Sweet Inspirations for the Girls at Jefferson Davis Middle School

Marelyn Elwood owner and operator of Sweet Inspiration by M.E. has joined in with us in the Classy Lady Project going on at the Jefferson Davis Middle School with Jessica Saracino.  The idea behind the project is to give young girls some extra motivation to be the best they can be.  At the end of each quarter one girl who has proven to put her best foot forward in both academic and social responsibility a Corky Kouture Bottled Gift bag filled with a of Sparkling Juice and a Visa gift card for $50.00 will be rewarded to her.  AND now Marelyn Elwood is adding to the reward gift by also presenting the quarterly winner with a dozen specially designed cupcakes just for the project.

Sweet Inspiration by M.E. has been in operation since 2011.   When Marelyn was 48 she decided she wanted to create sweet, delicious, and beautiful cakes.  Marelyn shared “I've been an artist most of my life, a licenses cosmetologist and sculptor. So basically cake baking and decorating is another way of expression, but a divine one!”

Marelyn went on to tell us just how Sweet Inspirations by M.E. all began:  “It all started with a dream. My cakes till that dream were basically not great, then had a dream that I made a cake. The recipe and how to do it was in the dream. The next day I decided to make the dream cake and that's how it got started. After that dreams were coming just about every other night, I was making more cakes than I could eat! Then one thing led to another and here I am. I know it was a calling from the good lord. This is what he wanted me to do.  I have been able to donate my time and talents now for many and also make a living at it.”

Here is a photo of my first cake. The one in my dream.

We asked Marelyn what are her favorite types of cakes/desserts to make?  Her response “It's funny; I don't eat cake or icing all that much, but if I had to pick it would be vanilla cake with fresh pineapple filling and almond icing.”

Marelyn loves donating her time to a great cause. “If I can put a smile on someone's face through sweets, then I know god is happy because it's what he wanted me to do!” stated Marelyn Elwood.  This is what prompted her to want to be involved with the Classy Lady Project.

Marelyn plans to make a special cupcake for the winner (pictured above) and I would love to continue to participate as long as I can.

Stay with us here to follow along on the progress of the Classy Lady Project.

What Does Joyce Giraud and Corky Kouture Have in Common?

Corky Kouture recently had some major excitement when they sponsored and attended the Queen of the Universe Pageant On March 16^th at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills Los Angeles, California.  Lisa Riedel, owner of Corky Kouture, gifted the top ten winners, judges, and hosts with a Corky Kouture Gift Bag.   This is the second year in a row that CK has sponsored this event but the first year for Lisa to attend it in person!  I thought it would be fun to hear what it was like behind the scenes at such an event with so many reality stars present!  So, I asked Lisa if she would mind answering a few questions about her time there and share some pics with us (Everyone knows I am a Realty TV Freak!).  She was very generous and agreed.  

Read the full interview below: 

Post by Corky Kouture.

Lisa Riedel:  Well, let me first explain how I became aware of the Queen of the Universe Pageant and I how I became acquainted with Joyce Giraud de Ohoven. We found out about the event through a contestant last year that was looking for financial sponsors.  We wanted to make sure it was a legitimate event so I did the research and was very impressed with the owner (Joyce) and her  cause which is charity based with all proceeds benefiting UNESCO is the United Nations Education Science and Cultural Organization. I decided to contact them to see if they would be interested in having Corky Kouture as a product sponsor; without telling them that we were also a contestant sponsor as I didn't want to mix the two.  I wanted Corky Kouture to be chosen on its own merits.  I heard from Joyce herself and that’s how it happened.  We didn't attend last year but were able to this year and I am so glad because it really is a very glamorous and exciting event.  Joyce Giraud has created something very special and I am really proud of involving the Corky Kouture brand in The Queen of the Universe Pageant.

Me:  Okay, not many of us get to have an experience like you have had attending the Universe Pageant so please, tell us WHAT WAS IT LIKE???  Was it full of the glitz and glamour that we sitting at home imagine it to be like? 

Lisa Riedel:  YES!  It was very glamorous with beautiful people, clothes, and paparazzi - the whole enchilada. It was exactly what I envisioned and what others would imagine.  Everywhere you looked there was someone you would recognize as well as designers who created some of the women's dresses at the event. I was very excited to attend.

