I love seeing people's reactions when they come into Steph's Sweet Treats for the first time.  From the outside, my little brick building may not seem like much, but I've put a lot of time and love into making it mine.  A lot of which is reflected in the decor I have around the bakery.  I wanted to take a moment to give shout outs to a few of my favorite pieces since they were made by hand from some special people and/or small businesses.  

Let's start with one my newest additions to my shop.  My "Welcome" graphic!  This graphic was designed and made by Wilson Graphics.  I was beyond happy with the way my decal turned out.   I sent them the dimensions, wording, and what I wanted for a look....rustic, fun, and chalkboard...and they came up with this beauty!  Now, I can't look at this picture without noticing the (also fairly new) front counter.

This front counter is soooo much bigger than my old counter.  It holds four cases instead of two, has shelving on the backside for more storage, and most importantly...it was made by my Uncle Flipper.  His real name is Phillip, but to me he is Uncle Flip  (or Flipper).  

My Uncle Flip means the world to me.  I will always cherish this wedding picture of us because he is picking me up.  This is something he ALWAYS does when he hugs me...so I asked my photographer, Kelsey Jean Photography, to capture it for me.  I don't know exactly why this gesture means so much to me, but it does.  He is always there to help me and has done so much for me personally and when it comes to Steph's Sweet Treats.  See that beautiful arch we are standing under??  He made that!  He also made a stand for my wedding display, which I now use for all my wedding tastings.  

He also installed all the cabinets in the bakery.  He works long construction hours, but still took the time, and made the trip to Dodgeville, to help me out. So my Uncle Flip is a part of Steph's Sweet Treats.  He has put a lot of time and energy into it and that is priceless and beyond meaningful to me.  Quick shout-out to Brett, family friend who I've known since I was born.  He also helped install cabinets and tear down walls.  Thank you, thank you!!

Next up, my signs from Un-BLOCKn-Believable Creations.  Before opening Steph's Sweet Treats I had ordered last name blocks for my parents and grandparents from Un-BLOCKn-Believable.  So when I opened, I asked for some custom hanging signs.  And boy oh boy did she deliver!  The "Steph's Sweet Treats" above the Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake, and the four signs to the right "cupcakes, cake, cookies, and more" were all made by her.  She's too does it all on her own and is out of Galena Illinois.  Check her out!

And last, but certainly not least, it is the newest decoration to be added to Steph's Sweet Treats....this adorable canvas sign! This sign was handmade by my friend Morgan. I cannot get over how cute and perfect it is for Steph's Sweet Treats.  She sent me this saying in a text one night and after seeing how much I loved it, she sneakily made it into this for me!  She surprised me with it at last Friday's open day and I immediately found a spot for it.  She makes beautiful signs (I have another amazing one in my house that she made for a wedding present-pictured below.)  So thank you Morgan for being so talented and thoughtful!  If anyone needs an awesome custom sign, let me know and I can put you in contact with her.

Don't worry Aunt Pat I didn't forget about you!  Many of the little knick-knacks around Steph's Sweet Treats were given to me by my Aunt Pat.  The cupcakes that hang on my front counter and get so much attention from children...Aunt Pat; the teddy bear holding a cupcake (on the chair my mom got me-thanks mom!)...Aunt Pat; the kitchen aid timer on the table...Aunt Pat.  Thanks for finding and giving me some great goodies!

Now when you come into Steph's Sweet Treats you will know the story behind some of the decor. The pieces that come from friends and family mean the most to me and are irreplaceable.  I hope you now see why I take so much joy in seeing others reactions to seeing the inside of Steph's Sweet Treats for the first time.  It's not just me who has made it look the way it does. It's other small businesses, friends, and family.  

Thanks for another week of orders and for helping me sell out on Friday's open day!

Last month I bumped up my Stitch Fix box so that I could get more summer items.  So even though I did a Stitch Fix review last month...I actually got two boxes!  So this review is for the second box I got in June and for the July box I just got.  If you want to try Stitch Fix click here to get started.

