My Review of Hawaiian Coconut

Originally submitted at Diamond Candles

About this scent Open up the smell of a fresh coconut from the Hawaiian Islands! This scent will feed your cravings for a pina colada. Pull out a straw, because you’ll have the urge to sip away the pure awesomeness.

Hawaiian Coconut

My first Diamond Candle

By Nic from Washington on 7/25/2012

 

4out of 5

Pros: Attractive Design, Long Lasting

Cons: Ring size is a surprise, Not very fragrant, Sooty

Best Uses: Ambiance

Describe Yourself: Midrange Shopper

This was my first Diamond Candle. At first I thought, what a silly gimmick - but will be fun for my girls during the school break. Well, I discovered I was also excited to get my candle and ring!

The scent was pleasant, but so light that you can't smell it unless you stick your nose in the candle. Only practical if it isn't burning. I am pleasantly surprised at how long the candle has lasted, and how evenly it has burned. However I have noticed the jar is turning black from the soot, which isn't uncommon with most candles I suppose.

I have about 1/4 of my candle left. I will be blogging a review as soon as my candle is burned completely.

(legalese)

One thing I have learned while couponing is how important it is to know store coupon policies.  I have had to educate clerks every week this past month.  Had I not had the policy and been knowledgeable about it, I would have paid a lot of money!  Just Wednesday I saved $90 because I knew the store's policy, and was able to nicely educate the staff.  I walked out with 18 bottles of body was for FREE!  So it pays to do your homework!

Stores are getting frustrated with all the recent couponing, and it comes across in their treatment of customers and snide comments when I walk in with my pretty purple binder.  I just smile and say I am a stay at home mom and I coupon to provide for my family!  It is so much fun!  I ran into a store Manger this week that didn't want to sell me any body wash because I was purchasing their supply.  Well isn't that why they order products?  To sell them?  I had a long chat with her, and she ended up apologizing and allowing me to do my purchase.  Thank goodness since it was the 7th store I had been to that day looking for my free body wash! So another lesson learned: Be as sweet as pie because you catch more flies with honey than vinegar! 

My stock pile is growing!  I have re-organized the garage and now have shelves waiting to be filled!  I am looking forward to Sunday and clipping!  I am also contemplating dumpster diving next week for even more coupons!

I hear my adorable boys up from their nap!  Time to go play in the sun! 

Couponing!

What an amazing day outside!  While the boys nap, I am working on couponing.  I am anxious for Sunday and my 10 papers!  Today while researching, I came across some interesting information - The insert schedule for the Sunday paper this year! 

May
1 — Smartsource, Red Plum, and Procter & Gamble
8— Smartsource and Red Plum
15 — (2)  Smartsource and Red Plum
22 — Smartsource and  Red Plum
29 — No Inserts scheduled (Memorial Day)

June
5 — Smartsource, Red Plum, and Procter & Gamble
12 — Smartsource
19 — Smartsource and Red Plum
26 — Smartsource and Red Plum

July
3 — No Inserts scheduled (Independence Day)
10 — Smartsource and Red Plum
17 — Smartsource
24 — Smartsource and Red Plum
31 — Smartsource, Red Plum, and Procter & Gamble

August
7 — Smartsource and Red Plum
14 — Smartsource and  Red Plum
21 — Smartsource and  Red Plum
28 — Smartsource, Red Plum, and Procter & Gamble

September
4 — No Inserts scheduled (Labor Day)
11 — Smartsource and (2) Red Plum
18 — Smartsource and Red Plum
25 —  Smartsource and Red Plum

October
2 — Smartsource, Red Plum, and Procter & Gamble
9 — Smartsource and Red Plum
16 — Smartsource and Red Plum
23 — Smartsource and Red Plum
30 —  Smartsource and Red Plum

November
6 — Smartsource, Red Plum, and Procter & Gamble
13 — Smartsource and  Red Plum
20 — Smartsource and Red Plum
27 — No Inserts scheduled (Thanksgiving)

December
4 — Smartsource, Red Plum, and Procter & Gamble
11 — Smartsource and Red Plum
18 — No Inserts scheduled (Christmas)
25 — Procter & Gamble

Better late than never!

