I Was Lucky!!!

I'm always looking around, visiting blogs, entering contests...sometimes I get lucky but oft times not. It was my lucky day when I went by Kim's Thoughts of Beauty Blog. Kim is the owner of Overall Beauty. I stopped in to read her very informative blog and she was reviewing a new company she had found, Natural Empathy. I read the review and noticed she was having a giveaway of two of their products. So, naturally - I entered. Imagine my surprise when I found out that I won - TWO FULL-SIZED products!

I won a 200ml bottle of Natural Empathy Body Wash and a 200ml bottle of Natural Empathy Hand and Body Lotion. I love they way they smell. So clean and fresh! The ingredients are all natural. I am posting the descriptions and pictures below.


Every Body Hand and Body Lotion L14.00
The essential fatty acids and natural vitamin E present in the cold
pressed, extra virgin rapeseed oil used in this product repair our
natural barriers and strengthen the passageways for all the nutrients in
the hand and body lotion to get in and do their magic.

The stronger that barrier is, the better your cells can hold moisture,
and that equals plumper, younger looking skin. Consisting of coconut
oil, avocado oil and lemon essential oil, this hand and body lotion
moisturizes and nourishes skin whilst helping to reduce age spots and
ensure optimum circulation leaving skin looking healthy and radiant.





Botanical Body Wash L10.00
Once again citrus oils, eucalyptus essential oil, and ginger root
extract, combine in an aromatic deep cleansing experience. Orange oil is
used to create a feeling of warmth and happiness, while detoxifying a
congested complexion.

Lemon balances the pH while brightening dull skin and Aloe Vera improves
hydration levels and aids in the removal of dead skin cells, leaving you
fresh, invigorated and ready for anything. This is a natural formula
which is sodium laurel sulphate (sls) and paraben free.

For more information on these wonderful products you may visit Kim's Review and the Natural Empathy website. Thanks, Kim for reviewing this company and their wonderful products. I'm very happy that I was selected as the winner. I am very pleased with Natural Empathy's products.

April Mystery Prize Donor

Ye Olde Chandler is the donor of the April Mystery Prize. In order to be eligible to be entered into the drawing, all you are required to do is purchase a sample box this month. You are automatically entered in the drawing. Some one will be very, very lucky to be the winner of this mystery prize. I'm sorry I can't tell you what it is, but I will tell you this....I wish I could win it! Good luck to all of you! May the luckiest lady or gentleman win!

Sample Boxes are on sale now at www.snowberrycreek.com - the boxes are packed full of wonderful goodies from the very creative e-tailers. We are happy to ship within the US and Internationally. The shipping is included in the cost of the sample box. The boxes ship Priority Mail or Priority International.

Places to Consider - Selling Your Products

You have developed your products and you are ready to sell them. Wait, you don’t have a website….there are other options. While we all want a website, this is the dream, it may be more economical to start out with one of the other selling venues available. Most of the selling venues offer low cost startup for the beginning entrepreneur. Selling this way will may enable you to discover if there is a market for your product. Taking advantage established venues, where customers regularly shop may help you develop your own customer base. After you establish yourself as reputable business and accrue the funds needed you will be ready to get that website built.

The upside of opening a store on any of these sites is that it is quick. You will be up and going in no time. You will need to consider which is the best fit for your product and which offers the best deal. Some of them offer low monthly fees or no fees for stores, listing fees and final value fees vary. You will have to decide which is best for you and your product.

Here are some venues for starting out or for supplementing your website sales. At many of the venues you may open a store, while others are auction sites.
We are not endorsing any of these places, simply giving you the information to make your own decision.

www.etsy
www.ecrater
www.madeitmyself.com
www.artfire.com
www.fuzzb.com
www.ebay.com
www.rubylane.com
www.georgielove.com
www.ushops.com
www.icraft.ca
www.handmadecatalog.com
www.artsefest.com
www.silkfair.com
www.lov.li
www.winkelf.com
www.blujay.com
www.artisansmarket.com
www.buysellcommunity.com
www.craftersbuzz.com
www.craftmall.com
www.crafty-ones.com
www.freecraftfairauction.com
www.homegrownmarket.com
www.handmadecatalog.com
www.hyenacart.com
www.inetflea.com
www.pinkdoodle.com
en.dawanda.com
www.yessey.com
www.strictlyhandmade.com
www.mintd.com
www.ioffer.com
www.kinfolkcrafts.com
www.lillysplace.net
www.yabblebabble.com
www.cafepress
www.zazzle.com
www.bigcartel.com
www.imagekind.com
www.shopify.com
www.supermarkethq.com
www.1000markets.com
www.elsewares.com
www.craftersbuzz.com
www.gozabo.com
www.youcraftylot.com
www.folksy.com
www.erayo.com
www.trunkt.com
www.ebid.com
www.lollishops.com
www.plumdrop.com
www.seekingdesigners.com
www.youcraft.org
www.coriandr.com
www.handmadefusion.com
www.girlshopspot.com
www.bonanzle.com
www.buyitsellit.com
www.webidz.com
www.ubid.com
www.bidz.com
http://onlineshoppingmall.ning.com/