What you need to know about Stitch Fix:
-You fill out a detailed style profile of your likes, dislikes, sizes, how much money you prefer to spend, etc. 
- You choose how often you'd like to receive a fix.  Each time you can ask for specifics if you have something specific you want, or have an upcoming event to attend.  
-A stylist chooses and sends you five items based on your wants, style profile, fashion pinterest boards, etc.  Items can include clothing and accessories.  
-You pay a $20 styling fee for the fix, BUT if you keep something from you Stitch Fix the $20 is credited towards your total.  So the only time you "lose" $20 is if you send everything back.  Bonus: If you keep all five items you get 25% off everything!
-You get three days to try on your items and decide, then you checkout online and send back what you don't want in the prepaid shipping bag you get with your box.

I was super excited when I opened my second June box.  I loved everything in it, but not everything fit right..which was sad for me, but good for my wallet!  Here's what I got:  

1. Pixley-Livie Abstract Chevron Maxi Dress: I specifically asked for more than one maxi dress (and my stylist listened!).  I even had this one pinned on my pinterest page..extra points for my stylist! I really loved the colors of this dress, but it was just big enough on me to not look right.  The scrunchy part in the middle hit me a little too low and my husband's comment was "why do you wear things that are so big on you?"  So I take it the intentional baggy look looked more like drowning on me...so sadly I returned it.

2. Skies are Blue-Cress Lace Inset Top:   Oh man oh man I loved this top.  I asked for items with lace on them and again my stylist listened.  I had three pieces to choose from! This shirt is meant to give a little more shape with the lace inset portions on the side.  But it didn't give shape to me.  It ended up being boxy on me and too long.  So back to what my husband said...just looked too big on me.  I sent back this top but LOVED the idea of it.

3. Papermoon- Clarkson Lace Detail Knit Top: Another lace detail top, which I loved.  I was so so close to keeping this top, especially since I need more tank tops.  So close that I'm having a bit of returners remorse.  It was loose enough for me, but not too loose or boxy.  The only reason I didn't keep it was because of the color.  I like the color, but my skin tone says differently.  By time I get even close to getting a tan, summer will be over.  

4. Gilli- Sina V-Neck Printed Maxi Dress:  This is the second maxi dress of my box and it's from one of my favorite brands Stitch Fix offers.  I got a similar maxi a few fixes ago, but this one has sleeves and different colors, so it was a keeper!  So soft, so comfy, stretchy, and just great!

5. 41Hawthorn- McQue Solid Lace Sleeve Blouse:  I really liked the lace sleeves on this top and I liked the simplicity, but it was just a little to simple.  I asked by husband's opinion and he just shrugged his shoulders and said "meh."  Back it went.

From the outside it may look like this fix was a bust since I only kept one item, but I thought it was a great fix.  Why??  Because my stylists listens to what I want and sends me things I pin!

I just got the above box today and surprisingly loved it!  I say surprisingly because I wanted bright summer colors, which these are clearly not.  They are however things I asked for...maxis, wedding attire, lace, and tank tops.

1. Loveappella-Carlita Multi Chevron Print Maxi Dress-  I have been itching for this dress in purple, but when it came in blue I was still really excited to get it...because I have a maxi dress addiction!  Unfortunately, the print just didn't look good on me.  You'd think after getting 3 different chevron dresses I would learn maybe it's just not a good look for me?!  I will not be keeping the dress.

2. Gilli- Jessie Maxi Dress- I wasn't expecting to like this dress because it's just a black maxi...or so I thought.  It has detail right by the bust (tried to throw in a close up of it but it's still hard to see), it's subtle but adds a lot to it.  I don't own a lot of black so having a black maxi in my closet feels like a staple I should have.  That's how I'm justifying anyways!

3. 4Sienna- Kensington Eyelet Detail Top-  I've been trying to dress more like an adult..getting rid of clothes I've had since high school...so my closet is getting kind of sparse.  I need some tank tops and love the details of this top.  I can dress it up and down!  Keep!

