girlfriends...

where would I be without them? I once heard that if you have one or two close friends throughout your life, you are blessed indeed. Guess I am one blessed gal, because my girlfriends have been a tremendous blessing in my life. True friends are there for you through the good, the bad and the ugly and they still love you anyway. We have laughed together, cried together, worshiped together and made fools of ourselves together. Many memories have been made with my dear sistas and I am so thankful for each of them!

4th of July with Em...

Our daughter, Emily, came in town for a visit over the 4th of July weekend. It was so good to have her home for a few days and be able to chill out with her. Em is our hardworking middle child who delights our heart in so many ways. She always bring a smile to my face! We had such a fun time together!

Em caught a blue gill in papa's pond - one of many caught!

Finally...caught a catfish!
My hubby took us to the driving range - neither one of us knew what we were doing, but it was fun trying!

Love you, Em!

Internet Cafe devotionals...

So what's a girl to do now that I am not running a coffeehouse 6 days a week? My husband and I just came down from a very busy past week....emptying out the shop (which was very emotional experience) and enjoying an awesome 4th of July visit from our daughter, Emily. Now today, I face reality...what do I do now? My husband and I made a major "to do" list yesterday that should keep me busy for several weeks and one of the things on the top of my list is to list,list, list on my Etsy shop! My goal is to get it built back up to 100 items, so keep checking in for goodies that will be added daily!

Another goal is to draw even closer to God and wholeheartedly seek His will for our lives. He always seems to lift me up when I needed it the most and this morning He directed me to another neat little online devotional tool that I enjoyed and wanted to share with you. It's Internet Cafe Devotionals....very encouraging and kinda makes you feel like you are at a coffee shop! In the days ahead, I'm going to be sharing some of the online tools that I use in my daily walk with God in hopes to be an encouragement to one of you.

The EC Coffeehouse closing...

Dear EC Customers,

It is with much sadness that I make this announcement. After much thought and prayer, we have come to the conclusion that it is in the best interest of the shop, my family, and myself that we close the coffeehouse. Not many people have the opportunity to see their lifelong dream come alive and I can say that I actually saw mine become a reality through the ownership of The EC Coffeehouse. It has been a wonderful learning experience and awesome opportunity to meet so many great people. We are so appreciative to those of you who have supported us through this amazing journey!

Our last day of business will be Tuesday, June 30. We will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm and would love to have you stop by and personally thank you for your patronage. All vintage items in the shop will be discounted and all tables and chairs will be for sale, if you might be interested.

Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your overwhelming encouragement and support!

Sher and Brian

Happy 6 month anniversary, EC!

This week at the EC, we are celebrating 6 months of business! We want to say thank you to the Eastgate community for your support and for a wonderful experience! Over the past 6 months we have met many new people and added many new menu items! We are all about community at the EC. Stop by and see us this week!

"Stepping Stones" in our 6 month mile marker

Monthly "First Fridays" with live music featuring local musicians

"Open Mic Night" - featuring a few local musicians, jokesters, storytellers, & dancers - what a night of laughter!

Ladies & teen game nights

Monthly featured artists on our "art wall"

Fresh flower bouquets & arrangements available beginning in February

Lunch Menu items came on board in March

Muscular Dystrophy Proceeds Benefit in April

Creamy & All Natural Smoothies introduced in April

Madisono's Cincinnati's First Gelato & Sorbet introduced in May

National Salvation Army Donut Day in June

We did their first wedding floral arrangements in June for Jodi Rillo & her wedding party

Lily Pottery "EC Coffeehouse" handmade pottery mugs arrived in June & are now for sale!

We had fun hosting several birthday parties, luncheons, business meetings, Bible studies, and game nights!

We have also seen two new "EC employees" come on board in June - Sher's parents ~ Woody & Betty ~ Welcome! They are doing a great job.