There are many other places to sell your products. These are the ones that came to mind. If you have any places you would like to add to our list - please feel free to post them.

Today is the Day

Boxes go on sale today - full of wonderful, fabulous, luscious products from our talented, creative e-tailers for your pampering induglence. If want to try some new products or new companies without investing a lot of cash, this is a great deal. The shipping is included in the cost of the box. You will receive 18-20 samples (many of them full-sized products) for 22.95 - when you consider the cost of shipping is $9.85 then you are getting a great value for your money.

If you decide to purchase a box, you are automatically entered into 2 drawings - the drawing for the mystery prize donated by Ye Olde Chandler (this month) and a drawing for a free sample box (to be shipped out next month).
For more information, please visit us at www.snowberrycreek.com.

These will go fast - don't miss out - you may find a new product or company that will become your favorite!

What is Our Goal?

We started Snowberry Creek Sample Boxes to promote our businesess, along with any others who wish to participate. We've had a great time doing it and will continue on. We think we have been successful in reaching our goals. I cannot speak for each of the e-tailers who have participated, but Julie and I each own businesses and we participate each month. We have seen an increase in our sales and the volume of traffic to our sites. Many of the e-tailers have told me they have noticed an increase in sales and traffic volume, too.

Now, I know you are wondering why I am going into all of this. Well, I'll tell you. Today I was thinking about the sample box business and how many people are in that business. That's great...I think there is room for everyone and everyone has there own reasons for doing it. Then, I begin to think about our reasons. It was not to get rich. LOL Good thing, we didn't go into it for that because we have put more time and effort in this business than we will ever make. Not to complain, because it is paying off for both of us in our main businesses and that is our goal. To promote ALL of our e-tailers, along with ourselves.

Here's a list of our goals from the beginning:

1. To promote small independent business owners.
2. To help generate more traffic to their websites.
3. To provide the consumers with products they may never have heard of before.
4. Offer a box full of samples each month.
6. Provide the consumer a low-cost way to try many different products.
5. Try to come up with various ways to help the website owners promote their products without charging them extra money for our efforts.
6. Get our e-tailers more visibility on the internet.

The samples in our boxes do not arrive at your door all fancied up in pretty packaging, bows, bags, etc. Our boxes will arrive as a USPS Flat Rate (11x8-1/2x5-1/2) Postal Box full of fabulous samples (there will be some packaging to help insulate the samples). The price of our box includes the $9.85 for shipping. We charge actual shipping costs and do not have any handling charges. What we do provide is a no cost (except for their samples) way for our e-tailers to get their products seen, heard about and into the hands of consumers. We want everyone to get a chance to try their products.

We do value our time, but we feel this is a worthwhile cause - the promotion of small business owners who are just starting out or struggling to get recognition for their products.

Thanks to all of the e-tailers who have participated and sent in their creative, fabulous, fantastic products. We will continue to promote you to our utmost ability.

I, personally, have found some new places to shop. Hope you will visit some of the e-tailers websites and try out some of their products. I have received great products, excellent customer service and very timely shipping. I have not been disappointed in any of my purchases.

Our goal was never to make a fortune off of other people's samples and we have met that goal.

Our goal is to gain recognition for our e-tailers and their products while ensuring the consumer is receiving the best products available at a great cost.

Salt Soap Bar by A Woman With Scents

I really didn't know what to expect out of a salt soap bar as I had never heard of one, much less tried one. I was excited to receive my package of soaps from Carol of A Woman With Scents, as I have tried her soaps before and found them to be of great quality.

Before I tell you my opinion of the salt soap bar, I would like to tell you a little about one just in case you are like me and haven't heard of them. The salt soap bar or spa bar is made by combining natural oils and minerals along with fragrance. Some people claim that it is so moisturizing that you have no need to use lotion afterwards. I was thinking....we shall see.

