Ladies Boutique

Last night I went to look at the place that could potentially be where I open my boutique. I had one of my friend's with me who will be my business partner. The place looked like it has the potential to become a rather nice little shop that will be catering to the ladies in the area. I hadn't originally planned on offering fashion jewelry but since I want to make it affordable to everyone, I've since had a change of heart.

Here are a few of the items I will be offering in my shop. I just hope I can pick out the sellers easily. This is so stressful. I am a little bit scared but the shop used to be a women's specialty store so I think the previous shop owner's customers will definitely continue to shop when I'm there.

I managed to get information from two of the people/tenants in the same shopping strip and they seem to be happy and didn't have anything negative to say about the landlord. The best part is that he's willing to just have me do a 1 year contract versus a longer one and the triple net is included. Granted, it isn't as fancy or as upscale as the shops down the road but I just cannot bring myself to pay several thousand dollars in rent when I'm not sure how well the business will do.

Today I drove to the other store that the lady, who vacated the space I'm going to lease, has. She was straightforward about the situation and told me their sales were great but had to close it down because of her mother being sick. It seems, as she stated, it was too much for her to handle and she decided to just close that one store and focus on the one closest to her home.

I did manage to see the type of merchandise she carries. They were nice items, no sterling silver jewelry but nonetheless, they were nice. I have my suppliers inline for the fashion jewelry and the clothing. Although, I must admit, having clothing wasn't in my plans at all. Since I have all those racks sitting in my garage, I guess I'll have to put them to good use.

The space is approximately 1200 sq ft and it seems it will work well since it already has all the slat walls already put in. It also has the two dressing rooms already built-in so that's one less thing I have to do. It does, however, need a fresh coat of paint and some minor cosmetic touch-ups.

Looks like I've got my work cut-out for me. I have to now order fashion jewelry, get merchant account set up at my bank, sign a lease, order packaging material, sort out all the racks, baskets and stuff I have in my garage. The most important thing I have to do, I believe, is pray. Pray a lot that all goes well.

Am I scared? You bet your patooty. But if I don't do it now, I will never know if I would've made it or not. What's funny/ironic is that the racks I bought were the racks that came out of that store. The very one I will be having my own store at. It came around full circle. God works in mysterious ways. I will have quite a bit of Christian inspired jewelry and scripture bracelets in the fashion jewelry. With the price of silver being at an all-time high, I know that it won't be easy to purchase for those that cannot afford it. I still want the customers to have the option. A fashion scripture bangle bracelet will sell for $7.99 where its sterling silver counterpart will cost approximately $40.

Well, I'm off to do some cyber shopping. Say a prayer for me that all will go as God intends for it to go. God bless you all and have a great evening!

I called the cops!

Since a family with several kids moved in down the street we've had problems with the kids riding their ATV in the alley behind our house. Twice I've come around the corner to come head on with the boy, barely missing hitting him with my car (my worst nightmare). I've glared at him and his younger companion and have warned them I would be calling the cops, they only smile and continue to do it. They wear no protective gear and are no more than 10 years old, if that, and the younger one is maybe 3 or 4 years old.

Their ATV has stalled many times in the middle of the alley and I always wonder why I never see the mother doing anything to keep these kids in line. This morning, while I was reading a highly recommended book titled Epicenter, I hear the loud noise of the ATV yet again. I look out my window to see the chunky little kid at it again. Mr. Sir is sleeping as he got in from work at 7 am this morning. Fed up, I picked up the phone and called the cops. I told them I paid too much money in property taxes for this crap to be going on without them doing anything about it. That I did not need to be contacted if they would only do their job and tell these annoying people that they do not live out in the country. They are not back home in a country where they can make their own rules. I was livid as this is the umpteenth time I've called on this. I told them that if they would get here in a timely manner that they would catch the little brat in the act. It wasn't but about 15 minutes, if that, when I heard the siren of the cruiser coming down the alley just a few seconds after I heard the nuisance child roar past our back yard.

