Natures Garden Candle Making Blog

Thanks to the eyes of a child, something as simple as adding a few Spring stickers can make a huge difference to the look and feel of your product.

Anytime I get out all of my goodies to start crafting, my little ones are all about helping.  Sometimes I think that they love creating and crafting just as much as I do!  (Yeah for me, I passed on the right genes!!!)   This past weekend I thought it would be fun for them to help me make and decorate some smelly jellies for our Spring baskets, and as it turns out, they even taught me something.

Having two small children, I can count on family members showering them with gifts around any holidays.  As a thank you to them, I always make sure that the girls help me to make them something to give in return.  I love this concept for several different reasons.  They are learning to become crafters themselves, we have lots of fun working on these projects together, and people love to receive gifts that the little ones helped to make.

There we were working away on making a dozen or so smelly jellies in my kitchen.  All of the smelly jellies were completely finished absorbing, and I had just finished packaging them.  The fitments and lids were on tight.  My final step was to tie the festively colored pastel ribbons of white, pink, blue, and yellow to the tops.  (Secret Frugal Tip:  The Dollar Tree is a wonderful place to find lots of cute, decorative, and perfectly priced items (Everything is $1.00) to add that extra element of love to your products.)

I swear, and as I am sure that you all know, I only turned my back for a second which was just long enough for my youngest to swipe a jar.  When I finally found her, she had already gone to town adding her own decorative touch to the jar.  As it turns out, she said she wanted to make one special for her Grandmama.  Riley had used some Spring stickers to “decorate” her grandmama’s smelly jelly.  It was just so adorable that I thought that I needed to share this with everyone!

So, moms and kids, get ready to have some fun and get crafty!  CAUTION:  Anytime you are using fragrance oils around your children or pets, keep a close eye on your children so that they do not drink the fragrance oil.

Here is the list of items that you need:

• Natures Garden Smelly Jelly Crystals
• Natures Garden Easter Bunny Burps Fragrance Oil
• Natures Garden Lilac Fragrance Oil
• Natures Garden Jelly Bean Fragrance Oil
• Natures Garden Fun Soap Colorants- Neon Green, Ultramarine Violet, Yelp Yellow
• Natures Garden Diamond Dust Mica
• Natures Garden Smelly Jelly Jars
• Measuring Utensils
• Room Temperature Distilled Water
• Spring Themed Stickers
• Curling ribbon- pastel: white, pink, blue, yellow

Here are the Instructions:

1. Clean your work area and prep it by setting up all of the smelly jelly jars that you are going to use.  For this project, we are using 3 fragrances, so I selected to set my jars up in 3 rows of 4 to allow for no fragrance confusion.
2. Take 2 level teaspoons of smelly jelly crystals and carefully add them to each jar.
3. Using room temperature distilled water. Add 10 ounces to each jar.
4. The next step is to add the soap colorant to the jars. Since I was striving for a pastel color, I only added 2-3 drops of color per jar.
   1. Here is the cheat sheet that I used for the coloring:

• Easter Bunny Burps- Neon Green
• Lilac- Fun Soap Colorant Ultramarine Violet
• Jelly Beans- Fun Soap Colorant Yelp Yellow

5.  As always, feel free to be creative and swap out the colors and/or the fragrance oils.

6. It is fragrance time!  Using 1.5 Tablespoons of fragrance, slowly pour your fragrance into each jar.

7. Add the Diamond Dust Mica- the amount of sparkle is all up to you!

8. It is time to get your mix on!  Using a mixing spoon, carefully mix each jar.

9. Let the smelly jellies work their magic and swell away.  This will take about 15-20 minutes.

10. Finally place the fitment and lid on the jars.

11. The last step and most fun… get your decorating on.  Use stickers and ribbon, or whatever you want!

Smelly jellies are by far one of my favorite projects to make by myself or with my girls.  If you have not tried them, you need to try some today.  Your best bet, although I know you are going to love it… is to try Natures Garden Smelly Jelly Kit.

Fragrance & Fun for Everyone

Inspire, Create, and Dominate!

Sparkles!!! Nicole

(Corporate Manager of Natures Garden Candle Supplies)

www.naturesgardencandles.com

Trying the homemade conditioner recipe 2 weeks ago has kick started my crafting gears into full force.  I had so much fun making my own hair conditioner from scratch that I decided that I was going to ride this wave for awhile.  I mean, making your hair smell like Monkey Farts, now that is a conversation piece.