The box arrived, I ripped it open and loved the way the spa bar, which was scented Tranquil Waters smelled. Just right...not too strong and not too light. I was thinking, I can't wait to try this soap out! I was very pleasantly surprised by my salt/spa bar. Great lather, just the right scent and it didn't feel scratchy while using it. Afterwards, my skin felt so silky smooth and I didn't use any lotion. I thought, I must try this again tomorrow. I did, with the same results.

I read up and it seems that the salt creates a moisturing bar of soap. Now, that doesn't seem possible. But, it is. I don't know how it works, but it does. The salt bar gently exfoliates the dead skin cells and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth.



If you would like to give this Salt Soap Bar a try, you may purchase one from A Woman With Scents. She is selling them out of her Artfire store now but will have them on the website soon.The soaps are available in Tranquil Waters, Lavendar Chamomile and Green Tea. Keep checking back, she has some new items in the works.



I'm hooked! I love having silky, glowing skin. Visit Carol at her Stuff 'N Nonscents blog.

We're Honored to Have Received An Award

A big thanks to Raquel of The House of Raquel for nominating us for the Attitude of Gratitude Award. It's an honor to be thought of by someone I communicate with frequently in the web world but have never physically met.


Our nominees for this award are people who we've networked with and/or have done business with. They are listed in no particular order.

Panz "The Muse" - www.adivashammer.blogspot.com
Lady Lynn - http://ladylynnsboutique.blogspot.com/
Kim - http://overallbeauty.com/beauty-blog/
Michelle - www.deadseastorebyrv.blogspot.com
Kelly - http://sweetieroom.webs.com/kellysblogs.htm
Lisa - http://nighthelper.blogspot.com/
Elaine - http://themomlady.wordpress.com
Debbie - http://pamper-you.blogspot.com
Teresa - http://www.thesoapcorner.blogspot.com/
Carol - www.awomanwithscents.blogspot.com
Faye & Lesli - www.yeoldechandler.com
Barbara - www.heavenandearthessentials.com
Barbara - www.sbsteas.com

The Rules of Accepting and Sharing this Award
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs that show an attitude of gratitude
3. Link to your nominees within your post
4. Comment on their blogs to let them know they’ve received this award
5. Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award. Tell us how you’ve come to have an attitude of gratitude.

Hidden Benefits of Green Tea by SBS TEAS

Barb, "The Tea Experience Lady" of SBS Teas has started a new ezine or teazine (an electronic newsletter) to tell us all about teas. Many of us don't know much about tea other than we like to drink it. We will be featuring Barb's articles. Hope you enjoy them, learn more about tea, visit their site and of course, feel free to leave us a post. Be sure to sign up for Barb's ezine "Let's Talk About Teas". She will explore the benefits and pleasures of tea drinking. Help support the small businesses of America, you won't find this quality of tea at your favorite discount store - nor will you receive the excellent, friendly customer service.

Hidden Benefits of Green Tea by Barb


What does green tea really have to offer--what's hiding in this tea that could make you feel better, improve your health and even extend your life?

A LOT!! Here are just a few benefits that may open your eyes.

Benefit #1: May cut your cancer risk . Several polyphenols(the antioxidants green tea is famous for) may help keep cancer cells from gaining a foothold--by discouraging their growth and reducing the creation of new blood vessels thus keeping tumors from thriving. The polyphenols scavenge cell-damaging free radicals, which are linked with cancer-causing genes and cholesterol to form artery- clogging plaque.

Benefit #2: Soothe your skin. Soak a cotton ball in green tea and the natural antiseptic relives itching and swelling. It is even good for puffy eyelids.

Benefit #3: Steady your blood pressure. People who drink just 1/2 cup of green tea a day are almost 50% less likely to wind up with hypertension. The polyphenols are at work again--especially one known as ECGC--they keep blood vessels from contracting and raising blood pressure.

Benefit #4: Lose Weight. Turns out green tea speeds up your body's calorie-burning process or metabolism. Just be sure not to add sugar or milk, as these counteract the many health and weight loss benefits of tea.

Benefit #5: Stay Young. Fight plaque build-up in your blood vessels and add years to your RealAge. About 10 ounces of green tea a day may help to deter your body from absorbing artery-clogging fat and cholesterol


Benefit #6: Wrinkle creams and moisturizers. The antioxidants contained in green tea are thought to fight aging in the skin--that is one reason you will see wrinkle creams and moisturizers that contain green tea as an ingredient.