Well,  I said I would be posting more, but the last few months have been full for me!  I rarely have time to sit in front of the computer.

I am now a stay at home mom, (YAY!), so my focus is on my boys.  I have also started extreme couponing, so that keeps me very busy as well!  I will be blogging about my couponing - to help others and myself!  I can't believe how much I have saved just in the last few weeks.  I recently purchased 20 bottles of body wash for FREE!  I only had to pay tax!  The other day when I paid, ($9 for a $79 purchase!), people were standing around and then clapped when the final total came up.  The clerk gave me a high five!  It was great!  I intend on finding more deals like this!

Nap time is over, so more later!  Couponing is done for the week.  Sunday is my clipping day!  I get 10 papers and spend hours clipping and planning.  I LOVE it!

I'm BACK!

Wow it's been a long time since I have posted!  A lot has been going on in our lives.  I took a break from CTMH and everything else for a bit, but I am ready to get back into the swing of things!

I may not be able to post as much as I would like, as I have 2 little boys running around!  But I will do my best to keep my blog updated.

UPCOMING EVENT!!!

March 20th

Open house EXTRAVAGANZA! 

12:00-5:00
Hazel Dell Round Table

There will be lots of businesses there!

Close to my Heart
Xocai Healthy Chocolate
Demarle
Jewels by Park Lane
Pure Romance
Pampered Chef
Party Lite
Scentsy
Mary Kay
Photography

We will have raffles, products and LOTS OF FUN!  Hope to see you there!  Tell everyone you know!

Christmas Card Workshop!

Come get a jump start on your Christmas Cards!

Location: My house!
Cost: $29.95 (plus shipping)

What does it include?

Mistletoe Workshop on the go! (can be viewed on page 25 in the Fall/Winter catalog!)
-Mistletoe Level 2 Paper Pack
-All the Best stamp set (Can only get this with this workshop!)
-Mistletoe Level 2 Assortment

I will show you how to make 7 different cards. This will allow you to make many more than that! You can make up to 50 cards from this workshop!

Please RSVP with payment no later than November 10th as I will need to order supplies. If you would like to add extra Mistletoe Level 2 Assortments, let me know!

Hope you can make it! The cards are super cute!

Scrapbook Workshop!

Location: My House

When: Saturday, October 23, 1:00PM - 5:00PM

Come make multiple scrapbook layouts from our new Magic layout book using one level 2 paper pack! I will teach you some new techniques too!
Cost $25.00 - Includes one level 2 paper pack of your choice, and 2 sets of flip flaps plus other accersories.

This will be an open house type format. I will open my doors at 1:00, but feel free to come later. Doors will close at 5:00. You may want to allow 2 hours for layouts. (Don't worry, I won't kick you out at 5:00 if you aren't done!)

RSVP & Payment due by October 3rd.
Hope you can make it! Bring a friend! And feel free to bring a snack to share!
**Registration & Cancellations: Payment is due at time of registration. If payment is not received by order day, order will not be placed. Cancellations for workshops with pre-orders must be received two weeks prior to workshop or prior to orders being placed, whichever is first. If order has not been placed, a full refund will be issued. If order has been placed, no refund will be issued, however you will receive your pre-ordered supplies

Not a lot here lately!

Sorry I haven't been updating lately.  I have had so much going on and just been so very busy!  So I probably won't be posting much in the next month or so.... I will be working with my Aunt on making 8 memorial scrapbooks for her Mom who passed away last year.  I will post pictures when they are done.  Very excited, but will be very busy!

I expect to have my next workshop in September to celebrate the new catalog!  We most likely will be making candles, boxes, and who knows what else!  October and November I am planning a Scrapbook class and a Christmas card class.  So in the mean time, enjoy your summer! 

Remember you can order online anytime!  Happy Scrapping!

Next workshop Canceled

 I have to cancel this workshop because I have been very ill and just unable to kick it.  So I will let you know as soon as it is rescheduled!  Thanks for your understanding. 

I have scheduled the next workshop for June 19th at 2:00.  This time we will be at my house.  Instead of scrapbook pages, we will make some cards, boxes and candles.  Cost is $15 per person.  Please RSVP by June 14th so I have time to prepare.  Hope you can make it!

