Run to Crown Point... We're Open!

Today is the annual Hub Run that comes right through downtown Crown Point. This event is a 5k Race and always brings in a ton of people - both participants and spectators. The Blue Pear will be open 11 am to 4 pm. Stop by and say hello!

BIG News! The Shop is Moving!

I've know it looks like I've been neglecting the blog lately, but I can assure you I've been very busy behind the scenes. In fact, I have some exciting news to share. The Blue Pear will be moving out of the Courthouse  building and onto street level!

This is something that I've been working towards for a while, so I'm relieved to finally be able to announce it. My new location is just across the street from the courthouse ~ 13 North Court. If you're familiar with town, it's right next door to Tiffany's Tea Room.

My last day here will be Saturday, May 12th. I'm hoping to have a preview opening for my new location on Wednesday, May 23rd. And then officially opening on the 24th. I'll keep you posted. Stay tuned!

Fresh Soap!

I just brought in four new batches of our Poppy Petunia Soap! They're actually some of our best selling scents!

Rice Petal

Sweetgrass

Raindrop

Forbidden Apple

The Morning After



"The Morning After" by Terry O'Neill

 Thankfully the shop is closed tomorrow... because The Oscars are on! Believe me when I say this is an all-day affair for me.

I love this photograph of Faye Dunaway. It was taken by photographer Terry O'Neill on March 29th, 1977 ~ the morning after she won the Academy Award for her role in Network. She's sitting poolside at The Beverly Hills Hotel. I love the newspapers strewn about and the Oscar just sitting there. Can you imagine?

Cabin Fever Sale at The Courthouse Shops!

Have you just about recovered from the holidays? This seems to be that time of year when everybody starts to get a little restless. The Courthouse Shops will be having their annual Cabin Fever Sale this coming Friday & Saturday, 10am - 5pm. Many of the stores will be offering special deals and discounts. Some of the shops will also be setting up tables and racks in the hallway. The Blue Pear already had a clearance sale in January, but this weekend we'll be offering...

10% off

everything in the store!

Stop on by!

Madonna Bowl

If you me well, you know that I am not a sports fan. I have never watched a Super Bowl in my life. However... I love me some Madonna! Good Luck Madge!

Happy Anniversary!

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of my shop! So much has happened this past year, yet it still feels as though I opened my doors just yesterday. 2011 was such a learning experience for me as a new business owner, and many times I've caught myself saying "I could write a book about this!"  So...I thought I'd make a Top Ten List...

Lessons of My First Year

1. Look For Inspiration Everywhere
Keeping up with inventory and displays takes a lot of work. I have my degree in Interior Design and I think that has a big influence on my shop. I devour shelter mags and design books daily for inspiration, as well as blogs and online resources. I think it's very important to know what's already out there. And I'm never far from my sketchbook ~ jotting down ideas helps bring them to life.

2. Support Other Small Business Owners
One of the things I'm most thankful for is the great circle of people I've met over the last year. It's good to have somebody in the same boat as you. I'm so lucky to be in the heart of Crown Point and to be surrounded by so many other businesses. Sometimes you just want to bounce an idea off somebody or even borrow a roll of register tape, & getting lunch or coffee delivered on a hectic sales day is always a life-saver too. Most of all, it's nice knowing somebody has been through what you're going through... and that they survived.

3. Be Patient
By nature, I'm not a patient person. But as I get older, and especially now that I run a store, I find myself calming down a bit. If something doesn't work out the first time, just try again. Most importantly, don't give up.

4. The Shop Never Closes
I've said it before, but it deserves repeating: I think about my shop constantly. Either I'm placing an order for product, or calling a customer, or writing a check. The list goes on and on. But I can't imagine it any other way. I truly believe this is what I'll be doing for the rest of my life.

5. Stay True To Yourself
Sometimes I'll get a crazy idea for a display or something, but then I start to question whether my customer base will be ready for it. And then I remind myself they come to The Blue Pear because it's so different than the other shops.

6. Be Organized
I used to be the biggest procrastinator and always left things to the last minute. But as a business owner I've learned that time wasted really does translate into wasted money. 

7. Get To Know Your Customers
I always say I have the best customers in the world ~ and I do! Whenever I have an Open House or a special event, I get worried that nobody's going to show up. But they do! I'm so grateful for the support they've given me this past year. I've also begun to know many of them personally, & I've been to their homes and helped them with design ideas. It really is the best part of my job.

8. More is More
One of the biggest things I've learned is to have enough inventory and supplies on hand. There have been occasions when I feel as though my shop is well-stocked, but then I'll have a super busy Saturday or an unexpected rush on a random day, and suddenly I find myself scrambling to order more merchandise. Also, having a backstock of bags and tissue is a lesson I'm still learning!