Benefit #7: Stronger teeth. Tea contains flouride and catechins that can benefit your teeth. It kills bacteria and helps control bad breath and prevents decay causing plaque from forming.

Benefit #8: Stress Relief. Tea can even contribute to relieving stress. Tea can actually help you in its ability to soothe and nourish your muscles and ease your breathing.

Benefit #9: Polyphenols. The polyphenols in tea possess 20 to 30 times the potency of vitamins C and E.

Benefit #10: Ascorbic Acid. Green tea contains ascorbic acid in amounts comparable to lemons, as well as potassium and other minerals.

Benefit #11: Easy on your system. Tea is not as harsh on the system as coffee and it contains no sugar. It is also 100% natural, fat free, calorie free and is a healthy alternative to coffee and alcohol.


Because of the special way green tea is harvested it is able to retain more nutrients than black teas which are subjected to more processing. Green tea leaves are pan fired and not fermented SOOO---"Polly put the kettle on, let's all drink some green tea!"

It is clear that tea, the world's most popular non-alcoholic drink, should be a part of your healthy recipe for healthy living. Now that you are aware of many of the healing and therapeutic benefits of tea, I hope you will join me in raising your tea cup in a toast to good health!!! You should consult your own physician about the health benefits for you.


Barb Recommends:

Green Tea Sampler Pack

If you are excited about trying green teas for yourself They have the perfect sampler pack for you. SBS Teas has put together an assortment of 6 different green teas for you to try!

The Green Tea Lovers Pack includes the following teas:


Earl Grey Green
Kyoto Cherry Green
Genmai Cha
Moroccan Mint
Tropical Cyclone
5 Star Lemon Gunpowder
1 oz of our Purple Haze Sugar
1.75 inch infuser ball to round out the sampler for your enjoyment.

If you subscribe to their ezine before you order they will even include a purple mug with your sampler!!

If you would like to see their entire selection of green teas please visit
www.SBSTeas.com

"E-tailer Spotlight" - Reviyve

E-tailer Spotlight Questionnaire – by Michelle Howard/Reviyve LLC

Michelle has a monthly product give away on Reviyve. You may go on her site at www.deadseastorebyrv.com/sweepstakes to enter. This month's give away is a bottle of their Day/Night Mineral Plumping Anti-Wrinkle Cream along with a sample pack. Winners are announced on the 15th of every month. Please go by visit Michelle, look over the products she offers, enter her product give away and if you have the time, please leave a comment for Michelle on our blog.

Michelle is a full of energy and a real go-getter. She is an inspiration to others, as she believes you can attain anything you want. Read her interview, gain insight into the woman behind Reviyve and see what a dynamo she really is.



Tell us a little about yourself and/or your business.

My name is Michelle and I reside in Westchester County, NY with my husband and my 3 children (1 is actually 21 years old) from a previous marriage. I work full time out of my home and run my business part time (after my day job hours). In my spare time I enjoy reading, writing, watching movies and attending church. My business, Reviyve LLC is primarily an e-commerce business offering personal care products on several websites, including natural skin care products and stress relief & alternative health products. My husband manages a gourmet coffee site. It is our belief that people should consume products that are close to natural as possible more often than not. In addition to our product sales, we do our best to provide quality relevant information to help people on our websites (i.e. stress management tips and techniques on our stress relief site)


How or why did you start your business?

My husband and I started our business for two reasons. One, we want to be financially independent. Second and the most important reason is because of our children. While we are thankful for our day jobs, it is not our desire to work for someone else for the rest of our lives. I have a special needs child Christopher. Christopher is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. I want to ensure that my children, especially Christopher is adequately provided for should God forbid I am unable to do so. I don’t want the government to have to be responsible for being his caregiver. Christopher is the biggest reason I work so hard every day to move my business forward.

What kind of products do you carry or make?

Our natural skin care site predominantly offers a handcrafted line of Dead Sea Mineral Products, Blended Naturals (facial, bath, body, organic and anti-wrinkle), including specially assembled gift sets and gift baskets. We also offer a handcrafted line of 100% soy wax aromatherapy candles. In the near future, we will be offering Kathy Ireland’s NEW line of Dead Sea Cosmetics, Essentials which is also paraben free. KI Essentials is soon to be released and we are excited to add this product line to our collection.