Now, I'm peacefully reading my much anticipated book. I'm happy, it's quiet, I'm relaxed. I pray that this lasts. I do not like being mean to kids or keeping them from enjoying themselves but for golly gee, what are they thinking, ya know? First and foremost, safety!! Where the heck is the ignorant mother?? Does she not realize the danger those kids are in? The alley is busy with the neighbors construction trucks and tow trucks coming and going. Not everyone is careful coming around the two blind-spot corners on each end of the alley. The kid is going faster than 10 miles an hour...he's unprotected, there's an incline that he can easily flip over on if he goes too fast. If that were to happen it would more than likely kill him or leave him severely injured. There is nobody out there watching him. Almost wants to make me go and shake the mother.

We need to move out of here...too many Latinos moving in. Yes, I said Latinos, Hispanics, Mestizos, etc. Is that racist? I don't think their being Latino bothers me but I am part Latina and I know my people. That is the reason I want to stay away from them. Most have no class whatsoever. They are rude, inconsiderate and ignorant. They also live 20 people to a house...that is the only way they can afford to live in this neighborhood. Don't misunderstand me, I realize there are undesirable people in every race but man these people take the cake.

If any other Latinos are reading this blog and you feel I've offended you - you know I'm right. Whether you want to admit it or not, it's the truth. And if you will re-read that 5th sentence in the above paragraph, you will notice I said MOST...not all. So don't get your undies in a bunch. It's people like those that give us all a bad name.

You won't find my kids running wild and annoying or being a nuisance to others. I will see to that. Manners and proper etiquette are taught early on in a child's life. I wish these people would learn once and for all that just because they put up with their kids and their loud and annoying ways doesn't mean that everyone else must.

Ok...that's it for my rant for the day. Have a marvelous and peaceful day. Hasta luego!

Ms. Prissy!!!

Today as I went about doing my usual Friday errands which included taking my new Nissan Altima to get its first oil change at the Honda place...yes, you read correctly, the HONDA dealer, I was labeled as being "prissy".

Now, being that I took ballet for years and having one of the strictest instructors on planet Earth who enjoyed smacking her students with a yardstick if we didn't point our toes properly, I must credit good old Ms. Mary Tanner with this not-so-newly acquired label. You see, this isn't the first time I've been referred to as Ms. Prissy. I recall, not so long ago, as I was leaving church after Sunday morning service when I heard someone calling out..."Hey, Ms. Prissy, how have you been?" I turned to find one of my dear friends from church smiling at me and coming towards me with outstretched arms ready to hug me. I was dumbfounded...my flabber was gasted - to say the least. She then proceeded to tell me how I am always so prim and proper. In my mind I thought....is that a bad thing?

Should I instead just slouch and shuffle when I walk. Maybe I'm enunciating words and emphasizing my speech beyond a reasonable doubt. Should I wear jeans when I'm at home instead of Laura Ashley dresses - albeit some acquired from the resale shop? I'm sorry, I don't do jeans, if you saw the size of my behind, which by the way takes up two zip codes, not one, you'd understand my plight. Should I (heaven forbid) go without makeup when I go out in public? Should I yell at my child instead of asking her politely to put a toy back that is to stay on the store shelves instead of cluttering up her already messy room? I'm looking for insight here. What is a prissy woman to do?

What's funny is that about two months ago I was at Sams picking up some Green Tea for the teenage-type offspring and as I walked past a couple of Latino women I noticed out of the corner of my eye that when they thought I wasn't looking, they mimicked the way I walk! My little princess looked at me and said, "Mommy, they're making fun of the way you walk." I was seething, to say the least. I mean come on...these were two adult women, for crying out loud! Being the wonderfully diplomatic person that I am I waited to get in line beside them. When they got to the cash register I turned to look at them and said, "If you need lessons on walking properly, here's my card." I handed them one of my business cards, smiled and walked away. The look on their faces was priceless.

It seems that the beatings I took from Ms. Tanner not only gave me very strong legs and taught me how to walk "like a lady" but also earned me the title of Ms. Prissy. Little did I know, back when I spent many a night nursing my bleeding toes, that my hard work and aim for excellence would one day come slap me in the face with a cold reality. I am prissy. At first I took it as an attack on my femininity. Then I felt I stuck out like a sore thumb because of it. Then I realized that the best compliment is when somebody pays me a compliment due to my "prissiness" and I'm ok with it.

