The Sugar Mommy

DISCONTINUED

2011-03-28T20:05:00.000-04:00

Thank you to all the readers who've been following The Sugar Mommy's business through this blog.
You can now stay on top of events, products, promotions, and news through the new blog. Simply go to www.thesugarmommy.com and click on "news and updates" at the bottom of the screen. This will take you to the new wordpress blog. Hope to see you there!

Whatever the Customer Wants...

2010-09-10T14:54:00.000-04:00

Some companies tell you that they work directly with each customer to ensure total satisfaction...but do all companies make what you tell them to make and get a satisfaction guarantee? I don't think so!

When you order from The Sugar Mommy, be it care packages for your college kid or corporate gifts for your mid-size company, you choose what The Sugar Mommy makes and if you're not completely happy, The Sugar Mommy will either make you a new product or refund your money...but The Sugar Mommy doubts that will ever happen.

I have had two experiences recently where customers designed their own cookies and they turned out fabulously, or as one customer texted me after trying out the cookies she ordered, "Holy crap! These are wicked good!" Sounds like a satisfied customer to me...and she ordered something I had never made before: oatmeal, dark chocolate chip, cranberry, orange zest cookies! This week I made dark chocolate chunk, semi-sweet chip, m&m, Heath cookies. I don't think I would have come up with that combination on my own, but it worked.

So the next time you have a hankering for something sweet, call up The Sugar Mommy and get exactly what you want!

Gift Baskets - Everyone Wants One

2010-09-06T13:12:00.002-04:00

I am very excited to be focusing on gift baskets and care packages. In my adult life, I have ordered countless gift baskets for friends, colleagues, family members who baffle me gift-wise. There are so many great offerings out there (popcorn tins, balloons, flowers, cookie arrangements, wine, etc.), and The Sugar Mommy is now among them!

The next time you need to order a gift basket for that special person (your child, niece, nephew, godchild, neighbor, boss, grandchild, etc.), think of The Sugar Mommy. I will work with you to ensure total satisfaction.

Everyone loves a sweet! I even carry some less decadent goodies, such as banana and pumpkin bread, which are delicious, but not chocolaty (unless you want them to be).

While it is still September, the holidays will be upon us soon, and it's now time to think about all those people on your list. Contact The Sugar Mommy, let me know who's on your list, what they like, and where to ship...I'll take care of the rest.

College-Bound

2010-08-24T08:21:00.003-04:00

It's time for the kids to head back to college, and what better way for parents to care from afar...send care packages...well, call The Sugar Mommy to send care packages!

My new focus will bring fresh, delicious, custom baskets to college kids all over the country.

Best of all, parents get to customize each basket for their child. So if your child is a nut-lover, then chocolate chips cookies loaded with nuts, peanut butter cups, and chocolate covered pretzels covered in crushed nuts are the way to go. If your child is a fan of coconut, then a selection of oatmeal coconut chocolate chip cookies and chocolate covered pretzels covered in toasted coconut and solid chocolates with toasted coconut mixed in is the perfect package.

The Sugar Mommy is a mom and knows how busy other moms are, so let The Sugar Mommy bring freshly-baked, homemade goodies to your child...everything is homemade, just not in your home!

Spread the word!

New Direction for The Sugar Mommy

2010-08-05T20:44:00.002-04:00

After a lot of soul-searching and a lot of hemming and hawing, The Sugar Mommy has decided to focus efforts on gift baskets and care packages.
While I've loved making small batches of cookies and peanut butter cups here and there whenever asked, I would love consistency in my work. I would love to provide goodies to college and boarding school students around the country, paid for lovingly by their parents or grandparents.
So, I need to somehow get the word out to parents everywhere that they should contact me to set up arrangements for ongoing deliveries. Packaging will be seasonal and festive.
Think: good luck on exams, Happy Halloween, congrats on rush, good job making the team, broken heart, Happy Valentine's Day, and more!
The Sugar Mommy is ready to bring home-baked love to children everywhere!

The Meat House - One Stop Shopping

2010-07-19T14:29:00.002-04:00

Why roam around the supermarket trying to figure out what to make for dinner? Why get greasy takeout? Why have a bowl of cereal?
Go to The Meat House and get a complete meal:
some teriyaki or house-blend steak tips, orzo salad from Simply Delish, and cookies from me!
It feels great to eat well and to support local businesses at the same time. If your local Meat House doesn't carry The Sugar Mommy or Simply Delish, make sure to talk to a manager and get them on board.

This Blog is NOT JUST ABOUT ME!

2010-07-12T07:50:00.002-04:00

I wanted to take the opportunity (and the fact that I created this blog and can do with it what I like) to give a shout-out to my new friend Amy Rodman. Of course, I want and need all the business support I can get for The Sugar Mommy, BUT I also want to recognize another small business out there that I think is AWESOME! She is the owner of Sinful Squares, a delicious brownie company.
Amy, like myself, is licensed out of her home. She has young children and works around family schedules. She makes fabulous brownies and she ships them all over.
You should check her out and add her to your list of go-to sources for great gifts.

I love The Meat House!

2010-07-07T09:04:00.002-04:00

I am so excited to announce that The Meat House in Bedford, NH, will be carrying The Sugar Mommy's award-winning loaded chocolate chip cookies this weekend, July 9th!
The Meat House has a bunch of local and national shops and I can only dream of getting my products in all of them.
Keep your fingers crossed that The Sugar Mommy will someday become a national household name and not just a name in my own household.