Queen of the Universe International Beauty Pageant at The Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills Featuring: Ariel Diane King, Joyce Giraud Where: Beverly Hills, California, United States When: 16 Mar 2014 Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Me:   I bet CK was a smashing hit with the judges and the winner!  Did you have a favorite to win? 

Lisa Riedel:  I felt all the girls were great and I didn't have a particular favorite per say.  I applaud each of them for having the courage and ambition to try. And what an experience for them!  I will say Miss USA (Ariel Diane the winner) was very graceful, poised and had great answers to the questions asked of her so she certainly was deserving of the Title. Not to mention she is just beautiful.  And let me tell you, the prizes were incredible!!  WOW!  Prizes consisted of money, jewelry, clothing, shoes, classes, spa services, roses from the Ultimate Rose, Corky Kouture; the list seemed endless!!  You don't see all the prizes and the total values up there on the sponsors’ page but it is incredible!!!  It really is a first class operation.

Me:  Okay, honest - is Joyce as gorgeous in person as she is on the TV screen? 

Lisa Riedel:  Joyce is so beautiful, really!  But what impresses me most about her more than her beauty, is the fact she is so hands on with the Pageant and she is truly appreciative for her sponsors contributions.  She is someone who actually says THANK YOU personally and means it.  This is a woman who is beautiful, wealthy, has a happy marriage and children; you know, just is really living "the dream" but yet she has no arrogance about herself.  She really is the kind of woman who I believe is a woman's woman and wants to lift others up.  I really believe that based on my own personal experience with her.  And she was that way before she was on RHOBH(Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) because I dealt with her with the very first Queen of the Universe Pageant and she is exactly the same gracious woman.

Me:  Who else fun did you get to meet?

Lisa Riedel:  We met lots of fun people there. The first couple we met was Elizabeth Espinosa (CNN Latino) and her husband.  Her designer (he created a dazzling dress for the event for her) introduced us because my Tony is a Surgeon and Elizabeth Espinosas husband is also a doctor.  So, that was nice for Tony and her hubby to have conversation.  She was actually one of the judges and she is very personable and funny.  There was this beautiful African American gal who works for the Obama Administration that I really enjoyed conversing with very much.  We got lots of pictures with some of the BRAVO Reality Series Lisa &Ken Vanderpump, Kyle Richards, and David Cruz (Millionaire Matchmaker).  Let me tell you, David Cruz and his date or boyfriend were HANDSOME!!!!  We actually sat next to them at the Pageant and lots of other fun people like designers, photographers, sports figures; just lots of exciting and fun people.  We didn't go to the after party unfortunately because Tony wanted to catch a late dinner so we went to SUR Restaurant and Bar and got pictures with Arian and Tom Sandoval, as well as Scheana Marie from the cast VanderPump Rules.  I have to say, SUR is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! On the show you really can't envision how spacious it really is or the numerous vignettes there are.  It really is just fabulous!  I highly suggest if one gets an opportunity, they should go for the experience.  We also met Chuy from Chelsea Lately Show and got a picture with him too.  The best part of the night though was randomly meeting a group of 5 women from Orange County that we had a blast talking and hanging out with for a bit.  We will definitely call them on our next trip there.

Me:  So give us the inside scoop... who is your favorite housewife?  Okay - if picking one is too hard - give us your top two picks. 

Lisa Riedel:   Well of course my favorite would be Joyce.  No, I don't know her on a personal friend or even friend acquaintance level, but I do know her from a business perspective and she was gracious, thankful and accommodating so for that she is my numero uno FAVE!  LisaVanderpump is fabulously entertaining as are all of the cast members. RHOBH and RHOOC (Real Housewives of Orange County) (my two favorites of all the Housewives series), so really I can’t pick. I guess I just like watching the dynamics of all the gals who have been on the shows.  I think all the ladies have something unique to bring to the show which is what makes it entertaining.  I really do feel badly when they are fighting or not getting along though but at the same time I know if there wasn't that kind of drama most people wouldn't watch.  I especially didn't like the fighting when it involved Joyce because I feel with her Pageant she is a woman that these young girls are looking up to and are inspiring to be like her.  Also, she is trying to make a difference in the world so for me, I just hate to see someone like her in that kind of drama because she really is nice.  I do think she would really just like to get along with everyone. 

