I don’t know which is moodier – me or the weather goddess! We go from sunshine to clouds in an instant here, warm to chilly. And I go from focused to flighty just as fast. Perhaps they are related!?
I was able to tackle a ton of my list today. We also got the news that it looks like our bakery opening is being pushed from the very-hopeful May 20 two weeks back to June 3 since it will be nearly impossible to be ready by the 20th and we can’t open on a holiday weekend. We also have to give the GH opening team (who will come help us with everything the 2 weeks before we open) a 3 week lead time, so even though the store will be ready around May 1, we can’t open for an entire month!!! I know it’s all for the best, but it’s also extremely frustrating, especially since we’re paying rent and burning through money.
When I met the group in Northern Virginia last week and vented some of our stress to them they seemed surprised because I guess I paint a fun picture on the blog about picking out paint colors and putting up walls. But this is definitely the hardest thing we have ever done. Ever. And since I’ve gotten a lot more involved lately I’m feeling overwhelmed a lot of the time with all we have to do. Poor Matt is working even harder than I am, but then again, he doesn’t also have a blog business to run : ) I think given our new 3 week delay, I can take a couple of days away from my GH to-do list and work on stuff for KERF for a few days. Maybe even work in a coffeeshop – or shower!
To let go of some stress this morning I stepped away from the computer and CLEANED!!
Man cleaning makes me feel so good 
I broke out the Scour Off and got some of the crud out of our appliance cabinet (I was inspired when I was putting the vita-mix back in there.)
So natural I just spread some on with my finger:
And then scrub with a cloth and all kinds of sticky are gone!
I’ve also got another cleaning project soaking at the moment!
For lunch all I wanted was a Hugh Jass salad covered in last night’s leftover veggies and amazing bleu cheese!
And that’s just what I had.
Hugh Jass Salad For One
- 2-3 cups greens, dressed in olive oil + honey
- Leftover grilled eggplant + shrooms
- Some sprouted beans + peas I picked up from the grocery store, which had a nice earthy crunch
- Mango chunks
- Leftover broccoli
- Scoop of hummus
- Bleu D’Auvergne
- GH Dakota cubes for croutons
Moose sparkles on the side
A big Happy Birthday to THOMAS JEFFERSON!
And Happy Anniversary for Google Calendar!
Excited for some afternoon yoga!
Hello! I was reading in one of your past posts that you prefer Shaklee’s cleaning products. I looked on their website at one of the starter cleaning kits…and it looks like I’m going to need to find a distributor to order? I am in the L.A. area…do I need to find someone local or can I just go through you?
Hey Jamie! You can absolutely go through me – just click through the links in the post. It’s a national company but it will still ship to you locally. Hope you love it!
Mango and bleu cheese – that’s awesome!
I’m sorry you’re under so much stress 🙁 you must just be dying to get it open and started, after such a build up for so long. I hope it goes well between now and then 🙂
I hope your business stresses get better.
That cleaning product seems like it works well. Especially since its natural
Lunch looks delicious!
Well you do seem to show all of the fun stuff on the blog, but with all that fun stuff comes plenty of hard work and stress!
I cannot imagine what it must be like to start my own business, but of all the people that I feel could do it successfully, it would HAVE to be you and Matt!! I hate that you’re under a lot of stress, but in the end, the stress will fall to the wayside, and you will be able to take a big sigh of relief and pat yourself on the back. 🙂 Everything will work out.
On a different note, your lunch looks fantastic!!! Mmmmmm…;) Enjoy yoga and free your mind of your to-do list for a little while. Have a great rest of the day, Kath!!!
that salad looks a lot better than the turkey sandwich that i brought for lunch…and eat just about every single day! I think that big chunky additions to salads definitely spice them up! You are going to become the queen of the spectacular salads on top of your reputation for amazing oatmeal! I
It’s good to show all the good stuff but it’s also refreshing to see that it does get overwhelming for you. Sometimes I feel like you’re super-human with all your positivity, lol! I’m just jealous! I’ve always been the glass half-empty type. 🙂
I would def need some more protein to bulk that up and a fruit as well (apple likely).
Forgot to mention the scoop of hummus – also mango is fruit!
I thought that was squash! Never had mango.
Love the bread cubes and grilled eggplant – so good!
Ah ok cool! Hummus works– and totally forgot about the mango!!!
keep on keepin’ on! it must be very overwhelming at moments, but if anyone can do it, it’s YOU and MATT! =)
Definitely step away and breath (as you said in your previous post). It has to be frustrating, but it will all work out in the end. Use this additional time to relax and enjoy the simple things, because once you open you won’t have the time.
