Daily Routine

It's funny how quickly life gets back to normal - and living in our new abode feels like home.
The bulldog has settled in - and quickly established her routine. Sleep until 6, have breakfast, sleep until 9, small snack and wander around the grounds(!), sleep until lunchtime, little stretch, then start playing merry hell from about 4 as she wants her tea!

Life for Ochre And Ocre has quickly resumed it's routine as well. Still internet connection issues which make it quite hard - you are half way doing something when suddenly the connection dies, or worse I get an email on my Blackberry saying I've had an order, but I can't log on to print it off.
I pay more for having my Broadband through Eclipse Internet, but it is worth it as I can at least speak to a friendly human, and they have been trying really hard to resolve things.
We went to our first show since moving last Saturday, and it was quite a fresh start, as we've upgraded our shelves and signage. We think it's clearer and neater - comments welcomed. I know I now need to update the banner, but it's another cost again, and you do wander if it makes a huge difference?

This weekend it is our big challenge - the Three Peaks. As well as me and Mr Ochre, our book keeper Amy is doing it as well - nothing like taking the whole team down in one go is there! Maybe we should be more like royalty and not travel together! We will be posting updates on Facebook, lets hope the weather is dry!
I caught up with Jet from Dinner Party Allotments on the phone today, as she has just come back from her first major show, (Chelsea), and was being a very harsh judge on herself. I wish there was some site / forum where small businesses could share info truthfully on good / bad shows, what advertising works, or doesn't work. Unfortunately everyone seems too keen to set up sites and take money off you. Anyway not only had Jet managed to get her stand on the BBC, she also had loads of journalist's interested.

Jet with Rachael de Thame at Chelsea.

One thing I've always found from shows is that you get something from each show, even if it's not sales. 
It is very hard when you are working from home, without that support network of colleagues, and help desks, you can drive yourself into ever decreasing circles, and question what you are doing.
When Emma, (Naked Soap) and I were talking to Wilfred from The Black Farmer at the Cirencester Polo match show last weekend, it was very telling  when he was asked how does he manage to step back from things and yet still get everything done. The word "we" was used a lot - for instance "when we update Facebook". Unfortunately for most of us there is no we - and although we have different external supports, the day to day is very much "I".

Insider Secrets

Image via Wikipedia

One of the best things about doing so many Christmas shows is that you get to do your Christmas shopping in work time - and you can get something unique, often handmade, and not available on the high street.
So I thought I ought to share a few more of the lovely stalls I have come across recently.
A surprise one I came across whilst at Upper Rissington last week was Herb Farmacy. I say surprise, as they are actually from my home area, and I never knew they were there when I was growing up in Herefordshire.
They had a really lovely range of Organic skin care, made using herbs they've grown on their farm in Eardisley. They all smell lovely  - I may have purchased a few stocking fillers!
Again on an Organic theme, I met Plush chocolates at Ettington last week - they make delicious Fairtrade chocolates in Warwickshire.
Their website is not yet up and running - but one to keep an eye out for is Pandora Rose - beautiful flowing dresses - as my friends know I love a pretty dress!
Another site for pretty, and unique clothing is Linen Lawn. They had a stand at the Country Living show last week - Liberty esque prints in a soft cotton - and cute little blouses. 
I met quite a few local businesses at Northleach over the weekend - I know I've mentioned Naked Soap before, but its well worth trying to catch up with them at a show, as they have some great Crimbo pressie ideas - the Epsom Bath salts smell divine.
The Cotswold Ice Cream Company may not be top of your shopping list - but ice cream does go beautifully with Christmas pud!
If you are looking for inspiration for the smaller people in your family - check out Keke Interiors.
With more shows still to do, I'm sure I'll come across a few more gems over the next few weeks - I'll keep you posted.

Another photoshoot

It was nice to catch up with David & Pat again yesterday - as they came back to shoot my bathrooms. It's always interesting to see your home through someone else's eyes, and in the top floor bathroom they had decided to introduce a shot of peacock blue - the starting point was a very pretty pair of wooden sandles I had bought on a trip to the market in Vietnam, hand painted with sparkly bits. Rarely worn, but they look gorgeous - having wooden soles they make a bit of a din when you walk around!!
I had added a few of my blue glass pieces I used to collect - along with some perfume bottles, and flowers in the lovely Linda Bloomfield jug. Plus of course our zesty honey hand wash and hand lotion, and soy wax candles. Emma from The Naked Soap company had sent along some of her gorgeous soaps - (they smell divine), and suddenly the bathroom looked very different.
The worst bit is always having to pose for the pictures - there are only so many ways you can pretend to be folding a towel, as if it was normal behaviour!
David now has to edit / photoshop and generally work his magic, whilst Pat puts together a synopsis to entice the mags onboard. I will keep you posted as to when and where the article will appear.

Burwarton Show in the Sunshine!

We were really lucky that it was sunny in Burwarton yesterday - and there was a really good turn out. We were in the Wire tent, and had some good friends in there too - Jo from Jo Verity Designs was next door. As an ex Visual Merchandiser, as you would expect her stand looked very stylish - with a great Victorian feel. Her screen at the back of the stand she decoupaged herself. (She does undertake commissions). She also had a lot of new jewellery and home interior pieces. It was very hard not to spend the days profits on her lovely pieces.
The Naked team were there as well - well not completely naked - just Naked soap! It was their first ever show, but I think a successful one for them.

A day to catch up -unload, and update the stocks today - although with the sun beaming into the office I think an hour in the garden might be the order of the day later!

No shows next week - but we are hoping to get some Christmas pics done at my good friend Amy's house; a beautifully renovated house overlooking the Malvern Hills. Its a chance to catch up with her mad Sussex spaniel Darcey as well, who has sad eyes like melting chocolate.
Just waiting for the fudge and brownie boxes from the team at As Sweet As, and then we can get the hamper pics done as well.

I hope you all checked out the Sage website, with the brilliant newsletter subscriber offer. Well worth starting your Christmas shopping early! (Can you tell we are working on Christmas already!). Don't worry we will be thinking picnics and bbq's at Christmas time!