Planning Your Day

Not too long ago, I was complaining that my "Franklin Covey" planner was not doing enough to help me balance my life.

A good friend gave me the website Truly Mom.com

Truly Mom sells planners for busy working Moms. They have very fun, yet professional designs. I chose the planner that is Brown with Pink/Brown Ribbon Accent.

I especially like the "My Day" paper. It has "things to do", "don't forget", "emails to make" and "what's for dinner". At the bottom it has an area for my kids event schedules...including time, pick up/drop off and location.

There was slight confusion on the ETA of my order and Kim left me a message...even giving me her cell phone number for further questions. I was impressed!

I have been using the planner for about a month now and do not regret purchasing it. I find my day is much smoother and less hectic.

Debbie May
Wholesale Supplies Plus
Where Your Success is Our Business!
1-800-359-0944

CardScan - New Best Friend

Have you ever attended a trade show and met lots of new people? Have you swapped business cards with others...only to later to toss them in a drawer because they are too hard to keep organized?

I just got this great gadget and it has really impressed me!

It is called CardScan. I bought the CardScan Executive model.

This little machine scans a business card and then loads the scan into a software program. It converts the information on the card to a database where it can be uploaded to Microsoft Outlook or a Blackberry. It keeps a scanned copy of the card so any written notes can be viewed at anytime.

One feature is that it will convert all of the addresses to your own FREE password protected online account...making them accessible from any computer! If you take advantage of the free online account, it periodically checks your contacts for updated information. Today I loaded all of our vendors into the program. It was amazing how many had new email addresses (due to company mergers) or job titles.

So far...big thumbs up....great way to stay organized!

Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Soy Wax Price Increases

I almost fell off my chair today when we received our new soy candle wax bill!

In just a few weeks WSP costs (for PureSoy, Advanced Soy and Pillar Soy) have gone up over 25%.

I know that soy prices are increasing but I am unclear as to why they are going up so quickly for this single vendor. They say that the are increasing prices daily based on the "commodity" market.

Therefore effective immediately:

1. We have asked the manufacturer of the above waxes to give us the specific commodity market (soy oil, soy wax, etc.) they are using so we can validate our industry is not being gouged.
2. We have increased our website prices to reflect increase in costs.
3. We are bringing back Cargill's C-3 Soy Container Wax (has a much lower price).
4. We will continue to look for alternative Soy Wax Sources.

Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944

EO's Price Changes

Listed below are Essential Oils have dropped significantly in price. We have already updated our website to reflect the new pricing:

Anise
Bergamot
Clary Sage
Ginger
Vetivert
Geranium
Ylang Ylang III

There has been a shortfall in production of Patchouli. Our main source is on allocation and we are not able to get any more stock until after September. Therefore, when we do run out, we are going to use a back up importer. Needless to say, prices will soar for patchouli until crop production stabilizes.

Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Frosting Flowers - Who Knew?

This morning we made a batch of Debbie May's Soap Frosting. The office staff then proceeded to play around. Boy did their creativity come out!

Who knew Dee could make cake flowers? She made these little guys in less than 2 minutes!

We had to put a sign at the desk that says "don't eat".

I hope this sparks your creativity!!

Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Decorator Pro

We are delighted to bring you this great tool!

The Decorator Pro is stainless steel and is easy to take apart for washing. Set comes with 6 tips, adaptors and tip storage/washing bag.

We have found this tool (with the thin, long tip) perfect for filling the 1/2 ounce sample Malibu tubes.

The designer tips are perfect for Debbie May's Soap Frosting!

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Debbie May's Soap Frosting

We finally did it!

Coming up with the perfect frosting recipe has taken months and months to perfect. I now feel comfortable with this final recipe and wanted to be the first to share it with you! The cupcake pictured uses this recipe.

Debbie May's Soap Frosting:

Ingredients:
2 lb. Crafter's Choice Ultra White Soap Base
1 lb. Crafter' Choice Foaming Bath Whip
2-5 oz Crafter's Choice Liquid Glycerin
1.5 oz Crafter's Choice Fragrance Oil (if desired)
Decorator Pro - Stainless Steel

Directions:
Melt soap as directed. Add melted soap to (room temperature) bath whip. Add glycerin. Note: more glycerin will give creamier frosting but will take longer to harden. Add fragrance oil. Mix with hand mixer until smooth. Use Stainless Steel Decorator Pro to Embellish soap. Frosting will become hard in 24 hours.