Looking for Retail Opportunities

2010-07-06T14:51:00.003-04:00

The Sugar Mommy is ready to place products in retail outlets in and around southern New Hampshire.
Are you a business owner or do you have connections at local businesses such as Angela's Cheese Shop in Manchester, Brookdale Farm in Hollis, the Fruit and Flower Market in Manchester, The Meat House, and others?
The Sugar Mommy is still happy to fill your individual orders and party favor needs, but is also excited about branching into retail.
Please let me know if you can help...free products for good leads :-)

Best of NH Party - Thursday!!

2010-06-21T09:20:00.003-04:00

I am very excited to participate in my first Best of NH Party! I have always wanted to go to this event, but somehow something has managed to get in my way every year. Well, this year is different...I AM A VENDOR! Yes, because I won Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies, I get the privilege of attending the event as a vendor to show off my award-winning cookies.
And, because I am smart enough to bring some help with me (something I often forget to do at events), hopefully I'll be able to take a little time and walk around to see the other goodies.
I am also excited to showcase my new business cards, which have pictures of some of my treat selections on the back. Susan at www.sandpiperartisans.com created a great card for me, and hopefully in the future we'll work together on a brochure.
I hope the Best of NH Party shows the community who I am and what I can do. My ultimate goal is to get my product into fabulous local stores, so if anyone has connections, please send them along.
Hope to see you at the party!

Big News!

2010-06-07T12:12:00.003-04:00

So it's obviously been way too long!
Between moving in April and trying to get settled in the new house and then a few big events, it's been hard to get to the computer...not to mention that for about 3 weeks I was without a computer due to dropping my old one on the floor.
Anyway, here I am, back online and ready to report big news...
EDITOR'S PICK FOR BEST OF NH!!!
So, as a result, I will now be a vendor at the hugely popular and very exciting Best of NH event, which will take place on Thursday, June 24, 5:30-8:30 at the Verizon Wireless Center!
I just participated in the WZID Girls Night Out event at the NH Institute of Art and it was a blast. I met great people and gave away hundreds (and I mean hundreds) of samples...especially in the first 30 minutes.
So get your tickets to the Best of NH event and show your support.

Long time, no write

2010-05-03T07:16:00.003-04:00

Sorry, readers! It's been a crazy time since my last post, what with packing, moving, unpacking, and trying to get settled in my new home (which isn't even finished yet).
But I am back in action, baking and making chocolates like a crazy lady.
In fact, Friday is the WZID Girls Night Out in Manchester, so if you are in NH and looking for a fun time out with the girls that still gets you home early enough to hang out with your man (or by yourself, for that matter), then check it out!
Lots of great vendors, including my friend Kathy who sells wine glasses, Piccola Italia and XO on Elm, Not so Plain Jane's, and so much more!

Women's Expo was a SUCCESS

2010-02-21T13:23:00.002-05:00

I am thrilled to say that the WZID Women's Expo yesterday was a huge success. The crowd turnout was huge, in the thousands. So for a new business like mine, it was great exposure. I met amazing women and made wonderful contacts.
Pictures will be up soon!

Favors for Your Party

2010-02-17T17:56:00.003-05:00

Lots of people have been inquiring about favors for an upcoming event, be it a 60th birthday party for a fabulous woman, a first birthday party for a baby boy, an office Valentine's Day party, a Christening, or anything in between!

Here are some pictures of favors I've made for special events. With your imagination and my creativity, we can come up with the perfect customized favor for your special occasion.

Women's Expo Bound!

2010-02-12T13:15:00.003-05:00

So the WZID Women's Expo is a week away and what's a girl to do other than sign up for a booth and get ready! I mean, not like I need to stress or anything. I've got A WHOLE WEEK!

This Expo is exciting because it draws far more people than the Wedding Expo I did last month and it has far more vendors. It should be really exciting, plus Loretta LaRoche is the guest speaker at the event.

I am really nervous but also pumped up to put myself out there in the community as a serious player in the party favor/platter industry. I want people to see and taste how great my stuff is and choose me the next time they are planning something big.

So tell your friends, and come on out on Saturday, February 20th, from 10am until 4pm at the Center of NH/Radisson Hotel Expo Center in Manchester, NH.

Going on the Radio

2010-01-26T07:22:00.002-05:00

So, I've decided to place advertisements on the radio, and what better station than southern New Hampshire's great everything station, WZID. They're one of those stations that you can listen to all the time, with the kids in the car, because the talk and the music are appropriate and not embarrassing.
It's a big step, but I think radio advertising is a good avenue to explore. I've done some big local events, and I've been mentioned in newspapers and even magazines (local, of course), but now I think it's time to hit the airwaves.
So, be sure to listen to WZID 95.7 if you are in New Hampshire and check out my ads soon.

Plan Your Big Event with The Sugar Mommy

2010-01-09T09:01:00.002-05:00

Now that I've attended the WZID Wedding Expo, I feel confident about focusing my attention on large-scale events.
Are you planning a wedding, shower, engagement party, bar/bat mitzvah, milestone birthday or anniversary party, sweet 16 bash, retirement or graduation party, christening, or housewarming?
Then let The Sugar Mommy help you make it memorable and SWEET!

Favors
Platters of chocolates
Platters of cookies
Hospitality bags for out-of-town guests coming to your party
Chocolate buffets
Special gifts for bridesmaids, groomsmen

The Sugar Mommy is excited about all the possibilities.

Chocolates can be molded into fun shapes likes shoes (for an upcoming party I'm working on), sports equipment, tools, and more!

Chocolate pretzels can be sprinkled with fun shapes like candy canes, snowflakes, hearts, lips, and more!

Call, email, or text with your inquiry and let's celebrate!

Wedding Stuff

2010-01-04T16:03:00.005-05:00

So the WZID wedding expo is over, and now I am pumped about doing wedding stuff.

