Friday, August 19, 2011

No Longer Updated

This blog is no longer current. Please visit my new No Longer Wicked website at http://nolongerwicked.com.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Removing Residue from the Scentsy Dish

Whenever you change the wax in your warmer, you should wipe the dish with a paper towel until it is smooth, shiny, and like new. Doing so will ensure that the next time you need to remove the wax it will release easily. But what do you do when there is a residue left in the warmer dish that you cannot wipe out?

Plugin warmer with residue in the dish
This has only happened to me a couple of times, and it is a concern because it makes it more difficult for me to remove subsequent wax from the warmer--especially if it is a plugin warmer that I use a Grab Tab to remove the wax.

The remedy for this problem is simple enough. Remove the cooled piece (i.e., the warmer dish or the plugin top) and hand wash it with dish soap. I use a non-scratch scouring sponge to scrub the residue away. When you are finished, be sure to let the piece dry before placing it back on your warmer.


Good as new!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

 Bring Back My Bar Christmas in July
Mystery Hostess Party     July 9, 2011     7-9 pm
  
Every Scentsy-Who down in Texas liked Christmas a lot...
But the Grinch, who lived just north of Texas, did NOT!
The Grinch hated Christmas! Even Christmas in July!
No one quite knows the reason, so please don't ask why.
"And who thought to have Christmas in July?" he snarled with a sneer.
"One Christmas is enough—just one time a year!"
Then he growled, with his grinch fingers nervously drumming,
"I MUST find a way to keep Christmas in July from coming!"

Then he got an idea! An awful idea!
THE GRINCH GOT A WONDERFUL, AWFUL IDEA!
"I know just what to do!" The Grinch laughed in his throat.
“I’ll mix up all the Bring Back My Bars! That will make the Scentsy-Whos take note!”

Then he went to the home of the Scentsy-Who seller, and with a smile most bizarre,
he slithered and slunk and took every, single Bring Back My Bar.
Out of its case each Bring Back My Bar was taken. The Grinch mixed them all up
so that the Scentsy-Whos would be mistaken!
“Strawberry Sweetie! Orange Dreamsicile! Cashmere!” he shouted with a grinchy sneer.

 Then, very nimbly, he placed the waxes in the wrong cases,
smirking to himself, “This will wipe the smiles from their Scentsy-Who faces!”
But what the Grinch didn’t consider was that every Scentsy-Who in Texas,
the tall and the small, can use their sniffers to decipher the mixed up bars and cases!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This is a Mystery Hostess Party. YOU could win the hostess rewards earned from the party!
Earn tickets to win the hostess rewards by:

Attending the party
Bringing a friend who was not already invited
Wearing Christmas apparel or jewelry
Signing up to host your own party
Spending $10 (get a ticket for each $10 spent)
Matching the Bring Back My Bar scents to their names
Winning games

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Bring Back My Bar     July 2011

 
Banana Flower
Delightful combination of fresh, sweet banana mingled with soft florals.
Fresh Cut Cantaloupe
Wine-ripened melon with hints of juicy orange.
Oxford
A masculine blend of ginger and frankincense with woody cedar and amber undertones.

Banana Nut Bread
Right from the oven with ripe bananas, nuts, and spices.
Fried Ice Cream
Vanilla with a nutty touch along with cinnamon and caramel.

Red Delicious
Crisp, juicy apples, fresh from the orchard.
Cashmere
Sheer floral bouquet combines Moroccan jasmine, lily of the valley, and bergamot.

Grape Granita
Sun-warmed grape and pineapple with undertones of honeysuckle.

Root Beer Float
Concoction of old-fashioned root beer and creamy vanilla ice cream.
Coconut Palm
A blend of tropical coconut and musky patchouli with subtle green notes.
Irish Cream
Smooth and mellow, highlighted with hints of coffee and chocolate.
Spiced Orange Harvest
Strong, sweet oranges spiced with cloves and cinnamon.

Cutiepie Cupcake
Sweet Clementine and yellow cake batter with vanilla and sugary icing.