Me:  Where can we expect to see Corky popping up next; team up with or exciting vendor/sponsor at?   

Lisa Riedel:  Wherever there is a celebration going on is where you will see Corky Kouture! I am always open to opportunities for exposure to get Corky Koutures name out there.  But my BIGGEST dream and where I’d LOVE to see Corky Kouture pop up is my most favorite #1 Reality Show and Reality Celebrity - David Tutera!!  I LOVE his show! DavidTutera’s show has got just enough of everything in it.  It touches every emotion in me.  Every one of his shows makes me laugh, cry and I really learn a lot by watching.  His creations are just so magnificent! I would love, love, love to be one of his vendors for any of his events where CK fits in and to do some giveaways for his contests to his viewers.  Also, because both our brands amplify the same purpose - to bring special moments, create memories of happiness, give people experiences, and deliver a gift that is unique and personal.  Of course Oprah Winfrey would be right up there too because she's all about empowerment and feel good moments.  More importantly and the most thrilling and exciting feeling for me is knowing and experiencing that I through developing Corky Kouture I am making so many people smile for even just a moment for so many different reasons and occasions! It has been an amazing journey so far and I am so happy to be a part of touching others with Corky Kouture regardless of age, race, or body type. Our packaging offers unlimited possibilities.  How cool and exciting is that? 

FUN PICTURES!  

Chuy Bravo from Chelsea Lately Show

Kyle Richards and Lisa Riedel

Lisa Vanderpump and Lisa Riedel

 Scheana Marie

David Cruz

Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval

Corky Kouture Welcomes the Wedding Season

Oh, can you hear it; the harmonious sounds of the wedding bells in the air?  Can you feel the unions about to be made?  Wedding season is fast approaching and blushing brides are looking for those special touches to commemorate their day.  Well CorkyKouture™ has the perfect touch to set your wedding apart, make it memorable, and fun!  With the Corky Kouture™ bottle gift bags you can customize in so many fun and fabulous ways!  Use them for gifts to the wedding party, Mother of the Bride/Groom, bachelorette gifts – the list is as endless as your imagination.   

• Gift Presentation – This idea is perfect for wedding guests who are looking for a fun and attractive way to present their gift.  Our Corky Kouture™ bags are ideal for presenting a special bottle of wine of champagne to the bride and groom.  Give your gift the opportunity to stand out and get noticed; present it in one of our Corky Kouture™ bags.
• Bachelorette Party Gifts:  Add a bottle of personalized wine (great options can be found on our website here: GiftCorkyKouture.com and add a card with a picture of all the girls and the bride with a quote about besties and the date and details of the wedding.
• Invitations – Every bride wants her special day to be unique, and using our bags to hold your invitations can do just that.  Presenting your invitation to your guests in one of our glamorous bags, will ensure that invitation is not ignored.  Can you imagine the looks on the faces of the invited guest when they are presented with an invitation to the most memorable day of your life in this fashion!  Talk about marvelous!  Create a card for the attached gift holder as an invitation along with a personalized bottle of champagne with the date and time of the event.
• Bridal Party Gifts – Are you looking for an unforgettable way to present your bridal party with their gifts?  Why not enclose them in one of our bags, whether it is a bottle of personalized wine purchased from us, or another type of keepsake, you can’t go wrong when placing them in one of our bags.
• Gifts for The Mother of The Bride and Groom – Mothers are an important part of every wedding.  Why not celebrate them by presenting them with a special gift to commemorate the occasion.  Presenting the mothers with a Corky Kouture™ holding a bottle of our personalized wine or their favorite beverage and enclosing a picture of the bride and groom with the details of the wedding – (maybe a sweet sentiment written especially for her) in the gift pouch would make any mother break down in tears of happiness. 

There are many creative and unique ways in which you can incorporate Corky Kouture™ gift bags into your wedding.  They can be used as centerpieces on the tables at your reception, or used to present personalized bottles of wine to your guests.  The presentation box can be customized to fit any themed wedding!  For customization ideas see Customizing your Corky Kouture.  The gift pouch can hold so many different types of treasures.   No matter how you choose to use them, they will ensure that your wedding is not something that is soon to be forgotten, and isn't that what all brides strive for.

