Occoquan Craft Festival -- June 5&6

I know this blog has gotten a little behind, but with losing my job, growing two new stores, and all the other happenings in life, I just got a little out of the writing habit. However, I haven't gotten out of the appearance habit.


On June 5&6 Occoquan once again hosted its Spring Craft show. The weather was beautiful, and the turn out was good.
The amount of times I was able to explain my title, and actually hand out the website was really good over the weekend. It was a great time, and I look forward to doing it again at the Fall show.

Brother's Lemonade and Snack Shack Opens on 2 May

As they say, if a little is good, then a lot must be better. On 2 May, Brothers' Lemonade and Snack Shack will open its doors for the first time, across the street from Royal Confections in the Historic town of Occoquan.

In the time honored tradition of children having a lemonade stand, Preston and Alex will be working with Royal Enterprises, to learn the basic management of business. Although the stand is much bigger than the traditional lemonade stand, we are excited to add it to our ever growing businesses. The Brothers' will be working with Royal Enterprises management (Mom is other title I go by) to insure that their new creation is not only a fun place to work, but a profitable endeavor. We are very excited with all of the growing our family is doing, and look forward to more "business children" in the future.

Miss Loudon County Pageant

On April 25, it my honor and privilege to judge the Miss Loudoun County pageant on behalf of the Purcellville Lion's club. The judges were: Juan Romero, Master Deputy, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, Juliette Rizzo, Ms. Wheelchair America 2005, and myself








On April 25, it my honor and privilege to judge the Miss Loudoun County pageant on behalf of the Purcellville Lion's club.

Below is the article that appeared in the Purcellville on May 1st:

A packed auditorium at Loudoun Valley High School, filled with parents, well wishers and supporters, cheered on nineteen very accomplished, philanthropic and energetic contestants vying for the title of Miss Loudoun County 2009. This year marked the 53rd Annual Pageant and the 53rd year in which the Purcellville Lions Club served as host. The theme for this year was “Celebrate America!” which the contestants and audiences were more than happy to do.
The evening’s MC was Mr. Paul Draisey, who helped keep the audience in suspense while the contestants were busy with wardrobe changes. The distinguished panel of judges for the evening included: Juan Romero, Master Deputy, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office; Stephanie
Arnold-Merchant, All American Classic Woman 2009 and Juliette Rizzo, Ms. Wheelchair America 2005. Throughout the evening, special entertainment was provided by the Chorus of the Old Dominion and the Creative Dance Center. Caitlin Uze, Miss Apple Blossom Festival 2009 was also in attendance as she prepares for this weekend’s 82nd Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, Virginia.


MISS LOUODUN COUNTY 2009 CHELSEA JANE LOUDOUN VALLEY HS
1ST RUNNER UP CHRISTINE FARRELL LOUDOUN COUNTY HS
2ND RUNNER UP KELLY SCHLOSSER RADFORD UNIVERSITY
3RD RUNNER UP ELISSA KIM BRIAR WOODS HS
4TH RUNNER UP ELIZABETH JACKSON LOUDOUN VALLEY HS

5TH RUNNER UP JESSICA MARICLE LOUDOUN VALLEY HS

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: CHELSEA JANE LOUDOUN VALLEY HS

COMMUNITY SERVICE & MISS CONGENIALITY AWARDS: COMMUNITY SERVICE & MISS CONGENIALITY AWARDS:
NICOLE IVEY OF BRIAR WOODS HS





Congratulations to all of the girls who participated. It truly was one of the hardest jobs I've had to do. I would like to extend my thanks to Jaime and Connie Stump for making it an outstanding experience.


Articles on the pageant:

Washington Post, Loudoun Extra
Purcellville Gazzette

Royal Confections Opening Day

On April 11, Royal Confections opened its doors for the first. It has been a long journey, but I am proud of what has been accomplished. We have been well received in the town of Occoquan, and continue to get many excited comments wishing us much success for many years to come.

Royal Confections Makes its Debut

It has been a long time in coming, but Royal Confections will officially open its doors on Saturday, 11 April 09 at Noon. Right now I am up to my eyeballs in truffles, dipping chocolates. The fudge kettle is on its way, chocolates are arriving daily. We are now down to the final count down is here. This is a very exciting time, and as soon as we're all done, I promise to post pictures.


In other news, if one business is good, then two must be twice the fun. My boys and I are opening a "Lemonade Stand" in a permanent location near the Confection shop. We are hoping to have "Brothers' Lemonade and Conveniences" opened by the end of the month.

Both shops are currently targeting 2 May as their official "Grand Opening" so here's to keeping fingers crossed, and trying to make it happen.

Fargo Flood Assistance-- From Angela Smith's Blog (Mrs. ND International)

Last night, the Smith family left Fargo at approximately 11pm - they had intended to leave Friday morning, but the impending danger and warnings were heeded. They traveled to Moorhead and at 6:30am, were emergency evacuated as the city is experiencing sewage backup and are unable to house evacuees. At this time, the family is traveling to Minneapolis to a safe location.

From Angela's conversation, the dikes in and around Fargo are leaking and/or showing signs of failure. They have increased the flood heights to 43ft and it is likely that most of the area will be under water.

As the Smith family travels to Minneapolis, they are seeing little traffic heading the same direction and the only traffic they see going in the opposite direction is emergency vehicles, large construction equipment, tractor trailers with supplies and National Guard Convoys. Buses are transporting volunteers to the city - most residents have been up for 5-7 days sandbagging and are exhausted - many haven't slept for days. The sites are staggering and humbling.

Donations (monetary, food, etc..) are greatly needed. Please visit: www.givebackimpact.org and donate - these monetary donations will be doubled and kept local. These funds will assist with shelters and volunteer efforts. Also, donate to the Salvation Army and Red Cross - both organizations will be instrumental in recovery efforts.

To listen to local news: http://www.mojo104.com/ and http://www.fm1051.net/ will be the best resources. You will have a true sense of the dire need that people have and the extent of situation. The city's priority at this time is repairing any leaking/failed dikes and evacuating all residents. The focus is no longer building more dikes or sandbagging.

Please send your prayers out to all families and especially to the Smiths.

16 March- Royal Confections Goes Live on the Web




Opening 4 April 2009!

We have finally taken that next step into cyber-space and gone "Live". This site will grow and change as we do, and we are excited to be working on a number of pageant sponsorships and appearance opportunities in May, June and Sept. If you are interested in taking part, please email me at info@royal-confections.com:

Website details:
Fine chocolates and confections have several characteristics in common: they are always fresh, contain high quality ingredients, are usually less sweet and feature unusual textures and natural flavors. Royal Confections features tempting truffles, gourmet caramel, handmade fudge, and an array of delicious confection treats.

Come treat yourself to some of the finest chocolates and confections, and live like Royalty where Life is Sweet!

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