Made from scratch, there is something about that statement that just makes me feel proud.  To create something from scratch and have it actually work is such an amazing feeling.  Items that are created this way almost take on a life of their own.  In fact, I am nearly tempted to slap a huge giant sticker on my containers screaming… “Yes, I made this from scratch.  I know, sometimes I don’t believe it myself but it is so true!”  I do realize that this is a lot to have on a sticker, but I want to shout it from the roof tops anyway.

Seeking bragging rights over my sisters, I shared my new homemade recipe delight with my mother.  She was very pleased and quite impressed.   To let you in on a little secret, I must admit that I haven’t even made dinner from scratch in 2 years.  The last recipe I tried was a homemade chicken paprikash that did not really turn out.  It was more of a chicken cream soup with dumpling like foam.  And, in case you are wondering, being members of the clean plate club, I did make my family eat it anyway.

Well, this week I wanted to give a from scratch body butter a try.  I turned to the bath and body recipe link on the Natures Garden’s Homepage to find something that was not too daunting, yet still contained elements of a challenge.    The Depth of Winter Body Butter caught my eye.  To give you a little background on why, my skin lately has been very dry even though I lotion constantly.  I have struggled to find a good quality body butter that will quench my skin’s thirst.  I was hoping that this recipe would solve my skin’s issue.

Spoiler Alert…Oh yes, I am in love again!  Hey, what can I say, the heart (skin) wants what it wants.

The recipe has a total of 4 ingredients and of course the plastic containers.  As a side note, I would suggest the low profile jars for these body butters.  They are the perfect purse size, and they just look so adorable on the bathroom counter.  I even hot glued a fake flower to the top of the straight smooth lid for an added touch of cuteness; showboating my anticipation for the spring season, HOLLAR!

The overall ease of the recipe, I would have to say, is simple.  The hardest part of the whole recipe is to watch the clock and remember to whip the butter every 20 minutes.  Staying true to form, I found the perfect song to listen/dance/sing while you prepare this body butter; the 1980 hit Whip It, by Devo.  It will have you rocking your new body butter all day.

Now, I realize that this is a Depth of Winter Body Butter, so I playfully renamed mine “Spring Fling Body Butter”.  My intention is to prep my skin to seeing the sun again.  I know that they have missed each other profusely.  Feel free to use the name too!

I used Smiley Face fragrance oil in my body butter.  However, you may use any of Natures Garden body safe fragrance oils, but get a fragrance that you know that you love, because once you start putting this butter on your body, it is going to quickly become a ritual.

On a final note, my favorite aspect of the body butter is how quickly it absorbs into my skin, and how smooth and gorgeous I look after applying it.  This is one 5 star recipe that you are not going to want to miss out on.

If you are interested in other fun recipes, check out the recipe box on Natures Garden Homepage.

Fragrance & Fun for Everyone

Inspire, Create, and Dominate!

Sparkles!!! Nicole

(Corporate Manager of Natures Garden Candle Supplies)

www.naturesgardencandles.com

Peacock Candles Success Story

Tell us a little about yourself.  What is your name?  What is your business name?  What is the origin of the business name?  How long has your company been in business?  How and/or why did the company get started?

My name is Ashlee Swilling and I own Peacock Candles. Peacock Candles began 1 year ago this March in my home in Rocky Face, GA.  I have always had a very random, creative personality.  My boyfriend encouraged me to pick one of my random hobbies and pursue it more seriously.  I chose candles.  I began reading, researching, and making mistakes only to lead to creating something that others wanted me to share in their homes.  My very first candle that I felt accomplished with was cantaloupe scented.  It smelled amazing and smoked like a fire pit. The name ‘Peacock Candles’ was a process in its own.  I spent so much time researching and trying to come up with some clever play on words dealing with candles, only to find all were being used or was too far in left field.  I absolutely love Peacocks.  It is a beautiful bird that is proud, extravagant, sociable and passionate.  It carries characteristics of which I can relate and express, so with the suggestion of a friend I decided to use Peacock Candles as the name for the business.

Do you have a company motto or philosophy?

