Movies to put you in the mood…

…for Christmas, that is.

As Christmas draws closer it seems nearly every TV station is playing some holiday film or another. If you are like me and the hubby, you already own your favorites – or nearly all of them. I recently realized that there are a few classics that I would like to add to our DVD collection.

Some of my favorite holiday movies are, in no particular order:

• Miracle on 34th Street
• Holiday Inn
• White Christmas
• A Christmas Story
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
• A Charlie Brown Christmas
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Nightmare before Christmas
• The Grinch
• Elf
• Bad Santa

I just asked the hubby what his favorite Christmas movie was. There was no hesitation when he answered, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”. This is not a surprise.

As you can probably tell, I’m not a huge fan of sappy holiday movies. You won’t find me glued to the television watching movies produced by Hallmark (sorry, Mom!). I much rather watch something that is going to make me laugh.

So tell me…What’s your favorite Christmas movie?

How I'm spending my Christmas vacation

With Christmas in less than a week, it should be no surprise that I’m in the holiday frame of mind. I’ve been feeling rather festive most of the month. Perhaps that is because we’ve had snow since December 1. While snow is expected in this part of the country, it is a bit unusual to have it snow nearly every day in December. See the pretty photo? That was taken on December 1st around 1 p.m. All of the snow is alright with me…as long as the roads are safe for those traveling.


I’m lucky enough to be off work for nine days. Yay! It’s nearly like when I was in school (or working in a college library) and had a winter break. While I’m looking forward to sleeping in a lot over the next week and a half, I also have a lot of plans for baking, candy making, celebrating and more. My holiday shopping has been pretty much complete for a few weeks now, and, as of today, I have all but one or two gifts wrapped. We didn’t put up our big tree this year. Instead I have a small tree set up on a TV tray in our entryway. The presents are mostly under it, so it looks quite festive.

I’ve been busy making cookie dough and candies. So far I’ve made batches of the following:

• Loaded Oatmeal cookies
• Chocolate Chip cookies
• Peanut Butter cookies
• Peanut Butter Blossoms (with both hugs and kisses)
• Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordials
• Chewy caramels
• Chocolate covered caramels (homemade caramels, too!)
• Chewy caramels with walnuts
• Buckeyes
• Fruit and Nut Clusters (with raisins, dried cherries, dried blueberries, dried cranberries and walnuts)

I still want to make the following:

• Peanut butter fudge
• Chocolate fudge
• Chocolate covered maple and black walnut crèmes
• Peppermint patties
• Buckeyes (yes…more of those are needed)
• Cranberry orange cookies
• Chocolate covered pretzels
• “Evil” brownies
• Almond buttermilk cake with raspberry filling and almond butter cream frosting (for a friend's party)
  

I still need to bake the cookies as I’ve been making the dough and freezing it in balls. That way I can bake only what I need. Less temptation for me to eat all the deliciousness. Or so I like to think.

Of course, I can’t talk about all of these yummies without sharing a few photos. Enjoy! I know I have been…

Chocolate covered caramels


Buckeyes



Chewy caramels with walnuts (before being cut)


Dark chocolate cherry cordials

Holiday decorating

Decorate your home for the holidays using Gold Canyon products!

• Iron Votive Centerpiece Candle Holder
• Crystal Candle Stands
• Glass Chimney Candle Holders - Mocha and Ivory
• Tealights (various scents)

Non-Gold Canyon items:

• Crushed sea shells (in Iron Votive Centerpiece Candle Holder)
• smooth pebbles (in Iron Votive Centerpiece Candle Holder)
• Red Ribbon
• Fake evergreen branches

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It really does look a lot like Christmas here. It has been snowing every day for the past week, placing a few inches of the white stuff on the ground. Looking at the weather forecast for our area, it doesn't appear to be stopping anytime soon.

I love snow. I really do. I don't like having to worry about the hubby being on the road, since he drives for a living, but I enjoy the beauty of a snow covered world.

Since it looks so holiday-esque outside, I've been listening to a local radio station that is playing Christmas music and singing and humming holiday songs as I go about my day.

Even though I've places to go, "Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!"

Dear Maven - Powering Scentmates

Dear Maven,

I love my ScentMateTM but I go through batteries faster than I do in my kid’s toys! Can you tell me if this is normal or is there something wrong with my little buddy?

It sounds like you’re just like me—I “play” with my ScentMate constantly so it’s not surprising you are using up the batteries so quickly!

You have to think of it this way: The ScentMate is like your toy. Your kids play with their toys so much, so that’s why the batteries go kaput so quickly. It’s the same with your ScentMate. While it can be used for extended periods of time, the battery usage will be affected. The more you use it, the more often batteries need replaced. Simple, I know, but I wanted to spell it out for everyone :-)

Since you’re an avid user (yay you!) I suggest you purchase a USB connector or 3V power adapter at your local electronics store as an alternative power source if your ScentMate is used often or for extended periods of time. Save those batteries for when you really need them and can’t use an outlet.

I also would like to mention, if you have customers looking for a product that they can use for extended periods of time, without the need for battery replacement, I have your answer—Scent Pods & Warmers are a wonderful alternative!

And … If customers are looking for a product that can be used for extended periods of time with little maintenance (i.e. turning it on and off) Diffusers are great and last 3-5 months.

Wow, the Suddenly Scented® product line really offers a variety of unlit fragrance options based on customer needs—I love that! I know your customers will too, so make sure to let them know their options and let them have fun choosing!

Always havin’ fun,

Maven

Dear Maven is a column in our monthly demonstrator’s newsletters. I have not written any of these articles, but am sharing them here for your information.

GOLD CANYON YEAR END 2010

GOLD CANYON YEAR END 2010

ITEMS BEING DISCONTINUED ON DECEMBER 31,2010

Pg. 9 – Snowflurries Luminary Pg. 12 – Pumpkin Patch Warmer

Pg. 13 – Candy Twist Warmer Pg. 15 – Black Candle Stick Warmer

Pg. 16 – Patchwork Warmer

Pg. 19 – Scent Pod Scents – Amber & Vintage Bouquet, Candy Corn, Cinnamon Garland, Citrus Garden Herb, Coconut Lime Verbena, Cotton Splash, Cozy Cabin, Cozy Christmas, Currant, Days of Christmas, Fresh Denim, Gingerbread House, Grapefruit Splash, Heather & Hyancinth, Jasmine, Juicy Pear, Living Room, Marigold, Mint Mocha, Peppermint Bark, Pool Towel, Powder & Violet Fleur, Refresh, Revitalize, Rose, Serenity, Sleigh Ride, Sprice & Citrus, Sunrise Tangelo, Vanilla, Vanilla Latte, Warm Welcome, White Sage & Rose Noir, Woods & Vanilla Romantique

Pg. 21 – ALL Bookmarks
Pg. 21 – Linen Scents – Awaken, Harmony, Pool Towel, Quiet Moments, Rose, Sensual, Sweet Pea
Pg. 21 – Room Spray – Harmony, Pillow Talk, Quiet Moments, Relaxing, Sensual, Spruce & Citrus, Warm Apple Crisp
Pg. 21 – Auto Freshners – Cinnamon, Fresh Denim, Fresh Orange, Pillow Talk, Pomegranate, Pool Towel

Pg. 25 – Homeology – Eco Shopper, Cleanse, Leaf Tray

Pg. 27-29 – Emerge – Body Crème, Body Polish, Give yourself a Hand, Bare Necessities

Pg. 30 – Bella Scents – Apple Spice, Birthday Cake, Cinnamon, Cozy Cabin, Cozy Christmas

Pg. 35 – Boutique Chic – Amber & Vintage Bouquet, Powder & Violet Fleur, White Sage & Rose Noir, Woods & Vanilla Romantique

Pg. 36 – Coffee House – Mint Mocha, Vanilla Latte

Pg. 39 – Candles For Kids – Apple Of My Eye, No More Sniffles

Pg. 40 – Comforts of Home Line

Pg. 44 – Heritage Scents – Heather & Hyacinth, Jasmine, Marigold, Rose, Cotton Splash, Fresh Denim, Cozy Christmas, Christmas Presence, Currant, Days of Christmas, Orange Mango, Orange Vanilla, Pink Lemonade Spritzer, Sunrise Tangelo, Cinnamon Garland, Cozy Cabin, King’s Myrrh, Sleigh Ride, Sprice & Citrus, Water Garden, Gingerbread House, Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen, Peppermint Bark, Tangerine & Spice

Pg 46 – Tealight Scents – Apple Spice, Birthday Cake, Cedar Woods, Citrus Garden Herb, Cobbler on the porch, Cozy Christmas, Cranberry Orange, Fabulous Fudge Brownie, Fresh Orange, Holiday Wreath, Mulled Cider, Pineapple Coast, Quiet Moments, Sparkling Apricot, Vanilla Latte, Warm Apple Crisp, Warm Welcome, White Sage & Rose Noir, Woods & Vanilla Romantique

Pg. 47 – Votive Scents – Apple Spice, Cinnamon, Cozy Christmas, Fresh Orange, Lilac, Love Struck, Pumpkin Pie, Sleigh ride, Sugar Cookie

Pg. 50 – Breast Cancer Awareness – Pink Sugar Cookie

Pg. 52 – Boo! Fragrance Line Pg. 54 – Jolliday Fragrance Line

Pg. 55 – Mystyle Seasonal Labels – Fall/Holiday Pg. 56 – Winter Splendor Fragrances

Pg. 58 – Sparkle Jack-O-Lantern Pg. 61 – Autumn Leaves Candle Wrap

Pg. 62 – Antiqued Wire Basket, Mini Autumn Turkey Pg. 63 – Artisan Glass & Iron Server

Pg. 64 & 65 – Red Dazzlewrap Beads, Swizzle Candy Columns, Whimsy Tealight Columns

Pg. 66 – Squared Crystal Votives

Pg. 68 & 69 – Snow Shimmer Tray, Tealight Snow Bell, Jeweled Candle Ring, Snowfall Luminary

Pg. 70 & 71 – Snowflake Twinkle Tie, Gilded Fleur De Lis

Pg. 73 – Birthday Delights


Orders for any of the items being discontinued must be received by December 31st! I recommend ordering ASAP to ensure availability!

Buying Books

It's December (!!), which means the holiday frenzy has started. Looking for some wonderful gift ideas? Check out this blog post by MotherReader: 105 Ways to Give a Book.

I am proud to admit that I am the giver of books as presents. My two cousins who are 20+ years younger than me and my nieces and nephews have often received books for birthday and Christmas gifts. This year I will be giving books to seven of the thirteen people I'm purchase gifts for. I know this as I have most of my holiday shopping already completed. (please refrain from throwing stuff at me...unless you are throwing money or gift cards).

Around the Blogosphere

I’m always trying to catch up with reading the various blogs I subscribe to. It takes quite a bit of time, as some bloggers can be rather plentiful with their posts.

Recently blogger Pragmatic Mom started several new series of posts. My favorite so far? The Teach Me Tuesdays. I must remember these posts when it comes time to plan programs for next year’s Summer Reading Program. Of the three or so TMTs thus far, there has been a theme of multiculturalism that perfectly fits the SRP them of One World, Many Stories.

Meanwhile, Mother Reader has been doing a series of posts focusing on the Cybil Awards while also highlighting her ABC Storytime features. She’s also doing a book giveaway…

Liz at A Chair, A Fireplace & A Tea Cozy has provided a review of the book Hush by Eishes Chayil. This is the second blog that I read which has reviewed this book. Unfortunately, no one has ordered it yet for my library. *sigh* I would like to read it!

Bad Mummy Bec has really ramped up her posting! She’s been featuring a variety of crafts and other just plain cool things on her blog. I think I’ve even read somewhere (perhaps on Facebook) that she is starting a Bad Mummy forum. Bec, m’dear, if you are reading this, care to do a post or few featuring children’s lit Down Under?

Sarah at Simply Primal and Simply Sunshine is talking about Thanksgiving dinner…especially doing it gluten free.

Sharon at Sharon's Life is planning a holiday. Here's hoping she can go somewhere fantastic. Hey, Sharon, think you can stow me in your luggage?

That’s just a few of the many blogs I’m currently reading. I need to find the time to update this blog more and to post more book reviews on Ama's Get Booked.

Speaking of the other blog...if this post looks a wee bit familiar, it's because I "cheated" and copied it from my book blog. Whatever works, eh?

Dear Maven - Glass Chimney Holders

Dear Maven, The new Glass Chimneys are so beautiful and I love this versatile alternative to pillar candles. I noticed in the catalog that these fit only tealights. Is this correct? They seem large enough for jar candles.


Just like last month’s Dear Maven Demo, you are also very resourceful! However, sometimes our creativity can get in the way of being completely safe. These new Glass Chimneys are so versatile—thank you for pointing that out—but they really should only be used with tealights to ensure optimal performance and safety. Although these holders will accommodate a larger candle than a tealight, the performance is not desirable and does not meet Gold Canyon’s safety standards.

...

Now let’s talk more about these wonderful alternatives to the pillar candles. You mentioned versatile and yes they are!

• You can get the look and fragrance you want.
• They can be used in many types of décor styles.
• There are several color options for everyday use as well as holiday decorating.

Your generous friend,

Maven


Dear Maven is a column in our monthly demonstrator’s newsletters. I have not written any of these articles, but am sharing them here for your information.

Dear Maven - Scentmate

Dear Maven,

I love my new ScentMateTM but my favorite fragrance is not available in Home Fragrance Oil. Can I use Diffuser Oil or Linen Scent with my ScentMate?


Well aren’t you so crafty! While I do appreciate your resourcefulness, the truth is that the Linen Scent and Diffuser Oils are not as concentrated as the Home Fragrance Oils, so you won’t be getting the highest quality fragrance experience using them on the ScentMate as when the Home Fragrance Oils are used.

All products are different and we make sure each product works the best with the fragrance products it’s intended for. I do have some good news for you though…look for brand new Home Fragrance Oil choices in the new Holiday 2010 catalog!

Always By-the-Book,

Maven

Dear Maven is a column in our monthly demonstrator’s newsletters. I have not written any of these articles, but am sharing them here for your information.

Tips for Packing Light

In keeping with the recent travel tips theme, here is an article written by my friend, and current travel companion, Sharon.

Dear Maven - Bath Soak and Body Oil?

Dear Maven,

I have many customers who love the EMERGE™ Renew Your Soul™ Bath Soak and use it as a basic body oil. Is it safe to use it this way or should it only be used as a specified?

Great question. Lucky for us, Gold Canyon has some pretty gifted people on staff (not unlike myself) who can answer just these types of questions so you can rest assured you and your customers are using our products appropriately.

For the answer to your question, I went straight to the top of our R & D food chain to our resident R & D Manager. (She wears a lab coat, so I think she’s legit). She explained that EMERGE Renew Your Soul Bath Soak can in fact be used as a basic body oil. Her only suggestion is to give the bottle a good vigorous shake before using it this way so the ingredients can be mixed together for the optimal EMERGE experience.

I wanted to share some comments from other Demonstrators about just how much they or their customers are enjoying not only the Bath Soak, but other EMERGE products as well. You may gain a new appreciation for a product you haven’t tried yourself yet or a remedy you can share with your customers, family and friends. At the very least, reading about the renewing properties of EMERGE will likely make you want to take a little time to unwind with your favorite EMERGE products – even if you’ve already done that a couple of times today like me.

“The Start Fresh™ Hand Soap is the best, along with the Grains of Truth™ Hand Scrub and Raise Your Hand Silk™.”

- Deb Mill, Sioux Falls, SD

“Customers say the EMERGE Renew Your Soul Bath Soak is absolutely wonderful and relaxing.”

- Lou Dihuzic, Grand Junction, CO

“The Raise Your Hand Silk is great. Customers love how non-greasy it is and how it makes their hands soft.”

- Dorothy Kelly, San Diego, CA

“Since I work with second graders, I am constantly washing my hands. They would crack and bleed on my knuckles in the winter. The Raise Your Hand Silk and Grains of Truth™ Hand Scrub have cured that problem.”

- Jane Stratton, Hillsboro, OH

“I love the EMERGE Raise Your Hand Silk. I am a stocker for a grocery store and my hands break out from cardboard and this has healed my hands.”

- Barb Kipp, Grand Junction, CO
Dear Maven is a column in our monthly demonstrator’s newsletters. I have not written any of these articles, but am sharing them here for your information.

Taming the Overpacking Beast

Like many, I’ve a tendency to overpack. I guess I was a good Girl Scout, since I like to be prepared…just a bit too much, though. I’ve gotten better over the last few years, which I think can be attributed to the increased traveling. Since January 2008 I’ve traveled to Philly, Anaheim, Denver, Chicago, San Antonio, Boston and D.C. I’ve gone to Detroit area several times, but that hardly counts, since I almost always stayed with family. There were also a few other little trips in there, but, again, they hardly count as I often stayed with friends or family.

One of the things mom, Sharon and I have talked about is what to take on this trip. Here are three tips for overcoming the overpacking beast.

Travel Tips – What to Pack

• Check for laundry service at or near your hotel. If there is, and you don’t mind spending a bit of time or money, you can pack fewer outfits. Usually I don’t opt for this, as I want to take in as much as I can, but if you are pressed for space in your suitcase, it’s a great idea. This is especially true as airlines charge more for fewer pieces of luggage per person.
• Check the weather – especially if you have never been to your destination before! If you know what to expect weatherwise, it is much easier to pack only what you will need. Checking the weather forecast is such a simple thing to do now. When I went to Canada as a child, I remember something that an employee at the hotel we stayed told me. The trip was to Niagara Falls and Toronto, and, if I am remembering correctly, during the late summer. The employee remarked about how many travelers came to Toronto area with parkas, skis and other winter accessories and clothing…regardless of the time of year. While I joke with Sharon that she lives in the Frozen Wastelands not all of Canada is frigid, and especially not in late summer.
• Check the toiletries. Sharing a room with another person or few? Who needs three different tubes of toothpaste when one will do? Talk with your fellow travelers and see what items you can share. It’s amazing how much space small toiletries can take up in your suitcase.

Fall Customer Incentive - Win Prizes!

Check out the Wish List Giveaway!

MIA alert

I’ll be kind of MIA over the next few weeks, though I am scheduling posts for while I’m away.

See, I’m going on a little road trip. I’ll drop off the puppy boy in Michigan and pick up my mom. Then we will cross over the bridge in Detroit and head into Canada, picking up my good friend Sharon in London, Ontario. The three of us have a week of travelling fun planned.

I won’t be online much, since I’ll be in a different country. While I might pay a bit extra for international calling and texting while I’m there, I don’t plan to pay for international data. So…no posting via my beloved iPhone. Sharon will have her laptop, so I might have to bug her a bit to let me use it from time to time. ;p

Over the past week or so, I’ve talked with my mom several times about the trip. What to take. What are we going to do. How to handle money.

That last one is something that I don’t give nearly as much thought to when I usually travel, as all of my overnight traveling has been in the US. The only time I’ve gone to another country and stayed more than a few hours was a trip to Canada when I was 9. Yeah. I didn’t even think of money then.

And on that note, here are a couple of travel tips.

International Travel Tips – Money Matters:

• If traveling to a different county – like Canada (yes, Canada is a different country from USA, even if it doesn’t seem like it at times.) – it’s a good idea to contact your bank and/or credit card companies. Let them know that you may be using your account(s) while traveling and the dates of travel. They should note this information in your record so your transactions won’t be flagged as suspicious activity.
• While you are talking to your financial institutions of choice, ask about rates for ATM and credit transactions. This can vary from institution to institution. The national bank that I use charges 2.25% for international credit transactions and $3.50 for international ATM transactions. The local bank is only 1% and $2.50 respectively. Guess which account I plan to use the most.

Millions of Peaches...Peaches for me (not you)

It is with a heavy heart I am writing this message. Actually, it is more like an extremely ticked off heart. Why? Because someone took Every. Single. Peach. from our tree.

Yes. You read that correctly. There are no more peaches on our tree. When I went to work on Tuesday morning, I picked eight or nine peaches from the tree to share with my coworkers. At that time there were still at least two dozen peaches still on the branches as well as a couple on the ground.

Fast forward to Wednesday morning, when I left for work. I pulled down the driveway and stopped to pick a couple peaches to have for breakfast. I looked at the tree and noticed it seemed bare. Granted, we had some storms the night before. Perhaps the wind knocked the peaches to the ground? I checked the ground. There was only one peach – mostly gone, showing the pit, really. That was all.

What. The. Hell.

To whomever took all the peaches from the tree in my front yard: I hope you get sick on them. I’ve some lovely tomatoes, peppers and herbs in the back yard. Want to trespass there and pick them before I can use them? Just like the peaches, they are uncertified organic and very delicious.

Asshats.

I < 3 my Librarian

Hey, library users! Do you have a librarian that you adore? If so, enter her (or him) in the I Love My Librarian contest! The deadline is September 20.

Dear Maven - Linen Spray

Dear Maven,

Is it safe to spray Gold Canyon’s Linen Scent on wet clothes before putting them in the dryer? What about ironing? Will it discolor the fabric?

I’m no detective, but it sounds like you may have had a traumatic experience with applying another fabric ‘freshener’ that caused unpleasant side effects for your favorite cardigan in the past. Am I right?

Well I’ve been there, and I’ve got good news for you! Other than the facts that they smell like heaven and can be used in so many other ways, another amazing feature of our Linen Scents is that they should be safe to use on clothes before putting them in the dryer.

I’ll let you in on a little secret – I actually use the spray on both dry and wet clothing. If I’m in a pinch and a little behind on laundry (which is pretty much the norm for me), I particularly like to spray one of our wonderful Linen Scent fragrances on dry clothes and throw them in the dryer for a quick freshening to get smoke or cooking odors out quickly. However, because fabrics and dyes vary, please note that it is always prudent to test a small inconspicuous area of the clothing first. Better safe than sorry!

You can also spray your clothes and then iron, but again, since fabrics vary, it is highly recommended that you test a small area of the garment first. Another important tip is to use your Linen Scent only on washable fabrics – never on dry clean only clothing. Last of all, never put Linen Scent inside your iron, as this is not the intended use for your iron and could potentially cause its mechanics to deteriorate over time.

For complete information regarding Gold Canyon’s Linen Scent or any other fabulous Suddenly Scented^® products we have to offer, be sure to check with your Gold Canyon demonstrator.

Dear Maven is a column in our monthly demonstrator’s newsletters. I have not written any of these articles, but am sharing them here for your information.

Tuesday Quote

Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it onto future generations.

~George Bernard Shaw

Dear Maven - Milder Scents?

Dear Maven,

Your candles are fabulous! I always look forward to burning them to freshen different areas of my home. I have, however, noticed that some candles do not seem to have as much fragrance as others. Sometimes I feel like I’m smelling the wax more than the scent and I’m tempted to add some of your Diffuser oil with a dropper to give the candle a fragrance boost. What do you suggest when I get a candle that seems to have limited fragrance?

Well, first let me say that flattery will get you everywhere. I like to think that I had a little something to do with your satisfaction with our candles, as I am always offering our R & D department my sage advice – sometimes solicited and frequently not.

Moving on to your question, my answer is best summed up in the old saying, ‘Patience is a virtue.’ When you receive a candle that does not seem to have a strong scent, the best recommendation is to put it away and smell it again the next morning to make sure your nose isn’t playing tricks on you. Personally, after a long day of latte runs to my local café, slathering myself with cosmetics, heading to the mall food court to grab a bite to eat, re-spritzing myself with my favorite body spray (Your Inspraytion™ Body Mist from our EMERGE™ collection, of course) and pumping gas (ick!), my nose understandably has an identity crisis on its hands and can’t smell the full bouquet of fragrance notes that may be present in one of Gold Canyon’s amazing candles. Bottom line: it’s a good idea to give your nose a break and check out that new candle a second time when you know your nose is fresh and hasn’t been assaulted by the variety of smells you’re likely to encounter throughout the course of your day.

If you have given your olfactory senses a break and are certain your new candle doesn’t smell like it should, please contact Gold Canyon and let us send you an exchange. Everyone here takes maintaining our reputation as “The World’s Finest”® quite seriously and we truly want you to be completely satisfied. Additionally, we may request that you return the candle to us so we can get to the bottom of it if there is a quality issue. Our goal is that every single candle produced be perfect every time.

One last note of expert advice, DO NOT use your Diffuser oil in your candle! This will eventually cause your wick to stop functioning correctly and your candle will not burn. For more information about the appropriate use of Gold Canyon Diffusers (and every other fabulous product we offer), consult your Gold Canyon Demonstrator.


Dear Maven is a column in our monthly demonstrator’s newsletters. I have not written any of these articles, but am sharing them here for your information.

Thursday Quote

A good friend is cheaper than therapy.
~Author Unknown

Scent Recipes - Thirsty?

Thirsty for some more scent recipes? Try these delicious combinations!

Cappuccino
Hazelnut Café au Lait
Cinnamon

Vanilla Cappuccino
Hazelnut Café au Lait
Cinnamon Vanilla

Orange Spice
Fresh Orange
Cinnamon

Cherry Limeade
Cherry Pie (tealight)
Ginger Lime

Scent tips

Want to make your home smell great while vacuuming? Put about 15 drops of one of our scented oils onto a cotton ball. Drop the cotton ball into the canister of your vacuum cleaner. The scent will be released as you run the vacuum.

Currently we have six different scented oils available, for only $6.98*:

• Clean Sheets
• Cozy Christmas (seasonal)
• Holiday Wreath (seasonal)
• Pomegranate
• Sugar Cookie
• Sweet Pea

*price does not include Shipping & Handling and taxes. Price is in US dollars.

Tuesday Quote

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

~Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.

Scents for Aromatherapy

"For the sense of smell, almost more than any other, has the power to recall memories and it is a pity that we use it so little" Rachel Carson, biologist and author

• Cedar: Speeds’ healing, purifies, and enhances your spiritual connection.
• Eucalyptus: Clears congestion and improves concentration.
• Juniper Berry: Calms the emotions, enhances healing, and fosters a sense of love and protection.
• Lavender: Puts the body and spirit at ease, and evokes deep serenity.
• Orange: Restores strength and uplifts the spirit.
• Patchouli: Stimulates the senses and restores tired muscles.
• Peppermint: Clears the mind; stimulates and refreshes.
• Pine: Invites a deep sense of relaxation, purifies, and promotes healing.
• Rosemary: purifies, heals, refreshes sore muscles, and encourages loving protection.
• Sage: regulates the central nervous system, eases night sweats, soothes sore throats, and promotes healing and protection.
• Sandalwood: Enhances sexuality, healing, and spirituality.
• Thyme: Encourages love, eases insomnia, and soothes bronchial infections.
• Verbena: Lowers blood pressure and eases stress.
• Ylang-Ylang: Ignites passion and desire, heightens joy, and creates an atmosphere for romance.

http://decoration.com/decorating-tips/healing-fragrances/index.html

The story of us

Have you heard of StoryCorps? The organization is “an independent nonprofit whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives.” How cool is that?

Check out the website. There is a Question Generator, information about participating, and even a do-it-yourself guide. Read the FAQs. Listen to podcasts. There is a wealth of information available on the site.

Everyone has a story. What’s yours?

Scents to fall for

The Fall/Holiday catalog has been released. While there are some new, wonderful scents, there are also several returning from last year. Of these, two make me the happiest. Gingerbread House and Pumpkin Pie.

Not only are both of these holiday scents popular, but they happen to be two of my all-time favorites available through Gold Canyon. The spicy sweet smell of both Pumpkin Pie and Gingerbread House are delicious, yet don’t make me want to eat a bunch of sweets (like other baking scents). I adore them both so much that I keep a sample of each in my office for when someone heats up a stinky lunch across the hall.

New scents for the season:

• Apple of my Eye (Candle for Kids scent)
• Brown Sugar Spookie
• Candy Cane
• Cider Brew
• Iced Bayberry
• No More Sniffles (Candle for Kids scent)
• Roasted White Peppercorn
• Sugared Vanilla Bean

Scents returning from last Fall:

• Candy Corn
• Christmas Presence
• Cinnamon Garland
• Cozy Christmas
• Days of Christmas
• Gingerbread House
• Holiday Wreath
• King’s Myrrh
• Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen
• Mulled Harvest
• Peppermint Bark
• Sleigh Ride
• Spiced Gumdrops

Project Backpack update

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by the kindness of others.

Last week I talked to the current president of the branch library’s Friends group. As an official group donation, the Friends purchased two backpacks and the supplies to fill them.

A coworker who lives in the community that's being served by my backpack project sent my email to her friends and family.

Yesterday she brought in several bags worth of school supplies, including two nearly complete backpacks and three empty backpacks.

Then...Sharon, who I already know is an all around awesome person, donated money - enough to purchase 3 more backpacks!
All in all, I think that about 15 backpacks will be donated, and a bunch of excess supplies! I'm also donating a bunch of books for the classroom libraries.

Each backpack has a sheet of stickers, 2 silly bandz and 3 paperback books in them in addition to the supplies.
I'm just amazed. I hope that next year goes just as well - if not much better.
Here are a couple updated photos of the goods. What you can’t tell is that there are three completed backpacks and six nearly completed backpacks. You also can’t really tell just how many school supplies are in that crate. It’s amazing.

Thursday Quote

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.
~Russel Baker

Bonus quote! (I couldn't decide which I like better.)

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.

~James Dent

Mason Jar

Mason Jar

When the sun begins to set but your barbecue’s still hopping, scatter Mason jars filled with white votive candles—a more casual take on hurricane lamps—around the yard.

From: 50 Summertime New Uses for Old Things

Tuesday Quote - garden update

With a few flowers in my garden, half a dozen pictures and some books, I live without envy.

~Lope de Vega

Ah….my garden. Last week I took a few photos with my phone so I can share on here. What you can’t tell from the photos is that some of what appears to be weeds are actually volunteer tomato plants and a few bean plants. Funny thing about the beans…I kinda just tossed a few seeds into the garden. Didn’t plant them or anything. I was just curious to see what would happen. Remember, I’m going for royalty in the concept of lackadaisical gardening. LOL

So, without further ado, photos of my gardening “efforts”. Note: These were taken around 10:30 a.m. on yet another humid-as-all-get-out morning. My glasses and the lens of my phone were fogging over a bit due to the humidity.

Freshly picked produce - the first of the summer (from mid-July)


The overgrown garden

Some of the potted herbs. Chives and mint.




The plant in the corner is totally taking over. I think it will need to be moved before next spring!


Peach tree! I can't wait until they are ripe and ready to eat.

Why yes...I am a nerd.

The hubby and I know that we are nerds and even kind of take pleasure in this fact. There was a time when we would even take Trivial Pursuit cards with us when we went out to eat, and would spend the meal asking each other questions. It was a lot of fun. Honestly!

Recently the hubby showed me this website. It’s a wonderful site for trivia buffs and general nerds. In fact, even more recently, my friend S and I spent at least 30 minutes playing on the site and sending the quizzes (and our results) to one another when we really should have been heading to our respective beds. Oops.

The site: Sporcle.com: mentally stimulating diversions.

Check it out. It’s not really a waste of time if there is intellectual stimulation involved, right?

Dear Maven - Wick won't stay lit?

Dear Maven,

What do you do with a candle, or specifically the wicks, that won’t stay lit especially in the larger size jars?

If you have a wick that won’t light, you’ve simply gone too far. It’s like saying, “now that I have a traffic ticket, how do I make it go away?” The trick is not to get the traffic ticket to begin with! Let me explain…

When you first receive your candle, you may notice that sometimes the top is not completely flat across. This is completely normal. The top becomes caved in when the natural crystallization process experiences slightly differing humidity and temperatures.

If you come across a candle like this, the trick is not to trim your wick for the first lighting. I know you’re thinking about that mantra that’s ingrained in your brain about always trimming your wicks. However, this is a special case. I give you permission to not trim your wicks—just this once!

You’ll need to plan on a first burn of approximately four hours to condition the candle but after this first burn it should level itself out. Once your candle is flat, then trim to ¼ inch and continue to burn.
Dear Maven is a column in our monthly demonstrator’s newsletters. I have not written any of these articles, but am sharing them here for your information.

Project Backpack

I think I mentioned recently that I’m doing a little community project. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for years, but finally contacted the right people this year.

The project? I’m calling it Project Backpack. Its purpose it to provide backpacks filled with needed school supplies to students at a local elementary school. I’ve opened the project to friends in the area, and so far a handful said they are interested in participating.

Last week I went shopping for some school supplies. Of course I forgot the list of supplies on my desk, so I was winging it a bit. I did purchase two backpacks, along with a ton of other things. I need to go back to the store and buy some more items to finish filling those two book bags, as well as a couple more backpacks to fill. I should be able to donate four filled bags. I’m hoping that with the other donations that have been promised that I can deliver at least 8 total bags. It’s a small amount, but it is a start.

I’m also going to donate some of the many paperback books I’ve accumulated at home. These books will go into the classroom libraries.

In addition to the school supplies in each backpack, I am going to put a few fun things. Stickers, Silly Bandz (or whatever the off brand is called) and a book.

The local elementary school that is receiving the donations begins the term on August 30, so I will be delivering the backpacks (and any extra supplies) to the school sometime the week before.

Here’s a photo of what has already been purchased and put together:

TGIF

This is going to be a busy weekend. That’s ok, though. It is also going to be a fun one!

Tonight is scrapbooking. Usually I’m there from 6:30ish until it ends for the evening at midnight. I’m still working on my sister’s wedding, and anticipate finishing it sometime close to never. lol

Saturday I am off work. Yay! Instead of sleeping in, though, I will be returning for day two of scrapping. I’m not staying the whole day, though, as I have an appointment at 1:30. Time for some pampering. I’ll be getting a manicure, pedicure and getting the brow situation taken care of. I adore this bi-monthly treat. Not only because it is great to be a little pampered, but because my friend MM is such fun to be around. She does a great job, too.

The hubby returns home sometime Saturday evening. We have talked about painting the living room. I really hope we can get started on it then, though I haven’t had a chance to prep the walls yet. Hmmm…

I have Mass on Sunday morning. I really enjoy going to this Church.

There aren’t any other definite plans for the weekend. I would like to go and see a movie – perhaps at the local drive-in? Guess I should see what is playing. Hubby and I are both off on Monday, too, so we’ve lots of time to go out and have fun. Perhaps the humidity and heat will not be so oppressive and we can actually spend time outside.

Thursday Quote - Get Happy

Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower, and draws all good things toward you. Allow your love to nourish yourself as well as others. Do not strain after the needs of life. It is sufficient to be quietly alert and aware of them. In this way life proceeds more naturally and effortlessly. Life is here to Enjoy!

~Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Happiness can be found in such a variety of things. It’s also something that may be long lasting or fleeting. No matter, it is definitely something that is always good.

Have you ever thought about what makes you happy? What are the things that bring your pure joy?

A few days ago I had a group of kindergarten students visit the one of the library branches. I had quickly put together a story program to share with them. They LOVED it. We did a simple call and response/repeat chant – in different styles of voices, of course – and read three books. While showing them the various parts of the library, they wanted to stop and look at the books and magazines. It was a great visit. Thinking about it after a few days have past still brings a smile to my face.

Helping others also makes me happy. For years I’ve thought about “adopting” a student or two and purchasing school supplies for them at the beginning of the school year. Recently I finally looked up the information needed to contact a local Board of Education. I emailed the secretary (because secretaries are almost always in the know) and asked how to go about doing this. She passed it along to the elementary school principal, who stated that he can make sure the items are passed along to needy students in a discrete and non-embarrassing way. Yay! Now several of my coworkers are also going to help me with this little project. I’ve also opened it up to my local friends. I’m so excited to be able to help at least a few children start off the school year with the supplies that they need.

Little things make me happy too. Seeing a beautiful nature setting, like the New River Gorge in West Virginia. Getting a cute card from a loved one. Spike being his usual crazy puppy boy. Snuggling with the hubby. Celebrating my birthday (I’m a little nutso about my birthday). Reading a great book.

There are so many ways to bring joy to life. Sit back. Enjoy. Do what makes you happy.

Sand

Sand

Prevent melting wax from sticking to a glass hurricane lamp. Pour in sand to cover the base, then nestle in a pillar (or votive) candle. When the light goes out, toss and repeat.

From: 50 Summertime New Uses for Old Things

Tuesday Quote - love

Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring.

~Oscar Wilde

The Beatles sang, “All you need is love.” In a way, they were right. While the hubby and I have had our share of ups and downs over the past 10 ½ years, we have gotten through due to our love for one another. But more than that, we have the love for and of our friends and family. Together that love has lifted us up when we’ve needed and celebrated when it was time.

Most of us often take that love for granted, forgetting that there are people in the world who truly have no one – no shoulder to cry on, or hands to hold while jumping for joy. How sad such a life must be.

Take a moment today to tell someone that you love them. While actions often speak louder than words, those words still need to be spoken from time to time.

New Uses for Mismatched Dishware

Champagne Flutes as Candle Stands

If you find yourself with a mismatched collection―or without bubbly―flip thick-walled Champagne flutes upside down to create a beautiful grouping of candle stands for a shelf or a mantel. Use heavy wineglasses for table centerpieces, as the wider mouths will provide more stability to withstand bumping.


Information and photo from this article on Real Simple's website.

how does my garden grow?

My garden isn’t going as well this year as I would like. Partly this is due to my lackadaisical approach to gardening. At least I know it’s my own fault!

I like to refer to my garden as uncertified organic. I don’t add anything to the soil that it didn’t come with when I purchased the bag at Home Depot. I spray the plants only with water. Heck…this year I even let the rabbits nibble, as I didn’t even put up fencing! (Remember, lackadaisical gardening.)

Surprisingly to me, there are tomatoes growing. They aren’t pretty, but they sure are tasty! The other night I made a delicious tomato salad for dinner. It was simple to make. Fresh tomatoes diced. Cracked black pepper. Cracked sea salt and garlic. Olive oil. Balsamic vinegar. That’s it. There were leftovers, so I went out and picked several sprigs of fresh basil and added it to the container. I would have brought some in before, but decided I didn’t want to go out in the rain (yay! Blessed rain!).

I should have taken a photo. As well as being delicious, it was also very pretty.

There are a lot of green tomatoes still on the plants. Some plants even have flowers still! I might end up with a decent crop yet.

One other thing to note. As well as loving the taste of freshly picked tomatoes, I also love the smell of tomato plants. Sure moving the leaves and stems around to pick the ripe red tomatoes leaves my hands a greenish color. But the scent is nearly as intoxicating to me as the taste of the fruit itself.

Where does it go?

Question: Where Does Candle Wax Go?

Answer: Have you ever noticed how you have less candle after burning than before? This is because the wax oxidizes (burns) in the flame to yield water and carbon dioxide, which dissipate in the air around the candle, in a reaction which also yields light and heat. Candle wax (paraffin) is composed of chains of connected carbon atoms surrounded by hydrogen atoms. These hydrocarbon molecules can burn completely. First the heat of the flame vaporizes the wax molecules and then they react with the oxygen in the air. As long as the wax doesn't melt away from the flame, the flame will consume it completely and leave no ash or wax residue.

http://chemistry.about.com/od/howthingsworkfaqs/f/candlewax.htm

iConvo

As anyone who has been around me since mid-April knows, I love my iPhone.

I find it interesting how many people will use the iPhone as a conversation starter. For instance, the other day I went to lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. I had my phone sitting out on the table, as I didn’t take a purse or my backpack in the restaurant with me, and I needed to keep track of the time. There was one other table with customers. That was it. Of course, that’s the norm when I go to lunch, as it is usually between 2-4 p.m.

After those customers left, the waiter noticed my phone sitting on the table. He asked if it was an iPhone. That was the beginning of a 20 minute conversation about iPhone, various apps and other cool things you can do with the phone. Granted, our conversation was interrupted a few times by a ringing phone. It was also slow at times due to the waiter’s heavy accent and us both having to work a bit to understand one another. Overall, though, it was a good conversation.

All because we both have iPhones.

At first glance, many might not realize that my phone is an iPhone. I have an OtterBox case on my phone. Goodness knows I’ve needed that extra protection, as I drop my phone at least once every two weeks. My black and pink case adds quite a bit of bulk to the phone, hiding the slim rectangle of the iPhone. Yet I’m amazed by how many see it in my hand or sitting beside me and ask, “Is that an iPhone?”

Does this happen to others, or am I just someone that everyone wants to talk to?






iPhone 3G photo from: http://www.macmend.com/archives/38

Otterbox case photo from: http://www.buyercheaper.com/buy-cheap-otterbox-defender-case-for-iphone-3g-3gs-blackpink-special-price/

Thursday Quote - knitted edition

The second Monday of the month is knit night for several of my friends. Several of them are quite accomplished knitters, completing such projects as socks and sweaters. Most of the group are admittedly yarn snobs, choosing the more natural fibers and blends over “squeaky” acrylic yarns. We all enjoy the camaraderie of working with wool and sticks.

I always look forward to these nights. While I rarely get much of note accomplished, my inability to correctly follow patterns reigns high when knitting around a group of friends, the wealth of knowledge around the table (or three) is wonderful. Plus, there’s the whole hanging out with friends.

I think that my issue with patterns and completing more complex knitting projects is all due to my being easily bored and distracted. This is helpful, though, when I want to take a small project or two – like a simple scarf or washcloth – along with me when I have to do some waiting. As the Yarn Harlot Stephanie Pearl-McPhee says in At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much:

Knitting is a boon for those of us who are easily bored. I take my knitting everywhere to take the edge off of moments that would otherwise drive me stark raving mad.

So true, Stephanie, so very, very true.

I’m a party girl…

Each time I do a candle party, I try to tailor the even to the host. If one likes games, I have a few we can play. If she isn’t fond of candles due to the flames, I focus on the products that are flameless. But, there are several things that I try to remember to do each time.

• Talk about how and why I became a Gold Canyon demonstrator
• Give the host her gift for having the party
• Mention the various lines that Gold Canyon offer (Candle lines, Suddenly Scented items, Homeology, Emerge, holders)
• Talk about candle care and why it is important
• Explain the catalog inserts (order form, customer info card, Deal or No Deal envelope and business card)
• Point out the Party Perks and other customer promos
• Offer three opportunities – To get the customer promo, To get free products (host a party), and To make money (become a demonstrator)

I will admit…there are times that I forget an item. Usually it is the three opportunities. I am getting better with each party, though.

Once upon a time, I was nervous about presenting at parties. Lately that has changed. I’m less nervous about talking in front of a group of mostly strangers. That’s one of the many great things about becoming a Gold Canyon demonstrator.

Tuesday Quote - scent memories

Nothing is more memorable than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains; another, a moonlit beach; a third, a family dinner of pot roast and sweet potatoes during a myrtle-mad August in a Midwestern town. Smells detonate softly in our memory like poignant land mines hidden under the weedy mass of years. Hit a tripwire of smell and memories explode all at once. A complex vision leaps out of the undergrowth.


-Diane Ackerman

Do you have a particular scent that brings to mind a memory?

One scent that triggers memories for me is the scent of welding metal. Yes, it’s an odd scent! My dad is a steelworker. When I was younger, we would often bring him lunch at the foundry where he worked. I would go into the foundry to give him his meal. I didn’t realize that I had a scent memory until years later when my husband was working on a car and welding metal. Instantly I was brought back to that foundry in my hometown, walking into the building to bring lunch to my Daddy.

Quotable quotes

Twice a week throughout the month of August I will be sharing some quotes that I’ve enjoyed. These posts will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting tomorrow. Some I may expound upon; others will just be the quote. The topics will vary from one thing to another. Regardless, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Scent Recipes - Baking

Want to make your house smell like you’ve been baking all day? By mixing and matching your candles can make some great new scents for your enjoyment! For example, if you love the scent of Apple Pie a la Mode, try burning 1 each of Sugar Cookie and Warm Apple Crisp. Delicious!

Here are some other great scent combinations:

Chocolate Covered Cherries
Fabulous Fudge Brownie
Cherry Pie

Cinnamon Apple
Cinnamon
Apple Spice

Cinnamon Bun
Birthday Cake
Cinnamon

Candy Apple
Cinnamon
Apple

Snickerdoodle
Sugar Cookie
Cinnamon

Cherry Pie a la Mode
Cherry Pie or Warm Welcome
Vanilla or French Vanilla and Buttercream

Cherry Almond Pastries
Warm Welcome
Cake Batter
Cinnamon Vanilla

Grandma’s Kitchen
Mulled Cider
Sugar Cookie

Sweet and Smooth
Pomegranate
Sugar Cookie

Banana Orange Nut Bread
Banana Nut Bread
Fresh Orange

Boost Your Blog Challenge

Starts on August 1! Join us! You can start writing your posts now!

Lingering scent

It has been a while since I have lit a candle in my home. Don’t worry! I still have been scenting my home with great Gold Canyon products. I’ve been using my pod warmers and room sprays.

Last night I lit one of the 26 ounce Heritage candles I have (we won’t discuss how many I have). The scent is Cinnamon, which is a fairly strong scent. I had the candle burning for less than four hours. When I left for work this morning – about six hours after extinguishing the candle (using a wick dipper, of course), the house still smelled like the candle was burning.

Then I came home from work. By now it was at least 15 hours since the candle was extinguished. It still smelled delicious in the house – as if that same candle had been burning!

Wait. There’s more! It’s now been 21 hours since I put that candle out. I can still smell the cinnamon scent in the air.

Now that is what I call a high quality candle!

Prepping for Party Time

Last night I did a candle party at Marie’s new home. Her family just moved in about a week ago!

What fun! Marie made some delicious pepperoni rolls and had fresh fruit and other snacks for dipping in chocolate fondue. She had two outside orders already for the party, and everyone who attended ordered something. There are a few more orders still coming in, but already it is a very successful party.

I do a little prep work for my parties. Some demonstrators don’t do as much, having different styles for presentation and ordering. I just like to be as organized as I can. It is helpful for me and nice for my customers as well.

Catalogs
I put inside each catalog four things: an order form (stamped or stickered “Thank You” on the last page), a Deal or No Deal envelope (a booking party game), a Customer Information card (used for a drawing), and a business card. Depending on how many people are expected at the party, I often put the catalogs on clipboards. If there are more than a dozen people expected, I offer the clipboards at the party.

Products to display
Of course it is important to pack up products to show and tell! I try to have at least the following key items:

• Scent Pod Warmer, with both empty and new scent pods.
• Candle for Kids candle (Baby Powder).
• Essentially Soy Aromatherapy candle.
• Comforts of Home candle – usually Warm Welcome, as it is my favorite in that line.
• One box of tealights, plus one extra tealight candle to burn in the Polished Square Tealight Glass Candle Holder
• One box of votives, plus one or two extra to burn in the Straight Votive Glass Candle Holder.
• Apple Lantern Autumn Candle Holder and a 5 ounce Heritage candle to put in it.
• One each of the 8 ounce, 16 ounce and 26 ounce Heritage candles. Usually the 26 ounce candle is also one I use to illustrate the even wax burn of our candles.
• Crystal Candle Stands Candle Holders. These are great for showcasing items, as they lift them off of the table.
• Scentmate - one of our newer items, this was so popular that it went on backorder (for nearly a month) the first day it was available!
• Emerge Raise Your Hand Silk – so each customer can try it out.
• One item from the Homeology line. This varies, as I have several of the cleaners – all of which I use at home!
• Assorted items from the Suddenly Scented line, like Auto Air Fresheners, Scented Bookmarks, Room Spray, Linen Spray, or Diffuser.
• Candle Care items, such as a Wick Dipper and a Wick Trimmer. I also use these items on my candles while there.

Sometimes I have other items as well. I always ask my host if there is anything that she or he would like for me to focus on from the catalog.

Scent Samples

Of course I wouldn’t be a candle demonstrator worth much of anything if I didn’t offer a complete line of scent samples! Once upon a time I kept the samples separated by their type. I’ve since found that there are several great reasons to just put them in the containers however they will fit.

• If there isn’t much room to put out the containers, having the scents combined instead of separated by scent line or family means less containers to find a space to place!
• Children of all ages LOVE to check out the scents, but they rarely put them back in the correct spots. Since many of my hosts have young children, I try to set up my products to keep them safely out of the reach for little hands. However, the scent samples are something they are still drawn to. That’s OK. It is actually a lot of fun to share the scents with a little one. Also, who wants to get a candle that they think smells great only to have their child loudly proclaim that they don’t like it?
• It is actually easier for me to keep track of the scents. I now know that we currently have 100 scents available. If I am missing one or two, I can easily tell.

Other goodies

I do games at parties if they are requested. If not, I still do two – less involved – “games”: Deal or No Deal, and Customer Info Card drawing. Because of the drawing, I always bring a few prizes for the winner to choose from: Scented Bookmarks, Auto Air Fresheners, Wick Dippers, Polished Square Tealight Glass Candle Holders, and a few other fun things.

I also bring along the following:

• Host packets – for anyone who takes the Deal or No Deal offer!
• Fliers - to advertise my Party Perks, the Gold Customer Program (only available through me), the current and next month’s Promotions, and other important information.
• Extra order forms – in case we need more!
• Host Gift – always important. Sometimes it is something that I use as part of my display as well.

Seems like a lot, I know. It really isn’t though, and it takes just a small bit of time to put together. The items may vary, depending on the amount of space available and whether the host has any requests. The most important thing I bring, though, is my excitement for Gold Canyon and all of the products.

Dear Maven - Skin Care

Dear Maven,

With summer right around the corner and the winter clothes being shed I am gearing up for summer skin! My massage therapist told me that glycerin is the main ingredient needed to reach our sub dermal layer of skin. What is so important about this statement and is there glycerin in any of our EMERGE^® products?

You would be jealous of the great summer skin I already have—thanks to EMERGE of course! OK, I’ve got the gloating off my chest and now I can give you the 411.

Your massage therapist is on the right path, but what we really want to do is keep our skin in great condition overall. Glycerin is one of the excellent skin care ingredients and it has been touted by dermatologists and scientists consistently over the past 40 to 50 years. Glycerin still receives attention today for its positive effects and many of the EMERGE products contain glycerin as a key ingredient.

1. Raise Your Hand Silk™

2. Smoothing the Way™ Body Crème

3. Stepping Out™ Foot Crème

4. Ready to Shine™ Body Polish

5. Out on a Limb™ Body Lotion

6. Renew Your Soul™ Bath Soak

What’s so great about glycerin? Well, glycerin is one of the best humectant raw materials available.

(Humectants are something that attract water to the skin). Glycerin is also thought to have an effect on the skin barrier function, reducing the amount of damage soaps or detergent exposure might do to the skin.* Glycerin's ability to both attract moisture and mitigate damage potential from soaps and detergents is the real advantage of glycerin.

These EMERGE products contain glycerin, but with all of the EMERGE products you can expect to experience the nourishing benefit of living ionic minerals as well as antioxidant botanical extracts and beautiful botanical essences that all together create a renewing and nourishing experience.

Now that is good news for creating “summer” skin!

Your Summer Skin Expert,
Maven

Dear Maven is a column in our monthly demonstrator’s newsletters. I have not written any of these articles, but am sharing them here for your information.