Sorry no pictures yet... and there haven't been any in a while.  I haven't been motivated lately to take pictures and post them.  I know you all understand.  Some day I will get more pictures up here!

Scrapbook Workshop!

It's time for another scrapbook workshop!  Come let me show you how easy it is to scrapbook multiple layouts in just a few short hours!
We will be doing multiple layouts using one Level 2 paper pack. We will be doing a new technique as well - rubons! The coordinating sticker pack is not included, but you can order them at 10% off! You can choose your paper from the Spring or Summer catalogs, or the product preview book on my website.
I will also be teaching you how to cut your papers using a cutting guide, so please bring your cutters with you! If you prefer to have me cut your papers in advance, just let me know. I am happy to do it for you!
I will provide glue sticks, but feel free to bring your own adhesive.

Cost is $20, or $17 for monthly club members. And as always, please bring a friend or two or three!
Please register by May 11th with your paper pack choice and payment.
**Registration & Cancellations: Payment is due at time of registration. If payment is not received by order day, order will not be placed. Cancellations for workshops with pre-orders must be received two weeks prior to workshop or prior to orders being placed, whichever is first. If order has not been placed, a full refund will be issued. If order has been placed, no refund will be issued, however you will receive your pre-ordered supplies.

Healthy Chocolate

Healthy Chocolate. Sounds like an oxy moron, right? When my Mom first called me and told me she became a distributor for a company that sells healthy chocolate, I thought oh my... what did you get yourself into?

But let me tell you. This chocolate has changed my life. It makes my fibromyalgia survivable - it's an anti-inflammatory so no drugs! And my flares are very rare and are now very mild. I have severe endometriosis that causes all sorts of fun symptoms. Here is something personal - I am regular when I am eating this chocolate as I should be.

I am sure you have heard about the health benefits of chocolate. You can Google it, and hundreds of results will come up. But here is the problem with most chocolate. It's processed. And during the process, it is cooked. What happens when you cook your vegetables? You lose the nutrients. Same idea is true with chocolate. Xocai is cold pressed - not cooked. So you retain 100% of the nutritional value. Amazing.

I did a test a few months back. I ate the chocolate, 3 pieces a day for a month. Then I stopped. All my symptoms went away while on the chocolate, and then came back when I stopped eating it. CRAZY! And another thing - It's GOOD!

Check out my website at http://mxi.myvoffice.com/chrisnicole/.  Be sure to check out my web-links and read all about the chocolate and health benefits.

I will be having a chocolate tasting party on May 1st at Main St Coffee House. Please stop by and taste! Believe me - it can change your life. Your health and wealth!

In addition to the amazing health benefits, it's an amazing business opportunity. Think about it. 1 billion people will eat chocolate today. Why shouldn't they be eating chocolate that is good for them? I have decided to share Xocai with others, and turn it into a business for myself. I have heard so many stories from people like me who are now multi millionaires. Not that I expect to become a millionaire, (although that would be nice!), but my goal is to pay off my debt, and start my family which won't be cheap for us! And with Xocai, I will be able to do that.

April Workshop

Since I have been in a fog for the last few weeks, I have decided to try something new for my next workshop.  We are going to do a Workshop on the go!  What is that you ask?  I am glad you asked!

A Workshop on the go is a kit that includes an exclusive stamp set, a level 2 paper pack, and a bunch of accessories chosen specifically for that kit.  It also includes a little guide that shows you how to make multiple cards and scrapbook pages.  And you receive all this at a discount!  You can even add to your kit.  Each kit has a companion accessory kit for an additional cost.  The basic kit is only $29.95 plus shipping.  It's a great deal!

Here are the kits to chose from:
*Caboodle
*Topstitch
*You Rock
*Veranda

As always, I will provide glue sticks.  Feel free to bring your own adhesive!  I will also have a paper trimmer to share.  You may want to bring your own if you have one for convenience.

Register a friend and get a gift at the workshop!

Please RSVP with your kit choice by April 4th.  Payment is due upon registration.