Tickled Pink! Fabulous, Fun, and Flirty!

Old custom states pink is for girls and blue is for boys and although there have been boring studies done, theories developed, and folklore telling us why women prefer pink over any other color and boys desire blue – the bottom line is, who really cares?  If you love yourself some pink – who cares why, right?!  Pink is FABULOUS and that is a good enough reason for me!

Pink is sweet, nice, romantic, playful, delicate, and associated with love and romance!  It is calming and soft!  Pink is sensual and sexy!  Pink is womanly as much as it can be girly!  But most of all, it is really hard not to smile at a person who wears pink.  A woman in pink emits an overall sweetness and kindness and did you know men are more likely to approach a woman in pink than any other color?  Why, because it gives off a caring sweet fun nature. 

So tell me, what is your favorite color and why?  How does it make you feel?  And if you love pink, please share me why!  I would love to know! 

Pictured above is Jessica who is passionate about PINK!  So for a fun way to surprise her, she received a PINK Corky Kouture with a PINK bottle of Sparkling Pink Moscato and $100 in the gift holder. She looks tickled "pink" …. Who else adores the color pink?  

  

Here are a few quotes from people I am sure you will know that also love the color pink along with some perfectly pink pictures just for fun!! 

“I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and... I believe in miracles.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

“Pink isn't just a color, it's an attitude!” ~ Miley Cyrus

“I love pink, it's so girly!” ~ Ashley Tisdale

“I love pink - pink's my favorite. I hardly ever - weirdly - wear it, but I love the color pink.” ~ Ellie Goulding

“I can't see myself without pink lipstick. I can go without it for a couple days, but if there was no more pink lipstick in the world, I'd be useless. Seriously.” ~ Nicki Minaj

“I love to see other women in pink. It's good for every shade of skin and hair.” ~ Elizabeth Hurley

“I think I do my own thing. I start my own trends. I see a lot of girls doing what I've been doing. Pink. Nobody wore pink, and now everybody wears it. It's flattering.” ~ Paula Creamer

“I don't think I will ever get tired of wearing pink.” ~ Emma Bunton

“I grew up with all boys in my family, where there was no place for girlie stuff. But it's amazing to walk into my house now. Everything is pink!” ~ Jerry O'Connell

“I have as much pink as you can have. I love to see other women in pink. It's good for every shade of skin and hair.” ~ Evelyn Lauder

“I love the color pink. It makes a bold statement.” ~ Samuel Larsen

Okay to the rest of you fabulous ladies who also love pink – share your pinkness with us!  

Giving Back Through Team PINK

I am super excited to share with everyone a great non-profit charity called Team PINK.  Team PINK was born from two young ladies’ passion and desire to give back to the community as a whole.  Their goal is a simple one - to inspire individuals of all ages and all athletic abilities to have fun and kick butt while training and racing for a cause.   Jessica Crate and Emily Nelson are the founders of Team Pink.  I will share more about each of these fabulous women in a minute, but first, more about their amazing charity work.

Team PINK is a grassroots athletic philanthropy with the love for the color PINK. They are your typical girly girls but yet are not afraid of hard work, dedication, and come with huge athletic goals.   Jessica and Emily are on a mission – to get people up and moving – any and all ages and at any of athletic fitness. They know you do not need to be a super star athletic to make a difference when it comes to giving of oneself.   With hearts bigger than the U.S., Jessica and Emily don’t want anyone to ever give up on their dreams and want to help where they can to make some dreams a reality.  

Jessica shares, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it and just push yourself one step further. I like to tell people that I wasn't born fast or talented, I just absolutely refuse to quit which is also behind the motto of TEAM PINK - No matter what age, gender or talent level, you too can accomplish your goals!”

 

Anyone who knows me knows that I am all about giving and helping when I can.  Part of the reason I created and started the Corky Kouture® brand was to see people smile and feel special and I use it in many charitable manners.  I am passionate about lifting people up – not bringing them down or knocking them further down when they are already out.  Because of this I love to surround myself with likeminded individuals and Jessica and Emily are both champions not only in their athletic fields but also in my book.

We are runners, we are swimmers,
we are cyclists, we are professionals,
we are visionaries, we are leaders,
we are best friends, we are women
and we are ‪#‎teamPINK‬.
Together we INSPIRE,
GIVE BACK & Raise Awareness!
 — with Jessica Crate and Emily Nelson.

