Mysterio Predicts

One of our most popular baby shower gifts are the Mysterio T-shirts. It's a newborn size t-shirt that comes in a cloth bag that has been sewn closed. The captions on the enclosed shirt tell you the destiny of the child the shirt is being given to. The fun is that since the bag is sewn closed, you don't know what shirt is inside - will the child be a Monkey Wrangler, a Donut Tycoon, a Flamenco Dancer (there's a total of 12 different captions)..... only Mysterio knows! Danielle has had to open 2 for displays, one was Donut Tycoon and the other was Mafia Accountant, so if I eventually have grandchildren we'll know what their future holds.

Danielle left a little early tonight and forgot her Ipod, so I have control of the music (oh the power!). Once in a while we butt heads as to what music to play in the store, but lately we've both been head over heels for the Pipettes (thepipettes.co.uk). We first learned of these fabulous Brits through Tarina Tarantino as they are frequently spotted wearing pieces from her collection. They have a 60's girl group sound for the new millenium, with pretty amusing lyrics - yumm! Speaking of Tarina's jewels, we received a big shipment in today with many new pieces to lust over!

XOXO
Curtsy Mama
Mary Jo

Sexy Lil' Things........

We are finally stocked up again on Honeydew Intimates!! Honeydew makes the best cami & panty sets that come in the yummiest colors, and fly out of the store because they are only $30!! Four new colors of the sets arrived with this shipment so hurry in before they are all snatched up. Also from Honeydew, we received the cutest lace Rumba bra & boyshorts. Those come in lavender/hot pink and green/aqua color ways....the colors are super bright and beautiful!!


And guess what else arrived??!! Nippies!! Nippies are fabulous adhesive patches that come in a huge array of shapes and patterns. A fun, funky, sexy alternative to band-aids or tape, they are great when wearing a sheer top or hidden underneath as a fun surprise! We saw a whole boat full of girls during Seafair wearing bathing suits on the bottom and Nippies on top....and a lot of boats full of boys surrounding them ;-)

xxxx

Sailboats, Glitter & UPS

Yesterday was my day off and what a fabulous day I had! Danielle and the Captain gave me a gift certificate for a sailing lesson with the Puget Sound Sailing Institute for my birthday several months ago. I finally had a chance to use it yesterday and what a blast! I took my pal, Jane with me and we headed out to Pier 66 around 5 in the afternoon to meet up with our instructor, Pierre. Now let me tell you, sailing around Puget Sound on a day as beautiful as yesterday with Pierre showing us what to do, well it just doesn't get any better than that. After sailing I headed up to Capital Hill to watch Change Versus Comfort, my son's band, play a gig at the club Chop Suey. I've been a rocker my whole life, so it's such fun to watch him play! Stayed out way past my bedtime!

The glitter queen was at it again today! When I got to the store this morning, Danielle was busy with the sparkles - yes, she buys the gold stuff by the POUND! Anyway, we have a display that's an antique stove top, refrigerator and sink combo (no lie) and she was glittering the inside of the refrigerator. I'm just waiting for the day she glitters Snickers (The Curtsy Dog).
The UPS guy brought us all sorts of goodies today which always makes us happy. We're so excited for the adorable photo albums that came. With their vintage look, and themes such as Forever Friends, Wish You Were Here, A Day to Celebrate, Remember When, and The Road Ahead, these will make great gifts!

XOXO
Curtsy Mama
Mary Jo

Baby Booty

OMG!!! How adorable is this little one?!!! This is baby Cameron (Stephanie from Unleashed Pawsabilities new arrival!!) wearing a pair of our "Yo My Booties." They are hand knitted, custom dyed, 100% Angora booties that come in tons of yummy colors. Currently we have them in purple, baby pink, lime, and baby blue. We had lots of people track us down for them after they were seen on the Ellen Degeneres show as one of her favorite baby gifts!! I just wish they came in big girl sizes too.


