In Other News.....

After finally adding photos and publishing my last post, I already need to update again on all the other stuff that's been going on 'round these here parts.
Now, let me think..... ah yes, so I had a crochet lesson with our friend Lynnie a wee while ago.  I'm not very gifted in woolcraft so Lynnie had her work cut out for her (I've never really got that saying - if your work is already cut out, wouldn't that make it easier?  Apparently not).  I managed to make a baby's hat.  There are a few 'bubbles' and a 'vent hole' in the top but other than that it's perfect!  Lucky old Claire and Scott were gifted it.  I bet they are so pleased.  Ha ha. Not surprisingly, I haven't seen Quinn wear it yet. Crocheting is a lot harder than it looks.

My Intimo business has been ticking along nicely.  For the past few months I've been doing quite a few parties out in Springfield/Darfield/Sheffield area which have been very successful.  My first party out there was my personal best with just over $2000 in sales!  Result!  There are a lovely group of ladies out there - very welcoming and friendly.  And really nice community feeling.  I have another one out there next month. which will be about my 8th. 

I also qualified for the Intimo Melbourne conference during November which I am quite proud of.  $32,500 in sales since 1st January gets me a trip to the 1 day conference in Melbourne.  They are really good fun and informative apparently so I'm looking forward to it.  I also receive a box of 50, yes, 50! ex-boutique items to use as hostess incentives and gifts which I am REALLY looking forward to opening. 

I was lucky enough to receive free tickets to the Rugby in August.  It was Canterbury vs Auckland (I think!).  Averil came with me as my + one and we had a great time.  We also got a meal and drinks before the game.  The actual game was a bit boring, and there was no Richie to swoon over, but Averil won a signed jersey so we were pretty happy about that.  Something a bit different for a week night.

At the end of August Averil and Eru had their housewarming.  It was a great evening with some of their neighbours there too.  AND a new addition to the family was 8 week old Hippo - a Boxer/Lab cross puppy.  Sooooo cute and sooooo little.  I didn't even notice him for the first 10 minutes as he was fast asleep on his bed.  Plum tuckered out from all the excitement!! 

 

Claire snuck in a birthday too.  The day before a group of about 12 of us went out to the Raspberry Cafe for lunch before going daffodil picking at Hadstock Gardens in Leeston.  Fill your own bucket for $10 - bargain!!  Averil and I shared a bucket and got HEAPS of daffodils.  I took a bunch to work the next day to brighten up the office.  It's funny how people smile and liven up when they see flowers.

In September we threw a baby shower for Claire.  Mum, Kathryn, Catkin, and the girls made the trip to Chch for the weekend to join in the celebrations.  It was a great afternoon - we managed to sit outside under the gazebo and have a high-tea with cups and saucers and everything.  It was a nice way to spend the afternoon.  I hosted the Southern Bart ladies and LOVED it.  Waking up at 6am on a Saturday wasn't so bad having little people there to entertain. (or did they entertain me?)

Our Tall Poppies Intimo team had a stand at the Women's Expo this year in October.  Two full days - so we had a 2 hour slot each day to tend the stand.  One of our consultants from Rotorua came down and I hosted her.  I had met her a couple of times before and we got on like a house on fire!  Lots of laughs and wine drinking (when we weren't working) it was much fun!

I managed to get 12 leads for bookings so it was well worth it.  Gillian made a sale and got a good idea of how to do her Rotorua stall for next year. 

Richie McCaw's autobiography, 'The Open Side', came out in October and he had book signings all over Christchurch.  This was my chance!  So, with Averil as my wingman, we went to The Warehouse, Blenheim Road, at 11.15am to let him meet me.  Unfortunately so did about 2000 other people. 

Now, my plan was to meet him, tell him my name, and get a photo with him.  THEN I was going to unleash the Tap & Turn on him (ask him to kiss me on the cheek and then turn at the last minute so he actually gets my lips - an oldie, but a goodie!) but as it turned out he was signing only.  No photos. No personalised messages in the book.  Just signing.  That foiled plan A so we had to quickly move to plan B which in my mind went like this:

RM - Hi. How are you? 

DB - Good thank you Richie.  My name is Danielle.  It's lovely to meet you.

But in reality went a little something like this:

RM - Hi.  How are you?

DB - Good thanks.... (giggle giggle giggle)

The end

BUT we then went with plan B2. Seeing as we had followed the car carrying the Mighty McCaw into the car park on our arrival, we knew which one was his SO I popped one of my Intimo business cards under the window wiper so he can call me. 

..... and a little girl waits....

Also in October Claire, Scott and I got invited to an Intimo colleague's engagement party.  Averil and Eru were also invited but were away for the weekend.  Claire very kindly offered to be our sober driver (being that she is off the booze while growing a baby - very handy!).  When we arrived and read the poster on the door we realised that it wasn't an engagement party as we had been told but a WEDDING party!  Maria and Sachin had secretly got married at her Dad's house during the day.  I was blown away.  What a great surprise!  I was absolutely honoured to have been invited and SO pleased I had taken a present.  Phew!  It was a great night.  I think I was in shock for most of the night.  Good shock.  They have been together for about 12 years and only got engaged about 3 months ago but are off to live in Goa where Sachin is from, next year so wanted to get married before they went.  Unfortunately none of Sachin's family could make it over for the wedding but I am SURE there will be some celebrations when they get to Goa.

Mum and Dad came down for a weekend in November to meet their new Grandson when he was just 10 days old.  Dad seemed quite impressed with how quiet Quinn was. It was only a quick trip but so lovely to see them again.

Averil also turned another year older on 27th November so we had a little pre birthday dinner for her on the Saturday while Mum and Dad were down, and then another one on her actual birthday.  Hopefully she felt spoilt and loved.  xx