More Contributions For The *DIVALICIOUS SAMPLE BOXES*...

Over the past week or so, we have received more glam, girly, and gorgeous contributions for the Sweet Delight Divalicious Sample Boxes. The most recent contributions have come from the businesses typed in italics....

* Aquacate & Co.

* The Soap Seduction

* SuzanneMade

* Bijouxbead

* Bin Hog Designs

* Mattie Reid Chicago

* Joyful Girl Natural Products

* Sweet And Tranquil

* Underglass

* Sweet Delight Bath and Body Treats

* Designing-Diva

* SueBeads

* Ocean Mist Cosmetics

* Designs By Victoria

Don't forget to mark your calendars for March 10th ~ the big sale day!

Bijouxbead's New Look!

Have you checked out the Bijouxbead Etsy shop lately? Darlene Martin, the designer, has made some big changes over there and it now looks better than ever. To showcase her "wearable art", she has added a bunch of eye-catching new photos that seem to capture the full beauty and intricate details of her work...

~ The Artist's Brush ~

~ Beaches Jazz Festival ~


Oh, and we must tell you and that within a few hours of making the revamp, one of her pieces was chosen for the Etsy "Luxury" gift guide. How great is that!! Plus...within 24 hours, the views on 10 of her new listings equaled over 900 total views.

Be sure to check out the latest work from Darlene's Bijouxbead necklace collection. It is available exclusively at Etsy!

"Sweet Scents and Tranquil Baths"

Sweet and Tranquil ~ "sweet scents and tranquil baths". This Canadian-based company offers an impressive variety of bath and body products at fabulous, affordable prices! We are very excited about their quality, handcrafted soaps and want to show you a few of our absolute favorites...

Mmm...“sweet strawberries, moist cake, and sweetened whipped cream”. That's how the shop describes their Yummy Strawberry Shortcake Soap. Sounds so refreshing and looks so delicious. A must-have!



Treat yourself to this decadent and oh-so-sweet soap luxury. Chocoholic Soap that looks just like a real, freshly-baked chocolate fudge brownie....and smells like one too.



Lather up with this Seduction Whipped Parfait Foaming Soap. It has a soft and feminine fragrance and is perfect for the face and body. It also creates lots of creamy bubbles. How luxurious!



Visit the Sweet and Tranquil shop today!

Psst....did you know that Sweet and Tranquil will be in our March Sweet Delight Divalicious Sample Boxes? This company has contributed some fabulous soap samples (in pretty gossamer bags) for you to enjoy. Yay!

Blog Followers Disappearing Today?

Wondering why your public blog followers are disappearing by the dozens today? Well, don't worry about it. You're not alone. Many bloggers are having the same problem (including us) and have been left scratching their heads over the last few hours, puzzled by this "phenomenon".

It seems that Blogger is in the process of making a few changes to their system and are well aware of this problem. Read all about it on the Blogger Help Forum. Keep in mind that your followers have NOT been deleted. They are actually still following your blog. They have simply gone from "public" to "anonymous", that's all.

Just thought you should know that your followers still love ya and there's nothing to worry about.:)

Candy Glam Cosmetics

When you know that you LOOK good...it makes you FEEL good. Right? Yes, of course.

That's why we simply must tell you about Candy Glam Cosmetics! This shop will have you looking and feeling your best in no time at all... with their wide variety of pretty, radiant, and natural colors!

We are very excited about their Love Punch (Pure, Natural Mineral Makeup Collection) - a 4-piece set that includes Heart Throb eye color, Sweet Tarte eye color, Bohemian Blush eye color, and a versatile, double-ended Eye Candy Brush. All for just $23.50!

We are also eager to purchase their Candy Kiss Pink Sugar Velvety Lip Gloss, infused with softening oils and butters. Bet it tastes great!

Get this....there's a variety of gorgeous shades and yummy flavors to choose from. Yes, that means that you get to pick and choose your favorites. Oh, such fun!



For more fabulous products, check out their shop...
Candy Glam Cosmetics

Happy Monday....and Happy Shopping!:-)

Clearance Prices At Roxy's Rox!