High Quality and Amazingly Scented

Your business’ products.  What are the types of products that you sell?  What makes your business unique?

Container candles in smooth jelly jar (16 oz and 8 oz), wax melts, aroma beads, and recently began Aroma Arrangements (trademark pending) made with Nature’s Garden amazing aroma buds.  I also do candles in pottery and love doing special order for people in their own containers or for weddings.  I believe the recently added Aroma Arrangements really help us stick out from the crowd.  Candles are such a huge market that you really have to find those simple things to separate you. However, I receive as many, or maybe more, compliments on the colors in my candle line than the scent.

What is your favorite aspect of your company?  What is the most exciting thing that you get to do and look forward to doing?

It is mine!  I am still trying to remind myself that I have finally started my own business and that I have created something that I am able to share with someone that makes them happy.   I love setting up and doing festivals.  It is so extremely tiring and kills my feet, but I love mingling with other artisans and talking to people.

What is something that is trying or difficult within your business?  How do you handle those setbacks? 

Time.  I currently still work a full time job and I’m working on my Bachelor’s degree as well.  All this factoring in with all I want to complete with Peacock Candles leads to much lack of sleep.  If it weren’t for my boyfriend I would not make it through the struggles though.  He is my number one fan and along with my parents I have incredible support that helps me to push forward and see the future for Peacock Candles.

If you could do it all over again, is there anything that you would change?

Only if it means I can add more time to the day.  I am proud of where we have grown in just a year.  We have met amazing people and created even better relationships.  I only hope it continues to grow and we continue to become better for our customers!

What is your favorite item or product that Natures Garden carries and why?  What is it about working with Natures Garden that keeps you coming back?

Black Linen & Amber, Nag Champa, & Aroma Buds!  Those scents are AMAZING and who doesn’t love some scented artificial floral?  Finding Nag Champa was unreal and the Black Linen & Amber, well, I love it.  The Aroma Buds have led us to a whole new line of products of which we are excited.  Natures Garden is awesome.  The people and support is something you rarely find now days in a company.  I know anytime I have a question, no matter how silly I feel, I can ask it.  I love the fact that Nature’s Garden in right there with all of us crafters. Plus – limitless choices of products!

What are your upcoming goals for yourself and your company for this year?

Promote the aroma bud arrangements, improve online sales, and add a few more shops to carry our product.  I want to grow my knowledge, learn to make soap, and most importantly, have fun in everything we do.

What advice or moral do you have for anyone looking to start crafting themselves?

Just dive in! The crafting world is full of supporters, you just have to be willing to put in a little sweat and ask for the help.  My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.  I encourage every person to do what you love because it is the only way to happiness.  There will always be sacrifices, but it is more than worth it and anyone can get there with a little patience.  Even if it doesn’t turn into a successful business, it will be an amazing hobby and create lifelong friendships.

What is your company contact information? 

Peacock Candles

3865 Dunnagan Rd

Rocky Face GA 30740

www.peacockcandles.com

www.facebook.com/PeacockCandles

706.673.3987

peacocknews@peacockcandles.com

peacockcandleco@gmail.com

and I am Ashlee!

In case you haven’t noticed yet, I am a huge advocate of trying new things.  Recently, I had the chance to expand my knowledge and crafting skill to a new level.  Spoiler Alert:  I am in love!

With all the fun and exciting recipes that are filling up Natures Garden’s recipe box on the homepage, I decided that I would take a chance and try something new myself.  I was quite intrigued by several of the recipes; however, I wanted to choose something that was going to be a little challenging.  It was while I was looking over the various recipes that I realized I have actually never made anything bath and body from scratch.

We have been working with Kim (our CP tester) from Natures Art for the last few months, so I decided that I was going to try one of her recipes.  As I am sure that you can already tell by the picture, I selected the conditioner recipe to try my hand at.

Embarking on a new creative journey, I anxiously prepped my crafting area, read through the directions (another spoiler alert… super easy), and grabbed all of the supplies that I needed.   Wow, making homemade conditioner is quite rewarding.  The most time consuming part of the whole recipe was the boiling aspect.  After that is was amazingly simple.

