Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Fun for everyone!

Hello hello!  It has been such a busy time of year for me, but I really am enjoying the hustle and bustle.  It always feels like I have a lot going on, but it is all fun.  The creative juices keep me hopping.  

I recently became a Chamber Board Member,..Woot!  Woot!  I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful team!  I have been a Chamber member since last year.  As a new business, the Chamber has not only increased the traffic to my shop but provides awesome support, along with the opportunity to network and really become a part of our community. 

For the last three years I have participated in online Scavenger Hunts and have been extremely successful and beneficial.  I thought to myself, "wouldn't it be neat to have a Scavenger Hunt here in our local town?"  I asked the President of the Chamber along with the other board members.  Much to my delight, they said YES!  Since then Joyce and I have been busy organizing and planning the event.  We are happy to announce that it will be this upcoming weekend!  Bring the children and the adults in your family.  Why not bring a neighbor too?  Stop in, we would love to meet you!  
AND..yes my fiends..there is an AND..Wild Roses will be hosting their 10th annual Craft Bazaar!  It's on the same weekend as our downtown Alamosa Open House.  Talk about fun!  

Until next time!  Enjoy the busy season, take moments to enjoy the time spent with loved ones.  :-)

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Breathing...

Top of the morning friends!

I woke up early this morning determined to get a head start on my super duper looong "To Do" list.  While I was waiting patiently for my favorite coffee to brew, I took a peak out the window and WHAM!  I had made it just in time to watch the Sun Rise. 


What a view!  I love the peace and quiet of the early morning.  Everyone in my family can sleep in except for me..I am an early bird.  I can't help it!  I can't wait to get the day started.  While I was watching the sun rise and shine I took a few minutes to breathe..in...out...in again..clear my mind..relax...The entire sunrise lasted 11 minutes.  Who knew!  I am so grateful that I was able to catch the magnificent view on camera but most importantly to just be able to soak it all in.  It's not every day that I take a moment just for myself especially during the busy holiday season. 

My wish for all of you on this fine morning is that you take a moment to just Breathe..take a few minutes to soak in your surroundings.  All my love and warmest wishes ~LeeAnn

Friday, November 21, 2014

Christmas Goodies

Hello friends!

The holidays are quickly approaching!  Along with them comes a whirlwind of creating, cooking, baking, family fun and good times.

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year.  I love all of the festive colors and the delicious winter fragrances.  As always my craft studio is overfilling with goodies that are ready to make their debut into the shop as well as on Etsy Land. 

I don't know if I have ever shared about my love for snowmen..they are just soo cute!...  And round and perfect.  They make me deliriously HAPPY! The very first winter soapies that I pour are always Snowmen..this year I have two different snow people molds. Best of all I fragranced them with my ultimate favorite holiday fragrance-First Snow..it really does smell like a fresh brisk walk surrounded by pine trees..aaaa...delightful!  Aren't they just soo soo cute? 


 The holidays wouldn't be complete without Stockings!  Glitter stockings for sure.  I know that some folks do not like glitter so..I have added the option in my Etsy shop to purchase your soapy goodies with/without glitter.  Glitter makes everything sparkly imho..:-)
 Snowflakes have officially made their debut into the shop, I have decided to create them in a variety of colors and fragrances.  First Snow, Pine and Cinnamon...oh so awesome!
 And last but not least..round pine trees!  I entered into a Window Decorating Contest.  Instead of displaying my soaps in the window I am using my display case.  These round bottomed trees are perfect!
Speaking of the Window Decorating Contest, I am working like a busy bee creating and decorating.  Oh the fun!  At times I feel a wee bit guilty as I just enjoy my days here at the shop and feel like it's always a GREAT day!    I will share photos of the finished display case.  Until next time...

p.s. the holiday soapies can be found here

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Celebarating

Hiya folks!  It's been a whirlwind of a year!  I would have never imagined that my life would have turned out this way.  Owning and operating my own business while having a family has been challenging and at times overwhelming but it has also been the very best thing for my soul.