Lemon Lavender
Inviting blend of tangy lemon and sweet lavender flowers.
Strawberry Sweetie
A fruity delight of strawberries sprinkled with sugar and vanilla.

Exotic Vanilla / Velvet Spice
Spice up your home with a blend of vanilla bean, jasmine, patchouli, and sandalwood.

Luscious Lemon
Light, creamy lemon.
Tuscan Garden
Mediterranean floral bouquet, enhanced by cassis, apples, berries, and rosemary.
Orange Dreamsicle
A classic combination of fresh orange, swirled with vanilla cream.
$5 each
Watermelon Patch
Sweet, vine-ripened watermelon.


Monday, June 13, 2011

There's an app for that!



Scentsy makes a great gift for almost everyone. Children love the cuddly Scentsy Buddies, teens like the trendy warmers such as Zebra, women like to have great smelling homes, and men like to show their team spirit with the Campus Collection warmers.

People frequently call me needing to place an order for themselves or for a gift. That's great! I can place an order, and the Scentsy will arrive about a week later.* Sometimes special occasions sneak up, and someone needs Scentsy NOW to give as a gift. In these situations, I offer a "cash and carry" option on the stock that I have on-hand. Up until now, I've had to rely on my memory of my stock when I'm not at home. Luckily, I found an inventory application that allows me to scan the bar codes with my iPhone. Now I know exactly what I have in stock, no matter where I am!

Call me, text me, email me . . . I want you to be No Longer Wicked!

*Depending on the season, it can take up to three weeks for the Scentsy package to arrive at my house--but it's generally not that long.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Scent Circles

One of my favorite Scentsy products is the Scent Circle. I have to admit, though, that the first time I used a Scent Circle I was less than impressed. I took the Scent Circle out of the wrapper and hung it in my office. For the first few days, the scent was STRONG--almost too strong. Then the scent gradually faded. I thought to myself, "Even though the Scent Circle only costs $3, the amount of time that it fragranced my office was not worth it."

After reading the directions on the back of the Scent Circle package, I realized that I hadn't used the Scent Circle properly. By following the directions (i.e., Pull the string out and hang freely. Adjust scent strength by exposing more of the Scent Circle.), I was able to get my money's worth and then some! But still, I didn't like how the Scent Circle looked hanging in it's package. After some research, I found an easier and prettier way to leave the wrapper on the Scent Circle in order to maximize fragrance endurance. For my customers' convenience, I print the expanded directions on a label that I affix to the back of the Scent Circle package. Below are the directions and pictures to help you visualize the process.

Maximizing Your Scent Circle

1. Cut plastic wrapper above Scent Circle.



2. Take Scent Circle out of wrapper. Cut approximately 1/2" off open end. Cut a small triangle out of sealed end to allow string to go through.


3. Hang in desired location.



4. When scent becomes weak, take Scent Circle out of wrapper and cut another 1/2" off.


Scent Circles are available in all 80 scents PLUS LEATHER.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

What can Scentsy do for you?

I became a Scentsy consultant at the end of November, 2010. Since then; I have sold over $7000 worth of Scentsy products, been promoted twice, and met lots of new people. This weekend, to reward my hard work (and to help me with my Scentsy business), I bought myself an iPad2 with my commission money.


I joined Scentsy because . . .
  • I'm a Scentsy addict
  • I believe in the quality of Scentsy products
  • I like the core values Scentsy promotes: Simplicity, Authenticity, Generosity
  • I like to meet new people (really--it's true)
  • I wanted to have my own home business

Why Scentsy?

Scentsy is one of the fastest growing direct selling businesses. Scentsy joined the Direct Selling Association in 2004. It is one of the top 100 direct selling companies as identified by the Direct Selling News. In its first 7 years, Scentsy generated more than $700 million in revue. Scentsy is sold in the US and Canada--and now is expanding to the UK and Germany!