Jessica Crate, Elite Athlete, USAT Coach is known for being 9th Overall Female and Boston Marathon Qualifier at the 2009 Las Vegas Rock-N-Roll Marathon, Qualified and raced at ITU World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand and Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Las Vegas in 2012.  

Jessica shares, “I am also committed to running all of my races to benefit a charity in 2013. I love giving back, coaching and encouraging others. A non-profit that I co-founded with a personal friend of mine is entitled Giving Athletics, Inc. Our goal is “inspiring social change through athletic participation.” A goal that also resonates with what TEAM PINK is all about and one that we look forward to instilling in other women, men, children and young adults across the country and around the world.”

Emily Nelson, Athlete, is known for her Surf Coast Trifecta Age Group Series Championship win 2011, 2nd Overall Female Cocoa Beach Triathlon 2012, 9th Place Age Group Ironman St. Croix 70.3 2012, 3rd Overall Female Jacksonville Tri Series #1 2013. 

Emily shares, “We have all dealt with our own obstacles but we can never let them knock us down. Jessica and I, coming together as Team PINK, we’re strong than ever. We hope to serve as role models in the community & be an inspiration to others. I want people to see us and think if they can do it, I can too!”

Let’s all help support these two amazing young ladies in their efforts to inspire and encourage others through athletic participation, give back to the community, and to promote and raise awareness for local charities. 

You can connect with Team Pink on Facebook here:  Team PINK

And visit their website here to see what these fabulous ladies are up to next!  Team PINK Website

Make It a Christmas Tradition

Many families carry on Christmas traditions. Of course having a turkey or ham with all of the trimmings is at the top of the list. We cannot complete our dinner without the mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberries, buttery buns, yams, green beans, squash (possibly with marshmallows), pumpkin pie and minced meat pie. Can you smell the coffee now?

Another family tradition may be to head outdoors and do some caroling or watch a Christmas parade.  Traditions make long lasting memories.  

I find that some households have the women in the kitchen while the men are in the family room watching TV. A male will enter the kitchen when it is time to carve the delectable meat of the hour. The rest of the men will follow suit into the kitchen when the food is ready to be eaten. Ladies, do we need to break this tradition I ask with a smile on my face?

Christmas morning generally starts with eagerly seeking out the Christmas tree to see what it holds for you.  Eagar to see if Santa felt you were good or bad.  LOL! Or maybe tradition holds that the family sits down to breakfast first before diving into the Christmas wrappings.  

Whatever your traditions are, they are scared and they have created memories for all members involved.  For those traditions and many others that families create, another can be made with Corky Kouture Glamour Galore Presentation Bottled Gift Bags.

When visiting relatives, a Corky Kouture would make an awesome hostess gift filled with the host’s favorite libation and a gift card in the adorned gift card pouch attached to the Corky Kouture bottled gift bag.  In turn, this could quickly become a tradition as the CK takes its turn from relative to relative’s home with the gifted removing their treasures and filling it with new treasures for the next home it is gifted at.  

Christmas is not just a time for giving, but also a time of reflection.  At your evening meal as you reflect with your family of the days past over the year, take time to reflect on those people who have touched your life in one way or another, or maybe someone who needs reason to believe the upcoming year can bring better.  When as a family you choose that one special person (or more if you choose) you could gift that person(s) a Corky Kouture filled with your own treasures along with a note with your sentiments.  What a great way to start someone’s New Year!

If you would like to purchase the Corky Kouture® Glamour Galore presentation bags visit Corky Kouture® 

We would love you to join us on Facebook @Corky Kouture Glamour Galore Collection and Twitter @CorkyKouture too!

                                        

Creative Christmas Gifting with Corky Kouture

You can find creative ways to give Christmas gifts this year with Corky Kouture without breaking the bank. For example, for that couple so deeply in love you could choose a bottle of champagne, a red Corky Kouture bag, two types of cheese and crackers. The couple is sure to appreciate the thought of using the gift together.

Certainly you know of many friends and family with stressful jobs, children and are constantly on the go. For this friend or family member a bottle of wine inside of a lovely Corky Kouture bag along with lightly scented candles, bubble bath and a relaxing CD is sure to put the gift recipient in a much needed Zen mood.

