8th January, 2009: A New Year and a New List
The New Year is upon us…time to reflect back on the year we just finished. What we did well and what we could have done better. I always hope my list of what I did well can somehow overshadow what I could have done better but often they are too close for comfort!
Anyway, I am not a big New Year’s Resolution kind of gal but I do have a list of things I want to strive to achieve in 2009 and here they are:
1. Be more patient…not my strong suit at times
2. Take more time for myself…not feel like every minute I need to accomplish something (sure… this one is an exceptionally long “long shot”)
3. Cherish every minute with my children, both are in High School and the minutes are ticking until they are both out of the nest (I am truly dreading that time in my life)
4. Stay as focused on the company as I have been to date…I believe the success of Bigelow Tea is very much based on my 100% commitment (and a cadre of outstanding team members). I don’t want to ever think I am not giving these employees everything I got!
5. Never lose my love of life and people…it is truly a gift that I need to appreciate daily
6. Keep drinking lots and lots of tea…it is my business and it feels good
Okay lets review these in 12 months and see how I do!!! I feel pretty good about 3, 4, 5 and 6…but 1 and 2 …well it is a new year…
Cindi Bigelow
Posted by Cindi at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
26th December, 2008: Glad to be Back thanks to Bigelow Tea!
Okay I think for the first time I might be over “tead”….is that a word? I picked up a lovely virus last week and trying to cure it myself starting drinking 6 to 8 cups of tea a day. You name it, I was drinking it (of course of Bigelow Tea only)…herbal, green, black, sometimes two bags in one cup, combos you can’t even dream of. Did it make feel me better? Sure…it still took me several days before I was finally myself but 50 cups in 6 days is even too much for me.
I am delighted to now be back and following my normal ritual of just 3 cups a day! One thing I can say, I drank flavors of ours I had forgotten even existed! Wow, glad to be back!
Cindi Bigelow
President
Posted by Cindi at 11:14 am | Comment (0)
25th December, 2008: Merry Christmas
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23rd December, 2008: Enjoy the Simple Things this Holiday.
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18th December, 2008: Time for a Cup of Constant Comment Tea
Christmas is almost here…the economic conditions are not looking fabulous. Now more than ever I want to make sure I am doing the best job possible for this company. I have always been so proud of each one of our teas, as if every one is like delivering a new child, but now more than ever, it is about the employees.
I hear so much about companies, large and small, that have to let go people or worse, close down completely. I have always been highly motivated to exceed everyone’s expectations (anyone close to me here can attest I am like a large bolt of energy that comes into the office every day), and in this economy, I am no different. My family has always cared about the employees (I call them our shareholders) but it means even more today.
I am THRILLED our company is selling lots of tea, has all kinds of new ones on the way and other neat “projects” in the hopper. I went to a seminar the other day where they asked me “what do we do within Bigelow Tea to survive these challenging times”…my answer? Planning and a clear direction that began 10 years ago. Fortunate for us after 63 years we are in a very strong position….I am going to darn well make sure we keep it that way. Time for a cup of “Constant Comment.”
Cindi Bigelow
Posted by Cindi at 6:41 am | Comments (3)
11th December, 2008: The Kettle is Starting to Whistle
Yes, it is cold outside…that is very good. I can hear the kettles starting to buzz all around the country. Today I am sipping on one of our new organic teas, Rooibus kissed with sweet Asian pear. It is delightful and to me having a warm cup of tea is what makes winter truly winter! I love the snow; I love the cold and I love to hear the kettle start to whistle….I am looking forward to a great season….cheers
Cindi Bigelow
Posted by Cindi at 6:15 am | Comment (0)
26th November, 2008: Thankful this Holiday Season!
If what is happening in the world market and throughout the United States does not help give us all balance, then nothing ever will. This holiday cannot be about boxes and bows and gifts and cards…we have to learn to go back to basics….family, love, friends and peace. We have seen market devastation like almost nothing before. The jobs lost, the wealth destroyed, the level of concern on everyone’s part is beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. I am promising myself and my family, this holiday we will appreciate everything we have and everyone we have in our life. Every message I give to the employees I tell them we are so fortunate, the business is strong and their jobs are safe.
We are truly lucky in so many ways….I vow to keep that as my guiding light throughout the holidays (and hopefully throughout 2009).
Cindi Bigelow
Posted by Cindi at 6:00 am | Comments (2)
20th November, 2008: Being honored by the Boy Scouts was an honor!