I talked to so many brides yesterday and thought of many ways to bring The Sugar Mommy to the wedding/special event world:

platters of chocolates or pretzels for engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, post-event brunches

platters of sweets on wedding/event tables instead of individual favors

individual favors

hospitality bags for out-of-town guests with freshly-baked cookies and more

sweets for the bridal party on the day of the event

Call or email to discuss your event!

Getting Ready for Wedding Expo

2009-12-31T10:09:00.002-05:00

The WZID wedding expo is officially three days away and I am stressing big time. This event is my first wedding event so I am very nervous about how to prepare my booth and what to have with me.

If you have any tips, please email me at thesugarmommy@gmail.com. Check out my website and let me know what you think would be good for brides.

I have little bags filled with chocolate covered pretzels sprinkled with hearts, colored sugar, and drizzled with chocolate. I also have bags of peanut butter cups and molded chocolates and filled chocolates. And there are takeout containers of freshly baked cookies, as well as boxes with chocolate covered Oreos. And the real kicker is the chocolate heart box!

Come one, come all! Should be a fun event.

Holidays over...time for Wedding Expo!

2009-12-25T07:36:00.002-05:00

After a busy holiday season and lots of corporate gifts, it's time to focus on the WZID Wedding Expo that's coming up a week from Sunday.

I have already begun the busy process of baking, frosting, and decorating hundreds of cupcakes for the elaborate cupcake tower that some lucky brides will destroy on their quest for buried prizes.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the cupcakes.

On top of the cupcake endeavor, I also have to prepare favors for the booth I'm getting at the expo.

Spread the word to all those newly-engaged girls to attend the expo at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, NH.

Bark

2009-12-07T15:41:00.006-05:00

My husband's beloved Grammy always had chocolate almond bark on her coffee table. That's just one of the things he loves and remembers about her.

I'm discovering so many new and exciting ways to create chocolate bark.

I love taking dark and white chocolate and swirling them together. I also love layering them to get a pretty look when it's broken into pieces.

And coming up with flavor combinations is so fun: pecan and kosher salt, cranberry and pecan, peanut and raisin, candy cane and white chocolate, white chocolate and Oreo, and now milk chocolate and Oreos with chocolate filling.

Do you have any suggestions for me to try? If so, I'll give you a plug on the website and blog.

Cookies!

2009-12-05T17:47:00.003-05:00

'Tis the season for cookies...although I have no qualms about baking and eating them year-round.

I tried calculating what I need to make over the next four weeks for customers and events, and I was scared at the math. I guess I better get to the store to get more eggs, flour, and sugar, since I have about 75 batches to make. Yes, that's 75 batches!

So, let's do some arithmetic. If a batch of cookies uses 2 eggs, and 2 times 75 equals 150, and there are 18 eggs in each package I buy...I need to buy 8.33 packages of eggs. Will that even fit in my fridge?

Anyway, here are some shots of today's work. Enjoy! And I hope to hear from you with your very own cookie order...might as well make it 80 or 100 at this point.

Overwhelmed, in a good way

2009-12-04T16:43:00.003-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it. I have already attended three holiday shopping events and now I am getting ready to fill lots of orders and get prepared for the WZID wedding expo.
This is my first holiday season in business and I had a lot of expectations. Some have been met, and some have not. But I'm sticking with this thing because I love it and am committed...and I have current orders to fill and will make lots of enemies if I quit now.
WZID is an awesome radio station. If you don't live in NH, you can listen online. And my friend Jen is a big shot there and she is super supportive and really great at giving me opportunities for exposure and growth. Like the wedding expo. I'm getting a booth with a friend of mine who sells invitations, so that reduces the cost for both of us. And it's great that we can direct interested brides to the other's table.
In addition to creating a eye-catching tablescape for the expo, I am also providing the station with 300 cupcakes...yes, I said 300. The cupcakes will be on display for select brides to maul and mutilate while searching for a hidden wedding ring. Those 300 cupcakes will get me key radio advertising, so it's a good trade...but lots and lots and lots of work.
Oh, and before the wedding expo, I am providing the station with their corporate gifts this year. Yeah me! That means my chocolates and cookies will get in the hands of lots of local businesses who advertise with the radio station (and hopefully need corporate gifts of their own in the future). But it's a lot of work and it's due really soon.
So, I guess all of this new business means I probably won't be tending to this blog as much as I want.
But I hope you'll follow me on twitter and keep checking my website for updating information about products and events.

Contact Me!

2009-11-19T07:30:00.002-05:00

Ok, so my statistics counter shows me that there are a lot of people out there reading this blog...and I'd love to hear from you. Any business owner knows that happy customers are the only way to succeed. And I want to keep my customers (and readers) happy.
If you contact me through email (find it on my www.thesugarmommy.com contact tab) and give me some reliable referrals or feedback, menu suggestions or general advice, you'll be entered in a raffle for a free gift basket from The Sugar Mommy.
Looking forward to hearing from you.

Weddings!

2009-11-18T09:38:00.005-05:00

So I have officially decided to go ahead and get a booth at the WZID Wedding Expo. But I am really nervous about what to have on my table. If you are a bride, were a bride, or have any bridal thoughts at all, please share them with me. I'd love to know what to do with my table: what kinds of things brides are looking for, what colors, what kinds of chocolates, what kind of packaging, how much in a package, basically anything helpful.

I was a bride 8 years ago and had fabulous chocolates on each table at my wedding. Perfect since so many people were chatting and jumping around to different tables, they could snack on little chocolate covered cashews and mini truffles. Delicious!

And since my husband and I had both gone away to college and graduate school, we had lots of out-of-town guests, so we made great hospitality bags to leave at the different hotels. They would have been even better with goodies from The Sugar Mommy!