Our stress relief site offers aromatherapy, magnetic therapy, personal massage, sleep help & Chi health products. We also recently became independent distributors of Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential OilsTM. This is a excellent therapeutic addition to our line of aromatherapy products.

Our gourmet coffee site offers Origins, decaffeinated, flavored and organic coffee products and gift baskets.


Do you carry handmade products? Do you make them yourself?

My skin care product line, Blended Naturals and my aromatherapy candles are both handmade. I do not manufacture my products but I am keenly aware of the ingredients put into them. I have specialty handcrafters who handle the manufacturing process for me. My job is to design all of my own labels, & packaging, as well as design my websites and market my products. I also have four blogs that I write in regularly so this does not leave me time to manufacture anything. Now, if God gives us an additional 8 hours a day, perhaps I can work something out.:)


What’s your favorite product to make or create?

Since I don’t craft my own products, I will say this. My favorites are the Brown Sugar Scrub & Combination Mask and the Organic Sugar Scrub. The Brown Sugar Scrub/Mask is also formulated with Dead Sea Minerals and does wonders for the skin. The body sugar scrub is customizable with an essential oil. Aside from the fact that I just loooove sugar, I love how silky smooth it leaves the skin.


Do you have a storefront, sell strictly on-line or both?

I sell primarily online but I also sell products offline via tradeshows, fairs, fundraisers and spa parties throughout the year.

Please list any websites and email addresses.

Natural Skin Care & Dead Sea Products:

www.deadseastorebyrv.com
email: info@deadseastorebyrv.com

Stress Relief & Alternative Health Products:
www.stressreliefbyrv.com
email: info@stressreliefbyrv.com

Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential OilsTM : https://www.youngliving.com/signup/custType.faces (Must use distributor # 1066504 to purchase as a wholesale or retail customer)

Premium Gourmet Coffee:
www.premiumcoffeebyrv.com
email: info@premiumcoffeebyrv.com


Do you sell on Etsy, Ebay, Fuzzb or Made It Myself? If you do, please list a link to your store.

No, we only sell on our own sites


Do you have a MySpace or Face Book? If you do, please list the link to your page.

Yes, www.myspace.com/reviyve


Do you Twitter? What is the url to your page?

Who doesn’t?! www.twitter.com/reviyve


Do you have a blog? Please list a link to your blog.

Yes, 4:

1. Fresh Radiant Skin: www.deadseastorebyrv.blogspot.com
(blog was recently approved to participate as a member of Total Beauty & is listed in the Blogs We ♥ Love section)

2. To Stress or Not To Stress: www.stressreliefbyrv.blogspot.com

3. Stress Helper: www.stresshelper.wordpress.com
4. Work at Home: www.10steps2success.blogspot.com

Do you work at another job?

Yes, I work Monday-Friday at a large financial firm in Manhattan - NYC


What or who inspires you?

My inspiration comes from two sources: My children and the Lord Jesus Christ. When I sometimes feel discouraged, I think about why I’m doing all of this and then I look to God for wisdom and strength to continue on.


Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

Yes, 2 actually. My company’s motto is “Care for You because there’s Only One You.” And “You’re not a human doing. You’re a human being. If you don’t like your schedule, change it. You made it and you can change it.” By Joyce Meyer


What advice would you offer to someone starting their own business?

I would say don’t just do something to make money. Be passionate about what you are doing. You can’t effectively market/sell something you don’t have an intimate relationship with, at least not for any good length of time before “looking like” a fake. Also, I advise anyone starting their own business to count the cost before starting. I don’t just mean the monetary cost either. Count the cost of how much you will need to give up to work and to educate yourself. Then once you’ve decided it’s a go, make sure to do a business plan, even if it’s a long running draft. You need something to keep you focused and on track. Lastly, hook up with others who have done and are doing what you want to do. Entrepreneur.com is an excellent site to get help and free advice from. They even offer a business plan template among other great tips, tools and empowering information. The business people on that site are also very willing to offer any help and insight they can at no charge. This site is one in which you can carry on in-depth conversations to get help with your business.

We Have A Winner!!!!

Congratulations to The Muse! You were selected as the winner of the Heaven and Earth Essentials drawing. Your wonderful products will ship out to you tomorrow. I know you will enjoy all of them.

Thanks to everyone who dropped by and read the E-tailer Spotlight on Heaven and Earth Essentials. Thank you very much to the ones who took the time to comment. If you are in the market for any lotions, soaps, oils, emu oils, candles, lip balms, pet products, etc. - be sure to visit them at www.heavenandearthessentials.com.