Kimberly

Just got some info from Abbie...only about 10 more spots left! So, if you have been waiting to register, better do it soon. This is goin to be a blast again this yr! Cant wait to meet all of you from the board comin this yr!!

Did you tell Beckie that you were using Avery? I had that problem with one she did for me a while ago but just emailed her and she sent me another in the format I needed.

I use the Corn Cobb & Vermiculite mixture with the groups logo ironed on the bag. The kids love these...and so do the teachers because they hang them in their lockers and the school smells GREAT!...lol

As most of you know, most of my business is Wholesale and Fund Raisers. I was worried about groups cancelling Fund Raisers but I have found the opposite. Seems lately I have been bombarded with FR requests. I have a small school group that have participated with my FR Program for the past 4 yrs. This yr was their BEST year! Since this is a small group of 10-15 4th graders I dont really expect much. However, this yr they totally surprised me. They sold over 80 cases (Past average of 50) and over 400 Air Fresheners!!! I am so excited for them...and me! I spoke with the Group Leader and she said that these kids really worked their hearts out this yr because some of them knew their parents didnt have the money to help with the costs of the club. So, all the kids got together and figured out what they needed to raise to not have to have any input of funds from any of their parents. I was just ready to cry. These kids care so much about this club that they were willing to do what it took to keep it afloat. And the ones that their parents could afford their fees still worked hard so their fellow members would still be able to particpate in the club. I guess what I am trying to say is that there are groups all over that will need to raise money because of funding cuts or just their parents cant afford the extra costs of trips, fees etc. This is all of our chances to step up and offer our services. This will not only help the Groups but help us too!

I have been thinking about this for a long time. With me, its not because of sluggish business it is to keep my sanity! I have several WHolesale accounts that I would feel horrible about if I just up and quit. But, on the other hand, life would be a lot more simple for me. 95% of my business is candles. I do a lot of Fund Raisers....that quick cash would be very hard for me to give up. I think I am going to scale back though. NO MORE VOTIVES!!!! NO MORE FREAKIN DIPPED BEARS!!!!!!!!! I am not adding anything new to my B&B this yr. I just dont have the time or the energy. I have a full time job that is mentally exhausting plus this on the side....I dont know how you people do it if you have kids too. My hat is off to ya!

I have a TON of the ones like KB used to carry. Pm me!

Didnt want this to get lost as the # or participants are growing every week! Seriously, this was one of the best organized and fun meetings I have been to. I am sure this yr will be just as good. So, if you guys have been on the fence about registering....go ahead! Do it! You wont be sorry. I just wish it was here already! C'mon July!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Scented and Scent Cellar... I might try the one from CandleScience. I know the one from SW & Sweetcakes would be nice...but a bit pricey for a Fund Raiser...lol

Does anyone carry a straight Lemon Verbena? BCN has a Verbena Berry that is really strong...but the group I am working with wants a straight lemon Verbena ...this is for Candles mainly, but possibly B&B. Any Suggestions?

I just wrote a review about this in the Candlemaking section and decided I needed to write one here too. I got this Utility Cart from Sams Club and it has been wonderful for my business. http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=146064 I use it to roll wax and jars from the storage room into my work area for candle making. In B&B making I use it to gather all my ingredients from my storage room and bring them in all at once to my work area. So, if I am making Body Creme or Soap, I get my recipe...go into my storage room and put all the buckets and gallons of oil onto the cart and wheel 'em in...make my product...them wheel 'em back. This has become such a time saver. If you guys are like me and have your bulk oils, waxes and jars stored in another room...this thing is a must! Very sturdy (holds up to 500lbs) and soooo easy to put together...and....the best part....LESS than $60!

I was having a rough time getting my wax, which weighs close to 70lbs a case, from my storage room to my candlemaking area. I found this little gem and it has been SMOOTH sailing ever since! http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=146064 This Utility Cart is da bomb! It is very sturdy and manuvers with ease thru my work area. The best part is it was less than $60 with tax! Not only do I use it to transport wax from room to room, but I also use it in other ways. I load up all the jars I am going to need for an order and wheel those into the living room to wick. Besides my Turk N Surf this has become my favorite candle making find. A must have!

If your company is cancelling you...thay HAVE to refund any unearned premium.