There are exciting things happening over at Roxy's Rox. Prices have been marked down for clearance on selected items.

For example, check out these elegant Red Chandelier earrings. Absolutely stunning! CLEARANCE PRICE $5



You'll definitely want to snag a pair of earrings before they're gone!

Also, you may want to check out some of the regular-priced jewelry at Roxy's Rox. The Green With Envy earrings and Purple Passion earrings are just so pretty!! Great prices too.

* UPDATE * - Sweet Delight Divalicious Sample Boxes

We've been scurrying around here like two busy bees! Excitement is building and the rush is on. Shipments of samples have been arriving by the box loads and we are working extremely hard to have everything ready to go on the big "Divalicious" sale day.

Don't forget that Sweet Delight Divalicious Sample Boxes go on sale in March. That means that you only have a few more weeks to wait. Yay!

Samples have already arrived from the following companies...
(** and there's more coming soon....so, stay tuned!)

Joyful Girl Natural Products

Sweet And Tranquil

Underglass

Sweet Delight Bath and Body Treats

Designing-Diva

SueBeads

Ocean Mist Cosmetics

Designs By Victoria

Hey Divas! When you buy one of our sample boxes, your name will instantly be entered into a draw to win a sample box from our next campaign. Woot!

Visit us at Sweet Delight Divalicious Sample Boxes and stay informed on all news and updates by signing up for our newsletter. .

And The Winner Is......

Hooray! Hooray!
It's time to announce the winner of the SueBeads giveaway!!

With a little help from the Random.org number generator, we have found a winner...

*Drumroll please*....and the winner is....
J. Leigh Designz!!!

Let's give her a round of applause.

Congratulations, J. Leigh Designz. You have just won the "Peruvian Violet Sparkles" (set of 6 lampworked beads made from uroboros clear glass, dipped in Peruvian Violet frit and wrapped with pure silver wire)!!!



Please contact us at divasinbusiness@live.ca to claim your prize. We will send your name, email, and mailing address to Susan at SueBeads. She will then send the prize directly to you. Thank you so much for participating and have a "Divalicious" day!

~ Business Quote ~

Here's an interesting quote to ponder...

"People are definitely a company’s greatest asset. It doesn’t make any difference whether the product is cars or cosmetics. A company is only as good as the people it keeps" - Mary Kay Ash

Cupcake Lovers.......This One's For You!

We're addicted to bath cupcakes. Love the look of them, the smell of them, and the way they fill the tub with rich oils and delicious fragrance. What is there not to love about bath cupcakes?

We're so excited to show you this Raspberry Sorbet Cupcake Bath Bomb from Feeling Smitten. Wowsa! It is a large, moisture-rich fizzie that will leave skin feeling soft, sweet, and beautiful. Best of all...it comes in a pretty box, ready to go!



You really, really, really MUST visit the Feeling Smitten shop. It is the perfect place to satisfy your "cupcake cravings".:)

* * GIVEAWAY * * ~ sponsored by SueBeads!

Hey, Divas! It's time for another exciting contest here at DDIB.

The giveaway for this week is sponsored by SueBeads. This fabulous diva-owned business has donated "Peruvian Violet Sparkles" (a set of 6 lampworked beads made from uroboros clear glass, dipped in Peruvian Violet frit and wrapped with pure silver wire)! How lovely. (Retail value of the beads - $24)






*******************************************
CONTEST RULES:

Here's how you can win...

To enter, you must visit SueBeads, then come back here and tell us what item on that website is your favorite. This is worth 1 entry.

*For additional entries, you can....

• Post about this contest on your blog or on Twitter. (be sure to let us know about it by leaving a comment)
  
• Follow us on Twitter or let us know that you are already a follower.
  
• Follow our blog or let us know that you are already a follower.
  

(each additional comment you leave, containing this info, will count as an extra entry for you)

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

We will do a random draw and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. If you see your name announced here, please contact us to claim your prize. We will send your name, email, and mailing address to Susan at SueBeads and she will mail the prize directly to you.

