work, work, work

i can't wait to finally be in our new store. i feel like i'm working every minute of the day...on the computer and phone every possible minute of the day, in the store doing paperwork at night...oh ya, and trying to take care of a 6 month old, a 3 year old, a 34 year old (kidding...well, maybe not!) and maintain a house. my mission is to actually wash my hair this weekend! we have a exciting and very busy day on monday. will fill you in more on monday!

today i got to sleep in. i woke up to feed layla and then perry took over. i slept until almost 10am! my plan is to go to the store some time today. thank goodness we don't get shipments over the weekend so i can get a break from the paper! becca and i often talk about how different things are since we opened. i used to do the ordering...on mondays. we could do paperwork, manage the store and order by ourselves, during store hours. now we are ordering merchandise multiple times per day and we've created a new inventory position. kristan and lindsay receive, tag and replenish the sales floor and it's a full time job! we have 3 staff on at all times and becca and i still can't keep up with the paper! things have sure changed and we are very happy and thankful we've had to make these changes!

it's just after noon and i haven't had my second cup of coffee yet...then i think it's time to get back to work!

have a great weekend...enjoy the sunshine!

j

lots of new lines!

morning

gotta make this a quick one so i can go and get ready before princess layla wakes from her nap. last night at work was quite productive...got lots of paperwork done! when i was leaving i noticed lights on in the new space. i knew becca wasn't there so i stopped in to see who it was. the flooring guy was working away to hopefully get it done for today! i was shocked he was working so late, but no complaints here! becca is meeting with the electricians this morning to do a final walk-through and to get all the loose ends taken care of.

just got confirmation of the shipping of two new great lines! we are so excited to offer these products to you! we have so many great new lines, we're hoping we don't run out of space...better not...becca has threatened to quit if we run out of space again!!

have a great day!
j

a success

had to write real quickly before i am off to work...layla did awesome today! she slept well, took her bottle and was all smiles when i picked her up! so i was at the store for about 2 1/2 hours- woo hoo! i actually managed to get quite a bit done and i checked in on the progress at the new space on my way to pick her up.

flooring is pretty much complete- just a few finishing pieces to put on. electricians are back tomorrow...received our last 2 light fixtures today so they will go up! i seriously think the lighting is one of the highlights of the new space...it makes such a difference. we have been moving things from our current space over so please bear with us during this transition...it'll be a mess for the next little bit!

anyway, should be announcing our opening date soon so stay tuned!

have a good night,
j

big day

i think i might be losing my mind! i had toy clean up at ryan's pre-school last night. i knew about it, thought about it often and last night i arranged for perry to go to the new space and set up shelving and i was going to take the midnite shift...i forgot about the toy clean-up! i got a call 15 minutes in to it and brought perry home so i could make it there without being penalized. i think this is a sign that i have too much going on (or i need to keep a better calendar!). anyway, headed to both spaces last night and got home around midnite. things are looking SO GOOD!

i'm actually feeling pretty good this morning for going to bed so late. layla slept almost 13 hours...i couldn't believe it! she has a BIG day today (and so does her mommy). she is going to daycare for the first time. she'll only be there for a half day, but it'll be the first time anyone but perry and i have looked after her. i am sure she will do great and i'll keep myself busy at the store to keep myself from being nauseous! will let you know how it goes!

have a great day!
j

too cold for me

good morning

just waiting for layla to wake from her nap and then we're going to venture out in the freezing cold weather. i guess it's supposed to warm up by the end of the week- i've had enough! i'm taking ryan to daycare and then layla and i will head to the new space. i think the final measurements for our cash wrap are happening today and then i think that's it! we have tonnes of shelving assembly to do so i'm hoping to get perry there tomorrow...he's much quicker than i am! as soon as our flooring is down we can move our HUGE car seat wall unit to the new space and finally paint it. it's going to start looking quite empty in our store!

new merchandise continues to come in! we are expecting one of our new stroller lines this week! can't wait to have the space to display everything properly!

