Simply Sweets

I'm so excited to say that Simply Sweets is almost a reality! After years of working toward this goal; perfecting a menu, pricing, website design, advertising, finding suppliers, designing stationary, acquiring business materials, permits and finding a location, (not to mention waiting for kids to graduate) I am super happy to say that January 2012 will be a banner year for Simply Sweets! Everyone who has dreamed of, owned or managed a small business realizes just what an undertaking this endeavor has been.

I will primarily be mail order via my website:http://www.wix.com/simplysweetsbyjuliea/simply-sweets as well as Face book. I offer opportunities for retail placement as well as corporate catering. My menu is expansive and features fresh local produce to continue the farm to table movement. I use only the highest quality chocolate, butter and sugars to ensure a rich decadent dessert. Every item is made fresh to order so every bite is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of connoisseur's. I will expand outside of the US market after the holidays, but for now I am happy to offer shipping within the US borders.

So come join me as I celebrate the opening of Simply Sweets! Discriminating Desserts for Discriminating People! Swing by Face book, the website or shoot me email/text and I would love to put together a tasting menu for your event. I want to thank everyone who stood by me all these years and taste tested my recipes, gave critiques on design and encouraged me; God bless you! ~ Julie Ann

Wishing you & yours a happy baking season!

Shopping Websites

For unique products or excellent customer service (or both!), these websites are favorites.

Best Home Goods Shopping Websites

allmodern.com
One-stop shopping for contemporary home goods in an easy-to-browse, simply designed site.

ballarddesigns.com
This sprawling site, with a vast inventory at reasonable prices, is a favorite resource of interior decorators.

brocadehome.com
From Restoration Hardware comes a site full of sexy, curvy, ultra-feminine furnishings.

circalighting.com
Indoor lights, outdoor lights, table lights, floor lights, ceiling lights―and shades―all with free shipping.

designerplumbing.com
A wide-ranging collection of tubs, sinks, vanities, and more to redecorate your bath. Fabulous prices―there's even a section of "blowout specials"―and top-notch customer service.

hableconstruction.com
This sister-owned textile company offers totes, pillows, and other high-quality goods in fun, colorful prints.

homeinfatuation.com
If you're lucky enough to have a patio and a yard, you'll find everything you need to furnish your outdoor space―furniture, umbrellas, grills―here.

laylagrayce.com
Home furnishings (plus clothing for women and children) from around the world, all with a romantic sensibility.

moderndose.com
Reasonably priced reproductions of modern furniture classics, with free shipping and a money-back guarantee.

2modern.com
As streamlined as the modern furniture it carries, this site features the work of eco-conscious designers.

thpcollections.com
Decorative accessories and furniture with a global viewpoint, from sources as equally far-flung.

ugallery.com
Original artwork at every price. A view-on-wall feature lets you try before you buy, so you have an idea of how a work of art will look in your home.

unicahome.com
An eclectic roundup of modern, vintage, and kitsch from big names like Knoll and Herman Miller.

velocityartanddesign.com
Simple, clean, and graphic designs―from artwork to wallpaper―at affordable prices.

wisteria.com
Bright and simply laid out, this site features new, antique, and artfully weathered imports from across the globe.

Glorious Fall

As I prepare for my favorite season, I find it brings me so much joy and contentment. I walk Bailey every morning and see the deer along the ravine and the foliage changing colors right before my eyes, see the once raging river turned into a babbling brook. I enjoy the sounds, smells and sights of fall. I find a spring in my step as I walk Bailey, (sometimes twice a day just to be close to the nature that makes me feel so happy)!
Today was a good example, after walking 3 miles, I stopped to let Bailey off her lead and let her play in the once raging river. She finds such peace and you can see her smile as she gallops off to run through the water, never showing signs of the water being too cold. She runs up and down the bank at a full speed and in this moment I can see she is trying to heal from the death of her buddy, Harley a few weeks ago. She is learning to be independent and rely on her senses and Mother Nature is assisting her. In this moment I watch her go from being such a nervous Nellie to a strong and sure lab as she was intended.
Death is never easy on anyone in a family. Least of all the pets. They have their own rhythm with life and seem to take things as they come.(?) I enjoy our "zoo",as we have dubbed them. They are a lot of work but am happy to know we rescued many of them out of some pretty bad situations. It is nice to see them growing healthy and happy as they progress in their individual recovery of the traumas and injustices they have endured in their short lives. It is a sence of accomplishment I feel each day as Remmington and Chipmunk climb up my step stool to beg for treats for the uptenth time that day, or when Bailey learns a concept with such ease. I am glad I have been blessed with these precious souls and have been able to give them such a better quality of life they never had.
As you consider your holiday list this year; I implore you to go to a shelter and donate some time, materials or even bring home a fuzzy lifetime friend. The joy they give to you and your family is irreplaceable in a store bought gift. IAMS Home For The Holidays is a wonderful gift to give to your family and a furry friend that might not be given a second chance if it was not for you.

It's been almost a month since I last wrote. I apologize for anyone who might be paying attention! Three deaths in 2 months has been a little tough to handle.
I've been busy canning and preserving the summers fruits and veggies and creating new recipes for my family to enjoy.  This year I made mixed berry syrup, maple syrup and red raspberry syrup along with: applesauce, apple butter, pear butter, salsa and various dried fruit and fruit leather. I love the fall and all the cooking that comes with it. I have many favorite recipes and hope you are willing to share yours with me too! Stay posted and I will include some holiday ideas and recipes!
Thanks for your support! And Happy Fall!