Calorie-Free Indulgences....For You or Someone Else

 

When choosing a candle for someone else, it is not always easy to know what fragrance they will enjoy.  Of course, it is easy to ask what type of scents they like, but you can use what you know about them to make an educated guess. 

For example, if  they are the office “baker” who is always bringing in baked goods from home, it is probably safe to assume they will like a candle that provides that fresh-baked smell long after the cookies are gone.  This is also true of the person/persons who is the first one to dig into those treats!  A few scrumptious calorie-free choices might be:

 ALMOND BISCOTTIBring home this Italian specialty and enjoy the scent of sweet almonds and vanilla as you imagine dunking them in your favorite after-dinner coffee!

BLUEBERRY MUFFIN

Freshly baked blueberry muffins hot out of the oven sure to get your taste buds going!

 

PASTRY SHOPPE

An incredible aroma that will have you thinking your home has been transformed into a pastry shoppe!

Of course, with over 90 unique, true-to-life scents, this is just a sample of the selection of sweet smells in our gourmet candle lines.  For the full listing of all our products, please visit my online store at http://Everyday-Candles.com.

Tomorrow, I’ll introduce you to some more of my favs!

Until Next Time, Dream Large

YES! I finished the 30-Day Blog Challenge!!

Okay, so this is the final post of the 30-Day Blog Challenge!!  I heard about the challenge after only one week of blogging...and I thought, "hey!  I can write 30 blogs in 30 days..."  So I decided to sign up. 

Let me tell you (or perhaps you already know), this is not as easy as it sounds.  I originally started my blog as a way to talk introduce people to my products and my business opportunity.  I quickly found, however, that no one, myself included, wants to read a blog that is completely devoted to a home business--or any other single topic.

I decided instead to write about my life and all the wonderful, frustrating, crazy, awesome people, places, and things that make up who I am.  There is always something going on around here that I can turn into a funny, useful, or meaningful story. 

I also started a new feature for my blog called, "Friday Featured Biz" where I feature one small business owner each Friday on my blog.  Through my networking events, I have met the most incredible and dynamic people and have taken my appreciation of small business to a whole new level. This has been a great feature for me, and I hope, as I continue to blog, my followers will grow and these businesses will get some new clients through me.

Today I found myself 3 posts behind on the Challenge, and almost threw in the towel.  Another friend messaged me on Facebook and encouraged me to finish the Challenge.  I decided that she was right--how silly to go this far just to give up at the last minute.  So, here I am, pounding out this final post so I can get it sent out and can run out the door to another Networking Event!!! 

With that, I will say goodnight!  My goal is to continue writing new articles 4 times per week, so you will see me either tomorrow or Friday for sure!  I have another fabulous small business to feature on Friday, so if I don't see you before, I hope to see you then!!

Until Next Time....

Selling Yourself

Why did I become involved with Scent-Sations?  The first reason is because I love home fragrance, followed quickly by my (completely innocent) fascination with fire.  So, when I ran across the creator of the "highest performing candles on the market" who also happened to offer one of the best compensation plans I had ever seen, I knew it was worth checking out. 

I have never been in the sales industry and certainly never in any type of direct sales, so I wasn't sure I could cut it.  After really thinking about it, however, I came to realize that I have been "selling" all my life--just not in the traditional sense of the word.  Truth be told, there isn't much that is traditional about me anyway, so when I started thinking outside the box, I decided that I am, in fact, a great salesperson!

Every job I have ever had, I got because of my ability to "sell" myself to the company.  Sure there were people more qualified than I was, but I sold my unique skills--the ones that made me stand out from the pack.  More often than not, that is the main reason I was hired.  Sure, I have the college education and the experience to be able to get an interview, but it was how I handled myself at the interview that landed me the position.  (The fact that I was a single mom with 2 kids who counted on me to "bring home the bacon" was an added incentive!)

As a mother, I have to "sell" ideas to the kids all the time.  I have to take an activity that they would not normally go for, and twist it around enough to make it sound enticing to them. 

I could go on and on....but you get the idea.  The fact is, we are all salespeople, when we choose to be.  We use our passion and our powers of persuasion to get others to follow our lead.

For me, the passion is the most important factor in any type of "sales" whether it be personal or professional.  If you do not truly believe in what you are selling, no one else will either. 

No matter who you are, where you come from, or where you want to go, find your passion.  Believe in yourself and your abilities.  Look in the mirror and figure out what it is that makes you unique.  What can you offer that others don't have? 

