I was born and raised in Wisconsin. I lived in Minnesota and Illinois for a few years, but other than that, I’ve always called Wisconsin my home. I would like to tell you a little secret that may surprise you after reading my love letter. When I went to college at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, I joined a sorority. Most of the girls there were from the East coast. They were a pretty tight group and I wasn’t a part of that. I actually wasn’t accepted to the group. They looked at me as if I was a farmer wearing overalls and bare feet (not all East coast girls felt that way of course). They were amazed that people were actually lived in this state voluntarily. I ended up feeling ashamed of being from Wisconsin and would make fun of the state just to try to fit in. “Oh yeah, we all drink beer starting in our baby bottles.” “Wisconsin, the only place where the cows outnumber the people” “Beer, brats and cheese runs through our blood.” None of that witty banter helped of course, but I felt like if I distanced myself and laughed with everyone else, people might see me as the exception.
Fast forward to many years past the stupidity of my college years. I have lived in other big cities in other states. They were nice places and I met some nice people. I’ve called Cedarburg in Wisconsin my home for 24 years now and I’ve raised two children here. I’ve traveled all over Wisconsin, camping, hiking, boating, kayaking, shopping, and exploring. I’ve also traveled all over the world and in many of the fifty states.
Let me say this really clearly for everyone to hear…I love this state. It is stunningly beautiful. That love letter is real. I have met some of the nicest people in this state. When our kids were little, we took many trips around the state, trying to show them how gorgeous and fun this state really was. I didn’t want my kids to feel the way I felt in that college sorority house. I feel like I need to offer an apology for the way I acted. It’s important to admit when you’re wrong, right? I was wrong. This state is a fabulous place to live, explore, raise kids, and vacation. I’m proud to call it my home and I hope my kids always say that as well.
So why do I tell you this embarrassing story after all these years? When I started this business about 4 and a half years ago, I started it with only Cedarburg products. But I always knew that I would add in Wisconsin products. I bet you understand now why I felt so strongly about that. I love this state and every single design on my website is a reflection of that. I preach about how healing it is to get outside and to explore and I really mean that. I hope that telling you my embarrassing college story helps you to feel a little bit more love and appreciation for the lovely state of Wisconsin. I do have to run, my cheese curds are only squeaky for a little while longer.
Cheers!
]]>Wisconsin is known for its stunning fall foliage, and there are several places where you can experience the vibrant colors of the season. One of the top destinations is the Door County Peninsula, where you can take a scenic drive along the shoreline and witness the breathtaking views. Another great option is the Kettle Moraine State Forest, which offers miles of hiking trails surrounded by colorful trees.
Fall is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the crisp air. Wisconsin offers a wide range of activities for nature lovers. You can go hiking in one of the many state parks, such as Devil's Lake State Park or Peninsula State Park. If you're feeling adventurous, try zip-lining through the colorful treetops or go on a scenic bike ride along one of the many trails.
Wisconsin is known for its lively fall festivals and events. One of the most popular is the Oktoberfest in La Crosse, where you can enjoy traditional German food, music, and beer. Another must-visit event is the Warrens Cranberry Festival, which celebrates the cranberry harvest with arts and crafts, live entertainment, and delicious cranberry treats. Of course, we just celebrated the best fall event there is - Wine & Harvest Festival in Cedarburg!
No fall season is complete without a visit to an apple orchard or pumpkin patch. Wisconsin is home to numerous orchards and patches where you can pick your own apples, enjoy hayrides, and find the perfect pumpkin for carving. Some of the top spots include Apple Holler in Sturtevant, The Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago, and Schuster's Farm in Deerfield. Perhaps your local orchard has some fun activities for your family and you've made it an annual tradition!
A: The peak time for fall colors in Wisconsin varies each year but is typically in late September to mid-October.
A: Yes, Wisconsin offers a variety of haunted attractions during the fall season. Some popular ones include the Wisconsin Feargrounds in Waukesha and the Terror on the Fox in Green Bay.
A: Absolutely! Fall camping in Wisconsin can be a wonderful experience. Just make sure to pack warm clothes and a cozy sleeping bag to stay comfortable during the chilly nights.
As you can see, fall in Wisconsin is a truly special time. Whether you're exploring the vibrant foliage, participating in fall festivals, or enjoying cozy indoor activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your cozy hoodie and make the most of this beautiful season in Wisconsin!
]]>In my life, I've had a really busy June. It was good stuff, fun stuff, challenging stuff, and icky stuff too. All those things can cause some stress. What I've been doing personally is two fold - working on mindfulness and grounding myself. On my morning walks, I've been paying closer attention to the birds singing, the rustling leaves of the trees, the colorful flowers blooming. I feel so grateful for all these things and the ability I have to enjoy them. It sets my mind on the right track for starting the day.
To ground myself, I've been doing more breath work, which is especially helpful when doing it outside. Planting your feet solidly in the grass is an excellent way to feel more connected to this beautiful Earth. Slowing down your breath and filling/emptying your lungs fully is so good for your nervous system. It lowers your heart rate and blood pressure. It stops that acute stress response. It increases your energy levels and boosts your immune system. Taking just a few minutes every day can bring all these benefits to you. It may seem simple, since we breathe all day every day. But doing it in a mindful way will bring health benefits and set you up for a fantastic day, no matter what comes your way!
I'm hoping you can incorporate these practices in your life to allow you to fully enjoy all the fun things that summer can bring!
]]>Hope to see you June 24 and 25th in Cedarburg!
I'd like to give you a few of my tips that I've discovered over the years that make it far less likely for me to majorly stress out or forget all the important things. There's nothing worse than having to run to the closest Walmart for underwear just as your vacation begins (not that I've done that of course).
I hope these hints help you to have a stress free packing experience! Have a great trip.
]]>There are some parents who are so excited for their kids to go off on their next adventure as young adults. They may feel relief as their child is very ready for the next challenge and making life difficult at home. They may feel happy because their 18 year old is so happy to be moving on to a life with more freedom and opportunities.
There are parents who may not feel excited, but instead feel intense sadness and fear of how this next phase will go. It might be their last child and they are facing an empty nest. They may not be sure their child is ready or won't adjust to college or whatever their plans are.
Parents are allowed to have any of these emotions. We have done such incredible work raising them up from helpless newborns to young adults ready to walk off and create their own lives. I do also believe that we feel a range of these emotions from day to day and this is normal as well.
Whatever parent you are at the moment, I am with you!
I'd like to help you with one small part of this graduation season. As we send our kids off to their next phase of life, we hope that they'll always remember their hometown fondly. I've created a Graduation Guide to help you to find a special gift for your graduate. I have designs on t-shirts or hoodies for your Cedarburg or Wisconsin young adult that they will love and think of home every time they put it on. It's almost like a hug from mom and dad!
