Etsy $5 Monday

I wanted to post early today to let you all know of a special promotion on Etsy today. Each Monday, the Etsy Texas Crafters (ETC) team does something special to promote our team. Some weeks it is a special sale, other times there are contests, a scavenger hunt, etc.

Since this is the fifth Monday of the month, today is $5 Monday. Many of the ETC crafters are participating by offering items for $5 in their shops. There are a lot of great deals going on today, and we're participating, too.

You can check out our $5 items in our shop, or type "ETC5" into the search box on the Etsy homepage for all participating items. Happy shopping!


*SJ*

We're Baaaaaack!

First of all, I want to thank you all for your patience while we sorted out some issues we were having. As some of you know, Jay has a genetic heart condition. For the most part, it is under control with daily medication and common sense (i.e. no marathon running, etc.) On occasion, he will have an unprovoked incident that causes concern, such as what happened a couple of weeks ago. He was unable to catch his breath after a coughing spell. I ended up taking him to the hospital, where they kept him for observation overnight. He is now, thankfully, recovered, and doing well.

At the same time, I was having some medical issues of my own. I have a very unique condition which, when under a great amount of stress, causes my hands to swell. Most times, the swelling is minimal, and, while uncomfortable, I am still able to function. On very rare occasions, the swelling becomes too great to function. Such was the case over the last few weeks. It is predominantly brought on by stress, and I have to assume it was a combination of looking for a job, Jay's troubles, and everyday life that caused this particular flare up.

My condition, which is extremely rare (it affects only about .6% of the population, and how mine manifests itself is even more rare), is under control now, and the really fantastic news is I am starting a new job today! Both Jay and I are still fully committed to SJ Candle Shoppe, but we are not in a position right now for it to be our sole source of income. Thankfully, it has helped get us through this extremely rocky time, and we appreciate our loyal followers!

I will begin updating regularly started immediately, now that things are back to normal. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, our show schedule will probably change now that I have a job. I'll be sure to keep the schedule updated as quickly as possible. Thank you all again for your support. You have really made the last several months more bearable and enjoyable!

*SJ*

Please Excuse My Absence

We are dealing with some medical issues, but hope to have things back to normal in the next several days. We appreciate your kind thoughts, and will update when possible.

*SJ*

Etsy News

We have agreed to be part of a very worthwhile fundraising effort on Etsy. The fundraiser begins Sunday, August 16 and goes through August 26. Twenty percent of all of our Etsy sales placed during this ten day period will go to this noble cause.

The organization that will benefit from the fundraiser is Saving Shelter Pets. You can read more about their cause on their website. Check back Sunday morning for a link to all of the Etsy shops participating.

For help with your fundraiser, contact us at sjcandleshoppe@gmail.com!

*SJ*

It's Our Anniversary!

Eight years ago today, Jay and I went on our first date. Three years ago today, we were married. To celebrate, we went to dinner tonight at Simply Fondue in downtown Fort Worth.

The food was amazing, the cocktails were delicious, and when we left, we were stuffed and satisfied. I started the evening with a Caramel Appletini and a wonderful spinach & strawberry salad, while Jay chose a classic Absolut Sour and Ceasar salad. We then proceeded to an Italian Fontina cheese fondue, with bread, apples, and veggies for dipping. Our main course was two kinds of chicken, soy citrus pork, and three kinds of beef (we're not big on seafood), followed by a champagne toast and the Chocolate Confusion dessert. The "confusion" is a mix of milk and white chocolate, with fruit, marshmallows, rice crispy treats, and brownies for dipping.

It was a great way to celebrate eight "never a dull moment" years!

*SJ*

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

I had a great day today! I got to spend some time with my babies (my sister's kids), then Jay and I cooked a great dinner together. Possibly the best part of the day (besides my weekly dose of True Blood on HBO) was the first pre-season football game tonight.

I LOVE football!! Not only is it an exciting game to watch, but along with football comes Fall. Although it is my favorite season, Fall always makes me a little homesick. Back home in Michigan, fall is when the leaves begin to change, the air turns cooler, and everyone and everything starts to settle in for the winter.

