Bill's Posts
I am Back!!
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
After a long hot and lazy Summer, I am ready to get back to those projects that I over looked in July and August. It seems that the Summer is a license to do nothing around the house and that once September hits it is back to the grind. The kids are back in school, vacations are over and we are playing less golf; [at least some of us] so that leaves more time to tackle home projects. In the business we call that, “back to home” this is the time of year when wives across the country start up the’ “honey do list” again. Not being married, I have to bug myself to get going on home projects trust me, you want no part of this discussion!!. I think I am tougher on myself than a wife would ever be!!! All my married friends tell me that they can run and hide from their wives, my problem is you cannot hide from yourself.
I don’t want to make this about avoiding home projects, but rather attacking home projects to keep making your house the best it could be. I don’t care if you live in a single room apartment or some big, “most of the rooms aren’t used” house, it is so important to stay on top of the basic maintenance of your living space. It not only looks better but it will make you feel better every time you come home. Let’s take the bathroom for an example, by just replacing that old bath rug and get a new set of towels you can brighten up a room you use every day. A new shower caddy works just as well, check out our new Bamboo Tension Pole Caddy [ I know it is a shameless plug] but it makes a big difference.
Ladies if you are in the middle of preparing your, “honey do list” and don’t know where to start, then I have the following suggestions, your kitchen and bathrooms. Generally these are the rooms that get the most use and need the most maintenance. It is amazing what a new coat of paint and new set of widow treatments can do for a kitchen! My other suggestion is don’t just put this on your husband to do but work together on these projects, think of this as date night with a purpose. You know what they say when the moment right will you be ready, and what says loving better than paint, brushes and a roller! Why ruin your clothes paint naked……Make sure the kids are at Grandma’s for the day, you don’t want to damage their little minds. Now I hate painting but that could get me down to the paint store faster than I ever thought possible. See ladies make it fun, keep it fresh and remember to always Put Stuff in its Place, this is Big Bill hoping all your home improvement projects get done this month.
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June, Where do you fit in?
Monday, June 14th, 2010
Hard to believe the year is half over already. It seems like I was just celebrating New Years and now we are smack in the middle of the year! Two thoughts occurred to me this week, the first was, “how am I doing on my New Year’s resolution?” and second was that mediocrity is the king of the world. I had to take a few minutes to even remember what my resolution was, then it came to me. I wanted to be more patient and a better listener. So how did I do? If I was grading myself I would have to grade on the curve [my friends are a high maintenance lot] and give my listening and patience a B. So I’m doing average at best. Sometimes I really nailed the good listener part and at times I have been more patient with my friends and colleagues.. Now that goes to my second thought which was mediocrity and that seems to be everywhere in my life. I have truly mastered being mediocre.
As most of you know I am a golfer or better put someone who enjoys playing the game; you can never master golf only catch flashes of greatness. I am for the most part an 18 handicap, not good but I don’t suck either [at least most of the time] so again I am right in the middle of the pack. On this Earth there are approximately 7 billion people; how many of those people are the best at what they do? Percentage wise not many, I was never that good at guessing or math let’s just stick with very few. I would also surmise that the opposite is also true, how many people really suck at what they do on their job or in their lives? It is probably more than those who excel but in comparison to the total number of people on Earth, there are few. So where does that leave the majority of us? You guessed it right in the middle or your garden variety mediocre middle of the road working stiff just trying to get by and I am OK with that. I don’t need to be Tiger Woods [although the fame and money would be nice] I just want to be known as someone who did the very best he could at being mediocre. Don’t take that as me not trying as hard as I can or not believing in myself it is just the reality of my world. So don’t be ashamed of your mediocrity you are in very good company. In fact, take pride that you have worked hard and treated the people around you with respect. Remember that as you are driving home tonight in the middle lane. This is Big Bill reminding you to always Put Stuff in its Place even if it is on the middle self.
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Hear no Evil, See no Evil, Speak no Evil
Monday, May 10th, 2010
“Everybody’s got something to hide except for me and my monkey”. Two monkeys, a lesbian and a priest go into a bar…. Do you know why that joke is funny? Because it has monkeys in it!! Yes, monkeys are always funny especially Barrel Monkey’s!! Anyway as soon as I hear that old saying about see no evil…I automatically think of monkeys, to be specific Barrel Monkeys. Those fun loving care free monkeys who swing from tree to tree looking for bananas and other monkey’s to chase. Where do you think the term barrel full of monkey’s came from?? You rarely see a depressed monkey even when they have nothing to do they can make a game out of flinging their own shit at each other. Now that is inventive, like snow balls without the snow or the cold. That leads me to the age old question of what is a Barrel Monkey and what does it have to do with me?? To answer this question, I went to my go to expert on monkey’s Tommy “The Hammer” and he proceeded to tell me that Barrel Monkey’s are first and foremost sexual misfits, hence their happy go lucky attitude. They are always chasing or teasing some poor unsuspecting female monkey around. I don’t know about you but I am always happiest being a sexual misfit that’s just me. Then Tommy pulled out a bottle of Barrel Monkey wine [who knew monkey’s made wine] and right on the label was a picture of a presumed drunk and happy monkey explaining that a Barrel Monkey was the guy / monkey who rolled the barrels, moved hoses and did all the work that no else wanted to. Apparently that is how they learned to make some kick ass wine.