I also have some great mugs that they will find super useful. My son was a freshman at a university last year and begged me to send him a ceramic mug so that he could make oatmeal, tea and pancakes in the microwave. To be honest, I hadn't thought of that before!
Maybe your grad would appreciate a ball cap to pull on when they wake up late and have to run to class? I know mine did last year!
Hopefully this little graduation blog was helpful and congratulations to your graduate...and to you for getting them there!
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I hope these simple tips will help you to enjoy your candle to the fullest! Don’t forget that our candles are 100% reusable, as they are made of gorgeous pottery. They make a great gift for someone special, especially yourself!
I say...absolutely. I've been talking a lot about mental health, especially this year. I've done a lot of thinking in the past months about happiness and joy and made a commitment to finding more of it. I'm working on finding that elusive work/life balance and I have a pretty new planner that is really helping me so far. I'm focusing on getting outside more and just taking time for big deep breaths when I'm out for a hike or even just to get the mail. I'm not turning down social invitations and I'm seeking them out more. I'm simply taking more time for myself to do things that I know are healthy for me.
Basically, I'm taking care of myself in a more thoughtful and intentional way. What I choose to do may not be the same thing as you choose to do for yourself and that is A-OK. It's just important to make those strides towards finding ways to be good to yourself. I would contend that getting outside and being in a quiet spot in nature is a fantastic way for anyone to feel more grounded and calm.
So what does any of this have to do with my business? Not a whole lot. I could try to sell you some cozy clothes for your reading time or I could encourage you to buy a candle with a gorgeous scent to calm your nerves. However, there is something that is way more important to me than selling you things...it's your well being. I care about people. I may not even know you, but I care about you. I hope that you are better off having read this blog post and it was worth your time. I appreciate you and wish you the absolute best. Now go log off and get outside! :) Rachel
]]>If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, alcoholism, substance abuse, fear or another issue, a good place to start is with your doctor. Your GP has resources and will be happy to help connect you. There are mental health professionals in your community that you can reach out to directly (check with your insurance first to see if they cover mental health care just so there are no surprises). There are even virtual counselors that you can have zoom visits right from your own home. There are so many amazing books to read (go to your local library to get them for free!) that can give you a lot of comfort or even teach your how to manage your feelings better. There are countless podcasts that can be really uplifting and helpful.
If all of those resources don't seem manageable, you can reach out to a friend or family member who has a caring heart and the willingness to help. Perhaps a friend that will take a walk with you to talk through an issue is all you need to feel. heard. Maybe a conversation with a caring family member will give you a professional resource that you didn't know about before. Maybe some human touch will ground you and give you the hope you need to make it through one more day. What I'm saying is...you don't have to suffer alone.
I have a lot of experience with mental health struggles. Don't give up. I have my own struggles and many family and friends that have dealt with unimaginable pain. Don't give up. I have been through the system and have experienced waiting lists for doctors or treatment programs. Don't give up. I have held weeping family members who don't know what to do with their pain. Don't give up. I have spent countless hours on the phone trying to get services for a loved one. Don't give up. I have seen the worst outcomes there are...but I have also seen the breaking dawn of beauty emerge from those moments - love and empathy being shared, courage on display, weaknesses being turned into strengths, and real true human connection that we need so much. So Don't Give Up.
I'll link some resources below. I hope that if you struggle with your mental health, even if it's occasionally, you reach out to someone. You deserve it.
Resources
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The moms I know have a heck of a time finding time for a Girl's Weekend. It must be planned many months in advance and written in bold letters on the family calendar. Tons of things must be done in preparation for this exit. Dinners must be planned or even made in advance. Groceries must be bought so that no one starves. Laundry must be done so everyone has clean uniforms and underwear. Rides to and from practices must be coordinated or at the very least, written down in a detailed itinerary. Babysitters might be needed and grandparents may be begged to help. When a mom finally gets two minutes to pack her own things, she throws whatever might be clean into a suitcase and runs out the door before anyone might need something, call her name, cry out or grab onto her leg.
That's the same story for the dad's....right? I know I'm coming from a place of bias, as I'm one of those moms I described. But most dads I know just spend an hour or so packing what they need (much of it alcoholic in nature) and saunter out the door with kisses being blown at the kids and wife. He doesn't worry while he's gone, he doesn't get frantic or sad phone calls from the kids, he knows his wife will handle everything at home without any problem. He likely doesn't even have a hard time disconnecting his brain from "Dad Mode".
I think I'm speaking for most moms when I say that the "getting away" part of a girls trip is really hard. The planning is super stressful and filled with frenetic errands and late nights thinking through every detail. When she finally pulls out of the driveway, she might deal with feelings of guilt, especially if the kids are sad she is leaving. That mom might also have trouble settling in to an adult conversation and find her mind drifting to her husband managing the crazy schedule that the kids have. Momma might get phone calls when someone can't find the right baseball field for practice, or panic when the kid's ride is late picking them up. It can take some time for a mom to finally come to the point where she is just relaxing and doing what she wants with her freedom. She reminds herself that the kids will survive if they miss a piano lesson or wear the wrong color uniform to a game. They will make memories with dad during those times that they will remember fondly. Mommy will realize she needs to recharge her batteries and that makes her better at her job. Dad might have an understanding of how hard his wife works to keep the family running smoothly.
Of course, there are exceptions to every situation. I'm speaking from my experiences and anecdotally of the other families I know. I guess what is really important to remember is that everyone needs a chance to get away and reconnect with the sides of themselves that get put away when they are an involved and loving parent 24/7. No one can do it all, not even the super moms out there. I had a chance to go Up North with girlfriends recently and it was amazing. I have amazing friends that also happen to be fantastic moms and we had a ton of fun. Despite the stress of preparing to leave, it was wonderful being footloose and fancy free for a bit. I hope you can plan a get away soon. Whatever that looks like for you, I'm pretty sure you deserve it.
Rachel
]]>I talked today in a social media post about how much I've given back this year to different charities. I didn't do it to brag and surely hope it didn't come across that way. The urge I have to give and to do charity work is one that is deeply rooted in me, especially since I've had my own children. I felt very strongly that they should understand from a young age that not everyone is as lucky as they are. I've taken them along with me to pick up trash, to paint walls in a women's shelter, to make sandwiches for homeless shelters, to deliver donations to a teen homeless shelter, to pick out gifts for a child across the world and send with a note and a prayer in a little shoebox. I don't know how much they remember about all these experiences, but I hope that I have instilled in them a desire to spread good and kindness. I see so much negativity and hate in the world, some of it spread by businesses, which is astonishing to me. I felt like with my business, I could do something positive for others by donating to causes I believe in and asking you to join in.
