Category Archives: work

🎉 Happy New Year from Around Dusty Roads!

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Stepping Into 2026 With a Fresh Start

Happy New Year! January 1st is basically the world’s biggest “Let’s try that again,” and honestly, I love that energy. A brand‑new year feels like stepping onto a blank page—full of possibility, potential, and maybe even a few delightful surprises waiting in the margins. I hope everyone is kicking off 2026 with big dreams, bold ideas, and a little spark of excitement for what’s ahead.

A New Creative Chapter Begins

If you read my New Year’s Eve post, you might remember I hinted that something new was brewing behind the scenes. Well, today is the big reveal! Don’t worry—Welcoming Haven is still going strong. But over the past year, I’ve realized something important: I get so much more joy from writing blog posts, creating recipes, and sharing cozy content than I do from checking inventory every morning.

So instead of expanding Welcoming Haven in the traditional way, I decided to follow the path that felt more creative, more fun, and honestly, more me.

Introducing… Printable by Deborah!

Originally, I planned to create a Welcoming Haven spin‑off, but every name I loved was already taken. After a few rounds of brainstorming (and maybe a few eye rolls at the universe), I decided this new project deserved its own identity while still staying connected to Welcoming Haven.

And so, Printable by Deborah was born—a brand‑new Etsy shop filled with cozy, helpful, beautifully designed printables. You’ll still find it linked on my Welcoming Haven site, but it now has its own cheerful little home on Etsy:

👉 printablebydeborah.etsy.com

Meet the Mascot (Banner Steps Into the Spotlight)

Every creative shop needs a mascot, right? Since this project leans heavily into color and design, I chose Banner to represent the brand. Balboa will absolutely get his moment another day—this was purely a color‑palette decision, not favoritism. (He has been assured.) Check  out my Etsy Shop logo with Banner’s paw print of approval.

We’re Open for Business!

I’m thrilled to share that the shop is officially live! A handful of printables are already uploaded, and more are on the way. It feels like the perfect way to start the year—fresh, fun, and full of creative possibility.

Here’s to new beginnings, blank pages, and a wonderfully cozy 2026. Let the adventure begin!

Why I Still Believe in Welcoming Haven’s Future

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A Welcoming Haven Update

Hi Dear Readers,
In Around Dusty Roads tradition of full transparency, I’m sharing some of the challenges of building an online business. I do so not out of discouragement or frustration, but to offer insight into what you may encounter if you choose to join the ranks of e‑commerce.

 

Facing Early Challenges

In my previous post, 5 Truths About Success—And Why I’m Still Showing Up, I reflected on the realities of building Welcoming Haven. This week, I want to continue that conversation with an update. Building Welcoming Haven has been a challenge, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. The consultants I first worked with didn’t provide the ongoing support I expected. After searching online, I discovered many others had similar experiences. Although the consultants provided the basics for a viable business, which is why I don’t believe I was scammed, the fact remains that the lack of support ultimately taught me a hard lesson.  It’s a reminder that scams and unreliable services are out there, and caution is essential.

Finding Support in Shopify

Thankfully, Shopify offers strong resources and guidance. Shopify designs its platform to help stores succeed, and I find their support reassuring. Because they invest in the success of their merchants, I feel less alone in the process.”

Learning from Other Entrepreneurs

In the course of this journey, I also connected with another store owner who had struggled too. He told me his business turned around after working with a consultant recommended through Shopify. His store now grosses $20K a month! He kindly shared his consultant’s contact with me, and after a brief discussion, I decided to give it a try. (so much for caution)

A New Approach

This consultant works differently: only a minimal upfront investment for tools, and the rest on commission—no sales, no payment. Already, he’s boosted my product SEO scores from 60–70% to 90–100%, and is now focusing on marketing. More importantly, he’s responsive, confident, and delivers on his promises.

Looking Ahead

For the first time, it doesn’t feel so lonely. I have someone in my corner, and I’m hopeful that 2026 will be prosperous for both of us.