Hi Kath,
You both must be feeling so overwhelmed right now. Remember to try to take some time for yourself, no matter how busy you are. I am so excited for you though!!! In just a few months you’ll be running your own business 🙂 As I sit here at my desk job, I am very jealous. Maybe it’s a blessing that the opening has to be delayed a few weeks.
Ah, a hidden blessing in the delayed start date – some wiggle room in your schedule! I always find myself engaged in organizing and cleaning projects when feeling stressed, esp. when I am feeling out of control of situations b/c it gives me a sense of order over things I can control. It always helps me feel better about my circumstances (plus I love inhabiting a clutter-free/shiny environment.)
Have a wonderful yoga session, Kath!
Cleaning and tidying make me feel good too. I like feeling that everything has its place – that’s probably one of the reasons why I became a librarian (I’m not ashamed to say that I love cat and class). Hope you have a smooth ride to June 3!
That’s frustrating about the delay, but it sounds like you and Matt are definitely learning a lot! I’m the same way as you in that having a clean house makes me feel great. In fact, there are days (like today) when I wish I could stay home and clean! (Yes, huuuuuge nerd here!) Lunch sounds delicious!
Cleaning IS a great stress relief! Been loving reading about the bakery’s progress…good things come with time! Good luck with everything 🙂
I am sorry Kath. I TOTALLY feel you, that’s how we were getting the clinic up. It seems like there is always some new fee to pay or form to fill out. But you’ll get there and it will be awesome. Deep breathing!
Hopefully those extra few weeks will allow you to get some extra time, and therefore lessen the stress load. I’m sure it will all go perfectly no matter when the opening date is! 🙂
I dislike the weather changes too-it makes me crazy!! But, cleaning helps anything. And a good salad. Have a fun yoga class 🙂
I can only imagine everything that must go into getting the bakery ready for business. But, I am sure it will all be worth it in the end. I need to get some of that Shaklee scour-off. I only have the other concentrate cleaning products, and they seem to work pretty well.
OH man, Scour Off is the BEST!
It is! I just got my products the other day and will have to send pictures.
I love that you named the salad Hugh Jass. Adding it to my vocab 🙂 It looks delicious!
I’m so sorry things aren’t going so smoothly these days with the GH prep, but soon this will all be a thing of the past and you guys will be cranking away (and we’ll be by regularly to stock up)! It’s going to be great — just hang in there!
You do paint a fun picture, but I can’t imagine how difficult it really is.
I wish cleaning relaxed me, my place would be a lot tidier.
Oh cleaning…I can only really get in a groove if I’m home alone…weird? I also get my best cleaning done when I’m procrastinating on lesson plans. haha!
That salad looks delicious…you can’t go wrong with a monster salad with TONS of great toppings!
All of the stress will be worth it when you have a fabulous business!!
I have admired how light you have kept the bakery posts, because any endeavor like that gets stressful and time-crunched, no matter how well things are going.. Have a good yoga class.
so sorry to hear that things are so stressful right now, I can only imagine!
It will all be worth it in the end and I know you two will forge through and work together like you always do! 🙂
I can’t even begin to imagine how challenging it is to open a business. You & Matt are doing a great job 🙂
I have to say, I have felt like a serious Debbie Downer lately. Stress is just piling up on me and really I’m so over it. I’m sorry about the date changing on you, but hopefully you will have an extremely strong opening due to waiting! Enjoy yoga this afternoon!
Haha go google calendar! Cute.
http://goldhearted.etsy.com
You know I can’t resist a Hugh Jass.
I love your use of “Hugh Jass” salad – so creative! Your blog posts have really inspired me to get creative w/my oatmeal AND my salads!
I LOVE the feeling of cleaning and getting things done! I feel ya on that!
Love the Thomas Jefferson Birthday shout out! ha!
I’m sure this is the most stressful thing ever. I was the office manager + exec assistant to the owner of a restaurant that moved from 2,000 sq ft to 16,000 sq ft and did an entire remodel. It wasn’t even MY restaurant but there was so. much. to. do… AT ALL TIMES. I’m glad you have a company like GH supporting you, that sounds like it will make all the difference.
My only advice is to take a half-hour or hour off from the madness daily, like you did today. AND make sure your contractors have all the required permits and that you know what to expect from any health inspections… they can delay openings if they find something they don’t like. It could be as little as not having enough nail brushes at wash sinks, or the paper towels aren’t in the bathrooms. But those are things you’ll always have to be on your toes about.
You can do it!! Its almost June!:)
“especially since we’re paying rent and burning through money.”
And this being the hardest thing you’ve ever done…YES!