The US start up costs for joining Scentsy is reasonable at $99 plus tax. The starter kit includes:
  • 80 party testers
  • 1 full size warmer
  • 1 Scentsy Buddy
  • 1 Scent Pak
  • 1 Room Spray
  • 1 Fragrance Foam
  • 1 Travel Tin
  • 1 Scent Circle
  • 4 light bulbs
  • 50 catalogs
  • Discover Scentsy DVD
  • Start-up guide
  • Planning calendar
  • 100 business cards
  • 100 invitations
  • 100 order forms
  • 5 host guest lists
  • 5 host rewards brochures
  • 5 host envelopes
  • 5 Buy brochures
  • 5 Host brochures
  • 5 Join brochures
  • 1 folder

Additionally, the start-up costs include a free website for 3 months ($10 a month after that), free credit card processing (and no credit card fees), free shipping on orders over $150, and a free online workstation. There is also great consultant support and training. When someone joins Scentsy, he or she must join under (i.e., be sponsored by) another consultant. This allows the new consultant to have an immediate support system. There are weekly training conference calls, web-based trainings, an online forum (one of my favorite training tools!), annual and seasonal trainings, and a consultant support department.
Commission is based on ranking and is no less than 20% of a consultant's personal retail volume. The more a consultant sells and recruits others to the Scentsy team, the more the consultant can earn. Commission is paid monthly via a VISA debit card--how cool is that?


Contact me for more information or to join my Scentsy team!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

And the winner is . . .

Nelda E. from Calvert!

Last weekend at the Wheelock Springfest and BCS Parade of Homes, I had a drawing for a Scentsy Full Size System. A Scentsy Full Size System contains a full size warmer and three Scentsy bars. The value of the Scentsy Full Size System is $40 ($45 if the items are purchased individually).

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Graduation Gifts

Before we know it, graduation will be here. Oh, how I wish that Lauren was here and that we were excitedly planning for her move to college.

As you think about the young adults that you know who are graduating and moving to college, I bet you think about graduation gifts. Scentsy has many collegiate warmers that make great graduation gifts--AND, if the student is going to live in a dorm, a Scentsy warmer is a wonderful alternative to prohibited wicked candles.

There are several collegiate approved warmers for Texas schools, including Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas, Texas Christian University, University of Texas at El Paso, and Southern Methodist University. For those of you leaving the state, there are lots of other schools represented including Louisiana State University, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Oklahoma.

 





























Did you know that fans can vote for their favorite teams? Check out Scentsy's Fill the Stands website. Of course, TAMU fans are winning with over 57,000 votes! WHOOP.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

No Longer Wicked

I am No Longer Wicked. This phrase has two meanings for me, just as the word wicked has two meanings.

  1. Since the death of my daughter Lauren, I have been re-evaluating my relationship with God. I have been a Christian since I was a young adolescent. However, my relationship with God has had its ups and downs (just like any relationship one has). I think that one's love of God changes throughout one's life. For example, when Lauren was an infant in the NICU there was an incident during which her health took a turn for the worse. In fact, the code report even stated that she had died. Another mother of a child in the NICU pulled me aside and asked if she and her sister could pray for us. They prayed for Lauren, Quinn, and me in the bathroom of Hermann Hospital! When I returned to the NICU, the nurse had turned down the oxygen and ventilator settings! I could not have believed in the power of God and prayer more than I did at that time. Fast forward to Lauren's fatal car accident: to say that I had doubts about the existence of God is an understatement. It has now been just over a year since Lauren died, but I feel that my love of God is returning. I still question why my daughter died--and I am pretty sure that I will until I have the chance to ask Him in person. However, I feel that my relationship with God has matured. I want to live my life honoring God.
  2. I no longer use tradtional candles. I feel that the Scentsy wickless candle system is safer than wicked candles. Did you know that there is an average of 42 home candle fires reported per day in the United States, resulting in over 15,000 home fires per year (National Fire Protection Association, NFPA)?

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Can Smelling Certain Scents Help You Lose Weight?

Scentsy has so many delicious smelling scents. In my environments, I have avoided "food" scents because of my fear that smelling them will make me want to eat (and I'm already a bit of a fat cat). The Corner Cafe scents, in particular, smell just like the real deal. One night while I was making wax samples of Blueberry Cheesecake, my daughter ran into the kitchen and said, "Whatever you're making, I want some of it to eat!"


