Designs of the Times

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I found some really nice photography right in my own neck of the Poulsbo woods called Risen Photography.

Risen photography is a new up and coming photography company that travels to locations in Kitsap County to offer assistance with product, fashion, scenery and pet photography.

Young business owner Zachary Jachimowicz has been specializing in product pictures for the past five years for a local Jewlery company and is now expanding to offer real estate photos, food, scenery and b2b photography services.

I hear his rates are very reasonable and he has a new website located here and is very active on his Risen Photography facebook page.

Check out his photos. I hope they move you like they do me!

Risen Photography will also be featured in a book published by Synclectic-Media in the next few months. Enjoy!

Lisa Jachimowicz Suquamish/Poulsbo, Washington

Designs of the Times -What Inspires You?

Design is everywhere. It can be in the food we eat, the art we buy or the Jewelry we wear. The Designs of the Times Blog is about the people, places and things that help us a enjoy the abundance of creativity all around us. Join us as we showcase the rich designs of our surroundings that make up this great area we call home- Kitsap County! We hope to bring inspiration, joy, and creativity to all who read our Blog.

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It is not everyday that I run across a really great business with an even greater business owner – so I just wanted to congratulate Amber Dinh owner of Audible Advice for being a fantastic 40 under 40 winner for the Kitsap County Business Journal.

Audible Advice was created by Amber Dinh as a company specifically for the retail and commercial audio/visual industry. Her mission is to promote your company and vision with a higher level of sales skill and customer service. She specializes in Retail redesigns, Telesales/cold call training, Retail sales force training, Social Media marketing campaigns, Maximization of Dealer/vendor relationships, co-op dollars and MDF’s, Very Important Client campaigns, helps with mailer/TV/radio and marketing campaigns and coaching for owners and staff.

Amber mainly works with B2B companies but if you need a recommendation for a home theater company she can assist in that as well…She is also very active on social media websites and connecting with her on facebook is very informative and entertaining.

What is also impressive about Amber is that she was also awarded Dealerscopes 40 under 40 award and has been mentioned in several audio visual publications over the years.

She knows her industry like no other and is very friendly and knowledgeable. Her Audible Advice facebook group is available here. Connect with her and see how she can help your company. Congratulations again Amber, we are very happy for you!

Enjoy!
Lisa Jachimowicz Suquamish/Poulsbo, Washington

Designs of the Times -What Inspires You?

Design is everywhere. It can be in the food we eat, the art we buy or the Jewelry we wear. The Designs of the Times Blog is about the people, places and things that help us a enjoy the abundance of creativity all around us. Join us as we showcase the rich designs of our surroundings that make up this great area we call home- Kitsap County! We hope to bring inspiration, joy, and creativity to all who read our Blog.

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Exquisite Gift Baskets presents raffle winner Rochelle Cramer with a winning gift basket!

I visited and had a great time at Exquisite Gift Baskets and The Soap Crate in Kingston Washington today.

This two dimensional studio style store is owned by artists Donna Schambron (The Soap Crate) and Connie Obee (Exquisite Gift Baskets).  The pair recently decided to join forces using Connie’s gift basket design skills and Donna s soap making skills to create a wonderful and unique shopping experience with great gift baskets of food, soaps, and gifts for any occasion that are professionally decorated and adorned with bows, flowers in absolutely gorgeous arrangements for any occasion.

Soap Pouring Demonstration

I also had the opportunity to view a soap pouring demonstration that was pretty amazing. Glycerine soaps were made and decorated and we even got to take home a sample of pretty Halloween soap.

I saw soap treats of many kinds- to include shampoo bars for hair, pet soap, and man soap that smells like expensive beer, plus olive oil infused,  sweet, luxurious soap that we all love!

Not to mention I had some scrumptious grand opening food that was Halloween themed!

Thank you ladies!

Oh and I almost forgot…They frequently have raffle drawings on special occasions and today we witnessed a very special Poulsbo resident Rochelle Cramer win a tasty gift basket of  chocolates, coffee plus cheese and cracker delights!

If you like handpicking gifts this is a great place to visit at 26252 Lindvog Road Suite #110, Kingston, WA 98346. Both shops also have websites where online ordering is also available, they service both corporate and consumer clients and are known throughout Kitsap County as the place to go for gorgeous gifts AND delivery is available.

