Girl Scout Glory: Remembering the Fun

"Who's the Girl Scout?," an acquaintance asked when she saw my sash and this magazine article on my front table.
"Me!," I replied.
"Oh that's awesome."

I think we all have a soft spot for the Girl Scouts and I was happy to see this article "Collector's Guide to Girl Scout Memorabilia" by Caroline Collins McKenzie in the March 2017 issue of Country Living magazine. It really jogged my memory. I thought back fondly to my green Girl Scout flashlight and the crisp plastic coin purse with snap. Treasures, they were treasures.

2017 is the 100th Anniversary of the Girl Scout cookie and this prompted the magazine to show a beautiful selection of Girl Scout memorabilia that has been available over the years. 

I knew I had to show you my own personal gem (above) full of badges that I earned each week along side my elementary school friends.

The Girl Scout organization, and more specifically our incredible Troop Leader, Mrs. Valerie Agresta, made an indelible mark on my life. I believe that my commitment to and success in the Junior League (a volunteer organization for women) goes back past my years of leadership in my sorority to my overall happiness as a Girl Scout. 

When I was leaving the home improvement store Lowe's last weekend, I chatted with 2 of the girls in uniform selling cookies. I told them that I was a Girl Scout too and that I still have my sash loaded with badges. 
"You do?," one asked incredulously. 
"Yep and I bet you'll keep yours forever too," I said, "I love Girl Scouts, learning things with my friends, earning badges. I'm basically you, only a lot older." 
She giggled and said, "Cool." 

Giving young girls a chance to learn from trained adult leaders is a wonderful way to expand their world and help them learn from a variety of female role models. Have you ever thought about being a scout leader?

Anne Reeves, Entrepreneur and Maker

When I was applying for the first-ever Country Living magazine "Pitch Your Product" event (which ultimately led to me being chosen and honored as one of their Women Entrepreneurs) I needed to submit a bio. Whenever I turned to the end of a particularly good magazine article, it always said something along the lines of: "So-and-so lives in Connecticut with her husband, 2 children and beloved Golden Retriever, Sam." Yawn.

I mean really, is that any way to summarize a person? And since I don't have any children or pets, my "standard" bio was non-existent. I countered with this ridiculous, clear and possibly obnoxious (?) bio in my application.

Who is Anne Held Reeves?

A hip craftster who repurposes vintage tablecloths into aprons?

No.

A fern-loving antiques dealer that lives & breathes Limoge boxes?

No.

A devoted scrap-booker that makes 3-D murals of Disney vacations?

No.

A Perrier drinking, cookie cutter collecting, photograph taking,

hydrangea loving, candy eating entrepreneur?

Yes!

_______________

I have an imaginary magazine that allows me to photograph & design magazine covers & then build them into modern day bags made entirely of plastic & tape. They are fresh, durable and push graphics into fashion.

I also own a design company, ANA, that specializes in one-of-kind

cigar box purses, tin wallets & ANA Delight Totes. 

I knit, sew, glue, tape, plant, bake, buy, try, think, feel, and live like

I am starring in my own movie.

That is how I described myself and my business (before I started writing).  I couldn't put artist, because that conjures up images of paint and galleries. I couldn't put professional girl because that makes me sound crazy. I wanted to describe myself as a maker - someone that succeeds in making things in many categories, but my mom vetoed that on the spot. I think she thought it sounded odd and old fashioned. 

When I tried to explain to her how "maker" made sense by enumerating all of the things that I did (knit, sew, glue, tape, plant, bake, buy, try), my mom said "Bingo! That - say that!"...and I did. 

Why am I telling you all about this now?  Because I was just reading Fast Company magazine and a business was described as having "a maker attitude." 

With the growth of Etsy (a website selling handmade and one-of-a-kind items) and Pinterest (an online inspiration board showcasing designs to buy, recipes to try and projects to make), the term "maker" has become part of the American lexicon.  Finally.