According to Alan Hirsch of The Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, strong scents and flavors can suppress hunger and appetite. In Dr. Hirsch's research, individuals were instructed to sprinkle scent enhancers on their meals. The scent enhancers were either savory or sweet smelling. Each month, the scents were changed so that the individuals would not become immune to the effects. Interestingly, the average weight loss over a 6 month period was around 30 pounds!

Now, let me say that I have not evaluated this research critically. However, I am intrigued about this idea. What if smelling Blueberry Cheesecake or Cinnamon Vanilla could suppress my appetite? That would be SWEET! What do you think?

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Basket Party

Want to receive the benefits of a Scentsy party (i.e., free and half-priced items!), but you're concerned that your friends don't have time to stop by your house for a house party? Then a basket party is the perfect solution for you!

Everything you need is in this cute basket tote:
  • all 80 mini-scent testers
  • a Scentsy Buddy and Scent Pak
  • a Travel Tin
  • a Scent Circle
  • a Room Spray
  • a Fragrance Foam
  • Buy, Host, and Join brochures
  • Practice Safe Scents information sheets
  • a hostess handbook with directions and specials for the month
  • catalogs
  • order forms
  • flower pen
  • Plug-In warmer with two Scentsy bars to share the experience

All you have to do is take the tote basket with you to work and to your friends' houses. Let everyone explore the contents of the tote basket and then collect their orders. You can keep the tote basket for a week, and at the end of the week I will help you get the most Scentsy products for the least amount of money. It's a win-win situation for you and your friends.

Let me know when you want to borrow the basket tote.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Ready for a Refill?

Remember when you first got your Scentsy warmer? You popped out a cube or two of wax, placed it into the warmer's dish, and turned on the switch. Twenty minutes later you enjoyed that wonderful scent. Do you still enjoy your scent? Does it still fill your room? If not, you need to replace your wax.


How to Remove the Wax in Your Warmer

There are 3 different ways you can remove the wax from your full or mid-sized warmer.
  • Pour the melted wax into the trash can or back into its clamshell container. Wipe out the warmer dish with a paper towel, making sure that there are not any drips remaining on the sides and underneath of the dish. (This is my prefered method).
OR
  • When the wax is cooled and hardened, place the warmer dish in the freezer for 5 minutes. The wax should shrink and easily flip out of the dish. Wipe out the warmer dish with a paper towel.
OR
  • After the wax is melted, turn the warmer off. When the wax begins to solidify and is the texture of putty, use a rubber or silicone spatula to scrape the wax out. Wipe out the warmer dish with a paper towel.
If there is a bit of wax residue left in the warmer's dish, you can hand wash the dish with mild dishsoap and a non-scratch sponge. Be sure that the dish is completely dry before placing it back onto the warmer's base.

How to Order More Wax

Each Scentsy bar should last 60-80 hours. Unlike a traditional candle, the Scentsy wax will not evaporate--but the scent will. I have different options available for you to order more wax.
  • Call, text, or email me. I order at least once a month, and I can save you shipping if I am placing another order anyway. Plus, I might even have the Scentsy bar in stock--so that means you could "cash and carry" that very day.
OR
  • Order from my Scentsy store website. If you order through the website, you will have to pay minimal shipping fees.
OR
  • Let me know how often you want to be contacted, and I will check with you whenever I am about to place an order.
OR
  • Host a party. By hosting a party, you could get your Scentsy free and discounted!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Keepin' It Fresh with Scentsy Monthly Specials

You've perused the warmers, smelt the over 80 scents, and chosen your favorites. Such hard decisions to make--but you did it! Yet, there are more warmers and scents to consider. In fact, every month Scentsy offers a wamer and scent that is not available in the catalog. Plus, these items are on sale for 10% off!

March's Warmer: Dotty
Welcome spring with a warmer as pretty as a new Easter dress. Dotty's sunny yellow glossy finish and white polka dots are bright and cheerful. Dotty features a ruffled warmer dish that is reminiscent of the trumpet on a spring daffodil. Dotty is perfect for welcoming spring into your home.