Today, I am working hard to build not only my business, but helping others do the same.  Every one of us has the ability to go out and create our dream life.  It can be difficult to get past the obstacles we have placed in our way, but every challenge presents a chance to grow and to learn.  All we can do is keep putting one foot in front of the other....and if we are persistent in our pursuit, we will get there.

What is holding you back from achieving your dreams?

Launching "Friday Featured Biz!!"

Proud to announce the Launching of "Friday Featured Biz!"  

 I am thrilled to be kicking off my Friday Featured Biz with Lindsay of Happy Housewife Designs!!  She designed my awesome new blog with professionalism, dedication, and patience!!  And for a price that the "big guys" couldn't touch!!

Without further ado, here is what Lindsay has to say about her business, Happy Housewife Designs, and about the importance of supporting small business owners....

"When Lesa told me that she wanted to feature me on her blog I was so flattered.  I mean I knew she loved her design but enough to do a whole post on me!  Wow!

Like a lot of moms I started my business because I wanted to do something that not only helped with the family income but also gave me something that I loved to do.  I told myself when I started out that I would "try it" and see where it goes.  After a year of learning and several nights of wanting to throw my computer through the window I got there.  I was a designer.  I had taken the time which was usually during naps and once everyone was in bed asleep to learn, practice, and make design after design on my own personal blog.  Then I opened up my business and have been so happy to be able to help other mom bloggers out by giving them a design they love at an affordable price.

I love working with other bloggers.  Because you run into so many other moms that are in some kind of business and there are so many great products out there.  I think its great that we have been given an outlet to let us do what we love from our home and while we raise our kids.  I love being contacted by other mom bloggers who have great products that they believe in and want to share.  I just bought an IPhone cover from one of these mom shops and it saved my phones life the other day when I dropped it (don't tell the hubby).  But that would never be something that I could find in a regular store.  I know they have cases but this case was cute and at a great price.

So come stop by my design shop and maybe even enter a giveaway (we have a HUGE one coming in July).  I promise you will end up with a design you love and maybe even find a new blogger BFF like I have found my in great friend Lesa!"

Lindsay and I spent a lot of  time talking, both on the phone, as well as via email.  She took the time to answer my endless questions, and was dedicated to getting my blog exactly the way I wanted it!  Better than that?  I really have made a friend!  

So, the next time you need a total blog make-over, or simply a tweak to your current design, please consider Lindsay for your next project!!

Thank you for reading, and for supporting the small business owner, where your business really is appreciated!!

****To have your small biz featured, please send me an email at LesaSpeaksOut@gmail.com, with the subject line "Featured Biz" and let me know!  The "rules" are simple...write a paragraph about your business and services/products, and another paragraph about why supporting small business is important to you, and how you personally support small business either online or in your community.  

That's it.  My goal is to get everyone involved in supporting each other and keep our businesses growing!!  And hey!  If you make a friend through the process, let me know!!****

Thanks for reading, and for supporting Lindsay in her dream of staying home to care for her son while running her own business!!

Until Next Time....  

Supporting Small Business!!!

Wouldn't you support this future Entrepreneur??  Absolutely!  But what about when he grows up and continues to pursue his dreams to be his own boss....would you still support him, or would you take the "easy" way, and take your business to one of the more convenient "giants" who have taken over this country?

Every single day we lose "Mom & Pop" business to the corporate giants that have invaded every neighborhood in every city in every state in the country.  While I realize the convenience and often-times cheaper prices of shopping at these conglomerates, it is important to remember the "little guy" who depends on our business in order to stay in business.

I know that many of us, myself included, are involved in small businesses.  Many of us, myself included again, work from  home and the internet, and we depend on the loyalty of my customers to keep us going.  Do we carry exceptional products?  Absolutely!  Is it worth the extra dollar that it costs compared to say Walmart brand?  Beyond Absolutely!  Is it a little less convenient because you have to order directly from a person or website?  Absolutely!  BUT.....is it worth it to help keep each other in business?  Again, I say "Absolutely!" 

How do you, as a customer, benefit from shopping and doing business with small business owners? 
:
For Starters:

• You are doing business with someone who truly appreciates you and wants to keep you as a customer and a referral.  This means that you will generally receive more personal attention and an attitude of "the customer is always right."  Try to find that in Wal-Mart!

• You are doing business with someone who understands how important it is to support other small businesses, and are generally more apt to become your customer in return, or at least refer others to your business.