*Shipping is $2.38, making total $32.33.  No tax! (Cash or Check is preferred for class registration. A 2% fee will be added to all credit card registrations. If paying via credit card, payment and registration is due by March 28th.)  This does not include additional accessories if desired. 

**Registration & Cancellations: Payment is due at time of registration.  Cancellations for workshops with pre-orders must be received two weeks prior to workshop or prior to orders being placed, whichever is first.  If order has not been placed, a full refund will be issued.  If order has been placed, no refund will be issued, however you will receive your pre-ordered supplies. 

Service

My brother's service was yesterday, and he was laid to rest.  It was a beautiful service.  But it was so hard.  It is just so unnatural to lose someone so young; so full of life.  I dreamt last night that he is cancer free and happy.  And I know he is!  And one day we will be together again.  I do miss him terribly. 

Thank you all for your support during this difficult time.  I will be staying with my mom through the end of next weekend.  We have a lot to do, and need each other to get it done. 

I will be moving March's card workshop to April, and April's scrapbook workshop to May.  I will update dates and times soon.

Loss

My beautiful amazing courageous brother lost his valiant fight against cancer last night at 6:30.  My heart is just beyond broken, as is all of our hearts.  Aaron was just such an amazing person.  I am in awe over all of the lives he touched in his 23 years, and have been truly been inspired by his amazing spirit.  I know he is no longer in pain, and is at peace.  Please pray for our family during this most difficult time.

A break

As many of you know, my brother has a very aggresive form of Hodgkins Lymphoma.  While he has been fighting with every ounce he has, he is losing his battle.  A few days ago, his Hospice nurse said it would be a matter of days.  He has rallied, and yesterday had a good day so we are hopeful and praying for a miracle.  They happen every day!  I am asking for prayers.  We have had so much support from everyone and are so thankful.  I will be here with him until the end.... whatever that may be.  But I am not giving up hope!!!

In the meantime, I have canceled my workshop next weekend, and my scentsy party this weekend.  I will still be taking club orders, and my husband will be sure everyone gets their product. 

Thank you everyone for all of your understanding, support and prayers.  Be sure to follow Aaron on his Caring Bridge page.  We will be keeping it updated.  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/aaronseligman.  Be sure to leave him a message.  He reads everyone and they mean a lot to him.  Whether you know him or not! 

Card Workshop!

March 13th at 3:00 will be my next workshop.  We will be making 10 cards.  Cost is $15, or $10 for hostess club members.  Don't forget to RSVP!

I will be teaching how to use pastels!  My supplies arrived today, so I will be working on my samples this week.  Check back soon for pictures! 

Hope to see you on the 13th!

More Studio J!

I have been having so much fun with Studio J!  I created some more layouts.  I even played with the colors, and did a black & white layout, and a sepia layout.  I am going to place my order now.  I am excited to get the finished product!  Remember to check out www.studioj.com!

Let me know what you think!

My Studio J Pages

Here are some of my layouts from Studio J!  Be sure to visit http://www.studioj.com/ for more information!

Studio J!

With the Summer Catalog, Close to my Heart will be introducing Studio J, a digital scrapbook program.  When I first heard about Studio J, I honestly thought why on earth would I ever use this?  I make great scrapbook pages at home. 

Close to my Heart is allowing consultants to try Studio J before it is released.  And last night I decided to see what it is all about.  And honestly I LOVE IT!  I spent a few hours last night playing with papers and layouts, uploading pictures, and designing pages.  As soon as I have all my layouts done, I will place my order.  Once I have it, I will post pictures for everyone to see.  I am hooked! 

Check out Studio J at http://www.studioj.com/.  I can't wait to hear what you think!

We had so much fun at the Scrapbook workshop this Saturday!  I learned a few things for next time!  I love getting to sit and visit with everyone.  And everyone is always so creative... it keeps me challanged!

March 13th is our next workshop!  This time we will be doing 10 cards.  I will be teaching different techniques, using pastels and blender pens.  I will post samples soon!  I still have to create them! 

I also want to welcome my new downline, Sharlene!  I just know she is going to love being a consultant as much as I do!  I am so excited to get to know you Sharlene!

Happy stamping!