4. Fun2Fun- Mirabel Lace Insert Blouse-  I finally found a lace tank top that fits right!  I'm a little sad that it's not colorful.  But like I said earlier, I don't have much of anything that's black, so I suppose it's about time!  And, like other tank in this box, it can be dressed up or down. Keep!

5. Hailey 23- Kerrigan Dress-  I was so excited about this dress I forgot to take a picture of it!  Oh well, now you can see what a style card looks like.  The stylists give you style cards of the item with suggestions of how to wear it.  I have a few weddings to go to this summer and this dress is the perfect mix of casual and dressy.  Keep!

If you want to try Stitch Fix click here.  And I hope to see you all at my open day Friday! Thanks for another week of orders!

I've noticed that the blog post readers seem to enjoy the posts that have to do with my personal life or fun bakery information.  So.... in the spirit of what's been popular.  Here's a combination of both!

I've talked about the grease trap before, so I won't go into a whole bunch of details.  But in case you haven't read/don't know.  Bakeries and restaurants have to have a grease trap to intercept grease and fats from entering the city water supply.  Lucky me...and my husband...get to clean it EVERY month!  It's definitely not as smelly as a restaurant or bars is (thank goodness!), but it's still not very pleasant.  So here's my husband and I preparing to clean the trap.

Sometimes I get oh so lucky to have my husband swing by and do my dishes.  This mostly happens on open days since baking, helping customers, and doing dishes all at once can be a challenge.  I couldn't resist taking this picture when I peeked in the kitchen one day! He's tall...so hunching over the sinks hurts his back...so he stands like this.  I on the other hand, am so short that I'm practically in the sink trying to do the dishes.

Ok.  It's a little hard to see in this picture...but I promise they are there.  My husband stole my stool and sat (well slouched) in it during my last open day.  When he got up, I noticed wrinkles on the top from him slouching in it!  My pretty little stool now has wrinkles.  They have since faded a little bit...but I can still see them because I know they are there!

 


I stand for a very long time when I bake.  I tried sneakers, but found my memory foam Nike flip-flops to work better.  But wearing them in the winter wasn't so great.  When they got a little worn I went in search of something that would help my foot, ankle and back pain from standing.  I do stand on mats, but after 12+ hours...nothing seems to help.  After searching and searching, the same thing kept coming up....crocs.  So I bought a new pair of the same Nike flip flops AND a pair of crocs.  And I must say....they are super comfy!  

Sad, sad, day when you lose an egg.  That's about it for this picture hehe...dropped an egg on accident...

In addition to these behind the scenes pictures, I wanted to talk a little about my very first parade as Steph's Sweet Treats.  I participated in the Farmers Appreciation Day parade this past Sunday with my husband, parents, niece, and mother-in-law.  We handed out pens and can koozies....and I am so glad I didn't hand out anything edible.  It was hard enough keeping up and making people happy with pens and koozies!  I can't imagine what it would have been like if I would have handed out samples.  Even though we had a lot to hand out, we still ran out by the end.

I must say I was a little disappointed in some of the parade viewers. Don't get me wrong, seeing a bunch of customers, meeting new ones, and hearing positive feedback was great; and the good did outweigh the bad.  However,in addition to noticing some viewers get upset about not getting something edible, my dad overheard some people (adults mind you) that called my mom rude for not giving them koozies.  Apparently, they had been standing in a row behind a few other people waving their hands and reaching for a koozie and didn't receive one.  This really upset me.  First off, these are items I purchased to give away to people...they were not free to me, they were free to parade goers...so I feel complaining is not nice.  Secondly, my mom did not see them.  Thirdly, even if she would have seen them, we could not possibly hand something to every single person.  If you've been in a parade, or even just watched parades, you know what it is like.  You hand something to one person, and ten others run over or start reaching for one as well.  So I'm sorry if you did not receive a pen or koozie.  You were not purposely excluded.  We did our best to spread out the items, but it is so difficult, especially when so many people are trying to get something at once. Thanks so so much for all the kind and supportive customers who came and enjoyed the parade and gratefully accepted free items or did not care that they didn't get anything.

