular events in all PA and it takes place each March at Lincoln Financial Field (home to football team). This event features live music, food trucks, carnival games, and more!

Future Events in Philadelphia:

Philadelphia Auto Show - March 5th -13th @ The Pennsylvania Convention Center

See here for tickets

Harrisburg

Harrisburg is known for its events, and the city has a ton of events coming up for springtime. One of these events is ArtsFest which takes place at Riverfront Park in downtown Harrisburg. This event features live music, arts and crafts vendors, food, and more! Another popular event in Harrisburg is the Pennsylvania Farm Show which takes place at the PA Farm Show Complex. This event is billed as "the largest indoor agriculture exposition in the world" and features events like livestock shows, a giant petting zoo, tractor pulls, and more!

Future events in Harrisburg:

ArtsFest - May 28th-30th @ Riverfront Park

Learn more here!

So whatever your interests are, Pennsylvania has an event for you this spring! Be sure to check out the events calendar on your state's tourism website for a complete list of events. Have fun and enjoy the warm weather!

Tips for Keeping Your Home in Tip Top Shape

Do you want to know how to keep your home in tip-top shape? There are many home maintenance tasks that need to be taken care of on a regular basis. We will discuss the most common home repairs and home maintenance tasks that need to be done regularly. This way, your home can stay in great condition!

Sinks

One of the most common home repairs that are needed in the kitchen is fixing leaks. A leaky faucet can waste a lot of water, so it is important to fix it as soon as possible. Another common kitchen repair is replacing a broken light switch. If you have a dark kitchen, then installing some more light fixtures can be helpful too.

Windows

Another of the most common home repairs in the bedroom is repairing a broken window. If you have a broken window, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Getting a replacement window ensures the safety and also can help lower your gas and electric bills! Look for more Energy Efficient.

Outside

One of the most common home repairs that are needed outside of the home is sprucing up the decor and ensuring all entryways are clear of debris. This includes the trim, the porch, and the driveway. Making sure that all of these areas are clean will help your home look nicer and also be safer for guests.

Checking Your Air Filters

If you don't change the air filter regularly, it can cause the HVAC system to work harder than necessary and increase your energy bills. Be sure to also clean the coils on the outside of your HVAC unit at least once a year.

One of the most common home maintenance tasks is changing air filters in heating systems like furnaces and heat pumps. This prevents dust from circulating through your home which can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma for those who suffer from breathing problems. Another commonly neglected home maintenance task that must be done regularly is cleaning dryer vents on gas or electric clothes dryers. Lint build-ups create fires so make sure this gets cleaned out at least once a year!

Entryways

Another often overlooked home maintenance task is checking caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows. If these are not in good condition, cold air can seep into your home in the winter, making your heating bill skyrocket. Be sure to check these areas every few months and replace them as needed.

These are just a few home repairs and home maintenance tasks that need to be done regularly to keep your home in good condition. Comment below if you would like more home maintenance tips!

Pennsylvania Gardening Tips: Top Ways to Grow Your Garden

The days are getting longer and the weather is starting to warm up – it's finally springtime! For gardeners in Pennsylvania, that means it's time to start planting. There are many different ways to grow a garden, so we've put together a list of our favorite gardening tips for Pennsylvania. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, these tips will help you be garden-ready this year!

Don't worry if you think gardening is difficult. There's no right or wrong way to do it! You may cultivate anything from a modest window garden to a sizable raised bed in your backyard. It just depends on what kind of space you have available, how much time and energy want to spend gardening and where your interests lie.

Getting Started

Start small with an easy-to-grow plant like tomatoes or peppers, then add in more challenging vegetables as you gain experience over time! If gardening isn't for you, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy springtime without planting anything at all – just get outside and enjoy the fresh air! If you're new to gardening, planting a new garden may seem like a daunting task. But don't worry – it's pretty easy! Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Create a spring gardening checklist!

• Choose a sunny spot in your yard that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.

• Plan ahead! Layout your garden ahead of time so you know what you'll be planting and where.

• Plant seeds in rows or clumps of three to five plants for easy harvesting later on down the line.

• Use mulch around newly planted seedlings to help protect them from frost damage until they're fully established this springtime gardening season!

Flower beds and gardening paths are the perfect way to add beauty as well as functionality to your yard. They're also great for people who have limited space but still want something beautiful! Just remember that these areas need regular maintenance too – it's not just about planting flowers once or twice per year anymore, so make sure you know what kind of gardening you're getting into before starting one yourself.

Keeping Your Garden Insect Free!

Bugs can be a real problem for the gardener, especially in Pennsylvania where springtime gardening is popular. This is because insects are attracted to warm weather and will start laying eggs as soon as it arrives, which means they'll often take over your plant's leaves before they've had a chance to grow.

One way to help prevent this is by using an organic gardening method like companion planting. This involves grouping plants together that have natural properties that either repel or attract insects, so you can have a garden full of beautiful flowers while keeping the bugs at bay!