For the picture, I used our new silicone round cupcake mold. The top is a piece of soap that was molded in a Jell-O Jellybean mold and cut in half.

Note: This frosting would be a great embellishment on cupcake shaped bath fizzies!

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Wholesale Supplies Plus and Debbie May worked long and hard on this one of a kind recipe. It is our sincere hope that you will find it helpful in making your bath products stand out and get noticed. The recipe meets federal copyright laws and cannot be reproduced without written consent.

Lost & Found

We received these (4) designer scents in error. All are old WSP stock formulas that were discontinued about 4 months ago.

Instead of sending them back, we have priced them at $15/lb. If anyone is interested, they are yours! Once the inventory is gone, they will return to the special order fragrance page with a 10 lb. minimum order quantity.

Lolita Lempicka Type
CK-1 Type
Michael Kors for Women Type
Armani Mania Type

Don't forget to view our remaining "non designer" closeout fragrances at $10/lb

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com

Monogram Molds

The Crafter's Choice Monogram Molds should arrive to our building on 3/3/2008.



I held up production and changed plastics from PVC to PETG.

This change allows us to make the claim "phthalate free" because the PETG used does not contain phthalates. It also allows new molds to be used for foods such as chocolates.



The purchasing department has started to have all of our Crafter's Choice molds made out of PETG. As the change occurs, we will note it on our website.



You can read more about phthalates here.



Debbie May

http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/

1-800-359-0944

Life Guard Ducks

Just in time for summer.....

Life Guard Duckies

View a recipe idea that incorporates a duckie!

Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944

New Surplus Bottles

We have some great new surplus bottles that are arriving to our building 3/2/2008. They include:

4 oz Purple PET Bullet
2 oz Red PET Wide Mouth Cylinder
2 oz Green PET Boston Round

All are priced to move quickly. You can "pre-order" these bottles by calling us at 1-800-359-0944. When they are gone, we will not be able to offer more.

Wholesale Supplies Plus...
Offering Products to Help You Succeed!

Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944

New Lip Pots

Our new lip pots are in stock. Both are perfect for our new Lip Bases.


1/4 oz Black Jar with Black Window Top

1/4 oz Clear Jar with Black Window Top

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944

New Blue Bottles

All of our new blue bottles are in stock. They include:

2 oz Blue PET Cosmo Oval
4 oz Blue PET Cosmo Oval
8 oz Blue PET Cosmo Oval

2 oz Blue PET Bullet
4 oz Blue PET Bullet
8 oz Blue PET Bullet

2 oz Blue PET Boston Round
4 oz Blue PET Boston Round
8 oz Blue PET Boston Round

View all of our Blue PET Plastic Bottles. Look for our matching colored jars to arrive 3/24/2008.

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944

New Amber Stock Bottles

New Amber Bottles are in stock and ready to ship.

These are stock bottles that we intend on continuously supplying.
They include:

2 oz Amber PET Boston Round
2 oz Amber PET Bullet
4 oz Amber PET Bullet
8 oz Amber PET Bullet

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944

New Scents - In Stock!!

Our new scents have arrived are being introduced at 25% off. They are:

Crafter's Choice Sexy Little Things - Compare to Victoria Secrets
Crafter's ChoiceVery Sexy Now - Compare to Victoria Secrets
Crafter's Choice Creme Brulee - Compare to Yankee Candle
Crafter's Choice Velvet Tuberose - Compare to Bath & Body Works
Crafter's Choice Baby Bee Buttermilk - Compare to Burts Bees
Crafter's Choice Lotus - Compare to Henri Bendel
Crafter's Choice Sexy Vanilla Bean
Crafter's Choice Blackberry Amber - Compare to Bath & Body Works
Crafter's Choice Sunflowers & Sunshine
Crafter's Choice Irresistible Apple - Compare to Bath & Body Works
Crafter's Choice Enchanted Orchid - Compare to Bath & Body Works
Crafter's Choice Cotton Candy Twist
Crafter's Choice Pink Lemonade

None of the scents above contain Phthalates.