have a great day and stay warm!
j

getting closer!

good morning

i am on my second cup of coffee and listening to the sounds of silence as layla naps and ryan & perry grocery shop. no sleeping in today, but a nap could be in my future as perry is taking ryan to a birthday party later.

went by the new space quickly yesterday and there was a team of 3 working hard on the floors. i would say it was about a third complete. they were running out of adhesive so not sure how far they got, but more is scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning. everything "should" be done by the end of the week and then we've got to start setting up! the transition from our current to our new location should be interesting. we're going to move some stuff over early and then the rest will move the weekend before we open. we're planning to get everything moved in 2 days and only close the store for one day.
sounds like the little one is waking...better run...
j

sleeping in

good morning
i actually got to sleep in this morning! i got up to feed layla and "forced" perry out of bed to take care of the girls and i went back to bed until 9:30. it was fantastic. i keep telling perry that he is going to be in for it when i stop nursing and he can get up in the morning to give layla a bottle and i can sleep right through. becca and i head to a trade show in march so i know that at least one real sleep-in day is approaching! i say that now but the last time we went to vancouver we got up super early to shop, even though we intended to relax a bit.

today is going to be a day of errands. perry is on his way with becca's steven to pick up a drying rack we had made. it's actually quite a good idea. when it's not being used, it folds up neatly against the wall and it also pulls down so you can hang clothes on it. looking forward to finally having something for our laundry room. we've been in the house for almost 6 months now and i still have stuff to do...will it ever end? i think i found a sideboard and dining room table though...saw it at the toronto furniture show while we were there. just have to convince perry that we need to spend more $$$! (story of my life!).

oh i wanted to mention that we just got a HUGE shipment of matt & nat diaper bags!! we have quite a few but they only lasted a few weeks last time...there were lots of people waiting so hurry in!

www.mattandnat.com

have a great day!
j

the newspaper article

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Life/baby+business+booming/1209758/story.html

getting "ready" for the day

i'm so tired this morning...sound like a broken record? i got home about 11:30 and didn't fall asleep until about 1am. layla woke up at 5am...she did go back to sleep but i didn't sleep well after that. we have a busy day today so i am already dreaming of perry walking through the door giving me a chance to collapse on the bed...better stop dreaming...day hasn't even started yet!!

last night i made my way to the new space, then the store to do paperwork and then the new space again to check out the progress on the installation of our cash wrap. so yes, my fault for being up so late. hopefully everything went well. when i left there was still quite a bit of work to get done. it was looking really good though! it's so amazing to see your vision come to life. looks as though everything is going according to schedule.

thought i would mention a cute and functional new product we received yesterday. the plush pad is a portable changing station that rolls up, can fit in to your diaper bag for every day use or while you travel and it has memory foam! the perfect place to change the little one's diaper. i plan to keep it on my main floor and then i don't have to run upstairs to change layla. oh and did i mention that the fabrics are super cute? the plush pad ® was Savvy Mom Editor's choice for the Dream Baby Shower and proclaimed a "Must-Have" in the What's Hot Now section of Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine May 2008.

- measures 2 feet x 2 feet when opened.
- when closed, it rolls up in a cylinder and measures 3 inches x 10 inches
- this also makes a great baby gift for someone that has everything!

http://www.ahgoobaby.com/

off to have cup of coffee #2 and get "ready" for the day!

j

6 months already

both kids slept in this morning- what a treat! of course i have this internal clock that wakes me when layla is scheduled to feed, but at least i could lay in bed! what an awful day outside. the weather this past week was such a tease. guess we should be thankful we actually got a week with temperatures above zero. makes me wish we were going on a warm vacation this year.

got home really late last night. stopped by the new space and becca and steven were there doing some work. it's looking great! my intent was to go the store and get some paperwork done, but i only ended up there for about an hour. spent most of my time with becca trying to visualize where everything is going...much more fun than paperwork!

