It’s hard to believe that this all started out of my kitchen and that just three years ago today, we had our grand opening of the Things That Make Scents retail store. We started this journey surround by our friends and family and three years later they are still there offering their support as well as all of our new friends and extended family.  We are blessed with quite possibly the best customers in the world! Many of them started out as just a customer and over time have become the greatest of friends. We appreciate all of you and wouldn’t be where we are today without you! So THANK YOU for being part of the first 3 years with us and we look forward to many, many more!!

 I can’t help but to get a little emotional when I look back at last three years. I signed my resignation letter and then I signed my lease. It was hard to picture how the 1100sq ft space could ever be transformed into the beautiful retail store & factory it is now. Somehow we pulled it off and it was even better that we could have imagined.  It wasn’t always easy, but it was so worth the risk and we have no regrets!

 Its funny, because one main thing that sticks in my mind, is Tom asking me “Are you sure you’re not going to get sick of making candles??”  I can’t even begin to tell you how many candles I have made in the last 10 years, but I can honestly say “No, I am not sick of making candles!” Surprisingly enough it’s still very enjoyable to me. I love coming up with new scents and have fun doing it.  Talk to me when im 80 and I might have a different story though.. LOL

 Here are some pics of the of the store before we made it beautiful.

Thanks to the help of my good pal K-Krafty, I was able to pull off the February window, complete with not 1 but 2 giant Hershey Kisses! I am very pleased at how it turned out.  You never know whats going to happen until you start loading stuff into the window, sometimes it works and sometimes it don’t.

Now im off to think about the March window.

ttyl

How could you not love snowmen?  They are one of my favorites! I have hundreds of different snowman things, from wreathes to stuffed snowmen, mugs, plates and, well you get the picture.

Thats why I knew the minute I saw these life sized snowmen at the store I just had to have them. Im pretty sure I bought 7 of them, but I think 2 ran away or melted. There were only 5 hiding out in storage when I went to get them. Whats up with that?? 

January is a tough window theme because what really does January have? NOTHING! Unless you count the freezing cold temperatures. So lucky for me and my snowman family I was able to create a winter wonderland scene for the January window display. The only thing missing is the snowflakes, which I cant seem to find anywhere. I think its possible that the 2 escapees grabbed them when they headed for the hills. But anyway, I still think it came out nice.

I tried to find some cute snowman song or something but aside from Frosty there isn’t much. I did come across a rather strange but yet interesting snowman video called Once there was a snowman.If you have 3 ½ mins check it out.
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfLt0L6OeEg&feature=related

 Pretty soon I will be working on the February window. Not exactly sure how that ones going to come together just yet but I’m running out of time to think about it!

 ttyl

As I sit here thinking about the January window and wondering where the time went, it occurs to me that I never posted the pics of the December window.  Sorry about that.

Since Tom and I spent most of December at the store we decided to put our lovely Christmas tree from home in the display window. Complete with presents and 2 little elves.  Ok, so they aren’t real presents,  boxes are empty, but they look impressive.

I promise not to wait so long to post the January window pictures. In my head it’s a winter wonderland scene but what it will turn out to be is another story.

ttyl

Don’t go to the Mall! Stay away from Walmart and Target! If you go anywhere on Black Friday, you definitely want to come to Things That Make Scents! Why??
Because….. It’s back… our big Black Friday Sales Event!

Here are the coupons and details you will need for the Black Friday Sale.

Black Friday Sale will be for both retail store & online shoppers!

On Black Friday (Nov. 27th) the retail store be open  8am – 6pm.
(You can shop online anytime 24/7 but pay close attention to sales times) You will want to get up early for this!

Our Early Bird Sale is 40%* off from 8am – 10am
Even candle of the month will be 40% off

Online Shoppers use coupon code: TURKEY40
(Coupon valid between 8am – 10am EST)

10am – 6pm 30% off*
Online Shoppers use coupon code: TURKEY30
(Coupon valid between 10am – 6pm EST Fri 11/27)

Please note:
*Consignment merchandise, custom orders and wholesale items are not included in the Black Friday Sale. No other coupons or discounts can be applied.

WIN WIN WIN!!

We will also have a Black Friday Weekend Giveaway!  All online orders will automatically be entered in the drawing. Retail store shoppers can fill out an entry form at checkout.

