Today I was thinking about the fact that when I create something new, I find I don't like to go back and repeat it. I get bored. I want to move on to the buzz of designing and creating the next thing.

If you're a creative such as myself then I'm sure you can identify with this process! So if you're a handmade business owner, what's the best way to tackle the flighty, head in the clouds nature that often goes along with our personalities? I thought I'd come up with some practical tips that will seem very much like common sense! But I hope will serve you to get focused and be useful for you.

• ​Be disciplined. This is a basic requirement anyway of being self-employed as you've got to be self motivated, organised and do the work if you want to succeed!
  

But, specifically focusing on the fact that, in life, there are plenty of things I'd rather not do, but I simply have to do! It's the same in business. I may want to go off on one creating something new, but I will need to discipline myself to make those things that just aren't so exciting. (There is of course the factor to test the market first. Only make a few of a new item and check it will sell. Otherwise you'll have a batch of product you can't shift! No matter how great you think it is or how much care and attention you put into making it, if no-one wants it, you're wasting your time).

This year my hubby made it easy for what he wanted for Father's Day from our 3 year old. A Cornish Blue mug. For something he's wanted for quite a while, he gave me about a week's notice! Just enough time to order some bits off Ebay and do my thang! Of course I wanted to share with you how I made it if you wanted to have a go yourself.

As I have been painting mugs for a while, (my shop is open, there's not many products on there but please do take a look! Click on 'mug shop' on the side bar!) it seemed obvious to create my own version of the traditional style. Rather than just buying one.

A member at my Southchurch Slimming World group came up with an idea for a ham and pineapple pizza using the porridge pancake recipe. As a fan of the original porridge pancakes, I simple had to try this out! If you are new to Slimming World and haven't got a clue about these pancakes, follow this link for the recipe: http://www.justcreativejulia.co.uk/blog/slimming-world-porridge-pancakes

Now, I love pizza! It is one of my big downfalls in trying to stick to plan. I tried the cauliflower base pizza. It was yuck! I got so excited making it, I photographed the whole process with a view of posting a blog about it! But what was I expecting? It was hardly gonna be up there with the big names (that I won't mention because then you may well start craving it!).

So although I've labelled this recipe as pizza, it's not. Get it out your head. It is simply some healthy porridge pancakes, topped with tomato sauce, your choice of toppings and some cheese. Nothing more, nothing less. Sticking to plan can be such a struggle. As an addicted foodie, I have to constantly re-train my brain. I've previously described Slimming World as filling but not always satisfying. We have to learn to be satisfied with low fat, low sugar. And it is tough! For me, it is an addiction that has to be managed.

The deadline is Midnight tonight. It is currently 10:20pm as I sit down to write this! Ever the last minute queen, but better last minute than not at all! What am I going on about? Well, excitement people! If you didn't know already, I am off to Blogtacular again, Saturday 10th June. Less than one week away! Excuse all the exclamation marks but I just cannot contain my jubilation at attending again for my second time! I pityingly only wrote one blog post about my time last year which you can read about here: http://www.justcreativejulia.co.uk/blog/the-future-of-creativity-my-takeaways-from-blogtacular-2016

Last year, one of the collaborators and sponsors, Sudo, held a cash giveaway competition. I remember filling out the entry form, thinking 'I never win anything. Can't see I'll win this'. And whaddya know, I did! I was so surprised! But the whole event was just such a blessed time. Put a bunch of creatives together and watch the sparks fly! Anyway, the point of this post, is that there is another giveaway this year. Run by West Elm, where the Friday Night partay is happening (ticket holders only, no gatecrashers please!). The prize is £2k of West Elm gorgeousness to furnish a dream makeover for one room in your home.