Category Archives: Online store

It All started With A Cranberry

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Red and white trucker cap displaying the “Boogie in the Bog” design. Three cheerful cartoon cranberries dance to music across the front, celebrating the cranberry that started it all. The design sits on a white panel with red mesh sides and a red bill.

The Cats Have Taken Over Dusty Roads Mercantile

Well, Dusty Roads Mercantile has been open for less than a month, but we’ve sure been busy behind the scenes. Our design selection has already grown to 19 designs, and I’ve noticed something: those crazy cats are starting to take over. It’s still hard for me to believe that it all started with a cranberry.

It wasn’t intentional on my part, but those cats have a way of inserting themselves into everything.

Four cats posed inside the Dusty Roads Mercantile store. Banner the orange long-haired cat wears a black bow tie, Balboa the black cat sits in a flour sack, an orange cat wearing a press cap holds a microphone, and a white cat dressed as a chef holds a wooden spoon beneath a Dusty Roads Mercantile sign.

I have to admit, I’m pretty proud of these designs.Black cat with bright amber eyes sitting against a light gray background, wearing an oversized red satin bow trimmed in gold around its neck. The cat faces the camera directly, with glossy black fur and alert ears.

The whole crew is ready for a Thanksgiving feast, and Banner and Balboa even posed for a Christmas card-style design. Of course, Balboa couldn’t stop there. He had to become a star in his own right by dressing up in a festive bow. I’m pretty sure he was trying to outshine Banner and his bow tie.

 

 

And this gallery was just a start!

 

 

Then there’s the design where Banner, Balboa, and Pumpkin Spice have hijacked Santa’s sleigh and are trying to help make Christmas deliveries. I can only imagine what the good little boys and girls will find under their trees this year!

Illustrated holiday scene of three cats riding in a red-and-gold sleigh through a snowy night sky. An orange tabby in a Santa hat sits beside a black cat and a smaller cat wearing a cap, while two reindeer pull the sleigh beneath a large glowing full moon. Golden sparkles swirl around the sleigh, and snow-covered pine trees line the hillside below.

But hold on, we haven’t even reached Thanksgiving yet. We’ve got a couple of turkey-themed designs, because no Thanksgiving is complete without a turkey. Then Banner, Balboa, and Pumpkin Spice arrive as pilgrims bearing pies and apples to celebrate the first Thanksgiving.

Three cats dressed in Pilgrim-style clothing pose around a rustic harvest table. An orange cat holds a basket filled with corn, a black cat sits beside a pile of red apples, and another orange cat holds a pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream. Autumn leaves, pumpkins, lantern light, and fall decorations create a warm Thanksgiving-themed scene.

Not everything is seasonal.

Orange tabby cat wearing a straw hat labeled “PRESS” and colorful floral board shorts balances on a bright red-and-yellow surfboard riding a curling ocean wave. Water splashes around the board as the cat surfs against a vivid blue sky in a playful, cartoon-style beach scene.Pumpkin Spice heads to the beach in the surfing design, and there’s even a motivational design of sorts: Aim High and Fail Big. If you’re going to do it, don’t hold back. Go all in!

We’ve also got coffee-loving Banner enjoying his morning cup, while a few Halloween designs are still hanging around. And to think, it all started with a cranberry.

Black T-shirt featuring a retro-style motivational design with mountains, a rocket launching into the sky, and the bold text, "Aim High Fail Big Go for it." The artwork includes bright orange and yellow sunset colors, stars, a target, and a crashing rocket near flames at the bottom, creating a humorous twist on inspirational themes.

A dark brown tote bag is worn over one shoulder against a light gray background. The front of the bag features a vintage-style Dusty Roads Mercantile design showing four cats in a rustic wooden shop setting: an orange cat in a bow tie, a black cat, an orange cat dressed as a reporter holding a microphone with a "PRESS" hat, and a white cat wearing a chef's hat and holding a wooden spoon. Additional details include a small teddy bear and wooden crates labeled "Flour" and "Fragile," with the "Dusty Roads Mercantile" sign displayed above the cats.The collection is growing fast, and new designs are already on the way. Personally, I plan to pick up a T-shirt or two and definitely a tote bag. Maybe even one featuring the WMEO crew.

This has been so much fun, and I hope you’re enjoying the designs as much as I am. From T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, hats, stickers, and tote bags to long-sleeved tops for those cold New England days, there’s something for just about everyone. We even have pillows, wall art, and apparel for babies and kids.