This week Joyce( my landlady and good friend) and yours truly will be celebrating our Anniversaries together, 10 Years for Wild Roses and 1 Year for my lil shop.   Working together with Joyce & Dr. Wiley has been phenomenal! 

I would like to personally invite you to stop in, we would love to meet you or catch up with ya.  

My lil shop has changed so much during the last year, I have really worked on my decorating skills.  I can remember when I first opened up the shop, my display cases were very minimal.  NOW..well!  let's just say they are fully stocked.  It has been so much fun adding lights, decorating the walls and windows and adding small touches of color here and there.

Here I am cutting the Ribbon.  I remember feeling so very excited :-)

My lotion Bar Display
I started off with a few scarves....
NOW!  Shall we take a walksie...remember the Antique Hutch/Cupboard?  Well it's still here.  I absolutely LOVE it!   It was a gift from my in-laws, it just fits the vibe of my shop and what I am all about
And this sweet White Shelf, another custom built shelf, I am so very spoiled!  My father in-law Cris is seriously talented beyond belief and so giving.  Anytime I ask him for something he always says "Yes!" Not only yes, but YES! without hesitation, he is so kind and giving.  I don't think I can ever thank him enough but I sure try.  Don't you just adore the crochet lamp shade?  I wanted to yarn bomb something, one look around Wild Roses and I fell instantly in love with this lil lamp.  It took me a few days to get all of the pompoms crocheted and sewed on, but the end result was worth it.   



 Do you see what used to be the Lotion Bar Brown shelving unit?  This lil unit has underdone quite a few makeovers, I have discovered that lights really brightens up the shelf.  Right now I have pumpkin lights to go with Fall/Autumn goodies but will be switching everything to a Christmas theme.

This next cupboard is such a treasure, I had been ooohing and aaahhing over it daily until one day I decided to buy it!  It was happily sitting near the window at Wild Roses just waiting for the perfect person to come along.  It looks quite lovely holding all of this soft yummy yarn.  Score for LeeAnn!  Right next to it is my spinning yarn display..I tell you!  It is so much fun spinning yarn around!  Have you ever tried it?  If not, you simply MuSt!  Come on in, give it a whirl, the bright colors will speak to you..I promise.  :-) 

 I still have scarves-not very many here on the hall tree... no worries what I call a "Scarf Wall"  is in the works...pictures will be arriving soon. 
So come on in..here's a sneak peak at our edible goodies..the custom made cakes will be arriving later on this week..I can't wait to see them!  We have some lovely 4H gals that have been working so very hard. 
Joyce worked her "Magic" she's so good at decorating, sewing, business and being a friend.  Joyce, if I haven't told you lately, you my friend are "AWESOME!" I have learned so much from you that I can't imagine having a shop without you.  Thank you!

John, Cristopher, Celine, Cris, Miss Lucy and all of my wonderful friends and extended family,  all of you have made this last year the best!  Thank you ALL from the tip of my toes to the moon!  Without all of your love, support and ideas I would be lost.  I love you all Much Much More More!

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Weekend Getaway

Hi folks!

Normally I talk about what is going on in my craft studio but have decided to change things up a bit today.  This last weekend the hubby and I went on our very first weekend Get-Away without our children..gasp!  Yes!  You heard it correctly, WITHOUT our kiddos..much to their dismay we decided that we would love to spend time with each other.

What to do?  Where to go?  Did we want to be somewhere at a specific time?  We both decided that we would like to do something outdoors with no agenda but to have fun and enjoy ourselves.

After a bit of research we decided to go to Mesa Verde.  In all of my years as a Coloradoan I have never researched Mesa Verde but had heard about it.  Wow!  All I can say is wow!  Saturday morning we were up and at 'em early.  We left our house at 7 a.m.  That is awful early but somehow when you know you are going on an adventure it is much easier to get up and going.

