October 13, 2010

Leased a Store Front

Well, I just signed a 6 month lease for a store front in a craft mall in Lewisburg, PA. The craft mall is called The Street of Shops and My store will be called Bryas Soap Box. I am so excited to get this store running, signed the lease last Saturday and have been boxing and taking inventory since that time. I have to get some shelving and product into the store this Friday. Plus I have to have product for my first craft show since getting out of my cast. I will have to post a picture of the store when I get everything set up.


Website: http://www.bryassoapbox.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bryassoapbox
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryassoapbox

October 8, 2010

Stop HR 5786 from becoming law

Please sign the petition at http://www.opposesca.com/take-action/sign-the-petition/
we need less government interference on small business. Many of you know how hard it is to have your business succeed. If this bill passes it will be the death of many independent small cosmetic/soap companies.

Write your Congressmen/Senators and anybody else you can think of, in this primary election time every voice is important. With the Tea Party getting so strong, maybe the die hard Democrats and Republicans will realize that the American people have a voice and are not afraid to use their vote.


Website: http://www.bryassoapbox.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bryassoapbox
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryassoapbox

September 28, 2010

Mom Pack

There is a great networking site for WAHM's called Mom Pack. This networking site is filled with the most amazing women, friendly and very knowledgeable. It is for working Moms to help promote and advertise their business's and build lasting friendships along the way. Stop and check their site out http://www.mompack.com/


Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com/
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

September 27, 2010

In Need of Followers

Well, since I don't have very many followers on my blog yet I thought I would do a contest to get more followers on Bryas Specialty Gift Baskets Blog.

I need a name for a new soap, the essential oils used are Eucalyptus Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Leaves & a few other natural fragrances. The color of this soap is a very pale tan. This is a beautiful soap that makes a ton of rich lather.

Tell your friends about my new soap, when they sign up to follow me they should check out my contest. Then add a comment and tell me the name for my soap and also who told them about my Blog. The winning soap name will be chosen on Halloween, the person whose soap name is picked will receive a bar of the soap, and recognition on both my Blog and on Twitter also a 10% discount coupon for any purchase over $20.00.

The person with the most referrals will receive mention on by Blog and also on Twitter and a 20% discount coupon on any purchase over $20.00 as well as 3 soap samples including the contest winner.

Don't forget Halloween's the ending for this contest. Good luck everybody and thank you for entering.


Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com/
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

September 17, 2010

Bring your dog to work day

OK so I invented that day. I still think it is a great idea! The boss's are all out for the day and I brought my 5 year old Cockapoo, Sierra into the office. She is great comic relief and everybody loves her but she only has a nodding acquaintance with the command "come" (unless biscuits are involved). Normally she is good with sit, down and stay unless other people are around. In that case all bets are off because they may have biscuits and she doesn't know unless she asks.

Sierra is all about people, biscuits, pets, biscuits, attention, biscuits and running up to greet all new arrivals to the office, bootie wiggling to almost touch her nose the excitement of a new friend is SO great. I have told my boss several times that we should have a bring your dog to work day. It would be great, Let's see, 2 Cockapoos, 2 Newfoundlands, 2 Golden Retrievers, 3 Labs and a great big showroom to slip and slide in. What a photo op that would be.


Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com/
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

September 14, 2010

Into an Upscale Baby Boutique

I am so excited, Brya's Specialty Gift Baskets will be going into a new Upscale Baby Boutique that will be opening in Indianapolis, IN. The Grand Opening will be in November, 2010. I have really got to get that Baby "Cheesecake" figured out, made a template so I have something to wrap the little onesie or infant T shirt around. Then top with a pair of baby socks for the whipped cream. This will be SO cute if I can get it to co-operate


Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com/
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

September 13, 2010

Socks in a Jam Jar

OK Here's the question. What to name this new Bryas Specialty Gift Basket product for Babies. It is 6 Baby Socks in a Jam Jar, I had one suggestion to call it Toe Jam, but I think that is EWWWW. How about some suggestions.


Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com/
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

September 12, 2010

Gift Baskets for College Bound Niece's

Wow all 3 of my niece's are going to college. The oldest, Jessica, is actually graduating, providing the school can get their records straightened out. They have been having computer problems for the last 3 months. Wants to work in a library.