The store may be fictional, but the products are real. So come wander the imaginary aisles with me and see what mischief the crew has been getting into.

White ceramic mug featuring a holiday-themed design of two cats against a black background. An orange long-haired cat and a sleek black cat wear red Santa hats beneath colorful Christmas string lights. Evergreen branches, pinecones, red berries, and a large red bow decorate the bottom of the design, creating a festive Christmas portrait.

 

Closing Welcoming Haven

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 A Comedy of Errors (Mostly Mine)

When Your Online Store Has More Tumbleweeds Than Customers

I have an announcement today, and don’t worry — it’s not about another sale, coupon code, or “limited‑time offer.” Welcoming Haven, my brave little online store, is officially closing its virtual doors. If this were a movie, this is the part where the sad violin music plays while a single cardboard box gets carried out of an empty warehouse.

For seven months, I gave it everything I had: money, time, energy, and enough tears to qualify as a small saltwater ecosystem. I followed every expert tip, every “success is just around the corner!” pep talk, and every “don’t give up!” message from people who, frankly, weren’t the ones paying the bills.

And then tax season arrived like a spotlight at a crime scene. Let’s just say the numbers were… enlightening. I won’t share the total amount I spent on setup, ads, and fees, but I will say this: I lost my Amazon affiliate status because I couldn’t drive three qualifying sales in six months. Three. I have two cats who knock more things off tables in a day than I sold in half a year.

The Great Traffic Mystery (or: 6,000 Visitors and Not One Buyer)

At one point, paid ads brought in over 6,000 visits a week. Six. Thousand. That’s more people than live in some small towns. And yet not a single one of them clicked “add to cart.” I’m convinced some of them were just bots wandering the internet looking for snacks.

When the ad budget finally tapped out, traffic dropped to about 300 visits a week. You can imagine the math. Actually, don’t. It’s depressing.

Shopify eventually suggested I hire a consultant, and one was recommended. He worked on commission, which means he made exactly as much money as I did: zero. I’m guessing Welcoming Haven won’t be featured in his portfolio of success stories.

What’s Next (Besides Not Crying Over Abandoned Carts)

So yes, Welcoming Haven is closing. I’m sharing this not for sympathy, but because if anyone out there is thinking of starting an online store, I want you to know the truth: it’s not all sunshine, passive income, and “I made $10,000 my first month!” You can work hard, be honest, and do everything right — and still end up with a store that’s basically a very expensive hobby.

I’ll still share the occasional affiliate link for products I genuinely like, but I promise not to turn Around Dusty Roads into a nonstop infomercial. This space has always been about stories, curiosity, and connection, and that’s where I’m happiest.

Maybe I’m not cut out for e‑commerce, but I am cut out for writing, exploring, and laughing at myself — and that’s exactly what I plan to keep doing.

Last Day is February 26

 

Getting 2026 Off to a Hopeful Start

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🌟 A Personal Note From the Little Old Lady on a Fixed Income

Hey there, my readers, friends, and family —

I’m popping in today with a little life update and a tiny request as I head into 2026 with hope, humor, and a dash of determination. Anyone living on Social Security knows the drill — it keeps the lights on, but it doesn’t exactly leave room for grand adventures or those lingering credit card ghosts from the “salad days.” My mom used to say she was “just a little old lady on a fixed income,” and we laughed, but now here I am, stepping into that same role with a smile and a shrug.

I am the new little old lady on a fixed income, and I’m asking for your help.

🌱 A New Creative Adventure (With a Little Real‑Life Honesty)

I’m genuinely encouraged by the entrepreneurial path I’m walking — even if it’s a little wobbly at times. Trevor, my e‑commerce consultant, keeps reminding me that Welcoming Haven is moving forward and that with patience, the sales will come.

Patience, however, has never been my strongest virtue.

So while Welcoming Haven continues to grow behind the scenes, I’ve started exploring something new — a creative adventure I didn’t even know existed a month ago: printables.

I had never heard of them, never bought one, and honestly couldn’t imagine paying to print something at home. But after watching feeds, ads, and trends, I realized there’s a whole world of helpful, fun, and beautifully simple digital products out there. And suddenly, ideas started bubbling up.

That’s how PrintableByDeborah was born — not as a big business push, but as a gentle side venture where I can create, experiment, and build something at my own pace.

