| 58 posts | 1 likes |
Age
47
Relationship Status
Married
Birthday
July 8
Jas IS OFFLINE
|
Post by AUDREY MARGARET WEASLEY on Jun 22, 2014 16:50:16 GMT -5
When Audrey had bought Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream uncertain of what she was getting herself into. It wasn’t in horrible shape but was really outdated. She was surprised that anyone had even been coming here but she also could tell from the people, that kept showing up and the door and sadly walking away realizing it was closed, that it was beloved place parents often took their children and for themselves.
For the past three months Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream had been boarded up and locked. Audrey took a huge risk buying it being she could see how it was inside but she just knew that it wasn’t going to be trashed. Call it her seer intuition or just pure dump luck.
Audrey had decided to keep the name the same, nothing else just seemed to fit. The place had a feeling inside of it. As if the old owner was still watching over it. She also thought that it would keep a customer loyalty better. She wasn’t stupid when it came to business. She then had a menu to make, which she had actually found an old box upstairs with all the recipes and original menus. A little charm work and bringing in a few recipes of her own the menus were quickly changed. She took a few recipes she had gotten when she visited Australia a few years back. She also found a few American recipes from a muggle cooking magazine.
Taking the risk of owning a business was a huge enough financial jump but she also decided to totally remodel. Audrey’s husband Percy wasn’t too happy when she told him she was also going to remodel but he also saw how excited she was. Percy couldn’t say no when he saw the ideas she had drawn and painted. Here she was putting the finishing touches.
She had gone with a candy inspired theme. The walls were a painted pastel green and the ceiling was pastel blue. The displays were platinum with glass covering. The cash register was on a white counter with small brochure style menus were kept. Behind the displays were several white counters where the cones were kept and were there were several cake displays. On top of the ice cream displays were two cake displays. Through a red velvet door was the kitchen where there was a full-fledged kitchen with a huge fridge, double oven stove, and a lot of counter space. There was also a pantry and a freezer. In the kitchen also was the small safe enhanced with charms and hexes where the recipes and the high quality rare ingredients. There was a side room that had a staircase that led up to the upstairs apartment. Most of the apartment wasn’t used that much besides for a secondary kitchen when Audrey didn’t want people to try to come into shop thinking she was ready to open.
Audrey took a deep breath as she turned the closed sign to open. She finished pulling off the paper covering the new window painted letters. She put in a few small flower pots in the window. Then she moved behind the counter. She wore casual clothes, she wasn’t going to dress all professional when she knew customers wanted a family style shop.
|
|
| 0 posts | likes |
Age
Relationship Status
Birthday
IS OFFLINE
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2014 19:35:55 GMT -5
Isis was a success-driven woman, and she believed one of the key factors of success was risk-taking. So she had to admire Audrey re-opening the ice cream shop. It wasn't that the place was doomed or anything. Most people loved ice cream and a fun place to enjoy it. Still, Isis felt starting ANY new business had a level of risk in it. She herself took a risk when she introduced her fashion ideas to Madam Malkin's and boy did he pay off as she now owned the place. So now that Florean Foretescue's was officially opened, Isis thought she would show Audrey support by being one of its first customers. On a day she had her trusted assistant running her shop, she stepped in and looked around before smiling at Audrey, who was positioned behind the counter. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Weasley," she said. "I'm Isis de Stefano, owner of Madam Malkin's just down the way. I wanted to welcome you to our little Diagon family and... well I fancied a banana split as well." She chuckled a bit. "Always had a weakness for those."AUDREY MARGARET WEASLEY
|
|
| 58 posts | 1 likes |
Age
47
Relationship Status
Married
Birthday
July 8
Jas IS OFFLINE
|
Post by AUDREY MARGARET WEASLEY on Jun 22, 2014 21:22:54 GMT -5
Audrey smiled brightly at the woman. She had kept mostly to herself the past couple of weeks. So much work in so little time. She was excited but also nervous. What if her ice cream wasn’t good enough or close enough to the original recipe. She tried to repress her anxiety.