While we were on our 4 hour road trip we stopped along the way to grab a snack and stretch.  I had forgotten how completely fascinating traveling is without children.  We love our kiddos but only being in charge of oneself is so liberating. 

We drove over and through Wolf Creek Pass.  Can I just say, this is not a pass for wimps!  The turns and bends are close and narrow.  At a whopping 10,857 Feet you can't help but feel like you are on top of the world. 


The trees in all of their fall glory were breathtaking and oh so delightful!  After a rest stop to catch our breath and wait for the car sickness to subside we trekked onward. Our next stop was the Mesa Verde Visitor Center.  With our map in hand we continued up the narrow windy road to the Cliff Dwellings. 

Our first hike/walk we went on was the "The Spruce Tree House Trail".  Oh the anticipation!  We stopped to see these amazing cliff dwellings and just breathe in their beauty!  
We continued on our walk across this darling bridge..uphill and around the bend.
  
Suddenly we were there!  Right here on this very sacred land.  We were able to walk around the front of the dwellings and even climbed the ladder down to one of the rooms.  Can you imagine?  The natives lived in these stunning rooms.  They not only lived off the land but created their home here in this very spot!  



After taking out time taking in the view we decided to hike back up the trail.  While we were on top of the hill the hubby decided to walk near the edge..I get a bit woozy close to the edge..I was happy snapping pictures from afar.   



We took a few "Selfies" not sure if you all know this about me..but I really really truly do not like taking pictures of myself..I always seem to be looking the wrong way.

We stopped in to visit the museum before calling it a day.  What fun!  We checked into the Fair View Lodge nearby.  The views from our little room were AMAZING!
What a delightful way to unwind after a busy day.  Now now..I like to think of myself as non dependent on technology..but I must say our room did not have a t.v. nor wi-fi..my first thought was "what are we going to do?"  After a heartbeat, I had the perfect answer!  Read and crochet!  I tell ya, life couldn't get better.

The most delicious dinner concluded our evening out and about.  The next day we stopped for a quick breakfast and then it was back to the trails.  We visited a few more sites and then it was time to head home.  All in all, it was a much needed getaway.

Back to work I go!

  

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Falling into the Seasons....

Happy Tuesday Folks!

And welcome to September!  Along with the cooler weather here in Colorado, I absolutely love the smell of fall fragrances.  I have been a busy bee whipping up new soaps and candles.  Some of them have made their way in to the shop while others are still setting up.    These new soaps are all individually fragranced.  I love that I can walk over to my fragrance shelf and browse..I stand and open up jars..take a whiff go back and forth a bit before deciding on a fragrance that will work with the design.  The fall fragrance winners are:
Berries & Branches-a hint of currant, peach and orange..oh so delicious!
Cinnamon-reminds me of those delicious Red Hot Candies.
Orange, Cinnamon & Clove-simply fall in a nutshell.
Apples & Acorns-ripe juicy apple with a hint of mountain air.
And of course Pumpkin-Drool!  Last night I whipped up a few Pumpkin candles..soo sweet and yummy!


I love that my life has slowed down to a much more manageable pace.  I can breathe, enjoy being with my family and create to my hearts content!

What reminds you of fall?  I would love to see a few fall photos.  Until we chat again my friends..stay cool!


Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Redecorating

Tip top of the morning friends!
I have re-arranged almost everything here at the shop..it was a lot of work but so worth it.


Shall we go on a tour of my lil shop.... the first picture is the Candle and Body Area..lots of lovely body sprays have made their way into the shop..Strawberry, Sugar Cookie, Champagne...a little bit of something for everyone.   Don't forget the All Natural Deodorant on the top shelf..it is newly stocked with new Fragrances *Green Aloe & Clover, Midnight Woods)

Onward to Candle & Tart Heaven..the brown shelf was made out of Beetle Kill Wood and has lots of details.  Each leg was hand carved with such attention to detail..wow! 

The turquoise boxes that the Sugar Scrubs & Body Butter Displays are sitting on were made by the hubby..I had to give them a punch of color.whatcha think?  Why yes..turquoise it was.  Such a happy color.  