I was lucky enough to be involved with the Love is Universal movement in Cedarburg and I can't tell you how much that experience changed me. I just spoke out a recent school board meeting, a first for me, to remind them of the kids that were harmed by their decision to paint over the artwork of the group. (If you don't know what I"m talking about, I'll have to do another blog post). I never would have done something like that in the past. I also decided to collect money from tips that customers gave when they checked out on my website. That was super scary to do and not something I ever would have felt comfortable doing in the past. I also asked the public, friends and family for donations that I could bring to the shelter - All things that are way out of my comfort zone. So what's my point? I guess I'm growing and developing in the adult I want to be. I want to continue to find charities and causes that need someone to step in and help. I want to show my children what it looks like to be a person who is charitable. And that doesn't just mean giving money. It can mean giving your time to someone lonely, volunteering your time to serve dinner, bringing flowers to a friend who suffered a loss. So many ways to spread love and kindness in this world that often doesn't feel loving or kind. I hope you're with me.
]]>Let me start that by saying when you are an entrepreneur and you are going it alone, you have a lot on your plate. There is always a list of things I should do, must do and should have done yesterday. Now add in three teenagers, a husband, an extended family, friends...you get a lot of pulls on your time. I'm not whining about any of it - I love all those people and duties in my life. However, when you are balancing growing your business with all of those other things, your opportunities for self care are severely reduced.
I was trucking along okay until COVID. This last year has been one of the hardest of my life. Lots of it is personal, but I will share that the work demands on top of the other stuff has put me in a different mental state. (Think tears, more blue days than is normal for me, and a lot of sleepless nights to get a clear picture) I pride myself on being strong. I was a single mom for years and I can handle pretty much anything that comes my way. I am the fixer of air conditioning, plugged toilets and malfunctioning machines. I handle life and keep things running smoothly.
So with some new worries coming on the scene lately, I have been struggling with handling them. So last Friday my husband suggested that I just get away for the weekend. I decided on the spot to go camping. I packed up and headed out in a few hours, with my trusty companion, Chico the Goldendoodle. The most amazing thing happened within a few hours of my arriving at my campsite. I had everything set up and I looked around and said to myself "Now what?". I've been a mom for 17 years and if you are a mom as well, you might understand these feelings. I didn't have to do anything for anyone else (other than my low maintenance dog), but could do WHATEVER I WANTED. Normally at home, I can take a little time to read a book or watch a show, but I always feel guilty because there's two loads of laundry to fold, dinner to plan, dishwasher to unload, etc. But for all of last weekend, I did whatever I wanted to do and had no one to answer to. If I wanted to hike, I hiked. If I wanted to lay in my hammock and read my whole book in one sitting, I could do that. If I wanted to roast marshmallows before dinner, I could do that too. I didn't realize how freeing that could be. I had no idea.
So I had the most amazing weekend on my own. I did get a bit lonely, but that was okay and I just sat with that emotion. I found myself feeling guilty for sitting and doing nothing but staring at the water. I had to remind myself more than once that it was totally okay to do nothing. And when you really think about it, doing nothing is really doing everything. I was doing so much more than just sitting and letting my mind wander. I was growing, recharging, centering and remembering who I was.
I'll do some social media posts on the interesting things that happened this weekend, but this blog is a little bit more personal place to share things that aren't easy for me to share. I just felt like it was important to, as my friend Shannon said, "normalize guilt-free self-reflection to fill ourselves up so we can stand a chance to pour into others". She is so right and I felt compelled to share this. Maybe you see a little bit of yourself in this blog and you need some real time for self care. I don't know if you need to go camping, but take some real time to get away and do whatever the hell you want - it's really freeing. Truly I feel more able to give my family what they need. As moms, we spend so many long hours making sure everyone's needs are met and rarely do we focus on meeting our own needs. I spent the weekend doing just that and I feel so proud of myself for recognizing that I needed it. I'm hoping you can take the time for your own self care!
]]>I'm referencing Ryan Gierach's book A History Set in Stone from the Cedarburg Library (have you been to the library lately? It's a great place to spend a bit of time and reading is such a nice break from all the screens). Immigrants came to this area with dreams of freedom and better lives for their families. They built homes, churches and businesses to last. Our Cedarburg downtown is only 7 blocks long, it is one of the most homogenous collections of stone and brick buildings in the country. In. The. Country. Virtually all of them were built before 1920. Names like Hilgen, Schroeder, Groth, Ritter and Fischer worked to create a community based on their shared ideals.
Now, it is important to recognize that these German settlers were not the first to discover the many natural resources in this area. The Native American tribes settled here, finding the land that was carved out by glaciers 12,000 years ago had fresh springs and rivers and land rich with all types of flora and fauna. Tribes like the Winnebago (now called Ho-Chunk), Potawatomi, Menominee made use of the river and ample hunting. In 1833, the tribes granted the lands the Cedarburg stands on now to the United States.
Irish immigrants came to this area during the Great Irish Potato Famine looking for land and fertile soils to farm. They settled in the area now known at Hamilton, naming it New Dublin at the time after their homeland.
Plank roads were becoming popular in the 1800s as they realized how much faster they could travel on the roads, especially with wagons filled with supplies. This area was settled by German and Irish farmers, but also by workers who were building these roads over the top of Indian trails. During war time, these roads were critical to move troops and supplies. The Green Bay Road which extended from Green Bay to Chicago shortened the time it took for mail carriers to travel from 30 days to 11 days.
These communities were built on the backs of hard working immigrants who desired freedom and land. Perhaps if we look, we will see the shadows of their steadfastness in the stone buildings that remain so many years after these people walked this Earth.
Hope you liked learning a bit more about the history of this area. The next time you're in town, you can look at the buildings with more appreciation for how and why they were built. Comment below if you'd like to chat more....
]]>In the late 1830's, Native Americans from the Potawatomi, Chippewa, Menominee, Sauke and Fox lived off the waters before the German and Irish began settling the area. Frederick Luening was a townsman who coined the term "Castle of the Cedars", based on the German word burg which translates to "castle" or "fortress". Not surprisingly, there were plenty of Cedar trees in the area, which were eventually cut and made into wooden plank roads.
Why did early settlers come to this wild area? You may remember from your history classes, that settlements were built based on resources. Cedarburg was rich in many of the resources that were key to the success of communities in the 1800s. The many waterways were one of the biggest resources. Dams were built to provide power. Limestone was quarried locally to create large buildings. Trees were cut and milled to build houses and wood plank roads. German and Irish settlers chose to settle here based on word of mouth from friends and family and through churches.
The founding of this city was not easy, with no electricity until 1901 and sewers about 20 years later. The creek was used not only as a source of disposal, but a power source for the mills that would populate Cedarburg in the later half of the 19th century, ranging from grain to woolen to nails to wood. Small businesses cropped up to provide the laborers and settlers the things they needed and wanted like dry goods, harness shops, liveries and of course saloons.
Farming was huge part of this community, with entire families working hard to clear the heavily wooded land. In the late 1800's, there was a 72 acre vacation spot called Hilgen's Spring Resort located east of downtown Cedarburg which drew visitors from as far as Chicago and St. Louis. There were two hotels, a bathhouse, trails and a bandstand. Reportedly, locals could pay a fee to take a bath there on Saturdays, saving themselves from the hard work of collecting water for a bath.