• You are helping the U.S. economy because as long as people are able to make a living in their small business, they are not out looking for a job elsewhere.  This leaves a potential job open to someone else. 

This is clearly a short list, but definitely something to think about.  Some industries that are easy to find small business owners are pest control, house-cleaning, yard maintenance, computer work, pool maintenance, pet supplies & care, dry-cleaners, coffee shops, etc....the list is limitless.

A great way to find local businesses is in your newspaper, Craigslist.com, MerchantCircle.com, or just plain ole' word-of-mouth.

Of course, I have to put a shout-out to a stay-at-home mom that I found on a blog-site who creates custom blog designs and is working on mine right now.  She has been amazing!!  No matter how many questions I have asked and how many emails I've sent, she assures me that she does not "hate me."  I know because I ask her all the time!!  Not only am I getting an awesome new blog, but I have made a new friend.  This is the beauty of supporting the small business owner!!  So, if you are looking for a blog design, check out Lindsay at

and be sure to tell her I sent you!!!

As I move further along into the blogging world, I will be featuring small business owners on my site!! 

If you would like to be featured, send me an email or leave me a comment with your site name/url, a description of your business, and a quick note about why supporting small business is important to you.  I will get back to you for more information and do what I can to get your business listed on my site!!!

So, to all those who frequent small businesses, I say THANK YOU!!!  And to anyone who will at least look into switching some of your regular services/goods to a small business, I say THANK YOU!!!  

YOU are the reason small business exists!!

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.

A Brand-New Episode of "To Work or Not To Work (from home)" TODAY'S TOPIC: LEGIT COMPANIES -- WHO ARE THEY & WHERE DO I FIND THEM?

What your pet might think about you working from home!

w

Like the title suggests, today's topic is about how to find those legit companies for those people who are looking for a "telecommute" type of position.  Some companies offer Independent Contractor positions and some are looking for employees.  At least one of these companies even offers health benefits!! 

So before I get too far into this series of "Working From Home," I want to point out a couple important things to know:

1. I am not an expert on the subject of working from home. (WHAT?!)  All my information, links, etc. come from my own personal journey or through talking with friends who work from home.
2. My list of companies I believe to be legit, are simply the ones I have some experience with.  Clearly there are countless reputable work-from-home opportunities, but I will only add links to ones that either I, or someone I know, has researched.
3. Don't take my word--or anyone's word--on any opportunity.  While the people you know have your best interest at heart, no one knows what is right for you--except you.
4. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!  Google the company and add "SCAMS", "COMPLAINTS," etc to the search...and read what real people are saying about anyone you are thinking of doing business with.  The things I have learned by that one simple search have stopped me from making what could have been many potentially disastrous mistakes.
5. If you have a company that I have not listed, and many people will, please put it in a comment and I'll do my best to get it in one of my next blogs!!

Okay, Okay, I get the point....On to the Good Stuff!! 

m

my baby, Jax

I just did a Google search for "Work from Home Jobs" and this is what it came back with:  
"About 77,500,000 results"   Can you say "YIKES!"  No wonder so many people just give up the pursuit and stick to their day jobs!!


Now, on to that list!


Sutherland Global Services provides various types of outsourced support for companies.  They offer positions in various fields:  Customer Service (answering phones, taking orders, handling complaints, etc.) for some very well-known companies.  They also have positions for you techies out there, providing tech support for the clients of these companies.  They may have added new positions as well.  They hire employees, rather than Independent Contractors, and even offer health insurance!!  I have a good friend who works for them and loves it!  You will have a set schedule with this company rather than being able to make your own hours.  But, hey!  You can do it in your pajamas!!


FlexJobs has literally thousands of jobs to look through and apply for.  This is what they say about themselves:  "You'll find the best telecommuting and online jobs, from freelance to full-time, in over 50 different job categories. Every job is hand-screened and legitimate. Guaranteed"

I have picked up a couple piece-work jobs off their site and been happy with their service. They even have a "Research Companies" tab right at the top of their page.  This is a perfect site for someone who isn't sure what they might be looking for.  Definitely worth checking out!!!


LiveOps is a call-center outsourcing company.  These jobs will primarily be providing telephone customer-service for their clients.  While I did not work with this company, I did my homework on them and was impressed enough to leave them in my contacts.


LiveWork is also provides outsourcing to their clients via at-home workers.  They offer positions in many different areas, including answering telephones, providing customer service, data entry, etc...