Thanks for another week of orders and I hope to see you all at next week's open day!

I bet when you saw the title of this blog post you were thinking one year of business....but I meant one year of marriage!  This past Sunday was my one year wedding anniversary so I thought it would be the perfect time to tell you a little more about my biggest supporter, number one fan, and cupcake taster.  My husband and the other half of Steph's Sweet Treats!  

-Side note:  Quick shout out.  The amazing photos throughout this post come from my photographer Kelsey Jean Photography.  You can contact her at 608-214-5357 or [email protected].  Give her Facebook page a like while your at it too.  Do it!

So by one year I really mean 10.  What do I mean by that?  Even though we just had our one year wedding anniversary, we've actually been together for 10 years.  We are high school sweethearts.  I actually had a huge crush on him in 8th grade...sorry I digress. High school sweethearts are rare, but oddly enough our class has five or six sets of high school sweethearts who got married in the past few years or are about to be married.  It seems like we all dated for an eternity before actually getting married.  Something I am now very thankful for.

I'll be honest and say dating for years and years is not always something I saw the bright side of.  When everyone around you dates for a year or two and gets married and you've been together for way longer than anyone you know and aren't married, it can be a little tough. But the thing about being a high school sweethearts is that you literally grow up together.  You go through petty high school dramas, moving out of the house, getting careers, homes, etc.  That's a lot of changes!  Most people get married a year or two into a relationship and have to weave their way through these new aspects of life and new aspects of a person. We got to go through a lot of that before getting married.  We've gone through ups and downs, figuring out life...you know, typical life problems. 

Don't get me wrong, I know things will still come up the rest of our lives and things won't always be rainbows and butterflies, but having dated so long, I feel like that experience makes you pretty strong since you've already hashed out a lot of problems.   I'm in no way saying high school sweethearts or long term relationships before marriage are in any way superior to anyone else's.  I'm saying, for me personally, having the chance to work through so much before getting married, worked for me and made us stronger.  I also realize, it isn't the case or circumstance for everyone. Everyone's story is different and I just want to share ours with you.

And let me tell you...as soon as I came to the acceptance that I was perfectly happy and didn't need marriage...we had a house, cat, dog, and a stronger relationship than ever..we got engaged!  It was the last thing I expected.  We had just gone through a small home renovation.  If you've done any home renovation you  know it's stressful and takes quite a bit of teamwork.  I don't know if this experience is what triggered Aaron (my husband) to get engaged, but whatever it was, I'll be forever grateful for. Because even though I accepted the possibility of not ever getting married, being married has brought us even closer.  

I always joke that it's a miracle Aaron hung on to me so long since he likes to trade things in pretty regularly....4-wheeler, dirt bike, house, truck, etc.  Well he's hung onto this last 4-wheeler for quite awhile so it must rank well too.  He always shrugged off other people's questions about marriage, so when he asked me to marry him (with cupcakes!) my first response was shock and I said "since when??"  And then of course I said yes!

Warning!  Mushy picture ahead.  Couldn't help but share this one.  I feel like Kelsey and sun flares have become a thing for our photos.  And I love them!

I'm sure you've realized by now that I like organization and planning.  My husband is pretty opposite of this.  Which makes him pretty awesome for putting up with the craziness that is my Type A personality.  I mean..come on...we got engaged, planned a wedding, and started a business in a little over a year's time.  That's a lot!  But boy oh boy did my need to be organized come in handy. I like to do things myself, but Aaron is always there ready to help if needed, or force his help when I'm reluctant to accept it and he sees it will ease my stress.  He painted walls at the bakery, did some dry wall sanding, went on equipment runs, and still helps out by cleaning the grease trap, going to get supplies, and doing the occasional sink full of dishes. 
 