Let’s go, Welcoming Haven—your future is looking bright.

 

The Great Computer Caper

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The Great Computer Caper: A Tale of Cords, Confusion, and Cat Interference

There comes a time in every digital wanderer’s life when their trusty old computer begins to sound less like a machine and more like a wheezing accordion. Mine had started sighing audibly every time I opened a browser tab. It finally laid down its virtual head to enter sleep mode never to awaken again.  It was time.

Chapter One: The Seduction of Specs

I entered the electronics store with the confidence of someone who’d Googled “best computer for bloggers” exactly once. The sales associate greeted me with a smile that said, “I’m about to upsell you into oblivion.” Suddenly, I was knee-deep in acronyms—SSD, RAM, GPU—and nodding like I understood any of it. I picked the one that looked sleek and promised “lightning-fast performance,” which I later learned was code for “you’ll need a dongle for everything.”

Chapter Two: Setup or Summoning Ritual?

2+ Thousand Computer Wires Mess Royalty-Free Images, Stock Photos & Pictures | Shutterstock

Unboxing the new machine felt like opening a treasure chest—until I realized it had no USB ports. My printer, camera, and external hard drive stared at me like abandoned pets. I bought adapters. Then adapters for the adapters. Banner tried to chew one. Balboa sat on the keyboard and activated Siri in Spanish.

Chapter Three: The Migration Mayhem

Transferring files was less “drag and drop” and more “drag and sob.” My old computer refused to cooperate, like a jealous ex. Passwords were forgotten. Cloud backups were mysteriously missing. At one point, I considered hiring a teenage hacker or just starting a new life as a forest-dwelling poet.  Even after desperation forced me to JustAnswer  it took the technician 2 days to help me find my Lightroom app.

Chapter Four: Victory (Sort Of)

Eventually, everything was set up. The screen was crisp, the speed was glorious, and I could open ten tabs without hearing a death rattle. Sure, I still don’t know what half the icons do, and yes, I accidentally sent an email with a cat emoji signature. But I’m back online, baby.

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Have you survived your own tech upgrade saga—or are you still tangled in cords and confusion? Drop your story in the comments and let’s commiserate.
And if you’re looking for cat-proof cables, adapters that actually work, or a chair that won’t judge your posture, check out my favorite finds below. Banner and Balboa approved (mostly).

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Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through this link—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and think you’ll enjoy too. Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping keep the storytelling flowing

🪑 Chair of Champions

Ergonomic Synthetic Leather Gaming Chair
When your computer setup feels like a medieval quest, this chair is your throne. With diamond-stitched faux leather, a massaging lumbar cushion, and a retractable footrest, it’s built for bloggers, gamers, and anyone who’s ever Googled “how to sit like a human.” Banner may still try to chew the armrest, but at least you’ll be reclining in style.
Check it out

🖥️ The Comeback Computer

Gateway 23.8″ All-in-One Desktop
This sleek machine boots up faster than your cat can knock over a coffee mug. With a vivid Full HD display, AMD Ryzen 5 processor, and enough ports to make a dongle cry with joy, it’s the perfect upgrade for bloggers, creators, and digital wanderers. Comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse—because cords are so last meltdown.
Explore the specs

💼 The No-Frills Workhorse

15″ Windows 11 Laptop with Intel Pentium J3710
If you’re looking for a reliable laptop that won’t break the bank—or your back—this slim, featherweight machine delivers the essentials without the drama. With a crisp 1080p display, 256GB SSD, and 8GB RAM, it’s perfect for blogging, browsing, and battling inbox chaos. No flashy lights, no touch screen tantrums—just solid performance and a battery life that lasts longer than your average Zoom call. Bonus: it’s light enough for Balboa to nap on without triggering a system crash.
See the specs and snag the deal Here

Available at Welcominghaven.com

 

 

 

Autumn in the Haven

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🍁 Autumn in the Haven: Where Cozy Begins

There’s a hush that settles over Taunton when the leaves begin to turn. The air sharpens, the light softens, and even Banner seems to nap a little deeper, curled in a sunbeam that flickers through golden branches. At Welcoming Haven, autumn isn’t just a season—it’s a feeling. A slow exhale. A velvet dusk.