Companion planting also helps improve soil health and assists in the growth of your plants. Some good combinations to try include:

- Basil and tomatoes: The strong smell of basil repels tomato pests like whiteflies.

- Nasturtiums and cabbage: Cabbage pests are repelled by the peppery taste of nasturtiums.

- Marigolds and aphids: Aphids hate the smell of marigolds, so planting them near other

- Carrots and onions

- Beans and corn

- Radishes and lettuce

If you are looking for a gardening project that will last all season long, why not try building a raised bed? These are perfect for people who have limited space or want to garden in an area that doesn't get a lot of sunlight. You can buy or build your own raised bed, and then fill it with a variety of soil amendments to create the perfect conditions for gardening.

Just make sure you're careful when planting near trees – their root systems can often compete with nearby plants for water and nutrients. And if you're not sure what type of gardening you want to do, try starting small by planting some vegetables (like tomatoes) in pots before expanding into larger beds!

If gardening isn't your thing but you still want to enjoy springtime outdoors, why not start a garden club? This is the perfect way for people who love gardening without all of the work involved with it to get together and share tips, ideas, and even plants! There are gardening clubs all over the state of Pennsylvania, so there's sure to be one near you. So what are you waiting for? Get gardening!

Ground Hog Day: The History Behind the Holiday

Groundhog Day is a day to commemorate the groundhog, more commonly known as "Punxsutawney Phil." Every year on February 2nd, Groundhog Day is observed. The 128th anniversary of Groundhog Day will be celebrated February 02, 2022.

History of Ground Hog Day

Groundhog Day is a centuries-old holiday in the United States that was originated by German settlers in Pennsylvania. The first Groundhog Day celebration was held in 1887, but the practice of monitoring the groundhog goes back much further. The first people to observe how the groundhogs behaved and whether or not they saw their shadows were German settlers in Pennsylvania. They would watch to see if the groundhogs saw their shadows or not, then use that information to predict when spring would arrive or if there would be four more weeks of winter.

Groundhog Day has grown in popularity worldwide since then. People celebrate it by watching movies about it, eating dishes that are connected to it, or simply keeping an eye on the groundhog activities.

Groundhog Day Celebrations

Ground Hog Day is observed in a variety of ways by many people. Some people watch the film Groundhog Day to commemorate the day, while others celebrate with ground hog dishes, and still more people simply observe what happens on Groundhog Day. Have some fun however you choose to celebrate it, and don't forget to learn something about the groundhog's history as well. After all, that is what Ground Hog Day is all about!

Facts about Punxsutawney Phil

-Punxsutawney Phil is the most famous groundhog in the world.

-Phil has made predictions about the weather for over 125 years.

-Ground hogs only live for around six or seven years, so Phil is quite old!

-There are many other ground hogs that make similar predictions throughout North America, but Phil is the most famous.

-Ground hogs are able to predict weather because they hibernate and during that time, they monitor how much sunlight each day.

-There is a lot of debate about whether or not groundhogs actually help predict the weather, but it's still a fun tradition to celebrate nonetheless!

No matter how you choose to celebrate, be sure to have some fun! And don't forget to learn a little bit about the ground hog's history too. After all, that is what Ground Hog Day is all about!

BONUS: The 1993 movie "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. What could be more perfect for this holiday than a classic movie? Watch it now on Netflix or Amazon Prime.

New Year's Resolutions for a Happier, Healthier You

The New Year is a time for fresh starts and new beginnings. It's the perfect opportunity to take stock of your life, set some goals, and make plans to achieve them. The best way to stay motivated is by setting small measurable resolutions that you can track as you go along. In this blog post we'll cover New Year's resolutions for 2022

Make a Bucket List

Making a bucket list will help you to prioritize your goals and dreams. We all have some things that we'd like to accomplish, but it can be difficult prioritizing day-to-day life over our personal goals. Making a bucket list is the perfect way for you to get started on achieving those long term resolutions!

Invest in Yourself

Investing in yourself can mean a lot of things. Investing in self care, your career and education, or even your money! Either way, making an investment in your future self is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health.

• Invest in self-care products. Taking care of your skin, hair, and nails is a great way to feel good about yourself. Make sure to choose products that are good for you and your skin type.

• Invest your money! New investment trends such as NFTS, Bitcoin, and entrepreneurial endeavors are great but building up an old fashioned savings account can also make an immediate impact into your mental well being. Save money fast by cutting out subscriptions you do not use. The Truebill app! It allows you to sync all of your bank accounts into one central place and will even help cancel subscriptions! Cut down on Ubereats. If you really want to feel bad, print out your last 3 monthly bank statements and highlight each UberEats deduction. Try cooking from home and meal prepping. (See next section!)