I finally got around to writing my birthday thank you notes today. I always procrastinate, but once I get into it I am reminded of how much I love to send and receive hand written letters! I used our new note cards with beautiful shoe illustrations by Anne Keenan Higgins, then sealed them with our "XOXO" wax seal stamp using pink metallic wax.

My bro's band is playing tonight!!! I so look forward to their shows....they are AMAZING musicians!!! They are playing tonight at Chop Suey around 9:30pm if you are looking for a fun Tuesday night. Be sure to check out their website too.....www.changeversuscomfort.com
xxxx

Bonjour!

Pardon us for leaving you hanging for the weekend. Wires got crossed and blogs didn't get written - c'est la vie! I have Paris on my mind today. Next to Seattle, it is one of my favorite cities in the world and I love anything that reminds me of it's magic. This glittery Paris sign adds a little ooh la la to any space. I took one home and it serves as my reminder to save my pennies for my next vacay!

Did you know that Air France began offering non-stop flights from Seattle to Paris this summer? Already booked? Grab this bracelet before you jet off, it's got that glam, kitchy Paris feel to it. You'll feel tres chic in the City of Lights!
XOXO

A Note From The Real Boss

Curtsy Dog Snickers here. I'm writing the blog this morning, so the woman I own can get out the door a little sooner. I'm planning on spending the weekend at the Seattle Canine Club doggie day care and if I don't help out, we'll never get out the door! Curtsy Mama has out of town company and it's much more fun for me to hang out with my buds than listen to all that chatter! Plus they always put me in with the young pups, who can learn a thing or two from this old dog.

My favorite person in the entire world, The Captian aka Curtsy Boy, will be helping Danielle in the store for part of the weekend. You should really stop by and meet this talented guy. His company Trust Me I'm a Pirate (www.trustmeimapirate.com) is responsible for creating the CB website and he does all of the print ads for the Curtsy Girls. Most importantly, he's great at scratching my belly!

Since I have control of the computer, let me correct a mis-truth that has been circulated about me. I'm NOT overweight and can have as many treats as I want! So, if you're passing by Curtsy Bella and have a spare pot roast in your purse or backpack, hook me up!
bow wow wow XOXO

We received the cutest collection of greeting cards, tent cards, and birthday girl crowns in today. The greeting cards have a pink and white stripe background with gorgeous images (in glitter!!) on the front of the Eiffel Tower, crowns, Parisian ladies, etc. The tent cards have beautifully written wishes on the front such as "Mother To Be" and "Just Married," and can be used in lots of different ways. I would use them as table decoration at a bridal or baby shower, and have all the guests write a wish for the new bride/mother inside to be cherished forever!

Earlier this week the most kick ass golf ball markers arrived.....a fun addition to our growing gentlemen section of Curtsyland! The same company also now makes these "Pleasure Pouches" filled with sexy/naughty silver tokens, each indicating a "Good For One...(use your imagination ;-)" They come in PG Rated & R Rated - we only received a small amount of these and more that half are already gone!!! We will definitely be ordering more for the holidays as they will make great stocking stuffers.

xxxx

Back To School

I used to LOVE back to school time when my kids were growing up. We lived in Prescott, Arizona and would make a school clothes shopping pilgrimage to Phoenix every August. We'd stay in a hotel and shop, eat, watch movies, swim and just enjoy being together before the craziness of the school year started.

Lunch Mail I Believe in You cards are made to tuck into a lunch box and are a great way to let your child know you're thinking of them. A great little unexpected treat that is especially wonderful for younger kids new to eating lunch at school.

School lunches were never so much fun as with these new bags by Lunchology. The bags come printed with themes such as Dinosaurs, Puzzles, Grosser than Gross Facts and are sure make lunch from home just a little cooler!