“Nice to meet you. Well, thank you for stopping by. This place as pretty much engulfed my life the past few weeks,” replied Audrey. She reached for a bowl from under the display scooping out a medium sized scoop of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Then she turned on her heels and sat the bowl near at the nearest counter. “I think we all have a weak spot for sweets. You just have to manage proportions,” she added. She had seen the size of American Banana Splits. She went back into the kitchen and grabbed a fresh banana and cut the ends off then sliced it in half in front of Isis.
“I’ve always enjoy food more when it is made right on front of me. My husband took me to a Japanese restaurant once where the sushi was made right in front me and ever since than that is the only sushi I’ll eat,” she said. She remembered her mother saying you have to make a connection to your customers. She would have never thought she’d actually use anything her parents taught her. Well, people change with the times.
She lined up three scoops of ice cream in the oval deep dish. She popped in each half of the banana out of the peel and onto each side of the ice cream row then pressed it down a little so it would stay in place. She brought out the freshly cut pineapple and then dipped a small bowl into a chocolate fountain that was near the cash register being used mostly as decoration for now. Then took a jar of strawberry sauce from the pantry. She topped the vanilla scoop with pineapple, the chocolate scoop with the chocolate syrup and the strawberry with the strawberry sauce. She went to the display and scooped out several walnuts into another small bowl than spooned them all over the three scoops. She topped each scoop with whipped cream and a cherry for each.
“I don’t know if you’ve ever came here back when it was owned by Florean but I took this directly from his recipe. I made it on my own and when I tried it, it just tasted right. My mum told me when using other people’s recipes you have to cook from your heart otherwise your food will fall short,” said Audrey placing the bowl near the register. She hopped that she hadn’t gone too fast. She hadn’t even asked about the walnuts. She just kept smiling forcing back her anxiety. First customers jitters. She was certain she was going to break down and panic but then she looked down at her waist apron with a huge ‘W’ sewn into middle of the apron and ‘M’ sewn into the right corner. It had been a wedding gift from her mother-in-law and loved it dearly. Before then she had felt a bit like an outsider but getting this apron had made her feel like she was truly family that they truly accepted her.
@isis
|
|
| 0 posts | likes |
Age
Relationship Status
Birthday
IS OFFLINE
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2014 21:39:59 GMT -5
Isis watched as Audrey made the banana split. It looked delicious already. She then smiled as Audrey spoke of how the place had engulfed her life. Isis had certainly been there.
"And really you have to let it to begin," she said. "Once your business gets on the move, then you can relax... a bit anyway." Isis chuckled at that. "I'm sure all your hard work will pay off, Mrs. Weasley. People love their sweets. Alpin down at the Bonfire Bakery is always busy.. You'll probably meet him soon. He always goes about letting us try samples of his treats."
Isis agreed about managing proportions. She was watching her figure to an extent. One in her field definitely had to stay in shape.
Isis grinned about food being made in front of one and how important that was to Audrey.
"It's definitely good to see it being prepared," she said. "You wouldn't believe some of the horror stories I've heard about some of the cheaper restaurants in the area, and my husband, who is a Muggle, avoids the fast food from his part of London at all costs because of that."
Isis paid for the dish and heard in Audrey's words the hopefulness that the banana spolit would be to Isis' liking.
"Well it certainly looks delicious," she said. She then took a bite and beamed. "Oh my Merlin, I'm in the Elysian Fields! Audrey, this is amazing!" And Isis' words were sincere. It was hands down the best banana split she had ever tasted.
(Was actually thinking after Audrey leaves, I could bring in Alpin Zephyr from the bakery)
|
|
| 58 posts | 1 likes |
Age
47
Relationship Status
Married
Birthday
July 8
Jas IS OFFLINE
|
Post by AUDREY MARGARET WEASLEY on Jun 23, 2014 23:27:36 GMT -5
Audrey listened to every word Isis said intently. Not forcefully though, just something she had always done. She has two girls. She has certainly mastered the art of listening. If she can listen to all the teen girl drama she can handle simply small talk.
“Oh please just call me Audrey. Mrs. Weasley makes me think of my mother-in-law,” she laughed. Even all these years later it still feels weird on her tongue. She’s a Weasley but yet not quite. She still wouldn’t have done anything different all these years. They may not understand her but she knows they care.