That made me think, “haven’t we all been Barrel Monkey’s at some point in our lives??” Starting from the bottom doing all those jobs that no else wanted to do in order to learn about becoming better people down the road of life. Being a Barrel Monkey will not only teach you to appreciate what you have but to give you the work ethic you will take with you for the rest of your life. We are all responsible for our own “shit” and not just flinging it at other monkeys but taking what we have and making the best of it! My Father imparted those ideas onto Robert and I and I have tried to impart that onto my Sons as well. In fact John is going through his own Barrel Monkey experience now and I would hope that he will come out the other side knowing exactly what he wants to do with the rest of his life or at the very least what he doesn’t want to do. So get out there and be a happy Barrel Monkey and chase someone special around the dining room tonight if for nothing else to feel alive. This is Big Bill reminding you to always Put Stuff in its Place!!
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April Showers……..
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010
Always reminds me to be grateful for Spring Flowers and the return of good weather a specially here in the Northeast! I’ll bet you thought I was going to make some comment about replacing your old shower caddy or bath mat with something new and wonderful from Better Bath didn’t you?? Well as much as that is a good idea I really think that sometimes we take for granted what Spring and April Showers really mean. Now John touched on that subject last month a little bit and he was right it is a new start along with being a good time to take a personal inventory of what is important in your life. This week John and his brother Patrick are in Jacksonville Florida at the MPS Tennis Championships not on vacation [well maybe a little] but they are there working with Tennis Against Breast Cancer or TABC. In fact they are working the TABC booth at The Sawgrass Golf and Tennis club. Maureen Rankine from the TABC is selling all kinds of items including Better Bath products that we donated to help raise money for the fight against breast cancer. As I was sitting at lunch today thinking about John and Patrick [as any good Father would when his kids are away] I heard the following headline from ESPN Tennis legend Martina Navratilova said on ABC’s “Good Morning America” she was diagnosed with breast cancer in February.
Martina Navratilova was one of if not the greatest champion the sport of Tennis has ever known! With all of her accomplishments on and off the court she said today that this would be the toughest fight of her life. The good news as she said Good Morning America it was diagnosed early and is a very treatable form of breast cancer. Listening to Martina recount her story made me think of just how important our health is and how we take it for granted at times. With this diagnoses in the news all women should be reminded to do that self examine you have been putting off and call your doctor if you find anything at all. As I have been reminded over the years by many doctors breast cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer and with a simple examine many lives can be saved.
Two years ago Better Bath introduced our Soak for a Cure Spa Pillow which has been sold at Bed Bath and Beyond successfully with all proceeds being donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The idea being that every time you soak in the tub using our spa pillow do a self examine and also remember that your health is the greatest gift you can give yourself!! So get back to the gym and make sure you are eating right and take care of your body no matter what shape you are in, being active is the secret to a good long life. Oh and by the way always remember to Put Stuff in its Place.
Remember to type the coupon code: billsblog ,at checkout to receive a 10% discount on your order!
March – Spring into Action
Monday, March 8th, 2010
To be honest with you I am still very busy curing B.D. and Towelpiles so I have asked one of my favorite writers to step in this month and give you his thoughts on March. This writer is someone that you may not have read yet but believe me people you will. He is someone I am proud to call my oldest son John “Magnum” Emery.
Good morning. I mean that in both literal and metaphorical terms. It’s a new day, a new month and a new season is approaching. Hopefully you’ve dug your car out of your driveway for the last time while cursing your boss (hey, dad!) and yourself for that matter for not giving yourself enough time. Winter has given us dangerous roads, ugly sweaters and early nights. However, today the pendulum begins swinging in the opposite direction. Maybe this Winter hasn’t been great to you. Maybe those above mentioned dangerous roads put your car in a ditch, maybe your goldfish died or maybe you just got out of a relationship. Don’t fear though, your friends at Better Bath are here for you.
Dante Alighieri once famously wrote, “From a little spark, bursts a great flame.” Nope, that doesn’t mean burn your house down in frustration because life isn’t going your way. What that means is, life and change don’t begin with monumental events that just knock on your door. They start with the smallest beginnings and you have to be the hand that gets the ball rolling. So get up, shower and for the love of God put some pants on. Today is your day and start with some small changes. Clean your house, go on diet, put some pants on (I find it weird I had to ask you twice.) OR you could go down to your local shower accessory supplier and pick up a Better Bath product. You never know, you may go there and meet the love of your life, (real men buy their own Pebble Spa Bath Mats) you never know. And unless you get up and go buy one of our products, you may never know. Or, maybe you lack some stability in your life, then you could always go for the “Flair Shower Caddy”. Due to the fact, that instead of spending five extra minutes, filling away your shampoos and conditioners, you made it to that job interview on time and got the job. Once again, you’re never going to know until you try. So, what have we learned? The weather isn’t the only thing that’s changing, feel the warmer days lift the weight of your own world off your back and make even the smallest change in your routine. This is John Emery and I love you.