I love reading about the settlement years of Cedarburg. I have been referencing a book called Images of America - Cedarburg by Lisa Curtis as I learn more about my little city. It's a book I've checked out many times over the years from the library (our library is recently built and is fantastic). I find it fascinating that the Cedarburg Mill, a landmark in the center of town, was built in the mimd 1850s for a cost of $22,000. (I can hardly imagine what settlers thought about the 5 story limestone building.) Early settlers Frederick Hilgen and William Schroeder bought the land for the mill as part of a 35 acre purchase from Ludwig Groth. The dam that was built helped power the mill, which used to be able to produce 120 barrels of flour a day.
Another interesting fact relates to the Cedarburg Woolen Mill, which is now known as The Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement. It was built in 1864 to make blankets, clothing and hats for Civil War soldiers. After the war, they pivoted to make other wool based woven like cardigans, flannels. It was reported that the water wheel could generate 50 horsepower. The weavers could earn $3 day for 12 hours of work.
Well, I hope you like that little history lesson as much as I loved researching and writing it. I'll do another lesson in the future for those interested in knowing a bit more about this little city of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Comments or questions? I'd love to hear it!
]]>Since most things are still closed due to COVID, people are getting outside more than ever. Talk to any ski or bike store and they will attest to that. They can't keep the inventory in stock and I'm really glad for this phenomenon. Getting outside truly has a medicinal effect for me. I breathe deeper, feel calmer and lose the tension that I was holding.
One of my favorite winter activities is downhill skiing. I great up skiing almost as soon as I could walk. We spent many family vacations in the UP and in Colorado on the slopes. My entire extended family would go on these road trips that were the best fun. We all had these CB radios and we would talk on them as we traveled to our ski destination. As the youngest cousin, it was my job to be the slow poke and the one who always made us stop for potty breaks. They even made up a song for me about the tiny bladder I had. Being the youngest had its advantages though. I learned to get down the slopes quickly and to not complain to my older cousins who I idolized. My kids grew up skiing as well. They don't always love to go on ski vacations, but with the age of COVID, it has been a blessing to still be able to ski. Here's a list of the ones I've explored and the pros/cons of them.
Granite Peak
Wausau, WI
Their website claims they have the largest winter resort in Wisconsin with 68 trails and 200+ acres of terrain and the fastest lifts in the midwest. I've been there many times and I do like this resort a lot. They do have the nicest lifts and new technology for the ski passes that involves skiing through a sensor instead of someone scanning your pass manually. The last few times I've been there in seasons past, not all the runs and lifts have been open. Not sure if it was a lack of snow or staff shortages, but it's a bummer because some of the best stuff has been closed. This also means larger crowds on the runs that are open.
Their Historic Chalet is really pretty and they usually have a roaring fire and a live singer to make it a really fun place to hang out and have a beer or a hot cocoa. This year it looks like this is a hosted restaurant for indoor dining. You may need a reservation for this. The main lodge that skiers will use is the Sundance Chalet, which is larger and allows for a better flow. They've invested in tons of heaters and put up tents to offer distancing options, including a Historic Chalet Deck which offers faster food that you can eat outside. Their website says that they are operating at 50% capacity in their lodges and you can only spend 30 minutes inside on weekends and holidays. As with all of the resorts, you must wear a mask in line for the lifts and inside. You aren't required to ride up with anyone outside of your family.
All in all, Granite Peak is a really nice ski resort that is worth visiting this winter. Their capitol investment is evident and as long as everything is open, there is plenty to ski.
Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort
Bessemer, MI
This 250 acre ski resort is in the UP near Ironwood. The summit is at 1640 ft and has a 400 ft. vertical drop. This is the place we went to most when I was a kid so I was really excited to go back for the first time recently as an adult. Unfortunately, I was really disappointed with the experience. They only had two lifts open the day we visited (December 27, 2020) so there were only a few runs we could even ski. One of them was a really slow green run, so we got bored pretty fast. When I asked a lift operator why the lifts were closed, he said that they couldn't find employees to work.
The main lodge was the only one open and there is no inside dining allowed because of COVID. (it's Michigan so rules are different than Wisconsin) Their menu was really limited and the food was below average. The lodge was newer, so maybe when things are back to normal, their regular menu will return and you will be able to warm up inside again. As it is, there are no outdoor heaters, which makes this challenging when the temperatures are low as they were when we visited. So not sure if we'll visit there again anytime soon, but if I do, I will make sure that all their lifts are open before buying a ticket.
Blackjack Mountain - Big Snow Resort
Bessemer, MI
Blackjack and Indianhead Mountain are owned by the same people, so one ticket allows you to ski at either resort.There is a free shuttle that will take you between the two hills. Blackjack has over 490 ft. of vertical drop, 170 skiable acres and a top elevation of 1675 feet with 26 runs. There are 4 double chairs and 2 tow ropes. They have two terrain parks, but neither of them were open when we visited. Most of this resort was open when we visited and there was tons of varied terrain for all levels of skiers. The lodges aren't super updated, but it doesn't really matter. The food was great at Blackjack, but because of COVID, we had to eat outside. When it's 9 degrees and no heaters to speak of, it's not ideal. Might be a better idea to bring lunch and eat in your car.
Indianhead Mountain
Only about 5 minutes away from Blackjack, this mountain has 638 ft of vertical drop, 230 skiable acres and a top elevation of 1935 feet. They had 30 trails open, 9 lifts running in eluding a magic carpet lift and one terrain park. There is a good variety of terrain here as well. One different thing about Indianhead is that the main lodge is at the top of the mountain. This makes it difficult to watch your skiers if you're not skiing, but otherwise it won't affect you much. The lodges aren't updated (think 1970s vibe), but they have a ton of charm and delicious food. This mountain definitely had more variety for the more advanced skier and the runs were longer. There were tons of condos you could rent out for these resorts and some of them were ski in/ski out. Could be a really fun place to take a ski vacation this winter. We're planning one for next year for sure.
Whitecap Mountains
Upson, WI
Their website says they have 400 acres of skiable area with 200 inches of snow every season. They claim it's the most drivers terrain in the Midwest, although I'm not sure how that is really measured. They have 43 trails and 5 lifts. When we went at the beginning of 2020, not everything was open, so we really only skied two of the mountains. There was lots of great terrain, with tons of green runs for the beginners. There is a hotel on the mountain that is currently getting it's own restaurant, but until it's done, there are sandwiches for sale. There is also a Wine Hut that is really popular. You ski right up to it and can enjoy a few simple lunch choices there, along with a beverage. It's pretty small and it is accessible by snow cat if you don't ski, but is definitely worth visiting for the experience. When we visited, we heard a story about their brand new lodge that had recently burned down right before opening. Sounds like they are trying to get the place back up and running. I found the lifts to be really old and rickety. The kind where you are afraid that it won't hold you when you sit down. I think that with some updates, this could be a really fun place to visit.
