Candles & Caffeine

Caffeine Monday!

2011-03-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

And this is why I love Starbucks.....

Saturday afternoon was beautiful, so of course I had to grab a venti iced mocha (no whip---gotta watch the calories somehow) to accompany my shopping extravaganza! The lovely barista made note of my "gold card status" (hey, at least I am important somewhere) and suggested I purchase a pound of their Tribute blend because I would get my drink for free. I hesitated....do I really need another pound of coffee? What the heck...sure! I don't have a grinder, so they did it for me----and it is FABULOUS! I would highly recommend you grab a pound of the Tribute blend before it runs out! Mmmmm.......

Winey Wednesday.....Basic Wine Tips!

2011-03-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

My husband and I recently watched a sad, but touching movie with Robert De Niro. In the movie, De Niro's character was looking to purchase "expensive" wine from a local grocery store. The grocery store clerk was clueless about wine (well, except that some is red and some is white?).

Sadly, my knowledge does not exceed the clerk by much! I like to read the label (in hopes that it will offer some detail about the flavor). Unfortunately, not all wine bottles offer this detail. I stumbled across a slide show that I found beneficial. Cheers!

***oh, and check out the movie too.....it's really sweet!*** Don't forget the Kleenex!

Treat Yourself Tuesday......Mmmmmmm Tropical!

2011-03-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

Do you enjoy Strawberries and Kiwi? What about Mandarin Coconut? I don't know about you, but I would LOVE to treat myself to a tropical vacation! Unfortunately, I am stuck in Dayton, Ohio.....the sun is shining, but the weather is still frigid. In order to "feel the tropics", I simply burn one of our yummy candles....ahhhhh, tropical bliss!

Winey Wednesday.....Blackstone Merlot 2008

2011-03-02T07:17:00.000-08:00

This week, I have been enjoying a glass of Blackstone Merlot 2008 with my dinner each evening. I read a review for this wine on another blog, so I thought I would give it a whirl!

Of course, it was on sale.....I am a thrifty wine girl. And, for $8.99, it was a nice treat. My husband liked it, too! Although, since he has a "not under $10 rule", I had to tell a little white lie and say it was $11.99. Shhhh...he will never know....besides, 2 glasses later, he doesn't care.

We opened the bottle on Sunday evening and paired it with our Fettuccine Alfredo. Not a bad combo...in fact, YUMMY!

Caffeine Monday

2011-02-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, if I am being completely honest with myself....which I don't always like to be.......I am spending about $25 per week at Starbucks. Unfortunately, I really don't have the extra cash to continue this habit. Soooo, I thought I would try these nifty little drinks a few days a week. Yes, I know they aren't from Starbucks. However, they will give me the afternoon caffeine kick I need and be a little kinder to my bank account! I haven't actually tried them yet, but I will let you know how they compare to my "go to girl", the iced mocha.......

Free Thinking Friday.....New Blog Design

2011-02-25T12:33:00.000-08:00

For the last month, I have been scouring Etsy and various blogs to help spark inspiration for our new blog design. There are so many amazing blogs out there!

Stay tuned for our blog makeover....coming soon!

Small Biz Thursday - Developing a Business Budget

2011-02-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

After over a decade, I made the decision to complete my Bachelor's Degree in Biz Mgmnt. I just completed my first class, so I feel like it's "official" that I am a college student again. I am actually enjoying it!

My goal is to incorporate any research papers, essays, etc. around small business ownership and share it with others....hopefully, someone can benefit from my research! Sooo, here goes.......I edited some of the content because I didn't want it to be too long. I also added a few links to help credit the sources of my research (APA format has become my new BFF...UGH)....

Developing a Business Budget

The decision to leave the corporate world and become an entrepreneur can be exhilarating. As an entrepreneur, there are several factors to consider before the dream becomes a reality. One of the key factors to consider is a business plan. A business plan is similar to a road map because it shows where the business is going and how it will get there. However, the plan itself is not sufficient. In order for a business plan to be concrete, it must include a budget and a financial forecast. The budget will identify goals and objectives throughout the plan. There are a few basic guidelines for the business owner to follow throughout the development process of the business budget.

