A Question to My Followers

Recently, I decided to kick my blog up a notch. I've made a good habit of blogging twice a week, once about Etsy treasuries or shop reviews, another on small business topics. I've decided to branch out and to write about home and lifestyle topics that my followers may find interesting.

So, here's a bit more about me. When I'm not in my day job or making and selling candles, I enjoy knitting, gardening, cooking (although not much with just me in the house), and yoga. I'm planning to show you more of this world in my Show and Tell Friday posts.

 But before I launch into too much of anything, I'd really like to know what interest you? I truly enjoy marketing and invite you to ask any marketing or other questions affecting your small business.  I'm planning to expand on the posts I've written on Decorating with Candles, but with more do it yourself candle projects.

What excites you?

What else in home and lifestyle excites you? Please use the comments space below or send me an email with your thoughts. I also invite other bloggers to submit article ideas for guest submissions. I enjoy getting the word out about other fabulous bloggers.

I look forward to your responses!

Dorene

Etsy shop review - Tatiana Mozerova of Tatiana's Tienda

Today's Etsy shop review features Tatiana Mozerova of Tatiana'sTienda. Please take some time to learn more about her and her craft!

My name is Tatiana. I was born in a small Siberian city called Irkutsk. I graduated from university with a degree in civil engineering and management in economics. If you'd have told me nearly two years ago that I would open craft store in the US and that I'd be crocheting and creating crafts, I would have though that you were insane! It just wasn't a future that I had in mind.

Baby Boy Booties

At the time, I was working with a construction company and dealing with projects and numbers, while at the same time I was studying for my second degree and teaching fitness in the evening. Everything was so overwhelming, I didn’t enjoy my life and one day I was fed up with it. I can remember this day… I was sitting in a lonely office, working on a boring drawing of a building riddled with numbers. I opened up a web page and started searching for flights. At the time, it didn't matter where I'd go…The most important part was getting FAR AWAY from the craziness that was my life! That same day I bought a one way ticket to Bangkok and I was infinitely happy with the decision that I made. I didn’t know what to expect or where I'd go afterwards, but I definitely decided that I didn't want to live that crazy life anymore.

I passed my final exam in January, got a diploma in civil engineering, quit my job, and moved all my stuff into a garage as I was off to Thailand. I remember saying to my family and friends, “I’m starting a journey towards a 'real' life, a life that I deserve and want to live, and a life that society doesn't dictate for you…A life that you want to live and share with others!” From there I traveled for about 10 months and it was the most amazing months of my life! I went to meditation courses, volunteered in Laos, worked in China with kids… But the most important thing – I’ve met an amazing person, my soul mate, a person who understands me without words on the way to “my new life”.

Newspaper Vase 

We traveled in South East Asia together, lived through the craziness of China… And then one day he asked me, "Do you want to visit the US?" Well, I had never been a big fan of this country but I realize now it was all due to the media. Russia and USA had never been big friends and I also had such restricted visions about the country before… But after traveling in so many countries,  I realized that political views of a government don’t always have anything common with the people who live there. So I agreed to come with him. Right now I amazed with this country and really enjoy living here.

When I flew to the US I didn’t know what I was going to do or where I'd look for work. One day my boyfriend’s sister was knitting a scarf. And I remembered how I love doing this in childhood, but when I grow up I totally forgot about it because didn’t have time for it. The very next day I made a hat for my boyfriend. Afterwards, we came up with the idea to sell items such as this on Etsy. I made different goods for special holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day. I later created candy bouquets and wicker baskets made from newspaper. I really enjoy the things that I create, because I know that it will make my buyers happier and richer inside, will put a smile on their face and maybe even change the world for the better!

Easter Candy Edibles

And as you can see in both 'my story' and the level of detail and pride I take in all the goods I make, I put my heart and soul into this little boutique shop. This is how I support myself! I appreciate all my customers for all sales I receive and will go out of my way to make you happy with your order!!

Blue Rose with Ferrero Rocher candy

I realize 'my story' is much more detailed than most you'll come across, but just wanted show how one day can change your entire life! Your life is in your hands and you are the creator of your destiny. Don’t be afraid of changes. It may seem too scary to make changes right now… but feel it in your heart that changes are for the good – so never hesitate to take the first steps!

Tatiana can be found:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TatianasTienda?ref=seller_info

http://www.facebook.com/tatianastienda

http://pinterest.com/tatianastienda/

https://twitter.com/TatianasTienda

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=97911029&trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Candle trivia

Many who know me are aware of my love for trivia, little known facts that are relevant a small amount of time.  For example, did you know.....

1.) The man in the original Superglue commercial who was holding his hat affixed to a steel beam was John Goodman?

2.) The only union leader to be elected president was Ronald Reagan?

3.) The only reason Clark Gable accepted the role of Rhett Butler was to earn enough money to get a divorce and to marry Carole Lombard?

Maybe you knew the trivial pieces of information, maybe not, but hopefully I can "illuminate" you on some interesting facts on candles:

• Historically, the most common use of candle burning was to tell time.  Because the burning of a candle is fairly consistent and predictable, candles in the Middle Ages were marked with time measurements.
• There is no such thing as a soot free wax.  All candles product soot. Soy and beeswax candles produce as much soot as paraffin candles; however, their soot is white compared to the grey soot of paraffin candles. 
• No wax is considered "best" for candle making.  Paraffin wax holds color and fragrance better than any wax on the market, and soy and beeswax are renewable products.
• Paraffin was first distilled in 1830, and revolutionized candle-making, as it was an inexpensive material which produced high-quality, odorless candles that burned reasonably cleanly and were used during the colonial days.
• A candle typically produces about 13 lumens of visible light and 40 watts of heat, although this can vary depending primarily on the characteristics of the candle wick.
• In the seventeenth century arsenic was added to tallow resulting positive aesthetic effects, although some unknown health risks.
• The candle industry is currently growing faster than the national economy.
• More than 1 billion pounds of wax are used in producing the candles sold each year in the U.S.

Have a fun and illuminating week!