Some down time

I wanted to write more on my blog tonight while I have some time to relax and reflect. I enjoy reading everyone's blogs and feel a little guilty about not keeping up with my own news. I sold candles last Saturday, but it wasn't a very successful event. This really was a blessing from God though because I was able to fill the order I received a few weeks ago. All 100 candles are packed, wrapped, and ready to go - hooray! Now I am trying to get busy for the upcoming craft fairs. I need all the prayers I can get because after a break tomorrow, I will be somewhere selling my candles for the next 6 Saturdays straight. You can find out where I'll be by going to my website http://www.caglecreations.net/ and clicking on the button that says festival sites. Some of these craft fairs are new to me this year, but I've heard from other vendors that they are very successful. I just hope I can keep up from week to week.

I am back in the swing of things at Baker School, working with some of the sweetest children I've ever known. They are all very special to me, and the families are sort of like extended family. I've had the priviledge to work with some of the families for the last 7 yrs since I started this job. They come in once a week for storytime and an activity to do with Mom. They love the center and usually don't want to leave. I get to work with each child individually at least once a month. It's a wonderful program and sort of like a ministry. I'm so thankful that the program was funded again this school year and not cut like many other programs and positions.

Anyway I was tagged by Jillian a couple of weeks ago or more and never responded, so here goes.....

Two names you go by:
1. Deanna
2. Dee Dee

Two things you are wearing right now:
1. Red shirt
2. Brown shorts

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. For my son's prayers to be answered
2. For my friend's heart to heal from the loss of her husband

Two people that will send this back or respond
1 ???
2. ???

Two things you ate today
1. fried mushrooms
2. New York Strip (went to Coach & Four for my birthday today - yes I'm an old woman!)

Two people you last spoke to:
1. Vanda
2. My Mom

Two things you're doing tomorrow:
1. Going to Christopher & Banks to spend my gift card and birthday money
2. lunch somewhere maybe?

Two longest car rides:
1. From Alexandria, LA to Morrow, OH (16 hr trip)
2. Crestview, FL to Morrow, OH (12 1/2 hrs)

Two favorite beverages:
1. Water
2. Coffee

Ok, so if you have a blog it is your turn to post..... TAG YOUR IT!!!

quick update

Hi!

It's been a week or more since I posted and wanted to give my latest news. I was able to get my candles into another store - this time in Destin. They are in Abram's Antiques on Hwy.98 beside McGuires. I sold 3 candles the day I put them in the store! This is my display.

I am still working on getting candles made for the upcoming craft fairs and filling the 100 candle order. I always manage to work best under pressure, so I know I'll get caught up just in time. I'll blog more in the next week or two when I have more time to write.

Caramel Apple Night

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to post a quick message tonight. I ordered ALOT of jars last week, and they were all delivered today. What a chore unpacking all of those boxes. Anyhow I got a start on my big order and made a bunch of caramel apple candles tonight. Here's a couple of pics.

This is my kitty Sianna. She is treated like a baby literally, and the most spoiled animal we have ever had. While I'm busy working on candles, she is always laying in the room somewhere (supporting me).

Here's the candles I made tonight!

Busy Busy Blessings

It's been about a month since I've written anything and wanted to update my blog with pictures and tell how things are going with me. After a very slow summer (a much needed rest), I am in full swing again at work and with the candle business. My job is going great, and I do believe this will be my best school year yet. I have some wonderful families in my program and miss all the children. I am ready to begin my weekly activities with them next week and start home visits again soon.


I have taken too much time relaxing the last two weeks and haven't made any candles. God blessed me today with an order for 100 candles by October 1st! This is a from a guy that I've known for 9 yrs who faithfully sprays (pest control) my home and has his own business. Last year he bought 30 of them from me to give to widow ladies that are his clients for Christmas. He said God has blessed his business, and he wants to give something back. All I can say is thank you Lord! I have also booked 5 craft shows between Sept. - Nov., and plan to book at least 2 more (they haven't advertised yet, but I did them last year.) I still have candles in the 3 shops also that should do well over the holidays. I give God all the praise and honour for blessing my business.


For all of my friends reading this that go to church with me, if you see me just sitting there on Wednesday nights and not mingling, you'll understand why - I'll probably be totally exhausted. It is a fun busy though, and those that know me well understand I wouldn't have it any other way. I'd rather be too busy than too idle.

Now for some pictures of my little world and some new things not on my website.


This picture is a candle I made for a friend today. This is what they look like when they are just poured before the cooling process. It is a 16 oz candle that sells for $15.99. These are not in the stores yet because they take more wax. I sell them to my regular customers that are already hooked on my candles.




This is a picture of the my 6 oz candles that I have in stock at the moment. Since I don't use any artificial dyes in my wax, I buy frosted jars for the holidays and the customers that want some color. These are not on my website yet. They sell for $5.99 each.







These are 4 oz tins that I just made recently for a special customer. I plan to try these out in one of the stores and at the craft shows. Since every customer is different, I'm going to test the market on these and see if it's something that will sell.

New Scents

I have added some new scents to my line. They include Apples & Maple, Creme Brulee, and Black Currant & Nectarine. I also have two new holiday scents available which include Holiday Sleigh Ride and Hanzel & Gretel's House. They all smell wonderful! You can go to my website and click on scent descriptions and find them there.

I am enjoying my summer break from school and preparing for all of the holiday craft fairs. For those interested, I will make holiday scents now for the early Christmas shoppers. Just visit my website and click on the order form and place an order or just send me an email.

Spring 2008

In late February I met a special lady that told me about a brand new antique/ tea shop opening in my hometown of Crestview. I was able to put my candles in the store, which opened on March 1st, and since then I have had great success. My candles are now available in two more stores in Fort Walton Beach. You can find these by clicking on my website link, and then clicking on the store locations button.
I expanded my scents this Spring to include many florals, more foods. and exotic scents. These include Clean Cotton, Asian Amber, Honeysuckle Jasmine, Love Spell, Lavendar Fields, Summer Gardenia, Lilac Blossoms, Palm Tree, Very Vanilla, Sea Spray & Jasmine, Seaside, Blueberry Cobbler, Black Cherry, Lemon Chiffon, Strawberry Shortcake, Caramelized Pralines, Honeydew Melon, & Citrus Splash.
I have recently ordered more scents that will available soon.

In the Beginning.....

In the beginning months I started with my simple 10 oz. candle, and only offered 8 scents at that time. These included Almond Biscotti, Hazelnut Coffee, Pumpkin Souffle, Cranberry Bliss, Caramelized Pear, Spiced Apples, Banana Nut Bread, and Cinnamon Buns. I sold to friends at first, and then coworkers at school and immediately began receiving positive feedback and gained repeat customers. I began my business at a perfect time of year, and by the end of September I started making smaller candles in frosted jars for the holidays. I added many holiday scents at this time also, including Christmas Cheer, Mistletoe, Amaretto Nog, Old Fashioned Christmas, Sugar Cookie, Spice, and Caramel Apple . I was fortunate enough to find out about many local craft shows and festivals around the holidays and worked several Saturdays promoting my business.