Chocolate Chip Cookies

As I'm getting ready to take off for Las Vegas via 210 and 215 -- I know my treat will be waiting for me when I check into the Doubletree Hotel. Yup - a big juicy chocolate chip cookie. These treats have been on my brain for days. And I've done nothing to squelch my desire. I haven't baked nor been to a bakery. You may be wondering why I would write about these sweets on a business oriented blog. Me too. Perhaps it is important to see other sides of the woman behind the business. LOL. Chocolate chip cookies go way back....way way back. I baked all the time as a youngster. My brother always begged me to make chocolate chip cookies. If I wanted to be in his good gracious, I always knew what to do. Throughout high school and college, my reputation continued. (Proof: my dorm ID card from University of Michigan.) I'd hear"I'll give you a back massage if you bake cookies." Loser bakes over a racquetball game. I still bake from time to time....but not like I used to. My brother would have me think my talents are getting rusty. (Don't think so.) I might add though, I'd like to pass the torch. My nephew also makes GREAT cookies. Dreaming away. I'll be in Vegas later today. ND

Thinking about Holiday Cards...

It's August, and I'm thinking about December 2009 holiday cards. Is that crazy or what? For the last two years our mascot and my best friend, Byron has graced the card. Perhaps this year I should be sending out a birthday announcement. Instead of antlers, maybe he should be wearing a party hat. Byron officially turns 14 on 12/20/2009. I've been Byron's guardian since he was 7 weeks old. Keep in mind that blogger.com has completely changed the colors of the pics when I uploaded -- and the sizes/proportions have changed while I'm learning how to move things on this blog. Just use your imagination, please. I'm posting here the cards from 2007 (with snowman) and 2008 (in the field.) If anyone out there has some ideas for me for 2009 designs, please let me know. I'm determined to learn any and all Photoshop techniques required. ND

Trade Show Marathon

August is one of the craziest months for trade shows. Earlier this month we traveled to New York twice. First we exhibited at Accessories, The Show and after that the New York Gift Show. With everyone more than tentative about the economy, I was nervous. Both show turned out well. In spite of shows shrinking a bit and traffic seemingly softer, we opened many new accounts including a few museums and hip clothing stores. And even better, a host of our existing clients reordered. I’m always happiest knowing our jewelry is selling through. I attribute some of the lighter traffic to a diminished number of tire kickers. Another observation: Many buyers are being more careful and actually taking notes and returning (yes “be backs”) later to order. In the past (good ‘ole days), this didn’t happen as often.

This was the third year Dunitz & Company had been chosen for participation in the New York Gift Show's "Sustainability - design for a better world" display. We've been tagged in the past because we are members of the Fair Trade Federation. This year the jury committee recognized us for using old buttons in our designs. We use loads of Czech glass buttons from the 40's and 50's. These creations have been some our most popular. It seems there are button collectors lurking in every corner – every town.

The marathon continues. We're off to WWIN. Show dates are August 31 - September 3rd. Find us in booth # A2323 at the Rio Hotel. ND

Getting Ready for WWIN

It's almost Las Vegas time! I'm heading out this weekend to the town that never sleeps. Our jewelry line will be on display at WWIN Women's Wear In Nevada in booth #A2323 (Amazon Room.) at the Rio Hotel. If you're there, come on over. You'll get fed all day (breakfast & lunch) and you'll be able to see (and order) my line. When preparing to take off, there are always loose ends. I've confirmed my freight carrier, Service By Air has my booth display ready to deliver. I've gathered all my receipts for electricity, table rentals and room reservations so they are in tow. Now the only thing left to do is fill the gas tank and sell sell sell! Fingers crossed that buyer traffic is good and they're in the mood to purchase accessories :) ND

Premier Blog

There's always a first...and this is it. This is my very first blog on behalf of my company - yes, Dunitz & Company.
I'm sure many of you who will read this blog will be familiar with our line. For those of you who aren't, let me introduce you. Ours is a wonderful glass seed bead jewelry line ranging from Victorian to ethnic. Sophisticated to junior. Sassy to understated. Sometimes simply colored and other times vibrant.
Dunitz & Company is a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation and Green America. Our line is lovingly handcrafted in the highlands of Guatemala.
Our beautiful line retails in a host of museum shops, clothing boutiques, gift shops & other specialty venues. If you're looking to purchase at wholesale, track us down at trade shows around the country -- we'll actually be heading out to WWIN Las Vegas this weekend. Want even more information.... Our website address is www.dunitz.com! Visit us on Facebook and Twitter. Stay tuned - more pearls to come. ND