Eat Better

When you eat better, it's not about depriving yourself; in fact the opposite is true! Eating more whole food will make your body feel so much better, and give you more energy than if there were processed snacks on hand. And when we talk nourishment - think of all those essential nutrients like antioxidants and vitamins that keep us healthy from within outwards appearance too?!

The most crucial thing is not what kind or quantity, but rather how well-balanced our diets are: getting just enough protein with each meal (and snack), along with carbs and fat sources such as leafy greens...not forgetting any other groups.Start by making small changes in your diet:

• Focus on adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals.

• Cut back on processed foods and sugary drinks.

• Replace white bread with whole grain bread.

• Drink more water throughout the day.

Once you have been able to make these changes for a few months and you see success, it's likely you will feel less stress, slim down and start the year off on the right foot!

Exercise More Often

Do you find it sound boring? We promise it's not! Exercising more often doesn't have to be all jogging on the treadmill; there are so many different ways of exercising that fit everyone's lifestyle.

• Set fitness goals to be active for 30 minutes a day: This doesn't have to mean going to the gym. You can take a walk, go for fun bike rides with people you know, or play sports on your day off!

• Create an exercise routine. This could mean waking up half hour earlier to work out before work every morning, making time after dinner to take the dog for a walk around the block, etc. Whatever works best with your schedule is what you should go for.

• Make an effort to be more active at work. This could mean taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking around your office during lunch breaks.

The important thing is to find something you enjoy doing so that you'll be more likely to stick with it in the long run.

Sleep More

Getting enough sleep is crucial for your health and well-being. Most adults need around eight hours of sleep per night, but many of us don't get nearly that much. Try your best to turn off screens at least an hour before bedtime, and make it a point to go to sleep earlier.

Connect with Others

One of the best things you can do for your happiness and health is to connect with others. socialize with friends and loved ones, join a club or group, or volunteer your time for a good cause. Spending time with others will make you feel connected and supported, which is essential for a happy and healthy life.

Let January be the month for setting resolutions....and KEEPING THEM! By following these tips, you can set yourself up for a happy and healthy New Year! Try incorporating one or two resolutions at a time and don't be afraid to challenge yourself. Sticking to your goals is easier when you have support from friends and family, so make sure to let them know about your resolutions and ask for their help!

A Walk at Raystown Lake

Not that I was counting on today being a terrible day, but it ended up being a pretty great day.  The weather forecast called for thunderstorms from Friday clear into next Tuesday, however it was nothing but clear skies and sunshine.  I got some work accomplished in the early part of my day and then was surprised by a text from my friend Hannah, asking if I wanted to do something.  

I immediately thought we have to do something outside since sunshine seems so rare these days.  Last summer we had more recorded rainfall than Seattle.  No joke people.  This spring it’s not been looking any better.  Anyways,  I asked if she would like to go for a walk at Raystown Lake.  It’s just a few minutes drive for us.  I have heard many talk about a walking path that was put in, ​and figured we could give that a try.  She was willing to go, so off we went.  

I’ll have to do some additional research but the walking path seemed to have been made from recycled rubber.  It was very soft and gave way under your feet somewhat like memory foam.  ​

We parked at the visitors center and ventured across the street to check out the bike trails.  There were many cyclists riding in the area, trying out the jumps and paths.  It was pretty neat​.  Not sure if I’ll ever be brave enough to try biking in that specific area or not.  We joked a good bit about what we could foresee each other doing, trying to jump mountain bikes.  Especially since we haven’t rode a bike in years.  😂

​After watching people biking from the viewing area, we headed back across the street to the walking path.  It was pretty warm today, however most of the path was in shaded area which made the walk even more pleasant.  

We stopped at the marina and walked down to the waters edge.  We looked at some of the boats docked there and began to chat about how nice it would be to have a house boat and spend weekends on the lake. 

Back on the path we went, stopping again just a short distance away at a picnic area at the waters edge.  I snapped a few pictures and took a video to share with you the beautiful view.  At this point we were about 3/4 of the way done with our walk.​  After enjoying a few minutes at this spot we finished our walk arriving back at the visitors center.  I used the Map My Walk app to tack our distance.  We made it 2.63 miles.

View from picnic area near waters edge.  

I’m not sure about you, but the weather definitely has an effect on my mood.  The fact that the weather was beautiful and I got to take a nice walk definitely gave me some positive vibes for the rest of my day.   

A view from early on in our walk.  

If you’re interested in learning more about Raystown Lake, click here.  They have lots of campsites available.  The lake is rather large offering boating, kayaking, swimming and more.  If you have any questions let me know I’m sure I can help answer any questions you may have.  As always thank you for stopping by to read the blog.  

Forbidding Forecast For Lyme Disease In The Northeast

My husband sent me this article regarding a forecast for this years Lyme's disease.  Interesting read.  I'm hoping this is not the case, as last year we had to constantly go over our black dog searching for ticks and would find them daily after taking her outside.