I remember going to the apple orchard, drinking fresh-pressed cider and eating warm cake donuts. Fall also makes me think of caramel apples, candy corn, and bonfires. School buses, pencils, and sweaters. New friends, new adventures, new beginnings.

Even though I have been in Texas for twelve years, I will always consider Michigan home. What fond memories do you have of Fall? Of home?

*SJ*

The Internet is a Beautiful Thing!

I just learned how to connect my Etsy shop to my Twitter page, and it is so cool! Turns out, there is a separate section of Twitter - called twibs - specifically for businesses. I added SJ Candle Shoppe to my twibs profile, then found out I could have that link up directly to my Etsy shop.

I emailed the main twibs genius to make sure I didn't have to do anything special whenever I add something to Etsy. The good news is, once it is linked up, one feeds automatically from the other, easy cheesy.

And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing! Check out the splendor here on my twibs page!

*SJ*

Busy Friday

It took me all day today to cut and organize my 714 coupons, so I didn't get much done in the way of candles. That's not a typo you see. I cut, sorted, and filed 714 coupons (give or take a dozen that I clipped and threw away). Since losing my job a few months ago, Jay and I have tried to be really conscious of what we are spending. I've taken it upon myself to cut coupons - something I have tried and failed at many times in the past.

This time, I have a system. I am using the "binder method." Basically, it is a large 3-ring binder divided into sections. I found the basic sections here, then added a few of my own. (For example, she didn't have a section for pet supplies, and I like to save on my baby girl's *very* expensive food!) Within the sections, I have the coupons sorted into baseball card holders.

So far, it is working out great. I feel much more confident when I shop, knowing that I have a system. I am also less frazzled, and I am *trying* to only buy what's on my list! Just in case you still don't believe me, here's a picture of my binder:

And just because I noticed this picture cut off my head, here's a picture of my face. Hopefully, it's less creepy!

(Please excuse the bare walls and window. I just started using this room as my office, and it's not decorated yet!) I would love to hear any money-saving tips you use. Feel free to share!

*SJ*

Etsy Fort Worth Meeting

We had another Etsy Fort Worth Team meeting tonight at Gallery Art Cafe. We had a great turnout, with the following members in attendance.

• Blueskysunburn
• Sketch Customs Clothing
• Caroline Creates
• Knitty Knitty Bang Bang
• Wantzit
• Annie's Powder Room
• SJ Candle Shoppe

The group is growing, and we have many great things in the works. If you're not following the team blog, you can check it out here. The contest is still going on, so you have a chance to win if you sign up as a follower. More info about the contest is here. You can view all items for the team by searching "Team Fort Worth" on Etsy.

*SJ*

Wordless Wednesday

Two button loafers & brimmed hat

Etsy Fort Worth Team member WeChooseJoy

Meditation Necklace

Etsy Fort Worth Team member JMargot

3 is a Crowd

Etsy Fort Worth Team member Wantzit

ENJOY!!

*SJ*

Blog Giveaway

I wanted to make you all aware of a great blog you should be following. No, it's not mine (although, you should be following me, too!)...it's the leader of our Etsy Fort Worth Team. Jennifer is the owner of Blue Sky Sunburn, and she is celebrating her blogiversary with several giveaways. Check out her blog, and her artistry, here:




*SJ*

Etsy Fort Worth Team Meeting

If you're in the area, you should drop in for the Etsy Fort Worth Team meeting on Thursday evening. Team Fort Worth is for Etsy artists as well as Etsy supporters. We meet together to promote Etsy and one another. This Thursday, we are meeting at Gallery Art Cafe on Jennings just outside of downtown Fort Worth. We will be meeting from 7pm-9pm. Feel free to drop by and say hello!

Gallery Art Cafe

*SJ*

Etsy Fort Worth Team Treasury

One of our Fort Worth Team members, Indigo Orchid Designs, has compiled another treasury featuring SJ Candle Shoppe. Green and browns are the theme of the Pick Your Poison treasury, and can be viewed on the Etsy site here. Be sure to check out the beautiful items our teammates are offering. You can also visit our fellow Etsy artists in person. Check the "Where to Find Us" page on the team blog for local venues and dates.

*SJ*