Friday, March 4, 2011

Surf City Sweet Shop

My brother called me yesterday and we were finally able to discuss more bakery business!! I am very excited about this. We discussed potential clients, catering menu, prices, etc. As I mentioned previously, our site is up yet very basic info is included. We are working on the price tab, catering menu, more pictures, etc! This weekend he and his wife are working on a few different butter creme recipes! I can not wait to try those. We have went through quite a bit of trial and error on the add ins for the cup cakes. We get lots of request for add ins and we try attempt to make them before we say, "not to sure how that will bake up, however, we are more than happy to try"!! Gummy bears is one. Those melted and turned the cupcakes into a rainbow creation that would make a box of crayons jealous!  They tasted very fruity however, they were quite a mess and need extra attention in the oven.

We are currently reviewing shipping boxes. There are of course things that need refrigeration. This is an on going process and we want to be very careful on the choice we make as to assure freshness, quality, and a beautiful presentation. This is all very important to Surf City Sweet Shop!

Not sure how much investigative work I will get done today as all of the kids are home. School was canceled today due to a ice storm and close expressways. I sure do love these precious days with my children!

I am still working on cleaning closets to purge items. I need to get to the master closet and set up donation bags. It is amazing how much stuff you can acquire! We have been in this house since 2000 and we sure have accumulated a lot. Mind you, I do my regular annual spring and fall organizing and purging, yet it is still a big task!

Spring break and prom are around the corner and this is a busy hair extension time for Catalina Extensions. I really appreciate the specials Donna Bella of Milan has been running! It makes my job easier to have great stock on hand! Once we get thru this season then it is on to summer wedding hair.

I did not accomplish as much yesterday as I wanted too however, I did get alot done and felt good about it when it was time for bed! That is what counts.

Have a great, productive day friends!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

I have a renewed sense of energy today! Yesterday really drained me. Comcast is at the bottom of my list for competence, customer service, and ethics! There is so much to say on this matter that I will leave it for another post as I do not want to bring any negative energy this way!!

I surprisingly got alot done yesterday, even with an entire morning wasted! I managed to clean my sons Lorenzo's room (which is no feat for the weak hearted). I cleaned out both of his toy boxes, closet floor, and behind his bed! He has found a convenient little place in our dormer to "stash" his stuff! I only have his dresser to clean which again is a project in itself! I love him however, he is a little messy boy!!

Shawn and Aidens room was a bit easier as I made them start before I got in there. Where do they get all this junk from? Ugh! I must admit I am quite a stickler and like things a certain way, so I often find it easier to just "do it myself" so its done right. My husband laughs and says, "Do you really think they care if their books are in size order or if their toy box is organized"? I get it, I am anal about alot. Think it stems from control issues :)

So we have established that I like organization yet at times I feel so unorganized! I am trying to purge alot of things we don't need or use since we will be moving this summer. I don't want to bring things with us that will sit unused or un-needed. I feel so accomplished after I finish a big task like cleaning a room from top to bottom or a hall laundry closet.

Speaking of hall laundry closet, that is on the list for today! I need to do some further research for a business my brother, his wife and myself are starting. It is called http://www.surfcitysweetshop.com. My brother has been a pastry chef for close to 15 years and we have decided to give it a go. He is a great driven man (hard to call him that since he is my little brother) with a great business sense. He drums up most of the business for his current bakery and they just don't follow up to close with these clients. He is so tired of putting his name out there and having the current owners just let it go. He works his little heart out and knows it is time to take a chance and get his name out there! I have been baking dozens upon dozens of flavors and combinations. s a mom of 6 I have experience in baking too however, not to the level of my brother.

We will be preparing cupcakes, cannoli, all different kinds of pastries, pies and perhaps some cakes. I don't think we will dive right in to specialty cakes but we have the knowledge and the skill. We are also contemplating breads and rolls as my brother has quite a following for his specialty breads!

We will start as home based. We will take ordered via phone and internet. We will also offer samples to our customers that wish to place large orders and just can't decide! We are still playing around with numbers, delivery, etc. We have so much information in our heads, its just getting it out on paper for the world to see!

I will with the help of my most awesome brother, start a blog for our adventures. I don't want to mix these two as I have this for my adventures with extensions and family life! Stay tuned for more to come on both!

Have a wonderful day friends!! Make every moment count because you deserve the best!