Mt. LaCrosse Ski Resort
Lacrosse, WI
This hill has 19 trails, a vertical rise of 516 ft. and a base elevation of 594 ft. We had a great time skiing here earlier in 2020. The hill is in its 60 season, which is amazing. They have the midwest's steepest run, called Damnation, which is a pretty great thrill. There are lots of varied terrain options though. Their website was down, so I couldn't see how many lifts they had. They have some really great outdoor patio spaces with bonfires and outdoor bars made of snow. The lodge is old school and is awesome. Not updated inside, but again it doesn't really matter. Good food and a really fun bar to hang out in.
Little Switzerland
Slinger, WI
This hill is the closest to my house and I've been there quite a bit. It has 200 vertical feet of skiing and top elevation of 1,269 ft. Founded in 1941, this hill is now owned by a local Cedarburg family that I know personally. They also own The Rock in Franklin, WI. At Little Switz they have 18 runs with 4 lifts. There is a good variety for all levels of skier. The lodge has a sit down restaurant on the top level with a great fireplace. The lower level is more casual food you buy cafeteria style. My son has a season pass there and we all spend a good amount of time here and are grateful to have a place to ski so close by. Switz is always updating, so that is a plus.
So this is my little recap of Midwest skiing options. There are likely lots more options, so I guess we'll just have to plan another trip soon! Hope you can get out on the slopes this winter. It's a great way to get outside and get some exercise!
]]>I grew up in Hartford, Wisconsin - but not in the actual city. We were country folk. I lived in the country and sometimes I loved it and sometimes I hated it. As a kid, it was awesome. I grew up with my two older sisters (Hi Sara and Lea!) and next door to my cousins who were more like family (Hi Ben and Megan!). We played outside all day, being creative and getting dirty. We built houses in the trees and made dishes out of pieces of wood. When the weather turned cold we went sledding down the perilously steep driveway piled up like timber on the toboggan and ending up in a snowdrift nearly every time. Good times.
My parents were the kind that were always there for you. My mom stayed home and drove us everywhere. She made awesome dinners and baked delicious things. My dad was a hardworking business man who worked a full week in the office. We got to go in sometimes on the weekend with him. We linked all his paperclips together to prank him and drove around the warehouse on bikes. When he was done with work, I have great memories of him taking us to the Menomonee River and looking for crayfish as we walked the creek. There was one spot that was so deep, we'd go all the way under. It was fantastic.
After my dad's retirement, he began a hobby that he put aside years ago to work that 9-5 job and provide for his family - pottery. He started exploring his creative side that he hadn't accessed in many years. He got really good at it so he began selling his pottery after he had given all he could to family and his shelves were still piled high with beautiful and functional pottery. He created a pottery studio and started having an annual pottery show. It was very popular!
When I started this business, I asked my parents to be my Board of Directors. Of course that is tongue in cheek, but I do value their opinions and my relationship with them more than anything. They are so loving and supportive and they truly enjoy helping me.
As a potter, my dad was excited about making something beautiful for my store. As a dad, he just wanted to support me in another way. So he is the artist that creates all my handmade mugs, plates, and coasters. Each piece is made with love and great skill.
One day my sister and parents were chatting about what else we could create for the store. We realized that we could create some pretty cool earrings with the tools and supplies that my dad already has. Since my sister's career doesn't allow for much creativity, she has been really excited to get involved. We've had fun working together to create beautiful things. I'm so excited to finally be able to share them with all of you!
So this blog post got a bit long and I'm sorry. I really tried to edit it, but I thought it was really important for you to know. All of this stuff in my growing up years contributed to the person I am today. And this person created a business that she is really proud of.
Do me a favor? Have a great day.
Rachel
]]>So let’s get to know me. I am Rachel, the owner and dreamer behind Cedarburg Threads. I have a supportive husband, Luis, who listens to me endlessly talk about this business. He occasionally gives me a great idea and then feels like his work is done for the rest of the year. Nope! Mostly, I value his listening and helping me think through all the different choices I have. I also have three teenagers that live in my house. They are the busy type of kids, with all sorts of sports, activities and friends to fill their lives, so I’m very often an uber driver all over the area. One person that you already “know” is my model for Cedarburg Threads, who happens to be my darling daughter. I don’t tell many people that she’s my daughter, mostly because of that private nature of mine. But I’m really proud and thankful for her. The two boys aren’t much into modeling, but maybe I can talk them into it one of these days.
My interests are doing housework, cooking, endless grocery shopping, laundry, driving kids around and running this business. I don’t do much besides those things, especially lately. I do love gardening and all plants, but my time is limited these days and I apologize to my neighbors for my weedy flower beds. I love being outside and hate sitting inside the air conditioning during our gorgeous summer months here in Wisconsin. I take my cute golden doodle, Chico, for a daily walk around the neighborhood. It always lifts my spirits when I simply go outside.
Going up north is something I absolutely love to do. My parents have a house on a lake up north and I’m so thankful that we have a safe place to go during this time of limited travel. We don’t see anyone and bring all our food so we don’t have to go out to shop. Being on the water in a canoe, kayak, paddle board or swimming is such an amazing feeling. It’s pure freedom and joy for me. So whenever you see up north pictures from me online, you know that is where I am!
If you’re wondering where I grew up - it was in the town of Hartford. I was a country girl growing up, running around the fields all day with chickens, sheep, turkeys and dogs. I went to HUHS, home of the Fighting Orioles. Anyone with me there?? I had a great childhood and grew up appreciating the outdoors. We spent those long, perfect summer days on Cedar Lake with all my aunts, uncles and cousins. They all lived close by so it was always filled with activity, great food and laughter. I went to UW Madison for college back when it was pretty easy to get in. I had the requisite great time in college and even got a degree in Psychology after four years. I lived in Minneapolis for a year and worked for my family’s business doing Human Resources and Marketing. Later, I decided to go back to school and get my Masters degree in Education. I decided on DePaul University in Chicago. It was a fun life experience living in Chicago, but definitely not for me. It was a very busy place and the traffic was nuts all the time. So, back to my beloved WI! I moved to this little town of Cedarburg that I had actually never been to before, despite growing up 30 minutes west of it. And so began my love affair with this little city of 11,000 or so people.
I also have to give credit to my big group of friends who offer such great support to me. They tell me if something is screwed up on the website. They help me choose through endless font choices for designs. They share and comment on my posts all the time. They buy my stuff for themselves and as gifts. I’m so, so blessed to have these great friends that feel so much like family. One of our favorite activities in this group is touring local supper clubs. We all caravan (pre-COVID obviously) and travel some pretty far distances to find all the amazing ones...the ones with the relish trays and great Old Fashioneds. So you will see in my designs references to Supper Clubs and to the natural beauty of this state, in addition to my love of Cedarburg. It all comes from me and my heart which is filled with this great state I live in.
