I am. Really. Because it has been nearly 5 weeks since I posted here. Seriously, that’s a horrific situation. I did not mean to leave you high and dry. Really. I did not. But life often has a way of cramming too much into too little, leaving you gasping for air and refreshment, like a freshly caught fish hauled out of the lake.

I’m involved in a lot of new activities. Some of which I’ve chosen. Some of which have rather chosen me. But it is okay. Really, it is. But until they create reliable clones, I’m just going to do the best that I can with what I have. And time, too little of it, is the key issue.

I’m working on a new website. I’ve never built anything (really) before and this is totally different from this site. At least, in theory. Okay, I know that doesn’t make a whole lotta sense, but what I’m doing with the new site (name to be shared soon) is design a site that will help discerning shoppers find handmade quality items easier. Coincidentally, it will also help the makers of those fabulous handmade items get seen faster and in a wider arena, And that really is the key. If no one knows you are ‘there’, no one will buy your items.

I’m learning how to program/design the site. So far, at least at this point, I’m determining that an August opening is going to happen. A few things have to occur, first, of course. I need photos/clipart. I’ve found most of them. But I still need more of them. I also need to upload the site to a server so that I can get the urls for the pages and set up the links. Then, I have to let other biz know of the site. The goal is to spend 50% of revenue on advertising each month. Which means that the site will have a fee. But I hope it is ‘worth it’ to those who are there.

I started a new team on Etsy called RealSoap. The reason? Soapers had been somewhat complacent thinking that the ‘reseller issue’ that has plagued many online selling venues, hadn’t hit our category. And we were all utterly gobsmacked to see folks buying ready made logs of soap, slicing them and puting a label on them. Well, that doesn’t constitute ‘handmade’ to me. RealSoap is a team that promotes folks who actually make what they sell, like moi. Want to check us out? Search RealSoap in the bar at Etsy and you’ll find different shops. Or, you can browse us by going to the team section, finding us and shopping with our membership. You’ll be glad you did.

I’m designing a new soap line. My first attempt to create the soap in my head did not work out. I kinda ‘mushed’ a few of my current techniques and hoped that I’d get the way cool image residing in my brain, but I did not. So I’ll try it again later tonight (fingers crossed) and see if, this time, I do manage to create what I’m calling ‘Sorbet Soap’. I think you’ll love it.

I’m also completing the design work for a new line of candles. More upscale than my current line, each candle is packaged to make it very ’giftable’. Tucked in a cool box and tied with a ribbon, it is something totally new for me. But still totally within the realm of Coquette Bath & Home™ (accent here on the ‘home’).

And, yes, I’m still redecorating. My home office and front sitting room are totally done. Though I did buy a new item at IKEA yesterday (Expedit unit) that I originally intended for my bedroom. Now, not too sure. I may use it in the front sitting room, in place of the white bookcase already there. With 8 cubicle spaces, it will hold a lot of stuff in a more organized way. I also bought 3 inserts (one with 2 drawers and two with just a door). White inserts in a black/brown (their color scheme…) unit. My only drawback is that it is made of engineered wood. I primarily purchase their solid wood items. But I’ve always loved that basic no nonsense design. If I decide not to use it there, then I will take it back.

And get a bookcase unit for my bedroom. That’s the current room on the agenda. I’ve already painted the walls with silvery blue (pale nearly gray) ‘oops’ paint. You know the paint. When the home improvement center doesn’t blend it precisely right for a customer, or if they do not return to pick it up, the paint is seriously marked down. I love getting $35 gallon paint for $9. I generally only buy oops paint. And this one is fabulous. It is nice enough that I’d honestly pay for the paint in full price. If you are looking for a wonderful paint that COVERS (and this paint covered a vivid jade green in a microthin coating cause I only had 1 gallon and a room that–with regular paint–would want 1.5 gallons) you need to buy the Behr paint that also contains a primer.

Absolutely wonderful. And one coat, as mentioned, did the job. I have enough to do, I don’t need to paint a room twice. And with this paint I did not have too.

Today, if the flooring store is open, I’m going to go and get the laminate for my bedroom, roust the 20yr old son out of bed, and lay floor. He and I have done 2 rooms already. And this one could be done today. We have to shift furniture to do it, though.

This list doesn’t even cover all of the past tax returns and stuff that I need to shred (3 bags already done and waiting for recycle), photos to take (like I’ve made a new lotion bar in peach that is fabulous. No, you don’t see it on the site–but I’m about to add it–cause of photos. I’m seriously delinquent in that arena. I HATE taking photos). And more.

Maybe we’ll even stop in at our new favorite sushi restaurant tonight for a dinner. That is, if we get the floor laid.

Hope your world is equally challenging. Keeps us on our toes, huh?

It’s Labor Day in the United States. The day that comes, only once a year, where we relax from a job well done. And Americans (pardon my insular thoughts) do work harder than  many.

I say this based on the fact that most Americans get less than 2 weeks vacation from their jobs during an entire year. I’ve read/heard about European and Aussie folk getting 4-6 weeks in year one! To get that in America, you usually have to be a 30yr plus employee.

Or own the company!

So we do enjoy our (fewer) vacation days. Some folks are going to barbecue. Some will visit with family (daughter, corgi and I are heading to my brother’s house near Houston tomorrow…son can’t get off work. Yes, he’ll be laboring on Labor Day). Others will go to the races, to the ball games, to the movies. Wherever they want to be. So that they can relax and enjoy some peaceful time.

Because peace and tranquility are essential for our souls. I do believe that. Being still. Being quiet. Both are absolutely essential for peace of mind and general health. Many world philosophies talk of meditation and mindfulness. And I personally practice it as much as possible. But it is hard in our world. Especially since I live in a large city (Fort Worth, TX) with the associated people, traffic and general stuff. It is enough to deprive one of a peaceful life.

So we have to work hard to get them. I’ve been working hard, lately, trying to get some new products finished. I have a whole new soap line (Shea Basic), a few new perfume scents (Waterlily, Orange Patchouli, Sunflower) coming. There are new candle scents: Sanctuary, Yuzu, Sunflower, Waterlily and more. I have a new cologne spray, too.

Lots of new things. I’m also looking for wholesale outlets. So if you love my products, tell your favorite store.

But in the meantime, to put a smile on your face, I’d like to leave with a photo of someone who is just too cute. And if you don’t say ‘awwwww’, you need an extra day of vacation. Tell your boss I said so.

Such a cutie, isn’t she? This is ETTA, the wonderful Corgi!