My husband does advertising and marketing for small retailers and franchisees. Many times when ppl buy into a franchise, they go to the corp HQ, do trainings, do everything you did and my husband then helps them discuss their advertising & marketing strategy. Most everyone says yes, it’s the hardest thing they’ve ever done. Overwhelming, scary, second guessing…all part of it.
Kath, so sorry that you feeling the pressure! But of course, anyone would be! And trying to run the blog and keep it all together…you’re doing a fantastic job 🙂
i’m definitely affected mood-wise by weather. that’s why i love living in los angeles!
Today is also the anniversary of Handel’s “Messiah” oratorio!
Sorry about the business frustrations, but it seems like you’re handling it well by continuing to treat yourself well! 🙂 Don’t worry because in the scheme of things, it will be for the best, just like you said. And besides, your salad looks amazing! Love mango with vegetables/salad/salsa/etc. Have a fab day!
Sorry to hear about the frustrating hiccups with the bakery! 🙁 Sounds like you are doing an awesome job of dealing with everything as well as you can; easier said than done in situations like this! Kudos for your hard work and patience. I am sure it will all pay off when your GH booms with business 😀
Cleaning allllways makes me feel better. <3
I’m the office manager for a restaurant franchise, and I’ve been through 3 restaurant openings. And with every single one of them, our opening date was gradually pushed back for months. While it may not be much help, just know that what you’re going through is perfectly normal. It will be up and running before you know it, and all of your hard work will pay off!
I would think it would be EXTREMELY stressfull and you do hide it pretty well. It takes a lot of courage to do what you guys are doing. Your bakery is going to be amazing and the community will embrace it and the passionate people who run it! Yes, definitely take time for you – and, don’t worry about the money…it will flow….and it is so normal for start-ups to have business loans. That is what they are there for:)
Man, I bet it is really frustrating to know that your bakery baby is all ready to go and all it can do is just sit there for a month! Boo, that stinks. Hopefully you can get some fun time in soon 🙂
Cleaning helps me de-stress too! Nothing frustrating about having a clean house 😉
Officially bummed — your original estimated opening would have been when we were in Charlottesville — our last visit was 26 years ago. I’ll just have to peek in the windows! I feel your stress. Every time I read one of your posts I think of how many things you are dealing with in pulling it all together to become operational (I worked in retail). You’re so organized that everything will turn out great. Take time for yourself, and breathe 🙂
It is funny how cleaning can be so therapeutic at times! 🙂 I love the terminology hugh jass…I definitely busted out laughing when I read that!
Hang in there! Things will calm down before you know it and your doors will be wide open and full of yummy baking bread! 🙂
Hey Kath! keep hanging tough and remember to have time to yourself! I think it’s so important to love being with ourselves in quietness and deep thought 😀
I had the best oatmeal I have ever made this morning and thought, “Kath would be proud”… although now that I type that it is a little embarrassing :). You seem to be doing such a great job, I can only imagine the stress. And thanks for the little facts, somehow I didn’t know I shared a birthday with Jefferson 😀
Lilly, don’t be embarrassed–I did the exact same thing this morning! I was laughing at myself as I admired my bowlful of deliciousness and thought, “Thanks for the inspiration, Kath!”
The fun side of business, right?! Not everything goes the way you lay it out nor expect but thats what makes running your own business fun and exciting. The challenges. You’ll get going and soon the things that frustrate right now, will get your adrenaline flowing and super charge you to make you more determined for success. Make the delay work for you.
Good luck.
That salad looks SOOOOOOOOO good.
I love to clean too. It really clears the mind. I find I concentrate better when my environment is clean.
Hopefully by the time June 3rd rolls around, you’ll be able to open the doors! 🙂
Hugh Jass Salad – haha you crack me up!!
Ohh you’ll be opening on my bday weekend (June 4th)! Houmous makes the best salad topper 🙂
Your salad looks totally foodgasmic, as per usual. I always forget about making my own breadcrumbs. Most of the time I’m starving, so just whip something together quickly 🙂 Yum!
God bless Google and their calendar. I’m such a fan!
Cleaning helps relieve my stresses too! My friends find that so strange and weird, but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do!
As a fellow business owner, I will tell you it gets better and it gets worse 🙂 When you run in the black, it’s a great feeling! And when you have some unforseen problem arise (like you are having now) it can be really hard and you ask yourself “Why did I want to do this??” In the end though, being self employed is awesome and much better than being an employee. You guys are going to do great!
Sorry you are under lots of stress Kath! Hope all the bakery stuff goes well though!
Although I am sorry that things are so stressful, I love that you blogged it! Always good to see that other people deal with the same frustrations of life. Keep chugging.