Do you have a family to buy for? You may decide to buy a bottle of Sparkling Grape Juice and put it in one of the stunning bags. Purchase a family movie or two and a box of popcorn. This gift is sure to be a family fun hit! Plus, you have saved money by not having to purchase a gift for every single person in the family.

Perhaps you have a favorite bookworm or two in your life. You could purchase a book on his or her list. If you don’t know what book or books he/she wants you could give a gift card from a popular bookstore. Add a bottle of wine and put it in your favorite CK bag and you are good to go!

We all have people on our Christmas list that have it all. Every year it’s a struggle to find the perfect gift. A favorite bottle of wine and a striking CK bag is all you need!

Maybe you and your husband or wife need a holiday getaway. How about booking your favorite hotel for a night or two? Of course this gift is more expensive than any gifts listed thus far but your relationship is very important to the both of you. With all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays the two of you are sure to appreciate a getaway from it all! With the hotel gift add a bottle of champagne to a CK bag, chocolates to feed each other and maybe even some new sexy lingerie.

People love personalized gifts. When you give something personalized the gift recipient  knows you had to give some thought about them before you actually selected their gift.

If you would like to purchase the Corky Kouture® Glamour Galore presentation bags visit Corky Kouture® 

We would love you to join us on Facebook @Corky Kouture Glamour Galore Collection and Twitter @CorkyKouture too!

2012 Holiday Rafflecopter Giveaway Participant ~ Wendy Tanner from Granny's Kountry Candles

This blog highlights Wendy Tanner from Granny's Kountry Candles. Wendy has generously added a $20 gift certificate to use on-line at GrannysKountryCandles.com or in her store in person!

Granny’s is located in a small historic town in Ohio, USA and is a family-owned and operated business.

For incredible value, Granny's brings to you Daily Deals! Visit Granny's Sidewalk Sale to unlock the deal of the day! 

Save money also by checking out Granny’s Daily Deals on her Facebook page! Granny’s Kountry Candles wants to provide the finest quality soybean candles at an affordable price. Customer Service is their first priority.

"Not Just Another Candle Company" Granny's has been hand-pouring soybean candles for over ten years now. They offer a wide variety of jar styles in over 100 fragrances. Each candle features a decorative wax "embed" that coordinates with the candle scent. Tiny Feet on Butt Naked is the perfect example. Wholesale and fundraisers are their main specialty. Free private labeling with a $50 minimum order. Talk about a cool gift!

You will find a vast selection of candles to choose from. There are bakery candles, candle accessories, jar candles, school and team spirit candles and soy melts for your warmer. Not only are there candles but you will find room and body spray scents.

These candles are "clean-burning" home-grown soybean candle goodness. It is a woman owned & operated business.

Perhaps you want to create a candle gift basket. Choose your favorite scents or if you know the Christmas gift recipient’s favorite scents choose those. Find a basket at home or at a discount store. You may choose to make a bathroom gift basket. Place two candles in the basket and body spray scents. Add a plush towel, hand towel and washcloth to the basket. Place a pretty bow on the basket and you have a gorgeous gift to give.

You can create a couple’s anniversary gift basket this Christmas season. Add candles, homemade spaghetti sauce, noodles, a loaf of unopened French bread, a rose, a chunk of cheese and a bottle of wine. Your gift recipients will thank you for being so thoughtful.

This Christmas surprise everyone on your list from parents to the mailman, teachers, etc., with a scented candle from Granny's Kountry Candles! Let them know that you are thinking of their health. After all, stress is unhealthy and by giving candles as a gift you are setting the stage for a much needed serene evening.  

Take a look at Granny's Kountry Candles and say hello to Wendy at any of the following locations!

Granny's Kountry Candles Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/GrannysKountryCandlesLLC

Granny's Kountry Candles Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Grannyscandles

Granny's Kountry Candles Fundraiser Site: http://www.soybeancandlefundraisers.com/

Granny's Kountry Candles Website: http://www.grannyskountrycandles.com/

2012 Holiday Rafflecopter Giveaway Participant ~ Joan Barlow from ScentralStation

This blog highlights Joan Barlow from ScentralStation. Joan has been kind enough to add a $20.00 gift certificate for online use or in person for her retail store ScentralStation!

