Funky Business Cards

If your thinking of starting the year off right with a new look, look no further with these funky business cards by Biz Cart.  Anyone would love these colorful cards for a business or just calling cards!   Very unique designs that will pop out among all the rest!

She also makes amazing invites and custom banners. Check out her shop on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/bizcart?ref=seller_info) or see even more designs on Zazzle (zazzle.com/bizcart).  To top it off the Biz Cart shop owner will give a free banner with a business card purchase if you mention you saw our feature! Just say you saw it on Nikki's Blog.  How cool is that?!

It's the thought that counts!

We all know the meaning of  Christmas isn't about gifts but a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus.  I do admit I don't celebrate the religious part but the Spirit of Christmas takes over me.  I play all kinds of holiday music on my iPod from Johnny Mathis to Rap Christmas songs (yes there are some.)  My mom makes beautiful wreaths and I love driving around seeing the white lights adorning the homes in my neighborhood.  Oh, and the food!  My second holiday excuse to eat baked mac & cheese, cookies cookies and did I mention cookies?

Also my favorite is I absolutely love giving gifts and make an effort to think of the person and what they like,  dislike, their style and beliefs.  I hope people take the same care when shopping for me but most of them don't.  I was a little taken a back a few years ago when a close friend bought me a bath salts and lotion one year.  Really?  But I wasn't as obvious as this little kid.




So in this nation of christmas marketing, what are the top 5 things you DON'T want for Christmas this year?
Here is mine (in no particular order):

1. Gym Membership - what are you trying to say?
2. Gift Cards - unless it's to the Cheesecake Factory, I forget about them for years (literally years).
3. Anything technical - I'm getting old and don't have the patience to learn how to use it.
4. Underwear - If you must I don't wear thongs.
5. Your re-gifted (used) gift - I don't mind the re-gifting if you think I would use it more than you but next time you give me a candle holder can you scrape off the melted wax.

Price Increase

Unfortunately many of our suppliers will be increasing the cost of raw materials.  This coupled with that we haven't increased our prices in over 7 years we must also increase our prices to remain afloat.  Our prices will still be very reasonable  and our quality will not be sacrificed.  We just wanted to let you know that our increases will begin mid-January so stock up on your favorite candles within the next few weeks at the current prices.   We still will not require any minimums, handling fees and our shipping fees on our website are the actual shipping rates straight from the shipping vendors.  We don't pad our increases in shipping fees or anything else.  Continue to find more new scents products on our website and new exclusive designs on the craft site of Etsy and ArtFire!

Monthly Giveaway Galore

Congrats to the November winner Vikki for commenting on our website.

This month we are giving away a gift-wrapped set of 4-perfume body oils!

(a $25 value)

Here is how you can win

Just for commenting you are automatically entered in our monthly giveaway.

1. Be our fan on Facebook and leave a comment about the topic or website.
2. Follow us on Twitter and tweet about us using nikkicandles or Nikki Makes Scents (sorry private tweets can't be seen and therefore cannot be counted)
3. Follow our Blog and leave comment about any of our post for the month (sorry private follows cannot be verified therefore cannot be counted) .
4. If you made a purchase, leave comments on our "what people are saying" page
   

It's that simple to win these perfumes from us!!  (Please provide a way for us to contact you.)

Do all four each month and that will count as 4 entries to increase your chances!!

Comments such as "comment" or "I'm following you" are not considered comments! Please comment on our post, our products or whatever subject we are chatting or tweeting about this month.

(Previous winners within the year are not eligible to win again although we appreciate your support so let's hear from you too!)

Cyber Monday Sale Feature #9

It's Cyber Monday and our one-and-only sale!!  After you finish putting us to work with all your orders on candles check out these shops and their deals:

 

All Wired Up Jewelry Designs

http://www.artfire.com/users/ppennee

If you don't see these pictures in the shop I probably bought them because they are my favorite!  But don't worry, she has many many delightful pieces.  I love sterling silver and I can't afford a diamond so a Cubic Zorcina is the next best thing!  She describes her shop as handcrafted metalsmithed and gemstone jewelry for the modern woman. (Hey I think I'm modern lady!)  Another perk is she uses only 100% recycled sterling, fine silver, Argentium or 14k gold-filled.  Take advantage of her Cyber Monday deal today of 10% off the entire shop (except the gift certificate and upgraded shipping), as well as Free Worldwide Shipping.

The Woven Spoke

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWovenSpoke

Handcrafted baskets are woven for using in the home as decor or as useful vessels for the kitchen, bathroom, or any other rooms to hold a multitude of items.  10% off the entire shop through Tuesday (11/30) using coupon BFCMsale.

Tole Treasures

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ToleTreasures

Quality hand-painted home decor and holiday pieces.  10% entire store until midnight tonight. Use coupon code NOV2010 at checkout.

Distorted Earth

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DistortedEarth

Hand crafted wire-wrapped rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Made with sterling silver, silver plated, copper, gemstones, and beads. 10% off the entire order when you use coupon codeblackfriday at check out until November 30th!

