Well, seeing as it has been a rather long time away from you all, this is going to be a long post! First of all, how are you? I missed you all terribly and have been so busy with the shop and MY BIRTHDAY!!! Yes, I've hit another year with a rather large bash (OOh, my head) and have had a wonderful time. Months back, my beloved asked me what I really wanted for my birthday. I have to say, I don't like that question really, it sort of puts you on the spot, and if you really have nothing in mind, then you tend to say the first thing that comes to your head at that moment and it is usually something you don't really want, you just want an end to that particular conversation. I remember answering that question regarding Christmas presents, and I thought I would be all grown up and intellectual at the time of the asking of said question. I remember unwrapping the 4th recipe book thinking "I wish I had just said Agent Provocateur!"
Anyway, luckily I had the answer ready. there was only one thing that I had craved for years. One thing that would make my life complete. I sometimes log on to Ebay just to see what they've all been going for recently and wandering whether I could summon up the cash to buy one of my very own. "What is it?!" I hear you cry? Well, at midnight on my birthday, my beloved put before me an enormous present all pink and ribbony. Please don't be jealous, but here is my new best friend:
Aah.. the sweet, sweet scent of rasberry cupcakes is almost upon me as I gaze on this beautiful machine. Thank you my darling, I'll treasure it always. Goodbye flat tummy...
On the shop front, the layout is complete and the shelves almost stocked to the brim. I had a meeting with a rep from a new gorgeous supplier from whom I have ordered far too much beautiful stock. One of my favourite thigs was a picnic basket for four. I had in mind to sell all beautiful products and very low prices, but as I meet more and more suppliers, I am finding my taste drifting away from penny clothespegs (Gorgeous as they are, and yes, I will still sell them) in favour of a few suprisingly (for me) up-market products. The picnic hamper of which I speak is white wicker lined with rose fabric, containing a porcelain salt and pepper pot, "bone" handle cutlery, white china, wine glasses and cloth napkins. When I first saw the Cath Kidston version a few years ago, it was all I coveted- I just couldn't bring myself to part with £300.00 for the privalidge. My version is just £49.99, but that may well soon go up, so I suggest you get your orders in ladies!
I have designed a "bag for life" to encourage my customers to move away from using plastic bags. It is a lovely vibrant pink, with my logo hand stitched on the front. I don't think it's too bad for £2.50, considering that you get 10%off your next purchase when you bring it in!
Actually, it looks a bit shabby in this light. It's quite pretty in real life, honest!
Mum took me to some new suppliers yesterday and I managed to spend even more money. I hope I start making the pounds up soon, or this adventure will be over before it's begun!
Love Carli xxx
