Doris' Blog

Happy March 1st!!

Greetings Everyone!!  Here it is again the evening before Sunday's Pick.  I just got a reminder call to be sure to post something so.... here I am  The weeks seem to just skip from one to another.  I know that I am busy but....

In any case, since it will soon be St. Patrick's Day, we're going to offer 17% off on all St. Patricks Day product including paper.  This should provide you an opportunity to get some projects done early. 

That's my plan for tomorrow as I participate in the monthly Dex Club meeting which starts at noon.  We do a card swap and it's actually pretty fun because it does make me slow down a tad to focus on what design I need and then how much time I need to set aside to get the cards done.  We'd like to start up a second Dex/Card club so if you are interested, give the shop a call and get on a waiting list.

We remain busy with the Issaquah location needing lots of attention.  Orders are beginning to pour in and it's like Christmas all over again.  Can't wait until it's all in place and up and running.  If anyone out there is an architect and wants to volunteer a couple of hours helping with a "to scale" sketch to satisfy the City of Issaquah, I'd love to hear from you.  As it is, I plan on giving it a shot but the real thing would likely be far superior.  Thought I would throw that out there!

OK, that is it for tonight to get this show on the road.  Many thanks to all of you who have e-mailed with well wishes, questions, etc regarding our second location.  It's been loads of fun hearing from you and it also re-enforces to me that we are headed in the right direction. 

Until the next time...... hugs to all - Doris

OOOooooppppsssss!! Sunday's Pick

Greetings Everyone!!  I'd better make this very short..... it wasn't until I was talking with my sister, Pauline, from the east coast today did I realize that I forgot to identify Sunday's pick.  It is, of course, tomorrow and I still would not have remembered if she hadn't told me.  I think "me brain" is soaked and won't absorb much more!! 

So..... to make up for "me brain" brainless brain (or whatever!), how about 14% off on your entire order!!  This is 14% in addition to an already great discount of 10% if you are a passport holder for a whopping 24%.  You MUST mention that you saw the additional discount from this blog so don't forget!  This is a run, don't walk, type of discount so hurry!

All else is going well for the most part!  We are making some progress with regard to the Issaquah space.  Orders are starting to pour in and we are readying them for the new shelving and slot wall at the Issaquah space.  It's been a lot of work but FUN!!  We can't wait to share all that is going on and all the new goods arriving.  Both shops are expected to have some crossover but we are hoping that each can be unique to each other so that you'll want to visit us in both locations.  Can you imagine the possibilities for field trips??

I have had many folks ask about what they can do to help.  I have thought about this for a long time and outside of the physical help in stocking shelves, etc., I have come up with a plan that will help me tremendously as well as each of you.  I am formulating an e-mail to everyone which will address help in the form of a "financial opportunity".  I truly believe it is a win win for all of us so stay posted.  It'll go out in the next few days.  I'm actually excited about this proposal because I have bounced it off of several folks who all tell me that they think it is a great idea and one that they can participate in so.... as I mentioned, stay tuned.

I hope everyone is taking some time to enjoy the great weather we have been experiencing.  I love it when I can drive my car and not have to wear a coat!!  It's definitely a sign of spring (the mini tulips are coming up out of the flower box also!).  Until later... hugs to all - Doris

Sunday's Pick for 15 February 2009

Greetings Everyone!  I've been thinking about Sunday's pick and decided that we needed to celebrate Valentines Day also so..... how's this for a sweet deal.  Mention this blog and get a whopping 25% off on any rubber stamp that has a heart in it.  We'll honor this sweet deal on both Valentine's Day, 14 February, and also as Sunday's pick on 15 February.  Can't get much sweeter than this and what an opportunity to load up on some of your favorites!!  Remember to mention this blog.  It helps us to keep the blog going as well as our Sunday Pick selections.