XOXO
Curtsy Mama
Mary Jo

Pink Glitter

The UPS fellow has been so good to us this week!! yesterday, he brought us the prettiest cake servers, champagne flutes, and napkin rings in pink and white GLITTER!!! The handles and bases are lined with itty, bitty craters that are filled with glitter. I believe I have clued you all in to how obsessed I am with glitter. When asked what my favorite color is, my answer is always glitter. Show me any color of glitter and I fall head over heels for it and want it all over everything in my life ;-)

The Captain and I have been wanting to host a Pink Party at our place (well.....I have been wanting to host a Pink Party, I believe he just enjoys the partying) in which everyone must wear as much pink as possible, all the food and drinks will be pink, we can listen to The Pink Panther all night, etc etc. So as soon as I saw these hostess accessories, I decided I must get the ball rolling ASAP. I can bake a pink cake to be served with the pink glitter servers, and serve pink champagne in the flutes and have little pink napkins rolled in the rings. The glitter collection also includes lipstick holders, business card cases, and mini jewelry boxes that would be great party favors. Just pink about it......it could be fabulous!


All this talk about glitter reminds me that we need to get a holiday order together for Glitz! If you haven't tried Glitz, I highly recommend it. (surprising...I know ;-) ) It is the best hair and body glitter spray I have ever found and I have been using it for years. No day should pass by without you being a bit sparkly.

xxxx

Customer Tales

One of the best parts of our job is getting to know and interact with our customers. One couple who came in over the weekend shared with us that they are getting married next week in a Great Gatsby themed wedding, how romantic! One of our younger customers, Laura, will be competing in the National American Miss Pagent this week. We wish her the best of luck! With her winning smile and the sparkle in her eyes, she's sure to do great! We're always touched when our customers share their stories with us.

We're interested in learning traditions that families use to celebrate milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries etc. If you'd like to tell us how your family celebrates, send us an e-mail and describe your particular tradition. We'll collect the stories and share them with everyone in one of the future daily blogs.

XOXO

Tea and Rain

A rainy Sunday occasionally makes us want to curl up on the sofa with a pot of tea and a great book, the newest fashion mags or "Sex in the City" on the dvd player. The Curtsy Girls believe in making every part of your life beautiful, especially the little rituals you do for yourself. A beautiful teapot from Rosanna and some lucious tea will help make even this simple act seem like a treat. Tracy Stern Signature Teas indulge not only your palette, but your imagination....



Salon Teas
The Romantic - Chur She Green Tea with jasmine flowers
The Fashionable Dandy - China Black Tea infused with rare bergamont oil
The Artist - First plucked White Tea (Pai Mu Tan) flavored with bits of ginger
The Writer - Indian Chai Tea with cardamom, cloves and cinnamon
The Musician - Rooibos blended with hibiscus and rose petals
The Lover - Chocolate Chai Tea blended for seduction
The Society Hostess - Naturally decaffeinated vanilla-infused China Black Tea

With so many to choose from, who will you be today?
XOXO

Busy Day at CB!

Wow! The day got off to a slow start and then we got ambushed! We've been running all afternoon. No complaints - we love our customers and we love to be busy! Since the other Curtsy Girl "forgot" to put in the picture of her kissing the Timmy Woods display she created yesterday- I'll do it for her - tee hee!
XOXO

Kisses

Almost the weekend!! (I actually am usually more excited for weekdays because we receive goodies from UPS and FedEx. But it feels so wrong not to be excited for the weekend.) The Captain and I just finished watching Sunset Boulevard. Do try to not be jealous of our Friday night.....too much birthday celebrating this week I suppose. Anyways, watching it sent my thoughts to an order we are anxiously awaiting of the most fabulous bangles EVER. They come in black or ivory resin - the ivory ones made to look like real ivory scrimshaw - and they have wonderful sayings on them. A few examples: "Truly fabulous people never get dressed before lunchtime"...."Are you a good witch or a bad witch?"....."Does this bracelet make me look fat?" And my fav says "All right, Mr. DeMille, I am ready for my close-up." I can't wait!! We will let you know as soon as they arrive.