February “The Love Month”
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
Did you know that Human Beings are the only animals on the planet that shower and bathe for pure pleasure?? Oh yes bathing is necessary to keep clean, but how many times have you stepped into a shower or bath because it just felt good? There is no shame in showering for pleasure but every time you get into that shower or bath you could be spreading B.D. February is the Love Month so let’s help stop the spread of B.D. [Bathroom Disorganization]. B.D. can be stopped by simply slipping a caddy over your shower head before showering. We can stop unorganized showering in our lifetime. Till now, this has never been talked about openly, but I am not afraid to go where no shower caddy salesman guy has ever gone before. I am saying stop the madness people, use a caddy when you are in the shower. This “don’t ask don’t tell” thinking needs to stop today before someone gets hurt.
B.D. is a very serious condition and has many symptoms that you need to be aware of; if not for you for your children. The symptoms can range from a burning desire to go running from your bathroom or the worst is using your bathtub as a catch basin for bottles, soaps and tubes of God knows what. B.D. can lead to other more serious conditions such as Towelpiles and that is not something you want in your house. Towelpiles can be painful and lead to permanent stains. I know I am scaring you and I am sorry if I grossed you out with my discussion of Towelpiles, but I simply wanted to get your attention. This is nothing to be ashamed of. Anyone can fall victim to B.D.. The good news is the cure is closer than you think. Speak with an organized professional today, don’t be embarrassed about getting the help you need and stop spreading B.D. Reach out to a specialist like Michelle Zanoni. Her years of experience will get you back on the road to true organizational happiness. Don’t suffer another day, get out there and love the tub you’re in, after all it is the Love Month. This is Big Bill reminding you to always and I mean always Put Stuff in its Place.
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Get Organized, Stay Organized and Live Organized!
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
Welcome to better-bath.com my name is Bill Emery and this is my blog there are many like it but this one is mine! Some days I feel like I have brought a knife to a gun fight in getting my message out to the world. What is my message you ask that is simple Get Organized, Stay Organized and Live Organized. I am one of those very lucky people that have been able to turn my anal retentive compulsive behaviors into a career. This blog will be a place that I hope you return to on a regular basis it will have my own musings but also will feature special guest bloggers from time to time. People that have impacted this company and myself or anybody that has anything remotely interesting to say. It could be you, all you have to do is ask!
I want to say right up front that this site has come to life as a result of hard work by a dedicated group of people. You know who you are but why not list out a few of the outstanding players I have been proud to work with on this project [and who doesn’t like to see their names in print]. First off there is my brother Robert Emery without his tireless product design and sourcing efforts none of this would be possible. Robert and I have worked together since 1983 [I started in 1981] and together we have seen a lot of changes in the world of shower caddies and bath mats. Retailers have come and gone yet a little company like Better Bath lives on; go figure. Look we are just two simple guys selling shower caddies!
Robert started working with Michelle Zanoni our chief product designer [see Michelle’s Tip] two years ago and she has been a wonderful addition to the family. In fact Michelle has become the sister Robert and I never had. A lot of what you see on this site Michelle and Robert have designed, their work in developing new items is a true joy for me to watch. I really have to say I look forward to our New Item Review Meetings or NIRM it is like Christmas you never know what you are going to get [or is that a box of chocolate?]. The point is we love what we do here at Better Bath.
Next is my wonderful and dedicated staff headed up by my Logistics Manager and in-house I.T. Guy Kevin “I am getting it from space” DeBello. Kevin is the eyes and hears of Better Bath and every time something goes wrong Robert and I sit in our offices and cry [like two year olds] for Kevin to solve all of our tech issues. Tami heads up the Customer Service Team and Dennis makes sure that all the orders get processed on time every time. Last but not least is our Plant Manager John T Matthews, John came to work with us as a result of losing a bet in a poker game in 1982 and was an usher in my wedding so John and I go way back! For the record John lasted longer than my marriage but that is a topic for anther blog.
Now that I have paid homage to current cast of characters here at Better Bath there are two people that should be recognized for making us what we are today. You see Better Bath was an off shoot of our parent company Better Sleep Inc. A company started by my Grandfather William Mills Emery and my Father William Willard Emery. Without their vision and hard work none of what you see on this site would have been possible. Robert and I learned from the best you see we grew up in the world of manufacturing long before everything was made in China. So today I say thank you to those came before us. Knowing where you came from will be your guidance to success in the future. No quote marks needed on that one people that wise saying is mine. Till next time this is Big Bill saying stay organized and Put Stuff in its Place.