Shopkeeping: Holiday 2023

Holiday greetings to you! 

How can Thanksgiving be next week? My goodness, the days are flying and there is much on my to-do list. I took a break from planning this morning to take corgi Gryphon for a walk where I discovered with delight our unruly English Hollies are graced with many more berries than they have had in recent years. In mid-December I will revisit the prickly things with clippers and sturdy gloves for sprigs with which to “deck the halls.”  While we meandered along, I thought about all I had to share with you including upcoming open studio days and my annual holiday discount.

Autumn was a whirlwind of family needs, but I still managed to find time here and there to ready Joyful Alchemy for the season. Many happy hours were enjoyed in my studio blending teas and making all manner of good things. My webshop is now stocked up with favorite Holiday and Winter Teas and The Apothecary Cupboard is full of freshly made soaps, herbal balms and fragrance sprays, as well as small beeswax candles to add a warm glow to your evenings.

Something amazing snuck up on me… This is my little business’s 25th holiday season! Twelve holiday seasons in my tiny Freeland shop, and now thirteen as a home-based business. Twenty-five holiday seasons of sweet moments. I honestly feel, only on enchanting Whidbey Island in this lovely community of mine, could it have been possible for me to have followed my dream of having a shop of my own. What a wonderful experience it has been. My heart is full.

I am doing no shows this year, but I am going to open my home studio to you on three Mondays in December. On the 4th, 11th, and the 18th, from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm, I would love to welcome you to my cozy little workspace. These will be opportunities to pick up orders, to have me scoop a tea or wrap a small gift in person, or just to visit and reminisce. And, just as I had in my teashop, there will be a pot of tea on its warmer, cookies to share, a chair waiting and a smile to greet you. Come help me celebrate my 25 years of being Whidbey’s tealady! (4333 Barbara Lane, Clinton. Studio is across the driveway from the house. For directions, please contact me.)

My annual holiday promotion has begun. Please enjoy 15% off your next purchase. At checkout, enter the code CELEBRATE in the coupon/discount box, click “Apply” and your order will be adjusted. This offer is good for website orders until midnight December 16, when I close for Christmas and New Year’s break. Last day for in person purchases or package pickups will be on Monday, December 18, during my last open studio.

Thank you for being such a lovely part of my life. You are so appreciated. I send you heartfelt wishes for a warm and cozy holiday season!.