“I’m so glad to hear that,” beamed Audrey. She was off the walls excited. Thank Merlin it worked. She was so nervous using a recipe that she didn’t make. She might just be able to pull this off. She might just be able to show people that she isn’t the lesser of the Weasley wives. She would never admit how jealous she gets of her sister-in-laws but it’s there. All she has ever been was a housewife. And now she could be something much more.
“I guess I got the old man’s recipe right,” she said. She was more excited than ever to have more customers. The excitement caused her to let her guard down for a moment. She was nearly knocked over with quick flashes of people. She stumbled back a bit startled by her abilities just appearing out of nothing. That rarely happens unless she is painting. She went into the kitchen splashed water on her face and grabbed a glass of water. “I suppose I should be drinking more water these days. I’m the only person working here right now so I need to be conscious,” she added. She had to cover it up. No one could know she was seer. Not even her husband knew.
@isis
(Feel free. Sorry for the randomness but since Seers have no control over it, it’s going to pop up in daily life randomly)
|
|
| 0 posts | likes |
Age
Relationship Status
Birthday
IS OFFLINE
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2014 12:13:21 GMT -5
Isis wanted to call her Audrey, but Isis didn't want to do so without consent. She was well-mannered in that way. "Of course... Audrey," she said with a smile. "And I completely understand. I'm not a fan of being called Mrs. de Stefano myself. Audrey and Isis... new friends I trust?"Isis indulged in her banana split as she listened to Audrey speak of getting the recipe right and spoke of drinking water. "Indeed, water is a must," she said. "Thank Merlin for the Aquamenti spell when you're somewhere with no access to it. I always keep a wand and cup handy when I'm somewhere in the shop not near the pitcher."Once finished with her treat, Isis wiped her mouth with her napkin and smiled at Audrey. "Again, that was wonderful and I will be back and frequently," she said. "And please come by my shop some time, Audrey. If you see something that catches your eye, I'll be glad to get you a discount."As Isis left, Alpin Zephyr entered with a basket. The two greeted one another, then Isis gave Audrey a goodbye wave and left. AUDREY MARGARET WEASLEY
|
|
| 58 posts | 1 likes |
Age
47
Relationship Status
Married
Birthday
July 8
Jas IS OFFLINE
|
Post by AUDREY MARGARET WEASLEY on Jun 24, 2014 13:51:35 GMT -5
“Friends, yes,” muttered Audrey unsteadily. Being reminded of the spell she felt like an idiot. Audrey always kept her wand literally up her sleeve. She hadn’t even thought about the spell. She supposed her mind wasn’t completely all there. She didn’t take out think about it. It didn’t matter that much. No one was perfect. She didn’t come up with spells off her head most of the time unless it was emergency. When she has to step up to the plate she always does because she has to. If one her children or nieces and nephews would pass out she would be one of the first to use the Reviving Spell or Episkey. That was just her mother instinct reacting. Not that she is ignorant. She’s quite
“I’m sure I’ll make my way over there,” smiled Audrey. She was still quite pale and her hands were trembling slightly as she sipped water. She slipped her cup under the counter on the shelf. She prepared herself to start serving once again. She had to force herself through this. She ran everything. She had to be on her toes all the time. Everything relies on her.
“Hello, how are you today?” she asked with a large smile. Audrey got a feeling that the Iris knew the man. A friend of Iris couldn’t be that bad. She walked towards the displays. She had a job to. Today was bound to be exciting. She had to have her head and mind firmly planted in this realm.
