I've been working on our 2020 products in between fulfilling store inventory. The legend helps to describe me as a soap maker and it's part of the "turning over a new leaf" designs and ideas. I usually always write in a third party, especially when describing my business. I'm not a fan of lots of I's. I did this. I changed that.
Another thing that I'm not fond of is sticking with the same old for very long. I'm constantly evolving and rotating thoughts and store ideas. The anticipation, one of my favorite words, is always nurtured like a baby, and it's my favorite part of making a change. The before. The after of course reflects my willingness to change and the prize is seeing all the changes and how it makes me feel content.
We celebrated our twenty-second Holiday Open House on Saturday! I was in awe over the number of guests that attended! Our best turn-out to date. This holiday it's been a challenge to get into the holiday mood. I believe it's because Thanksgiving was so late and it seemed to flow ever so fast into Christmas. I've chatted with customers and most of said they have felt the same.
On Saturday and after a ginger-haired child sat and nibbled on sugar cookies and Christmas punch at the store, her sweet smile reminded me about the glorious reason for the season. Then, the store was flooded with patrons from all walks of life. I realized just how blessed I am, and thanked God for all. Then out of nowhere, I felt it! My Christmas spirit had arrived!
I made Christmas punch for our Holiday Open House and received several requests for the recipe.
The Sugar Cookies... I always use this sugar cookie recipe. They are rich and buttery and melt in your mouth yummy! I usually make a cream cheese icing on top and I don't roll them out. I simply roll into a small ball and then smash them a bit.
I never use a recipe for the icing. A brick of cream cheese, tsp. of vanilla, 1/4 cup of butter, a splash of lemon juice, and confectioners sugar. Add a tiny amount of milk to make it spreadable. I always have to adjust the amount of milk to get the right consistency in the icing.
On Thursday my friends from the goat farm brought me a tiny visitor! This little goat was precious! She bounced around and made sweet little goat noises.
That is unless you are tone death! That's me!
This week's fresh flowers were velveted red roses. We made fresh evergreen and red rose bouquets. I love fresh evergreen, and especially fond of incorporating it into holiday bouquets.
The next nine days shall be filled with flurries of non-stop goings-on.
Then we will close our store for a little winter's nap.
I'm excited about the changes we're making at our store and I know without a doubt our customers are going to love the fresh new ideas!
Keep the faith.
Jill