Scentral Station is woman-owned and founded in 2002 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It has evolved into an emporium of scentual pleasures for handmade scented candles, homemade bath and body products, fragrance oils, perfumes, incense, and so much more. This company believes that it has superior products without the high prices.

Even if you cannot afford to get away from it all on a tropical paradise vacation, you can still enjoy the homemade products such as the bath products, fragrance oils and homemade scented candles. Your soul will not care if it is on a sandy beach, it will feel tranquil with the wonderful products listed above. You will feel refreshed and ready to take on the world after using these high quality products.

ScentralStation products make the perfect Christmas gift. Not only are they priced low but one can actually use these gifts! How many times have you received a gift that you never used? Maybe you even re-gifted one or two gifts. With these soothing scented products your gift recipients will definitively not be re-gifting your items! While you are Christmas shopping online or at the in person store, make sure you pick up a few items to treat yourself. Just be careful, her products are ADDICTING!  They are just that good! 

Joan also sells Avon. You can find many Christmas gifts on her Avon website. From kitchen items to make-up, spa items, baby items, clothes, hair care products, men’s products, teen products and so much more! If you have not looked at an Avon catalog in a while, you will be pleasantly surprised at all of the new sensational products Avon has to offer. One thing that has not ever changed about Avon is that you will still find fantastic prices on all of the products!

This holiday season make sure you shop online or in person at ScentralStation products or Joan’s online Avonsite.   

ScentralStation Website: http://www.scentralstn.com/ ScentralStation Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/scentralstation 
Joan's Avon Site: http://www.youravon.com/joanbarlow 

2012 Holiday Rafflecopter Giveaway Participant ~ Shasha Lynn from EasyShop 360

This blog highlights Shasha Lynn from EasyShop 360. Shasha Lynn is gifting a $25.00 gift card to Walmart!!  Who couldn’t use an extra $25.00 this time of year for stocking stuffers, Christmas gifts, groceries, or every day necessities from Walmart?  I bet most would be thrilled to win this and all the other awesome gifts that have been generously given for the 2012 Holiday Rafflecopter Giveaway!  

Shasha Lynn is very active in the social media world and has created a venue where buyers and sellers meet through EasyShop 360, 360 ShoutOuts on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/360shoutouts and a few different facebook groups that encourage businesses to help one another.  EasyShop 360 was founded in 2010 and offers advertising, networking and shopping. Currently the EasyShop 360 website is under construction (thus the reason for the $25.00 Walmart gift card but make sure you become a member of their blog until their main website is rebuilt. 

EasyShop 360’s mission is to drive customers to the business owner's door and to give the customer a great deal along with a wonderful experience. We all could use a little extra money in our wallet, couldn’t we? Easyshop360 believes in "People helping People." As mentioned, their mission is to create an online venue where buyers and sellers meet. They want to help business owners increase sales by bringing buyers to their door without charging high listing and backend fees. Check around and you will find out how costly this service can be.

For example if you sell jewelry online you can use Easyshop360 to get the word out on the products you are selling. Make sure you share photos as this will increase your sales incredibly. Another tip is to pin the products you are selling onto Pinterest. You may type in the price of the product you are selling so it immediately shares the cost of your item with potential buyers.  You can find Shasha on Pinterest here: ES360World http://pinterest.com/es360world/

Shasha’s business is an online marketing portal that creatively uses a shopping website to feature and market business’s products and services. There is a onetime annual fee. No commissions, listing or sales fees; just your membership fee. FYI: You can write this fee off on your business taxes.

Easyshop360World is an upcoming online advertising/shopping website bringing buyers and seller together. This business features our subscribers' products in individual webstores to drive more customers to the business owner's main website.

If you are starting out an online business you can check out this fantastic business’s fanpage, blog, Twitter page and/or Pinterest page to get more information. You will be happy you did as it will increase your fan base which in turn can help you sell more products and/or services online.

Check out the curent promotion going on the EasyShop 360 Fanpage with the 7777 Multi-Vendor Sale and Giveaway Celebration and get in on the fun.  You are going to want to connect with Shasha and EasyShop 360!  

Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/easyshop360

Blog: http://www.easyshop360world.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ES360World
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/es360world/