Cinnamon Tree

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sabbio

This is another absolute favorite shop I just fell in love with.  A French artist who loves to paint femininity through it's strength, beauty and dreams.  These are absolutely great gifts for all women.  She has original prints and art on items such as jewelry, boxes and journals. I particularly adore the prints on the tea boxes, bookmarks and candle holders (you know I love candle holders!).  Today midnight is the last day to get 20% off the entire store. Use coupon code SABBIOTHWE.

 

Cyber Monday Sale Feature #8

Are you pooped yet?

Sew Legit

http://www.artfire.com/users/SewLegit

Handmade bags and accessories in beautiful patterns.  20% off everything in the shop until Dec 1st!

Unique Scrap Designs

http://www.etsy.com/shop/UniqueScrapDesigns

Custom digital invitations, announcements, cards and party printables.  40% off any purchase in their  shop.  Use coupon code USDBFCM1 at checkout. Sale lasts until Monday, 11/29. (Excludes professional printing.) 

Cyber Monday Sales feature #7

Black Friday is over but that was only the beginning!  Many of these small business shops have sales and discounts through this weekend, to Cyber Monday to even the end of the year!  I have to admit I emptied my holiday club and I'm taking the opportunity to purchase some of these items for myself.  Umm just think of it as a holiday present to myself.  Why don't you do the same.

Tie Dye by Sara

http://www.artfire.com/users/TieDyeBySara

Hand-dyed with love by Sara and her spouse.  Over 400 pieces in stock normally and custom orders always welcome for no extra charge.   For the rest of November, 10% off every item in the shop.
An additional 10% off towards shipping for the first 5 orders with purchases of $8-$60 (please contact merchant for coupon).  Come on by and have yourself a tie dyed Christmas! 

 The Collected Collage

http://www.etsy.com/shop/theCollectedCollage

The Collected Collage specializes in eye-catching, unusual pieces of antique & vintage jewelry, apparel and accessories.  Offering Free U.S. Shipping on all jewelry orders over $50.

 Madden Photography

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Maddenphotography

Home Decor that is timeless, inspirational and nature inspired. 20 % Off the section "20 PERCENT OFF MONDAY" (This section only on 11/29).

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales Feature #6

I'm so stuffed I couldn't get up at 4am and stand in the cold on line if I wanted to.  Instead I will go online (see that great play on words? he he he) and browse through the many many sales going on here.  If you didn't know it small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy and represent a great majority of new jobs each year.  If anything, we small business owners ask consumers to buy a portion of their gifts from small businesses and also from hand crafted artisans this year to keep the economy on it's feet.  Now here are the incredible sales I found today:

Mad Moravian

http://www.artfire.com/users/madmoravian

Wonders in wood, glass and wire.  20% off all items from Turkey Day through Cyber Monday.
Coupon code: CYBERBLACK 

 Forget Me Not Treasure

http://www.artfire.com/users/ForgetMeKnotTreasure

A variety of embroidered gifts from housewares, purses, bags, accessories, roses and bouquets. All of their products are custom made so no one piece is alike. Free Shipping on everything in the shop until December 13th.

Sarenzo Beads

http://www.sarenzobeads.com/

Sarenzo Beads ~ an online boutique of custom, beautiful and unique jewelry and natural hair accessories.  Black Friday 12 midnight - 12 noon est - buy one get one 1/2 off.  Use code bogo1/2
12 noon - 12 midnight est 15% off all purchases use code 15%
(Please note that everyone will get free shipping & we will still have $5 Fridays)
Small Business Saturday & Super Sunday - 15% off all purchases use code 15%
everyone will get free shipping
Cyber Monday - 20% off all items all day .  Please note there will be a $10 hairtie section
everyone will get free shipping.

 Boutique Karma

http://www.artfire.com/users/BoutiqueKarma

A wide variety of comfort items such as beautiful eye pillows, coasters, coffee sleeves, mug huggers, bobo packs and crayon roll ups. All handmade with beautifully chosen cotton fabrics.  20% off the entire shop through midnight Monday (11/29).

Belle Blake Designs
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BelleBlakeDesigns

Stunning unique gifts of earrings, cigarette and business card cases.  Selected items on sale today!

Ilze Lucero Props & Bridal

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ilzesmemories

Isn't this precious?!  This shop makes beautiful baby hats, bridal decor, appliques, bridal hair accessories and so much more to make your memories of that day even more special.  20% off the entire shop!  Use coupon code MYBF2010.

Olives and Pearls
http://www.etsy.com/shop/olivesandpearls

Trendy and eclectic jewelry!  30% off your entire purchase from 6am-12am MST Today!! Use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY10 at checkout. 

Tindle Bears

http://www.artfire.com/users/tindlebears

I'm loving these so much I couldn't just pick on picture.  Makers of fine artist teddy bears perfect for the archtophile in your family. All original designs and OOAK personalities.  25% off all artist teddy bears through Tuesday!

