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*

New Schedule is Up + More News

Couple of things today:

The new August schedule is up. Check the sidebar for dates. Also, I've added more events to the Etsy Fort Worth blog. You can check the schedule here.

Also, I had to make some changes to the newsletter, and the first one was sent this evening. I decided it would be better to go out before the 1st. That's because there is a special promotion announced in the newsletter that begins on the first.

If you'd like to subscribe to the newsletter, either complete the info on the Contact Us page here or send us an email to sjcandleshoppe@gmail.com.

*SJ*

August Show Schedule

As it stands right now, I will still be at Grapevine Market every Thursday and Saturday through August. I emailed the director of Keller's new Farmers' Market, and all the spaces are filled right now. Also, I don't want to jump the gun, but it looks as though I may be getting a job soon. If that is the case (and my husband *really* hopes it is) then I will update the schedule accordingly. Either way, my Etsy shop is still open, and the website is as active as ever!

*SJ*

KW Cares Event @ Keller Williams

Today was the KW Cares event at Keller Williams in Fort Worth. I think the event was a success. We got to meet many new people, including a fellow Etsy Fort Worth team member, DiAnne Arnette. DiAnne has some beautiful, elaborate jewelry in her shops Wantzit and Wantzit2. Amanda from Indigo Orchid was also there, along with a few other clothing and purse vendors.

Overall, it was a good day to "talk shop," meet new people, and stay out of the heat! I'll be sure to post some pictures as soon as I get them downloaded from my Blackberry.

*SJ*

New Show Schedule Coming Soon

July is drawing to a close, and I will be publishing our August show schedule soon. I had previously said that I would be at Grapevine Market each Thursday and Saturday through mid-October. I still intend to participate in that market, but hopefully only on Thursdays. I am waiting to hear back from the market director for Keller Farmers Market to see if I am accepted. If so, I will be attending there on Saturdays from 8am til noon.


I have a meeting with the Etsy Fort Worth team tomorrow evening. I am looking forward to meeting many of our fellow etsians and "putting our heads together" on how we can get the word out about our group. We are having a contest for those who follow our team blog. Many of the artists are contributing to a gift basket that one lucky follower will win. You can see the details on this thread, and you can follow our team blog here. I'll have more info, pictures and follow up after our meeting tomorrow.

*SJ*

Another Scorcher

I am really enjoying spending time out at Grapevine Market. I have met many great people, both vendors and shoppers. Many of our shoppers are from out of town, so it feels good to be sharing what we love with such a diverse audience.

Today was another hot one. The day started out nice, with a cool breeze, and only about 76 degrees or so. All that was forgotten, though, when the temperatures climbed to 100+ around noon. It certainly wasn't the hottest day we've had, but that's easy to forget when you're "in the heat of it."

Even still, I had a great time. I talked to a lot of people, sold some things, and will do it all over again on Thursday. Hope to see you there!

Trade Days Reminder

Just a reminder that we are at Trade Days USA this weekend in booth F1. Check out their website for full details and show schedule. www.tradedaysusa.com The weather was beautiful on Saturday, and I'm looking forward to another great day at the Speedway.

As always, you can follow me on Twitter @TXshoppegirl or email me with questions at sjcandleshoppe@gmail.com

Upcoming Shows

Hey Everybody!

Don't forget we are at Trade Days USA this weekend. Saturday and Sunday 8-5 at Texas Motor Speedway in North Fort Worth. You can find us in booth F1.

Next weekend we will be at Kellerfest in Keller, Texas. Keller is just North-East of Fort Worth. I won't know our booth number until we check in on Friday, but will update as soon as I can. The hours for Kellerfest are: Friday 5pm-11pm; Saturday 10am-11pm; Sunday 1pm-7pm.

Remember, you can contact me anytime at sjcandleshoppe@gmail.com Don't forget to follow me on Twitter: @TXshoppegirl We hope to see you soon!


*SJ*