@isis
|
|
| 0 posts | likes |
Age
Relationship Status
Birthday
IS OFFLINE
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2014 15:35:28 GMT -5
Alpin smiled back as Audrey greeted him. Audrey would soon find out what many had- that Alpin was one of the most genuinely friendly people in Diagon Alley. If there was anyone who didn't like him, that person certainly hadn't said so. "Hello there, me new neighbor," he said in his heavy Scottish accent. "Alpin Zephyr, owner of the Bonfire Bakery just down the way. I thought I'd welcome you to our little neighborhood here with a basket of assorted treats from the bakery. We have here me Cranberry Cauldrons, Butterscotch Broomsticks and Sorting Hat Surprises. The last have been a big hit at the shop. Every bite is a different flavor. Took a few nights to conjure the right recipe and spell for those." He chuckled a little then looked around. "A right fine job you've done with the place. I like the decor. I'm sure me boy Walker and me little Viona will be glad to see the shop up and running again when they return home from school."AUDREY MARGARET WEASLEY
|
|
| 58 posts | 1 likes |
Age
47
Relationship Status
Married
Birthday
July 8
Jas IS OFFLINE
|
Post by AUDREY MARGARET WEASLEY on Jun 24, 2014 21:56:24 GMT -5
Audrey accepted the basket. What in Merlin was she going to do with this? She hoped Percy was in the mood for sweets when she got home. But she might eat a few, just because. She was quite curious. She would try it and make Percy eat some. She certainly can’t eat it all. But it all looked so delicious and temping. She couldn’t wait to try them.
“Why thank you. I’m sure I will enjoy,” she smiled. She took this moment to return the kindness. This was starting to feel easier but it still was a bit unnatural. But what is life without discomfort. She starting to find a niche though. Pushing limits was the only way to expand herself. Heck, raising kids was uncomfortable but worth it in the end. This certainly will be worth it as well. She was excited to see this place flourish again in the way her husband and friends that had often visited described it as. “I quite enjoy making things the muggle way but sometimes it just takes too long and I spells. I grew up watching my mum run a muggle bakery. Funny business for a wizarding family to invest in but it lead to a colourful childhood.”
“Well, I hope to your children here. Here, give them these when they return,” said Audrey walking back to the register counter and took one small packet out of a small pile. She held it out to Aplin. The packet was filled with coupons for different timeframes during the summer.
@alpin
|
|
| 0 posts | likes |
Age
Relationship Status
Birthday
IS OFFLINE
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2014 20:18:07 GMT -5
"You are most welcome," smiled Alpin. He was then fascinated about her working for a Muggle bakery. He had been to a Muggle Library to study a number of their recipes and had adopted their methods at times. It was tough, as the Zephyrs were Pureblood and magical baking was used more often than not. "Well, not quite unusual for meself I suppose," he said. "A good deal of me family are in the baking business, including me dad back in Scotland. I was trained from a young lad. I think one me proudest days after moving to London was opening the Bonfire Bakery. I'll wager you're quite proud of this place."Alpin smiled again as Audrey gave him some coupons. "That's very kind of you, Audrey," he said. "If I may call you Audrey of course. When you drop by the bakery, I'll be sure to give you some as well. And every Tuesday is our Discount Delights Day as well- half off all regular items and quarter off all specialty items." He then blushed and chuckled. "Forgive me for doing a wee bit of advertising in your shop, but I'll be happy to spread the word about yours at mine."He then looked over the selection. "Before I go, might I have a scoop of chocolate on a cone?" he asked. (I have a few more characters that can drop by like Vanessa Velmont. She works in the Alley and is a friend of the Weasleys.) AUDREY MARGARET WEASLEY
|
|
| 58 posts | 1 likes |
Age
47
Relationship Status
Married
Birthday
July 8
Jas IS OFFLINE
|
Post by AUDREY MARGARET WEASLEY on Jun 26, 2014 1:05:00 GMT -5
“My mother only ran the bakery for enjoyment. My dad made plenty of money at his work alone to support my family. But honestly neither of them had to work. But I feel like a love of cooking seems to be passed down. Now, if my girls can cook I haven’t seen it. That is an idea for the summer. Though my husband may not enjoy them burning down the house attempting to cook when I’m here and I honestly don’t want them setting fire to the shop either,” said Audrey. She could almost see the house in ruins when she came home from work. It was enough of an image to make her chuckle. Now if she was muggle she would be quite irritate at that point but she was a witch and houses could be rebuilt quite easy. They could all go live in the garage with all her paintings if it came down to it for a few days. But she really didn’t want that to happen anyways.
“I’ve made better designs before. My daughters’ nursery had better colour scheme but then again I had ten months to do the nursery. But I’m still happy about how it turned out,” said Audrey. She had only used magic for the taller walls and ceiling because she had a real distain for ladders. She also didn’t want to drop something and ruin the floors.