So, here's to you Ms. Tanner, wherever you are. You can now rest assured that the smacking with the yardstick on my legs paid off in some weird and twisted way. I'm sure you needed to hear that. What's that you say, Ms. Tanner? Why didn't I go on to Broadway to perform in the Nutcracker? Well, you see, Ms. Tanner, my calling was to be here in the south, leading a prissy life and being made fun of by other less-prissy women. Raising kids, being married to Mr. Sir, staying home and being bored out of my gourd. That, Ms. Tanner, is the reason my parents paid an arm and a leg for all those lessons that by no means were a total waste of time or money. I was destined to be a prissy. I was meant to reign supreme above all other prissies. I owe that all to you, Ms. Tanner. I hope you don't have arthritis now, Ms. Tanner, from all those weird poses you forced upon us - your totally devoted students.

Here is the definition of prissy, according to an online dictionary:
prissy

New Year and Many Blessings to All!!

Well, looks like we made it through another year and a new one is upon us. I can hardly believe how fast time is going by. The aches and pains of aging have made their presence known, especially in the last 6 months. It's like I feel my body slowly breaking down; I wish it would do it even slower.

I must admit that I have started taking my vitamins regularly again. That's one of my New Year's resolutions, to take my vitamins every day without fail. I certainly feel better when I take them, if only I can make it a habit of doing so.

We have a little guest at our home. She is having a blast here with my little princess and at times says to me she wants to stay here forever. If only things were that simple. God knows my heart and He will do what needs to be done in His time and if it's His will.

Got a call yesterday from my dear friend the mighty Noodle. We had a nice chat and she gave me sound advice on dealing with some issues I'm having in my life currently. It's always nice to have a trustworthy friend you can take your innermost feelings and thoughts to.

The holidays were a little hectic but I'm glad we got through them unscathed, or barely so. School starts up again next week and I believe the Teenage-type goes back to college on Jan. 14 and I need to buy more textbooks for him. Argh....bottomless money-hungry pit, this college thing. The things we do for our children.

Why is everybody suddenly asking me how to make jewelry? Maybe next time someone does ask me I'll point them to the closest bookstore where they can find a book that shows them how to do it. If they only knew how much money it takes to start making it in the first place. Maybe I should tell them if its as a hobby to just take something up that won't cost them an arm and a leg. Like candle making or bird watching or whatever.

My New Year's resolution is to read the Bible more often and get closer to God. I pray that this new year brings this whole country into a more humble place and that more and more souls are saved for the Glory of the All Mighty. That our leaders faithfully look to God for answers instead of leaning onto their own understanding. That people will praise Him how He should be praised and that nobody worries about being politically correct when it comes to glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ.

This year I will be writing about someone in need that needs our prayers. The names will be changed to protect their identities from unwelcome scrutiny of curiosity seekers. The people will be changed as new ones come into my life and my focus will be directed to different needs. I ask that God will use me to glorify His holy name in everything I do. That I might make a difference in someone's life so that His name will be exalted. I want to provide clothing for families in need. Now all I need is to win the lottery to purchase these items, huh? Seriously, though, I will do whatever it takes to make sure that I am thinking more about the not so fortunate and do what needs to be done on my part.

May the good Lord bless you all now more than ever. May He prepare us all for what is yet to come and that we may all do what is righteous in His eyes. Happy New Year to everyone and God Bless!

More candles to make!

Well, just got another call today and got an additional order for candles. I guess I better get on the ball and make them tomorrow. They are needed by Monday - only 3 days away! Wow, maybe I should focus more on my candles. They are, after all, a lot less expensive than the jewelry making for sure. Of course, less money means less profit unless I look at it from the volume versus profit point of view.

I need to really get better organized. I have over 20 gifts I have to ship out to 20 different people and I haven't even gotten them together. Time is going by so fast and I need to get them ready no later than this weekend as I will have to ship them early next week. I do, after all, want them to reach their respective destinations BEFORE Christmas.

