Pics of the store....

BURNING A CANDLE PROPERLY:
Have you ever wondered why your candle seems to burn right down the middle?? Seemingly wasting half of the wax and your money at the same time??

Can you believe that it could be something as simple as burning it in a different way? I know what you are thinking...how many ways are there to burn a candle?? Well, there is really only one way to burn it and get your moneys worth, so let me tell you the secret....

The first time you burn your new candle is the most important burn. Your candle has a memory and will tend to only burn and have a melt pool as big as the last time you burned it. So, the first burn sets the pace of how your candle will burn in the future. Make sure to have enough time to let it have a full melt pool, which means that it should be liquified all the way across the top of the candle. Typically, on the first burn it can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the diameter of the jar being used. Before you burn it the next time, be sure to trim the wick to about 1/4 of an inch. Trimming the wick is very important, as this will help to cut back on excessive smoking from the candle. Trimming of the wick also will not allow the flame to be too large. Each time you burn your candle, allow time for a full melt pool. You should not have any wax left of the sides of the jar, which means you are not wasting your money! Do not burn your candle for more than 4 hours at one time, allow it to cool, trim your wick and then re-light.

I hope that this will help you save money and enjoy your candle even more!

OPEN HOUSE

I am so excited! SLC will be having an Open House on November 5th, 6pm to 8pm. I would love for everyone to stop by. I will be providing food and there will be specials that will only happen that evening! Have you got your Christmas shopping list ready yet? If not, better get to it!

Local businesses...

My business, as many of you know, is located in Lookout Valley, which is at the base of Lookout Mtn. This is a outlying community of Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is centrally located at the Georgia/Tennessee state lines, and not too far from Alabama either. It is a community that boasts of several wonderful small businesses. I thought I would take a moment to highlight some of these and encourage anyone that may be in this area to be sure to stop by and check them out.

CC's Antiques www.ccsantiques.com
HillBilly Willy's BBQ www.hillbillywillys.com
Result's Personal Training (Cummings Hwy)
Murphy's Eatz & Sweetz www.murphyseatz.com
Country Diner (Brown's Ferry Rd)
Fireside Grill (Cummings Hwy)
Lookout Valley Pool & Tan (Cummings Hwy)
O'Dell's Grocery (Cummings Hwy)
Sun & Shade Lawn/Garden (Cummings Hwy)
Accent Printing
Southern Lights www.southernlightscandles.com

This is just a small list, there are plenty more. Every one of these are locally owned and operated, not chain stores. Please help your local businesses by shopping locally.

Something to think about...

I stumbled across this while visiting one of my suppliers websites. I thought it was interesting and am passing it along to all of you.

In the economic enviroment we are currently in, I thought it to be something to take note of, especially for anyone that may live in a small town where the small businesses are probably getting hit the hardest.



3 Think about which three independently owned businesses you'd miss most if they were gone. Stop in and say hello. Pick up a little something that will make someone smile. Your contribution is what keeps those businesses around.

5o If just half the employed U.S. population spent $50 each month in independently owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.*
Imagine the positive impact if 3/4 of the employed population did that.

68 For every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays there. Spend it online and nothing comes home.

1 The number of people it takes to start the trend.....you.

Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy.

Visit http://www.the350project.net/

SLC has a new blog!

I have added a new blog in hopes that if you haven't stopped by Facebook or looked at your emails, you will still be able to find out what's happening through this medium.

As everyone knows, we are still in a recession and times are tough. But with that said we still want to be able to celebrate the holidays or other special events in our lives. Traditionally this has been done through gift giving. A time honored tradition, but one that this year may be a struggle to do. I know exactly how everyone feels, as I have had to rethink my gift giving this year also. That is why I think it is so important to still find "the gift" but at "the price" that is in the budget you have set for this year.
I have found several items this year that I think fit the bill. Do you have a secret pal at work or church? I have some great items that would be great as a gift basket of goodies. A pocket calender, refrigerator magnetic calender, cork coasters, and great Christmas cards. Put all of that in a basket or gift bag and you have a great gift for under $20.00!
Have a family member that you are not real sure what to buy for?? How about an electric warmer? Everyone would like to have their home say "Welcome!". Once again you can spend as little as $10.00 or a much as $18.00, either way you will have a great gift that they will enjoy all year for less than $20.00.
Do they already have a warmer? Well take my word for it, they will love to have melts for it! Help them out by getting them stocked up for next year.

I hope that these ideas have helped you in planning for your Christmas shopping!

Lisa ~ Southern Lights