Staffing at Home is also like LiveOps and LiveWork.  Many different types of positions with various companies.  Worth a visit!!

Okay, so as you can clearly see, this is a very small list indeed.  Even I have many more legit sites I used to frequent before I found my dream job...if you would like further info, shoot me an email, or leave me a comment, let me know what you are looking for, and I'll see what I can do!!


However, this list should keep ya busy for awhile and give you an idea of the opportunities available to anyone who is looking to work from home in a virtual office environment.

TUNE-IN TOMORROW FOR MORE ON THE CONTINUING SAGA OF

"TO WORK or NOT TO WORK (from home)

30-Day Blog Challenge---We're Off & Running!!

So, fellow bloggers, bloggettes, and blog-followers, this begins Day 1 of the 30-Day Blog Challenge!!  The timing really could not be better, for me anyway.  I just started my blog last week, and so far, I love it!  This challenge will not only keep me motivated, but will also help me to meet new people and learn new things!
If you are a blogger, or have ever thought of blogging, whether for personal reasons or as part of your marketing plan, check out this awesome opportunity!!


There has been lots of talk on what to blog about, and lucky for me (and hopefully my readers), I never seem to be at a loss for words.  I am one of those people who can strike a conversation with strangers in the grocery store, standing in line at Home Depot, or walking down the street.  The challenge for me, I think, will be to really define my focus, keep in line with my ultimate goals, and stay on track with my message.

I originally started this blog as a way to talk to other people out there who are looking for a way to make money from home.  Whether hoping to make enough money to pay bills, plan a dream vacation, or to earn a full-time salary, now really is a great time to start a home-based business!!  And the great thing is that anyone can do it!  No matter where you are, where you come from, or where you are going, we all have the opportunity to realize our dreams!!  The difficulties often lie in overcoming our doubts and fears.  My hope is to show people through my stories that these obstacles CAN be overcome...and that success IS attainable!  For Everyone!

How do I hope to accomplish this?  By sharing with others who I am, what I stand for, my fears, my hopes, my dreams, and both my failures and my successes.  And showing others how we can climb through the clouds to reach the sky!

So, while I will be talking about my business with Scent-Sations and why I think this is the greatest company, creating the best products, and offering the best compensation plan, for the best home business ever, and how being my own boss benefits not only me, but those around me as well...I will also talk about my life, offer some savvy shopping advice, why networking is important, aromatherapy info, and other topics that catch my eye, touch my heart, or make me laugh!!

See you Tomorrow for Day 2 / 30!!

"IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, 

YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT!"

-Walt Disney

DREAM LARGE!!

Lavender helps alleviate pain?

Okay, so maybe I'm the "odd-man out" on this one, but upcoming trips to the dentist do not incite excitement or pleasure.  In fact, while I am sure that outside of the office, dentists are really nice guys....but....in the office??  Sadists.  Pure and Simple.

OKAY....don't send me hate mail for that--it's just my way of saying that I, in fact, have a dentist appointment coming up and I am not necessarily looking forward to it.  I really like my dentist too.  He's nice enough to play classic rock while he's working on me, and with two fingers in my mouth, likes to play "name that tune."  Of course, he's usually a little quicker guess the song, but it does keep my mind occupied!

Why am I writing about this?  Well, because I love (and am in the business of) scented candles...I like to create "moods" in my house depending on what my day holds, I have done some homework on different fragrances and their influences on people.

Today I thought I would share a little tip I learned about how a certain fragrance actually tricks your mind into forgetting about the discomfort (to put it mildly) many of us feel in the dental chair....


Whiffing lavender oil during your next dental visit may blur the memory of your pain. Researchers at the University of Florida College of Dentistry exposed 13 men and 13 women to uncomfortable heat and pressure on muscles in the jaw and back and then had them inhale lavender or an odorless control for 10 minutes during different sessions. The lavender oil significantly reduced the memory of pain's intensity and unpleasantness. How to use it: Shake 5 to 10 drops of lavender essential oil onto a tissue; inhale freely during dental work. - Prevention (January 2005) 

Now, I would prefer something that makes me forget the unpleasantness while getting the work done, but perhaps if I forget that I don't love trips to the dentist, I won't be so reluctant to go!

Anyway, I thought that was interesting, and hey, I'll give it a try!!  So stay tuned because I'll be sure and let you know how it goes afterward.   


**An extra thought**I wonder if burning a lavender-scented candle in my house would help me forget the pain of knowing I cleaned yesterday, and yet it's a disaster today?!