As soon as I finished, I rushed to the bathroom to quickly wash my hair and give the conditioner a try.  The silkiness and warmth (since I had literally just finished making it) was heavenly.  Not only did my hair smell amazing (I used Vandra Orchid Fragrance Oil), but I was really taken back by the lack of tangles.  My hair is quite lengthy and on the thin side, brushing it after a shower has been something that I’ve hated to do since I was a small child.  However, with this new conditioner… I was able to comb straight through, no brush required.  Not wanting to count my chickens before they hatch, I waited to see how my hair felt after it had dried… my results were that my hair had never been so shiny and soft.

Mad kudos to Kim Sanchez of Natures Art for the fabulous recipe.  I was so excited about this new product that I decided to share it with all 5 of my sisters; and needless to say I will be hosting a conditioner party at my house this weekend. I am even going to make special conditioner for my girls scented in the fun Fruity Rings Fragrance Oil.  They are going to love it!

This recipe is one that I highly recommend to everyone.  It is easy, has very few ingredients, and is definitely worth the time and effort.  Plus, for an added bonus, after you are finished testing your new hair conditioner; may I suggest jamming to Willow Smith’s Whip My Hair for added fun!  It is a blast!

Have hair that is sleek, sexy, sassy, and smells sooooo good.

To view the recipe (you know that you want to), click Aloe Cucumber Hair Conditioner.  Feel free to swap out the Cucumber Aloe fragrance oil for another, just pay attention to the IFRA percentage for safe recommended usage.

If you are interested in other fun recipes, check out the recipe box on Natures Garden Homepage.

Fragrance & Fun for Everyone

Inspire, Create, and Dominate!

Sparkles!!! Nicole

(Corporate Manager of Natures Garden Candle Supplies)

www.naturesgardencandles.com

Drum Roll Please… I would like to formally introduce everyone to our wonderful new fragrances!

I just have to tell everyone that I have been patiently waiting for this day to come!  In fact, when I arrived to work yesterday morning, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw that Deborah had stayed up late in order to get all of Natures Garden’s new fragrances on the website.  Super Yeah!  (Yes Deborah, that was for you).

Because I am busting at the seams wanting to share this with all of you, let’s get to it.

New and exciting, fresh from the perfumist I would like to present to you, the newest additions to the fragrance family at Natures Garden.

Being green never smelled so inviting:

Aloe Vera & Cucumber Fragrance Oil:  A comforting scent of crisp, cool cucumbers, refreshing green aloe and a touch of fresh citrus blend together to create a scent as light as a summer breeze.

Basil Fragrance Oil: The new scent of clean and green has elements of sweet basil essential oil, herbs and anise surrounding the heart; green apple, melon and delicate florals.

Bergamot Fragrance Oil:  Crisp, clean and juicy with a subtle floralcy; the citrus jewel of the Mediterranean (bergamot essential oil) is uplifting and bright. This distinctive aroma is the perfect scent for an aromatherapy lotion or candle to escape the everyday.

Earl Grey Tea Fragrance Oil:  Traditional Earl Grey Tea leaves are blended with bergamot zest and sweet herbal notes to create a refined scent that is both fresh and clean.  (This one has been on our radar for quite some time… Welcome Earl… glad to have you.)

Hot Pink Lime Fragrance Oil: The refreshing accord of Kaffir lime, Japanese grapefruit, tangerine, and lemon; middle notes of bergamot and strawberries; sitting on base notes of brown sugar and oakmoss.

Y-U-M-M-Y… scents that make your mouth water:

Blueberry Cheesecake Fragrance Oil:  The scent of sweet, yummy decadence starts with Tahitian vanilla, rich creamy butter and ripe blueberries atop a crumbly graham cracker crust.

Kofac’s Cornbread Fragrance Oil:  Deborah’s Dad, who she calls Kofacs, makes the most incredible homemade cornbread. We named this fragrance after Deb’s dad. It is a warm, buttery, buttermilk cornbread aroma.

Pomegranate Cider Fragrance Oil:  The welcoming aroma of hot cider spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves is punched up with notes of pomegranate and strawberry to create a new twist on an old favorite.

Rainbow Sherbet Fragrance Oil:  Creamy and dreamy, this recipe of sweet, fruity goodness includes notes of Pineapple, Raspberry and Honeydew Melon blended into a base of vanilla cream.