I had the best luncheon last week…I was honored with the Boy Scout of the Year award. Yes that is right, I won the “Good Scout” award for 2008 for our area (along with two other distinguished individuals in which I was proud to be a part of). The Good Scout award is presented to those who are good role models for the community (it must have been the Bigelow Tea Community Challenge that caught their eye…I must not be the only one who is proud of how much we raised for local charities!).
At 48 ½ I am now part of the Boy Scouts….I like that! But in all seriousness, what a great organization! They do such fine work in our community. To be chosen for this award was really special for me. I have to say, of all of the awards I have been fortunate to receive in my lifetime, this one means a little something extra!
Cindi Bigelow
Posted by Cindi at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
17th November, 2008: Win a Trip to our Charleston Tea Plantation, Tell Your Constant Comment® Story!
Do you ever catch yourself reminiscing about special moments over a cup of tea? At Bigelow Tea, we love hearing your stories. That’s why we want you to share your favorite “Constant Comment” tea story for a chance to win a trip to our very own Charleston Tea Plantation.
Orange rind and spice and everything nice!
By December 31, 2008, enter your story in the “Tell us your favorite ‘Constant Comment®’ tea” Contest. The stories that make us laugh or cry the hardest will win!
To All “Constant Comment” Tea Fans,
It is funny, everywhere I go, people like to tell me their favorite memory wrapped around drinking “Constant Comment” tea. The stories usually involve a person sitting around a table with a loved one and having a moment together while sharing a cup. Even the person’s body language changes when they start telling me about their past experience with this special tea. That is how we got the idea that it would be great to invite all of you to share with us your own “Constant Comment” story. Lets rekindle some of those warm moments in your past and bring back some of the beautiful heritage of this unique tea created by my grandmother in her kitchen.
Please enter our “Tell us your favorite ‘Constant Comment®’ tea” during November and December 2008. The stories that either makes everyone laugh or cry the hardest wins a wonderful trip to visit our Tea Plantation in Charleston South Carolina. So take a moment for yourself, sit back, reflect and tell us your favorite story around drinking a warm cup of “Constant Comment” Tea. Cheers to “Constant Comment”
With warmest regards,
Cindi Bigelow
President and Granddaughter of founder, Ruth Campbell Bigelow.
Contest Rules
- No purchase necessary.
- Stories must be original and unpublished. Must be the work of the contest entrant.
- 100-word minimum, 500-word maximum.
- Stories are to be emailed to contest@bigelowtea.com and the story must be included in the body of the email. Stories sent as email attachments will not be accepted.
- You may enter multiple stories, but only one of your stories can be included among the winners.
- Story emails must be received by December 31st 2008.
- Contest open to legal residents of the United States. Employees and consultants of Bigelow Tea are not eligible.
- You agree to adhere to these rules and the judges decisions.
- Winners will be announced no later than 60 days after contest ends.
- Winners will be notified by email.
- Winning stories will be used without limitation on www.bigelowtea.com and/or www.bigelowteablog.com.
- Prizes are nontransferable.
- Void where prohibited. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.
Posted by Cecilia at 6:00 am | Comments (2)
13th November, 2008: Joe Torre’s Noble Cause: Safe At Home Foundation®
Last weekend, Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow and a group of us from Bigelow attended The Sixth Annual Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation® Gala in New York. It was an honor to attend such an important event and support such a powerful cause. The Safe At Home Foundation® provides an array of services combating domestic violence with a goal of providing a safe home environment for children.
The event was hosted by Joe and Ali Torre and honored the 1998 World Champion New York Yankees. Many of the Yankees from 1998 were there along with many stars and celebrities. However, while the stars were everywhere, it was clear the important mission of the Safe At Home Foundation® stole the show: “Together we can make a safe home.”
Bob
Joe Torre experienced domestic violence firsthand. His father was both a physically abusive husband and emotionally abusive father. Torre talks openly about this in his book, Chasing the Dream: My Lifelong Journey to the World Series. Joe Torre and his wife Ali founded the Safe At Home Foundation® in 2002. By 2005, the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation® opened its first school-based programming initiative, Margaret’s Place, a tribute to Torre’s mother.
Margaret’s Place provides students with a safe room in school where they can meet with a professional counselor trained in domestic-violence intervention and prevention. The Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation® now has ten fully funded and operational Margaret’s Places in New York City and Westchester County.
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