Wising You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

"Very Sexy Things, Very Sexy Now" are registered trademarks of Victoria Secrets, Incorporated. Wholesale Supplies Plus is not affiliated or associated with Victoria Secrets, Inc.

"Velvet Tuberose, Black Amber, Irresistible Apple, Enchanted Orchid" are registered trademarks of Bath & Body Works, Incorporated. Wholesale Supplies Plus is not affiliated or associated with Bath & Body Works, Inc.

Two Scents Renamed

Two fragrances we introduced some time ago, have lower sales than expected. These are both outstanding fragrances with broad appeal.

Therefore, we have renamed them and re-introduced them at a special price of 25% off.

These scents are:

Crafter's Choice Lemon Ice (formerly Italian Ice)
Crafter's Choice Vanilla Almond (formerly Vanilla Tonka)

You will find the Lemon Ice is very strong and tart while the Vanilla Almond is a "non discoloring" vanilla.

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

New Website Colors

We have been working hard on the new WSP website. I thought you might want a preview of the new color layout.

The new site should be ready to go live in April.

I am excited about the new customer service programs as well as new money saving specials. All will be implemented before the busy fall season!

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Crafter's Choice Bath Splash

The testing is completed and the staff gives this product an overwhelming THUMBS UP!

It accepts 2% fragrance oil without clouding, no alcohol smell, no sticky after feel and no foam!

Crafter's Choice Bath Splash will be sold in gallon jugs and 55 gallon drum.

Look for it to arrive 2/28.

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944

$10/lb FO's & More Discounts

To make room for new stock inventory, these surplus items have been deeply discounted. Stock is limited.


Bottles Great for Personal Care Samples:
1 oz Clear PET Cosmo Oval - $2.50/48pc, $95/1900 pc
1 oz Clear PET Swirl Bottle & White Top - $2.50/48pc, $50/1100 pc
1 oz Clear PVC Tombstone Shape Bottle - $2/48pc, $57/1900 pc
2 oz White PET Boston Round - $1.75/48pc, $25/840 pc

Reed Stick Bottle Sets:
Frosted Glass Reed Stick Bottle & Reed Stick Set - $15/25 sets

Fragrances - $10/lb
There are a number of fragrances at a closeout price of $10/lb. You can get free shipping on internet fragrance orders over $50 by going to http://www.fragranceandflavors.com/

Here is the WSP link for the closeout scents.
Here is the Fragrance and Flavors link for the closeout scents.


Most of these items will move quickly at these prices. If you are interested, I would suggest purchasing sooner than later. Once they are gone, we cannot get more.

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

New Colored Jars

Great news....

New Colored Jars will arrive the week of 3/24. Included:

4 oz Amber PET Basic Jar
4 oz Blue PET Basic Jar
4 oz Green PET Basic Jar

Also coming the week of 3/24

2 oz Green PET Bullet Bottle
4 oz Green PET Bullet Bottle
8 oz Green PET Bullet Bottle
8 oz Clear PET Keuka Bottle (aka Euro Pin)

All of the jars and bottles mentioned above a free of phthalates!

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

New Fragrance Oils

The following new fragrance oils are due to arrive 2/21.
As a special introduction, they are 25% off.

Crafter's Choice Sexy Little Things - Compare to Victoria Secrets
Crafter's ChoiceVery Sexy Now - Compare to Victoria Secrets
Crafter's Choice Creme Brulee - Compare to Yankee Candle
Crafter's Choice Velvet Tuberose - Compare to Bath & Body Works
Crafter's Choice Baby Bee Buttermilk - Compare to Burts Bees
Crafter's Choice Lotus - Compare to Henri Bendel
Crafter's Choice Sexy Vanilla Bean
Crafter's Choice Blackberry Amber - Compare to Bath & Body Works
Crafter's Choice Sunflowers & Sunshinre
Crafter's Choice Irresistible Apple - Compare to Bath & Body Works
Crafter's Choice Enchanted Orchid - Compare to Bath & Body Works
Crafter's Choice Cotton Candy Twist
Crafter's Choice Pink Lemonade

None of the scents above contain Phthalates.