Sugar Corn Pudding Fragrance Oil:  Sweet corn, creamy buttery notes with hints of milk and sugar.

Zucchini Bread Fragrance Oil: Classic sweet bread and spices of cinnamon, sugar and nutmeg are blended with garden fresh zucchini to craft this yummy homemade treat.

Worldly Fragrances… one sniff, and you’ll swear you were there:

Aloha Fragrance Oil:  A tropical delight that combines sweet coconut and juicy island fruits with exotic, and delightfully fragrant native flora of tiare and plumeria flowers.

Burberry British Fragrance Oil:  A fresh, modern blend of classic cologne citruses highlight warm, inviting ouds, amber, sandalwood and white musks.

Queen of the Nile Fragrance Oil:  Exotic and fragrant, this glorious night blooming lily exudes notes of a sensuous floral musk paired with cassis and ripe berries.

Sacred Sandalwood Fragrance Oil:  One of the oldest ingredients in perfumery, this tranquil scent is comprised of smooth, silky sandalwood, powdery amber and velvety florals with a touch of musks for a hint of sensuality.

 Ohhh… to be outside again… yes Mother Nature works for us too:

Fresh Fallen Leaves Fragrance Oil:  What can we say..This fragrance smells just like the aroma of fresh fallen leaves. You won’t believe how true to life this smell is!

Sea Salt & Lotus Blossoms Fragrance Oil:  The scent of fresh air, sea salt, ocean mist and aquatic florals come together to create a sexy, modern twist on this fresh & clean fragrance, complete with tender green notes and beachy musks.

Violet Fragrance Oil:  Absolutely, hands down, the best violet scent we have ever smelled. Most violet scents are weak. This one is true to name and very strong.

Express Yourself… Who you are or who’d you like to be:

 Bitches Brew Fragrance Oil:  The smoky, woody sweetness of balsamic resins and patchouli envelop herbaceous florals for a bewitching scent.

You Sexy Thing You Fragrance Oil:  An exotic, floral fantasy temptation. A blend orchid, jasmine and freesia with sensual skin musks and sultry sandalwood create this captivating fragrance.

A fragrance for everyone, these are hot; talk about some very unique scents.  To see the full list of all the newbies including these 20 plus the other latest additions click on the link below:

http://www.naturesgardencandles.com/candlemaking-soap-supplies/category/355/New-Fragrance-Oils.html

Fragrance & Fun for Everyone

Inspire, Create, and Dominate!

Sparkles!!! Nicole

(Corporate Manager of Natures Garden Candle Supplies)

www.naturesgardencandles.com

Passionate about Creativity

My name is Carla – and I am the “Glam Wife” behind the blog “Creative Life of a Glam Wife”! In a nutshell, I’m a wife and mother (2 boys), beauty and cooking blogger, Beauty addict, Creative cook, Fashion junkie, Avid digital and hybrid scrapbooker, Long-time couponer, amongst many other things! But in ALL things – I’m passionate about creativity~!

Creative Life of a Glam Wife began just this past January, after heeding the advice of several different friends and family encouraging me to start a blog! A culmination of many of my passions funneled into this website – which has taken on a life of its own. I was previously using Facebook to share recipes, beauty tips, posting about digital scrapbooking etc, when I realized a blog would be a much better forum to share all of my little tidbits.

Once I decided to do a blog – it was onto the naming process! Which was no small feat. The name had to be perfect, it had to be catchy, and yet describe what I’m about in a nutshell, and for those of you who know me – I’m not good at doing “nutshells”! (haha) I was talking about this with one of my girlfriends when we started brainstorming and she asked me what I’d want in my blog name. And I told her “Well, I love pink, I love bling, I’m a beauty junkie and passionate about creativity.” And she said to me “How about Creative Life of a Glam Wife?” And right away I KNEW – this was it~! This was my name! And immediately got to work developing the website and the content for it!

The main focus of my blog is Beauty and Cooking; although I have (and will do) articles on other topics such as Fashion, Digital Scrapbooking, Staying Glam on a Bargainista Budget, and Life in General. Sharing beauty tips/trends, experimenting with products, product reviews and comparisons, and “how-to” articles, all while staying “Glam” on a budget. As well as, cooking tips I’ve learned over the years, some of my tried and true recipes and even some time-saving budget-friendly meals as well. Also sharing recipes that are geared toward a healthier, more natural diet! As well – sharing tips, projects and techniques for doing Digital and Hybrid Scrapbooking and sharing advice and tips I’ve gained over the years as a parent! Creativity is one of the key ingredients to many of the topics I’ve discussed and I’ll show you just how to infuse that into your life!