Budgeting basics

Knowledge is power. Therefore, it is important to learn the key concepts of budget forecasting by reading business books. The website article, Guide to Budgeting and Forecasting Basics, recommends avoiding academic textbooks because they tend to focus more on the theory than practical applications. For better results, the author suggests books and articles targeted to the business owner's perspective. For example, a business owner of handmade items may want to study articles and books that are written for handmade business owners. The budgeting ideas for a small handmade business would not likely coincide with a large corporation.

Sometimes the simplistic act of writing down the budget for a month, quarter and year is sufficient for planning. The details can be reviewed with an accountant or staff members to validate accuracy and discuss the logic behind the plan. One advantage of today’s business world is the availability of budgeting software. Business budgeting software can enhance the quality and accuracy of the forecasting budget. Part of a new owner’s learning process may include researching a software supplier. As the business progresses, there are valuable reports that can be generated from the accounting software. These reports will help determine if the business is meeting the objectives set within the initial plan.

Creating objectives

What are the objectives of a budget? The obvious answer is to forecast the results of the upcoming year. However, the budget is not limited to this objective. There are a number of legitimate objectives within the budgeting process. The objectives vary depending on the organization level. The business owner needs a budget that

• is realistic, accurate and internally consistent;

• predicts the best results achievable with acceptable risk;

• contains the information most useful for management;

• is consistent with strategy;

• facilitates goals setting and measurement;

• communicates strategy and plans to the organization;

• communicates operating plans across functions.

Since the objectives must be responsive to the needs of all participants, the budgeting process can easily generate conflict within the organization. Therefore, it must be designed to meet the objectives while minimizing the adverse effects of the inherent problems, yielding the best possible planning document. Conflict is only one of the inherent problems outlined by Robert Finney in his book, Powerful budgeting for better planning and management. Because a budget deals with the future, there is always the underlying problem of uncertainty. These problems must be overcome for the budget to be a useful planning document.

Overcoming obstacles

It is imperative to consider the problems within the budget process because they will not go away. In order to overcome these problems, the business owner should focus on what the company wants to do, on its real problems and opportunities, and continue striving for improvement and excellence.
The requirements are to

• ensure that everything in the budgeting process promotes objectivity and concentration on the real strategy, opportunities, and problems of the company;

• deal realistically with uncertainty and uncontrollability;

• focus the organization’s attention on the parameters most important to the company performance and strategy and demand the best possible predictions for all parameters;

• promote improvement and encourage excellence throughout the company.

At times, the budget must be adjusted to meet the demands of the environment. Every organization will be impacted by unpredictable outside events. It is during times of chaos that good budgeting can help contribute to better business results. Even a negative situation can produce positive results because the owner and staff may be forced to identify solutions to serious problems.

A budget is much more than numerical calculations and a good software program. This activity is essential in setting priorities and achieving business objectives. However, budgeting does not have to be a dreaded, daunting task for the business owner. With knowledge, the business owner can overcome obstacles as they arise. In turn, developing a business budget can be a challenging and exciting opportunity to produce positive results for the organization.

Winey Wednesday - Seriously, Arbor Mist?

2011-02-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

Amber, I love you, but I cannot support your love for Arbor Mist. Have I become a wine snob? My husband feels you cannot get a good bottle of wine for less than $10, but I have always disagreed. Now, I am starting to wonder if he is right?! Although, there are still a few good cheapies out there....

One of my personal favorites is the Dancing Bull Merlot. I can purchase it at Kroger for around $9-$12, depending on whether or not it's on sale. It's a little oaky and a little sweet. How's that for a description? Oh, and it goes well with a tasty pizza from Marco's pizza! Annnnd, that's a Friday night at our house!

Head in the clouds.....

2011-02-22T12:58:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's another dreary day in Dayton, Ohio. That's okay because it's "treat yourself Tuesday". I've decided that every week I am going to think of a way to treat myself.

What does this entail? Hmmm, maybe a special coffee drink (I mean, aside from my standard coffee drink), a walk in the park, a new book....I don't know, but I will find something!

