An awesome little tool.

Every candle owner should own a wick dipper.

After burning your candle to achieve a beautiful fragrance, why would you want
to have that over powered by the smell of smoke?
Blowing out a candle to extinguish its flame can leave a room smelling like
smoke and possibly splatter melted wax on nearby surfaces. Using a wick dipper will eliminate that smoke and any splatter issues.

Simply use the hooked end of the wick dipper to push the burning wick into the
melted wax pool to extinguish the flame. Use the hook to retrieve the wick out
of the melted wax and recenter your wick. Now your wick is primed with wax as it
was when it was new. The wax coating makes the wick less brittle and will make
it easier to light. A wick that is too long or has mushroomed may spark and
sputter. Always trim the wick to ¼ inch length and remove any "mushrooming" that may have occurred.
If you notice that the wick is getting close to the side of the jar, extinguish
the candle and use the wick dipper to push the wick back to the center of the
glass. A wick burning too close to the side of the glass can cause the glass jar
to crack. Be sure to extinguish the candle and move the wick to the center of
the jar before that happens. This method of extinguishing your candle eliminates
wick smoldering and smoking, keeping your house free of smoky residue and odors.

This amazing little tool will extend the life and quality of your candle wick.
Wick dippers are for container and pillar candles only. Not for use on tapered
candles. Always follow the safety instructions on the bottom of your candle, read prior to lighting your candle.

You can purchase one here: http://www.elizagrason.com/accessories.html

Another reason to LOVE Wisconsin

I love Wisconsin for many reasons, one of them is that there is a Jelly Belly factory not too far from my house. We finally got to go and take the tour last week. I sampled many flavors but the Pomegranate and Raspberry top my list!

JellyBelly.com

Young entrepreneurs!

So far this summer, I haven't heard "I'm bored" one time.

Haley and Mason along with a few neighborhood friends decided to get creative and set up a Lemonade stand. They have all worked really hard, making signs, setting up the table and making the lemonade. At one point , they had three cars lined up waiting!
Haley has also included her "Poochie Paws" dog treats for sale. She makes and packages everything on her own. She is in the process of setting up her Etsy store that should be ready to go the first part of July.

After seeing how proud they are, I vow never to pass by a lemonade stand without purchasing/donating again!

Spring is here!

Now is the perfect time to update your look and your makeup bag with new Spring colors.

Sari of Sarimotley cosmetics is offering a generous 10% discount on all new purchases. As I mentioned in my last post, Sari offers a natural skincare line, mineral makeup and all of the tools you need for a flawless look. Sari can help you with color selection and application tips too.

Be sure to use coupon code newdsc when ordering.

What is "Natural"?

Following is an article written by my good friend Sari Motley of sarimotley cosmetics. This article was posted on her blog Pretty Amazing Skin .

Sari is a makeup artist in Houston, TX with many years of experience. Her online store offers a fabulous "natural" skin care line as well as mineral makeup, makeup brushes and some pretty amazing soy candles and bath treats (I just had to mention those).

Sari also offers special event makeup application, bridal makeup and makeup lessons as well as skin care coaching.

If you are in the Houston area, give her a call and make an appointment to visit her showroom. Sari is generous with her knowledge and is a very talented makeup artist.

"What is natural?

The idea of “natural” skincare has become increasingly popular. Some people are choosing natural products because they have a growing concern about ingredients they are putting on their skin. Or they like the way it feels. And others because, well, because it’s becoming increasingly popular.

A product may be touted as “natural”, yet still contain ingredients that are artificial, synthetic and non-renewable (meaning it cannot be re-made, re-grown or regenerated compared to its consumption). When you are choosing natural skincare, no matter what your reason, choose wisely. Here are a few tips that might help with your natural skincare selection.

• Look at the ingredient listing. The product should contain many natural ingredients.
• Do not be swayed by technical-sounding names. While they may be hard to pronounce, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires product labels to contain scientific names. If you see Boswellia carterii in your moisturizer… eeek? No, this is the botanical name for frankincense, whose essential oil is helpful in rejuvenating the skin. So do not shy away from odd sounding names before you do your homework.
• Know your skincare company and what they believe. This may not be easy when you pop in to the supermarket or drugstore to pick up a moisturizer. But many companies have public knowledge available online.

Sarimotley cosmetics always welcomes your questions about ingredients, formulations, etc. For inquires send an email to sari@sarimotley.com.

Be wise and be well. Sari"

Thank you Cindy!

