Its official, the Christmas season has started!

 

I received a notification from Santa today (he is on Twitter dont you know?) that it is 100 days till Christmas. I mean technically we are only just over two thirds of the way through the year but with the summer holidays over and done with, Christmas is the next thing to look forward to - isnt it?

 

Some people get excited about Christmas (I fall into this category) while some shudder at the mention of it. We were at a baby show this weekend and took some of the Phoenix Trading Christmas card range with us. We had a definate mixed review from people openly criticising us for even suggesting they may want Christmas cards, to lovely people excited to see new products.

 

I have to admit to shopping for Christmas all year round but I love the buzz about Christmas shopping, when the dark nights draw in, there are twinkling lights and Christmas music in the shops. I am quite sure that the shop assistants could quite easily scream if they hear "Its Chriiiiiiiiiistmas" one more time on a Saturday afternoon but you get the idea. You can really feel the excitment and anticipation as you walk around the Christmas shop in places like Bents.

 

In the past few years, I have done more and more shopping online, I can do it from the comfort of my own home, at my own pace, (maybe with a cheeky glass of wine) without a queue of people and the pain of dragging a load of bags home with me. Plus, with parcels being delivered from my frequent online orders, its like Christmas every day on the Lilypad!!

 

 

 

 

What will I be when I grow up? Its my question this time, not one of my 5 year olds. When do we become a "grown up"? Is it when we get a job and pick up our first pay packet? It is when we buy a house or our own car? Or is it when we have children?

 

I did all these things long before I was 30, so why do I still not feel like a "grown up"?

 

I was never one of those children who aspired to be a doctor or a lawyer when I grew up and I didnt have pushy parents who insisted I had a "career", instead they encoraged me to stand on my own two feet but to be happy in what I did.

 

I have done my fair share of long hours, hard work, sweat and tears (and there have been a few over the years). I have done every job from Purchasing, Sales and Human Resources but this has stood me in good stead with building the Little Lilypad Co. The Lilypad satisfies my love of shopping and fills me with pride and satisfaction every time we get feedback from our lovely customers.

 

So what will I be when I grow up? Whatever my age or status, being a grown up doesnt mean I have to lose the girl inside my head (or the shopaholic either).

 

All I aspire to be ...... is me.

So today the little froglet went back to school and peace reigns on the Lilypad. There is no glitter or sticky stuff on every available surface and the peace is possibly a little disconcerting!

 

She merrily skipped off today, more grown up and self assured than she was this time last year but still happy to hold my hand on the walk to school and this made me reflect on what a difference a year makes.

 

Twelve months ago my little girl was still my baby and everything she had learnt had been nutured by me and suddenly she was coming home asking me if I knew about eskimos or mini beasts (for those without small children, this term is affectionately given to beetles, bugs and butterflies). She began to grow into her personality (and seemingly a new pair of shoes each term).

 

Our relationship has grown too, she is more opinionated, engaging, amusing and certainly a little more defiant. She also loves being involved in the Little Lilypad Co.  She is more adept at working the computer than I was at 15 let alone 5 (although I promise I am not using child labour) and she loves beautiful things .... I wonder where she gets that passion from??

 

In the last twelve months, my baby has grown into a confident little lady, so we intend to spend the next twelve nuturing our new baby "The Little Lilypad Co" . What a difference a year makes , so roll on September 2011.

 

 

Trying to find your perfect target market or the "ideal" shopper for the exact products you retail is a little like "Knitting Fog" (one of my Nan's sayings). I am sure that market research, intensive statistic analysis and alot of man hours would give some clearer indication but as a working mom, I think having the time to do that may happen on the 5th of never!

 

So I have asked our Facebook and Twitter followers to tell us a little about themselves. some were shy, some were modest and some were unrepeatable!!

 

KiddieBase are starting their business in the company of 5 children that are 5yo and under (and a bump!) They have a fantastic concept and are great to tweet with and you can follow them on http://www.twitter.com/kiddebase We look forward to working with them lots in the future.

 

Climbing Tikes - They have a brilliant website and interesting fact from their owner is that she has just signed up to run 5k for charity in sept, so please show your support! http://www.climbingtikes.co.uk/

 

Babysigningmummy - "I teach babies and parents to communicate using simple signs and I love it"  Louise has also just been nominated for an award! http://babysigningmummy.com

 

Ice Jewellery - Loves our products and is a regular customer! We support this fellow http://www.mumclub.co.uk member, they have a great website and gorgeous products! Take a look www.icejewellery.com

 

It is clear, from this tiny selection ,that customers come in lots of varieties (a bit like ice cream) and everyone has different likes and dislikes. So my mission is purely to find something for everyone .... how hard can that be? I am off shopping ..........