That being said, now that I can change my bio, I don't think I will.  I mean, being able to put that I "live like I'm starring in my own movie" is pretty accurate and very fun.  What do you think?

Country Living Blue Ribbon Blogger

Country Living magazine is having an event to recognize bloggers.  I've nominated my blog, Moments of Delight and would love if you would chime in and let Country Living magazine know that you enjoy my blog too. Thanks, Anne
http://www.countryliving.com/2012-blue-ribbon-blogger-awards-nominations

The Love of Blogging

Want to bring me delight?

I just nominated my blog, Moments of Delight for the "Blue Ribbon Blogger" Award at Country Living magazine.

This is not a contest, but a selection of the best blogs out there. Country Living is asking for nominations from blog readers.  You can nominate blogs through August 1st. 

If you would please: Click this Country Living link, type Moments of Delight and a few words about why you like my blog.  After 4 years of blogging 6 days a week (over 1,200 posts to read!), I feel that I really have fun, interesting and inspirational content for my readers. 

It would mean the world to me to be recognized.  Thanks!

Tiny Plates

While I was at the Country Living Fair, I fell for these charming little plates by Beaumont Pottery.  Some were stamped with lettering ("Tea" to catch a tea bag, "Butter" to put by a guest's dinner plate) while others had symbols like an angel or (my favorite) an old-fashioned church. 

I bought 6 plates in a variety of patterns and I am looking forward to all the different ways that I will use them.  As a matter of fact, my mother-in-law is coming to stay with us this week.  I will be using my little "Tea" plates before I know it!

(Note: If you are interested in some tiny plates of your own, you can call 740-982-0055 for pricing and shipping information.)

Country Living Fair 2010, Part Three

When I read the event schedule for the 2010 Country Living Fair, one seminar jumped out at me.

"Getting The Most Out of Your Cookie Cutters."

It has me written all over it, right?  With over 250 cookie cutters in my collection, I was happy to hear a lecture on one of my favorite things.

Did you know that there is a national Cookie Cutter Collectors Club?  

The demonstration turned out to be focused on cookie decorating (rather than collecting, like I had originally thought) but the instructor, Julie of Tin Treasures, did a nice job and had some great tips for both cookie baking and decorating.

Julie rolls her circle of dough out directly on a Silpat baking mat, cuts out as many cookie shapes as possible and then removes the excess dough from around the cookies.  This allows her to put the cookie sheet directly into the oven, eliminating the stressful step of transferring uncooked cookies from the board to cookie sheet.

Julie recommends "greasing" the cookie cutters by dabbing the circumference of the cutting edge with cookie dough and then dipping it in flour.  The tacky quality of the dough helps the flour to cling to the cookie cutter's edge and prevents the cookie dough from sticking during use.

She demonstrated that a plastic baggie can be transformed into an inexpensive piping bag by taping the corner (to increase stability) and sniping a small hole.  It pipes well enough to eliminate the need for special bags and tips, plus she always has some on hand in her kitchen.

Julie finished by highlighting ways to use unexpected candies as cookie decorations (taffy, fruit roll ups, licorice).  Simply cut the candy with scissors and secure the pieces to the frosting with Karo syrup.

While I was at the fair, I bought 2 vintage cookie cutters to add to my collection.  A fabulous rabbit and a formal coffee pot - love it!

Country Living Fair 2010, Part Two

I chose this photo for "Day Two" of my blog series on the Country Living magazine's Country Fair because it shows you so many things.

It shows you what incredible weather we had on Saturday - Blue sky and 74 degrees.

It shows you a glimpse of some of the fabulous vendors at the show.  This spectacular "dress" is made of wallpaper and highlights a necklace at Bloomsbury Loft of Columbus.  This dress is what happens when someone gives into their creativity.  I love it!

It also shows you the idea of collage jewelry.  The show was loaded with a mix of "anything goes" necklaces.  I saw collections of buttons, paper pinwheels, fabric cutouts and more all fashioned together to create statement necklaces. 

