I haven't been blogging for awhile

I haven't been blogging for awhile. Our candle business has changed drastically since spring. I'll fill you in on details later, but we've done lots of work with palm wax and wholesale accounts. Hopefully I'll get a chance to post pics and more details soon.

It is now time to gear up for the busy fall and winter season, by far the busiest time of year in the candlemaking business. It won't be long now before the temperature cools and the leaves change. Can't wait!

Book Review: The Great Eight by Scott Hamilton

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I read the book The Great Eight by Scott Hamilton. It was a rather short, simple read, but it was packed with inspiration and advice about finding happiness. Actually it was not about finding happiness so much as it was about choosing happiness in our lives. Scott Hamilton clearly believes that happiness is a choice and a goal to be achieved rather than something that happens to us beyond our control. Clearly he is a goal-oriented person, and he broke the concept of choosing happiness into eight simple steps. If those steps are diligently practiced, much like his years of practicing to make the perfect figure eight on the ice (not to mention all the other figure-skating skills he certainly mastered), happiness will be a habit in our lives.

Life will be full of trials, and Mr. Hamilton certainly has had his share. He was adopted, and some people use this issue alone as a hindrance to finding happiness in their lives, never mind the other huge obstacles he would later face. His health was poor as a child, and he had difficulty being accepted by other kids because he was different. In adulthood he has had two separate battles with cancer. If anyone would have an excuse to wallow in self-pity, he would. However, he has chosen happiness and applied these eight principles to his own life.

This is a very inspirational read, and I think this book is timely given the difficult times we face today. It has helped and encouraged me personally in several facets of my life.

Candle Maker

Candle Maker, originally uploaded by Marvin (PA).

I have been in the candle business since 2004, and I am constantly reminded that I have so much more to learn. This is a process I have never seen before. He is pouring ladles of hot wax over a taper candle to build up the layers. I have seen them made by dipping them in hot wax, but never this method. Clearly he has done this many times before. Learned something new!

Think Spring!

My feet have been cold since October, and I am beginning to experience spring fever. The fact that I have been burning spring and summer scented candles may not help, although I have found them to be mood boosters! These in the photo (Pomegranate, Cucumber & Cantaloupe, and Juicy Watermelon) will be available in our store soon, as well as several others not pictured (Coconut Lime Verbena, Island Orchard, Coconut Breeze and Strawberries & Cream). I would like to hear from you. What spring & summer scents are your favorites?

We are on Flickr

Our Flickr photostream can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetcakescandles/. We are constantly adding new photos of our works in progress. Some are available now, others will be in the future.

Find Me on Facebook

I hope you'll check out my Facebook page at Facebook me! You can also search Facebook for Sweet Cakes Candles. Hope to see you there!

Celebrate Winter

I made my first "loaf soap" yesterday. Not terrible for a first attempt, but they still need a little work. I scented them with Cappuccino fragrance oil. Yum!

Book Review: The Unseen by TL Hines

This is a book review of the novel The Unseen by T.L. Hines. The back flap of the book uses the descriptive term “Noir Bizarre”, and that is a fitting description. While I usually enjoy a suspense or mystery novel, this one had a little bit of a creepy factor to it.

As the story unfolds you learn about Lucas, a loner with an unusual hobby, or maybe I should say an obsession. He hides himself in tight spaces and observes individuals without their knowledge. He makes up imaginary “stories” about the lives of these individuals. While that is a creepy hobby, he never did anything dangerous or interfered in their lives in any other way.

Then the story takes a turn. Lucas meets some unsavory characters, and he begins to wonder if he is being watched. Or worse, is his life in jeopardy?

I must admit that this is not the type of book I normally read, but that is precisely why I finished it. In an attempt to broaden my horizons I am looking for different paths than my normal. It took me until chapter 13 or 14 to become very interested in the story line. At that point it seems the pace really picked up, and I had a harder time putting the book down. The action kept coming and really didn’t slow down for the rest of the story.

I was still left with a few questions after completing the book. Some of Lucas’ story is still a little unclear to me. I would have liked to have seen the author flesh this out a little more. All in all, an interesting, “Noir Bizarre” read.

Snow & More Snow

Our local weatherman forecast the possibility of one inch of snow. We got 4 1/2 inches! Good thing we have plenty of groceries because we can't get up or down our driveway. It is nice to be snowed in at least once a winter, and we've thoroughly enjoyed it!

Chilly but creative

Fall and Christmas are by far the busiest time of year for me, and now that January is in full swing I have had an opportunity to catch my breath. This is also the time of year that I do most of my creative experimenting with new products and formulations. After all, who wants to be outside in the rain/sleet/snow for very long? I am not tempted by cold weather at all, except for the first "real snow" each year. Still waiting for it, but in the meantime I've been in my workshop trying some new things, and I'm excited to share some of the "keepers" with you.

So many people have raved about our Pomegranate scent, but it never worked well in our soy wax. Now I think we have a winner in soap. It looks and smells amazing. I am pleased with it and have added it to the store. Hope you'll take a look.

I will tell you about more of my "experiments" soon. Got some ideas. Better go get started on them!

Pink Heart Sparkle Soaps

Pink Heart Sparkle Soaps were added to our store today. They are scented with Buttercream, which does smell good enough to eat (but please don't)!

Sweet Soaps for Your Sweet!

When I found this soap mold I had to make these. I hope you like them as much as I do! They come in a set of five soaps as shown. Each soap is 2 oz. This year give something unique, not the last minute run-of-the-mill chocolates/flowers/card. Too predictable. They'll never expect these.

Fresh Brewed Coffee scent

I can't believe I forgot to tell you...our bundt cake candles are now available in Fresh Brewed Coffee scent. This is a slightly sweet coffee fragrance with a mild hint of chocolate. Hope you like it.

New Additions to our Store

I added some creative soaps to the web store tonight. Check them out at http://www.sweetcakescandles.com/. This is my beverage of choice, sweet tea. Yes, I'm a southern gal.

2009

My sincere wish is that you have a happy, healthy and productive 2009. Happy New Year!