Thursday, 1 April - International Fun at Work Day

I certainly have fun at work! I own my own shop, Anew Thyme. I'm one of over 20 independently owned shops inside Sanford & Son Antiques. I sell stylish, gently worn maternity clothes, handcrafted baby items and other gifts.

This past Monday, 29 March was National Mom & Pop Business Owner Day. A great celebration of what made America what it is today. How sad though that in the last few years, small businesses are struggling. How many of you know of a small shop with great customer service or the knack of having just the right item for that hard to buy for person? Do you tell others or keep it a secret? Keeping it a secret will cause that "cute shop" on the corner to close along with the cozy coffee shop next door!

Break that habit, celebrate what makes Tacoma unique! Believe me that's not WalMart, Target, WaldenBooks or any of those type of stores you see in any major city in America. What makes Tacoma who we are? Check out Cappy's Produce on 72nd and Portland, Nine Lives Vintage at Freighthouse Square, Vanity on 6th Ave, Millesime Designs on Broadway. These shops are just the very tip of what's offered in Tacoma. Support them and it all comes back to you and the City of Tacoma!
Tschuss

7 March - National Crown Roast of Pork Day

I just get a kick that we make a celebration out of everything!

Friday, 5 March was Multiple Personality Day. I think it was named for me (but just this one time) Today Summer (Millesime Designs)and I took time out from running our shops to mark spaces and do all the last minute things for the First Annual Spring Flea Market, tomorrow at Sanford & Sons Antiques. This evening I've got to pull all the items I want to sell, clean them up, price them, list some of the items on Craigs and pack my car! Just writing this makes me tired all over again.

Up at 6am to be at Sanford's by 7. What was I thinking agreeing to work on this event?

The Flea Market was a great success. I sold a fair amount AND managed to keep most of my money. That's the secret you know, keep more $$$ than you buy!
I purchased a beautiful hand painted picture for $5, an embroidered piece I'll use for my dining room table ($5)and after looking over a light fixture I was thinking would work in my shop's office space - the vendor gave it to me, SWEET!! Just a bit of elbow grease and a trip to Home Depot (did you know they give a 10% discount to military folks?) for a lighting kit and it's ready to hang.
Tschuss