Middle is Lisa with 3 children, going back for Mechanical Engineering.

Youngest is Alana, just out of the Army after 2 tours of duty, some in Iraq and some in Afghanistan. I'm not sure what she will be studying but I can't begin to describe how proud of them I am.

Will be putting together gift baskets for all 3, I'll try to send them stuff that college girls will need. Note Paper, Snacks, Pens, Snacks, Notebooks and Binders and also Snacks.


Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com/
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

September 7, 2010

Soap Sale

To celebrate my new soaps I am having a Sale.

Get a 10% discount on Kiwi, Peppermint, Tropical Roses or Spearmint from 9/7 until 9/14.


Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com/
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

Adding New Soaps

Yea...4 New Soaps will be added to my Website soon. Peppermint, Kiwi, Spearmint and Tropical Roses. All that is needed is pictures which I hope to do tonight after a trip to the auto repair shop.

Also working on a Manly Man soap - Bay Rum This is not your Grand-Dad's soap. Will have to have a contest to give it a better name.


Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com/
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

September 1, 2010

School Has Started

OK, school has started so I guess that means summer is almost over. My grand-daughter, Kyra had her first day of Kindergarten and I am excited to hear how everything went.

Since Mom's all over the country are now without the kids, they can relax and do things that normally are put off until said kids are tucked into bed and fast asleep. How about taking a nice leisurely bath for a few hours :o) OK maybe 15 minutes to give yourself some quality ME time.

Take the time to treat yourself to something special away from hubby, kids and the family pets. Make some time Just For You, do something relaxing that will let you replenish your stores of energy. A warm scented bath will do wonders to renew your spirit and refresh your body.


Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com/
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

August 30, 2010

Christmas Gift to your neighborhood

Hi Everybody,

With Christmas just around the corner (can you believe it, only 4 months), here is a thought. Instead of buying a gift for your husband, grandparents, brother, sister, etc. donate a bag of groceries to your local food bank in their names or go through your closets and pull out clothes you no longer wear (especially old coats). Also, think about school age kids, for $10 or $15 you could donate new clothes. There are families in every community that are going hungry or don't have proper clothing for the winter season. Check with your local Marine Recruiting Center to see if they will accept new children's clothing in with their Toys for Tots Program. If people in every town get together we can all do our part in helping our country out of this tough economic time.

That being said, Brya's Specialty Gift Baskets has made their Christmas commitment to help at a local woman's shelter with soaps, bath salts and lotions. Every woman deserves to feel special and pampered!

With every soap, lotion, bath salts and salt or sugar scrub purchased 5% will be donated to Wise Options for Women in Williamsport, PA which is a shelter for battered women and their children.

Please help me to help them - use coupon code thankyou10

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
Thank you
Diane


Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

August 27, 2010

Safe Cosmetics Act or H.R. 5786

OK is it just me or does anybody else think our government is getting way carried away with new laws that are supposed to protect us or make our lives better, safer?

Take the Safe Cosmetics Act that the "Powers that be" are working on. Is Congress/President/Whoever is running this country TRYING to put the small independent business's out of buisness? If that is the agenda then please by all means vote to pass this into law. But DON'T say that you are trying to protect the American people. The small business's in the cosmetic industry believe in and make safe cosmetics and take extreme care to use ingredients that are natural and safe for use on skin and hair.

Each and every American uses cosmetics - Soap, perfume, deodorant, lip balm, toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, bubble bath, shower gel and the list goes on and on and on. Now of course we the consumer and the independent soap/lotion small cosmetic business owner want safe products. That being said, handing this huge cosmetic industry over to the FDA who will then have the authority to regulate ingredients. Also read effect legislation that end up requiring the small business owner to raise prices, fewer natural ingredients and give fewer product choices. Not to mention the difficulty in understanding the product labels.

The small business owner who makes natural soaps such as Brya's Specialty Gift Baskets and hundreds of others will be required to report annual sales figures, names of all suppliers and details of our soap recipes and formulations which will then become public information.

