What Does The Fox Say?

I actually know now...because I chatted with one yesterday evening!  Mr Foxy (or maybe its a Mrs. or a Ms....I don't really know) was making his usual rounds in our back yard around dusk when suddenly he gave out a sharp, raspy "bark".  He was less than 50 ft. away and staring right at me.  I've seen this fox many times but this is the first time he's ever been vocal.

So I waited a few seconds and then I "barked" back at him (as best as I could anyway).  The sound is pretty eery...more like the shriek of a bobcat than anything else I can think of.   That's when he stopped dead in his tracks, turned his head around and stared straight at me, giving out another loud bark.

So I barked again.  And yes, he answered me!  We continued our "conversation" for about 10 minutes until it became too dark to see and he finally moseyed on.  I've never really talked to a wild animal before, but it was one of those holy grail kind of experiences.  Definitely top notch.

So what DOES the fox say?  These guys don't even come close.  It's still a great video though.

This one is far more accurate, even though it's about red foxes, not gray.  I'm not sure if what I heard was the alarm bark or the mating call.  In this video they sound fairly similar.

This is a picture of a tiny baby gray fox we found in our garden a few years ago.  Who knows, it may even be the same animal that's visiting us now.  I'd like to think so.  Just look at those adorable eyes!

Maggie's Never Ending Too Much To Do List

I crossed a few things off my list this weekend...but added a few more too!  I guess that's an accomplishment (even though it feels like a wash)?  I'm talking about my to do "now" list for work (below).  I have separate lists for "soon" and "someday...if ever"... LOL.  And I don't even bother to make a list for the personal stuff.  That seems to get done eventually anyway.  And if it doesn't, well.. it probably wasn't all that important anyway.

So let's get back to this list. Because I need to feel good about those crossed out lines down there!  Keep in mind that these tasks are in addition to the M-F daily tasks which occupy most of my day like typing up invoices, answering the phone, responding to customer emails, ordering supplies, updating the website, addressing social media, dealing with private label clients, dealing with PIA clients! (there's always several), and anything else that crops up.  Trust me.  Stuff happens.

OK.  Let's take a look at this list now (deep breath).

1.  new item paperwork for Whole Foods Market (2 regions), HEB/Central Market, & Mother's Mkt.
2.  new item samples to WFM, HEB/CM, & MM
3.  2015 promo plan & all paperwork for WFM/HEB/CM/MM (huge!)
4.  post the expense receipts (every other weekend)
5.  reconcile the bank account (at least 4 hours every other weekend, on a good day)
6.  do end of year paperwork (Forms 941/940/1099's/1096/W2's/W3 (head spinning already)
7.  pay everything we owe the government (#%$@!!! UGH!!!)
8.  design new holiday merchandise & packaging (samples due to WFM in March!)
9.  get new packaging to the printer
10. upload weekly invoices to Buc'ees new online portal (double work for us vendors...nice)
11. begin work on 2014 tax workbook for accountant (almost as bad as doing your own taxes!)
12. major cleaning and de-cluttering of the soap shop (did 4 hours today, but MILES to go)
13. take inventory (DONE...HALLELUJAH)
14.  design our 20 year anniversary soap + packaging + get to printer (at least I got an idea!!!)
15 do a blog post 
16.  all the other stuff I forgot :o)

So how do you handle your never ending too much to do list?

a.  do your best to cross one or two things off each day (highly recommended)
b.  spend your free time pondering, re-arranging and re-writing your to do lists (fun, but not particularly productive)
c.  shove that bad boy in a drawer and hit the neighborhood bar after work! (not saying I've never done it, but thank goodness, not my usual M.O.)

HINT:  If you're inclined to be that "b" or "c" person, please do not apply for a job here at A Wild Soap Bar.  Because we only hire DOERS!  And no, we're not hiring...but just sayin'.

Now go out and make it a productive week!  And don't forget to give thanks for the ability to do so!

3 Cheers for 20 Years!

Hip Hip HOORAY! Hip Hip HOORAY! Hip Hip HOORAY!

No really. This feels like a huge milestone and we couldn't be happier. Please join us in celebrating 20 years of making the best natural soap and organic body care products on earth! It's been quite a ride. We're truly blessed. 

To say thanks, we'll be featuring 20% OFF on 3 of our natural products each month. That adds up to a whole lot of savings for you this year. So stock up and stay clean.

GET 20% OFF WITH OUR 3 CHEERS FOR 20 YEARS SALE ON:

pine tar neem oil soap  soap on deck  desert sage soap

(note: sale may end a few days before or after the end of the month, 

but then 3 new products will go on sale) 

Wishing you the best of success in 2015 and beyond. 

Happy New Year...and C H E E R S!