I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention another huge part of my life - the rest of my amazing family. I want to dedicate a whole blog post to that, because it's a story that deserves all that space. Suffice it say, they are a huge support and a big part of why I'm able to do what I do.
I'll end this here and thank you, Dear Reader, for following along on my journey and being a part of it. This business is more than just a way to buy and sell things to people. It's about connections - or threads if you will. (That is actually where the name came from.) I love this city and all of the threads that connect us, whether you live here or not. Connections are so vital these days and I'm grateful for all of mine.
The Birth Story - Cedarburg Threads
I'm a mom and when moms start chatting, they often talk about the stories of the birth of their children. While I'm not going there today, I think it's an interesting story to talk about the birth of my business - Cedarburg Threads.
I have a very diverse work background - Human Resources, teacher, retail sales at a bakery, sales support at an insurance agency, and most recently a manager at a retail clothing store. Some may say that I have been looking for my passion and I think that may be true. Some may say I have not been truly suited for each job I've tried and that may be true as well. What I do know for certain is that I learned something about owning a business from each and every one of these positions.
I know that my desire to open my own business started quite awhile ago. I love to bake and if you follow me on social media (shameless plug to follow Cedarburg Threads on Instagram and Facebook!) you will see my latest baked good. My sister still insists that I should open my own bakery - Sweet Rae Rae's. However, the hours of a baker didn't really appeal to me, especially with busy kids. I really considered opening my own retail store years later, but the timing never seemed quite right. I realized that in my retail job experience, the hours that I had to work as a manager were nothing compared to the hours that I would have to spend in my own shop. Those long hours weren't congruent with being the mom I wanted to be. So while I waited, I planned. I took classes, wrote a business plan and dreamed.
When the idea started developing in my head about opening an online store, it was based on research and my own experience. It's just a fact that more and more people prefer to shop online for a variety of reasons (looking at you, Amazon). Many big retailers are going out of business these days, which is alarming, considering the budgets they have for marketing. Opening an online shop seemed to go along with these trends towards online shopping.
So how did I settle on opening a Cedarburg themed online store? That was an easy decision, given that I've lived in this little city for 20 years and adore it. I'm the biggest cheerleader for Cedarburg and feel so lucky to raise my kids here. Many of you probably know me from school or sports, or just have seen me around town. In my retail job, I often noticed that tourists would ask me where they could get a Cedarburg t-shirt. There really wasn't anywhere they could get one. So I assumed that residents were like me and would happily buy and wear a Cedarburg tee, along with those tourists that were hungry for one too. And so the idea for Cedarburg Threads was born!
I'll keep this short and sweet and hungry for more...Stay tuned for the next blog in the Story Time Series!
Rachel
]]>How much collaboration is there in Cedarburg Threads?
]]>I don’t think that there are many who would say that collaboration is a negative thing. Working together and combining your brain power, ideas and personal experiences can create something truly beautiful and completely unique. In my business, I don’t have that many opportunities to naturally collaborate, so I have to seek them out.
For those of you who don’t know, I am a one-woman band. That is to say, I created this business myself. I do the marketing, the website, the sales, the free local delivery - all of it. I imagined this brand for a long time before I made it. I researched and took classes on how to start a business, manage your books, run your social media, etc. You name it, I probably attended a seminar, went to a class or watched a video on Youtube to learn how to do it. Then I gathered my new knowledge and took the leap to create my business.
Even though I work alone doesn’t mean I am alone. I have many smart people in my corner who are helping me at every turn. For example, I recently had coffee with a woman who has been a buyer and product developer for many years and offered her thoughts to me - just to help. I talk my husband's ear off every day and make him tell me his opinion about business decisions, just because he’s a really smart guy. I talk to my parents, who we lovingly call my Board of Directors and talk through new concepts, strategies, and business decisions. I’ve been working with my sister, (who is in the medical field, but loves to explore her creative side) on a new product that is coming to the website really soon. I chat with my girlfriends all the time and they tell me things that they’d like to see, if they like a design and when the website isn’t working properly. I get email messages from friends and acquaintances when my automated email system is acting up and they got an email that doesn’t make sense. I am blessed to work with a dear friend who is an extremely talented graphic designer to create the cool designs you see online and also my branding. I ask my teenagers all the time if this is a cool product or if my posts are really lame.
I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with the Festivals of Cedarburg on this year's merchandise. Over the past eight months, I've been working with the small team of hardworking women that put on all the festivals. I've had to learn what their needs are and their style of communication in order to be successful. We created a collection of Festival apparel that has been really well received by the community. This collaboration has been a great learning opportunity for me as a business owner.
So you see, there are so many people woven into the fiber of Cedarburg Threads. It’s not just Rachel. I am beyond grateful for each and every one of those people in my life. I’m also thankful for you, dear reader. You have read through this little blog because you have interest in my company. I’m also elated when you share my posts, or like it. (Or when you say something nice on a post.) It can get lonely being in business by yourself, but I always try to remember who is behind me….all of you!
]]>I am the only person that goes out to grocery shop. We only go out to take the dog for a walk or be in our own yard. We are sanitizing our home and phones every day and washing our hands often. I do have people with compromised lungs in my house, so we are really trying to keep them safe. I really wish we could go back to life as normal, but I don't actually know when or how that is going to happen.
The kids are doing school from home and that can be very challenging. I'm glad they have something to do, but it's a very different way to learn and isn't easy for many kids, as they struggle to manage their learning on their own. They also struggle because they can't see their friends, and as teenagers, this is very difficult.
My husband has been working from home and that has been really...interesting. The technology to link up to his office servers never works as easily as you want it to and we have a lot of people using up that precious wifi bandwidth. I'm displaced from my desk to work and have to find other ways to get my work done for this business.
I have to say that I've had so much local support for my business and I'm grateful for each and every order. What a great community! I've had lots of fun new products come out, so that has been really popular with my customers.
For now, my family is working through Day 29 and not thinking about Day 30 or any of the days after that. I'm trying to create fun for my kids wherever I can and keep my own sanity in days that run together. I'm baking more, cooking more, and playing more board games than I've ever playing in my life. I hope you have positive "more" in your life because I do think we are all benefitting from that in the long term. It's a reminder about how important it is to slow down and spend time with our families.
I've also had more sad days and teary days, which I don't like to think about a whole lot. I've got to focus on getting through #29. I'm sending you super healthy vibes and hoping/praying that this ends soon.