Everything at the shop is going well and plans for the Issaquah shop are beginning to fall into place also.  I finally decided how we would refer to each shop in discussions or for clarity so.... Friends and Company in West Seattle will be referred to as Friends West and the Issaquah store will be referred to as Friends East.  Many opportunities come to mind when talking about East, West, and anything inbetween so it should be fun.  We can hardly wait until we take possession on 15 March 2009.  Although we may not be totally ready for any crowd, we've managed to be included in the upcoming Shop Hop which begins on 20 March so here we come ready or not.  More info on the Shop Hop is coming very soon but if you are thinking about participating, we would be happy to put you on the list for lapel pins and Shop Hop passports when they become available.  Just let us know and we'll even mail them to you.  If you are purchasing both, the cost is $9.00 but you get a whopping 20% off your entire purchase when wearing your lapel pin at all 28 Shop Hop participating stores.  Another sweet deal indeed!!  Make-n-Takes are included at each store and lots of giveaways are scheduled.  Look for an e-mail soon with lots of details.

That's it for this evening.  I've been running all day and now I just want to veg for a spell.  Tomorrow is a full day beginning with our ATC swap at 9:00 am.  If you have ever wondered what ATCs are all about, now would be a great time to check it out.  Just drop in at 9:00 and catch a wave of fun.  The swap is followed by an all day encaustic wax class.  I love that stuff as do many others.  We'll be busy but never to busy to say hello so do drop in if you have a chance.

Until later.... Valentine Hugs to All - Doris

Donations Anyone??

The following seems like an extremely worthy cause and Friends and Company has decided that it would solicit donations and make our own donations as well to help out.  Our point of contact is Chuck Holton (husband to Susan Holton that many of you know from Tsukineko).  Chuck had e-mailed me volunteering to help with our new location but indicated that he was not available during the time noted below.  I aksed him what it was all about so here it is.  Feel free to bring candy, etc., as noted below to the shop and Chuck will make sure it gets to the right folks.  Just remember to pick up some penny candy the next time you are at Costco.  It never takes much to make a HUGE difference.  As usual, we appreciate you very much and all that you do.  Give me a call if you have any questions. 

 Hugs - Doris

Easter Pack Out 2009       OSOT will be adopting 2,500 Troops for this Easter   Our Pack Out will be on Saturday March 21st at the Anderson Barn to start at 10:00AM (We'll have work for early birds too.) The Anderson's Barn 20245 SE 192nd Street Renton, WA     There will be a Pot Luck Lunch so bring your favorite dish to share!     Donations are down this year. We are simply short on a lot of items this year so, We are asking you to help by bringing these items;   Penny Candy Mints Gum Neck Coolers Frisbees'  DVD movies (new and used) hand held games puzzle books cards and letters to our troops     We are providing donated; Jelly Belly's    some but not enough donated; Neck Coolers penny Candy Gum Frisbee's   Hope to see you there!             Happy Easter!

 

 

Sunday's Pick

Greetings Everyone!!  Those Sunday's sure do come quickly.  I've been so busy this week with Issaquah store details that the week has just flown by.  It's all good stuff and we can hardly wait until we can start stocking the new store.  We really hope you will all be pleased with what you see!!  Let me know if there is something special that you would like to see us carry.  Because Mad Scrapper is just down the road, we will not focus on scrapbooking and let them do what they do best - scrapbooking, which will allow us to focus on what we do best - rubberstamping!!  It's a win win for everyone!

OK, this is a quick post, so for Sunday's pick we'll focus on punches.  All punches in stock will receive an 18% discount when this post is mentioned.  That's a whopping amount especially when placed against some of those giga mega giant or whatever they are called punches.  I love them all and so will you once you see how large some of the punches are.  This 18% applies to all punches so we have lots of others as well.

Save the dates for Saturday, 25 April 2009 and Sunday, 26 April 2009 for our first big event in Issaquah.  We will host two full days of "Book"tacular fun.  Stay tuned for full details which will be released as soon as I have them all.

Have a GREAT weekend.  See you all soon - Hugs to All - Doris