So far, its been an amazing journey. Before I started blogging, I never realized just how much fun it would be. Creating each and every article for my blog, doing the research, experimenting with different products/recipes and having a forum in which to share it all! And on top of this, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the relationships I’ve been building through my Blog, Facebook and Twitter! I think that’s probably the biggest surprise of all – all the new and cherished relationships that I’ve been blessed with! I very much appreciate all of my readers, fellow bloggers, and businesses I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and socializing with! Wow – what a journey, and its only JUST beginning~! With that in mind, I’m SO excited for all the new things to come for my Blog Readers – many fun, new and very unique articles in the very near future!

I’m so excited to announce that Deborah is going to be “putting me to work” making some homemade body products! I have no experience in making body products, although I very much love using them! I recently started buying homemade body products from a dear friend and I’m SO happy with them, I’ve stopped shopping at Bath and Body Works all together! The quality is amazing, and being able use more natural products is also so important . And of course, Nature’s Garden scent choices don’t hurt either~!   I’ll be documenting the whole process on my blog with a series of detailed posts and pictures – so look for that in the near future! I just want to close with a BIG thank you to Nature’s Garden for suggesting this fun and unique partnership~!   Hugs and Blessings to all! xoxo

Wild Animal Prints, Bold Flowers, Lime & Hot Pink

Every year the corporation Pantone Inc forecasts a color trend.  The headquarters which is located in New Jersey spends countless hours researching through various worldly mainstreams, seeking the next “it” color.  They are quite literally looking for the color that will be a worldwide attention grabber.   The two main things that Pantone looks for is what they think the public will want and need.

The 2012 Pantone Color of the year is Tangerine Tango.   It was selected due to its energizing and encouraging elements.  A huge factor in this year’s selection, as well as the colors selected in previous years is the economy and spending habits.  Knowing that consumers are responsible for reviving the economy, this makes Tangerine Tango a perfect color to call shoppers to action in spending.

Now, although this color is vibrant and screams energy, let’s take the financial gain out of the situation and present to you what we at Natures Garden think is going to be the
hot color trends of the 2012 year.  With so many negative things that are occurring in the world:  violent protests, economic uncertainty, famine, poverty; the list seems to be never ending.  Our focus this year was to find colors and trends that will not only stand out, but will keep the positive energy flowing.

Our 2012 Color choice is Lime.  If lime had to be described in a single word it would be amazing.  Lime is the perfect choice because being of the green color family it is a combination of blue and yellow.  Hues of blue colors are calming, refreshing, and peaceful.  Yellow hues are energizing, hopeful, and happy.  Put these two together and bam… beautiful and breathe taking greens.  What a combo!

The color lime green represents many things.  It is a color of balance through means of the body, mind, and emotion.  It represents both change and growth while still maintaining a youthful and playful tone.  On an interpersonal level, lime signifies an open mind to learning and a non judgmental perception.  The color lime initiates the clearing of negativity and reminds us of hope.  Lime is a natural peacemaker.  A color that evokes a healthy anticipation of possible potential while still allowing for
openness to new ideas without any of the angst associated to demands of outside forces.  Lime is a self respect color.  On a final note, the color lime is a mental signifier of luck.

Another strong color that we believe is going to rock this year is hot pink.  You probably saw that one coming.  The color hot pink is fun and exciting.  It contains qualities that
are both passionate and sensual.  Hot pink is confident.  The color radiates feelings of encouragement and unconditional love.  Hot pink also decreases stress levels and
anger.  Hot pink can be a color that provides for very insightful energies.