9. Hire a Bookkeeper
Admittedly, I'm not a numbers person. The first couple months I tried to wing it and prayed that my records would be sufficient come tax time. But I know myself better than that and I knew the only way I'd have peace of mind would be if I hired somebody to do the dirty work. If you live in NWI and you need somebody to handle your accounting, look up Kristen Walter. She's the best!

10. Slow Down Long Enough To Enjoy It
Sometimes I find myself whining about the frustrations that come with running a small business (and believe me, there are indeed frustrations). But then I remind myself that I actually have my own shop! There's nothing better than that!

2011...We hardly knew ya!

What a year! I know it's such a cliche, but I can't help myself from looking back on the last twelve months and reflecting on all that has happened. Even now, as I write this, I find myself shaking my head, and I'm certain that years from now I will look back and remember 2011 as a turning point in my life.

I opened my shop on January 15th, 2011, and this blog followed shortly after. It had long been a dream of mine to have my own business, and I realize how fortunate I am to have that dream come true. I've learned so much this past year and have met the most wonderful people, and for that I am truly thankful.

Here's to 2012!

I'm already planning lots of things

for the new year ~ stay tuned!

January Clearance Sale!

The Blue Pear will be having a

Clearance Sale

 during the month of January (while supplies last). I have some big plans for the shop for 2012 and I need to make some room! Come into the store during the month of January

and look for the orange tags!

 I'll be doing markdowns on...

Furniture

Lamps

Garden Items

Vintage Finds

Home Accents and Accessories

& Much More!

'twas the day before Christmas...

Just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I really need to thank all my customers for making it such a successful holiday season ~ It's been wonderful. I'm looking forward to a relaxing night of delicious food, good wine, and maybe a couple rounds of scrabble. And lot's & lot's of Christmas movies. I hope you enjoy the next couple of days as well!

Gift Idea #8

Bath products always make great gifts, not to mention that soaps are the perfect stocking stuffer. Our Poppy Petunia soaps have been selling like crazy.

New Soaps Just Arrived!

Lemongrass Kiwi

Patchouli Sugar

Green Vetiver

& our very popular Sweetgrass!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

This is our first snowy day of the year! Grab a cup of coffee and come shop in Crown Point. The Blue Pear is having 10% off all ornaments today and tomorrow.

Gift Idea #7

I've always thought of candles as being the perfect gift. Depending on the scent, they're pretty gender neutral, which makes them appropriate for men and women. They also make great gifts for co-workers, teachers, etc. We have a large variety of scents, plus designer matchboxes. Pair them together in a basket and you have the perfect hostess gift!

Gift Idea #6

Can we officially declare 2011 the Year of The Owl? I think I posted sometime back in October that owls seemed to be the big item for Halloween. Little did I know they would be even more popular for Christmas. They've been flying out of the shop. Here's a great gift idea for the owl lover in your life ~ Take one of our vintage White Owl cigar boxes and fill with a few of our blown glass owl ornaments.

Gift Idea #5

Put a ring on it! These handmade rings are locally made using both new & vintage components. These are great sellers all year long, but we just got some new pieces in. You can even treat yourself to one or two!

Gift Idea #4

Starry Night. With so many holiday parties to attend this season, you may get stumped for what to give as a unique hostess gift. A bottle of wine usually does the trick, but wouldn't it be more creative to give a basket full of ornaments or holiday decorations? Make it even easier ~ stick with a theme, like stars & snowflakes.

Gift Idea #3

Surprisingly, french-inspired items have been selling like crazy this holiday season. I actually thought this trend was waning a bit the last year or so, but apparently everybody's dreaming of Christmas in Paris.

Fill a gift basket with our french stationary for your favorite frenchie!

Eiffel Tower Candle

Great Little Gifts

Marie Antoinette Gift Tags ~ Almost Sold Out



How about Marie Antoinette on a pillow?



Gift Idea #2

Let it Snow! This is a clever gift idea if you have friends or family who live in a hot climate. Send them a little bit of winter cheer!

Bundle of letters. Last one just sold! Sorry

These are blue tinted vintage mason jars.

Ceramic twigs. They're like little sculptures!

Gift Idea #1

Great gift idea for the writer in the family! The Blue Pear has tons of cool journals, sketchbooks, & notebooks. Fill a stocking with some of our great stationary and also add our twig pencils and designer erasers.

I love these cards by Local Wisdom

Most appropriate pillow for snuggling up with a good book.

If you want to put a vintage spin on the gift, we also have a couple really cool vintage typewriters, as well as some old printing press trays and a selection of old printing tiles.

I also have a few vintage file drawers ~ could be a cool alternative the traditional gift basket.

What's Christmas Without Cookies?

There's a *Cookie Sale* going on today on the second floor of the courthouse. You can spend a few hours shopping in town and then go upstairs and treat yourself to some goodies! And, of course, Santa is here again today! Hope to see you soon!