3rd Annual Cyber Monday BOGO SALE

Starting Monday (Nov 29)

From 12am Monday until 7:59am
Buy 1 and get 1 free
on almost all items we sell!
(some exceptions)

From 8am Monday until 11:59pm
Buy 1 and get 1 1/2 off
on almost all items we sell! 
(some exceptions)
 

This is the only store-wide sale  we offer - so now's the time to stock up on scented delights from candles, Body Oils and Bath & Body items for all your friends and family.

In addition, we're offering a Doorbuster on the first 5 customers also receives
Free Shipping!

Once the sale is over we will go through orders  and the first five orders the shipping will be refunded!

Terms of Sale

• Buy 1 get 1 Free or 1/2 off of the same item.  While supplies last.
  
• All Candle items are eligible
• Exceptions are: Samples, Gift Sets, packaged discount sets, accessories, reed diffusers and gift certificates.

• Coupons and any other discounts are not accepted during this sale.

• Sales valid ONLY from 12am Monday - 11:59pm Monday.

• All times are EST.

• Sale will not be held over nor backdated for out of stock items.

Thanksgiving & Black Friday/Cyber Monday Feature #5

It's Turkey Day! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I'm giving thanks for those pop-up timer things for the turkey and instant gravy. I think that is the easiest thing on my menu.  Here's hoping nothing is undercooked, burns or I added salt instead of sugar.  Anyway, I've come across so many marvelous mini shops that have hand crafted items on sale I hope to I get to them all. Look-see at these goodies!

 

 Jewelry Song

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JewelrySong

Jewelry Song specializes in handmade wire wrapped and beaded jewelry. Feminine and fashionable accessories for fabulous women. 15% off the entire store!!  Use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY10.  This sale is valid now until Monday, Nov 29th at 8:00pm EST.

Tialys

http://www.artfire.com/users/tialys

Wonderful items made of fabric from tubbies, ornaments, wall art and sachets from France.  Receive a free gift with every purchase now thru Monday.

Baby Nest

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BabyNest

Home of handmade ladies crochet fashion and jute baskets.  This is a wonderful shop owner and incredibly she is offering 40%, 60% and even 80% off now through Boxing day (12/26/10).  Prices are already marked for your shopping convenience.

Still Novo Designs

http://www.etsy.com/shop/StilNovoDesign

Unique eco-friendly elegant home decor, custom furniture & 'green' gift ideas are made with solid white oak wood staves reclaimed from French wine barrels. How cool is that!
Black Friday Free Shipping Day! Use coupon ‘BFFREESHIPPING’ at checkout on the 26th.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Feature #4

It's Wednesday and my Turkey is still defrosting so why not do a little early shopping for the holidays online. Many of these small businesses have pre-black Friday sales. Yeah!!

 Designs by Elena Marie

http://www.artfire.com/users/DesignsbyElenaMarie

Delicate, handmade one of a kind earrings, necklaces and bracelets created with semi-precious gemstones, pearls and Swarovski crystals.  The entire store is having a 10% off sale now thru 12/31/10.

Joyfully Sewn Designs

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyfullySewnDesigns

Isn't she cute!  Carefully handmade, feminine dresses, jumpers, tops, skirts and more.  Free Shipping!  Also use coupon code THANKS10 for an additional 10% off!!

Farnum Ink Studio

http://www.etsy.com/shop/FarnumInkStudio

Stunning original paintings, fine art prints and photographs and note cards.  An amazing 50% off any item in the shop until 12/2/10.  Use coupon code THANKS2010

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Feature #3

So I heard on the news a few days ago a couple has already started camping out at a store for their black Friday sale.  Don't they know they can get better quality items here online?!  Okay well I guess us handmade people don't make 50" plasmas for $200.  But for so many other gift ideas take a look at these sales going on:

A Vintage Bride

http://www.etsy.com/shop/avintagebride

Unique One Of A Kind Re-Styled, Recycled, Re-Used, Vintage Bridal sprinkled with New England vintage treasures. Feather your nest with unique one-of-a-kind keepsakes, charming handmade vintage heirlooms.  Free Shipping until December 8th. This shop is closing so grab these beautiful eclectic items before they go.

Linda Sudimak, Artisan

http://www.artfire.com/users/LindaSudimack

Hand crafted jewelry, using sterling silver, copper, brass, gold some with gemstones and/or pearls. This is a very eclectic collection with the majority of the item being one-of-a-kind.  She is offering 20% off everything in her shop until 12/31/10.  Use coupon code "Happy Holidays"

Art by Sunfire

http://www.artfire.com/users/artbysunfire

Beautifully made index card binders, index card journals, shabby chic jewelry boxes, recipe boxes, thank you note cards, HUGS note cards and much more.  Check out her blog on "10 tips to use index card organizer."  Offering Free Shipping for Black Friday & Cyber Monday.