New Beginnings and Holiday Market Schedule

I enjoy living in a place that has seasons and every autumn and spring I make a mental note of seasonal milestones:

• October 15th, last day our pet birds enjoyed the outdoor aviary. 
• October 20th, first day this autumn I had to wear a stocking cap to walk to the post office. 
• October 26th, first day walking home after evening yoga class in the dark. 

I do this, I guess, to compare to next year. So I can say, "wow, April 23, first day I wore shorts. Last year it was...." That's the problem, I never remember when it was last year and I'm not even sure I noticed last year. But every autumn and spring I play this mental game with myself. Seldom do I ever say the seasonal milestones out loud and I've never written them down until today. I guess now I have something to look forward to next autumn!

Speaking of things to look forward to, the holidays are fast approaching and this year I will once again participate in the German American Society's Christmas Market. I love this market and it really gets you in the spirit of Christmas. 

These German Flag soaps will be there!

This may be the only market I do this holiday. My online business has been keeping me busy and I've started a new venture! 

For those living in or visiting Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Alaska, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Arizona, or Wyoming Lora's Beauty may be coming to a store near you! I have recently signed with a wholesale rep who will promote my products in these markets! I'm so excited for this new venture and look forward to seeing my products across the West!

I would be remiss to not mention the other item I'm SO EXCITED about! My first grandchild is expected this December. My son and daughter in law live on the east coast and I'm on the west and when I went to visit them last month I put my shop in vacation mode. Yes, I plan to go see my new granddaughter and I'm still working out the best time with my son, it will be after the holidays. This time, however, I'm hoping to hire someone to fill orders so my shop can remain open. 

Finally, I want to mention that I will participate again this year in Etsy's cyber week sale. This event is usually held the week starting on Cyber Monday. In addition, to all those last minute shoppers, Etsy will have a program where they will refund buyers if your order doesn't make it, arrives damaged, or arrives late. As a seller on Etsy, I set the processing time I need to fill an order and Etsy uses the USPS estimated delivery date data to provide buyers with an expected arrival time. I pretty much always ship orders within one day and will definitely do that during the holidays to support your holiday shopping.