]]>I have done extensive research to find a clothing manufacturer that I could focus on. There are many brands that make t-shirts and hoodies that I could carry, with varying levels of quality. I decided early on in my planning that I would only carry brands that I really believe in. I have had many bad experiences with low quality clothing, mostly because I hate spending a ton of money on a plain t-shirt. I wanted to put great designs on a quality shirt that will last. I could definitely sell a lower quality t-shirt and sell them at a cheaper price, but I wanted you to be able to trust my brand. You can know that the products you buy are going to last, which is better for our environment.
The manufacturer I use is well respected in the industry for their great shirt design, but also for their commitment to the environment. They manufacture in California, which has the most stringent EPA regulations. They invest in the most efficient machines that are available, which allows them to use seven times less water than the average clothing manufacturer. They save approximately 24 million gallons of water each week on average. They even recycle the water and use again in the dying process. The dye waste is also burned at a high temperature in a self-contained environment, which means no smoke stacks or pollution to be dumped into the air. This company uses solar power for many of their machines, building a solar farm to generate enough energy. They also produce virtually no waste, recycling everything. Each of their buildings only has one garbage can! I’m proud to carry a line of products from a company like that.
I use a local printer for some of my products so there is less shipping involved for my products. For the other products I carry, they are drop-shipped right from the printer to your home, which again reduces the amount of travel for that item. I choose recycled bags for my products that I use at events and for my personal deliveries. I hope all of these things make you feel a little bit better about the items you buy from me, knowing that I always try to make an environmentally sound choice.
As you probably have noticed from many of my posts, I have a very big connection with nature, which began when I was a little girl. I feel like when I spend time outside, I am more connected to myself. Living in Cedarburg, Wisconsin is awesome for people who want to be outside more. All of our festivals are outdoors where people can soak up the natural beauty that surrounds them. There are many parks and trails around us that people utilize, especially when the weather is good. Our gorgeous creek, which just got a major clean up from environmentally irresponsible practices in the past, is a centerpiece for our little city. We live in a time where clean up events and eco consciousness is growing steadily in all walks of life. I’m proud to be a part of that movement and encourage you to do the same in your corner of the world.
I’m willing to bet that you’ve attended at least one festival in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Cedarburg or even Wisconsin before, let me be the first to invite you.
I’m willing to bet that you’ve attended at least one festival in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Cedarburg or even Wisconsin before, let me be the first to invite you.
Cedarburg is this adorable little city of about 13,000 full time residents, but during these festivals, we have many tens of thousands more that flood into this southeastern Wisconsin destination. If you ask people why they come here, many from huge distances, they will talk about the cuteness of the town. You see, we are a historic town, dating back to our founding in 1842. Cedarburg was founded by a group of hard working German folks who were attracted to this location by the water source that runs through town. According to my research, Cedar Creek is a 32.7 mile long stream that begins in Big Cedar Lake and meanders all over the countryside until it runs through Cedarburg and eventually dumping into the Milwaukee River in the neighboring town of Grafton. When those early settlers came through this area and saw that river, they immediately knew it was a valuable piece of land and built grist mills and woolen mills on the waterway, using its power for their machinery. Frederick Hilgen, Dietrich Wittenberg and Joseph Trottmen were some of those early visionaries who invested in the stone buildings that we can still enjoy today. But I digress - another blog post in the future I think. What remains to this day is a city filled with amazing history and lots of cool old buildings and that’s one of the reasons that people love to come here.
Why else do people come to Cedarburg? The festivals attract a huge variety of vendors from all over the country, not to mention all of our amazing year round stores. You’ll find handmade leather bags, high end paintings, more affordable beaded jewelry, clothing and everything in between. The entire main street of the downtown is closed down so that the vendors and the shoppers have plenty of room to browse, buy and eat their way through the two day festivals. Speaking of eating, there is a wide variety of food vendors, in addition to all the amazing restaurants we already have in town. There are beer gardens to visit, music to enjoy, entertainment in the street, and activities for the kids if the shopping and eating wasn’t enough for you.
This family friendly town offers tons of activities for all ages at the festivals. You’ll find henna tattoos, face painting, crafts, bands, clowns, jugglers, races, inflatables, and so much more to entertain the kids.
You might be wondering when this amazing festival takes place? I’ve got great news, there are many different festivals that we host here for you to choose from. Each one is unique and has its own flavor.
2020 Festival Schedule
Winter Festival - February 15-16
Strawberry Festival - June 27-28
Wine & Harvest Festival - September 19-20
Oktoberfest - October 3-4
A Cedarburg Christmas - every Friday from after Thanksgiving until Christmas
I would be remiss in mentioning the festivals without discussing the people behind them. There is a VERY small group of folks that plan and execute these huge events and they do it with huge hearts filled with love for this city. They have access to a large group of volunteers from all over the community who help to run the event smoothly. Meticulous planning, long hours and pure grit come together to offer a great time in this city of Cedarburg. I also don’t want to miss the chance to mention that this group is a non-profit and they have given away over $200,000 in grants to various programs in our community. These people love Cedarburg and are committed to keeping this community vibrant and at the top of people’s minds when they are planning a trip. They deserve a thank you if you see any of them in their brightly colored t-shirts at a festival!
I love the festivals and hope to see you there. Oh, did I mention that I am partnering with them this year to do all the festival merchandising? I’m really excited about this opportunity and the faith that the Festival Committee has put in me. I’ll be at the tent on the corner of Columbia and Washington Avenue at Strawberry Fest and Wine and Harvest Fest selling my little heart out so that you have the chance to buy cool t-shirts, glasses, hats, stickers or tons of other items. You can support the Festivals committee and this city of Cedarburg - show them just how much love we have. See you there.
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I was born and raised in Wisconsin, back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, as my kids like to say. I’d like to think I’m hardy and used to the cold and for the most part I am. I only tend to get completely sick of winter towards March. Usually at this point there is no snow, the grass is brown, the trees are still bare and the cold is just holding on. There is nothing you can do outside at this point. You can’t hike because it’s too muddy. You can’t sled or ski because the snow is nearly or completely gone. You can’t bike ride because it’s too cold. So what is a person to do, short of heading south to warmer weather? I’m going to do a little winter blog designed to spark an idea in your head - I hope you can get some inspiration.
Explore your Surroundings...
Take a weekend trip with the whole family - I suggest wandering north to the Wausau area where there might be some great snow left. You could ski at a place like Granite Peak and catch one of their great family deals they advertise on their site all the time, especially in late winter or spring. Exploring Wausau is a fun way to spend a day if everyone doesn’t want to ski. Great restaurants await, such as Red Eye Brewing Company and Wausau Mine Company. Or you could try Downtown Grocery, an organic grocery store with a hot bar that is as healthy as it is delicious. Shopping is robust with shops like The Local and Evolutions in Design. You’ll find unique items at both, which is the point of shopping in boutiques, isn’t it?
If being outside isn’t what you’re craving, head out to a waterpark for the weekend, although I’d imagine there are great week day deals if your schedule allows. There are many around the area, including Blue Harbor in Sheboygan or the many options in Wisconsin Dells. You could try someplace new and less crowded by checking out our favorite, Grand Lodge which is just a few minutes outside of Wausau.
