When the alarm goes off?

So, typically my day starts around  5 AM.  That doesn't mean the alarm is set that early but our golden retriever Mandy usually starts to stir about that time. For the most part, I don't mind the early mornings or the late nights because I happen to love, yes LOVE what I do. Every single day is different from the day before. I don't spend a lot of time at home in the morning, I just kinda take a shower and get ready to work. So this morning , I had to find a jacket to wear and during my 12 minute commute to work, it was decided that the wine chiller machine needed to be put away for the season. I mean who really wants a frozen wine drink when they have to wear a jacket.

So after I took the machine apart, I was kind of sad but it will be back in the Spring. On the brighter side, our  wine order that we placed yesterday was getting unloaded from the truck. I had totally forgotten that it included some spiced wine for the Fall. One of my personal favorites is Hollowine from Illinois River Winery.

It's  so yummy and its best when its heated, so basically its the opposite of the chillers and I thought to myself that was perfect timing. Having wine at the store has been so much fun for Team Fudge.

For those who are unfamiliar with the wine tasting at the store, here's a little lesson on what you do.
Basically its easy, you drink wine!  You get to try 7 different wines for 4.00 any time the store is open. There are also special events that you can attend. There is a series we call First Friday and at 7 pm on those nights , you can experience a food pairing /wine event. The cost is 15. per person and you will need to call the store at 309246-2262 to reserve your spot.  The next First Friday is October 5th.

So I started my day with a sip of Wine Chiller and am now ending it with a little Hollowine.

Someone has to be in charge of quality control right?

Witches, Turkeys and Elfs?

Okay, so it is that time of year when you get a whole bunch of holidays thrown at you all at once!
It happens about mid August and gets into full swing right after Labor Day. Team Fudge has been putting up Christmas trees with amazing new ornaments and we follow it up with trying out the new Halloween Jewelry that just came in. Yesterday, Bob ( the super nice driver from UPS) brought us a whole bunch of boxes to unpack. It's kind of fun to see the stuff that comes into the store after ordering it so long ago. Actually the stuff that came in was ordered in January when Jill, Patty and I went to market in Chicago. When the boxes get opened it fun to see what we were so excited about many months back.

 This gal came to work with us thru Halloween, unless she gets a new home before then. Bring the kids to see the witch now on display at the store. She is a little scary so be forewarned!

Here's a sample of just some of what has come in!

It's that time of year again!

Scarecrow Fest is underway!

Bring in your homemade scarecrow and have it displayed outside the store !

Everyone who brings in a scarecrow gets a 1/2 LB fudge of your choice and a chance to win prizes.

The Event calendar is getting full , so be sure to check it out often so you don't miss out!

Events Calendar

So with all this going on, things can get a little harried and stressful for everyone. 

Here's few ways that you can De-Stress

1. Go For A Quick Walk
   Even if you can only spare five minutes, go for a walk (it might just be to the water cooler and back). The aim here is to get yourself away from the immediate source of stress and to calm down. A few minutes to gather your thoughts is all you need to get some perspective.


2. Read Some Fiction
   If I’m seriously worked up, upset or stressed, one of the best things I can do is to grab a book. Fiction is ideal (especially anything funny or uplifting). Reading fiction takes you out of the here-and-now and into a different world. You can forget everything that’s troubling you, for just ten minutes, as you concentrate on the story.


3. Meditate or Pray
   Often, the best thing we can do to instantly de-stress is to simply stop. Many life coaches and stress advisors recommend meditation: there’s no mystery to it, just sit and try to clear your mind of thoughts (perhaps concentrating on a calming image or a word or phrase, if that helps you). I also like to pray – if this suits your religious/spiritual persuasions, it can be a very powerful way to get outside of your own head and call on a higher power for some much-needed help!


4. Watch A Funny Video
   I don’t know about you, but I just can’t stay stressed out when I’m laughing. (It’s like trying to pat my head and rub my tummy at the same time...) If you have a favorite YouTube clip, or if LolCats make you giggle, then give yourself five minutes to indulge. You’ll find that you return to your work – or whatever the source of the stress is – feeling much better equipped to handle it.


5. Make A Herbal Tea
   If you’re feeling uber-stressed, caffeine isn’t going to help. A warm, soothing mug of herbal tea might, though. The act of making yourself a drink can be calming: it gets you away from your desk, and it gives you a chance to concentrate on something physical. You’ll probably also feel a psychological boost from doing something positive and nurturing for yourself.


6. Punch A Pillow
   Depending on where you are when you’re feeling stressed, and on your personality, throwing a few punches at a pillow might help. Think of the stress leaving you through your fist with every punch. (If you’re in the office, please don’t be tempted to use a co-worker as a substitute pillow ... even if said co-worker has caused your stress.)


7. Take Slow, Deep Breaths
   When we get stressed, we tend to breath more quickly, taking shallow breaths. Concentrate on your breathing (you might want to do this in conjunction with meditation or prayer). Imagine breathing from your stomach, not your chest. Take slow, deep, fulfilling breaths. Calming your body down physically in this way is likely to have a knock-on effect on your frazzled mental state. Tips were shared by  http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/05/seven-ways-to-de-stress-instantly.html

Are you walking with us tonight?

I am kinda excited about the Walk with Team Fudge Event tonight. It will be a great night for a little leisure stroll. Be at the store at 6:30 PM if you want to join us. This is a family friendly event that will include a fun scavenger hunt with prizes. There will be a 5.00 Gift certificate for each family just for coming out and having some fun. The walk will last about 45 minutes or so. It starts and ends at the store. If you see a group of people walking past your house come on out and give us a wave... you may even want to join. I have been asked " Why " many times and the answer is just because!
We just thought it would be a fun idea to get some area people out and about for a bit and perhaps it may lead to more family walks for you and your family. It's a great way to stay fit and connected.

Consider this your invitation to join us !
See you tonight!
Julie