This year as well we would like to forecast a theme that will surely remain a constant in the spotlight.  Wild, crazy, savvy… animal prints are HOT.  Let your wild side out, unchain the savage beasts.  This is a trend that cannot be trapped.  Whether it is zebra, leopard, tiger, or giraffe; making a statement with a little fierceness is never going out of style.  Bring on the safari!  If you are not sure which print best suits you, feel free to take this animal print quiz:  http://www.blogthings.com/whatanimalprintareyouquiz 

Not only do we feel that lime and hot pink will be the hot colors for 2012, we also feel that these colors will influence the following markets:  fragrance, candle, soap, and cosmetics.  For many years now, people have used orange scented cleaning products to clean their homes.      Tired of the “same-ole same-ole” scent, we believe consumers will be looking for alternative citrus notes to make their homes smell clean.  Imagine a Pink Grapefruit fragrance infused with fresh Kaffir lime.  This is a perfectly, refreshing, clean smell, and it screams hot pink and lime!  Natures Garden just added this wonderful fragrance to our line, and we call it HOT PINK LIME; any coincidence?   Additionally, we
see sugary lime fragrances becoming hot.  Fragrances like Frozen Margarita, Mojito, Coconut Lime, Agave Lime, and Keylime Pie will be hot in 2012.

Fragrances that focus on hot pink will be equally hot; Hot Pink Pomegranate, Pink Watermelon, Pink Sugar, Fluffy Pink Candy to name a few.

Our conclusion:  2012 is going to be a wild and fun time filled with lots of HOT PINK and Lime.  Embrace it, and have fun with it!

Natures Garden Candle, Soap, Cosmetic Supplies

Bubble Babez Bath Company Interview

• Whats your name & Your Company Name (Why Did you choose that name?):

My name is Nicole Davis, My fiance Tristan Jackson and I created Bubble Babez Bath Company LLC. We selected this name because with a two part answer lol, We chose Bubble first because of course we are dealing with soap and I firmly believe that if you dont see bubbles then its not clean. Babez was selected because that is what Tristan and I call each other all the time. So we birthed Bubble Babez Bath Company LLC

• How did you get into this business?

We got into this business because I (Nicole) was looking for an inexpensive way to fill swag bags for Tristan’s Birthday party but still be chic. I didnt want to use cheap items people would never use again, I loved baking so making cupcakes was an option but I wanted to have bath and body products something people could use for a while. I decided to combine the two options to make bath and body products that smelled like cakes, I spent endless hours on the computer and reading trying to figure out how to go about making soaps and lotions. When everyone was down to their last corner of lotion and slither of soap they asked me for more. I had no idea that it would be such a hit with my friends!

I wasn’t too far off of the beaten path because I was am a licensed cosmetologist/makeup artist and was working with cosmetics already. I studied about esthetics, skin, nail and hair care. Tristan joined me because I told her we can do this as a business and she had so much faith in this dream that she left her job working at ESPN to get on board full time and make Bubble Babez grow.

I started off with melt and pour soap and was content for a while, but I really wanted to know what was going into my soap. I researched a whole more because it never stops lol, spent many hours on YouTube looking at soap making videos, to venture into making lye soap. I was a little intimidated in working with the lye because for some reason it has always seemed like a scary thing. But I asked a longtime soapmaker (Kim of Nature’s Art) if she would help me out, I let her know I was going to finally try my hand at it. Such a great teacher she simplified it for me and made me fearless about working with lye and making soap that I just leaped! I made my first batch and that was it I caught the bug! After my 1st batch was made my wonderful teacher said ok let me teach you how to discount the water so you can cut your cure time in half, since I am impatient and I like immediate results. I was successful yet again I was so excited like I really did this. I still look at my soaps in awe that I created this from scratch. From then on I couldn’t stop.

• What is your favorite part of this business? (PLEASE, take the time to really tell us your story! A Short couple of sentences will not be acceptable, our readers want to know you!)

My favorite part of this business is creating. I am a creative person by nature and I am always thinking of ideas or how to improve on the ideas that I have. My mind is so busy at times I cant sleep wake up in the morning and tell Tristan what I dreamt or was thinking of creating and boom I make it happen. Tristan is usually the one reeling me back in because sometimes one thing has nothing to do with the other lol. She always say focus lol but I am like I have to be different LOL. Tristan’s favorite part of the business is going to the markets and interacting with our customers. She also loves testing the products.

• Whats the most difficult part?