Being an Insurance Agent myself...that sounds like BS to me. If the company called you to do a survey and you let that sort of info slip to them...the yes, they could possibly non renew for Breach of Contract. But heresay???? Sounds to me like your company is just pulling out of the market because they may have paid out too many claims in the past. If it were me, I would request a meeting with my Agent. If you have an Agent who is worth a damn they will fight to keep your business. I have argued many good business cases to my underwriters with great success. Keep your cool when talking with your Agent...believe me, I know how hard it is and I am my own Agent!...lol You are going about it the right way though. Shop around...dont just take the first policy you are offered. As far as disolving your LLC...huh? I cant believe a professional would advise you to do that. A LLC protects your personal assets from your business mistakes. If you have already went thru the trouble and paperwork of forming a LLC, I say keep it. If you were in NY state I could hook you up. Good luck in your search.

SWEET! Sounds like a new and improved one...mine doesnt have a lid...but I doubt if it would hold my fat ass any way!...lol

I love mine! I use it to deliver Salt Scrubs to one of my Accounts that is in a shopping Plaza. The store is about 500 yrds from the parking lot, so this thing comes in handy. My Salt Scrubs are in 16oz containers and weigh about 2 lbs each. I can get 30 scrubs in it with no problem manuvering it to the shop. Get one...you will not be dissapointed!

Wouldn't you think that J223 or J50 would be soft enough for those? J50 is a soft wax...but not that soft. It is not that easy to cut, let alone scoop out with a plastic spoon. Good luck!

Look at www.gambercontainer.com They are a Honey Plant supplier. I have a local Honey plant that I buy my jars from. I have sent other people from other states to their local Honey distributors and most have made out very well. On the website they have a page with all the distrubutors from each state. I know they dont carry the black lids, but if you can get the jar at a good price , then you can afford to order the lids from somewhere else. Good luck!

LOL Oh girl I LOVE to sing. Karoke is the only thing I get to do now...besides the car and shower. They are having a Karaoke Party at a local Bar here for my 40th birthday at the end of the month...I cant wait!!!! You have to come on Friday night! I want to stay both Friday and Saturday night this yr. Last yr we stayed Friday but drove home after the Gathering was over. I was BEAT!!!!!! 4 1/2 hrs seemed like an eternity! Abbie, I got the email but havent been online much...had orders out the wazoo to get ready. I am answering you tonight!!

With that being your company name I think you need a cool catch phrase...something like "spark up the Aroma" ...you know, play with the name sparky...make it work for you. And I definitly like the second label better.

WOW, I am surprised at the answers here. I sell candles all yr round...and LOTS of them. I sell B&B here and there but that is more of a seasonal thing to me than my candles are. Although I have to say, I dont really market my B&B like I do my candles. I mostly sell B&B by making private label things for local Spa's. Maybe I need to get some pointers from you gals on how you sell so much B&B.

Please do not be offended...but it looks homemade. LOL...I know it is, but you know what I mean. And I agree...it is a little big. It has been my experience that a lot of consumers would rather be able to hide the label, like if they are using the candle for color, or putting it in their favorite holder. I hate my label too...it is very plain. I have tried spicing it up a bit, but my customers revolted...lol

Chiptooth...Comon...you will love the Gathering! Good to hear the casino is fun. Me luvs me some slot machines. I never take in more than I can afford to lose, so I think I will save my change stash to cash in for the casino. I have been saving since Dec and already have $120! Abbie, need to talk to ya girl.

If I have my contacts in goggles are a must! The only time I havent worn my goggles is if I am soaping in the summer and it is humid and I have my glasses on....seems if I put the goggles on over them they fog up and I cant see what the hell I am doin! Always wear some sort of eye protection! The ones I cringe at are the gloveless soapers...lol

Oh girl I LUV slot machines. I am not much on the tables as that has always been a real quick way for me to drop $500 in about 20 minites...I tend to stay clear of them...lol LMAO...the avatar is priceless..TWO DOLLARS!!!!!!!!! Classic! One of my fav movies. Tentacles...not testicles!

YAY!!!! cant wait. We had such a great time last yr. I learned a lot! Early Registration is ending soon folks! Take a look!!! http://www.blackcatgraphicdesign.com/lightsandlather/index.html