Both businesses are very active on facebook ( which I love), so interact and enjoy the pictures they post and see what they are up to! Both shops work together AND independently to meet customers gift needs. So check both of them if you want something designed in a unique theme for any occasion.  I visit Exquisite Gift Baskets Facebook Page and The SoapCrate Facebook Page daily to see the latest in gifts and designs. Enjoy!

Lisa Jachimowicz
Suquamish/Poulsbo, Washington
Designs of the Times -What Inspires You?

Design is everywhere. It can be in the food we eat, the art we buy or the Jewelry we wear. The Designs of the Times Blog is about the people, places and things that help us a enjoy the abundance of creativity all around us. Join us as we showcase the rich designs of our surroundings that make up this great area we call home- Kitsap County! We hope to bring inspiration, joy and creativity to all who read our Blog.

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I am happy to report I have recently re-connected with my Uncle Reggie Gebo. We were talking on facebook and he told me he usually catches about 60 to 70 salmon a year in the Great Lakes of Michigan!?

It is not often I get to showcase a family member and it made me realize that we often forget and take for granted our salmon abundance.

My Uncle Reggie has traveled to many cool places and is an outstanding cook. He has recently started a blog for all of his travels and of his very unique recipes. His new blog is a work in progress so keep checking back often. He adds new content daily!

One dish that  really caught my sockeye (excuse the pun) was this Salmon and Zucchini Olive Oil Dish and the Linguine with Salmon and Zucchini dinner.

And then of course dessert! This is his Danish Rice Pudding with Brandy Glazed Cherry Sauce.

If you need a fresh cooking and travel perspective for Spring- I encourage you to check out all of Reggie Gebo’s recipes, tips and travel pictures on his new blog. Enjoy!

Lisa Jachimowicz
Suquamish/Poulsbo, Washington
Designs of the Times -What Inspires You?

Design is everywhere. It can be in the food we eat, the art we buy or the Jewelry we wear. The Designs of the Times Blog is about the people, places and things that help us a enjoy the abundance of creativity all around us. Join us as we showcase the rich designs of our surroundings that make up this great area we call home- Kitsap County! We hope to bring inspiration, joy and creativity to all who read our Blog.

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I just cannot ignore these great T-shirt Designs coming out of the Port Townsend shirt Company and I wanted to share them with the Kitsap Sun Readers.

Great T-shirt design is hard to find and I have to say it is very unique that we are finding it in our own backyard. It makes me feel lucky that we have such a great designer in our area.

Frank Iuro is the owner of PT Shirt Company and he specializes in the design of T-shirts, Hoodies, Hats, Souvenirs (all from Infant to Adult sizes)  he  is also bordering on the title of workaholic because he is very passionate about his designs and is totally dedicated to great customer service.

If you have not yet visited Port Townsend- you are in for a pleasant day (as the town boasts shops, scenery and salty breezes) that make it a must see destination in Jefferson County. Stop by and (shop till you drop) and say hello to my friend Frank.

Tell him LisaJ sent you.

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You know you think about reaching out, you read something like this and get motivated but then you get busy and put it on the back burner for tomorrow.  Then tomorrow turns into months or a year…maybe this is the one you act upon?

Isn’t it time to help?

I just got word from my friend Chris Garcia with Fidelity National Title Company that Foster Children need help. Kitsap Realtors and Lenders are doing what they can and  reaching out to support Foster Children (and they had a very successful clothing drive this Christmas) but everyday is not Christmas and their are needs all year long.

Having five children of my own- I know how challenging raising children is on a good day, on a tough day a child has to go to school without all needs being met  ( especially teenagers) who often get left out because people love to buy little kids clothes but forget that teenagers need clothes and personal items to succeed. Self esteem is a really important aspect at that particular age and can make all the difference in the daily lives of  the 12-18 age group.

For more information about next years Foster Care Clothing Drive, or to inquire about becoming a foster parent, please call 360-692-4556 or email Chris at christopher.garcia@fnf.com.

Also,  if you are buying a house this year – you might want to give Chris a call. He can make sure your property is title searched thoroughly and effectively by insuring you that someone’s Uncle Joe from 1967 does not have any legal claims on your new home… AND he offers outstanding service.  Enjoy!

Read more about becoming a Foster parent here or learn how you can donate!

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If you’re like me you might have had a beautiful holiday but are now feeling a little cranky about all of the work involved to help you meet all of your New Year resolutions.  I think because of the many changes in our society right now- it might be important to go back to the basics of living:

• Don’t answer your emails before coffee. This is very important. Why? Because before coffee you might be tempted to fire off a bad email response to the stupid person on the other end. That is not beneficial to your well being, job, or relationships. Just trust me on this one.