took layla to her 6 month check-up today...16 pounds, 27 1/2". i'll have to check my records to see how that compares to ryan's stats. she's sitting on her own now and is in the process of getting 2 new teeth! it's crazy how much growth happens in the first year...even crazier to think that before i know it, she'll be a year old! she is spending her first morning at daycare next week. makes me feel sick to my stomache, but i know she'll be ok. i'm planning to take her once a week for the first while and i'll work evenings and weekends to make up the rest of my time. i think it'll work out fine.

j

in the news

woke up this morning and was thankful that we didn't have to rush to be anywhere this morning. if layla's nap were on track, we would try and make it to the store as the star phoenix came by to interview us. things actually worked out- we even had time to see the new space beforehand. i had no idea, however, that our picture was going to be taken. of course, the morning i decide not to do my hair! layla managed to make her way in to the picture as well...story is about the baby boom afterall! the interview went pretty well...only a few interruptions from my 3 1/2 year old...she had to pee in the middle of it of course and she was very interested to know whether noah (becca's guy) was able to play today. a little bribing and some distraction in our play area worked well! what am i going to do when bribing her with "treats" doesn't work anymore?! anyway, i am anxious to read the article. it's supposed to be in friday's paper so check it out!

everything seems like it's on track with our reno's. part of the flooring is complete now and the other part should start monday. making our "to do" lists to see what we have in store over the next couple of weeks. it's a little overwhelming, but with our staff of 8 and our families and friends, things "should" be ok!

ryan has asked to play webkinz...she seems to get on the computer more than i do now! off to a cup of coffee and gear up for cupcake making this afternoon!

j

great weekend

so, lunch yesterday was a success! we used to take ryan to fuddruckers all the time, but i can't remember when it was that we were there last. anyway, both girls were so well behaved. i even got to eat!

we actually had a great weekend with the girls. ryan & perry had play dates tobogganing all weekend with ryan's best friend and her dad. layla and i hung out and i got lots of work done around the house...unpacking from TO, etc. the weather has been amazing too, which makes leaving the house a little easier. ran a few errands by myself- it's crazy how much you can get done without kids in tow! managed to put in about 12 hours of work for the store and that was the weekend.

i am still on the hunt for some great accessories for our house. the new style at home magazine is great this month...all about accessorizing. i have really been impressed with their magazine lately. they've really stepped it up. i think i'm almost done the guest bedroom and now i like it more than our master bedroom. that is my next project.

off to run more errands today...getting handles for a new desk i am having made for our home office, and of course i will have to stop by the store to check out the progress!

have a good one
j

being brave

thought i would write quickly before layla wakes from her nap. we are going to be brave today and take the girls to fuddruckers for lunch. i figure if layla is busy eating her food, she won't have much time to make a fuss...and she's really quite good when she's being held. ryan seems like a piece of cake to take out now! we just really need to get out of the house for awhile.

have a few errands to run this afternoon and then back to routine tomorrow. perry will be back at work and i will sure miss the extra set of hands around here. it was nice to have him around for the week.

can't wait to see the flooring tomorrow! i think we've finally narrowed down an opening date...will announce soon!

have a great day!
j

it's been awhile

wow, it's been awhile! got back from TO thursday evening. layla did much better on the flight home and slept for 45 minutes (hey, i'll take what i can get!)...as opposed to her whopping 20 minutes on the way there. she was much more content and therefore, so was i! she did great sleeping while we were there. the first night wasn't so good but i let her cry for a bit and got her up at a "reasonable" time the first morning. after that she was adjusted. it's amazing how they have these craxy internal clocks at that age. overll, she was a terrific baby girl. took the bottle from both of us with no problems.

the trade shows were a success! we picked up some great new lines and they've already started shipping! i've already started my own shopping list! i mean i have to advertise afterall!

we spent tuesday and wednesday in TO with perry's brother and fam. my SIL and i went shopping on wednesday...oh how i miss having all that choice! i don't, however, envy the traffic they have to put up with! got a few great pieces but am anxious for the spring and summer stuff to arrive. didn't buy much last year as i was preggo in to july and in august i wasn't fully back to my normal size. i am sure i will more than make up for it!

