thesmittenboutique.com Blog

Just yesterday, I had a conversation with my sister, Barb. For those of you who don’t know my sister, she is 13 years my senior, and we are about as opposite as two sisters could be. Do we get along? You bet we do. I hardly remember her living in the same house, however the memories I do have are all wonderful. I’ve worked in various and different facets of the fashion / clothing industry, while she’s has always been a teacher. Well, not just a teacher, an amazing teacher. Barb has taught several grade levels but mostly Kindergarten. She’s having a big birthday this year (I won’t say which one) and retiring from her life long profession. Many of you, like me, look forward with much joy to our retirement (present economic situation aside) My sister however, is not. She is one of the most dedicated professionals I have ever known. In 2004 she was Wisconsin State Teacher of the Year (ok, I am bragging, but hey she was in the Oval office!) In this conversation, she made the comment that she had been going to school every September since she was 5 years old, and is uncertain of what her life will be like when she is no longer “Mrs Johnson”. Many of us are facing “what’s next” in our lives these days…and while it is easy for one to say don’t worry…it is really wise advice. Putting one foot in front of the other and moving through and onward is the only way to better things. As for Mrs Johnson? I believe she’ll be fine, and this is simply a door opening to another fabulous chapter of her life. Who knows…maybe she’ll go into the clothing business like her kid sister.
As for me? I’m here at Smitten, and to be quite honest, SMITTEN with all the great things that are happening here. Our Spring merchandise is arriving daily and is beautiful. We have new customers everyday, and our veteran shoppers are the most dedicated in the world. (Thank you) Our website is getting ready to go through some exciting changes as is our store!!! Can you say cute shoes are on the way to Smitten? Yes, that’s right, the very first shipment of shoes are on their way…and we are working on a darling little salon for you to try them on. (Think Paris)
Don’t forget the best way to end your week or start your weekend is with our Wine, Cheese, and Retail Therapy, Friday afternoons 4-7 pm.
In the meantime,
Be Happy and Be Smitten
NCM

The word change has several meanings in Webster’s dictionary. As I write this email, John Mayer is playing on my Ipod “Waiting on the World to Change”. Unless you live under a rock, you know that is definitely happening. There are about as many different ways businesses and people can change as there are songs about change. We’re changing at Smitten. If you receive our weekly email you will see we have a new format. I’m very excited about it and hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed learning how to put it together. I’m not the most computer savvy person…but I like to learn. Stick with me through this process, I promise to keep my wit and humor.
We’re also implementing some fun weekly contests. Each week we will feature a new and trendy item on our website, go the site, take a look, and send us an email by noon on Friday with your thoughts about the featured item. We’ll enter your name in a drawing to win the item! How cool is that? … Very cool, that’s how cool it is …
We often hear of and sometimes see pictures of our beautiful customers out and about with their Smitten attire on. Send us a picture of yourself dressed in your best “Smitten” attire, let us post your picture on our website (no names included), and we’ll enter your name in a monthly drawing for a $25 Smitten gift certificate. Who knows…the talent scouts may find you and then we can say we knew you when!
One thing hasn’t changed, and that is the amount of fun we have at our Friday ~ Wine, Cheese and Retail Therapy. Join us 4pm to 7pm and see for yourself …it might be a nice “change” to your Friday afternoon.
We look forward to seeing you soon…
In the meantime,
Be Happy and Be Smitten
NCM

What makes a person happy? I wonder how many answers to that question one could come up with? Happiness is unique unto each of us. Some of us are happy by the little things in life…an excited puppy greeting you at the door, an unexpected spring day in the middle of February, or your favorite college basketball team upsetting the top ranked team! Take a deep breath and ENJOY. I have a dear friend that would always encourage me to BREATHE when I was stressed … trust me it works. There are many things out there to stress us and make us worry. However, if you ever did a daily “moment” tally I imagine you would find you encountered just as many circumstances that made you happy…even if for a moment. Don’t lose sight of those as you make your way through your work week. It can put life into a much better perspective.
When you get to the end of your week come visit us at Smitten. We have been ending our “week” with Wine, Cheese and Retail Therapy. It’s a great way to relax, enjoy a great wine from Wine Authorities and hear some great music (this week we’re listening to Tristan Prettyman ~ Hello). It is ALWAYS a fun crowd and changes weekly, it amazes me how many of my customers know one another and have the best time “catching up”… and that … always makes everyone happy.
We look forward to seeing you soon … Spring is in the air and arriving daily at Smitten.
In the meantime…
Be Happy and Be Smitten!
NCM

With a name like Smitten, one must know we’re all about love! Yes, we love people, and are smitten by all things lovely! February is a fine time to take stock of all the things you love…family, friends, pets (who are friends and family), and those items we cherish most, a locket from a beloved relative, a drawing on your refrigerator from a child, or a love letter from a special someone. Be thankful for them all, and take time this month to savor them.
These days at Smitten I adore several things…most importantly, my wonderful staff. Without these wonderful women I would be lost. I cherish their tireless and constant commitment to me and the store.
I’m also “head over heels” with something new coming to Smitten. Stop by at our weekly Friday…Wine, Cheese and Retail Therapy and we’ll tell you what is “afoot”. We will be serving two more fabulous selections from our friends at Wine Authorities…this week a beautiful Chardonnay and a warm and cozy Malbec. They have provided us with information about both selections.
Come see us and celebrate the wonder of being Smitten…
We look forward to seeing you and in the meantime …
Be Happy and Be Smitten!
NCM