Why am I doing this? Why NOT! I totally deserve it. We all deserve to do something nice for ourselves once in a while. In turn, I am going to find something nice to do for someone else each week.

So, this week, I am going to schedule a hair appointment. Seriously, my hair is lacking in so many ways right now! I can't wait to visit my favorite hair stylist, Elise at Square One. I have not been able to see her since last August. UGH, that's depressing! What about this cut?

Philippians 2:3–4 (NIV)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees

2011-02-21T13:47:00.000-08:00

I love love love Starbucks coffee, but I have become curious about our local coffee roasters. Thanks to my friend Google, I was able to find Winans Coffee. Winans was established in the late 1800's and the company is in it's 4th generation of family ownership. Aweessomee!

Their factory is located in Piqua, Ohio and they have retail stores across the Midwest. I think I will stop in and purchase a bag of their Winan's blend very soon!

Orphan Care Ministry

2010-09-08T03:59:00.000-07:00

Starwick Candles is so excited about the opportunity to support this amazing ministry! We will begin our fundraising efforts next month to support a family foster home in Krygyzstan. Check out the blow post below with the details.....

The Journey Continues: Passion Comes Before Vision - The Shelter Launches...: "David and I have had the privilege of being a part of four dynamic churches throughout our 35 years in the role of the senior pastoral famil..."

Hand Dyed Socks

2010-02-25T03:59:00.000-08:00

During the last couple of months, I have been hopping around from one blog & Etsy shop to the next. I can't recall how I stumbled upon Splendid Little Stars, but I'm glad I did! My friend's twin girls turned 2 last month and I wanted to find a special (yet inexpensive) gift for them. Margaret, the shop owner, worked with me to design the perfect little socks for Emily & Sarah. When they arrived, they were wrapped in white tissue paper with a raffia bow and gift tag. I didn't even want to open them! Of course, I had to take a few pictures! Also, here's a picture of the girls.....adorable! Thanks Margaret! The girls loved their socks...

Winter Safety!

2010-02-16T03:57:00.000-08:00

Seriously, more snow? I can't take it anymore! Yesterday, I had two appointments that I was not willing to cancel---regardless of the weather forecast. I have to admit that my first appointment was for my hair. I know that might sound vain, but I had already rescheduled once and we all know the importance of good hair!

On the way to my second appointment, I saw quite a few cars sliding across the road, stuck in a ditch or simply stalled for one reason or another. I am very blessed to have a reliable vehicle with 4WD--a true godsend during bad weather. Despite the reliability of your vehicle, it is still important to carry a few essential items in your vehicle during the winter season. Winter can be treacherous and deceptive, so BE PREPARED!

According to the state of MN Winter Survival Awareness guide, here is a list of items you might want to carry in your vehicle:

◦Pencil and paper

◦First aid kit, including any essential medications

◦Plastic flashlight with spare batteries (reverse the batteries to avoid accidental switching and burnout, and replace batteries yearly)

◦Two large plastic garbage bags, safety pins (bags are for insulation for feet, safety pins keep the bags together)

◦Snack foods for energy, such as candy bars.

•Some other items that you should carry include gloves or mittens, winter boots, a blanket and/or sleeping bag, jumper cables, a basic toolbox, shovel, bag of sand or other grit for traction, tow cable or chain, road flares and reflectors. You could also consider an extra set of dry clothing or a snowmobile suit.

•Whenever traveling in winter, call ahead to your destination and tell when you intend to leave, your travel route, and your expected time of arrival.

•If you become stranded, never leave your vehicle. Your chances of survival greatly increase if you stay put.

•Consider carrying a cellular phone for use during emergencies. Find a safe place to pull off the road when you need to make a call.

Until spring...

