June 27, 2016

I have been super busy the last couple of weeks.  I may have mentioned that I am listening to a podcast, Etsy Conversations.  I have learned a lot about improving my Etsy shop.  I have spent the last couple of weeks re-doing my tags and titles.  I am learning a lot about SEO - search engine optimization.  My views have gone up quite a bit, but not much of an increase in sales.  However, the shop has doubled in income compared to this time last year.  I am finding it fascinating how descriptions and tags affect views.

I have also been revamping the labels on our products.  I am a "visual" person so packaging is high on my list of priorities.
Here are some of the labels I have done for our jar candles.

          The wax melts have a new look also:

                                              Soaps too!

The brick and mortar in town is also keeping us very busy.  Our dips and mixes are selling very well.  I laugh now when I think of how nervous I was about this move, but I am so glad we went on board.  The people I work with are fantastic and a lot of fun!!

I've also been working on grungy candles.  I love the Candy Cane scent even though I really should be working on the fall grungies.  

Thursday, January 7, 2016

I just heard that the government is cracking down on the amount of sugar we should be consuming and easing up on coffee and salt.  Actually, the government is the last place I'd go for diet advice, but glad to hear they are catching up.  After all, I am pretty sure that coffee is a food group.

Yesterday I went to lunch with two friends.  It was a pleasant time!  Afterwards I stopped in at the office at St. Mary and chatted with a couple of former co-workers.  The ache is starting to heal a bit.  I stopped in because I am working on a scent blend that smells like Chrism and I wanted an opinion on how close I am.  Todd will be ordained to the permanent deaconate in 2017 and a former Shepherd student will be ordained to the priesthood.  Diane and Todd both liked the scent, but I want to tweak it a bit more.  I decided to go to the staff party on Sunday.  I am ready to heal.   I have also decided to remain in the Diocesan choir.  

Wednesday nights are Word and Communion services at St. Patrick.  I have decided to attend those.  I like the people and the fellowship.  Clay and Claire went with Harold and I.

Last night I bottled the rest of the Peppermint foaming soap and today I made a batch of Country Apple.  

I have been having a ball designing labels.  I have started purchasing from a company online that has templates for the labels.  It is much easier to keep organized and to experiment with new designs.  They may be a bit more expensive, but the time I save trying to use PSE is worth something.

I just finished the stocking order that came in a few days ago.  They need to be sewn and made ready to ship.  I also forced myself to go up into the attic and organize and sort my inventory.  

I ordered a graphic for a grungy jar candle that I want to make available at the Shepherd Maple Syrup festival - but before I do that I gave myself one major project for the day.   I have to sort and put away the laundry.  Tomorrow the Christmas stuff gets put away.  I leave the winter decor out until Lent so basically the tree and the Santa stuff has to go.  The porch lights stay.  

Today I am getting my diet under control.  With the stress at the church over the last few months, I did a lot of stress eating and gained about 20 pounds.  Need to get on the stick with that.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

It's been a while so I thought I'd better update.  October 15 is my annual traditional "start thinking about Christmas" day.  (December 15th is my annual  "wish I'd started October 15th day")

Anyway, things have been hopping here at the Sugar Bush.  The grandkids keep us all busy.  The guys have started the fall harvest, and we are two shows into our fall craft show schedule.  We continue to be blessed by wonderful support from our customers.

The stocking orders are starting to pour in and it's a challenge to keep on top of them.  (A good challenge, to be sure.)

This year we have been experimenting with different fudge flavors - Kit Kat Crunch, Peppermint Patty, Snicker! Snicker!.  (Shown is the Snicker! Snicker!)

 I have yet to make the pink peppermint yet, but speaking of peppermint, I made a batch of peppermint soap last night.  I am chomping at the bit to cut and see the pretty swirls inside.  But when I went to put it on the cutter, it felt soft so I will wait.  I did unmold the overpour, though.

Madison has started pre-school so Meghan is now becoming my Sugar Bush helper.  She is unpackaging all of the bulbs for my lamps.  I ordered her Sugar Bush tee shirt.  She is very excited.