I recently made the favors for a bridal shower. It was awesome. Since the bride's color was purple, I made purple chocolates (crazy, right!), peanut butter cups topped with purple sugar hearts and wrapped in purple foil, and chocolate covered pretzels drizzled in purple chocolate...all packaged in purple bags with purple ribbon!

Should I Offer Shipping?

2009-11-14T09:19:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to figure out the details, but The Sugar Mommy is really trying to work on offering nationwide shipping to customers. I know people have friends and family all over the country and I would love to help you send my fabulous goodies all over.

I also know that people have customers and clients all over America and I want to compete with other food vendors who do offer shipping.

I'd love to hear back from my readers on this topic. Please email me and let me know if you'd be interested in shipping.

thesugarmommy@gmail.com

Wedding Expo?

2009-11-13T14:45:00.004-05:00

My friend Jen Cannon is the director of special events for WZID, the best radio station in New Hampshire. She is in charge of planning their fabulous wedding expo. The Sugar Mommy is going to be providing cupcakes for the brides to devour while they search for a free ring set giveaway.

But my big debate right now is whether to get a booth. There's a lot of planning involved. I would really like to enter the bridal arena: shower and wedding favors, engagement party favors, platters for showers and rehearsal dinners, etc.

I'd love to know what you think about that. Do brides want special, handmade chocolates for their weddings? their showers? on the tables at the wedding?

Here are some pictures of items that could be wedding favors: chocolate box with candy inside, individual chocolate pretzels with heart sprinkles, peanut butter cups with hearts on top, bags of wrapped peanut butter cups.

Let me know what you think!

Perfect Holiday Favors

2009-10-26T07:45:00.007-04:00

I had to share! I I am just so excited about my new holiday packaging that ordered Christmas, Chanukah, and winter printed bags and ribbon, as well as Chinese takeout containers. I've been making snowflake, Star of David, and Christmas ornament chocolates and packaging them in the bags. Then I wrap the peanut butter cups in red, green, and gold foil (since I have white, milk, and dark chocolate) and put either in big snowflake bags or the takeout containers, so cute! Perfect for a party you're having so you can give each guest a favor. Also great for office/corporate gifts. Call or email for pricing.

Does Anything NOT Go With Chocolate??

2009-10-18T16:14:00.006-04:00

So, I've been experimenting with new menu items and I'm trying to figure out if there's anything out there that simply doesn't go well with chocolate.

I mean, sure there are the usual pairings - nuts, raisins, Krispies cereal, strawberries. But what about granola, Corn Flakes, dried mango, Ritz crackers?
Do you have a favorite odd chocolate pairing that you found somewhere once a long time ago and wish you could rediscover?
Well, the magic of The Sugar Mommy is that you can get all those wishes answered. Swedish fish, no problem. Circus peanuts, piece of cake. Potato chips, cinch!
Just name your passion and The Sugar Mommy will deliver!

Holidays for All!

2009-10-16T07:42:00.002-04:00

Usually when people think of the holidays, they really mean just one holiday...Christmas! But let's not forget Thanksgiving and Chanukah, not to mention winter in general.
So The Sugar Mommy is excited about new holiday creations for all your gift-giving needs. I have purchased great ingredients to make holiday orders even more special. As if my chocolate covered pretzels weren't good enough, you can now add gingerbread men sprinkles or peppermint candy cane sprinkles or even blue and white Stars of David. I also have green and red sprinkles, snowflake sprinkles, and holiday colored m&ms.
In addition, I have chocolate molds in the shapes of Jewish stars, Chanukah items, ornaments, and snowflakes.
And I'm in the process of ordering holiday packaging items, such as clear bags and ribbon.
I figure if I'm going to hit the holiday shopping show circuit, I better be prepared.
So please contact me to find out where to find The Sugar Mommy this holiday season.

Your Wish is My Command

2009-10-15T17:54:00.002-04:00

What not everyone realizes about The Sugar Mommy is that all products are made-to-order. Some friends have asked me if I would consider opening a store, but in all honesty, as much as it sounds fun, glamorous, and exciting to be a part of the local retail community, it would completely contradict everything The Sugar Mommy represents.
Obviously, the items you find in a chocolate store are delicious...but they aren't made-to-order. Sure, the dipped strawberries are fresh and the dipped pretzels are crunchy, but they simply aren't made-to-order.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR YOU THE CUSTOMER??
Well, it means that anything you want, I make! If you want your strawberries dipped in milk chocolate and drizzled with white chocolate, no problem. If you want the exact opposite, no problem. If you want both, no problem!
If you want chocolate dipped pretzels sprinkled with sugary candy canes, no problem. If you want them sprinkled with jimmies, no problem. If you want them sprinkled with nonpareils, no problem. Crushed nuts, no problem. Toasted cocunut, no problem.
DO YOU SEE WHAT I'M SAYING?
So, when you're planning those holiday gifts and hostess presents and entertaining platters, please thing of The Sugar Mommy.

Holiday Gifts - Food is the Way to Anyone's Heart

2009-10-14T08:07:00.003-04:00

Who do you need to buy a holiday gift for this year:

friend

neighbor

bus driver

teachers

day car provider

babysitter

librarian

tutor

dance, music, gymnastics instructor

other child activity instructor

nail salon technician

hair stylist

cleaning lady

handyman

secretary/assistant

With all of these people in mind, gift giving can be both expensive and EXHAUSTING! Well, the one gift that always puts a smile on someone's face is FOOD, specifically SWEETS!

Be it a bag of peanut butter cups wrapped in the recipient's favorite foil color, chocolate covered pretzels sprinkled with your choice of topping, or a combination of all things nut, coconut, or raisin, The Sugar Mommy can create the gifts for everyone on your list.