Even if he's not there to physically help me, he's always there emotionally.  Whenever I have a long day, stressful event, or doubt myself...he's there.  (And of course he's there to taste test new cupcakes)  On a more serious note, I honestly don't know how I could stay sane without him.  I've taken on a lot in the past couple of years and he has always been nothing but supportive.  He has literally let me chase my dream.  It is scary to start a business, especially financially, but he believes in me...so he never shows any fear or doubt.  Him having my back is a huge key to Steph's Sweet Treats continuing to be a success.  

Being married to someone who owns a business probably isn't easy.  Especially since I'm the only person running it.  I'm at the bakery for really long hours, come home exhausted a lot (which makes Friday nights not so much fun most of the time); I'm always talking about ordering something, the latest cake/order, or anything bakery related, always returning calls and answering questions, etc.  Yet there he is...he's even dedicated most of his Saturdays to delivering and setting up weddings with me.  Who knows...maybe I can even teach him to bake so he can help me and I don't have to give my secrets to anyone else!  Ok, maybe that's a stretch...or is it??  I know he could do it and I know he would help me if he could.  So maybe I'm not too far off in saying that.  Don't panic Aaron.  I won't be throwing you into the kitchen for my open day baking :)

Warning!  Another mushy picture below.  But it's another sun flare so I had to share.  Plus I added a few more photos from our one year anniversary session since Kelsey does such great work!

Lastly, I just want to say happy anniversary to my husband again.  Thanks for being there with me through this crazy business journey, being my biggest fan, loving me for me, and being as goofy as I am.  In 10 years we've grown a lot, learned a lot, and been through a lot.  All of which have made us who we are today and has made us stronger.  Life isn't easy, but with you by my side, I'm confident we can handle it.  I love you!!  

Thanks for reading my mushy blog post everyone and thank you for another week of orders! I hope to see you all at my open day Friday!

It's Stitch Fix time!  If you haven't joined Stitch Fix yet....getting one of these boxes at your door is like Christmas morning!  What is Stitch Fix?  A great way to shop for clothing without ever leaving your house and shopping with the help of a stylist. Please note that I was not paid by Stitch Fix in any way to do this post/review.  If you want to give a try yourself, click here for my referral link.

 What you need to know about Stitch Fix:
-You fill out a detailed style profile of your likes, dislikes, sizes, how much money you prefer to spend, etc. 
- You choose how often you'd like to receive a fix.  Each time you can ask for specifics if you have something specific you want, or have an upcoming event to attend.  
-A stylist chooses and sends you five items based on your wants, style profile, fashion pinterest boards, etc.  Items can include clothing and accessories.  
-You pay a $20 styling fee for the fix, BUT if you keep something from you Stitch Fix the $20 is credited towards your total.  So the only time you "lose" $20 is if you send everything back.  Bonus: If you keep all five items you get 25% off everything!
-You get three days to try on your items and decide, then you checkout online and send back what you don't want in the prepaid shipping bag you get with your box.

Now lets get on to what I got in my box this month!  I have my fixes set up to arrive every other month...but once again I got impatient and bumped my shipment up.  I just really want more fun summer items....at least that's the excuse I'm using!  

Also, since my husband doesn't understand or like fashion at all.  He doesn't get the boot trend and calls every cardigan a blanket...his favorite outfit on me is jeans and sweatshirt!  So thought it would be fun and funny to add his feedback.  

Le Sample-Kahlo Embroidered Racerback Tank:  This tank went straight into my closet!  I had pinned the maxi dress version of this shirt and since it was unavailable my stylist sent it in the tank version...and I love it!  It's slimmer on the top and flows at the bottom, which I love!  It looks like a fairly simple top, but the details make it great.  It has lace embroidery on the front, racerback straps, and fabric gathering in the back.  

Husband's feedback: "Yea I like it" 

Skies are Blue-Frankie Lace Detail Blouse:  I liked this top a lot, especially the lace detail, but the sleeve situation was just a little odd on my narrow shoulders.  See those little flaps that are suppose to add a feminine touch?  They would have looked great on the right person, but on me, it just looked like extra fabric over my armpits.  Not very flattering.

