Thrift Shop Linens

We’ve been busy. Really busy. The gardens have been a challenge, still working on getting them in shape. We finally have a contractor coming in to work on bathroom updates and a few other things. We have rebuilt stairs for two back entries.

I’ve not been to the thrift stores lately because I have plenty of projects to work on. But today I went on a whim and was pleasantly surprised to learn it is linen month (fill a bag for $6.00). And indeed I did fill a bag … 18 linen napkins, 6 linen tablecloths, a vintage purple and white cotton tablecloth, and a dresser scarf all stainless and in perfect shape.

We are making progress and I have been extremely busy (website development, home improvement, gardening, family visiting) hence no updates.

I removed one strip of wallpaper in the kitchen and am therefore committed to removing the rest of it, followed by painting. The decision is made.

As I write this, the plumber is here (yay!) and will help determine the final points on the bathroom updates and hot water issues, etc.  More progress!  During a weak moment yesterday, I spoke with a designer at Lowe’s just to ask about how they deal with bathroom contractors (they don’t).  Actually they are perfectly willing to do the easy things in terms of installing a vanity, etc.  But they will not touch plumbing.  Oh, but they are willing to work with plumbers for kitchen plumbing, just not bathroom plumbing. Risk level is too high I assume. 

A few days ago I spoke on the phone with a recent acquaintaince who described her friend’s B & B located in Geneva.  She told me it took them a full two years to open for actual reservations.  We are still well under the two year mark, but I really want to get the business running.

Rainy Day Bear

Last night we attended session two of our business course that will assist us in the opening jump/start.  It was a pretty interesting session and we learned a lot about the pros, cons and attributes of sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLC, Class C Corporations and S Class Corporations.  But it still requires a consult with an attorney and/or accountant.  But progress — baby steps, but still, progress.

Near the end of the session the instructor started talking about selecting a business name and to make a longer story short, he disapproves of our name — though he didn’t actually SAY so, he did say foreign language names are not a good choice.   Our name is French — La Belle Vie Bed & Breakfast — the beautiful life if you are unfamiliar with the phrase.  We don’t plan to change this as we already have a DBA on file.  We like it, and we think out target market will be comfortable with a French name and like it also. Business names are subjective, no question about it.  But I have faith that people will understand.  As it turns out, the instructor prefers a hotel/motel over a B & B (saying he is a bacon and eggs kind of guy).  Okay, whatever.  I was trying to think of snarky and humorous B & B name that would include a manly breakfast and down home appeal, but didn’t have any success with the exercise.  Llewellyn suggested the B & E B & B (Bacon & Eggs B & B) but I nixed the idea.  Honest Eatin’ B & B, nope. Simple Life B & B, doesn’t work for me.  Anyway, La Belle Vie it is for better or worse.

Meanwhile another rainy day here, so no yard work – a disappointment as I am obsessed about getting everything out to the curb  for the spring cleanup of twigs and leaves by the Village.  Instead the usual in-house maintenance.  More work on the quilt and the beginnings of another teddy bear.  I think there may end up being a bear in every guest room. Also, valences and upholstery.  Kiln research.  Printing and framing picture. The list goes on. And I am still contemplating the kitchen wallpaper removal.

What Date Do We Open To The Public?

This arrived in the mail on Monday, from Anita and Francis in England via Julia & Guy.  From an unknown British publication, probably a calendar.  I laughed when I saw it, because — as most really funny things often do — it rings all too true.  We need to get some dates in place and do a final push forward.  Thanks one and all.