It's one stop-shopping! Check out our menu and place your order today.

Referral Rewards - Get Free Product!

2009-10-13T16:52:00.002-04:00

In an effort to grow my customer database and increase business exposure, I am implementing a referral rewards program. All you have to do is provide me with a list of 10 potential customers. But that doesn't mean just jotting down a list of people straight from your address book. It means thinking of the poeple you know who would likely purchase gourmet, made-to-order candy and cookies, AND checking with them to see if they'd mind you sharing their contact info with me so that I can get in touch and keep them on a promotional mailing list.

It's pretty simple. I mean, if I were going to go out to You You, there are friends I would think of bringing because they also like sushi, and others I wouldn't invite because I already know they hate it. Another example: if I had tickets to a Patriots game, there are certain friends I'd invite because they are football fans, and others I wouldn't. Same idea. You have friends who like to purchase, eat, and gift chocolate and treats and others who don't (although hopefully not many). Your job is to give me 10 names, emails, and phone numbers of people who are in the former category.

Email, call, tweet me, or whatever and let me know that you want to participate. If you provide me with 10 viable contacts, then you receive a free bag of assorted Sugar Mommy chocolates. It's a no-brainer. If you give me 20 names, you get 2 bags, 30 names, you get 3 bags, and so on. I hope to hear from you soon. Spread the word!

Need Suggestions

2009-10-12T13:27:00.004-04:00

So I'm planning for three big holiday shows

coming up and obviously I need to bring samples.

First, there's my barn sale at my friend Kathy's house in Candia, NH, on November 5. She sells wine glasses that are so funky. Then there's the Bedford Shop Til You Drop on November 7. Then there's a house party I'm doing first week of December.

The big question is: what should I bring for samples?

I'd love your thoughts and in addition, I'd love your attendance.

Check out my menu on my website and please let me know what you think I should make.

Featured in New Hampshire Magazine

2009-09-25T10:44:00.002-04:00

The Sugar Mommy LLC hit the big time with a mention and photograph in the current issue of New Hampshire Magazine. But you have to see the fall issue in person, since it's not yet online. There is a section called Stuff and it shows four local companies that make chocolate covered apples. That's where I'm mentioned. And what makes me stand out from my competitors is that I go the extra mile to make chocolate apple SLICES because sometimes you just don't want to cut into a whole apple. Plus, my slices can be ordered as a variety. So you can get jimmies on one slice, chopped nuts on one slice, toasted coconut on one slice, m&ms on one slice...you get the idea.

Holiday Shows

2009-09-25T10:39:00.002-04:00

So I've been MIA from the blog for a while. Not sure if anyone noticed...not sure if anyone reads it. Having a little Julie and Julia complex these days.

Anyway, getting excited for my first holiday season in business. I'll be doing a couple big holiday shows and I'm nervous about how to prepare. Not sure how much to make, how much to display, how much to have ready to sell off the table, how much to have for samples...can you see a pattern?!

It should be fun and exciting and educational.

Barn Sale at my friend Kathy Berger's house in Candia on Thursday, November 5, at night. All are invited! Email or call me for details. Kathy owns Huephoria, an amazing company that sells gorgeous custom wine glasses (perfect for displaying custom candies).

Shop Til You Drop in Bedford on Saturday, November 7, all day! Dozens of great businesses on display so you can accomplish all your holiday shopping. I can't wait!

Shopping event at someone's home in Bedford (call or email me for details) on Thursday, December 3.

Busy but good.

Need Paying Customers

2009-09-03T18:22:00.003-04:00

I love charity work. I mean, seriously, who doesn't enjoy giving back to the community! And I've been able to use The Sugar Mommy as a way of giving back. Whenever I've been solicited for donations, I've done my best to oblige. I take pride in being charitable and it feels good to know that I've helped an organization either save money on sweets or to raise money through a raffle or auction.

But, sorry to say, enough is enough. I've actually considered going to the state and changing my status from LLC to 503C nonprofit. I guess I'm not expecting to send my kids to college with my earnings, but it would be great to cover my costs and have a little extra for all my time and energy. While I'm trying my best to take my endeavor seriously, I need others to do the same. It seems as though some people think it's just a hobby of mine and that I have nothing better to do than shell out hundreds of dollars on ingredients just so they can get free food.

I know how this sounds. I love giving to charity and helping others. But I am a business woman, a "mompreneur" who wants to find success. Check out the website and let me know what you think. I'd love feedback on menu and prices and pictures, whatever you want to say.

NH Magazine, Here I Come!

2009-08-28T08:10:00.004-04:00

Well, the power of Twitter definitely exists! I couldn't believe the other day when I got a message from New Hampshire Magazine asking me if I'd be interested in submitting some chocolate caramel apples for a fall issue. Uh, heck yeah! Oh wait, the email and phonecall came on Wednesday afternoon and the apples were due Friday, just two days later. So, needless to say, off to the kitchen I went.

Here we are Friday morning and I am ready to deliver three plates of apples. I chose to go a different route. Instead of the traditional caramel apple with a stick in it, I opted for slices so that I could dip and smother each slice in glorious treats.

I hope NH Magazine loves them, and I hope the readers do, too!

Heading into a Busy Day in the Kitchen

2009-08-25T08:22:00.002-04:00

I seem to be back on a roll again. Peanut butter cups everyday for the last few days: white chocolate peanut butter, milk chocolate peanut butter, dark chocolate peanut butter, and milk chocolate nutella, yum!

Today I must also make more loaded chocolate chip cookies, biscotti (thanks to my stepmother's awesome recipe), and muffins.

Since I have a busy morning with my family and company this afternoon, I have a small window to work my magic.

Better get back in the kitchen...