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

SueBeads has also provided a coupon code for customers to get 15% off their orders until the first day of spring! You can find this code on the SueBeads Blog.

SueBeads Website: www.suebeads.com
SueBeads Etsy Shop: www.suebeads.etsy.com.

Sugar Candie Beauty.....

Oh, be still our beating hearts. It was love at first sight when we found these swirled and creamy, 4-layered, foaming sugar scrubs with candy sprinkled sugar on top from Sugar Candie Beauty



This Hawaiian Blue Sugar Candy GIANT Marshmallow Milkshake Swirls Sugar Scrub is the perfect sugary-sweet body treat!




And this Kiss Me Pink Sugar GIANT Marshmallow Milkshake Swirls Layered Sugar Scrub looks absolutely delish!

Best of all, these sugar scrubs contain "skin softening & nutrient rich ingredients including sweet almond oil rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E" which makes them perfect for soothing dry skin.

Visit Sugar Candie Beauty and get one of these luscious scrubs for only $25!

Make Your "Sweetheart" Smile On Valentine's Day!

If you've been searching high and low for that special, one-of-kind Valentine's Day card to give to your "sweetheart", look no further. Take a looksy at these adorable and humorous cards from Oh Susana that we've rounded up especially for you....

Gotta love this absolutely precious Peanut Butter and Jelly Valentine...



Oh, and this Peas and Carrots Valentine is just too cute!



Last but not least, the sweet Cookies and Milk Valentine. A favorite for sure!




So, if you and your "Valentine" go together like peanut butter and jelly or peas and carrots or cookies and milk....then we suggest that you scoot on over to Oh Susana right now. Pick up one of these originals today and make your sweetheart smile on Valentine's Day!

The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin

*A Note From DDIB: A few months ago, we posted a press release on our blog for The Bearded Ladies. Here is some updated information about their big event in April....

The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin
Independent designer, craft & fine art showcase



AUSTIN, TX, January 28, 2009 – Anne Marie Beard & Allison Wall, owners of The Bearded Ladies Present, are quite excited about showcasing vendors for their upcoming Shop Austin event, which is being produced this April, and is considered to be the first show of its kind.

The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin has named Electric Promotions, Greenling.com, IMT Residential, The Laser & Electrolysis Studio, Inc., The Onion, and The River 102.3 as its Haute sponsors for this year's independent design, craft & fine art showcase. This shopping event brings together over 30 top local designers, crafters and fine artists from Austin, Texas and surrounding cities. The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin attendees will be able to peruse merchandise from incredible artists and crafters such as *annemarie*, Ballistic Sweater Girl Designs, Chia, Kandle Kidswear, Ornamental Things, Tasty Jewelry and many more high-end designers and crafters. Shoppers can indulge in complimentary facials and makeovers in the Beauty Lounge provided by Haute Sponsor Sarita Richmond of Mary Kay, or treat themselves to a decadent cupcake from local specialty vendor, Hey Cupcake! Attendees can capture the moment by having their picture taken in the Trevor Ray Thompson photo booth. All photos will be available for free download after the event. Attendees will enjoy shopping across a wide variety of gift friendly art and fine craft for all members of the family, including pets! Be sure to arrive to the event early as the first 30 shoppers to line up will receive goodie bags sponsored by DesignSociety.net, Shop Shop Designs and Southern Sister Designs, filled with fun local must-haves, and fabulous products from Shop Austin vendors.

Anne Marie Beard, co-owner of The Bearded Ladies Present and designer of the local handbag company *annemarie*, says, “As a business woman and artist it is important for me to support and lend exposure to independent designers, crafters, and other fine artists in the Austin Area. Vendors at The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin will benefit from more than just a booth; we are focused on promoting the individual vendor as never before. It is our goal to introduce all of Austin to our amazing vendors and to make available for purchase their unique and wonderful products! We want everyone at the event to take away a great experience and feel like they are a part of Austin's Creative Community. The idea behind our event is to showcase the best of Austin's Independent Design and Business community as well as to provide an alternative space to seek unique gifts and connect with the Artists and Business Owners on a more personal level."