Husband's feedback: "That looks weird. But you can do whatever you want."  Since I also thought the arms were a little strange and since it's not really my goal to look nice but a little weird...back it went.

Pixley-Priya Diamond Printed Knit-Back Tank: While I liked the colors of this top and light weight quality of it, it was too boxy and the print was a little much for me.  I have started getting more into printed items because of Stitch Fix, but this one is not one that I could on board with.  Back it went.

Husband's feedback: "What is that shirt?"  Me:  "Too much print?"  Husband:  "It's too much something."   Ohhh this made me giggle.

Just Black-Cami Crop Jean:  The jeans I get from Stitch Fix I swear are like sisterhood to the traveling pants jeans.  I always have a hard time finding jeans (which I think is a pretty common problem) so getting a pair in the mail seems like a disaster waiting to happen.  It's actually a miracle!  All my favorite jeans now come from Stitch Fix.  They are always the perfect length, fit and oh so comfy!  These crop jeans are the perfect for wearing under boots or folding into capris.  

Husband's feedback:  Never gave him a chance! Loved them so much I immediately threw them in the closet.  

Papermoon-Waters Chevron Print Maxi Dress: I love, love, love the maxi dress I got a few months ago from Stitch Fix and have requested more from now on.  I was excited to see one in this fix....but that tiny little drawstring at the waist...not a fan.  It hits me in a strange place and l just don't care for it.  The print, while pretty loud, I actually started to like as I had it one.  Just couldn't get over that darn drawstring.  Back it went.

Husband's feedback:  "That makes you look old."  Me:  "What?!" as I laugh.  Husband: "Just looks like something an old person would wear."  

If you want to give Stitch Fix a try click here.  I have had the best luck by being very specific with what I want.  Happy stitching and thanks for another week of orders!

With Mother's Day this past Sunday, I thought it would be appropriate to do a blog post about my mom.  But I can't talk about her love and support without mentioning my dad.  So I'm making this post about both of them!  They are my biggest fans and the reason I am where I am today.  

I'm very lucky to have parents who believe in me like they do.  I'm sure many people's parents might have been concerned when their 24-year-old wanted to open their own bakery, or any business for that matter.  Granted, most parents are supportive and want their children to do what makes them happy, but to have them never think twice about my business or business plan, was more than I could have ever asked for.  Instead, they immediately went into proud parent mode and helped me find the perfect location, paint walls on the weekends, deal with contractors, make trips to get cabinets, etc.  

Before I continue bragging about my wonderful my parents were through my business journey, let me tell you a bit more about them.  My drive and entrepreneurial mindset definitely comes from them...NOT the baking side...just the entrepreneurial side.  No offense mom!  They too own a business.  I remember how scary it was when they went into business. You never know what the future holds, but all you can do is hope for the best, give it your all, and work REALLY hard.  So that's what I'm doing.

They have been in business for 12 years, and they are only getting busier.  People start businesses all the time, but to make one last and grow is something that doesn't happen a lot and is something to strive for.  They have set a great example for me when it comes to working hard and reaching for the stars.  I can only hope Steph's Sweet Treats can be compared to their success someday.   

Warning!! This next section brags about my dad and how brilliant he is.  He didn't get the chance to finish high school, out of the necessity to work and make money.  He has a mind that can look at almost anything and make it, fix it, solve the problem, or do whatever it is that needs to be done.  He doesn't have a high school diploma or a college degree, yet he is one of the smartest people I know and has grown and sustained a successful business with his business partners.  