Etsy Carnival

2010-02-12T10:49:00.000-08:00

This is my first post for the monthly Etsy Blog Carnival! I am supposed to share my favorite childhood memory from Valentine's Day. This is soooo easy for me because the memory is amazingly simple. Growing up, I was never a Daddy's girl. That was my sister's job. I was a Mommy's girl...and still am. However, Valentine's Day was the one "Holiday" in which my Father would branch out and purchase something for all of his "girls". He wasn't a sentimental man, but then again, you really never know what's in a person's heart. You can only make a judgment based on his or her actions. At any rate, my Dad would always get Esther Price candy (usually shaped in heart box) and a card, which he signed "Pop". Now, I never called my dad "Pop", so I have no clue why he signed the card this way. Now, I think it must have been his own special way of saying "I Love You". Sadly, he passed away unexpectedly when I was in high school, so this simple memory of Valentine's Day is near and dear to my heart. I am so thankful for that little reminder that my "Dad" was a little bit quirky...oops, I mean my "Pop". Happy Valentine's Day!

I know it's not spring yet, BUT...

2010-02-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

I am growing pretty tired of all this snow, so I am going to "think spring". Our first glimpse of spring is usually in a store display (for me, that's Target). What items call my name? Well, it's definitely NOT the bikini bathing suits...YUCK! Instead, it's all those fabulous, fun new PURSES! I love the fabric, style and variety that pops out for spring...

This month's featured Etsy Blogger is TiLT Creations. I had my first visit to this lovely Etsy shop today, and I was inspired by the glimpse of spring hiding inside. This little shop is perfect if you are looking for new clutch, purse or wristlet. Don't let spring come to you....find spring!

Wristlet in Pink Shadow Gold

Lime Pink Paisley Metal Frame Clutch

Beaded Pink Ribbon Wristlet

If you want to know more about TiLT creations, you can visit the shop owner's blog, as well! Happy Shopping!

Peppermint Essential Oil

2010-02-10T03:57:00.000-08:00

I am intrigued by the healing aspects of essential oils. Therefore, once a week, I am going to provide information about the benefits of a specific oil. However, before you begin working with essential oils, it is really important to review the potential hazards of working with the natural substance.

We have only experimented with 5 of the essential oils, so I thought I would start with those scents. As promised, here is a picture of our aromatherapy travel candles. I love our new labels!

PEPPERMINT ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OIL

Common Uses: Organic Peppermint Essential Oil has long been credited as being useful in combating stomach ailments. It is also viewed as an antispasmodic and antimicrobial agent. Of course, most people will associate it with being a flavoring or scenting agent in foods, beverages, skin and hair care products (where it has a cooling effect by constricting capillaries and helping with bruises and sore joints), as well as soaps and candles. This is largely due to its menthol content – typically 85%.

Blends well with: Basil, Bergamot, Cajeput, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Marjoram, Niaouli, Pine, Rosemary, Spearmint and Thyme.

Aromatic Scent: Organic Peppermint Essential Oil has a sharp, penetrating mint scent based on its high menthol content. The sweetness of the vapor makes it easy to see why it is such a common flavoring and scenting agent.

Cautions: Organic Peppermint Essential Oil can be sensitizing due to the menthol content. Avoid use during pregnancy.

This information was gathered from New Directions Aromatics

My Grandmother...

2010-02-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

I recently became a member of the The EtsyBloggers Team, which led me to the very quaint Etsy shop known as Nico Designs. I was browsing the items for sale, and found myself drawn to the Be Mine Love Bird Pincushion in her shop.

After looking at it for a while, I realized that it reminded my of my Grandmother. She used to looooovve to sew! She was an amazing quilter and crafter. In fact, she was "crafting" long before crafting was cool! I only wish I had been more attentive to her skills while I was growing up. Unfortunately, she passed away last year. However, our family is blessed to have such personal reminders of her time with us. :)

Here's a picture of my Grandma on her last Birthday! She was a February baby, so I think this little Love Bird Pincushion is perfect for the woman that loved to sew.

50th Fan on Facebook

2010-02-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

Starwick Candles is hoping to reach 50 fans by the end of this week! I just added a post to FB......our 50th fan will receive a free aromatherapy travel candle. I will post a picture of our travel candle to the blog ASAP :)

Sure, I'll become a fan!

February is "Love Movie Month"

2010-01-30T11:24:00.000-08:00

My husband and I subscribe to Blockbuster online, which is kind of like Netflix...same concept. At any rate, he jokes that he is able to control very few things in our household. Therefore, he gets to control our "movie queue". Since he's a pretty good husband (wink wink), he devotes February to "love movies" just for me! I think he secretly likes some of the romantic comedies out there, but shhhhh....don't tell! We actually started watching our February movies a little early this year.

