IdetHope you all had a wonderful holiday season.  We loved it!  We were able to see family and friends and at last RELAX.  All of you were exceptionally lovely I might add.  Normally the holidays bring in what Bruce likes to call the "Christmas Crabs".  These folks are usually stressed beyond belief and dump on the first person they get their claws into.  We only had ONE!  No, it wasn't you!  It was someone who never shops with us and needed to explain to us in detail why they never will and how much better Amazon is than we are.  We know none of you taking the time to read this would ever say that.  By the way, I totally get ordering from Amazon.  It is unbelievably convenient and can be less expensive.   I also would feel like the world would be a sad place if that were the only place you could shop at.  We truly appreciate you coming in to shop with us.  Convenience is king in this day of overwork and go go go.  You waited in line, you came in multiple times, you were kind, you were funny, we honestly enjoy spending time and being able to help you.  It is an awesome community and we are so glad you are a part of it.  

Now that the holidays are over and the weather is getting colder we decided to make shopping even MORE FUN than we normally make it.  Below is a calendar I made.  We will try to have specials most days of the week.  If there is something fun coming up in February that you would like us to include please let us know.  This is for you!  Check out facebook and instagram for more details.  There was only so much room on the calendar.

I was stuck on Bubble Bath and Elvis Day.  Of course we will be playing some Elvis tunes but if you have a good idea on a special let me know.  I live for a bubble bath.  Don't tell Bruce but sometimes I take 2 a day.  I swear they physically melt the stress away.  They say to be grateful for three things every day and running hot water is high on my list.

Not sure what everyone is getting so excited about 2021 being better or worse than 2020.  It is simply 2021.  It is not a competition.  It is life.  We have highs and we have lows.  It is how we react to them that makes all the difference.  The story about the Man and his Horse is one of my favorites.  If you take the time to read it please let me know what you think.  This year, regardless of how it goes, I am deciding to take care of my health.  I have been putting it off....and putting it off.  I am 45 and I want to be comfortable when I am 95.  Doing things now will help that become a reality.  So far I have cut down on drinking, am planning my meals and while I want to meditate every morning, I have a hard time kicking my cute loving son out of my bed.  He is such a cuddle bug and if I try to climb out at 5 or 6am he will come with me.  He is only 7.  Soon enough he will not want to cuddle.  I feel like these are precious times in our family life and I am soaking it up.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.  Even if it is cloudy or cold do your best to get outside or at least to walk around your house, up and down the stairs several times if you need it.  Move this year, like your life depended on it....because it does.  Baby steps.  Don't be upset if you can barely stand, rotate those ankles, lift those legs.  You can do more than you think you can!

​Love to you all!!!!!!

Wow!  What a year this has been.  It was year of the Rat, the first sign in a 12 year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac.  It isn't surprising based on the Rat that we have had a big shake up and lots of changes. 

"Oxen used to be capable farming tools in an agricultural society, which attach to the symbol of diligence, persistence, and honesty. In Chinese culture, Ox is a faithful friend that made great contributions to the development of the society. Like the ox, people born in the Year of the Ox are industrious, cautious, hold their faith firmly, and always glad to offer help.

It is said that Ox ranks the second among the Chinese zodiacs because it helped the Rat but was later tricked by it. The myth goes that the Jade Emperor declared the order of zodiac signs would be based on the arrival orders of 12 animals. Ox could have arrived the first but it kindly gave a ride to Rat. However, when arriving, Rat just jumped to the terminus ahead of Ox, and thus Ox lost the first place"

Come the end of January, beginning of February we will most likely see things chill out.  Of course we have sage and all the crystals you need to help with all the other problems life brings your way, no matter what year it is!  All things change whether we like them to our not.  

We just placed a huge toy order so will have lots of stocking stuffers.  There are tons of new items so please be sure to ask our amazing staff to help you find the perfect gift.  They know where all the stuff is hiding.  

If you have health concerns and would like to come in with limited social contact, please call and set up an appointment.  We will need at least 24 hours notice and will do our best to get  you in.  We will also be doing curbside and if you would like us to do your shopping for you please be sure to answer the following questions:

price range
gender, age, likes, dislikes, allergies
favorite animal (real or imaginary), color, character, movie, cartoon, crystal

The more specific you can get the better we can be at getting the perfect gift within your budget.  

Cookie walk is the weekend of the 12th, along with the parade.  Please contact Sweet Arrangements for more details.

I hope you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving.  Thank you for all your love and support!

Love, 
Vanessa

Hope this finds everyone well.
​We are opening during this month's Strawberry Moon. 
Our hours will be M-S 10-8 and Sun 11-6 tentatively.  We will see how this week goes and may need to make adjustments.  Not sure if you guys will want to make a trip out or if everyone is still hunkering down.
We have made some display arrangements to help with social distancing.  We are encouraging that everyone follow the state guidelines.  Looking forward to seeing everyone.

This weekend  spend $40 and get 40% off any puzzle!!!!

We are sorry to say that due to corona virus precautions, we have had to shut our doors.   We are looking forward to seeing everyone when we can re-open!  However, we are doing no contact - curbside pickup for special orders.   Pickup is by appointment - just give us a call.  Follow us on Facebook to see what new items we have in! 

