Josh's Spotlight is being Spotlit!

A few months back, I posted a little blurb about friend/photographer Josh Durias visiting me at my shop for a few shots on a busy baking day. He has decided to spend a little more time focusing on his current project: Bellingham Spotlight...and it's getting some great attention.

Check it out: Bellingham Herald

Shop Update

Progress at the Shop thrills me like no other! My dad came up for the 4th weekend in a row this past weekend to finish up electrical and framing and the like. We had such an amazing time. I moved the ladder about a million times...finishing up trim work and begun painting the walls. Nick assisted and and worked on various side projects. Even though the hours are long and late, all of our energy seems to overflow (thank the good LORD for that!). I did poop out around 11:45pm last night though. I went home to sleep, leaving dad and Nick at the shop to finish up (yes, I felt guilty...but when I realized that I my grouchiness over-rode my ability to bite my tongue I figured it made sense to just leave while I was ahead). This morning, I asked Nick what time they rolled back home: 2am. Ouch!

I will post the photos in a bit, but for now...wanted to share a few publications regarding Pure Bliss Desserts (just click on the link below):

Bellingham Herald

Bellingham Business Journal

Under Construction

Nick said I should just type "Under Construction" as our blog post, because that's basically what our life is right now. For those of you who have may not heard quite yet, Pure Bliss is expanding...here comes a store front. It is a wonderfully exciting endeavor...one that I have always dreamed of. Now it's here and there is no shortage of work.

We have decided to do things the Dave Ramsey way (no debt) so that means doing a lot of the work ourselves, spending a lot of time on Craig's list finding deals (then driving around town/city/state to pick them up) and using our resources when it comes to different aspects of the shop and what needs to get done. I get all tingly in my heart when I think back on these last two months and reflect on the amazing gift of help, encouragement and enthusiasm God, friends and family have shown and given. No really, I tear up just thinking about it. We have amazing friends who have given their talents to help make this transition as smooth as possible. We have family that has sacrificed a tremendous amount to help Pure Bliss be set up for success. I am indebted to all of them (you) dear helpers.

We still have a lot of work ahead of us...as we are currently in the middle of the remodel. In fact most nights are spent at the shop working on something or another. Last week, Nick and I pulled an all-nighter, taking turns napping on the floor while the other painted/scrubbed the walls and ceiling. But that's atypical, we usually head to the shop around 6pm and roll on home between 11pm and 1am for some shut eye, then hit up our day jobs. The past two weekends my parents have ventured up for 12 hour work days....the mag 7 even sacrificed their Labor Day weekend plans for Squamish to spray paint furniture in the ally, build walls and bust down old stuff that didn't fit in the new design. Really it has been a whirl wind; sacrifices are being made, but in the long run it will be worth it.

A snap Shot of the last two Weeks:

How We Began:

DEMO Old Counter Area:

Work in Progress:

One wall up:

New Counter area up:

Even though we have been working hard, we have also eeked a little fun in the mix every once and a while. Late July brought us to Lake Cushman to celebrate my mom's birthday. Early August brought us to Whistler to celebrate Nick's birthday. We take the occasional walk when possible or a jog to Cornwall Park for a round of disk golf as a stress relief. Charlotte is pretty neglected these days, but when my mom rolls into town she perks up...knowing walks will be had and treats will be given. It's just a good reminder that we can't do things alone in this world, nor were we designed to.

I promise to be better about posting updates as we progress. Sometimes it's just hard to justify taking the time to post a blog when research for equipment could be happening or responding to inquiries has to take place I take 10 minutes to look at Nick so I don't forget what he looks like since we are so busy and "heads down" working most the time. This isn't a complaint, I am blessed and excited as all get-out for the shop. It's just fun/hard work.