The scent of the month for March is Jumpin' Jelly Bean. Crisp pear and apple with zesty lemon in a base of mouth-watering sugar add fun and fruity sweetness to your home. Yummy!

Dotty     $30.00   $27.00
Jumpin' Jelly Bean
     Bar     $5.00     $4.50
     Brick     $20.00   $18.00
     Scent Circle     $3.00     $2.70
     Room Spray     $8.00     $7.20


April's warmer: Baby's Breath 
Celebrate the return of spring of Scentsy's April warmer, Baby's Breath. The matte, powder-blue finish and tulip-like shape of Baby's Breath are sweetly accented by a spray of pristine white flower buds climbing up its side as if reaching for rays of spring sunshine. A scalloped warmer dish adds a crowning feminine touch.

Flutter is the scent of the month for April. Drift to sleep as the subtle perfume of a moonlit spring garden flutters through an open window. Delicate orange blossoms and whipped almond cream float above a bed of bright lemon verbena, creating a dreamy fragrance, like a sweetheart's whisper in the night.

Baby's Breath     $30.00   $27.00
Flutter
     Bar     $5.00     $4.50
     Brick     $20.00   $18.00
     Scent Circle     $3.00     $2.70
     Room Spray     $8.00     $7.20

Friday, March 4, 2011

Autism Speaks! Charitable Warmer

Now that the new Scentsy catalog is out, the latest charitable warmer is available. This season Scentsy is raising awareness and money for  Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is "dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families."
The Piece-by-Piece warmer is close to my heart for personal and professional reasons. Personally, I have a nephew who is on the spectrum. Professionally, I am a special educator who has taught at the secondary and postsecondary levels. I know how autism can affect an individual and a family, and I am pleased that all proceeds from the sale of this warmer will be donated to Autism Speaks. The Piece-by-Piece warmer costs $35.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Party with the Scentsy Buddies!



Not only does Scentsy have great wickless candle systems to keep your environments smelling and looking great, but Scentsy also offers cute and cuddly Scentsy Buddies for the kids in your life.





Scentsy Buddies are cute, soft, and scented! That's right--you choose your Scent Pak, unzip the back of the Scentsy Buddy, insert the Scent Pak, and enjoy the fragrance! Currently, there are 15 scents to choose from.






For even more fun, there is an interactive website that allows your child to register and adopt their Scentsy Buddy, play games, and read stories about the Scentsy Buddies. But don't worry--the website does not collect personal information about your child and does not have any online chatting features. Scentsy prides itself on its safety, and Scentsy Buddies are safe for children ages 3 years and up.





For a really fun and special time, how about a Scentsy Buddy themed slumber party? The hostess of the party would purchase a variety of Scentsy Buddies (one for each child attending) and Scent Paks. The children choose their Scentsy Buddy and Scent Pak, register their Buddy on the website, play games with their Buddies, and then (eventually) fall asleep!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Flossing is Good for Your Teeth--and Your Scentsy Plug-in Warmer!

Many people purchase the Scentsy plug-in because of it's versatility. It is perfect for a small room such as a bathroom. However, whenever the scent is depleted from the wax, it can be tricky to remove the wax from the plug-in without spilling it everywhere.


Because of this, Scentsy is introducing a plastic Grab Tab that you put into the wax basin to assist you in removing the hardened wax. The cost of these Grab Tabs is minimal--$3 for a 25 pack. These Grab Tabs will be available March 1, 2011.

However, I have found a less expensive option (not that $3 is a lot) that is just as effective. All you need is dental floss, which if you keep a plug-in in your bathroom the floss should already be handy.





How to Use Dental Floss
to Remove Scent-Depleted Wax From Your Plug-in


1. Melt the wax in your warmer

2. Take a piece of floss about 5-6 inches long and wrap it around your finger in order to form a coiled piece

3. Place the coiled piece of floss into the melted wax, leaving a small section of the floss extending out of the wax 

4. Turn the plug-in off and let the wax harden

5. When the wax has completed hardened, pull the floss that is extended out of the wax until the wax disc pops out

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Spring and Summer 2011 NEW Scents

Okay, I'm just a little bit excited. No really--I'm very excited! I cannot wait to receive my NEW streamlined party testers or to smell the new scents this season!