 On to my next favorite display.  My father in-law custom built this white shelf..he's such a handy man..he really can build/make/create ANYTHING.  Whenever I need something, he's my go to man. The soapies are right next to it..they have a shelf of their own..they were screaming to have their own Stage.  :-)  Do you see my lil yarn bombed lamp shade?  I do LOVE it!  I have been asked if I would sell it..I should..really I should..but I just cAn't..it's personal.  All of my products are so personal but my shelving units and some of my display pieces..why they are a part of me.  Each piece was hand selected, I always go back and forth..lots of serious decision making..I am fairly impulsive..but really take a moment to appreciate each display.  See the little wooden mushroom on the bottom?  My sweet daughter and hubby made that for my Grand Opening...the top turns..pretty nifty I tell ya.

Now we shall move on to the newest glass shelf..I came across this lil shelf last week..it begged to come live at the shop with me..but..the hubby broke the bottom glass when he was placing it on the floor and I broke the side glass trying to move it..waaa..he was able to replace both glass pieces..I am happy to say that the shelf is now stocked with my Cowboy Themed Soaps.  The brown unit belonged to my in-laws.  They had it in storage and were kind enough to give it to me.  It houses all of my gardening goodies as well as laundry detergent and small signs.





This next cupboard and spinning display holds SOME of the yarn that is for sale here..yes my friends!  The shelves spin..what fun!  You can give it a push and see what colors find their way to you.  I just adore the cupboard..I had been keeping an eye on it..until it finally became mine! 


Last but not least.. the wine rack filled with delicious Yarn..I painted the boxes yellow and arranged the last of the yarn in neat rows..I love walking by and squishing the yarn..have you ever tried that?  No?? why you should!  It feels so soft and cuddly.

If you are ever in the neighborhood, please do stop in and have a visit..I love chatting and making new friends.

511 Main Street Suite # 1
Alamosa, CO

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Back to School

Hello and Welcome to the beginning of another school year!  In most areas, school has already begun, here in our neck of the woods it is starting later this week.  On a FRIDAY!  What?  I know..sounds strange but this is the second year that our kiddos begin on a Friday.  Totally wrong in my eyes but alas..who am I to judge?

With the thought of summer shopping and school supplies I decided to make my very first Back To School Soapies..what fun!  The ideas just flooded in..more and more new soapies are always on the horizon.  I do LoVe creating. 
These cute pink erasers took me back to my writing days..being a lefty I would always smudge my paper as I was writing.  After I was all finished with my work, a few swipes with these handy dandy erasers always made my work more legible.  Do any of you suffer from messy handwriting?  Any lefties out there?
 I was seriously so very happy with these Chalkboard Eraser Soaps..oh my gosh!  Just had to toss in a few sticks of chalk.  Do teacher use chalkboards anymore?  Or are they all moving on towards Dry Erase Markers? 
And these lil book soaps?  These were so much fun to create, they smell like Green Apples..super duper yummy and oh so functional. 
What do you think of my Back to School Corner?  Fall is right around the corner..new Fall Soaps will be arriving soon.  All my soaps goodies can be found here

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

It's HERE!  My Christmas in July Sale is Starting SOON.  July 10-July 20..in two days.  Are you ready?  You can also enter to win a free Spa Gift Set on my Facebook Page.  The link can be found here the Giveaway will not start until the 10th but I am so excited!  What do you all think?  Drop me a note, I would love to hear from you! :-)

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Christmas in July

HI Friends!  

How's it going?  I see that more and more folks are reading my blog.  Awesomeness!  It is always busy here in my neck of the woods.  