I actually finished several books.  The Awakened Family, which I highly recommend for anyone that has family...oh wait...THAT IS EVERYONE!  It gives a beautiful, intelligent and meaningful look at our relationships and how we can grow the most from the stickiest of them.   Also the 21 Day Complaint Free book which I have had on my nightstand forever and finally powered through.  Seriously...I can't even get through a blog post without complaining.  It is really eye opening to start keeping track (by moving a rubber band bracelet from wrist to wrist) each time you complain.  And by eye opening I mean terribly disappointing and embarrassing.  Now that I am aware of it I hope to eliminate it.  I've been trying for a week and so far no luck.  There are some interesting realizations I have had of when and where I find myself complaining the most.  Even if I don't make it, it can't hurt.  If you decide to take on the challenge.  Let me know!  We can commiserate...wait...I mean encourage each other!  See...so easy to complain.

I listen to several podcasts but mostly find myself listening to Tim Ferris and Tara Brach.  They are both wonderful but totally different.  If you ever need a pick me up Tara Brach is the place.  It is food for your soul.  She includes some great meditations as well.  Tim pumps me up on growing my business and starting new ones.  I just found out I will be able to attend the 10,000 Small Business program put on by Goldman Sachs.  It starts in May.  You are supposed to pick an area and try to grow your business in that direction.  I chose creating a space for taking classes.  Hopefully it will help me to find the focus to accomplish this or at least a new fun endeavor to replace that one if it isn't going to pan out.  How do we ever know what to do when we have tons of great options?  I am super excited to meet other business owners and grow Glow Fish.  Thank you Doug Pettigrew for encouraging me to apply!

Still working on artwork for the bus.  It was supposed to be done for Bruce's 50th!!!! birthday party which is tomorrow.  Ooops...not going to make that deadline.  What is it about creating art?  You think it is going to be so easy but it isn't.  Finding the time is the trickiest part.  It seems frivolous to sit down and draw.  How else is it going to get done though?  I need to build it in to my daily routine...once I get one.  That is another thing I have been working on.  Trying to not only accomplish a lot during the day but feeling good about it.  I can "work" all day long but at the end of the day not feel really satisfied about how it was spent.  This is definitely one of my current goals.  I hope to discuss time management and morning routines at 10k small businesses.  It also is a big thing for Tim Ferris as well.

What are you guys working on or starting?  Did you do anything fun for Easter?  Have any Mother's Day ideas?  Family Traditions?  Have you found a new way to relax, feel good?  I would love to hear.

Have a great weekend!
XOXO 
​Vanessa

We are gearing up for our favorite time of year.  We have new candles, great cards and decorations to get you feeling in the mood for fall.  Check out the Witch event that Shop the Dotte is putting together.  If you dress like a witch Oct. 13th from 11 to 6pm you will receive 20% off your entire order.  Also you can enter to with a $50 gift card for the best hat.  Other stores will be doing fun specials and give aways so be sure to check out the event on facebook to see what everyone is doing.  
Hope to see you this month!
Vanessa

Teacher appreciation day is here! It also happens to be nurse and hospital week. 20% off until Sunday for all teachers and nurses. They do so much for our loved ones.

​This shop second Saturday we will be having recipe crawl! Come join us for sips, snacks, and savings! At the end of your day strolling our shops you will have a lovely recipe collection!

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Ladies (and Gentlemen...I know some of you open my email) let the men in your life know we care.  We want to make this holiday shopping experience fun for everyone, including dudes.  This Friday from 5-8pm is Guys Night Out.  Milkins Jewelers, Abundant Living, Total Health Food and Glow Fish Studios will be trying our best to make shopping for you as enjoyable as possible.  If you have not made them a list, we will help point them in the right direction!  While they are shopping at Glow Fish Studios, Pat Hand from Discount Drinks will be setting up a tasting station.  There will be 3 different bourbons to sample, including the latest Jack Daniels single barrel select, as well as Herradura Tequila.  If you come in, remind me not to do too many samples!  I am a tequila fan and I don't need Bruce posting another video of me dancing!  Sales for this event will be 75% off items in our sale area, 40% off clothing, and 40% off cards.  Of course this night is not just for the gentlemen.  We would love to see you all!

We had a great Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.  It was touching to see the community come and support the local businesses.  We raised over $200 for the Salvation Army with many of the customers specifically coming in for the fundraiser. There were people with arm loads of bags from lots of different stores on Saturday. If it weren't for you shopping we wouldn't exists!  It is a joy to be part of a downtown where shop owners and the community support one another.  

December 1st will start the 12 Days of Christmas.  We will be sending an email a day.  Bare with me.  I normally can't manage to get one out a month!  There will be many amazing savings.  If there are things you would like on sale, please let me know, I will do my best.

Have a wonderful Hump Day!
Love,
Vanessa

Dama in the D4 is this Saturday!!!  The wonderful Masako from Japan did all of our artwork this year.  I have just finished burning the screens to make t-shirts.  Super excited for everyone to come.  It is such an amazing group of people.  It is a creative bunch, not just talented.  The tricks that will take place this weekend will blow your mind.  The love and support these guys have for each other is what always gets me.  It is a community, a solid group of kendama nerds who love coming together.  It is hard not to catch the bug when you are in their presence.  It will be at the DCA on Chestnut and will run from noon till 8 but possibly later.  If you thought kendama was dead, think again.  Wyandotte+Kendama=Love!