Renewal, Gratitude, Change

From my deck: Dec 2010

From my deck: Oct 2010

December 2, 2010 Blog- Early this past fall- 2010- I decided to start my New Year in September instead of January. Kids heading back to school and the first day of autumn starting September 22^nd, inspired me. It is a time of year that feels much more like a fresh start.

In September I become energized and just love the fact that Fall is so beautiful and reminds us that the quiet winter months are just ahead. It reminds us that this time of year is a great time to get organized and make room for change. It allows us to clear out and put away all the summer season items.

Here it is December and if you look out your window you can confirm that the quiet winter months are upon us here in Western New York. September seems like a time for renewal, December is a time to be grateful. It is a time to show your gratitude. I tend to put my studio back in order this time of year as the fast-paced bridal season has wound down. I am grateful for all the clients that came to me and allowed me to help them prepare for their special day, their daughter’s special day, or a friend’s special day.

Recently, I decided to give my business a new look. What is it about change that has some embracing it and others running in the opposite direction? It is a natural occurence, you see it in nature from one season change to the next. Nature seems to be able to change with little or no effort.

I don’t know yet all the changes that are in store for my business, but I’m excited by the possibilities. If you seek out the help you need, you can make a change happen with little or no effort. I am working with a team of experts to make my change fun and exciting.

I will keep you posted on my journey and hope you’ll share yours with me, too.

Running Season

It’s running season. This past weekend – Saturday May 22 – I participated in a duathlon at Mendon Ponds Park. A duathlon consist of a running leg, followed by a cycling leg, and then another running leg. I did the 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, and 1 mile run. The running was trail running; much nicer than running on hard pavement. This duathlon was also the first time I rode a bike competitively. I WON FIRST PLACE in my age group! What a great feeling.

My trainer, friend, and inspiration Elizabeth did the Formula 1 duathlon taking place at the same time. Her competition was a 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 1 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run. She came in third in her age group. Elizabeth is amazing!

On Sunday, I ran in the Lilac Festival 5k. I ran with my sister. We just missed third place in the sister/sister category. Another great day with wonderful family and friends. And, of course the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of Rochester.

~ Jill

Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother’s Day, and I started my day participating in the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester’s Pink Ribbon Run and Walk at Lake Ontario Park. It is an annual event, held every Mother’s Day to honor those who have been touched by a diagnosis of breast cancer. This year’s race netted about $145,000.

Sunday was my first 5k of the season. I ran with a group of 10 friends; some new runners and some getting back into running. I ran with my daughter. It was a cold, cold day; and very windy. Of course, after the race our group celebrated with champagne. Then we all headed home and took hot baths to warm up!

~ Jill

Spring Has Sprung!

This is a great time of year for high school juniors and seniors. It is a time of proms, and senior and junior balls. It is fun for me, as I get to see my son and his friends dress up, go out-on-the-town, and celebrate wonderful friendships. It’s really neat to see the young people dressed up. I’m used to seeing them in sports paraphernalia.

These events are good for the community. The students support local businesses, whether it is clothing, eateries, car rentals, floral, and on-and-on. Over the years, some things have changed, but some things have remained the same. One neat thing my son and his friends did for transportation was take the school bus to the prom. The school principal even went along for the ride! The school bus driver was thrilled to be part of the event. I think it’s great that the students included their principal. What wonderful memories!

Sharing of Experience

This blog is dedicated to my past bridal clients and future bridal clients. I enjoy so much working with each and every one of you.
I thought it would be neat if past bridal clients would share their experiences with future brides-to-be. I’m not asking that everything be shared, but if you have one valuable piece of advice to give to future brides, what would that advice be?
My blog is the perfect forum for clients to dialogue with each other. I have witnessed joy, anxiety, frustration, happiness, giddiness; you name it, I have witnessed it. So, for those of you who have been through the whole bridal experience, what are your thoughts? What memories do you have that a future bride may benefit from?
I hope to hear from you!

~ Jill

Two Silvers and a Gold

Not only did we have a great family weekend, the family walked away with two Silver and one Gold medal for the snowshoe racing. Awesome!

Here are photos of my weekend at Highland Forest Park.

Greek Peak

Another Great Weekend!

Another great weekend in New York snow country. My husband and I traveled to Highland Forest Park, outside of Syracuse. What a beautiful park. There is so much to do. Our trip to Highland Forest Park consisted of participating in the 2010 US National Snowshoe Championship Race. A good friend of the family ran the 10K. After the official race, there was a Citizen 5k snowshoe run/walk for anyone interested in joining in. Of course my husband and I joined in; we purchased new snowshoes before the event, so we had to use them! It was a lot of fun.