Speaking of woods, this last weekend we hauled wood.  It was my second time this year.  Boy oh boy what a work out!  We are very blessed, our wonderful neighbors and in-laws went with us.  What a site to see all of the men working on the same tree..now  you don't and probably won't ever see that.  It was amazing!  They each were working so steadily, limbing the tree and cutting it into blocks or smaller chunks.  The ladies..well we were holding our own.  We loaded up the trucks and a trailer with the logs.  It really is such hard laborious work but enjoyable at the same time.  Spending time away form all of the electronics, gadgets, telephones and the business of day to day life is exhilarating.  While we all drove home tired and so looking forward to a good rest, I couldn't help but feel happy that I am healthy and able.  Life has a way of humbling us. 
 Such beautiful country!






Well now on to the business side of things.  I have decided to host my very first Christmas in July Sale.  Very exciting!  All of my products will be 10% off, no coupon necessary.  Now you can stock up on all of your favorite Bath & Beauty Items.  This includes custom orders too!    I will also be hosting 2 Giveaways, one here in my store front and one online.  More details coming soon!

Friday, June 13, 2014

Feeling Lucky!

Hello hello and welcome to Friday the 13th..I have always thought of today as a lucky day.  You never know what is going to happen.  I believe if we put positive energy out there we can't go wrong.

On a happy note, this last week was my birthday.  What a fun and blessed day we had. Since the days seem to fly by quicker than ever, I thought I would check in with ya all and share a little bit more about my daily life. 

On June 20 & 21 our small town is going to have an ArtWalk.  It is such a special time.  Local artists are featured in the downtown businesses.  Some give demonstrations and are available to discuss their work.  For the past few years I have always been an artist that was featured in someone else's shop/store front.  But this year, I am hosting my very own Artist!  How exciting is that? And boy did I get lucky, Evelyn, the Artist that I am featuring is WonDerFul, Superb and Oh so very talented.  She has graciously allowed me to take photos of her work to share with you all. 

I can't decide which one is my favorite, they are all so beautiful and full of color, life and energy.
 The pinks and oranges really make this photo pop, what do you think?
 I can't say enough about the painting itself..ohh laaa laaa and the red frame..why it just screams lovely!
 
Here is a bit of info on this talented Artist:
Sprouse Rowe Studio
Evelyn Sprouse Rowe-Artist/Owner
122 Tyndal St.
Monte Vista, CO  81144

evlrowe@aol.com
Jewelry, Paintings and Graphic Design

Here is also a link to more info regarding Evelyn.  http://evelyn-sprouse-rowe.fineartamerica.com/

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

June is here!! Woohooo!

Hello folks!

I am so excited!  Last night, I was restless..tossed and turned..couldn't sleep.  Finally got up at 3:00 a.m. to see what time it was..yes..I am addicted to the clock..to checking the time.  I don't know why but it sure is a fixation of mine.  Where was I??  Oh yes, I remember. I was talking about June and how exciting this month is going to be.  My store front is 8 months old..can you all believe that?  So many new changes, NEW products, different soaps, a few favorites and a re-decorated craft studio.

We are getting ready for the Rodeo to hit our small town on June 17-20.  To celebrate I decided to whip up new horse/cowboy themed soaps.  It was so much fun to create these and embed the little rubber duckies into the soap.   

 I have had many requests for body sprays.  New fragrances have made their way into sprays.  My ultimate favorite is the Pure Seduction, I have one bottle left in the shop..must add that to my order list.  What is your favorite body spray fragrance?
 With graduations in May and June, I decided to whip up these little "Cheers" soapies..they are soo darn cute!  The Island Margarita shot glass has Sea Salt embedded on the top...almost drinkable I tell ya. 
 Of course, nothing says summer quite like flip flops..the newest flop soaps are flip flopping all over town.  What color combinations would you like to see? 
 Last but certainly not least, Jolly Rancher patriotic soaps.  Nothing says summer quite like fresh watermelon, grilling and Patriotic goodies. 
All of these goodies can be purchased here or you can stop in at 511 Main Street Suite #1, Alamosa CO if you are ever in my neck of the woods.  I love meeting new people..don't be shy come on in!

Stay tuned for new Craft Studio pictures..Can't wait to share them with ya.