Here are a few movies that I would recommend:

1. Definitely, Maybe is at the TOP of my list. It was soooo cute!

2. The Proposal another hilarious flick! Can you tell that I like Ryan Reynolds??

3. Knocked Up Adorable~love Seth Rogen to pieces!

4. Juno Heartwarming and witty!

5. The Ugly Truth Love that guy, too!

Sooo, grab your sweetie (or BFF), a snack, a glass of wine and curl up in a warm blanket for "Love Movie Month"!

Get it done Friday!

2010-01-29T09:24:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel like you are going in a million different places, but you know you are still on the right track? It's such a weird feeling! I have been scouring blogs, websites, magazines in search of ideas and direction for our candle biz! In order to hold myself accountable, I decided I would post 10 goals to the blog. Periodically, I will go back to review this list and update our accomplishments.

1. Create a business plan. SCORE is a wonderful resource for direction on a business plan.

2. Take a photography class. Legacy Pics is holding a class on Feb 19th, so I will be able to cross this one off my list very soon!

3. Get organized! I will update my biz records monthly---I have decided to set aside the 1st Monday of every month for this activity.

4. Send applications for 2 new festivals. I think we'll try The Pork Festival and the Yellow Springs Street Fair.

5. Wholesale Wholesale Wholesale! Our goal is to get our products in 6 retail stores this year. I have already received some amazing tips from Justine, the Handmade Marketer.

6. Ensure our product pricing is correct.

7. Get some Etsy sales! We've had 5, and I am extremely thankful for those sales. However, I would like to sell a minimum of 5 items per month.

8. Blog weekly....I will try to blog a little more frequently, but I know I can post weekly. In addition to the blogging, I am going to try and find interesting topics. I certainly don't want to bore my readers!

9. Create fun and elegant products for our upcoming bridal show!

10. Finally, recognize our accomplishments!

Oh, and just a little plug for myself....these are my new handmade Valentine's Day Cards! You can purchase one for your sweetie at Simply Scrappee. My new Etsy shop was inspired by a personal goal---scrapbook my wedding & honeymoon from 2006---LOL!

Tax Time.....eck!

2010-01-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

Today is Saturday, and it's our busy shopping day at the 2nd Street Market. I am trying to balance sales and tax entries into my Quicken program. I am asking myself (for the second year in a row) WHY I did not make these entries on a monthly basis. I have completed my entries for Jan through March and my brain is fried. It looks like I will be working on this tomorrow, as well. I tried to give myself a deadline of 1/31 and I am determined to meet it!

As a side note, our sales have been pretty good today! I think people are starting to get out and shop again, which is a blessing since our rent is due soon. LOL

I have been daydreaming about our next endeavor...The Dayton Bridal Expo. I have another wonderful Etsy friend that has been designing labels for our candles. She recently designed a template for us to use for our wedding favors. I can't wait to get started on these! :) If you need anything, contact Grain on Etsy.

Well, back to work! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

I almost forgot!

2010-01-22T11:18:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I almost forgot to do this! I wanted to post a great big THANK YOU to Heather at The Buzz for helping with my ad button. Not only did she create the perfect button for our store, she did it for free! I just wanted to let everyone know how wonderful and helpful she has been to our shop! :)

2010-01-22T11:11:00.000-08:00

Shabby Chic Sunshine Bouquet

Sunshine and Dreams

2010-01-22T11:07:00.000-08:00

Sunshine and Dreams

2010-01-22T11:04:00.000-08:00

SunShine Handspun Happiness

Friday Features - Sunshine

2010-01-22T10:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday to all you hard working peeps out there! My features for today are a result of the LACK in sunshine we are experiencing in Dayton, Ohio! Usually, I am not affected by the weather, but after a week of NO SUNSHINE, I think I am going to lose it! Well, not really.....at any rate, let's hope these features add a little burst of light to our day!

New Signature...will it work???

2010-01-17T14:06:00.000-08:00

Love is...

