Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow

Once again, it is a winter wonderland in Leavenworth! The #1 Christmas town in America is def' living up to all the hype this year with plenty of snow, lights, and festivities! This is Mapel's 4th Christmas in Leavenworth and this year there are more visitors than ever before, which we of course LOVE. 

 I wish I had pictures of the actual Christmas festivities to show off, but I'm always in the shop during the tree lighting weekends! So all I have are these pictures from my house and Sleeping Lady Reosrt. (our favorite breakfast spot).  As you can see, Cora is quite interested in the snow and all it has to offer her.  She's already learned how to throw snowballs and enjoys eating "snow cones". 

Wish I had time to write more, but I'm busy gearing up for another crazy busy tree lighting weekend.  This is just my little "teaser" blog to say - come visit Mapel in Leavenworth this holiday season - it's magical!

Full House, Full Glasses & Full Shopping Bags!!!

Last night was a full house at our Grand Opening Par'Tay for the Bridgeport location. Full house, full glasses and full shopping bags (all very good things). The hours leading up to the event were a bit.... stressful. I had to once again tap into my favor bank to get it all done in time- but somehow we got there.

I put Everyone to work. If you arrived early or on time you had a job to do- and do it Fast. It was either folding gift boxes, tie bows around the hangers, washing the fruit, folding garments or sweeping the floors.
However the party went off without a hitch and I "think" everyone had a great time.

Below are a few pics from the evening. Thanks to everyone that stopped in and celebrated with us. We're looking forward to a fabulous holiday season and new year to come!!!

As a shopping incentive we adorned each hanger with a ribbon. If it was a red ribbon you got $5 off, if it was a green ribbon = $10 off and candy cane ribbon = $20 off. PLUS everyone got a gift with purchase!!!!

Once again I put Katie to work the moment she arrived.



I also put her two little girls to work- I have no shame!!!



Our Sweet'est, Cute'est and Most'est Adorable customer!!!

Shopping bag Full of Great Finds!!!

Thanks to miss Ashlie for workin' it Lobster Style!!!

More friends.... "lingering" by the wine!!!

Even my friends from the big city traveled into the 'burbs for the night

Full House!!!

Candid of my "hustle" moves.

More friends "lingering" by the wine.

Thanks to Everyone that came out or sent us best wishes. Staci & Brandon

Favor Bank Overdraft

In approx a week's time we somehow managed to get Mapel Boutique "up and running". We may not have all of our artwork up on the walls and some of our vendors didn't follow through with their commitment to "deliver" product in time.... but none the less we opened our doors on Crazy A__ Black Friday. It was a soft, smooth and exciting opening.

We were still adhering stickers onto our shopping bags as our first customer Lois Klune rang our register with her purchases. That first weekend was an exciting mix of new customers and old friends showing their support.

It was within that week's time we "set up shop" that I rapidly depleted my favor bank... and am now in serious overdraft status. Brandon and I owe about a thousand favors to our friends and family. While Brandon and I have strengths in some areas- there are Many Others we simply don't have an aptitude for.

I Never could of spiffed up my store fixtures without the help of Big Headed Eric.

 I Never could of painted Every Little Crevice of this space without the help of my sweet mother in law to be.

I Never could of created such strong branding without the help of Andy's exterior facing decals.

I Never could of had the spirit and endurance to tag one Zillion new garments, scarves, earrings, cards, gloves, hats, purses (the list goes on and on) AND decorate my pathetic Christmas Trees without the help of Ashlie.

I Never could of created a professional surround sound atmosphere, assembled the dressing room mirrors and doors or anything else that involved a drill without Eric.

I Never could of had the endurance or patience to paint the monstrosity of a table without Katie.

And just so you don't think I was sitting back and sipping wine with my finger pointed....

So in close... Thanks to Everyone that lent a much needed hand. I will slowly diligently to lower my overdraft favor bank. Thanks Thanks Thanks.