Spring 2011 Fragrance Line, Part 2

As promised, here is the next category in my Spring 2011 fragrance line.

SJ Candle Shoppe Designer Types

Citrus Cilantro (Pier 1)

Coconut Lime Verbena (BBW)

Cranberry Peppermint (YC)

Green Tea & Cucumber (BBW)

Harvest (YC)

Home Sweet Home (YC)

Lemon Lavender (YC)

Polo Sport (Men's)

SJ Signature

These "duplicates" are very accurate representations of the original fragrances, although not affiliated with the same company. If you'd like something you don't see listed here, I am happy to try to find it and create a replica for you. Contact me at sjcandleshoppe@gmail.com or on Twitter (@TXshoppegirl) for more info or to place an order.

*SJ*

Recent Events & Other Ramblings

Hey everybody!

I just wanted to take a couple of minutes to let you all know what is going on with me, with Jay, and with the Shoppe. First of all...YES! We are still here, and we're still taking orders. We are about to enter our busy season with Christmas just 14 weeks away (hard to believe, isn't it?), and we are gearing up!

Secondly, thanks to so many who have asked about Jay and his health. He is doing great. For the most part, we have things pretty much regulated, but every now and then we have an episode. Everything is under control, and he's doing well. Plus, he's on vacation this week!

No vacation for me, though. After five very long unemployed months, I am finally back to work. I started working August 28 at a new local place in town, but found out quickly that wasn't going to work for me. Way too many hours, not enough money, and I never felt comfortable working there. So...today I started a new job! The schedule is much better (no more 15 hour days!) and the rewards much greater. Not just better money, but I already know some of the people, so I'm more comfortable immediately. Plus, it is a faith-based company, so no more questionable ethical decisions to make.

I apologize for not updating more frequently, as I had promised. I had hoped the first job would be a little more flexible and still make it possible for me to take care of the shoppe. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case, but again, that is changing now with this new employer. I will begin updating again regularly. I like to hear what interests you, and love to hear feedback. If there is something you are looking for, or questions that you have, feel free to contact me anytime at sjcandleshoppe@gmail.com You can follow me on Twitter @TXshoppegirl or call (817) 846-1642. I look forward to hearing from you!

*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*

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*

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*

Wow! Busy Day!

It was really nice to get a ton of stuff done today. I got three batches of soapsicles done and picked up some new bags and got them ready for the show tomorrow. I also met up with Crystal from Annie's Powder Room. I'm taking some of her whimsical soaps to the KW Cares event tomorrow.

The KW Cares event is at Keller Williams in Fort Worth. KW Cares is their program for helping agents in crisis. Ten percent of the proceeds from sales at the event will go to their program. If it's a success, they may make it an annual event.

Here are the bags I was working on tonight. I'm quite proud of the way they turned out!

*SJ*

Lazy Saturday

I've had a great couple of days meeting with friends, hanging out with my husband, and getting some things done around the house. I may be having too much fun hanging out with friends, because I didn't even make it out to Grapevine today!

Thursday night, of course, was the Etsy Fort Worth meeting. After the meeting, my mind was spinning, and I started writing down a bunch of ideas that I had. Some ideas are for our shoppe, and some are for the group. I ended up working so long that I didn't go to sleep until five in the morning! Of course, I think the giant caramel latte that I drank had something to do with that.

Then, Friday night I spent some time at my friend Cass' house. We hadn't seen each other for a few months, so I ended up staying there until 3 am! Still, I swore I was going to get up at 5 and go out to Grapevine Market, just as I've been doing every Saturday.

At 7:45, Jay was finally able to wake me. Obviously, I was just too drained to wake up. I even slept through two alarms! Regardless, I was glad I got to spend the day with him. He was off today, so after we made lunch, we went to the mall and a movie.

The mall was fun. We're not usually mall people, but we were walking around and found an embroidery shop. We stopped to talk to them about getting new shirts done, and they are going to give us some really great prices. We also stopped at the cookie place to get something to drink. The girl behind the counter asked what soy candles were, because Jay was wearing his shirt with our logo on it. We explained to her what we do and why it is different. Then I gave her my card, because she said her mom is a candle "freak."

So even on a day we weren't really "working," we made two contacts. That, plus getting to spend time with my husband were enough to make it a great lazy Saturday.

*SJ*

Finally Got My Day of Rest

Since Jay was off today, I decided I was going to be "off" too. I let him sleep, and curled up with a book. I spent most of the day reading, then we caught up on some Tivo recordings. Unfortunately, I didn't get a lot accomplished, but at least I feel rested. I have a lot to do tomorrow, because I will be very busy Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

*SJ*