Feeling creative?  You should give it a go! 

Country Living Fair 2010, Part One

What a day for a Country Living fair!  I spent from 10 am till 5 pm scouring the fair for antiques and treasures and I had a wonderful time!  I attended 3 of the event seminars and will chronicle them here for you over the next few days. 

(*don't forget to enter my blog giveaway by midnight EST on 9/28!)

This "Junk Market Style" display by Sue Whitney was picture perfect.  Every detail of this harvest table was so on point that could practically smell a turkey in the oven.

During her lecture, Sue emphasized that junk is relative and that when you need a neat design element in a pinch, something "found" will often add the perfect unexpected touch to a room. 

Who's to say that an old dishwasher rack full of mason jar "vases" (shown hanging like a chandelier) isn't the perfect way to add a floral element to your dining room.  Simply spray it with galvanized paint and suspend it with some heavy rope.  Want it to be versatile?  For the next party, fill the jars with candles for a soft romantic glow.

The wooden chargers you can see at each place really are wood!  When a stump in Sue's yard had to come out, she converted it into thin wooden chargers with the help of a friend and his band saw.  Now that has to be the ultimate in repurposing!

Her soft brown "tablecloth" is really a needlework floor cloth project (that someone never got around to working with thread) so Sue used Gorilla Glue  to cover the center with plain linen and let the interesting boarder speak for itself.  So country western - I love how it pulls the colors together.

Her last unexpected touch?  Antique metal doorknobs became vases (filled with Alstroemeria blooms) at the center of each place setting.  Who knew that old knobs were hollow?

What is your favorite "junk market" object in your house?

Country Living Fair 2010

Are you getting excited? Country Living magazine's Country Fair in Columbus, Ohio is only 2 weeks away! It is not too late to make your plans to come for a weekend of shopping, demonstrations and all around country fun.

I am happy to announce that my Aunt will be a vendor again this year with her gorgeous tabletop antiques (look for her mint & brown "Carol" banner). You will love her gorgeous silver pieces and fascinating collection of tramp art.

Remember when my business won a Country Living women entrepreneur award? I look forward to this event not only for the family, fun (and food!), but because it gives me a chance to say hello and reminisce with the editors I met at the Country Living Women Entrepreneur conferences. I love this stuff.

So as you look at your calendar to see if you could possibly swing a weekend getaway (Sept 24/25/26), are you wondering just what the Country Living Country Fair is like? Follow these links to my blog posts from prior years...

Cooking Demonstrations, Flower Arranging Seminar, Fall Tablescapes and of course, Jeni's ice cream! Won't you try and come?

A Delightful Year

2010 is going to be a delightful year!

I am excited about my gift subscription company, "Subscribe To Delight" and I know that there will be lots of women running to the mailbox each month to see what I have sent!

What is "Subscribe To Delight?"

Each month, subscribers receive a surprise in the mail that I think is beautiful and interesting. The gift-wrapped package includes a narrative that explains what it is, why I chose it and how it can bring DELIGHT. The narrative adds to the experience and gives some talking points to explain delight to others. The purpose of SUBSCRIBE TO DELIGHT is to give the subscribers a “lift” and to let them know that someone is thinking of them. My goal is to add some fun and anticipation into our subscribers lives. Do you know a woman that would love a subscription to DELIGHT?

Have you read the write up in Country Living magazine?

Christmas Crackers

Feeling British? Why not decorate your holiday table with some English Crackers?

Boxed sets of English Crackers are all over the stores right now and make a great party favor. I think there is something so fun about pulling the ends, hearing the snap and shaking little trinkets out. What's not to like?

But I also wanted you to show you my version. Inspired by an old issue of Country Living magazine (British Edition) that features a trio of handmade English Crackers on the cover. I have thought about doing this project for years and years until I finally walked into the powder room last week and unrolled 3 complete rolls of toilet paper in order to get the empty tubes I needed. Seriously.

