It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...

Hello my lovelies, and Season's Greetings to you all!

Since my last post, lots has happened ... my little pop-up shop, Thriftwood Vintage was underway ... a wonderful experience, albeit a bit of a roller-coaster one! It all happened so quickly, I hardly had time to draw breath ... lots of lovely friends popped in, it was the sort of place you could just park yourself and chat over a cup of tea, and I really loved that aspect of it ... what I didn't love was the allergic reaction I had to the products used in the Salon, in particular, the hairspray! It was making me feel quite ill, so I made the decision to quit while I was ahead, and so I have now packed it all up and put it away, although I have come home with considerably less than I went with, which is always good ...

But, despite the fact that it only lasted three weeks, I will always have fond memories and no regrets, because I tried, and nothing ventured nothing gained. In hindsight, more advertising is needed before opening, as people really need to know where you are, especially if you aren't visible from the street.  I have always, always, always wanted my own shop, and now I really don't any more, whereas if I hadn't taken up the offer of this little taster, I would still be hankering after my own place, whereas I closed the door behind me not with sadness, but positivity and a little relief. I also found the quiet times very boring ... sitting there, thinking about what I could be doing at home, especially at this busy time of year.

I have worked in a shop before, but at least if you are employed, you are being paid for doing nothing, whereas when it's your own, there is always the worry that costs won't be met.  I have really had my eyes opened to the plight of new small businesses, and I take my hat off to them because of the overheads that they have ... mine were minimal compared to some and I made a nice little pot of money for Christmas, but in these days of rising prices it must be a constant struggle.

Now I'm at home once more, and life is settling back into its routine (I have my boy Harry back from Uni, and Jacob is due back on Christmas Eve, so life is good) and Christmas is slowly getting itself together, I am looking forward to catching up with you all (it seems so long, and I've really missed you).  Thank you for all your good wishes, they really buoyed me up, you are all so very kind and thoughtful ... and please, don't be sorry for me as  I am really happy with the way things have turned out, and just look on the 3 weeks as a longer than usual vintage fair! I have lots of plans for the time ahead and am really looking forward to the new challenges of 2014.

Take care, my lovelies ...

Love Claire