"EC Fun Facts"from the past 6 months

• Sold over 3000 hot specialty coffee drinks
• Sold over 1000 smoothies
• Sold our 100th vintage item on Esty.com in February
• Favorite hot coffee drink - Mochaccino (if you haven't had one, gotta try it)
• Favorite smoothie drink - Mixed Berry, all natural & Mocha Frappe, creamy
• Favorite gelato - Chocolate
• Favorite Mighty Leaf Tea - African Nectar
• Over 350 customers in our "Perk Card" file
• Have given away over 100 free coffee drinks through our Perk Cards
• The EC was also featured on BuyCincy.com, & in CinWeekly

Lily Pottery mugs in at the EC....

Had to share these special one of a kind treasures with you! We are so excited....our Lily pottery mugs are in at the EC! Each is hand carved by Lily with "EC Coffeehouse" on it, signed on the bottom by Lily, and the colors are just so bright and fun! Stop by and pick one up for your mug collection. We appreciate Lily taking the time to come up with the design and individually creating these awesome mugs for The EC! Thanks a bunch, Lily! We love them!

So proud of our daughter, Lily

Our daughter, Lily, creator of Lily Pottery, was interviewed today on WYFF 4 in Greenville, SC. Lily resides in Greenville, SC where she has a studio/art gallery, teaches at the Greenville Art Museum, and sells her pottery pieces in several boutiques. We are glad to be able to offer some of her pottery jewelry and mugs at our shop. We are so proud of her! You can check out her interviews at the following link:

http://www.wyff4.com/video/19681836/index.html

http://www.wyff4.com/video/19681903/index.html

National Donut Day This Friday

National Doughnut Day

This Friday, June 5

(always first Friday in June)

National Doughnut Day honors the Salvation Army "Lassies" of WWI.

The original Salvation Army Doughnut was first served by Salvation Army in 1917. During WWI, Salvation Army "lassies" were sent to the front lines of Europe. These brave volunteers made home cooked foods, and provided a moral boost to the troops. Often, the doughnuts were cooked in oil inside the metal helmet of an American soldier. The American infantrymen were commonly called doughboys. Salvation Army lassies were the only women outside of military personnel allowed to visit the front lines. Lt. Colonel Helen Purviance is considered the Salvation Army's "first doughnut girl".

On National Doughnut Day, The EC will be offering a free donut (with purchase) to the first 24 customers in honor of these brave lassies and to take donations for the Salvation Army. Stop by to get your free donut and make a donation to the Salvation Army!

awesome giveaway...

oh hello friend is having a giveaway that beats all giveaways! it is full of lovely things to cherish! check it out~

First Fridays at the EC this Friday!

This Friday, June 5, is "First Fridays" at the EC from 7-9 pm! We will be featuring Rachel Noelle Haughton, singer/songwriter, college student at Liberty University, and an awesome Christian young lady. I am super excited about having Rachel as our guest. My family has known Rachel and her family for years and her life has always shined brightly for the Lord. You can check out more about Rachel at http://www.rachelnoelle.com/

We will also be featuring the artwork of Holly Young. Holly is a weekly regular customer at The EC and a dear friend of myself. She will have a few of her art pieces on display beginning Friday night. Holly specializes in wall murals of all sizes. Her work is beautiful!

Please join us for this wonderful treat!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom!

"A woman who fears the Lord, shall be praised"...

Today I celebrate my wonderful mother! She has always been an awesome example to me in so many ways and I am very thankful for her. She has always been a hard worker, had a giving heart, and supportive spirit and always one of my biggest fans throughout my life.

My mom is one of my very best friends!

I love you, Mom! Hope you have a blessed birthday!

Free Gelato this Friday and Saturday...

Beginning this weekend, The EC will be offering Madisono's Gelato - Cincinnati's first gelato company! To kick off this exciting new addition, we will be offering a free scoop of gelato to each customer. Stop by for a yummy taste on Friday, 6:30 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

You can check out more about Madisono's Gelato on their blog at Madisono's Gelato.