The most difficult part of the business is funding and finances. Trying to maintain the business and home after a while it starts to get hectic and things just have a snowball effect and it just grows. But, with help, careful budgeting and planning it makes it a bit easier. We started out doing the business and we had 2 incomes plus the business, then we decided to do this full time and then we only had the income of the business and that was uncomfortable. Also sometimes its difficult for on my relationship because my business partner is also my fiance and we tend to get on each others nerves after a while lol. All of our time, energy and soul is poured into the business and it always seems like we are working that we find it rather difficult to spend time with each other and NOT discuss work.

• Whats your favorite product or aspect of Natures Garden?

My favorite product from Natures Garden used to be the french milled soap omg I loved it! I am a HUGE fan of the fragrance oils! I love that they are swift with shipping and their customer service is great. I also love the interaction with the show and tell it gives the crafters a chance to show off what they are making with the products and let potential customers know how people really feel about the items. Because I know I look at show and tell and see the possibilities of products that I would never have tried before. So I love that!

• What are your goals for the coming year for your business?

Our goals for the coming year is to get to be organized! I can not stress enough how important it is. We would like to grow and have Oprah, Ellen (cuz I love her!), Whoppi and everyone talking about our products. I don’t like comparing myself to any other company but I would really love to have a cult following and be a household name!

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This Valentine’s Day show some love to your creative side.

That’s right folks, it is time to extend our boundaries and experiment with some new products.  I know all too well how exciting it is when Natures Garden carries new fragrance oils, bases, additives, colorants, etc.  Something new, anything new, I love it all!

What is it about change?  Change is good.  Change allows us to hit the refresh button and bask in the glory of new and all its possibilities.  The thought of expanding our knowledge and know how of homemade goodies seems to revitalize everything for the better.  So, as we settled into the New Year let’s welcome the newbies by giving them a try.

In case you missed it, here are some of our newest products at Natures Garden:

Lip Tints:  These are awesome.  With 6 different colors to choose from all things lip just got a whole lot sexier.

Activated Charcoal:  A great way to add a detoxifying agent to your homemade soap.  This additive has a dual purpose as a natural black colorant too.  That’s two, yes two things for the price of one.  I guess that makes it a deal and a steal.  HA!

Vegetable Glycerin:  This has been on my wish list for a long time.  Finally here, this amazing liquid has tons of uses in bath, body, and home.  Once you get your hands on this, you will definitely be coming back for more.

Fractionated Coconut Oil:  Talk about being a multi-purpose, there is almost too much to mention.  Whether you are using it as a carrier or a substitute, in toiletries or cosmetics; the capabilities are endless.  Bonus, this fractionated coconut oil stays a liquid in relatively low temperatures.

Cream of Tartar:  It’s not just for the kitchen anymore!  This is one ingredient needed if you are looking to make fabulous bubble bars.

Fun Soap Colorants:  Although these colorants are super Fun… I refer to them as blast in a bottle!  These non-bleeding vivid colors will make a bold statement in your M&P or CP soap line.   If you are looking to add a little wow factor to your soap products, this is an excellent item to start with.   PS… No color morphing!

Titanium Dioxide Oil Dispersible Powder:  This natural mineral is an excellent whitener; perfect for soaps, toiletries, and so much more.

White Beeswax Pastilles:  Straight from the honeycomb, this naturally bleached beeswax is a splendid addition for everyone’s line.

Cookie Cutters:  Whether you are looking to bake some cookies, make hanging air fresheners, or get cleverly creative, these cookie cutters are a must have.  They are just too cute to pass up!

Finally, I do have an honorable mention to the new products.

Welcome Back Mica Pigment:  Oh how I missed you while you were gone.  If there is one thing that is never going to go out of style, it is shimmer!  This product is a love it, gotta have it in both colors diamond and 24K gold!  Bling me up Scotty!

So everyone, let’s get a little messy, broaden our horizons, and test some new products.

I was given some wise advice when I was younger.  Although then, I didn’t quite understand it, now I find that it applies to almost everything I do.   I am now going to pass this wisdom onto you: “Don’t sit on the sidelines and let life pass you by.  Get out there, make mistakes, and take chances; for this is the process of learning.  With age comes wisdom, and what is the purpose of your life if you don’t live, laugh, and love.”

Fragrance & Fun for Everyone

Inspire, Create, and Dominate!

Sparkles!!! Nicole

(Corporate Manager of Natures Garden Candle Supplies)

www.naturesgardencandles.com