Wising You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

"Very Sexy Things, Very Sexy Now" are registered trademarks of Victoria Secrets, Incorporated. Wholesale Supplies Plus is not affiliated or associated with Victoria Secrets, Inc.

"Velvet Tuberose, Black Amber, Irresistible Apple, Enchanted Orchid" are registered trademarks of Bath & Body Works, Incorporated. Wholesale Supplies Plus is not affiliated or associated with Bath & Body Works, Inc.

Phthalates in Fragrance

Recent national television shows have been airing reports about phthalates in plastic toys and fragrance oils. Specifically, how they relate to products used by children.

I have thought long and hard about these reports. I have looked at the recent studies and I definitely agree that more studies will be needed. I have received numerous phone calls.

In an effort to aid our customers in making informed decisions and develop appropriate marketing materials to their customers....we are independently having each of our essential, essential blends, flavor fragrance and fragrance oils analyzed for the presence of phthalates.

Since we carry over 700 aromas so this process may take us several months. As we receive results, we will immediately post them on our website.

You will notice that thus far we have received results on all essential oils, essential oil blends and flavor fragrances. None of these contain phthalates and we have updated our website to reflect this.

The only fragrance oil that has proved positive thus far is Blueberry Muffin. Once our entire line is reviewed, we will decide if we need to have certain scents reformulated.

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com

New Plastic Bottles

New Bottles are ordered and due to arrive by 2/19.

They include:

Amber PET Bullet - 2, 4 and 8 oz
Amber PET Boston Round - 2 oz

Blue PET Bullet - 1, 2, 4, and 8 oz
Blue PET Boston Round - 2, 4, and 8 oz
Blue PET Cosmo Oval - 2, 4 and 8 oz

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Juggling Tasks

I have never been great at juggling. I am much like my mom in that I like to focus on one task and get it knocked off my plate. Lately, I have been spending quite a bit of time on our new forum board. Today, I need to finalize our 12 new scents ordered. We will be releasing the names by the end of the week.

If you get a chance, check out WSP's new forum. We already have over 250 members with over 600 posts...all in a few short weeks. The forum is quite a bit different than others out there. We are not seeking to be the biggest forum on the net...but instead to have a high quality forum that can help customers gain success with their products and in business. You will find I am on the forum regularly answering questions and members help others with questions. There are almost 50 member recipes to date!

There is a wonderful thread on blending Xanthum Gum into products. If you are not familiar with Xanthum Gum....it is a natural thickener and emulsion stabilizer. Most people use it to thicken shower gels and scrubs.

One interesting fact I learned about Xanthum Gum is that some companies use it to make the "foam in hot cocoa". Since WSP is not a food facility...don't try this at home. I just thought it was an interesting fact.

Click here to learn more about the Xanthum Gum Forum Thread. You will need to sign in as a member to view the forum thread. Registration is free and just takes a few seconds.

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Easter Bunny Duck Soap

This cute little guy is the perfect addition to any Spring Basket.

Easter Bunny Duck Soap

Ingredients:

Duck Pond Mold
2 lb. Crafter's Choice Ultra White Soap
4 oz. Crafter's Choice Extra Clear Soap
Crafter's Choice Blooming Tulips FO
Crafter's Choice Ocean Blue Color
Crafter's Choice Strawberry Red Color
Crafter's Choice Hunter Green Color
Crafter's Choice Majestic Purple Color
Easter Bunny Duck Toys

You need to make your soap grass first. To make the grassy top:

Melt and color Crafter's Choice Extra Clear Soap with Crafter's Choice Hunter Green color. Pour into square Tupperware container. When solid, unmold and shred with a cheese grater. Set to the side.