Back in the Kitchen

2009-08-21T09:42:00.002-04:00

It's been a hot, humid, and hectic summer and hard to find time to stand over the stove and work...but I'm trying.
Guess it means the kids watch a little more television than usual, but that's the price.
I'm trying to get some early prep done for the Palace Theater event. I hope tons of people go to the event and see how great The Sugar Mommy is. I'm really looking for increased exposure, so I hope all this charitable giving helps.

Big Cookie = Better Taste

2009-08-15T15:47:00.002-04:00

I've been playing around with my cookies and came to a not-so-surprising conclusion -- the bigger they are, the better they taste!

So, maybe that's a bit strange. I suppose you'd think that no matter the size, the cookie would taste the same. Not the case. I played around with different sizes and seriously, the huge ones really did taste better. Something about the way the cookie formed was more enticing than the smaller ones.

See for yourself.

Out of It

2009-08-06T07:03:00.002-04:00

Looks like summer has gotten the best of me and I'm slacking on the blogging.

Fans of The Sugar Mommy, I'm sorry. I have the best intentions of getting back to business in the next couple of days. I have some big things coming up and that should keep me focused.

Keep checking the blog, the website, the facebook page, and twitter to see what I'm up to. I'm bound to be using one of those sites regularly.

New Website, New Stuff

2009-08-03T22:31:00.005-04:00

I'm very excited about my new website made by Cara Creates. I finally have something that looks a little cleaner and more refined. Still no shopping cart, but if I get enough interest in shipping, we'll see. For now, you just need to call, email, comment, whatever, to get your order to me and you'll need to live within driving distance of me to come pick it up.

I'm looking forward to some upcoming events like the Palace Theater Wine Tasting that will feature The Sugar Mommy's chocolates on each table. Can't wait to show off some new items.

I know it's only the beginning of August, but let's face it, it's almost time to think about holiday shopping. Can't wait for local shoppers to check out my stuff at some great NH vendor events.

Newest Menu Item Needs a Name

2009-07-24T21:50:00.002-04:00

I've been toiling away on a new creation and it's very exciting...it just needs a name.

It's a big dome-shaped chocolate made with milk and dark chocolate and filled with a bizarre hodgepodge of ingredients: pretzels, Oreos, caramel, and peanut butter. Then the top is dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with nonpareils.

It's heavenly, an eruption of lots of different flavors in the mouth.

Now it needs to be named. Please help.

Gift Baskets, Platters, You Name It!

2009-07-24T11:51:00.004-04:00

Someone recently asked me if I do gift baskets...

Everything I make is custom and made-to-order for each individual customer. That means, if you want a platter for a holiday event or a gift basket to give as a present, call me up and I'll take care of it.

The first picture is a platter with different kinds of cookies, different chocolate pretzels, and some chocolates. It was then wrapped in cellophane and tied with a big red ribbon.

The second picture shows a gift basket I made last holiday season. It includes: cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate covered nuts, candy cane crunch, and other chocolates. All on an adorable snowman plate, wrapped in cellohpane, and tied with a ribbon.

I know it's early to think about the holidays, but it's important to know your options when the time comes.

Went to my first tweetup

2009-07-24T07:37:00.003-04:00

I was totally clueless when Anthony Liang emailed me about an upcoming tweetup taking place at his family's restaurant. He asked me if I was interested in providing sweets to get my name out to the Nashua community. I thought, "Sure, how could I not!" I love San Francisco Kitchen and certainly need the exposure, so it made perfect sense. The only problem was, I had no idea what a tweetup was!

So I invited a friend to join me and headed out for a night of uncertainty. Less than 12 hours later, I can safely say, I had a great time! First off, Anthony was so nice. Very welcoming and really helpful. I can't believe he's still just a college student. Second, there were a bunch of really interesting people in attendance. Third, I met a few people who are genuinely interested in helping me. Thanks so much to Tammy Hildreth of Network for Work and Peter Hock for their ideas and willingness to help spread The Sugar Mommy word in the future. And fourth, I believe I successfully exposed The Sugar Mommy to even more people, which is great since I now have a new and improved website.

Go tweetups!

First Store to Carry The Sugar Mommy's Products

2009-07-19T18:08:00.006-04:00

A shout-out to Margo's Gift Shop in Osterville, MA, on Cape Cod. Margo's is a beautiful home decor shop with gorgeous gift items, furniture, and home accessories. Margie Huggard, the owner, is an old family friend whom I have known since childhood. She is taking a chance on me and becoming the first retail store to carry my products.

I am just eagerly awaiting my shipment of ingredients and packaging supplies so I can get started on her order. She is going to put my bags of chocolates near the register...impulse buy, anyone?

Labels

2009-07-16T08:15:00.002-04:00

My latest project is getting proper labels for my packaging. I tried using white Avery labels and printing on my home color deskjet and they've been ok, but just didn't look very professional. Then I bought Avery clear labels but for some reason they weren't totally clear, so they looked great on my white candy boxes but terrible on my clear bags. Ready to throw in the towel and spend hundreds on a roll of fancy glossy labels, I decided to call a local copy shop to ask their thoughts.
Well, wouldn't you know, they have a designer on hand who has been so helpful, even giving me samples to take home to see how they look, feel, and fit.
The Copy Shop in Merrimack, NH, is a great place with really nice people working there who actual know what they're doing and offer suggestions for how to solve problems.
Now I'm on my way to getting glossy sheets of labels for all my candy packaging needs!

Need name of new product - HELP!

2009-07-10T21:22:00.004-04:00

So I created a funky new product but I need a good name for it.