I just want to say thanks for letting us in a bit on what’s going on in your life. So many times I get jealous of bloggers who have perfect meals, perfect workouts, perfect homes, etc. and it’s always nice to know they’re human too. But I do hope the stress dies down soon and I’m really excited to see the finished product of all your hard work : )
Yes…completely agree! Thanks, Kath, for the ‘real’ blog 🙂
I spy the best kitchen aid ever 🙂
Some yoga this afternoon will be hopefully wipe some of the stress away. It’s been moody-like weather around here with the overcast skies and rain, so I’ve been relying on some exercise endorphins too to get me through the busy end of school year rush!
I am loving the shaklee products my house is so clean! thanks again for letting everyone know about these great products ! they are amazing I am a cleaning nut
Yay! Send me photos!
It is definitely a moody time of year – everyone I know seems to be in a mood lately.
On days like those – yoga is a lifesaver!
Running a business is tough!! Believe me, I know! I have been part of small businesses all my life. It is the greatest and worst at the same time.
Hang in there! It’s going to be an amazing journey. 🙂
I know we’re not opening a business, but I understand the crazy to-do lists and feeling overwhelmed! With Chris working + in grad school it makes it tough for us both to balance everything. The busy schedule is also making me want/need more sleep, but I feel like there isn’t time…my hunger is through the roof as well! I know you’ll get through it Kath! Soon, all of the to-do’s and planning will be a thing of the past!
I’m sorry about the delay! I know when you really are looking forward to something….it’s hard to deal with waiting even longer for it! On the bright side….lunch looks delicious! I love the flavor combos you got going on there! Mango+Cheese=match made in heaven! I have actually had goat cheese with mango chunks in it before!
Spending money while not making any money…sounds like a dietetic internship.
Tell me about it!
Sorry to hear about the delay:( I’m guessing these things happen all the time but it doesn’t make it any easier!
In positive news, your salad looks delish as usual:D I can’t believe I used to not like blue cheese, now it’s one of my faves!
I know it all seems hard at the moment – but it WILL all come together and I just KNOW it will be wonderful!!!
YUMMY! (minus the bleu cheese)….makes me even more excited for the salad I packed with mango chunks for tomorrow’s lunch!
I’m sorry things are so stressful for you right now! But I’m sure it’ll all be worth it when the bakery opens! 🙂
I hope your stresses subside soon!
Hang in there. My dad is a business broker and I here him talk all the time about people opening business and how difficult it is.
I hope you get some time to relax and maybe do something for yourself.
That sucks about the opening being pushed back. But that means you will be ringing in my birthday with opened doors! I think June 3rd is a super lucky, awesome day for it. (But I might be just a small amount biased.)
I had to attend a training for work today in Nashua, NH and I was directly across from a brand new Great Harvest that has its grand opening on Friday!! I’ll have to return to check it out. 🙂
Yes!! They open Friday – so exciting!
Hi Kath!
I can only imagine the amount of stress you two must be going through these days……however, I just know your GH bakery is going to be such a huge success…..just look at you two! 🙂
My Shaklee products came in the mail..woo-hoo. I’m gonna get my clean on! (wow, I sound like a goob…hehe)
Clean, clean and away!!
You’ve been inspiring me for about a year now and I have YET to comment. So, here’s my first comment Kath! I’ve started a little food blog, inquired to go to pastry school, made kale chips, ate peanut butter with my oats, and just last week went into the GH in Newton, MA to get a slice. Your site’s an escape of my crazy day teaching preschool. Thank you
: ) So glad!
I agree – building is extremely stressful! I can’t even imagine building a business! We were supposed to close on our house at the end of this month but right now it looks like it won’t be until the end of next month!
I just want to say thanks for the pod idea. We have been staying at my parents the last few months and our things are in storage. I can’t wait to get them back!
I really love the philosophy of the GH franchise.
I recently visited the GH in South Pasadena here in L.A and the staff was so friendly and knowledgeable. I thought the person was the owner, I assumed wrong, but the knew everything I asked like nutrition facts and bread recommendation. I eventually met the owners Chris and his wife? What a lovely couple.
I thought of you and Matt while I was at the bakery, that will be you guys standing behind the counter soon.
Anyways, I saw that the bakery had their award up for Top Young bakery from 2010? or something of that sort. They are in a neat neighborhood, it feels very homey.
Oh fun! So glad you had a good experience!
I feel for you Kath! I work part-time, go to school full-time and have two kids. Sometimes I think I’ll go insane from the pressure and stress! I try to remind myself that this is a temporary situation and when this time is over I will look back and know that it was all worth it.
BTW, if you need to work out more stress, you can come to my house to clean!
You’re a good salesperson…I just ordered some Scour Off!! 🙂