• Looking for a job? Make looking for a job your new job and you will find a job. Pretty simple, huh? This is mainly directed to the 16-25 crowds of “well I interviewed but they never called me back” syndrome. You send a ‘Thank You’ note and YOU call back. Pretty ‘epic’, huh? Make sure you use the word ‘epic’ in every sentence, too! It is epic impressive.

• If you’re a baby-boomer start putting money in your mattress for retirement. Banks can’t be trusted. Apparently, baby boomers have been great spenders. Many have depended on their houses as retirement funds but now with properties not worth as much there is no equity to be had for awhile. To get Social Security full payout you will have to work till age 70. Don’t believe me? Read the news. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101227/ap_on_bi_ge/us_retirement_crisis and (for the record) I love mature workers in places like McDonalds. The service is so much better and I am never missing any fries. Seriously.

Which reminds me…

• Believe everything you read on the internet, especially if you are having a debate about something. You most likely can win, because you probably can find anything to support a theory or debate in your favor, (because as you know) the internet is always correct. Don’t worry about quoting reputable sources as they probably won’t have the facts you need to win your point! Just quote the internet by saying “Well, I read it on the internet” case closed.  You won and of course winning is the most important thing. Insert sarcasm <here>.

• Don’t say “I am going on a diet”.  It’s just a set up for failure. According to the Journal of Preventive Medicine “you need 150 minutes of moderate exercise to stay healthy”.  So walk your dog, if you do not have a dog, walk your kid, if you do not have either, borrow one or the other (go for the dog). It’s a win-win situation.

• Most millionaires are frugal. Get as much free stuff as you can. Yeah, it’s cool to ‘recycle’ and ‘go green’ blah, blah, and blah but the truth is sometimes hard to publicly admit; free stuff is good. If you get on free cycle and craigslist before you purchase any items and use coupons for food it can be like a great video game. Think of the person who takes your money as the enemy. Zap them with your coupons. It leaves more money for more important things – like building a bomb shelter.

• Date night is good. Don’t let finances get in the way. If there isn’t any room in the budget for date night (because your savings are under your mattress for retirement, remember?) you can always hit up the local free community meals. Check your local churches. It gives you a chance to get away, be appreciative of what you have, and meet new people in your neighborhood. It can be a breath of fresh air and produce unique opportunities to give back.

• Grow something (nothing illegal, of course). Particularly, replace one food item that you normally buy to something you can grow.  If you have very little ground space you can grow vegetables in hanging planters. Lettuce is a good choice among many. Seeds are relatively inexpensive at the Dollar Store.  If you absolutely cannot grow something then buy something from your local farmers market. At least you’ll be supporting the local economy. Help your family become more self sufficient and help the environment.

I hope this unique list has helped de-crankify you to enjoy your family, enjoy nature, and make it an epic year. Humor and sarcasm always help!

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My Christmas Tree 2010

Some people get so depressed about not being able to give gifts during the holiday season that they might not attend a holiday family function or if they do attend they are feeling so down that they do not act like themselves.

It is very unfortunate and some people really need to be verbally ‘let off the hook’ so they can get through the season and the big day. If you know people in this situation give them the biggest gift of all by letting them “off the hook” for holiday present exchange.

From my experience- it really is one the greatest gifts  you can give to friends and loved ones. Just recently my mother did it for me!

We had planned a trip back home to the East Coast months ago -and then an unexpected move and other family obligations happened so  it just did not make a holiday trip feasible. I did not want to tell my mother, in fact I dreaded telling her…but she instinctively  knew and she called and told me she understood. It was the biggest relief of guilt ever this year and I appreciated her knowing we wanted to come but yet it was too much of a hardship to actually do it this year.