It was a piece of cake after that. Simply center the tube on a doubled piece of tissue paper, roll it up and place a piece of tape on the seam. Wrap a smaller piece of decorative paper (the same length as the tube) over the tissue layer and tape. Tie a pretty piece of ribbon on each end to gather the tissue and close the tube.

I didn't fill the tubes with candy & treasures (before tissue paper step), because I could see from the papers and ribbons that they would be too gorgeous to snap! I used pink tissue paper and a vintage-style map of Paris.

Make your own English Crackers...it's a snap!

Country Living magazine's Country Fair 2009

On September 19th, I am heading to Country Living magazine's Country Fair at the Ohio Historical Society's Ohio Village (a 22 building replica of a mid 19th century town).

Country Living brings the little village to life with seminars & demos and 150 vendors (selling everything from antiques & linens to beautiful hand-crafted accessories) There will be live music, icy lemonade and Country Living tote bags for sale - the perfect country fair.

I had a wonderful time last year - remember my posts? You can see all of the details for this year's fair here. Join me?

Country Living, Pitch Your Product tips #3

I was there, I pitched and I was chosen!

My company, Subscribe To Delight (a surprise gift subscription service), was a 2007 Pitch Your Product winner - see the Country Living write-up here.
To be one of seven honorees out of the hundreds that applied to Country Living magazine's "Pitch Your Product" event was an incredible experience.

I have decided to post a series of hints & tips (from my perspective) to make your "Pitch Your Product" experience the best that it can be.
(Click here to read: Part One and Part Two)
Part Three: The Day of the Pitch

Pitches are in the morning and you will be assigned a time. Don't let nerves (or the nerves of others around you) freak you out. If you think about it, you have been telling friends, relatives and customers "micro-versions" of your company for ages. These sound bites are the bones of your story and should help you formulate what you are going to say to the editors. There may be up to 45 minutes of waiting before you actually get to pitch.


Others will be nervous, don't follow their lead.

I want you to realize that a lot of the women there will be highly nervous. Perhaps they are unprepared, or have talked themselves into being scared of the process. I noticed that a lot of women were trying to expend their nervous energy by "making friends" with everyone there. I don't recommend getting wrapped up in the other women and their products before you pitch. (There is plenty of time for that at the conference when you will both be relaxed and have a lot more fun). The other women are essentially "practicing their pitch" on those around them and it can be very draining - that won't help your pitch or focus. Other women will see your product and want to "size you up" by asking about your company. This is another distraction that can throw you off. Be polite, but you can respond to any direct solicitation with "I need to think about some things, let's talk afterwards." It worked for me and I can tell you that I walked into my pitch as calm as a cucumber.


Smile & Introduce Yourself
Part of your job is to assure the editors that they did indeed "call back" the right companies. Smile and the editors will be at ease. If you put yourself in their shoes, you'll realize that there are multiple rooms of editors listening to more than 100 pitches. Each team is hoping that they get to hear some of the creme de la creme pitches - a company that sounds so good that the other editors will be interested too. So be sharp, be happy and tell them how much you love what you do.

Be Prepared
Once you have pitched, you can really mix and mingle. Attending a big event catering to women entrepreneurs is a really cool experience - one that you will look back on for years. Make the most of it by being prepared. Have lots and lots of business cards with you and take the time to meet and chat with other attendees. I like to carry a clipboard to events like this, it gives me a surface to jot down notes on and is handy for holding a pen. Meet other women entrepreneurs, find out about their businesses, (Do they blog? How do they communicate with their customers?) and share stories. I have made many friends at this event and still communicate with them regularly. The keynote speaker and entrepreneur panel will give tons of great advice. I recommend bringing along a notebook to record their suggestions. The websites and advice you hear may not apply to your business right now, but could be very valuable in the future. Capture it while you have the chance.

Most of all I want you to have fun...and tell me how it went! Good luck!