This year, we’re celebrating the shift with our Autumn in the Haven collection: a curated blend of textures, tones, and tiny joys designed to turn your home into a sanctuary.

🕯️ Light the Season

Start with scent. Our Aroma Candles are infused with notes of cedarwood, clove, and a whisper of orange peel—like a forest kissed by firelight our Alpine Forest brings the outdoors inside. . Banner insists the “Vanilla” candle smells like breakfast in a treehouse. We don’t argue.

Affiliate spotlight: Fall Candle Set – “Smells like a forest kissed by firelight” – Apple Cider, Hot Cocoa, Maple Latte, Pumpkin

🛏️ Nesting Instincts

Balboa has claimed the Velvet Headboard as his personal throne. Rich in texture , it turns any bedroom into a retreat. Pair it with our Bath Sheets—plush enough to rival a cat’s nap pile—and you’ve got the makings of a perfect autumn cocoon.

Affiliate spotlight:
Velvet Headboard – “Where dreams fall like leaves”


Bath Sheets – “Wrap yourself in a cloud kissed by pine”

🍽️ Gather & Glow

Whether you’re hosting friends or just plating up a solo snack, our Ceramic Plate Set brings rustic elegance to the table. Think speckled glaze, earthy tones, and a shape that feels handcrafted—because it is.

Affiliate spotlight: Ceramic Plate Set – “Serve up autumn with every bite”

 

🐾 From Our Haven to Yours

This season, we invite you to slow down. To savor the rustle of leaves, the flicker of candlelight, and the quiet companionship of a cat curled nearby. Autumn in the Haven is more than a collection—it’s a moment. And it’s yours to create.

Explore the full collection here, and let your home tell its autumn story.

Affiliate Disclosure:
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love and that fit the cozy, nature-inspired spirit of Welcoming Haven. Thank you for supporting my small business and helping me keep the candles glowing and the cats purring.

 

 

From Salon Chat to Cozy Retreat

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From Salon Chat to Cozy Retreat: How One Chair Found Its Perfect Home

It started with a haircut and a little storytelling.

About six weeks ago, I was chatting with my hairdresser—one of those easy, flowing conversations where you swap life updates between snips and styling. I mentioned my new store, Welcoming Haven, and she immediately pulled up the site on her phone. Within seconds, her eyes landed on the Massage Reading Chair/Recliner.

“I need that,” she said, no hesitation. “For my home salon.”

Fast forward to today, and I saw her again—this time not just as a stylist, but as a delighted customer. She couldn’t stop raving about the chair: how it fits beautifully into her space, how her clients love sinking into it, and how it’s become her favorite spot to unwind after a long day. “It’s such a great value,” she told me. “I didn’t expect it to feel this luxurious.”

That moment reminded me why I created Welcoming Haven in the first place. It’s not just about products—it’s about creating spaces that feel like a gentle exhale. Whether you’re running a home salon, curling up with a book, or simply carving out a corner of calm, the right piece can transform your day.

🪑 Featured Product: Massage Reading Chair/Recliner

Affiliate Spotlight
This chair is a favorite for good reason. With plush cushioning, gentle massage settings, and a reclining feature that invites you to linger, it’s a haven in itself. Whether you’re styling hair or stealing a quiet moment for yourself, it blends comfort and function beautifully.

👉 Explore the Massage Reading Chair/Recliner
(As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through this link—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Welcoming Haven!)

If you’ve been dreaming of a little more comfort in your space, maybe this chair is your sign. Or maybe it’s just a reminder that sometimes, the best discoveries come from everyday conversations.