Suzanne

The tub blends right in with the background. That needs to be more defined. And the font you are using for "of Luxuries" might not print very well on some applications due to the letters being so close together. I'd chose another font for that part.

The picture is cute but the font is not flowing smoothly. The break of flow is obvious in "Mary" and "Luxuries" looks like it was forced to fit. I'm assuming this must be for a round label. If you can get the font cleaned up, it should be ok.

That's very cool of you to offer your help. I agree with not selling other brands of candles next to yours or in the same store. In the end, that would be defeating the whole purpose.

WSP has one size and C&S has two sizes. The size WSP has matches the C&S's larger wood wick. You might want to think about what size jar you are trying these in before you order.

A Garden Eastwood has a nice EO blend called Bug Buster. Works great in soap, candles and spray.

SOUTH DEERFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 26, 2006--The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. ("Yankee" or the "Company"; NYSE:YCC) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended April 1, 2006. Earnings per common share on a diluted basis increased 30% to $0.30 from $0.23 for the prior year quarter. Total sales for the first quarter were $133.9 million, a 12% increase over the year ago quarter. Total company comparable store sales increased 1%. Included in the first quarter EPS is a favorable federal income tax adjustment of $2.3 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, primarily due to the resolution of prior years' outstanding federal income tax matters. Earnings per common share on a diluted basis before the benefit of this tax adjustment was $0.25, an increase of 9% over the year ago quarter.(1) "First quarter 2006 EPS results were solid and at the high end of our expectations range, excluding a one-time tax adjustment", commented Craig Rydin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Revenue exceeded our plan overall, with the retail division in all three business segments delivering higher growth on positive comparable store sales and wholesale sales within expectations. Our strong revenue performance this quarter is a tribute to all of our employees who worked together to create these solid results." First Quarter Highlights: Retail sales were $61.6 million, a 19% increase over the fiscal 2005 first quarter. Comparable sales in the 330 retail stores including the South Deerfield flagship store that have been open for more than one year increased 3%. Comparable sales in the 329 retail stores excluding the South Deerfield flagship store increased 4%. Consumer Direct increased 53% over the fiscal 2005 first quarter. Including Consumer Direct, total retail comparable sales increased 8%. Wholesale sales were $72.3 million in the first quarter, an increase of 7% over the year ago quarter. Wholesale comparable sales in the first quarter decreased 2%. Gross profit increased 11% to $72.0 million for the first quarter versus the prior year quarter. As a percentage of sales, gross profit decreased to 53.8% compared to 54.4% for the prior year quarter, due to promotional costs in Wholesale and higher energy and freight costs. Income from operations for the first quarter increased 2% to $19.2 million, from $18.8 million for the first quarter of 2005. This is what was released for the first quarter of this year. If you want to research, you'll see they have forecasted continued growth and earnings. Ok I got to stop researching this, I could go on and on and I don't have time. LOL But this should show there is nothing to worry about in the candle industry as far as it declining.

I have to jump in here. The following is the annual report from Yankee Candle. This includes their financials, cash flow and all the other reports. I didn't dig deep enough to see what and where and why some stores may be closing but according to these reports they are consistantly growing. I'm thinking, just from briefly looking at this, the stores Alan may be referring to are stores that are not owned by Yankee but buy Yankee wholesale for resale. However, I don't know that for sure. It does state in the report the areas they chose to have their stores which include malls. I only have spent a few minutes going over this report along with what how their stock is performing. Maybe some time when I have a few hours of uninterrupted time I can thoroughly analyze this. ~maybe. Yankee Candle is doing fine and growing at a consistant pace. I see nothing that would explain that this industry is hurting or will be hurting. Everything shows consistant growth. And from the looks of it, if you own their stock, I'd hang on to it, and if you don't own their stock, I'd invest in it. In this report there are charts you can look at to compare growth and such per year. The charts are sometimes easier for some people to look at and understand. http://library.corporate-ir.net/library/83/831/83126/items/151790/AnnualReport2004.pdf

I second that!! mine too!! :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2:

Do you know what batch of GL 70/30 you are using?

Did you try wicking down? What size premier wick did you try and what size was your jar? How long did you burn? How much FO did you use? I'm really curious because I'm having luck with these wicks so far.

Ok, I wonder what's up. I'm testing these right now with the GL 70/30 blend and it has not sooted yet. I haven't done a complete burn on any of the jars, just about halfway so far. The scent throw is awesome. It looks like a healthy flame so far and fmp. I'm really liking these wicks but I'll keep testing and see if I can the results you all are talking about.

Snowdrift Farm's Satsuma soap beautifully. It's been two weeks since I soaped it and it's scent is strong. There wasn't any discoloring and no acceleration. And it smells yummy!!

I've seen some put clear packaging tape over their label. You can't really see the tape over the label and it would hold your label on.

I really like the GL 70/30. It pours beautifully every single time. I've had great luck with the scent throws too. I've tested lots of FOs from different suppliers in this wax and it's been awesome. There have been a few FOs that I let cure for a week but most do great after about 48 hrs. No frosting at all and a very creamy appearance. Also, if you ever have any questions with this wax or concerns the customer service they have is the BEST!! Brenda follows up with every single question that I've seen people post on her board and this board. She's replied to every email I've sent to her in less than a day. HTH Suz

I got my wick samples today! Wow, lots of wicks. I'm very impressed with how many FREE samples they sent and the self-centering tools they added. I can't wait to test these in my jars. I hope I can get them to work for my jars, I'd love to do business with "Wick It". I'm truly impressed, so far!! Suz

Very upscale and classy looking. I love them. Great job!!

I love my KA. I don't cook much anymore anyways. LOL And when I do, I don't use my soaping equipment. That's a big No No in my house. I'm sure it would be perfectly clean and safe but I chose to keep my soapmaking equipment separate from my regular kitch stuff. Now I have dh and ds and dd that like to cook. How cool it that? Suz

I got one of the OldWillKnot scales off of ebay and it's worked perfectly for me. Here's the addy for his ebay store: http://stores.ebay.com/www-OLDWILLKNOTT-com_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm

Here's the EO blend from Garden Eastwood that I like to use http://addy.com/brinkley/410.html

Wow! That's awesome PA!! Congrats!!!

Christina, Can't help ya with the recipe but it sure looks YUMMY!!! Are you looking for testers yet? :wave: Me me me!! Suz

Hi Brooke, Yes it keeps inventory. Here is the website: http://quickbooks.intuit.com/product/accounting_software/pro_business_accounting_software.jhtml?priorityCode=1764906329

I've been using Quickbooks Pro and it keeps tracks of all that info about the customers.

Love it!! A++++ for your creativity!!

Those turned out absolutely BEAUTIFUL, Sherie!! Any ideas what you're going to name the scent? Just wondering because, it seems like a lot of people think of the "V" word when they see that scent name. LOL! I need a new name for mine and I'm totally brain-dead.