Eleven great things you can say in these difficult types of Holiday situations:

Lisa Homemade Apple Pie

1. We are focusing the day on the great food, our warm house, and the pleasure of your company.
2. We are focusing our own gift giving for the little children so no gift is needed for adults and the children have plenty of gifts to open.
3. You have done so many things for us this past year that we just want to celebrate in appreciation of you and everything we have done together/been through together over the last 12 months.
4. If the person insists on giving, you can make a great suggestion of homemade gifts.
5. I really love that ____ (food item) you make, if you would like to make that, it would save me so much time and be the perfect gift – plus it would relieve me of so much stress on Christmas Day!
6. I really love homemade decorations and my tree/wall/man room (or insert other appropriate relevant suggestion) really needs more decorations.
7. I really love old family/friend pictures if you have some to share, I would love one or two as a gift for my scrapbook!
8. I really loved when you babysat or walked my dog (or other service the person has provided in the past) so a written gift certificate  (on notebook paper) would be just the perfect  gift and really give me something to look forward too!
9. If you have any books or magazines about _______ I would love to have them as a gift.
10. Please donate your time to a local charity in my name such as the food bank or humane society. It would make me very happy!
11. If you have any holiday DVD movies, we would love to have some of them so we could have a family movie holiday! I will even make the special holiday popcorn!

Many times people you know will express worries about bills and items they need for their own families for the holidays.  There are many ways you can offer assistance and resources:

Let them know you are giving them a gift certificate for a local grocery store or department store. This lets them know that they may have a cushion and allow them to buy for their immediate family.

You can also suggest craft items that you have made in the past for special occasions and let them know where to get supplies that are reasonably priced. You may also let them borrow a sewing machine or glue gun, beads, wood scraps and donate  ideas that you find on the Internet (lots of DIY sites)  or at the local library. This should help spark ideas and creativity!

If things are looking really difficult for family or friends try to get them on a church angel list or point them to a website called ‘2 Hands’. It is a website about one hand helping another and is located at http://www.2hands.org/. You may even offer use of your computer to help them get registered.

Also, Kitsap County has  local resources that may be available for utility assistance and food. You can print out this list below and give it to them and offer a ride or even just understanding of difficult times and let them know that they are not alone. http://www.bremertonschools.org/studentsfamily/services/Kitsap_Community_Homeless_Low_Income_Resource_Guide%20%282%29.pdf

The best thing you can say is “I have faith in you” and “I love/care for you” and “We are looking forward to celebrating the holiday with you.” “Be here at ___ time” or “I will have _______ name of person pick you up -so be ready for the day!”

Share your abundance and have a safe, warm and meaningful holiday!

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Holiday Bazzar Lisa J Booth at the House of Awakening Suquamish, WA December 2010

I think due to the recent economic( fun times) is the reason that I have noticed more people in Kitsap County selling crafts and services to supplement  income and have a little fun. Most vendors I have met have day jobs and are turning hobbies into cash.

Being a new vendor I have also noticed there are certain things that add up to success for selling goods and services in a local public environment.

As simple as these things may sound doing some very basic things can add up to success in a very short time.

• Bring your own lunch.  It is very easy to get caught up in spending your cash on food. Bringing you  own lunch will keep your spirits high and will help you meet and greet your customers.
• Bring change. I get change for at least a twenty dollar bill. It is a cash vending world for the most part.
• Price items so there is something for everyone. Children especially love being able to buy a little trinket at your booth for $1 or $2 and it won’t break the parents pocket book.
• Follow the height and light rule. Make sure your products are as close to eye level as possible and that there is enough lighting to shine on your products.
• Bags or packaging. People often shop bazaars or festivals to buy unique gifts for others so make sure you have an attractive box or bag so they can give it as a gift.
• Don’t be mean to your competition. Artisans can often learn tips and enjoy each others designs, so being friendly will help you gain more knowledge about other shows and other valuable information.
• Business cards and website is a must nowadays. This will allow you the potential opportunity to gain a warm market with repeat customers. They will appreciate the option of being able to purchase more of your goods easily online.
• Share a booth with another vendor that has product that compliments your product. This will help you gain more traffic as customers will stay longer at your table because they have more variety. People love choices!
• If you share a booth, be respectful of space and make sure there is equal amount of space for everyone. Make sure all of your products have prices on them in case you have to go to the bathroom or want to visit other vendors. Sharing will help make sure someone is at the booth at all times. Do not interrupt or chime in regarding the sale of another vendors items. It is just rude.
• Small talk is OK with visitors and is usually welcomed- but remember visitors are going to each booth and sometimes they just like to look without engaging in conversation. It gets tiring for them, so be pleasant and smile and say hello.

• Have fun and enjoy yourself. This will attract more visitors to your booth and they will wonder what you are up to- not to mention that having a craft/ hobby is on the top of the list to relieving stress ( other than getting a pet) so if you do not have a hobby, maybe it is time to get one?      

Do you sell craft items? I would love to hear more tips- so comment below. Happy Selling!

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