Today I made out with a few of our glass display cases. I decided that red kisses were needed on the cases that hold our adorable Timmy Woods purses because I love them so much!! They are clutches carved out of acacia wood, shaped like luscious lips or a pretty pink bottle of nail polish. I first fell for Timmy Woods creations after spotting them on a few Sex in the City episodes. A particular Curtsy Girl insisted on documenting this event; running for the camera during my first reapplication of Rubies & Roses. I, however, believe it inappropriate to interrupt a girl while she is working. xxxx

Lust for Lingerie

We're in the summer doldrums! We've finished our vacays and are ready for all the crisp, new fun stuff that fall brings, but it's still the middle of August. We're pretty sure you're feeling the same way... what to do, what to do? Maybe a little something new to make you feel sparkly and sexy would help! Being the giving types that we are, we've decided to help and put some of our prettiest lingerie from Lucy B on sale. You'll also feel good knowing that you're doing your part to help CB make room for all the knockout new fall styles due in soon. It's a win, win situation!
XOXO
The Curtsy Girls

Happy Birthday Curtsy Girl Danielle

Happy 24th Birthday to Curtsy Girl Danielle! It's hard for me to believe that my baby girl is now all grown up and my business partner. Danielle's creative vision is what makes Curtsy Bella the place you love to shop. She's in charge of all the merchandising and displays and pretty much every creative thing having to do with the store. I think that she does an amazing job with it.

I have to tell you, I am one fortunate woman! I have 2 great children who are both pursuing careers that they love. It's been such fun to watch Danielle's creative juices unleashed over the past year. Sometimes though, as the financial moniter of the business, I have to rein her in (yes the "panty jungle" has to wait a while longer and no, we can't have a pig in a tutu as the store mascot). My son, Josh is an amazing musician (www.changeversuscomfort.com) trying to make it in Seattle. My children are who inspire me and help me to keep growing.

Well, that's it for now. I have to get ready for work. Don't forget our sale today! Take 15% off any one item in the store that has a 2 or a 4 in the price. Since we adore our customers, we'll take the discount off your most expensive item!

XOXO
Curtsy Mama Mary Jo

Oh how I miss Curtsyland when away!! today is my first day back after entertaining family for a few days. I was very happy to see our UPS man bringing me goodies and even happier when I opened the box to find oodles of Shave Crave samples from Whish to give out to our fab customers!! Stop by and pick some up....you will become addicted. Whish makes these WONDERFUL shave brushes for women. When you use the brush with the Shave Crave it creates this rich, lush cream and gently exfoliates your skin while shaving!! And for the sprinkles on top....you can buy the brush jeweled in Swarovski crystals!! I can never resist anything covered in crystals.


After the UPS man was so good to me....our mail carrier brought me the new Elle and InStyle. Oooooh how I adore September Fall Fashion issues!!!!!! They are so big and full of endless amounts of beautiful things that I lust after. I will be very busy in any free time I find for the next few weeks ;-)

So....don't forget tomorrow is my birthday and we are giving 15% off any one item that has a 2 or a 4 in the price. And since we adore you we will take it off your most expensive item. Now I am off to finish glittering the walls of our bathroom!! I used the Stencil 1 human heart stencil as a border and have been glittering the bottom half. It is quite tedious and time consuming....but I LOVE glitter. Stop by and take a tinkle if you would like to see it...hee hee!! xxxx

CB is Your Shower Source!

Did you know that Curtsy Bella is the go to place for baby and wedding shower favors? No kidding!! We have an amazing array of favors in all different price ranges. Many can be customized and we can even arrange to have them drop shipped right to your door step. Want to know more? Call us or drop us an e-mail and we'll help make your shower a smashing success!
XOXO
The Curtsy Girls

The Path to Curtsyland

Curtsy Mama here - it's my turn to write the blog today. Danielle and I get asked at least once a week how we came to open Curtsy Bella - if we have backgrounds in retail. Since I have control of the keys today - I'll spill about my Path to Curtsyland.