Small cosmetic companies like myself started business because of a desire for better quality ingredients in their soaps. We use food grade Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil, Essential Oils made from plants (leaves, roots, flowers etc.

Since our politicians have no problem calling and emailing during election years, lets get our voices heard! Call, Write or Email your elected Senator and Congressman, tell them to vote NO on the Safe Cosmetics Act H.R. 5786

Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

August 26, 2010

Bonanzle & Etsy Stores

Well the newest thing to rock my world is Kyra now age 5, she starts kindergarten in a week and I have been trying to figure out how she has gotten this old so fast. I am sure she was only born a year ago, It can't possibly have been 5 years. Kids are so amazing, funny and clever, she has been learning Spanish thanks to Dora the Explorer and Diego and the Lilly Doll she got when she was 3. How do these kids get so smart so fast?

Ky has just started playing soccer and is just too cute in her little soccer cleats and uniform. I can't wait to watch their first "Game" should be a hoot since there are only 4 kids on her team. Aubrey, her mom, is assistant coach and is really taking this responsibility seriously. She gets on the 'Net and checks out soccer drills and ways to get the most from her small players. There is no goalie and when they play the first game it will be against a team that only has 4 players also. I am expecting just to see a bunch of cute kids in uniforms running up and down the field. When my son played, AYSO at age 7 (they didn't have soccer for really young kids)the kids in the back field would be crouched down playing in the dirt. Parents were all hysterical with laughter

Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

August 25, 2010

New Baby Item

Have you ever an idea for a product only to have said product fight you every step of the way?? I am trying to create a slice of "Cheesecake" using a baby Onesie and a pair of baby socks. Grrr it is not coming together. Please everybody send happy thoughts or a stick so I beat said onesie into my cheesecake shape.

What do you do when things just don't come out like you want? How do you persevere and make things happen, not just in business but in your personal life also?

Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

August 24, 2010

Introducing Sugar Cookie Scrub

Who doesn't like the yummy smell of fresh baked sugar cookie? OK Dieters don't have to admit that they are closet cookie eaters. This Sugar Cookie Scrub is guaranteed to be a no calorie treat. Just imagine, something that is good for you and yet won't add any pounds. My Sugar Cookie Scrub is made with premium oils and high quality fragrance oils and Turbinado Sugar which is light brown or golden in color due to the molasses content.

The way to use my Salt or Sugar Scrubs (or any scrub for that matter) it to spoon a tablespoon or two into a dixie cup (no glass of course). That is what you are going to take into the shower, not the whole container of scrub. Rince your body and scoop a small amount of scrub then gently rub over arms, legs & torso. DO NOT use scrubs on your face or other delicate areas as they are to abrasive. Rinse with warm water and follow with your favorite soap (Brya's Bath Soap of course) then PAT, DO NOT RUB, and while still damp smooth on moisturizing lotion. This will keep your skin smooth, soft and hydrated during your day.

Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

August 23, 2010

Getting into a Retail Store

Wow, this is so exciting!

Brya's Specialty Gift Baskets. LLC is going to be in an upscale Baby Boutique... I am to excited to sit still. The boutique, Baby Gigi's Boutique is in Indiana and will be opening late this fall, around November. Now all I have to do is make enough Baby Bouquets & Planters, Soaps & Bath Salts so I can fill my inventory for the store and still have inventory for the 5 craft shows I have scheduled from September to December.

I still need to come up with a nice clothing tag that catches the eye and a new soap just for this occasion. How about a Pomegranate Soap and matching Bath Salt? That sounds yummy, doesn't it?

Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets

February 16, 2010

Spring is coming!

Yes it is true, despite the snow storms, Spring is coming and  I, for one will be glad to see it get here.  Since I have been in a cast for 2 1/2 months thanks to an icy fall I have learned to appreciate my left hand as never before.  Last night after spending 15 minutes trying to open a can of cherry pie filling for a cobbler I was attempting to make, I made a promise to my left hand>  I will appreciate it for all the hard work it does (I am left handed), and will be sure to praise it occasionally.  To everybody out there, treat your dominant hand with respect, you never know when it will be incapacitated.

Website: http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Email: info@bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000146987262
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryasbaskets