For The Summer-Lover in your Circle

 

Yesterday’s Post was dedicated to the Sweet-Tooth in your group.  Today’s post is dedicated to the person/persons you know who are sun-worshipping, fresh fruit-eating, farmer’s market-shopping, warm weather lovers! 

We have a huge selection of gourmet candles in fragrances that are sure to keep the fresh smells of summer going all year round.  This includes our brand-new line of Orchard Candles.  These gorgeous candles were unveiled this spring and have been a phenomenal success! 

In addition to the Fresh Peach, pictured here, the Orchard Line also features Crisp Apple, Honeydew Melon, and Juicy Pear.

Regardless which you choose, you will be amazed at the fragrance!  Each smells exactly like the real thing!

 

Some other top sellers of Summer-Time are listed below.  To view the actual product, as well as the description, hold your “CTRL” Key and Right Click.  A new window will open.

• Summer
• Sweet Orange & Chili Pepper
• Sex On The Beach
• Angel Wings
• Chili Vanilli
• French Vanilla
• Honey Bee Vanilla
• Sweet Pea
• Fresh Laundry
• Lilac
• Fresh Linen
• Cucumber Melon
• Japanese Pear
• Harvest Time

Regardless which fragrance you choose, for yourself or someone else, you will be delighted at the beautiful scent that lasts from the first light to the last flicker.  You can also rest assured that you are burning (or giving) a candle made from natural ingredients, that will leave the air in your home clean, safe, and clear.

Happy Burning!

Until Next Time, Dream Large…

Feeling The Love....and Paying it Forward!

"Versatile" sounds so much nicer than "Random & Unpredictable!"

Wow, I have to say that as much slacking as I have been doing this month, I was shocked to discover that I was awarded "The Versatile Blogger Award" not once, but twice this week!!  Now, that either means that people prefer when I write nothing (haha) or that you all appreciate my random ramblings about whatever is running through my mind....I prefer to believe it's the latter!

The first to honor me with this award were Carol and Stacy from Intentional Conscious Parenting, where two friends have come together to produce an incredible blog about parenting...providing insight and thoughtful ideas on connecting with our kids, and other fantastic stuff!  Thank you Carol and Stacy!!!

The second to pass this fantastic award to me was Jinnia from The Thankfulness Continues.  Jinnia's blog, like my own, has a little of "something for everyone!"  Whether talking about family, business, blogging, etc....she really does provide real-life support and information on a variety of subjects!!  Thank you, Jinnia, for the award!!

I hope to be able to continue writing about subjects that you will find interesting, intriguing, funny, and/or useful and entertaining!  

Now on to the "requirements" of receiving this award:  

In order to receive the award fully, I must

1) Thank the person who gave me the award. Thanks again to Carol, Stacy, and Jinnia!!
2) Share seven things about myself.
3) Nominate 15 newly discovered blogs, and let the nominees know about the award.

 

Seven things you may not know about me:

 

1.  I cannot draw a stick figure, but I absolutely love painting the rooms in my house, especially using various faux-painting techniques.  I am working my way through my house one room at a time, and when I'm done, I'll probably start over.

2.  I am scared of heights

3.  I didn't know how to swim (more than to save my life) until I was 27 and moved to Southern Cal and started surfing. Even more surprising, I actually became quite a decent surfer!

4.  Although I consider myself to be fairly conservative, I have 7 tattoos....and I love them all!

5.  I moved in with my husband after only 5 months --Thank God it worked because to do that, the kids and I had to move to Arizona.

6.  My idea of "window shopping" is a trip to Home Depot for....windows!

7.  I am a recovered alcoholic and have been sober almost 4 years.

Wow...that was hard!  Because I write such a versatile blog (haha) I don't have a lot of "personal" things that I wouldn't normally write about.  But there ya go!

 

Now, on to the 15 blogs that I am nominating the Versatile Blogger Award to:

1.  http://clawsbyronda.blogspot.com/

2.  http://preppylittledress.blogspot.com/

3.  http://thewritemomforthejob.blogspot.com/

4.  http://www.2muchtestosterone.blogspot.com/

5.  http://marichu-wwwbalancingact.blogspot.com/

6.  http://tkthor.blogspot.com/

7.  http://siren.org/

8.  http://danishel.blogspot.com/

9.  http://gravelandrust.blogspot.com/

10.  http://areebaathome.blogspot.com/

11.  http://kelleysbreakroom.blogspot.com/

12.  http://proudmomx2.blogspot.com/

13.  http://manicmommy.blogspot.com

14.  http://lifeinmypjs.blogspot.com/

15.  http://lifewithoutwhimsy.blogspot.com/

WOW!!  That was far harder than I thought it would be!!!  There are so many fantastic blogs that I frequent, as well as thousands of others that I should!!  Narrowing it down to 15 was no easy feat!

 

Again, I would like to thank the people who gave me the award, and to all of you who read my blog and especially those of you who comment and provide feedback!  It really helps to know what is working and what is not.  Thank you also to the authors of the blogs I haunt.  I am always entertained, enlightened, educated, and touched by your stories, pictures, experiences, and ideas.

Until Next Time....Dream Large!

The Importance of Gratitude

We all have those days when nothing seems to be going right, the bills seem larger than the income, energy is low, and we find ourselves caught in a funk that we cannot shake.  Face it, life can be trying at times, even for the happiest and most positive people out there.  The question is, "What do we do to pull ourselves out of our slump and find our footing?"

I find that writing a list of all the things in my life I am grateful for really turns my attitude around.  Sure, it won't fix the "problem" at hand, but it helps me to remember how truly lucky and blessed I am.  This doesn't need to be, and probably should not be, a complicated process.  Just grab a notebook, or the back of an envelope if that is all that you have handy, and write down the things in your life that you are grateful for.  Don't even think about it.  Just write it down. 

For fun, I will do my quick list right now....

My puppies
My flowers in the back yard
My friends
My husband
The dishes are done
I know what I am making for dinner, and I don't have to go to the store to get anything
We are out of our excessive heat warning for a day
The great book I am reading
I don't have any commitments today
I don't have to get up and go to work because I work from home
Taking today off will give me the energy to be fired up tomorrow

So, while some of these things may seem trivial....it was quick, simple, and painless.  Of course, I could continue on and on and on...but you get the point.  Sometimes all it takes is writing down 5 or 10 or even 15 things you are truly grateful for, even just in this moment, to make a difference in your outlook.

Next time you are feeling a little more like Eyeore than Tigger, put the bounce back in your step with a quick Gratitude List and watch that negative attitude fade away!

Until Next Time, Live in Gratitude....

Crazy Crazy Life & Other Musings from my week

Happy Thursday Everyone!

First, I would like to apologize for being non-existent this week.  I would love to have a really great reason for not posting anything new since the 4th of July, but the truth is that I had one of those weeks where life just got away from me. 

My kids went to Oregon to see their grandparents, but for some reason, their teenage drama seemed to not only follow them there, but somehow managed to elevate and affect me here as well.  So much for my Independence Day, but that's the life of a parent. 

In addition to the kids, I also had an emergency medical issue with Peaches, my awesome orange cat.  He was acting strange on Thursday, and when he was still not "right" on Friday, I took him to the vet.  He had developed crystals in his bladder and could not pee.  Simple enough, right??  NOT!  He has been in the hospital for 6 days now, and we are keeping our fingers crossed and praying that he will pull through.  We had to make a painful decision to give him through tomorrow to recover....In my mind, I know that he is a cat; in my heart, he is so much more.  We have been spending as much time with him as we can, but it is so hard because outside of this issue, and the catheters and fluid lines, he is still his sweet and funny self.  From his attitude, you wouldn't even know he was sick. 

Here he is before they had to add the gigantic cone on his head because he kept pulling out his catheter, and he'd chewed through his fluid line in his leg....but he let me take his picture.  He looks thrilled huh?

So, this is my "excuse" for not posting this week.  Hopefully, I'll get back on board and back to my schedule!
I have lots of stuff to write about in the next week--from Networking events to Biz Tips to a photographic journey through Jerome, Arizona!

STAY TUNED!!

"You want to do WHAT?!" Letting Our Children Grow Up...

When my daughter, Taylor, (18 next month) was in kindergarten, it was already clear that she was going to be one of those kids who would create her own path in this world.  Her kindergarten teacher called me to a meeting and said, "I have been teaching 5-year-old kids for more than 20 years, and I have never seen anyone do...."  Yes, that is when I knew Taylor would be her own person No Matter What!!

Being an artistic, creative, outgoing, outspoken girl, she has gone through a complete cycle of career ideas--all if which she would be perfect for:  

• When she was going through her pink, blue, purple hair stage, she wanted to be a Hairstylist.

• When she was going through her Raccoon Eye make-up days, she thought a Makeup Artist might be "it."

• Then she discovered the joy of photography, and with her artistic eye, she would have been good at it.  But then she realized she might have to take pictures of something other than herself! 

• When she went through her experimenting with drugs phase (yes, it happens.....) and went through a rehab program, she thought perhaps that was her calling (although truth be told, 8 years of college might have been a little more than she could swallow!) 

• She took a culinary class in high school and set about immediately looking into culinary schools.  At this phase, she actually applied and was accepted into a fantastic culinary arts school!

• And then, she realized that she didn't really like cooking--she liked baking and designing, so we looked into pastry arts schools, which, again, is a great fit for her!

Flash Forward to Present Day!!!

Taylor comes home last week, and being frustrated with her current job where she is not getting enough hours to support her shopping habit, she announces to me:

"MOM, I AM GOING TO BE A PIERCER!!"

