Monthly Archives: May 2010

The trip to England is going well. The weather is beautiful. Just got in from another shopping venture.More lovely hats to bring back and some very nice jewellery. Ali has found a new new batch of baby dresses for the store. I will bringing them to the store in the next week or so. I also have new pie birds and funnels. I have found some nice old bits of glass and china so am going to begin packing them tonight. I always manage to find some pretty interesting old bits and pieces for the store.Depression glass is much easier  to find here.

The clothes, handbags, shoes, and hats are something else here. I find the shopping experience overwhelming. When I am in the stores I can’t help but think of my girl’s back home. Jenny l, and Jenny 2, and Lindsey would love this. I would love to give them some pounds and let them go  crazy!

Our first event in downtown Bowmanville was a huge success. Both  City.Cottage and Under the Toadstool had over-the-top sales on Saturday. Maple Fest brought out thousands of folks including pets, babies, kids, and grandparents. Perhaps strangest of all was a camel! An actual camel! While setting up tables outside the store early in the morning, he sauntered right by on the sidewalk. After my double take, I saw that he was with his keeper, and they were heading for the festivities.  Also right outside our doors, the pony rides were set up so we enjoyed watching the wee ones taking their first ride.  Hundreds of people came through our doors yesterday. Jenny and I were thrilled at the numbers. We could not asked for more. People loved our stores and they bought so many of our treasures.  My  pretty little dresses were very popular. We both have to restock after the crowds Saturday. A very good thing indeed! We had fresh homemade cookies on offer for our customers which were a big hit.  Standing with a cookie to munch on gave the men something to do while their wives got to have a good look around. We will definately do the cookie thing again. Also a huge success…… our first prize draw. We thought that we could show our customers our appreciation by having a little draw at the end of the day. First prize was a big gift basket put together by me. I even had people inquire if I would custom make baskets for sale…… something to think about! Second and third prizes were Gift Certificates to each store. Last night we drew the winners and called them to tell them they had won. They yelled with excitement! We will certainly do another prize draw in the future.  We are making quite a name for ourselves in the downtown area which pleases us no end. All in all Mape Fest was a great success and we are so encouraged that both stores are doing well. We look forward to the Fabulous Fifties Event event in June. See you There!