I have worked for my parents ever since they opened their doors.  At the time, that meant going to work with my dad all day while the rest of my friends were at the beach.  I may not have always liked it, but I learned how to set goals and how to manage money. I remember a specific day where I didn't want to go home until I finished packing all the handles I had.  It was the weekend and when I finally finished, my mom took me to Madison where I spent my check on a big stack of books.  Going to Madison was a big deal when I was young, because it didn't happen often, and being able to buy my own books felt like a huge accomplishment.  My first big purchase was an ipod.  Keep in mind this was back then ipods were new, very expensive, and looked like big bricks.  I was so proud of myself for earning my own money and I used that thing up until a few years ago.  I will probably never get rid of it, just as a reminder and for good memories.  

Having worked for my parents for so long and being an only child has always been stressful for me.  Not because working for them is stressful (well lets be honest, mothers and daughters know how to push each others buttons!), but because baking has always been my passion, and I felt a huge responsibility to carry on their business...but I wanted my own.  My parents have never told me I have to work for them, or have to take over for them.  In fact, I'm not even sure they know I have always felt this sort of responsibility.  Now I spend more time baking and building Steph's Sweet Treats than I do working for them, and they couldn't be happier for me.

Their support in my business venture has eased the stress/pressure of thinking I need to stay at their company.  A little piece of guilt will probably always stick with me, but when I'm in the midst of baking for a wedding, or knee deep in weekend orders, I know I did the right thing in opening Steph's Sweet Treats.  Because doing what you love for a career doesn't feel like work at all.  Sure, there's still job stresses and business things that need to be taken care of, but as a whole, owning and baking for Steph's Sweet Treats doesn't feel like work.  It just feel like my wildest dreams have come true (still can't believe it)....I feel at home...and I wouldn't have any of it without my mom and dad.  

Now, over a year after opening Steph's Sweet Treats, if you come to my open days you've probably seen my mom around. She ran the register for Valentine's Day and pops in after work to watch the door for me so I can go in the back and finish up orders, do dishes, or eat lunch super fast.  You may have also seen her at a bridal expo with me, Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship, wedding delivery, or around town with her Steph's Sweet Treats shirt on handing out a business card or two...yes she's known to do that.  

I know my mom tells random people about my business, but I never realized my dad has done the same...until last week.  I was in Kwik Trip buying my eggs and milk in the wee hours of the morning when the cashier told me my dad was in the day before. I was surprised they knew who my dad was because I had never run into him when this particular person was working (but we do often see each other this time of morning as he also goes to work super early).  They told me my dad was one proud papa...he had told them all about what I do and my business.  I was surprised and very touched.  I'm not the kind of person who tells people what I do unless directly asked.  I had never told the worker what I do; I just let them assume that I must eat a whole lot of eggs and chug milk on a daily basis.  So hearing that my dad had tooted his proud dad horn to someone, made my heart smile.

Let's not forget my in-laws!  They too have been a huge support for me as a person and in my business venture.  I married my high school sweetheart, so my in-laws have been in my life a long time already.  They welcomed me into the family right away...my mother-in-law even let me make her kitchen a mess with my after school and weekend baking adventures!  They sport their Steph's Sweet Treats shirts around town and are always happy to spread the word about my business.  My father-in-law even does pickups at my shop for me.  If you've had to pick up in the middle of the week, you've probably met him!  

So what I'm trying to say is....thank you!  Thank you to my parents for making me into the person I am, never doubting me even when I doubt myself, pushing me to go for my dreams, and being my biggest fans.  I love you!!

(My husband is also one of my biggest fans...but I have a whole other post planned for him)

And thank you to everyone else for another week of orders!

So this blog post has NOTHING to do with baking, but it's fun and part of my life...so I hope you enjoy it!  Any men out there, don't be scared off by a clothing post.  Stitch Fix could make a great gift for someone in your life!

Have you heard of Stitch Fix?  If you haven't, don't think you've been living under a rock or anything...I only heard about it around a year ago and it has been around for quite a while. If you don't like shopping, want help figuring out what looks good on you, or you just want to get some really fun items, Stitch Fix is the way to go.  Please note that I was not paid by Stitch Fix in any way to do this post/review.  If you want to give a try yourself, click here for my referral link.