2010-01-16T20:17:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this blog while searching for free banners (of all things)? It was a gentle reminder to appreciate life in it's simplest form. Love is.....http://perchedonawhim.com/

TGIF!

2010-01-15T05:16:00.000-08:00

TGIF! Really, though, I don't think about Friday as often as I used to....I left my full time job in October 2009 to pursue a career in real estate~whew, that's a tough one to build. My true passion is our candle business, of course. We have a small shop in a local Farmer's market and I actually look forward to working at the market each week. We are open Thurs & Fri 11-3 and Sat 8-3. The market is full of energy, especially on Saturday mornings! For this reason, I don't think about Friday in the same context. However, I know my husband and stepson are always ready for the weekend, so I try and remember that Friday is still a pretty cool day of the week...

Here's a link to our market website http://www.metroparks.org/Parks/SecondStreetMarket/Home.aspx
If you have a similar shopping experience in your city, I strongly encourage you to check it out! I have always been a "mall shopper", but I am slowly moving towards the "other side" (whatever that is)! LOL

Speaking of the market, I need to get my day ready! Praying for lots of sales...even on a dreary day like today. :)

Here are a couple more pics!

2010-01-14T05:15:00.000-08:00

New Pictures!

2010-01-14T05:13:00.000-08:00

I think the photo box works! Yeah! Here's a link to the blog that I followed http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html

It was soooo easy! I took a ton of pictures and then edited the color a little bit. Now, I realize I am not an expert, but I really think they look a lot better. :) Next step, add them to the website! http://www.starwickcandles.etsy.com/

Before the photo box!

2010-01-12T14:52:00.000-08:00

World of Blogs

2010-01-12T03:25:00.000-08:00

Soooo, I am supposed to be blogging, but I have become addicted to reading everyone else's blog. I am not actually following that many blogs, but I end up reading blogs that my favorites are following! It's so much fun! I stumbled upon the cutest picture EVER on Etsy---a must have for me! Check it out: Good Thing Print.....

Over the weekend, I made my new photo box. My goal is to get some better pictures of our products on the website, so I am hoping I can accomplish that task throughout the week. Jen made some of our new essential oil candles---lemon and peppermint! Yummy!

Sampler Village

2010-01-09T08:32:00.000-08:00

Well, my goal is to blog every morning, and I have already fallen behind! Thanks to Mammalicious Finds, I came across an opportunity to share our products with the Sampler Village. Check them out at www.samplervillage.com! We are going to provide samples of our tea lights and votives for the March sampler...just in time for our spring preview! I will post more information as we get closer to our sampler date.

I am super excited to share our new aromatherapy line with everyone! We were asked to fill an order for a local customer, which led to research on essential oils. These oils are amazing! We currently use all natural soybean wax, so the essential oils produce a safe, completely natural product. To date, we have made lavender, eucalyptus, cinnamon leaf and sandalwood. A local massage therapist suggested a few additional scents, so we can't wait to test our newbies~lemon and peppermint. Yummy!

Today I am working at our storefront at the 2nd Street Market. The snow is still falling and people are happily eating, shopping & drinking their warm beverages. :) It's a good day......

Snow Dayz

2010-01-07T13:32:00.000-08:00

The snow has been falling all day, which has inspired me to get on the ball and create my new blog! I am calling this blog "Candles and Caffeine" because I plan to start each day with a cup of coffee and my random thoughts, ideas and plans for Starwick Candles!

Let me introduce myself...my name is Cathy. I looovvve coffee and I am the proud co-owner of Starwick Candles. We just completed our second year in business, which to my biz partner and me, is a pretty big accomplishment! During the last couple of years, we have participated in local festivals and craft bazaars~our little business is blooming! In July 2009, we opened a small shop at a local farmer's market in Dayton, Ohio. Check out our website at www.realliving.com/cathy.dean/thinklocal.asp!

Oh, so I guess you want to know about our products, as well! We make candles and lotion bars with all natural soybean wax. Jen, my candle buddy (aka lifeline/biz partner), is the candle maker! She is the blood, sweat and tears behind each finished product. Our newest endeavor for spring 2010, a bridal show! Time to get our creative juices flowing...