Directions: Melt white soap and add fragrance. Divide into equally into four different measuring cups. Color each cup a different color. Pour blue soap into a 1/4" layer of each mold. When this layer forms a skin, spritz with rubbing alcohol and pour green layer. Repeat until all layers are poured. When your last layer of the pond is poured, spritz with rubbing alcohol and set duck into pond. Surround duck with your new green soap grass. For an added finishing touch, sprinkle grass with iridescent glitter. Wrap in a cello bag with curling ribbon.


Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944

IGI Wax Increase

Just wanted to make a quick post that we have received an IGI price increase. Prices are going up .03-.05 cents a pound....most seem to be .05 cents per pound.

I will be passing the increase on to our website in the next week.

Debbie
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

One of those days

Have you ever had one of those days where you needed just about 10 more hours and you would be caught up? A day where the bottom never seems visible?

That is how my day was today. I am faced with a desk full of work and no end in sight. Reports that need to be done, actions to be taken, personal bills to be paid, kids that need a kiss goodnight!

I hope God doesn't hate me.....I didn't even make it to get my ashes today.

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com

PS....I have a stack of new products to be added to the site tomorrow...I promise. If not from the fear that the purchasing department is going to kill me if I don't get them on the site soon.

New - WSP Forums

Learn From Others & Making Friends.....

Internet Forums are one way for new crafters to learn tips and tricks of a craft. Forums can be a great resource for seasoned crafters because they can connect with other businesses owners. If managed correctly, forums can be a win-win for everyone!

Today, Wholesale Supplies Plus has launched its own set of Craft and Business Forums.

We will place a link on our homepage but for now, you can access the forums by going to:

http://forums.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/index.php

As a kick off, we are having a contest for the month of February. You have to go to the forum to see how you might be able to win a $25 gift certificate to WSP. Hint...we are giving one away per day!

Make sure you read the posting rules and guidelines. They are quite a bit different than other forums on the internet.

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

I was tagged!

I was tagged by http://countrypotpourri.blogspot.com/.

Here's how you play: once you've been tagged you have to write a blog with 4 random facts, habits or goals about yourself. At the end choose 4 people to be tagged; list their names and why you tagged them.

Don't forget to leave them a comment saying "you're it!" and to go read your blog. You cannot tag the person that tagged you, so since you can't tag me back let me know when you are done so that I can go read your blog answers.

1. I deeply admire people with passion that put it to good use.
2. I am addicted to CNN and news shows like Nancy Grace.
3. I get totally absorbed in a project and easily overwhelm others working with me.
4. I am disappointed when my day does not start with a large Panera Hazelnut Coffee.

Now I am going to tag the following people: Springbrook Soap Company, Deena-n-Emily, Pegasus Handmade Soaps, and Latonias Dream Shoppe Chatter

I chose each of these people because they posted comments on this blog and have a blog of their own.

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944

Juicy Pineapple Lip Balm

We have spent quite a bit of time this past two weeks testing lip recipes. One thing we have found is that our new fragrance flavors do not have that bitter taste at higher use levels (when compared to our older formulas).

This recipe has the flavor fragrance a 3%. We are performing additional testing to see if we can go as high as 6%.

I must say at 3% it is a fabulous formula. My 13 year old daughter feels it is just right! This formula is firm but not hard. If you live in warmer temperatures or think it might get left in a hot car, I would not package it in a tube...instead use a pot or slide tin.

Pineapple and juicy fruits are the new rage. It is in many retail store. We currently have the flavor fragrance on sale!

Juicy Pineapple Lip Balm

Ingredients:
2 oz Crafter's Choice White Beeswax
2 oz Crafter's Choice Refined Cocobutter
2 oz Crafter's Choice Mango Butter
2 oz Crafter's Choice Sweet Almond Oil
1.5 teaspoons Crafter's Choice Juicy Pineapple Flavor Fragrance
1/2 teaspoon (level) Crafter's Choice Super Sweet

Directions:
On direct heat and in a dedicated pan, melt beeswax and butters. Mix well. Add Crafter's Choice Super Sweet. This all natural powder will initially clump but with continued mixing, will blend nicely. Once blended, add flavor fragrance.

Pour into our Lip Slide Tins. Allow to cool. Label as desired. For retail or craftshow sales, you may want to consider shrink wrapping your lip slide tin.

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
1-800-359-0944