My background is rather varied. When raising Danielle and her brother Josh, I lived in Prescott, AZ and built custom homes with my ex-husband. I worked both in the office and on the jobsite and loved to get my hands dirty, and my shirt and my hair...well you get the idea!

When I turned 40, my life took a different turn when I took my first flying lesson. I had such an amazing feeling of accomplishment after my first solo flight that I vowed that day to become a flight instructor. Two years later, I had reached my goal and the school hired me as an instructor. Six months later I bought the school! I owned the school for a little over 2 years, but when a tragedy took the life of one of my flight instructors, I decided to sell the school and get out of the business.

It was after selling the school that I got my start in retail. Danielle was in high school and already working for a retail specialty store. The couple who owned this store was preparing to open their third shop and they hired me. After a year, I was able to work in the same store as Danielle and we found that we worked very well together. Our secret is that I let her think she's the boss and she let's me think I'm the boss - works out quite well!

Once Danielle left for college at the Fashion Institute in Los Angeles and her brother was in college at the Berkeley Institute in Boston, I made my way to Seattle and fell in love with the city and the thoughts of opening a store here someday began to bloom.

I made a 2 year detour to south Florida where I was Diretor of Staff Development for a drug and alcohol rehab center. Great job, great pay, great benefits - when I quit and moved all the way back across the country to sink everything I owned into Curtsy Bella, more than one person assurred me that I was nuts.

I have a saying by Helen Keller on the wall in my bedroom which I try to live by - "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all" I'll take the daring adventure every time - I may fail,I may not but I'll have a hell of a time doing it!

XOXO
Mary Jo

It's official.....there are way too many pretty things in this world that simply must find their way to Curtsyland. Today was a long day of shopping (poor us - huh??!?) We had meetings with reps and have been swamped putting orders together for the holidays. We Curtsy Girls are holiday freaks.....adoring any reason to celebrate, and especially loving occasions that involve giving and receiving gifts. When holiday shopping for Curtsy Bella must be done so far in advance....it is just too much to handle. We are constantly way too excited for the next holiday. We have had visions of sugar plums since February and are already dreaming of all things pink and red and sparkly and full of hearts for Valentine's Day. Tomorrow we will be conquering the Tarina Tarantino holiday order which is one of the hardest. It is asking way too much of us to resist anything TT creates. As unfair as it seems, we must resist some temptation (one Curtsy Girl always wants to order the fab tiaras with Hello Kitty and Barbie on them but the other Curtsy Girl always talks her out of it.....who wouldn't want to wear a Barbie tiara everyday??!?) Well.....off to watch the Curtsy Boy attend his first Australian rules football league practice. Maybe CB could sponsor the team and create fab black & gold uniforms with peacock feathers and jewels{!!!} xoxo

Welcome to Adventures in Curtsyland!

Hi All,

Welcome to a new feature of our website - "Adventures in Curtsyland". We'll use this blog to keep you updated on all that's Curtsylicious! We've just returned from a buying spree in San Francisco and are all a twitter over the goodies that will be filling the store this fall. It's so much fun unearthing new treasures and such torture having to wait for it all to get to the store (we know, we know - patience is a virtue).

Make sure to check out our new "CB's Got Your Back" gift service. You can find all the delicious details by clicking on CB Gift Service on our home page. This service evolved out of our providing personal shopping services for several businesses and clients. It's worked so well, we decided to offer it to all of our customers.

One last thing. Next Wednesday, August 15th one of the Curtsy Girls is turning 24 (we'll let you figure out which one). To celebrate , make your way to Curtsyland on August 15th and take 15% off any one item with a 2 or a 4 in the price. Since we love our customers, we'll take the discount off your most expensive item.

That's it for now!

XOXO
The Curtsy Girls