Like everything I make, the details can always be determined by the customer. In this picture, I used caramel and peanut butter, but I figure just about anything can work: crushed or whole nuts, marshmallow cream, coconut cream, nutella, toasted flaked coconut, crushed Oreos...the list goes on! And I could have dipped the top in more chocolate or drizzled the whole thing with more chocolate and then some jimmies or nonpareils.

But what do I call it?? It's a big dome. Is it the 8th Wonder? Is it Sugar Peak?

Help me name the product and I'll splash your name and blog or website or whatever all over my sites.

THANKS!

New Product Alert: Caramel Pretzel Sandwich

2009-07-02T14:09:00.003-04:00

As I was preparing to make some chocolate covered pretzels to bring to a friend who owns a beautiful gift shop, I decided that the ordinary method just wouldn't work. Margo's is a fabulous store with very upscale and unique items, so if I am going to bring her a taste of The Sugar Mommy, it better be good!

I knew I wanted to bring her some chocolate pretzels. But I was brainstorming what would work well, and that brought me to my decadent chocolate caramel pretzel rods. They are fabulous: pretzel rods wrapped in a smooth, rich caramel and then covered completely in a thick layer of chocolate and then sprinkled in jimmies, nonpareils, or m&ms. However, I still wanted to go one step further, so I had some small pretzel twists on hand, and thought, what about taking two twists and stuffing caramel between them like a sandwich and then dunking the whole thing in chocolate! There are so many options: plain caramel, caramel and peanut butter, caramel and nutella, caramel and peanut butter AND nutella!

Make sure you check out the website for more pictures and contact info!

Summer Entertaining

2009-06-25T15:49:00.006-04:00

So summer is the time for a backyard bbq or a picnic at the park. Why not bring along a yummy package of homemade cookies! Specialties include but aren't limited to loaded chocolate chip cookies (and I mean loaded!), fudgy chocolate chocolate chip cookies, and oatmeal coconut chocolate chip cookies.
Sure, everything is listed with chocolate, but that's because I can't imagine a cookie without it. But if you're concerned about melting chocolate, then oatmeal coconut cookies can be made with either white chocolate or dried fruit.
Basically, you get whatever you want when you order from THE SUGAR MOMMY! No other retailer lets you call the shots that way The Sugar Mommy does. If your own mom doesn't let you boss her around, then call this one! You can boss me around as much as you want...as long as you pay your bill :-)

Interested in Being a Taste-tester?

2009-06-18T14:04:00.004-04:00

I have been experimenting with a lot of different ingredients lately, and would love to get honest feedback from people.

People always say they want to be taste-testers, but how much do they mean it?

Contact me and let me know if you are really interested, because if you are, I would be happy to provide goodie bags in exchange for honest feedback (and hopefully hype!). The catch is you have to be able to get the goodies directly from me.

What do you think?

Professional Pictures

2009-06-16T07:47:00.002-04:00

The other day I had a nice meeting with local photographer Walter Schnecker about taking profressional pictures of my candy. He was very helpful and gave great insight about doing food photography. Not sure when, but I think I'll probably take the leap soon.

One thing he made me realize is that to take proper photographs, I actually have to come prepared with lots of food. I hadn't really thought about that. I mean, in the process of taking pictures, the food has to be manipulated and if the chocolate starts to look, um, beaten up, then we need different pieces. So I can't just show up with one plate of peanut butter cups, I actually might need three or four plates, ugh!

But lucky for me, good food photography is a knack for my step-mother Julie Riven Jaye. So I'm so grateful that she'll be involved and giving her eye to the whole experience.

Need feedback on new pictures, please!

2009-06-09T11:01:00.006-04:00

Ok, so I realize these pictures are still amateur, but someone suggested I really crop them up and try to get rid of as much extra space as possible (especially since it's usually a placemat, countertop, or kitchen wall, ugh!). So I tried cropping them up and would love some feedback. I'm contemplating professional pics for my new website, which should be completed next week.

I'd love to hear what you have to say about them! All thoughts are much appreciated.

What's your favorite chocolate filling?

2009-06-07T14:10:00.003-04:00

I'm working on my menu and am really looking for ideas from the masses (especially those who love to eat and gift chocolate).

Tell me what you love with/in/on your chocolate! Please be specific and detailed. Nuts, what kind of nuts. Fruit, what kind of fruit. Get the idea?

I'm also looking toward the next holiday season for some new ideas for mix-ins and combinations. This fall, I'm hoping to be a part of a few great local events such as Bedford Shop Til You Drop (aka STUD), the New England Holiday Craft Fair in Rockingham, community craft shows, the vendor show at Hampshire Hills, and more!

Let me know what you think!

Patience is a virtue

2009-06-04T15:50:00.003-04:00

Finally my website is back up and running! For a while I felt like I was watching paint dry or waiting for water to boil! It looks like godaddy came through and got the site working before their deadline.

Please check out the site and send a link to your friends. Referrals are much appreciated.

More than mad at GoDaddy - where did customer service go?!

2009-06-04T07:17:00.003-04:00

So my problem with GoDaddy is ridiculous now. First it was give it 24 hours and the site will be up and running. I gave it 30 hours then called to complain. Now this supervisor (because clearly there will be a different one every time I call) says to give it 72 and the site should be up again. I mean, seriously! In what world is this considered customer service?! I get better response when I call a free hotline like the Butterball turkey call center!

Please hang in there with me and pray that my site is back soon. For now, check my blog, my twitter, and my facebook fan page.

Mad at GoDaddy!