Or if you like to Wander Locally…
Go downtown to Red Arrow Park and skate just like an Olympian. You can rent skates there and get a Starbucks when you need to warm up. Or you could attend one of the many winter festivals in the area. Lake Geneva’s starts January 29th. Cedarburg has their Winter Festival February 15-16, and they have tons of fun things to do with the whole family.
If you just need to get out and stretch your legs, try one of the candlelight hikes in the area. I’ve always wanted to try one of these and I really hope this year I’ll finally make it happen. I think that would be a really special way to celebrate this season of snow and cold, instead of just tolerating it.
Isn’t that what this is really about? We live in a cold climate and just complaining about it doesn’t seem to shorten it one darn day. I hope that you get a chance to get out soon and celebrate the winter.
]]>For instance, we go to pick out a Christmas tree from my parents' land to cut down. To start with, we planted those suckers so many years ago and patiently waited until they were big enough to use. (and then they are all ready the same year and too big the next year) We always seem to have the worst weather to do this harvesting - think deep snow, driving rain, and/or freezing rain. We dress in all the warm things we can scrounge up from my parents' closets and get out there to pick out the best one. And then the fun really begins as we all take turns sawing it down. No chain saws - that would be cheating! Hand saw all the way. It is way more tiring than you think it will be. Finally we get it down and throw it on the tractor to haul it back to the car. That doesn't even take into account the strapping of the tree to the roof, getting it off again when we get home, shoving it Grinch-style through the front door, getting it lined up perfectly in the tree stand, watering it every few hours at first, getting all the lights on (nobody likes that job!) and then FINALLY you get to do the fun part - put on the ornaments. It always looks amazing and every time you walk past it, you are amazed that just a short time ago, that tree was living in a field. So, you may wonder, is it worth it? I sure as heck hope so. Kidding. I do think that the memories we create doing this every year are deeply embedded into our kids' memories. They have a deeper appreciation for what it takes to have that tree in our living room for the month of December. For me, cutting that tree down is a way to further connect all of us to the beauty and love of this season. Side note: Don't worry, we're always planting more trees out there at my parents' house.
I hope all your holiday traditions are stress free, happy inducing, memory making and just plain fun.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, or Happy Festivus!
]]>Gratitude: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Thankfulness and gratitude clearly go hand in hand. A lot of families, mine included, take time on Thanksgiving to have everyone at the table tell what they are grateful for. For the ones who go first, it is easy. They can say "Family" or "This food." and be done. For the people who go later, they may struggle a bit. If you don't practice being thankful or grateful, you're not very good at it. Life gets busy and the day to day responsibilities get in the way of doing regular gratitude practice.
So why is it important to practice gratitude? (not just so you can perform better at the Thanksgiving table)
Mayo Clinic has done studies and found the having a positive mindset leads to a longer life span, lower rates of stress and depression, a stronger immune system, better coping skills, increased psychological well being and even a lower rate of heart disease. That's a pretty impressive list of benefits.
So how do you practice gratitude? There's no one correct way to do it - just choose what works best for you. One way is to keep a gratitude journal and write in it regularly. Some people love the act of writing in a pretty book, so this works well. You could also do something simple like using your 5 senses to notice things around you at any given moment and be thankful for them in your world. Another way is to nurture the healthy relationships that you have in your life. Good friends are so valuable and sometimes become more supportive than family relationships. You could also try to smile more. Sounds simple, but putting a smile on your face can really change your attitude, plus it will positively affect those around you as well. There are literally unlimited ways that you can practice gratitude, but it is important that you do it regularly so it becomes a habit.
So while I can't say that I always practice gratitude every day, it's something I would like to get better at. I think everyone can use a bit more positivity in their day!
For the record, I'm grateful for the opportunity to start this business with the support of my family and friends. I'm grateful for the partners I've developed along the way who have helped and taught me in big and small ways. I'm grateful for my husband and kids who don't complain when we have grilled cheese again because I was working late. I'm just plain grateful to wake up every day and be excited to go to work. I hope your list of things you're grateful for is long! Happy Thanksgiving!
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Cedarburg is hosting it's annual Oktoberfest this October 5 and 6. While this may not be the huge festival that Wine & Harvest or Strawberry Fest are, there are a few things that might entice you to head over and enjoy. Plus, the parking isn't such a big issue at this festival.
1. Beer - not just the old stand-by varieties, but specialty beers like Hofbrau, Hacker Pschoor, Pauline Oktoberfest and Sprecher Oktoberfest. They also have award winning wines from Cedar Creek Winery and specialty beers from The Fermentorium.
2. German food - Think sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel, a sausage platter, currywurst, brats, and hotdogs. There are also really fantastic soft pretzels.
3. Free admission - yup.
4. A wooden dance floor - authentic German music from the Pommersche Tanzdeel Dancers, Tuba Dan the Alte Blaskepelle and the Cedarburg Civic Band will entice you to try out your polka skills.
5. Contests - Best Lederhosen/Dirndl contest, Sauerkraut Eating contest and the German Spelling Bee. I can imagine those all are entertaining to watch.
6. Glockenspiel Show - What? You've never seen a cuckoo clock do it's thing with real humans? You've got to experience it. It's pretty cool and repeats every two hours.
Is that not enough to entice you?? Oh, and there's a big tent in case Wisconsin delivers its typical untimely rain shower on us. See you there!
Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m - 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 6, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
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I've worked in retail in Cedarburg and many other places over the years and I learned that people really love this city. That’s not shocking information to me, because I fell in love with it 19 years ago. It’s just the right size, so that you run into people you know everywhere (usually when I rolled out of bed and had to run a quick errand). For me, that's why I choose to live in a small town. I love the connections I have made throughout the years.
I’m always amazed at the distance that people come in order to visit the city- for girls weekends, festivals, weddings, family visits, or just for fun. What I have found in talking to folks is that they tend to come back every year. They love the historic nature of the downtown, the warm and welcoming people, and the natural beauty. So many of those people asked me where they could find a cute shirt with the word Cedarburg printed on it. Sounds like a simple request, but there really isn’t anywhere in town to get something like that. It got me to thinking. Why not provide all of these tourists and residents with a local source for high-quality and trendy apparel and accessories that celebrate this awesome city?
So I started learning all about creating a business - attending classes, seminars, webinars, tons of reading, and lots of networking. I’ve been meticulous about how I have started this business because I want to do it right. I’m really proud of what I’ve created and I hope that you can find something that you love on my website to help you celebrate this city. Please drop me a line if there something that you’d like to see in my next collection. Thanks to all my friends, family and new business contacts for all your support and knowledge that you've freely given. It means the world to me!
Thanks for reading and we'll see you in the next blog.
Rachel
P.S. I’d love to hear what you love best about Cedarburg! Comment below....
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