The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin will take place from 11AM - 5PM at Saengerrunde Hall, (1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX) on April 18th, 2009. It features a juried selection of the best and most talented independent designers, crafters and fine artists from Austin, TX and beyond. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.thebeardedladiespresent.com/purchase_tickets

The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin, is based in Austin, Texas. To learn more, visit http://www.thebeardedladiespresent.com

About The Bearded Ladies Present
The Bearded Ladies Present is a local event production company specializing in independent design, craft & fine art industries. Sisters Anne Marie and Allison, 5th generation Austinites, have family roots that run deep in the Capital City of Texas. Anne Marie's creativity and Allison's entrepreneurial experience combine to form The Bearded Ladies Present. The Bearded Ladies Present strives to connect vendors who represent the taste, culture, and fun environment of Austin with shoppers who expect the latest in design and quality.

All media, vendor, contributor, or sponsorship inquiries for the event should contact via email: info@thebeardedladiespresent.com

Featured Diva Interview ~ with Lynae Straw from Panopoly Creations

Introducing Our Featured Diva: Lynae Straw from Panopoly Creations. Hope you will enjoy our interview...

Tell us a little about yourself:

I'm 23 years old and hail from San Francisco, CA. I love to cook, draw, decorate my apartment, explore abandoned places and wilderness areas, and go thrift shopping--that is, when I'm not making new things, researching, vending at local events, updating my website, marketing, or shipping out orders!

Give us a description of your business and the items that you offer:

I create a variety of stoneware ceramic items such as jewelry, housewares, and crafting supplies. My work is united by a common palette of delicious colors and a strong naturalistic aesthetic. I like to stamp little words and phrases on my items, and construct things using unconventional methods.



What are your bestsellers? Your specialty? Most popular items?

My most popular items right now would have to be my Poem Drop Pendants--little ceramic droplets stamped with snippets of classic poetry.

Are your items targeted toward a specific age group?

I think that people of all ages can enjoy the whimsy and simple beauty of my work, but I tend to market toward my own ages group (people in their 20's and 30's) because it's the market I know best.

What inspired you to start your own indie business?

I think my dad had to be my biggest inspiration. He started his own company when I was 4, out of frustration with the many mismanaged companies he'd worked for. He instilled me with an independent spirit and a passion for doing what I love.

As an independent business woman, what keeps you motivated?

I have a strong, unfailing drive to work on my own terms. Whenever I'm having a hard day, feeling either overworked or like I'm underachieving (I vacillate between the two) I just think about how much happier I am working for myself rather than for someone else who doesn't care about my own goals or aspirations.



What has been your biggest challenge as a business woman?

My biggest challenge has to be the fact that I started from scratch. Although I was experienced with my materials and am a quick learner, when I started my business I knew next to nothing about accounting, recordkeeping, proper organization, or for that matter, how to use the kiln I had just bought! I have been learning as I go, and I'm just grateful that the internet is such a neverending resource for small business owners!

What do you believe makes a business successful?

I think it's important to be passionate about your product and about making your customers happy. A successful business is always trying to improve on itself, to find something that it can make better--even if it's something small.

Do you have any specific goals/plans for the future?

My current goal is to be completely supporting myself with my work.

Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for women out there who may be considering starting their own business on Etsy?

Etsy's not going to make you instantly successful and you're not going to get discovered by the masses unless you work for it. The key is to make people notice you. Make lots of contacts and friends. Take advantage of every opportunity to get your name out there, especially if it doesn't cost you anything besides time. You never know when it will pay off!

Tell us the best way to relax after a busy day of work.

I love to curl up under a blanket and watch an episode or two of Star Trek while munching on some fresh popcorn!

While growing up, who was your role model? Who impressed and inspired you most?

My grandmother was a big inspiration to me. She raised seven children and then, when the youngest was in high school, went back into the working world and became an organic chemistry professor. I always admired how she managed to balance all her different commitments so (seemingly) effortlessly.

Give us three words that best describe YOU:

eclectic, lighthearted, passionate

Give us one word that best describes your business:

whimsical