 What you need to know about Stitch Fix:
-You fill out a detailed style profile of your likes, dislikes, sizes, how much money you prefer to spend, etc. 
- You choose how often you'd like to receive a fix.  Each time you can ask for specifics if you have something specific you want, or have an upcoming event to attend.  
-A stylist chooses and sends you five items based on your wants, style profile, fashion pinterest boards, etc.  Items can include clothing and accessories.  
-You pay a $20 styling fee for the fix, BUT if you keep something from you Stitch Fix the $20 is credited towards your total.  So the only time you "lose" $20 is if you send everything back.  Bonus: If you keep all five items you get 25% off everything!
-You get three days to try on your items and decide, then you checkout online and send back what you don't want in the prepaid shipping bag you get with your box.

Now lets get on to what I got in my box this month!  I have my fixes set up to arrive every other month (but sometimes I bump them up....because I get too excited and impatient).

Charles embroidered trim blouse by Fun2Fun.  I love the idea of this top...crochet bottom, loose fitting, keyhole in the back, but it just didn't fit me right.  The bottom looks like a high-low shirt, but I don't think it's supposed to be!  So it will probably have to go back.  I say probably because the rest of my fix is pretty cool and that 25% discount for keeping all five items would make it worth it. 

Simmons bootcut jean but Kut From the Kloth.  I was beyond thrilled to see these in my fix because I specifically asked for a lighter wash bootcut Kut From the Kloth pair of jeans.  And my stylists listened!  I am amazed at how great jeans from Stitch Fix fit.  I absolutely hate finding jeans that fit right.  I swear Stitch Fix jeans are magical jeans.  No matter what they send me, they seem to fit and are comfortable.  Yes...I said COMFORTABLE jeans!  In my closet they go! 

Dean ankle zip skinny jeans by Just Black.  First, let me say these are made in the US which automatically puts them on the awesome list for me.  I've noticed Stitch Fix uses several US brands and that makes me love it even more!  Second, my stylist listened to me on these too.  I asked for skinny jeans or jeggings that were comfy and stretchy in black, white, or mint (since I would eventually like to have all three), and they sent me these.  Fit like a glove and I'm pretty sure I could do yoga in them... they are that comfy.  For sure a keeper!

Shay maxi dress by Gilli.  My stylist once again gave me something I wanted.  I asked for a maxi dress that would fit my short frame.  She noted that this dress may be a little too long, but would be a great length if paired with wedges.  Did I mention the stylist puts together outfits for each item too?!  The dress fit great, and I thought the length was good as well.  The pattern on the bottom is unique, which I like.  The only thing throwing me off about it right now is that I am pale as a ghost so the light gray isn't very flattering.  Hopefully I won't stay a ghost all summer....so at this point I'm putting this in the keep pile.

Minna crew neck top by Le Lis.  I like the pattern, weight, and color of this shirt, but I'm just not sure how much I would wear it.  I really don't get to wear anything other than a t-shirt, sweatshirt or apron two days a week...and that's if I decide to get out of my sweats on Sunday :)  But, like I said before, if I keep all five items I would get a discount and would probably end up wearing the shirt.  Undecided about this one.  

Overall, I was VERY happy with this Stitch Fix.  I didn't have a good box last time, but I think I found a stylist I really like.  I had one that I thought I liked, then she went on vacation...and I got this one.  So I will be asking to keep my stylist when I add a note to my next fix.  When you checkout after getting your items, you get to review each item and leave notes about the items so the stylist gets an idea of what you thought.  Then, you can leave the stylist a note about anything you want next time.  

Getting a fix in the mail is a little like Christmas on your doorstep instead of under a tree.  Even if there are items you don't care for, seeing what's inside is always fun and you get to send back what you don't want for no charge! I've also noticed that some of the things you assume you won't like, you really like once you get them on.  It really opens your eyes to new styles. Try it for yourself here.  Let me know what you think!

Thanks for another week of orders and I hope to see you all at my open day Friday!