Okay, so I have to tell you....while this may not be the career path I would have chosen for my little 5-year old girl, I told her to look into what she needed to do to make it happen!  The amazing thing??  She did it!  She went online to research, she made phone calls, she talked to shop owners--she actually did the work!  Now, this says a lot about her dedication to this line of work. So....

We went together to a new tattoo shop that opened less than a mile away, and talked to the owner.  We'd been in his shop several times and he is a nice guy.  You might not guess that by looking at him, but he is.  He does not do drugs, he does not drink, he has never smoked a cigarette, and he is the father of a teenage daughter.  He understands my concerns and I trust that he will take care of her....and that says a lot!

She started working there last week, and she loves it!  She has an outlet for her creative side and she is learning--not just about piercing, but about business and customer service and health issues.  Kevin (the owner) is preparing her for her future.  He insists that she learn the business inside-out--not just how to poke holes in people!!  haha

She gets up in the morning, gets her chores done, and is excited to go to work!!  She has a plan...she wants to finish this apprenticeship and then work part-time while she goes back to college for pastry arts.  This career choice will allow her to earn enough money to pay for college and possibly, one day, move out of my house!  

Yes, I always knew my daughter was not cut out for the traditional career path, but I could not be more proud of her!  She has found her passion and is now doing what it takes to Achieve Her Dreams!

As Moms, we always say "we just want our kids to be happy!"  Well, what I see is a happy little girl morphing into a happy young lady!

And that is enough for me!!

Now my son is another story all together.....

Until Next Time...

June Fragrance of the Month--Coconuts & Lime!!!

***JUNE SPECIAL*** FOR ANYONE WHO PURCHASES A PRODUCT FROM ME, I WILL PUT YOUR BUTTON ON MY PAGE AS WELL AS GIVE A SPECIAL MENTION OF YOUR BLOG ON MY POST!!  Just leave me a comment and let me know how to get your button!! .....as always, if you have any questions, about our products or the business, I'm happy to help!!


Summer is upon us!!  It's time to open up the doors, turn on the barbecue, spend time with family & friends, and just enjoy the beautiful weather!!!  For me, when I think of summer, I think of fresh fruit & berries, gorgeous spring flowers, and vegetables from the garden!

I also think of the fact that friends often just "pop in" unannounced, which is great, when the kids and I stay on top of the housework--not so great when we slack on it....If you've been to my page before, you probably know that I have a lot of pets.  I love my animals, but I do not like my house to smell like my animals.  In addition to air purifiers, I always have a candle lit by the front door and in the family room.  When people come in, I want them to feel welcome.  Studies have shown, that when we walk into a room that smells pleasant, we are far more likely to feel comfortable, safe, and want to stay.  (Common sense tells us that too!)

This month, we are featuring our Coconuts & Lime fragrance, in honor of summer!  If you have never tried our Gourmet Candles, now is a great time to experience for yourself the difference a quality candle makes!!

Coconut:  

Relaxing, 
Revitalizing, 
Naturally Sweet and 
Tropical

Lime:


Energizing
Clean
Bright
Helps fight Depression




Combine these two fragrances in the "highest performing candle on the market today"....and you have an instant and long-lasting smell that will brighten your home and create a welcoming atmosphere for your family and your guests!!


Sign up for the Candle of the Month drawing daily, to win a free 16 oz jar candle AND a Soy-licious Bella Bar (a gourmet bath bar full of great all-natural stuff for your skin!!)  Winners are drawn every Monday and there is no purchase or commitment!!  Simply a chance to try our fantastic products for free!  We know once you try one, you'll be hooked!!

Nationwide, Everyone is saying that
Our Gourmet Candles
are The BEST smelling candles ever made!

click here to read what our customers say about our candles!!

What makes us different??

Our products are created, manufactured, and distributed in the USA!!  (Our owners support the American economy and provide jobs to Americans that other companies are outsourcing!!)

Our candles are created using an all-natural proprietary vegetable wax.  We do not use soy simply because soy does not hold the scent as well.

Our wicks are 100% Cotton--No More, No Less!!  Our jar candles are double or triple-wicked for even, clean burning. 

Our products do NOT contain lead, zinc, or other harmful ingredients....this means they are safe for your family and your pets!!

Virtually Soot-Free....NO black junk on the jar, in your air, or in your lungs!!! 

Over 90 true-to-life fragrances that really do last from the first light to the last flicker!!

**If you want to learn more about our company and our products, please visit my online store at
everyday-candles.com .  You can get all the information about any of our product lines, as well as order from the company and have your products shipped directly to your door!!

**If you would like no-hassle information on our business and how we can enrich your life with your own candle business, please visit LesaAntone.biz.

**To learn how you can buy your gourmet candles and products at WHOLESALE PRICES--NO SELLING REQUIRED, please visit join everyday-candles.com and look at our Autoship and Associate Programs.

**FOR INFORMATION ON ANYTHING ON THIS BLOG, PLEASE CONTACT ME!!  While I love introducing my business to people, I also believe that becoming involved with any business is a personal choice, and I respect that above all else.