My friend Cindy over at Art Spectrum (artspectrum.blogspot.com) created a new banner for my Etsy store (ElizaG.Etsy.com).

I love it...thank you Cindy!

Cindy is an incredible artist and has many of her original pieces listed in her Etsy store (cinhesse.etsy.com). This is a great way to support a local artist if you live in Central Florida.

For those of you that do live in the Central Florida area, stay tuned she and her husband, Chef Christopher (symmetry-sauces.blogspot.com) will be opening a bagel shop in Lake Mary in the near future.

This is one very talented family!

Indie Music Love

This is Amy Dalley's new album. Amy is the niece of one of my best friends. I love her music and hope you will too.

To learn more about Amy and her music, visit the link on the right.

It's Time, Amy's first full-length CD is now available.

December 22

The link to the right "Because of Heller" is a site my dear friend Hayley has set up to honor her son Heller.

Please visit her site to learn more about what you can do to honor Heller on December 22.

In Celebration of the Life of a Caring Child

Happiness comes when what you think, say, and do are in harmony.

Long time no post

It's been a long time since my last post. Lots has been going on here. If you haven't heard, we are in the process of relocating to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I have been busy finishing up orders, getting our current house on the market and trying to pack for all of us. Oh and I gained a few roommates from Tropical Storm Faye. One of my girlfriends house flooded during the storm, so me being who I am I said "sure you can stay with me". It's not that I have a problem with it or anything it's just hard to live with another family...nough said!

I can't post about anything new and exciting in the way of Eliza Grason & Co. but I can tell you that we will do our best to resume production in the next few months when we get settled in our new home. This is a HUGE move for us. I have never lived any farther north than Atlanta, GA. We are not snow people...yet. We have been warned! We are all excited about this adventure and are looking forward to all the new seasons have to offer.

Hopefully, I will resume this blog and EG & C. before the end of the year. I am aware that some of you cannot "live" without bath bombs, soap, candles and sugar scrubs. I will do my best to accommodate but can't make any promises.

xxoo~

Etsy Find

I found a very talented jewelry maker when Alison Kelley of Alison Kelley Designs Jewelry purchased a custom order of bath bombs from my Etsy store. She was a great customer and I enjoyed working with her. She has an Etsy store with lots of beautiful handcrafted jewelry. I purchased the above pictured bookmark from her and LOVE it, Haley and I had to fight over who gets to keep it (I think she won). It is so pretty and well made. It came ready to gift in a neat little box with a fancy bow. I know what I am getting for teachers gifts next year! ; )

I asked Alison if I could mention her here and if she could write a little bio to share. Here is what she had to say: "

Hi, my name is Alison Kelley and I have been making jewelry for over 16 years. For the most part I was making jewelry for my friends and family. It wasn't until my mom inspired me to make a necklace for her in the summer of 2006 that got me motivated and excited about making jewelry again. It had been a while since I had made something for myself too. I made that necklace for my mom as well as an identical one for myself. I was so happy making it and with the results that I just couldn't stop myself from making many more designs. Before I knew it I had friends coming over to look at my new jewelry designs. After their overwhelming feedback this "hobby" soon became Alison Kelley Designs and a full-time business. Jewelry making has truly become one of my life's greatest passions. I enjoy every aspect of it. Getting an idea in my mind, sometimes even in my dreams. I imagine the piece already made and then going through the process of putting my design together step-by-step is invigorating. Once my creation is complete I can't help but be so proud. Maybe I have that artistic need to create and in creating something it bring me happiness. My goal is to offer beautiful handcrafted pieces of jewelry that are as unique as they are beautiful. Handmade is a forgotten art to many, showing the importance of it is an endless journey. I myself lost that for a while. After having three children and living in such a busy world, it is easy to forget the beauty of making something yourself or cherishing another persons handmade creation." Alison Kelley

If you are looking for a unique, handcrafted gift, I would highly recommend Alison Kelley.

She's a sweetheart too!!

http://www.alisonkelleydesigns.etsy.com/

Thank you Alison!

Goat's Milk Soap

I have finally made my goats milk soap. I'm so glad I did, I love this stuff. So rich and creamy!! I have listed a few bars in my Etsy store but have not listed it on the web site yet.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5858024

Following is what my listing says about the soap.
"Rich and creamy Goats milk soap helps to relieve dryness leaving skin feeling silky smooth.