Your friend-Shannon

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Micro bead information

Micro bead extensions are considered to be the most undetectable and smallest extension application available. This applications takes equal strands of your own hair and combined with the extension hair that is sealed at the top with a keratin bond. There is no chemicals, sewing, heat, glue,  or braids involved. This application is widely chosen as it does not damage your own hair. Micro bead extensions should last approximately three months before needing attention in the form of tightening, reinstalling, or removal.

This technique is acceptable for all types of hair. The beads are available in different colors and lined with silicone to further protect your natural hair. The beads shut securely in place and stay there! You can wash, and swim with these and not fear loss. These are very comfortable as they lay flat n your head.

During your  free, no obligation consultation you will be taken through the process in detail including aftercare, recommended products and the total cost. This is the most sensible approach to extending your hair. I use only 100% Human Remy hair ALWAYS!!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

A visit to Sallys

My morning started off quick paced as usual. Drop the boys off at school and take the little ones to run errands with me. I stopped at Sally's to pick up some developer, gloves and a few misc other items. I spot this girl running her fingers through the extension samples they have hanging. She picks up a pack and looks it over. This is when I had to offer my two cents. I asked her if she was looking for herself or a client, she laughed and explained that she always wanted extensions but had no idea where to start....boy was she in the right place at the right time!! I started to explain the different aspects and methods then told her NOT to buy the hair she was looking at PLEASE!!!! I wrote down my # along with Bella Donna's website and told her to take a look and then give me a call.

I did not want her first experience to be with hair that would tangle and be a nightmare after the first wash! She would never want to wear extensions again!!! She was so happy that someone helped her out (even if I got a not so nice look from the employee)!!

I bought a dryer for my daughter, Argan Heat...anyone used any of their products?? I have been hearing great things so of course I had to give it a try! It came with a free iron and oil. I can't wait to see how this oil feels on her hair. I will keep you posted!

Monday, January 24, 2011

A Donna Bella opportunity

I have been invited to blog for Donna Bella Milan!! This is a great experience for me. I already love their products so getting a chance to rave about them and speak about other things that interest me is right up my alley! I am kind of excited as to what I can contribute! They are a wealth of knowledge for topics well beyond hair! You should stop by and view the articles and check out my entries while your there!!

I have heard it is becoming quite popular to blog for others. Do you blog for a favorite company? If so, I would love to hear about it!!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Sweet beginnings

Welcome to my blog! The new year is well under way and I am looking forward to a fresh start. I didn't set any resolutions per se, more like some personal goals! As you can imagine my home is very active and there is always something going on-never a dull moment! I tried to incorporate goals that would benefit the entire family.

My top goal is to spend more one on one time with everyone in the family, not easy when there is 7 people that need my attention! I am forging on making it a priority-seems to be going well...I will keep you posted.

My next goal was to find a better company to suite my hair extension business. After much research (drum roll please) I have decided to patronize Donna Bella of Milan. Great quality hair and wonderful people behind the scenes. As a side note, I am going to start blogging for them as well, that is how happy I am with my choice.

Another goal is to TRY to eliminate some stress in my life. (wish me luck) Before I continue, I am very interested in ways or techniques you may use to reduce stress in your life!! Please share. I am a worrier. I have this analytical mind that never shuts off. This creates stress, lots of stress. I am trying to implement ways to stop or reduce this. Let's just say there is a lot of room for growth.

The finace goal...now this is loaded. I will try not to go on too much :) We are like many other large families out there trying to make it in a not so stable economy. Here is a little background. I worked for a financial institution for 5+ years. (Comerica for my Michigan, Texas, Florida, and California friends) I spent my days as a financial analyst (great for this analytical mind). The money, not so great. I decided it was time to move on. I shifted gears a bit and accepted a job as a budget and warranty analyst for Ford. I really enjoyed working there however, Ford started on a vicious downward spiral and I was laid -off.  Down to one income, that of my husbands. My husband Shawn, worked as a union commercial carpenter. He soon to met the fate of many Americans in his field. Constant lay offs, intermittent health care, we were struggling. Our comfortable existence as we knew it was gone. We decided I would stay home with our children and that is where I have been. This is why the "finance goal" is so important. I follow some great blogs that help me to save $$$ on food and toiletries (this is huge) My best friend and sister in law has one you need to check out, it is http://kristhecouponlady.blogspot.com/. This girl has stock piles like no other! I am amazed every time I check out her rooms full of free or nearly free items. She has been helping me with my "finance goals" by offering great advice and lots of tips on how to save a ton of money. Really, you need to check out her blog if your tired of paying full price for food and toiletries!!

Whew, I will keep you posted as to how well I'm sticking with my goals! What are your goals or resolutions for the new years? Can't wait to hear them!!