Are you curious about the new scents? Well, here they are . . .
  • Faerie Blossom--a fantastical scent of lychee fruit and watermint, ethereal sweet lotus, and violets
  • Forever Pink--Cherry blossoms and freesia with blackcurrant jam and musk in an unmistakably pink fragrance
  • Groovy Grapefruit--Energetic grapefruit, fresh wheatgrass, and amber create an uplifting, intriguing scent
  • Honey, Do!--Lush, ripe honeydew melon and cantaloupe, and a hint of garden mint
  • Mums & Marigolds--The sunny scent of summer marigolds, rosy rhubarb, earthy cedar, and musk
  • Pomatini--Pomegranate and grapefruit tonic, effervescent soda bubbles, and fresh berries
  • Tea Party--A secret garden of melon, quince, and chamomile, with black and white tea
  • Love Story--Innocent pink jasmine and sensual amber embraced by luscious dark chocolate
  • Luna--White florals (jasmine, sweet pea, and freesia), juicy berries, and sandalwood shimmer like moonlight
  • Route 66--A windswept drive in a convertible: an exhilarating breeze of citrus, herbs, and musk
  • Sharp-Dressed Man--Grapefruit and lemon sparkle over eucalyptus and basil, like cuff links on a classic tuxedo (Why am I thinking about men with long beards? Hmmmm.)
  • Oats & Honey--A buttery mix of toasted oats and tupelo honey, oven-crisped with vanilla and maple
  • Rio Beach--The scent of sun, surf, sand, and samba: coconut milk, tropical fruit, and tonka bean (I will definitely be getting this one in memory of my Lauren Rio <3)
  • Surfer Chick--Bubbly lemon tonic and guava frolic with sweet cherries and blackberries in this youthful scent
  • Cocoa Clementine--The scent of childhood: orange-flavored candy wrapped in milk chocolate
So there you have it--the NEW scents that will be available March 1st.

Schedule a party during March and I will give you a Scentsy Full Size System ($40 value that includes a full sized Scentsy warmer and 3 Scentsy bars) for the price of the date that we agree on. For example, have your party on March 1 and only pay $1 for the Scentsy Full Size System!!

Friday, January 28, 2011

How does Scentsy work?



Tips
  • Use 2-3 wax cubes for the full size warmers
  • Use 2 wax cubes for the mid-size warmers
  • Use 1 wax cube for the plug-in warmers
  • The wax will not evaporate; dispose of the wax when it has lost its smell
  • To change scents, melt the wax, pour the wax back into its original container, wipe out the warmer bowl, and place your new wax cubes into the bowl

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Rudder High School's Project Graduation Fundraiser!

For those of you who may not know, my daughter Lauren would have been a senior this year. She was a member of the first Rudder High School class. Soon, her classmates will be graduating from high school, and their teachers and parents want to make sure that they have a safe and fun graduation. Hence, Project Graduation!

One of the fundraisers that RHS is holding is a Scentsy fundraiser. Twenty-five percent of all purchases will be donated to RHS's Project Graduation. To find out how you can participate in this fundraiser, see the flyer below.


Saturday, January 22, 2011

Hurry Before It's GONE!

The new Scentsy catalog comes out soon, and that means new warmers and scents! But, it also means that some of the warmers and scents will be discontinued. Well, I've heard through the grapevine which warmers and scents are being discontinued, and I've heard about some of the new warmers and scents that are coming.

Currently, Scentsy is supporting The National Breast Cancer with all proceeds from the Love, Life, Hope Scentsy warmer. If you want this warmer--NOW IS THE TIME TO GET IT because it will be discontinued when the new catalog comes out.
I have heard that the next organization that Scentsy will support is Autism Speaks!!!! As a special educator, I am really excited about this. The Autism Speaks warmer is a neutral colored square warmer that features raised puzzle pieces.

So, in summary, by purchasing a charity Scentsy warmer you can support a cause that is close to your heart and have a great smelling house!