Our Goats milk soap is made with real goats milk and has a rich, creamy lather. It provides moisture and is calming to skin. Goat's milk has high amounts of protein, fat, iron, vitamin C and vitamin D, vitamin B and Vitamin A. These beneficial nutrients will help replenish and pamper the skin gently.
Our Soaps are hand poured and cut therefor they will vary slightly in shape and size."

I have two fragrances listed, Lemon Drop and Magnolia. Both listings are the perfect size for a powder room or kitchen.

New Item: 2in1 Hand and Body Wash

We've been making this for home use and friends and are now making it available on our web site and Etsy store. http://www.elizagrason.com/2in1haandbow1.html

It's a great addition to our line and offers ease of use with it's pump dispenser and versatility.

This 2 in 1 Hand and Body wash is ultra rich and super cleansing. Use it in the shower, tub or by the sink. However you choose you'll enjoy this fragrant cleansing treat.

I always love to hear your comments and suggestions. Please feel free to email or call me if you have a product idea or just want to share comments.

Me on TV

I have been asked to be on an episode of Real Life 101. Oh my gosh...I'm so excited! I will be taping this coming Tuesday 7/1/08. I'm a bit nervous, ok a lot nervous but super excited about the opportunity! I don't have air date yet but it will be some time in the fall. Following is a bit about the show.

Real Life 101 introduces you to real people doing real jobs. From doctors, lawyers and veterinarians to career counselors, drug counselors, Lipizzaner stallion trainers and special effects wizards, Real Life 101 takes you "on the job" so you can see for yourself why these professionals love what they do. Learn about jobs you might not know even existed!

Join hosts Jillian, Carley and Luis every week as they explore new professions in the exciting world of work. It's a half-hour of thought-provoking, eye-opening fun and entertainment.

I'll post the air date as soon as I have it...stay tuned.

http://www.rl101.com/

We did the Cocoa Village Farmers Market and had a great time. It was slow and HOT! In spite of the heat, I enjoyed meeting the other vendors and spending the day with my family. Everyone did a great job representing Eliza Grason...I was a proud mama. The kids love to participate in these types of events.

Cocoa Village Farmers Market

We'll be at the Cocoa Village Farmers Market this Wednesday 6/25/08 from 8-1. If you're in the area, stop by and say hi.

Cocoa Village

Handcrafted from the heart

My amazingly talented friend Hayley did this painting of Ken.

I love it!!!

Hayley has loads of talent, strong faith and a personal strength that I can't even begin to fathom!

Thank you Hayley~your strength and talent inspire me!

You can view more of Hayley's work here http://www.hayleyritz.blogspot.com/

http://portraitofadogslife.blogspot.com/

New at the store

I have added a few new items to the store and now offer discounts for multiple purchases on selected items. Look for more new items and discounts soon. The discount applies to our new Fragrance To Go and our bath bombs.

Fragrance To Go is your perfect purse/pocket size favorite fragrance companion! http://www.elizagrason.com/fragrancetogo.html
It's a roll on fragrance that contains pure golden jojoba oil and top grade fragrance oil blends. It is conveniently packaged in an attractive .35oz roll on bottle. Perfect to pop in your purse or pocket when you want to have your favorite fragrance with you.

To use: Simply apply to pulse points for moisture and fragrance.

Benefits of Jojoba Oil:

• Provides moisture and does not evaporate like water and alcohol.
  


• Spreads well and absorbs quickly into the skin.Is actually a wax and is non-comedogenic which means it won't clog your pores.



• Is a very stable oil which means it has long shelf life. We recommend using within a year of purchase.

Thought for the day...Be happy!

Reed's Italian Salad Dressing

Another Handcrafted treat!

I agree...It is the best!!

When I am running short on time and need a quick dinner, I marinate my chicken or beef in this dressing and have never been disappointed. I have given this dressing to family and friends over the years. I have always received rave reviews and requests for more.
This small family owned business actually started out as Onions Cafe in Borger, Texas just outside of Amarillo, Texas in 1993. They served onion burgers during the day fried catfish and steaks at night.
In their "spare" time they handcrafted "the best italian dressing you have ever tasted...Delite in every bite".
This Italian dressing was a big hit with all of the customers, and soon it was the talk of the town. Thanks to loyal customers the Italian dressing business began to grow and eventually they had make a decision, the restaurant or the dressing. They deided to sell the restaurant and put their energy into the dressing. What a marvelous decision it was, for all of us!
These days Fred Reed can be found at craft fairs and festivals across the nation selling his famous dressing.

Reed's Dressing can be found in many grocery and specialty stores throughout Texas and Oklahoma and is available online.

www.ReedsDressing.com