checked out our new space when i got back and it looks amazing! so excited to see the flooring go in on monday! i can't believe this is all happening so fast. stay tuned for our grand opening announcement!!

anyway, off to get ready for the day!

have a good one,

home from toronto

i stopped in to the new space to see the progress this morning. wow - it looks great! all the painting is done and the track lighting is going up. the flooring in the storage rooms and washroom are finished. they will be starting the main flooring on monday. it is so exciting to see the transformation! i'm not going to post any pics - we want the grand opening to be a surprise!!

R.

hi from toronto

jordana and i are in toronto this weekend for a buying show. (actually, it is more like three buying shows). we tackled one of them today. both of us were exhausted - jor was up at 4am to catch her flight this morning at 6am and i was up way too late chatting with my bff brenda last night (i got here on friday night). so far so good though, we have found several great new items! it is so much fun shopping for our new store because we will actually have space to display all of our new finds! no more restrictions on our buying due to lack of room!!

brenda's little girl is so adorable and she looks great modeling her appaman puffy down jacket and zooni hat.

still tired!

once again, i am dreaming of nap time! was home from work way too late last night again! today is going to be a "fun" day of packing for three. we leave at 6:40 tomorrow morning. that means it's up at 4:30am for me. direct flight to TO which is nice though. as soon as i arrive i head to the trade show and start shopping!

the store is looking amazing! painting almost done and some of the flooring is going in next week. i think the lighting and bathroom fixtures are going in next week as well! really can't wait to see the final product!

just thought i would mention that we have a sale going on in the store right now

30% OFF maternity clothing (excludes stock items)
$15 maternity clothing rack
15% OFF toddler clothing
30% OFF clearance items

check it out!

anyway, both girls are up so i better go...really need that first cup of coffee!!

have a great day!
j

not enough sleep

i am so tired this morning...was up way too late last night. i am happy to say that we had a good response from our call out for a new employee and think we have someone great! that happened in 1 day, which is perfect!

leaseholds are going very well! painting is well on it's way. just booked install for our phone and internet services and now we'll just keep our fingers crossed that everything will be completed on time. will let everyone know when we're planning to open the new location closer to the date...just in case there is a glitch in the next few weeks.

becca and i are off to TO for a trade show this weekend. perry and the girls are coming along so i had better start packing now. we need so much stuff with 2 kids. hopefully i remember everything! i am SOOOOOOOOO looking forward to our next trade show that becca and i will attend without kids!!

off to run errands this morning. a few things left to purchase for the store...then home to (hopefully) have a nap!

have a great day!
j

hiring!

cravings is hiring again! we are moving to a bigger space and that means we need more staff! we are looking for an outgoing, enthusiastic and reliable person(s) to join the cravings team. we will consider both part time & full time interests. please drop your resume off at cravings and speak with rebecca.

feel free to pass this on to anyone you know that might be interested!

j

decorating disaster!

i am so tired this morning....layla woke up at 5:30am. it seems as though every time i leave before she goes to bed for the night, she wakes up early. coincidence or is she really trying to punish me? we had a staff meeting last night and then we went over to see the new space. priming is almost done! anyway, looks like i'll be taking a nap today...not sure any amount of caffeine is going to help!

so, i made a very bad decorating decision that i am so regretting. i got 2 new sofas for our living room. before i bought the sofas i purchased an area rug. i was looking for so long and when i found something that seemed like it would work, i bought it...stupid, stupid, stupid...it's not big enough. the new sofas are longer then my old one and they don't completely sit on the rug...it really doesn't look good at all. i mentioned it to perry and he laughed, seriously thinking i was making a joke becuz it took me so long to convince him to spend the money on it in the first place. he will NEVER go for purchasing another one. i am so mad at myself!! gotta figure out how to remedy this one!

stay warm!
j

been awhile!