After our weekend in Syracuse, my husband and I traveled to Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland, NY. More skiing! The resort also has an indoor waterpark.

It was a great weekend with a lot of winter fun and relaxation. So much to do in our own backyard!

~ Jill

Winter Wonderland

What a beautiful time of year. A few weekends back, my husband and I went to Naples. From there we overlooked Canandaigua Lake. The view was so picturesque; quiet and calm. On our weekend excursion we stayed at the Naples Hotel. A grand old hotel. Nice and quiet with a lovely room and a great dinner. Naples also has some cute Bed and Breakfast residences. Close to Bristol Mountain, we discovered Ontario County Park. What a great park to ski and snowshoe. It really is a beautiful time of year!

~ Jill

Snowshoe Run for Haiti

Hi Everyone,

Last Sunday, my friend Deb and I ran in a 2 mile snowshoe run sponsored by Fleet Feet. The run was a fundraiser for Haiti. Fleet Feet raised $2400 and also collected a truck load of gently used sneakers that were shipped to Haiti. The snowshoe run was a lot of fun. But, a very cold morning; 12 degrees at 9:00am.

I think it’s great that’s there is lots of good things happening in our “own backyard” to help those in needs.

~Jill

Haiti Relief

As a mother, friend, and business owner, I feel the need to help others. I am moved by the tragedy in Haiti, and the overwhelming obstacles the Haitian people are facing. In some small way I want to help, and so I have partnered with the American Red Cross, Rochester, NY Chapter. For every Châle you purchase, Jill Bates Fashion Design will donate $10.00 to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Efforts.

My Châles are a unique line of scarves designed to channel personal positive energy to flow through you and around you. This allows you to wear your beautiful accessory while at the same time visualizing our troubled Haitians receiving positive energies; a little each day.

What a great way to help with the Haiti Relief Efforts. You’ll purchase a beautiful gift and at the same time give a wonderful gift to the people of Haiti.



Visit my website: http://www.jillbatesfashion.com/

What a Weekend!

Talk about being outdoors! This past weekend I had my fill of activities. On Saturday I down hilled skied, at Bristol, with my sister from New Hampshire. The trails were great. As if we didn’t have enough skiing, we finished downhill and then did some cross-country skiing that afternoon, also at Bristol.

On Sunday I ended up in a 5K snowshoe race at Mendon Ponds. I never snow shoed before, so racing in snowshoes was wild! I somehow managed to finish. It was a fun day and a fun weekend. I guess you could say I was a weekend warrior – who knew! Of course, after every sporting event, the congratulatory round of drinks is enjoyed by all.

On Monday, my legs were telling me enough already.

Until next time.

~ Jill

Mendon Ponds Park

As stated in my previous blog, I love this park. It is a great family place. Last weekend my husband and I took our grandson Jaidyn, our son, and his friends Jake and Mike to Mendon Ponds. It was a beautiful day to be outside and get in touch with nature. One of our favorite spots is Bird Song Trail. The birds eat right out of your hand. Very cool! It feels weird when they land on your hand and peck away at the bird food. They are really cute.

We also went to the Nature Center where the park houses a few animals. The park staff was giving an educational talk on the Nature Center and the animals. Today was a talk on the owl. What a majestic bird!

If you live in the area, get to Mendon Ponds Park and the Nature Center. A great place to be!

~ Jill

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

I LOVE WINTER AND SNOW! It was great having the snow last week. My husband and I took advantage of the winter weather and went cross-country skiing at Mendon Ponds. What a beautiful park. It was a beautiful day – majestic, calming, great snow and a beautiful sunset. The great thing about Mendon Ponds is that you are out there in nature. The deer were so close. My feeling is that being out there in nature is good for the soul. What a great way to refresh and recharge the soul – and to appreciate the bounty in life.

~ Jill

Happy Birthday Jaidyn!

Our little peanut; My grandson is 2 years old today! This picture says it all!

Happy Birthday Jaidyn!

Love, Gramma and Grandpa

What a Difference a Day Makes!

Happy New Year everyone! I had a great holiday – wishing all the best to my family, friends, clients, and blog followers.

To live in Rochester, you have got to love this weather! The day after Christmas my family and I went skiing at Holiday Valley. What a great day. The ski conditions were very good. It was good to get a different form of exercise.

The day after skiing, I went hiking in the rain at Mendon Ponds. No snow, but still plenty of trails to hike. I love the variety of outdoor activities the Rochester area offers. My philosophy is if you are going to live in the Northeast, it is best to make the most of what Mother Nature presents.

As I stated, what a difference a day makes – skiing and hiking in the same week!