Country Living, Pitch Your Product tips #2

(Click here to read: Part One)

I was there, I pitched and I was chosen!

My company, Subscribe To Delight, was a 2007 Pitch Your Product winner - see the Country Living write-up here.
To be one of seven honorees out of the hundreds that applied to Country Living magazine's "Pitch Your Product" event was an incredible experience.I have decided to post a series of hints & tips (from my perspective) to make your "Pitch Your Product" experience the best that it can be.

Part Two: Preparing your Pitch

Don't memorize. I do not think that you should memorize a pitch. Although three minutes is fast, no time is so short that you want to sound like an over-rehearsed sixth grader. Adults can explain a concept in a short amount of time and passionate people speak from the heart. That being said, I do think you should think in "sound bites." If you have a few expressions that sound interesting and are memorable, that is something that the editors can take away with them mentally. For example, it is important to me that everything about my company is beautiful (the photography, ink color and message). Therefore when I showed them my "Subscribe To Delight" gift card (that announces that someone has been given a subscription to delight), I told them that it was designed to be "refrigerator-worthy." Meaning that this gift is so special that the announcement of it should be pretty enough to hang on the refrigerator for weeks. They laughed, "got it" and I guarantee that they did not forget the message that Delight was something special.

Little things mean a lot. If you have a "hang tag" that you tie on your product, bring it along to show the editors. If the ingredients in your soap are all natural, perhaps you should bring a glass shaker of herbs & flowers to illustrate your "secret recipe." If you make accessories, some 8 x 10 color photographs of the pieces on models or artfully displayed can enhance the editors' understanding of your style. Don't be afraid to hand them your samples. It makes the experience and evaluation more "real" if they can see the quality of your work up close.


This is not a bank meeting. They are not going to evaluate your bank statement or approve a small business loan. The editors are strictly looking for a great mix of new products or ideas that can enhance their magazine. Remember that your company existed before this opportunity and will be just as solid tomorrow. The pitch is simply a chance to expose your business to a wider audience - if the time is right.


Next time I will discuss interacting with the other women entrepreneurs.

Country Living, Pitch Your Product tips #1

I was there, I pitched and I was chosen! My company, Subscribe To Delight, was a 2007 Pitch Your Product winner - see the Country Living write-up here.

To be one of seven honorees out of the hundreds that applied to Country Living magazine's "Pitch Your Product" event was an incredible experience.

I have decided to post a series of hints & tips to make your "Pitch Your Product" experience the best that it can be.

Part One

First of all, do not be scared. You have a business that you love and are proud of it! A big thing that I noticed pitching is that the editors have great respect for the women who have forged ahead and established a business of their own. Approach this with confidence – no one is a more qualified expert on your company than you!

Remember that Country Living was impressed by your submission - that is why they want to hear more! So be proud and calm. They have already reviewed your paper proposal, looked you up online and are expecting you - all you have to do it show up and fill in the blanks of who "you" are.

Magazines are always looking for fresh content to wow their readers. Stop and think about what makes your business unique. Is it your target audience? What motivated you to start your business? Your vision for your company?
The mental road map you follow for your company could be very interesting to the editors.

A great example from Barbara Baekgaard (of Vera Bradley) is that she named the company after her mother, Vera Bradley. All decisions from that point on were held up to “would mother like her name on this product?”  A fascinating and real example of how her brand decisions were made. Think about how you make decisions and how you want your company to be remembered.

Tomorrow I will give suggestions for preparing your pitch.

Country Living Entrepreneurs

I have loved Country Living magazine for almost 20 years, so it was an enormous thrill to be selected as one of their 2007 Women Entrepreneurs after pitching my business to their editors. Want to see something cool? My profile is part of Country Living's web page! Click this link to see (or type Anne Reeves into their search box - so cool!).

The current issue of Country Living announces the Pitch Your Product winners for 2008. Congratulations to this year's Country Living women entrepreneurs!