Back To School

This time tomorrow my girls will be finishing their first day back at school, it seems silly that they send them back in August for 2 days before a 3 day vacation weekend, just to save a few days in the following June but that’s the way they do things here so off they shall go.

Caity is like a mini teenager and I mean mini in the literal sense, at only 47 pounds she’s already small for her 9 years, yet what she lacks in stature she sure makes up for in personality!  She’s taken to insisting that she must shower EVERY day, trying to blow dry style her hair, not wanting to wear braids anymore .. I’m so sad .. like where did my baby go?

Amy is seeming more self confident, is excited to get back to being with her friends, it’s good to see her blossom so beautifully and for today I’m just going to let her primp and get herself perfect for her first day back.

Me?

Exhausted, desperate for a day off, frustrated at a certain husband and determined not to do too much today if it can be helped at all.  Weight wise, I’ve lost another pound bringing my weight loss in the last 2 weeks to 14lbs.  I’m hoping to lose at least 50lbs, and as much as possible of that by Halloween for our annual party, I have a dress I’m in love with hanging in my closet that’s so perfect and I just have to fit in it comfortably by then.

Where did the summer go?

It really feels like it’s flown by, fatigue has been overwhelming at times, but I’m thankful I still have the energy to keep up.

Adam spent 2 months here this summer, it was fun but hectic on my schedule, I’m falling horribly behind on so much but it’s worth it to have him home. 

I have had time to create some new items for the stores, I love the new rainbow ducky and piggy soaps, all the colors of the rainbow.  New lollipops include more vehicles and birthday items, but there’s a lot more coming now that inventory has been almost completed, seems I’ve actually surpassed the 300 variety mark!!

It’s still my goal to get them all listed before Christmas, fingers crossed I have the time and energy.

Blogging 101 – The Sweet Way?

Crystal Barley Lollipops

Originally uploaded by Sweet Lollipop Shop

So I felt it was time I tried this whole blog thing …

Honestly I really don’t have a sweet clue how to start or where to begin, so maybe let’s try an introduction!

My name is Louise, although I’m known by most of my friends as Louissa. I was born in the UK and after flitting about the world for a few years, I finally settled here in the grand ole US of A with my New Hampshire native husband who despite his many attrocious bad habits is a real gem in the rough.

Together we love and support 4 wonderful children, 3 girls and 1 very mischievious son. The eldest, well she just joined the army and is currently in basic training, my son lives in the UK most of the year and he is home with us right now helping build our youngest daughter (the little minx!) a huge tree house with their dad out back. My 15 year old daughter is a carbon copy of me, stubborn with a quick temper but has a heart of gold and sees the best in everyone.

A few years back after having health issues for over 3 years the docs suspected I had MS, turns out the diagnosis was chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, both of which I was not happy to accept.

My symptoms intensified making it impossible for me to work outside of the home and I was really angry for a while, feeling pretty darn useless and then a few friends told me I should try selling my candy creations that I made for parties and get togethers. Eventually I listened and took their advice and Sweet Lollipop Shop was officially born in November of 2006!

Since then it’s blossomed and taken off in ways I could only imagine. Not one to tie myself down to one thing(I bore easily), 5 months into beginning with only crystal barley candy lollipops, I began making soaps, ducky soaps and childrens toy soaps. Over the following year I began creating even more items using paper crafting materials, polymer clay, jewelry and adult novelty items.

To be able to run my own business, be my own boss, be able to work the hours easiest for me, so that I can maintain my health but still feel like I’m contributing to the family has been amazing. And the ability to create and sell what I create with my own hands and then see the positive reactions my creations recieve makes it even more worthwhile. I’d recommend what I do to anyone!

Over the coming months, I’m going to be introducing many new handmade creations as I build up my inventory hoping to have the largest selection of different crystal barley candy lollipop shapes and ducky soaps.

You can find my products at the following websites:

Our main Sweet Lollipop Shop website

Etsy Crystal Barley Candy Lollipop Store

Etsy Ducky Soap Store

Etsy Gourmet soaps and body products store

Etsy adult treats and novelties store