I feel as though I am being pulled in every direction. Kind of like that old, blue, stuffed bunny my little princess got several years ago. The one that has had its ears, head and arms ripped off from being pulled on and fought over so many times. The one that has been so lovingly hand-sewn countless times and now honorably sits in our living room couch. A silent reminder of my little princess' wild antics.

One good thing that I've decided with the candles is that I will only be making a handful of scents so as not to have so many that I will get overwhelmed. Also, I will only be doing two or three different jar candles. Lately, I've come to the conclusion that it might be good that I also make votives for those that want to get a small gift under five dollars. I will, of course, have it in a cello bag with a bow to make it look tasteful and with a higher perceived value. I will post pics on here once I take one I'm happy with.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Under our Christmas tree, anyway. I just love Christmas. Despite the nasty Texas, un-Christmas-like weather! I've been baking a lot and the house smells delightful. It could also be all the candles I've been making. Either way, it smells so good!

Had to drop the Little Princess off for a few hours at a sitter's house so I could wrap her gifts and some others that if she knows what it is in them she will be immediately infirmed with diarrhea of the mouth. I had commented last week on a cool new electric shaver that I planned on getting for Mr. Sir for Christmas. Guess who piped up and loudly announced it on one of Mr. Sir's days off? "Oh, daddy, mommy said she's going to get you one of those for Christmas." Right when the commercial came on. Yep, I turned and glared at her with imaginary arrows darting at her.

So, today, just to be on the safe side, I dropped her off for a few hours. The sitter wanted her to spend the night but although that would have been wonderful and a much deserved evening of peace and quiet for me, I had to say no as it is a school night. Those few hours of peace and quiet were precious. They would've been even better if I hadn't found the friggin' cat laying on the living room couch. Argh! I hate that cat.

She's ornery, nasty and sheds everywhere. I can't even get rid of her, try as I might. Even the shelters turned her away and she's a Siamese...they said they had no more room. I have at some very desperate moments wanted to just throw her out the door and close and lock the door and never let her in again. I just don't have the heart and it would be very irresponsible of me to do that.

If anybody wants a free Siamese, all shots/records, spayed and ready to come lay on your couch...you can have her for the taking. I also have a Turkish Van that's real sweet but I have had it with cats. My kids don't want to look after them and I only gave birth to two living creatures, not four. I know I couldn't possibly be so lucky that someone would just take them off my hands; throughout my life, luck appears to evade me.

Tuesday Night Ramblings

Well, I finally made the time to add my candles and lotion to my website. I've already got quite a few orders for the candles so I figured I better put them on my site so people can actually see what they look like.

I guess I'm just lazy because putting more stuff on there just gets me orders and thus more work. It's okay because it is the holiday season and I've bought gifts for so many people that I need to replenish my cash stash.

It's been hectic around our household lately, more so than usual. Next Monday is the teenager-type's end of his first semester in college. Where did the time go? Why are the days seemingly flying by at the speed of light? Someone, stop the world and let me take a rest. Can someone please tell me why kids are so messy?

This is one time of year I am really glad I do not work outside the home. I don't know how I would find the time to do all that I would have to do. I do miss the adult conversation and my girlfriends.

I'm doing a "Secret Santa" with a lady from Indiana and I just sent out her gifts today. I'm hoping she and her kids will like the gifts. I got them all something from their Christmas wish list so I feel confident they will be pleased. I've yet to send out Christmas cards to everyone on my list. I must admit; however, that I am doing great this year. My shopping is all done, except for my mom's gift. I did find out that she needs new clothes so that's a no-brainer.

What's difficult is having my car trunk filled with Christmas toys for my Little Princess. I dare not take them out as she can smell things like that, it seems. Teenage-types are hard to shop for and since he wants gadgets that are expensive and computer-related, well, that leaves only one thing -- cold hard cash. He, being the impatient person that he is, (got it from me, I must admit) has already taken a draw on his "gift".

I guess I better get to bed and get some rest. I have errands to run in the morning. Have a restful and blessed night, everyone.