We will be giving out 5 gift certificates.

Grand Prize $50 Things that Make Scents Gift Certificate
2nd Prize $20 Things That Make Scents Gift Certificate
3 – 3rd Prize $10 Things That Make Scents Gift Certificates

Our awesome consignment gals have graciously donated some goodies for the giveaway too!

Funky Chunks Soaps
Cherie’s Creations
& Allenwood Soaps

Looking forward to seeing you all then!

ttyl

Every month I ponder on what Im going to do for the display window for the upcoming month.

Sometimes this is an easy task, and sometimes its not. November is one of the months that’s not so easy.  But this year in honor of Thanksgiving I decided to dedicate my display window to Plymouth Rock.

Thanks to Hubby’s awesome sign and Tom Turkey I think it came out pretty good.  You might not be able to tell by the picture but if you have seen it in person you might think to yourself,  Holy Cow! That’s a big rock, more like Plymouth Mountain! Well, in case you are wondering I made it that big on purpose. Otherwise, how else would you be able to see it from the street! If interested, you can learn more about the real Plymouth Rock here.

Here’s the pics of my version, take a look.

Wait until you see the Christmas Window!  Its in the planning stage now.

Ttyl

In addition to our Halloween collection, my much sought after Pumpkin Spice Candle is finally available. It took me close to a year to find the perfect blend of creamy pumpkin and spices to make up this faboulous scent. Not to sweet, its just perfect!  And to go along with that we have added an out of this world Pumpkin Spice Coffee to our BrewThis! gourmet coffee line. 

Pumpkin Spice quicly moved to the top of my BrewThis! favorites list, even passed Banana Nut Fudge which was my ultimate favorite a couple weeks ago!  All of our awesome Pumpkin Spice stuff is available online and at the retail store. If you love pumpkins like I do, you simply must try it!

Even though Halloween is my favorite holiday, hubby usually does the window. Somehow I got stuck doing it this year. And I think it came out pretty good if I do say so myself!

It looks much cooler at night so we took the photos once it got dark…..Take a look!

In case you didnt know already heres the scoop on our 2009 Halloween Collection. 

We brought back your favorites from last year as well as 2 brand new scents. And back by popular demand, Black Cat is making a return this year too!

Boo!: A rich creamy vanilla base with notes of coconut, butter and a hint of fresh baked graham crust. Color: White

Haunted House: Walk down the dark hallway; breathe in the musky aromas of patchouli swirling around a mist of sandalwood. Watch out for the cobwebs  Color: Light moss green

Trick or Treat: Sweet baked maple vanilla butter cookies made with spicy cardamom, baked rum and lemon zest intensified by a subtle chocolate coating. Color: Med. Brownish Yellow

Zombies: A delightful black cherry aroma that is not too sweet but plenty juicy. If only zombies smelled this good. Color: Burgundy

Black Cat: A true black licorice scent. Color: Black

New for 2009
All Hallow’s Eve: Frightful citrus notes of lime and orange sparkle with an eerie blend of berries.  Sneak in some leafy green accents for intensity and a kiss of vanilla for sweetness. Color: Deep purple

Skeleton Bones:An earthy combination of patchouli and spiced wood blended with a musky leather undertone and hints of lavender & ylang.  Color: Light grey

October’s Candle of the Month is Cranberry.  We decided to switch this year and go with a plain cranberry instead our regular spiced cranberry.  It’ s a huge hit so far!

We are off to pick up our new coffees today.  Pumpkin spice and French Vanilla will be available this week!

ttyl

The September window pics would have been up sooner but I managed to delete them from the camera when trying to transfer them over to the computer. (don’t ask how!)

So without further delay….. here they are.

September’s window theme was Apple Harvest.  And for the record 130 apples were used (Yes they are fake)

We are so excited that Things That Make Scents was nominated for the Shine the Light award.  We need at least 50 endorsements by Sept. 13th in order to move to the next round of judging.  Of course the more endorsements the better…. So here’s where we need your help!  Please help support us by heading over and giving us your vote. You do have to register in order to make your endorsement count, but it’s a quick process and we would really appreciate it!  Thanks so much!! And keep your fingers crossed for us!

Here’s the Link: Vote For Things That Make Scents