2009-06-02T17:04:00.002-04:00

So today I decided to call Go Daddy (my web hosting site) to help me with some questions I had. I got a nice but incompetent man on the other end of the line, who after 55 minutes, proceeded to basically erase my website! After another 33 minutes with a supervisor, I have been assured that my site still exists, but isn't accessible by anyone for at least 24 hours, at which time I have to go into the system and fix what the moron broke. What am I paying them for?! Not only did he not answer my questions (the whole reason for my call), but he managed to screw up my whole site. So now people get that lovely Forbidden message when they try to open my site. Super! Please have faith in me that I will fix everything tomorrow and be back in operation mode.

Word of Mouth and Networking - Need Ideas!

2009-06-01T16:51:00.005-04:00

Everyone talks about the importance of networking and spread the buzz about a new business. Well, that's what I'm praying for. I didn't win the NH Start-Up Challenge, so the $25,000 cash prize and additional marketing campaign is going to another new biz. That means I'm on my own to get the word out for The Sugar Mommy LLC.

I have put the word out on facebook and twitter, but it's not enough. I need your help. I need everyone to know that I'm ready, available, and willing to be the go-to source for all things cookie and chocolate.

If you have any tips on networking or generating free publicity that I haven't already mentioned, please post a comment. I'm donating chocolates to everyone who asks (within reason): Greater Nashua Dental Connection, Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce, Child Advocacy Center of Hillsborough County, Jewish Federation of New Hampshire, and the Souhegan Chamber again. My guess is if you ask me to donate something to your organization, I will, assuming I'm around and able to fill a box with chocolates or a basket with cookies. While I love being charitable and believe in karma, I also am hoping to increase exposure and generate business, let's be honest.

This is where you come in! I am putting out this offer: if you can send me 10 real prospects (names and contact info for friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers of yours who love cookies, chocolate, entertaining, and/or gift-giving), I will give you your choice of box of assorted chocolates or dozen fabulous cookies!!

What is custom?

2009-05-31T15:41:00.007-04:00

People always ask me what The Sugar Mommy is. Is it a store? Is it mail order? No and maybe are my answers.

I make custom cookies and chocolates on a made-to-order basis. That means, a customer calls, emails, texts, tweets, facebooks, or otherwise orders cookies or chocolates from me for themselves, a gift, a customer, or whatever. The order is based upon items I make and display on my website , on facebook, and on my blog, but the order is CUSTOMIZED to the customer's wants and needs.

So, if a customer wants chocolate covered pretzels, but the customer LOVES peanuts, then the pretzels will probably be sprinkled with crushed peanuts. If that same customer wants something else, but can't figure out what, then I will make suggestions based on the preference for peanuts...such as chocolate peanut bark, chocolate peanut clusters, loaded chocolate chip cookies with peanuts.

My goal is to make the customer happy. Sure, other businesses say that the customer is always right, but other businesses don't let the customer determine the menu. My menu is entirely "customizable."

Custom makes people feel good and it ensures people get what they want...why else would you purchase premium cookies and chocolates?!

So if you have an event or gift (or just plain craving) that you need to purchase for, then call, email, tweet, facebook, or make a blog comment to The Sugar Mommy and place your order!

I will custom-make what you want and it will be fresh, delicious, and entirely yours!

What do you think? Menu is based on what customers like!

2009-05-30T08:08:00.003-04:00

I have been doing a lot of experimenting with fillings and mix-ins for my chocolates. And I'd love to know what you think. I've been playing with toasted coconut, breakfast cereals, dried fruit and nuts, nutella, homemade mint and peanut butter fillings.

What do you think? Please post a comment and your idea and name could appear on The Sugar Mommy's menu!

Huephoria - The cutest wine glasses a"round"

2009-05-29T16:27:00.002-04:00

My friend Kathy Berger is a fabulous local businesswoman with an amazing product! She's offering a discount to all who purchase with this coupon code. Check out her website and see if you can find something for yourself or as a gift. And spread the word, Huephoria's awesome.

The Sugar Mommy's treats to be featured on Bedford Kitchen Tour on June 3rd

2009-05-29T14:52:00.000-04:00

I'm very excited about my upcoming appearance on the Bedford Kitchen Tour. I love to donate goodies for a good cause (to feed hungry women spending the day checking out other people's homes...um, I mean to benefit the Palace Theater in Manchester).

Thanks to some very helpful people, my goodies will be prominently displayed at the Chestnut Street home on the tour. I will be spending the next few days in the kitchen preparing a nice selection of peanut butter cups, filled chocolates (who likes Nutella?), chocolate covered and drizzled pretzels, and more.

I'd love suggestions for what to make (for the tour and in general). Please post your suggestions.

Welcome!

2009-05-28T23:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to The Sugar Mommy's Blog!

My name is Jenny and I recently started my own custom cookie and candy business. Everything is made-to-order for each customer. What you want, you get! I make peanut butter cups from scratch, awesome loaded chocolate chip cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, and so much more. Keep checking the blog for pictures, event information, promotions, and menu items.

I am excited to have a new blog for The Sugar Mommy LLC. You can also find me on Twitter (@thesugarmommy) and on Facebook (The Sugar Mommy) and online (thesugarmommy.com). Tell your friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers all about me!

I just went to a great seminar today that was put on by Microcredit-NH. I learned about the seminar when director David Hamel spoke at the Entrepreneurship Institute that I attended for 10 weeks at SNHU recently. I found today's seminar very interesting and very inspiring. I met some amazing people and look forward to keeping in touch, doing business, and growing friendships.

One of my new friends is Donna and she has a great dance fitness studio in Brookline, NH, called Center Stage Fitness. She's all about the pole dancing and chair dancing, great exercise and fun for girls nights out and bachelorette parties. Another new friend is Amy and she has a web-based tea company that's still in the start-up phase. It's called Bliss Tea and when it's up and running, I'll definitely post a link.

I look forward to making this blog informative and tempting! Check frequently for all sorts of new information.

Sweet dreams!!