Category Archives: Welcoming Haven

Welcoming Haven is not alone

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Letting Go of Welcoming Haven

I’ve been sitting with some mixed feelings lately as I prepare to close Welcoming Haven. It’s never easy to walk away from something you poured time, money, and hope into. I’ve only had one other business venture that felt as big as this one—my Arthur Murray franchise. I ran that for seven (or was it nine?) years before deciding I was simply getting too old for a young person’s business. In that case, I sold a thriving studio. With Welcoming Haven, the story is different. We never really got off the ground.

A Big Undertaking, No Matter What the “Experts” Say

Despite what the online gurus promise, launching an e‑commerce store is no small task. Welcoming Haven was a lovely shop with plenty of variety, but variety alone doesn’t bring in customers. It needed advertising, traffic, and—most importantly—conversions. Those things cost money, and I simply didn’t have the resources to keep feeding the machine.

I’ll admit, I was feeling a little defeated. Then one morning, I logged onto my computer and was greeted by a headline shouting that Neiman Marcus Last Call was closing all stores in bankruptcy. Neiman Marcus? Saks? If giants like that were struggling, what hope did a tiny online shop have?

A Long List of Retail Casualties

My curiosity kicked in. If Neiman Marcus was in trouble, who else had gone down that road? The list was longer than I expected:

  • Bed Bath & Beyond
  • Christmas Tree Shops
  • Tuesday Morning (a personal favorite)
  • Party City
  • David’s Bridal
  • Rite Aid
  • Joann Fabrics (my go‑to for sewing supplies)
  • Rue21
  • Express
  • The Body Shop

And then there are the retailers scrambling to reorganize and closing stores left and right:

  • Macy’s
  • Walgreens
  • Foot Locker
  • Dollar General

Perspective, and a Little Grace

Seeing all of that laid out, I had to pause. If major chains with deep pockets and decades of brand recognition are struggling, how could a small, independent online store expect to thrive in today’s marketplace?

I don’t take pleasure in anyone else’s misfortune, but I’ll admit—it softened the sting. Welcoming Haven wasn’t a failure. It was a sincere effort launched in a brutal retail climate. Welcoming Haven was a good store. It just didn’t stand a chance against forces far bigger than me.

So I’m closing this grand experiment with my head a little higher and my heart a little lighter. And now, I’m returning to what I’ve been doing for years—writing stories, reflections, and everyday adventures for Around Dusty Roads. That’s where my voice lives, and that’s where I’m happiest.

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

 

The Springform Pan

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A Baker’s Quiet Hero

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I use and love—or, in this case, desperately need to replace.

When You Realize Something’s Missing

I’m not sure when it happened, but somewhere between moves, reorganizations, and the general chaos of life, my trusty set of springform pans vanished. Poof. Gone. I don’t bake cakes often, so I didn’t notice their absence until recently, when I made a Ring Ding cake and found myself wrestling with the crème filling. Getting a smooth, even layer without the sides bulging out was… let’s just say, a challenge.

That’s when the lightbulb went off. A springform pan would have kept everything neatly contained while I assembled the layers. Bottom layer in, filling added, top layer placed gently on—no sliding, no spilling, no stress. Then just pop the latch, lift the ring, and frost with ganache. Easy. Or it would have been easy, if I could have found my pan.

The Universe Sends a Hint

As if to drive the point home, two ice cream cake recipes landed in my lap right after that. Delicious? Absolutely. But both required—you guessed it—a springform pan. At this point, I had to laugh. The universe wasn’t being subtle. It was time to replace the set I’d somehow misplaced.

 

Shopping Smart: Amazon or Welcoming Haven?

Sure, Amazon has a huge selection, and I could have ordered one in a heartbeat. But as the owner of Welcoming Haven, I’d be foolish not to check my own shop first. And wouldn’t you know it—I do carry a beautiful set of springform pans. Shop link here

 

These pans are crafted with a durable nonstick coating and a secure latch design that ensures smooth release and picture‑perfect results. No sticking, no crumbling crusts, no frustration. Exactly what I needed.

Features That Make Baking Easier

  • Effortless Release: The classic springform latch opens smoothly, letting your creations lift out cleanly.
  • Nonstick Performance: A premium coating keeps your cakes intact and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Removable Bottom: Perfect for cheesecakes, tarts, layered cakes, and anything delicate.
  • Multi‑Purpose Design: Great for deep‑dish pizza, quiches, breads, and more.
  • Durable Construction: Built from heat‑resistant materials that hold up to frequent baking.
  • Sleek Black Finish: A modern, professional look that fits beautifully in any kitchen.

Ready for the Next Baking Adventure

So yes—I’m placing my order. The next time I tackle a delicate dessert or a recipe that needs a little finesse, I’ll be ready. No more improvising, no more wrestling with fillings, and definitely no more missing pans.

If you’re in the same boat—or if your springform pans have mysteriously wandered off too—you can find the set at Welcoming Haven. Your future cakes will thank you.

 

Discover the Magic Mirrors can Make

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Discovering the Magic in Gothic-Style Mirrors

 

A Surprising Shift Into the Visual Side of Things

Lately I’ve noticed myself leaning more and more into visual inspiration. Maybe it’s the season, maybe it’s the creative rhythm I’m in, but images have been speaking louder than words. Case in point: these gothic-style mirrors I added to Welcoming Haven a few weeks ago.

Honestly, when I first listed them, I liked them—but I didn’t think they were anything extraordinary. True confession time: I mainly needed another wall mirror for the shop, and my suppliers weren’t exactly overflowing with options. I didn’t want a lineup of ten round mirrors staring back at me. I wanted something with personality, something different.

When an Ad Turns Into a Creative Spark

Today, while putting together an ad for these mirrors, something unexpected happened—they suddenly popped. The very first layout I tried gave me a full-on Dark Shadows vibe. Anyone remember that show? I used to rush home to watch it. Barnabas Collins, the brooding vampire, is still etched in my memory. And these mirrors? They hit that moody, dramatic note perfectly.

A Whole New Mood With Just One Change

Then I switched the background and—surprise—the entire feeling shifted. Gone was the gothic mystery, replaced by something bright, warm, almost spiritual. Instead of the Adams Family aesthetic, I got a soft cathedral glow. If these mirrors were stained glass, they’d be right at home in a chapel.

 

Mirrors That Shape Your Space

That’s when it clicked: these mirrors are chameleons. They can lean dark and dramatic or light and uplifting. They can be moody, romantic, whimsical, or serene. Whatever atmosphere you want to create, they’re ready to play along.

 

Your space could be uniquely yours with just one of these beauties.
Take a peek at them over at WelcomingHaven.com—you might see something you didn’t expect.

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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