an entire weekend without writing...i apologize...and i was on such a roll! worked lots this weekend. there is nothing more satisfying than getting through a really thick folder of paperwork! hee, hee, remember you're listening to a self-professed type A gal!

ryan is off to daycare today and layla and i have some running around to do. we're going to check out the new space. the mudding & taping should almost be done...it actually takes quite awhile becuz of all the coats needed and the sanding in between. by the end of this week the ceilings will be sprayed and then the floors and lighting will get done!

gotta run and get ready for the day while layla is napping. she's been sleeping 12 1/2 hours overnight these days and seems to be getting rid of one of her naps. yesterday she still had 4 naps so she hasn't officially moved to 3, but we are heading there. layla's sleep patterns are so much like ryan's were. she can't stay up for very long during the day. i am pushing it to 1 1/2 hours right now. it'll be nice when she stays up for a bit longer so we can do more things outside the house becuz she doesn't sleep well outside her crib. i know i shouldn't complain becuz she is an amazing sleeper...i guess it's my own guilt when i take her out and she doesn't sleep...i feel bad for her.

anyway, as i was saying, i am off to do something with my hair (need it cut so bad!).

oh ya, can't remember if i already mentioned it in my blog, but check out this great new line of shoes we're carrying...a canadian company...they are really cute and very reasonably priced! the baby line has been selling very well so we're bringing in some of the toddler shoes too!

www.littlesoles.ca

have a great day!
j

change

second cup of coffee this morning and enjoying every minute of it. it truly is one of the highlights of my day! layla slept for 12.5 hours overnight and i actually went to bed at a decent time so i'm feeling good this morning! ryan is watching hannah montana so i thought i would take a few minutes to blog.

i'm having a huge internal struggle with the whole vegetarian thing. i honestly never thought "the skinny bitch" would effect me like it did. we had steak last night and i had a few bites, but loaded up on the other stuff. i was thinking awful thoughts (all you have to do is read the book and you will know what i'm referring to) the entire time. who knows what will come of this, but it has truly impacted me like few other "lifestyle" books have.

speaking of books, i am on #2 now! i seriously haven't read a book that has nothing to do with business since...i can't even remember. so sad. nourishment for my brain. i can't seem to put it down. a friend bought it for me for my birthday and i thought, "ya, i'll get to that in a couple of years"...but here i am, a quarter of the way done! i would really like to make a point of reading more.

as i write all of this, i am thinking about how i "don't make new year's resolutions"...apparently this year is different! they seem to be oozing out of me. i guess i'm figuring it's time for some change!

well, it's full force ahead with the leasehold improvements! mudding & taping today, the last of the electrical, bathroom plumbing...it's definitely coming along! painting next week which will make a huge difference. the flooring should go in soon after that! most of our fixtures have been shipped...new lines are arriving daily! so excited for you all to see it!

well, ryan is petitioning me to watch hannah montana...how could i say "no"?

have a great day!
j

welcome 2009!

second year in a row that i didn't make it till midnite! i could have fallen asleep at 8:30 last night but managed to stay up until about 11:45! i was so tired today and was able to take 2 naps (thanks perry!). i still feel tired, although it could be a result of my body working overtime to try and eliminate all the greasy crap we ate last night! gotta do it once in a while, right?

my whole idea of food has changed today after reading "skinny bitch"...have you read it? OMG! the authors said they titled their book to sell copies (which obviously worked for me!), but i had no idea what it was all about. i have never even thought about eating vegan (let alone vegetarian), but this book makes me want to give it up! i have to realistic here and say that i am definitely considering making a few changes to the way i eat. i don't know that vegan is for me, but i do think i should be eating far more fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, etc. that is realistic for me. i am also going to check out a few of the places that sell organic foods and see what changes i can implement in to my life.

www.skinnybitch.net

i am doing well with the water intake today...on glass 6! ha, it's only day #1 and i need it after the martinis we had last night!

well, i hope you had a wonderful time last night and that you've set some realisitic goals to better yourself this year!

j