🛒 What I’m Creating So Far

Right now, I’m keeping things light and manageable:

  • A bundle of cleaning checklists- Done and uploaded
  • Pantry labels you can download and print- Done and uploaded
  • A Valentine’s coupon book and a list of free or inexpensive date ideas
    • Perfect for the romantically challenged and the financially strapped – Still on the drawing board

This early stage isn’t about selling hard. It’s about learning, creating, and slowly building a brand people recognize when they see it.

💡 I’d Love Your Ideas

Since I’m still building up my shop, I’d love to hear from you.

What kinds of printables would make your life easier, more organized, or more fun?

  • Something for kids
  • Something for pets
  • Something for holidays
  • Something for home organization
  • Something just plain silly

You don’t need to buy anything — just toss ideas my way. Inspiration is the best gift you can give right now.

🛒 A Soft Little Mention

If you do want to peek at the shop, it’s there — PrintableByDeborah on Etsy — slowly growing, one idea at a time. I’ll be adding new items every week as I build this brand into something recognizable and reliable.
No pressure. Just planting the seed.

❤️ Thanks for Walking With Me

Your support — in ideas, encouragement, or even just reading this post — means the world. I’m excited to see where this creative path leads, and I’m grateful to have you along for the ride.

Here’s to a light, hopeful, and creative start to 2026.
With love,
Deborah

 

Introducing Haven Highlights

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🌟 A New Chapter for Welcoming Haven

You all know how much I enjoy writing blog posts—especially when a topic sparks my curiosity. And you’ve probably heard that I’ve launched a new online store: WelcomingHaven.com. Well, I’ve found a way to blend these two passions into something special I’m excited to share with you.

🎉 Say hello to Haven Highlights!
It’s a brand-new tab on my store dedicated entirely to Welcoming Haven. These posts will spotlight products I love, announce sales and seasonal events, and offer behind-the-scenes peeks into the journey of building my store. Think of it as a cozy corner where commerce meets creativity.

I’ve been practicing behind the scenes—there were a few hiccups getting the blog posts to display properly (tech gremlins, anyone?), but I think I’ve finally got it sorted. I’d love for you to check out Haven Highlights and let me know what you think!

🛍️ Welcoming Haven: My E-Commerce Adventure

Starting an online store has been a wild ride. I’ve probably made every rookie mistake in the book—but I’m learning, growing, and genuinely enjoying the process. Even if you’re just browsing, I hope you’ll help spread the word.

If there’s a product you’re curious about, let me know! I’ll check with my suppliers to see if it’s available. I aim to offer items with solid reviews, reasonable prices, and—when possible—free shipping. That’s getting trickier lately, as new tariffs have nudged some suppliers to tack on shipping fees. So if you don’t see certain items, that might be why.

🖤 Black Friday Sale Alert!

Yes, it’s that time of year again—Black Friday is here! I know it’s a bit mainstream, but in retail, you’ve got to keep pace with the season. I’m rolling out special deals this week, and you’ll find all the juicy details in Haven Highlights.

So stop by, explore the blog, and maybe discover something delightful for yourself or a loved one. Whether you’re shopping or simply cheering me on, I’m grateful for your support.

 

 

 

 

 

A Bedding Upgrade That Feels Like Home

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Wrap Yourself in Reversible Comfort: A Bedding Upgrade That Feels Like Home

If your bedroom is your sanctuary, your bedding should be its softest invitation. That’s why I’m thrilled to spotlight the Soft Reversible Washable Bedding Comforter Set, available now at WelcomingHaven.com. This set blends plush comfort with practical charm—reversible for a quick style refresh, machine washable for everyday ease, and crafted to cradle you in cozy serenity.

Whether you’re curling up with a good book, sharing the bed with a purring cat (Banner and Balboa approve), or simply seeking a better night’s sleep, this comforter set delivers warmth without weight and style without stress. Its gentle textures and soothing tones make it a perfect fit for nature-inspired spaces, minimalist retreats, or anyone who dreams in soft layers.

🌿 Why You’ll Love It:

  • Reversible design for two looks in one
  • Soft, breathable fabric that’s easy to wash
  • Lightweight fill for year-round comfort
  • Available at WelcomingHaven.com

Looking for other cozy options? Here are a few Amazon finds that echo the same comfort-forward spirit:

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that align with the cozy, nature-loving spirit of Welcoming Haven. Thanks for helping keep the storytelling flowing.