“I’m sure you’ll see me over there eventually. I think this basket is plenty for now but I will be sure to stop even to try some other sweets. I’m quite fascinated by the basket. It has me quite curious for what I’ll find at your shop,” she said. “I don’t mind at all. If you want spread the word go ahead. I’m still wagering my bets on old customer loyalty.”
“Of course, of course,” she said. She went over to the counter and came to a delay. Normal cone or waffle. She hadn’t really thought about a difference. She really wasn’t going to charge the difference though. The cost between the two types weren’t great enough for her to change it. Unless customers preferred one over the other it can stay like that. She grabbed the regular cone going with her gut and the most logical and safe choice. She brought the cone over to the displays and found the chocolate. Which took a few seconds of searching with her eyes. So many different flavours to remember. “There are so many to remember where they are,” she chuckled. She made her way the counter.
@aplin
(Vanessa might be fun to do here. Audrey probably isn’t that close with her just because she tries to avoid being her husband’s family outside of holidays. The details are for me to know you to figure out. Afterwards, I want to end this thread and start another somewhere else)
|
|
| 0 posts | likes |
Age
Relationship Status
Birthday
IS OFFLINE
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2014 8:46:54 GMT -5
(We can stop with Alpin. No worries.) Alpin listened as Audrey spoke of how her mother ran the bakery because of the love of it. That brought a smile to his face. "Sounds like a woman after me own heart," he said. "And I'm sure with the proper training, your girls will do fine. Me dad had a wee bit of trouble with me at first when he taught me the skill. And it took Viona a short while to get used to it as well when I taught her."Alpin was glad to know Audrey would come by and nodded about spreading the word. "Done then," he said. "And I'm sure the old customers will return, don't you worry."Alpin chuckled when Audrey spoke of there being so many flavors to remember, and then he spotted the two types and cones and felt a tad embarrassed he didn't specify which one. "Aye, quite a bit, and they all look good," he said before taking his cone and paying. AUDREY MARGARET WEASLEY
|
|
| 58 posts | 1 likes |
Age
47
Relationship Status
Married
Birthday
July 8
Jas IS OFFLINE
|
Post by AUDREY MARGARET WEASLEY on Jun 27, 2014 1:13:44 GMT -5
Audrey smiled at Alpin. She was still not feeling quite right, she wasn’t used to being interrupted like the way she was today. She had to get employees. If this is going to happen every day she might have to go at it as a manager more than worker. Maybe stress was making it worse than it usually was.
“Also can you pass on the word I’m looking for employees as well? I’m looking for anyone, no experience necssitary,” she added. She smiled bright at Aplin. All this talk had reminded her she had to work on adverting and other marketing things. So much to do. It seemed like it was never going to end.
“Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day,” she said looking outside. Despite the cold and such the skies still looked stunning. She didn’t honestly mind the cold or snow. As long a she got some sun, she was happy. Without the sun she’d get moody and would turn into a hermit. And when she was in a bad mood she wasn’t the same person. Only when she was in a bad mood would she fight with her husband or would push him away refusing to talk to him. She hated it when she got like that but she couldn’t stop herself when she was at that point. She was just glad that Percy but up with it all. Without him, she wasn’t sure what would happen to her.
“But anyways, it was pleasure meeting you. I’m sure we’ll see more of each other,” she said. Offering herself a distracting of her own thoughts.
@alpin
|
|
| 0 posts | likes |
Age
Relationship Status
Birthday
IS OFFLINE
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2014 19:09:37 GMT -5
(Will wrap it up) Alpin thought a moment when Audrey asked about employees. His own daughter was a possibility, but she wouldn't be home until June and she would have to go off to school again. "I'll see what I can do, Audrey," he said. "Always a number of young folk about looking for work. I'll also spread the word about that."
Alpin turned and agreed about the weather. "That it is, me good lady, that it is," he said. Alpin gave her a final smile and wave. "And a pleasure to meet you, and again welcome to Diagon," he said. "And know we are like a big family in the Alley. If you need anything, never hesitate let us know." And with that, he made his exit. (Okay, done on my end. If you're done, let me know and I can turn us in for House Points.) AUDREY MARGARET WEASLEY
|
|