"Donate Dad"

I own a small business called Eternal Memory Candles.   These candles are labeled in memory of "Mom" or "Dad", etc.  A friend of mine asked me to donate a candle for a charity fundraiser and I happily obliged.

I left myself a post it note in the office that simply read "Donate - Dad" to remind myself to record the candle in my inventory tracking spreadsheet and to record the donation for tax purposes.

My 7 year old son was in the office and asked me what the post it note meant.  I asked him if he knew what donate meant.  His response was "give it away to someone who needs it".  I told him that was correct.  He said, "Are we giving Daddy to another family that needs a Dad?"   After doing my best to stay straight faced, I said we were not giving away Daddy...it was just a note for the candle business.  He was so relieved and said that it was good...because he really likes his Daddy and wants to keep him. 

I can't believe my son thought I could give away my husband!!

Holiday Shopping!

Eternal Memory Candles are the perfect gift for anyone who has lost a loved one. The holidays are such a tough time of year for those grieving. Help ease their pain by lighting a candle in celebration and remembrance.

Buy online at Eternal Memory Candle.  Available Candles include:  Mom, Dad, Husband & Wife.

My Fourth Father's day without him...

Today is a hard day.  I will try to stay upbeat and happy for my husband (I don't want to be a downer on his special day) and for the kids.  

My Dad was strong, humble, quiet, smart, and loving.  He taught me how to fish, how to drive, and constantly reinforced key qualities like respect and discipline.  My parents inspired a work ethic in me that continues to be a driving force in my life.  Neither my Mom or Dad went to college.  They wanted better for their two girls and instilled values and morals in both of us that serve us well.  My sister earned her Ph.D. and I have a Masters degree and two undergraduate degrees. Both my sister and I graduated summa cum laude.

My Dad loved coffee, country music, camping, hunting, fishing, crosswords, and most of all, his family.  I will forever treasure all of our wonderful family memories.  He was a wonderful Pop Pop to my kids.

If he only knew that I started a whole company in his honor and memory.  Talk about leaving a legacy...

Lighting my candle in celebration and remembrance...

Still smiling!

As if the weekend festivities were not enough for me, the first few days of this week have been pretty over the top.

• First...Nydia Han (bless her heart) wrote on Facebook about my candles and our family visit
• Second, I got even more press for the candles this week in a newsletter on grieving (Heartache to Healing)
• Third, my little girl nailed her performance of Peggy Pleasant in "Ella" tonight.  We found out on Monday she was picked to perform her role in Ella in Philadelphia at the Painted Bride Theater.  This is the second semester in a row that she was picked to be the lead of her role!  So proud!!

Feel free to check out my website or my facebook page to keep up on all the latest candle news. 

Eternal Memory Candles have arrived!

400 candles arrived today! I am so excited. 

2 1/2 years ago I had this crazy idea for a memorial candle.  Today, my business is a reality!


Order yours online at www.eternalmemorycandle.com.  Light yours in celebration and remembrance of someone special!  Or, purchase one as gift for a special friend!

Exciting News!

 
Alright, alright! I've kept you all waiting long enough!

In April, I obtained my first "real" customer that ordered enough for me to place my first order with my manufacturer.  It took forever, but the candles have completed their burn test (who knew there was such a thing) and I can now legally claim the length of my burn.  It was a learning experience with regards to labeling, filling, packaging, quality control checks, etc.  I never thought about how complicated the manufacturing process could be. 

Anyway, The candles will be leaving the warehouse shortly!  I am so freakin' excited!!  My dream is now a reality!

If you could, please "like" Eternal Memory Candles on Facebook.  Facebook (and the blogging community) will account for the bulk of my marketing while we are still in start up mode. Scents available immediately (well, once the big truck arrives) are:

1. Vanilla bean for Women:  labeled Wife or Mom (beige wax color)
2. Cabernet Oak for Men:  labeled Husband or Dad (burgundy wax color)

They are the two at right in the photo above (label options Dad, Mom, Husband, Wife).  The cost is $25 per candle (which is priced right on par with another well known candle company that might begin with Y and be manufactured in a glass jar with a glass lid).   ;)

The candles are in a 22 oz candle in a glass jar with a domed brushed aluminum lid.  Candle orders can be placed online through the Eternal Memory Candle website.

The cold gets you movin'!

Nothing like a brisk (and I mean downright cold) run to get your day going! I did my regular 3 miles in 29 minutes. Not quite a PR, but good enough for me!

I've been a bit "punchy" all week since I have not run since Sunday. It has just been too cold and windy. Granted it was cold today (it's 24 out there), but the wind really does make all the difference. Bring on the weekend...I saw 40s and 50s on the forecast!

Blog readers...if you haven't already done so, please check out my website:  www.eternalmemorycandle.com and like me on http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eternal-Memory-Candle/116916075040535!  The business has officially launched!

8 miles today...felt great!

It's been nice running without pain. Really nice.  At that to my list of things to be thankful for.  This week's tallies include a 3 miler, a 4 miler, and 8 today.  I'll try to get out for 6 or 7 tomorrow. 

Life is busy, but good.  This week brought a few proposals at work (one was for $350K...keep your fingers crossed for me on that one) and the near finalization of my website (www.eternalmemorycandle.com).  All I need is a picture on the product page and the website will be done.  I'm starting to approach retailers now!!

Kiddos are good...ARL keeps busy with friends, chorus, drama, violin and homework!  JAL spends most time playing bakugans with a neighbor!  Mike is out on a run now clocking his miles for the weekend!

Free to Breathe TOMORROW!!

The Philadelphia Free To Breathe 5k is tomorrow!  This is how my whole running career began!  With a simple google of "walks for lung cancer".  Who knew it would turn me into a runner??  This race will be my second year on the planning committee and running it.  Last year I was recovering from bronchitis and got a 31:33.  Not bad for a sickie.  I hope to come in somewhere in the 28s tomorrow. 


A lot of people say their life changes after they lose a loved one.  For me, that would be a huge understatement.  My Dad has motivated and inspired me so many times since he's passed.  I've created a product as a result of his passing.  I'm pursuing a dream in bringing this product to the market to help folks celebrate and remember their loved ones.  I've become a runner whose completed two 1/2 marathons.  Every run provides a quiet time to reflect on my wonderful memories of my Dad.

Life is short.  Seize each day and make a difference. 

Finally....

My dream is becoming a reality.  October 12 marked the official birth or Eternal Memory Candle!  Stay tuned for more information.