somethinspecial.com

Illinois to Arizona Moving Alert!

2013-05-17T12:46:00.000-05:00

I'll be closing down on 5/24/2013 for 10 days for a cross country move (again!). Alot of products and fragrances are going out of stock until after the move. Please check the fragrance list for the most current in stock scents.

I'll be motoring from Illinois to Arizona, I should be back up and running on June 4th. The travel bug has bit me hard and I'm shooting for multiple cities, mostly west of the Mississippi, in the next 10 years. If you have a suggestion, comment below. I'm searching for mostly warm climates with plenty of hiking in the great outdoors nearby.

I'll be posting pics of my journey on my Facebook page, the link is over there on the right.

Thanks,
Sue

Mothers Day Giveaway! Popular Perfumes Gift Set! Ends 4/20

2013-04-09T09:14:00.000-05:00

I'm giving away one of the popular perfumes gift set! Just enter your info in the rafflecopter entry form below and you can enter 4 ways, follow me on Twitter, like the Somethin' Special Facebook page, comment on this blog post, tweet about the giveaway or subscribe to my somethinspecial.com mailing list. Or do all 5! Just log into the entry form using your Facebook login or simply enter your name and email address to choose your entry options.

The raffle begins on Wednesday, April 10th and ends at midnight on April 20th. I'll choose and post the winner here on April 21st. a Rafflecopter giveaway

My review of stamps.com, customer since 2007

2013-04-03T16:48:00.000-05:00

I've been using stamps.com since 2007 and have almost always been really happy with the service. I had used endicia.com prior to stamps.com and had switched because they were no longer accepting my credit card for postage purchases. This was a big turn-off for me because I use a cash back rewards card for my purchases and after spending around $15,000 a year on postage, this came to a nice chunk of change I was not willing to miss out on.

All my selling venues offer their own postage printing service (as of now, not back in 2007), but I wanted a central printing place, instead of logging into eBay and printing there, then logging into Etsy and printing those orders, then logging into Volusion and using the usps.com site to print. See what I mean? Way too cumbersome. Stamps.com offers this and works really well with my Zebra LP-2844 printer.

I have the $15.99 per month package (which is the Pro plan) and I also like that I can buy insurance for international shipments. When the PO increases their prices (seems like every year), stamps.com is quick to notify you in advance and update their software with the new fees.

In the last 6 years of printing, I've had stamps.com crash twice without any realistic resume service time. Once was earlier this year and it was really aggravating that I wasn't getting any answers and the clock was ticking. I had customer orders to ship and it's not my customers problem that stamps.com is down, it is my problem to solve. I did have to use the alternative shipping services (eBay, Etsy, USPS) for that one day and it really sucked. So I do appreciate the service, but have found that if they ever crash again, I have a backup plan. Hopefully they never will.

I would recommend them, they've been a really good postage printing service for my small business. If you'd like to give them a try, use this link:

www.stamps.com/tell

And use offer code C-6Y34-ZBV. This will give you a free 4 week trial and $100 in free stuff ($45 in free postage, a digital scale worth $50 and $5 in shipping supplies).

Game of Thrones season 3 starts tonight on HBO!

2013-03-31T13:44:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of Game of Thrones, now. I didn't read any of the books until after I saw season 1 on HBO. Then I was hooked and sprinted through all 5 books. I'm anxiously awaiting book 6 just like all the legions of GOT fans. Hurry George R.R. Martin! Do you need help? I'll fetch your lattes, spell check, feed your dragons, dress up like a Khaleesi, take the black, just let me know what you need to finish book 6!!

At your service,
Sue of House Faunt

Vacation & Moving Schedule 2013

2013-03-22T16:52:00.001-05:00

It's a busy year and I just wanted to give everyone a heads up on some big dates here at somethinspecial.com.

I will be closed from April 25th to May 6th, I'm going to California to meet my new nephew Hunter and spend a week helping my sis with daycare. I can't wait to spoil him like crazy!

On June 1st I'll be moving from Chicago to Sedona, AZ. When I designed my business, I wanted to make it as mobile as possible, so it can be run from anywhere in the world. This will be the 2nd time I'm doing a cross country move and I'm really excited about exploring more of the USA. 10 cities in 10 years? Why not?! I'll be closed from approximately May 28th to June 5th. I will work hard to make my down times as short as possible.

Some fragrances and products will be going into out of stock status before these dates. Also, look for some pre-moving sales I'll be running!

I will give plenty of advance notice on Facebook, Twitter and via the newsletter mailing list.

Thanks,
Sue

New Hemp & Olive Butter Natural Body Cream

2013-03-17T15:45:00.000-05:00

A firm textured butter that melts on contact with the skin and spreads easily. Organic coconut oil, glycerine and vitamin E, are combined with an impressive 47% natural oil content, making this a superior skin moisturizer. Targets dry and troubled skin using cold pressed organic hemp and olive oil. The restorative properties come from retaining essential fatty acids and preserving vitamin content. Paraben Free. Baby Safe.

24% Organic Ingredients:
Hemp
Olive
Coconut
Beeswax

New Solid Shampoo Bars

2013-03-15T12:08:00.000-05:00

I have spent years looking for the perfect formula for a shampoo bar and here it is. Simply rub the wet shampoo bar onto your wet hair, create tons of cleansing bubbles, massage your scalp and rinse clean. Includes Argan oil and hydrolyzed silk for soft and shiny hair.

Besides being a great product, it only comes packaged in a tin foil wrapper, so no more plastic bottles to worry about recycling or filling up our oceans and landfills. Made in an easy to handle flower shaped mold, so your fingers can grip between the flower petals and keep it from slipping out of your hands. Also doubles as a shaving cream bar for soft, smooth legs.

Time for a giveaway! Green Shamrock Bracelet and Earring Set!

2013-03-01T09:14:00.000-06:00

I'm pleased and proud to be hosting a giveaway for my Moms adorable jewelry! She is giving away this Green Shamrock Bracelet and Earring Set. Just in time for St. Pattys Day! Enter your info in the rafflecopter entry form below and you can enter 3 ways like the Joyful Jewelry Facebook page, favorite the Joyful Jewelry Etsy shop or comment on this blog post. Or do all 3! Just log into the entry form using your Facebook login or simply enter your name and email address to choose your entry options. The raffle begins on Friday, March 1st and ends at midnight on March 8th. We'll choose and post the winners here on March 9th. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dear comment spammers

2013-02-27T08:38:00.001-06:00

Instead of trying to post spam comments on my posts, why don't you create your own blog and write interesting content that people will enjoy reading? I'm getting tired of deleting constant spam comments every day when I could be doing something much more useful. Go away!

Thank you,
Sue

New banner design for Jason Faunt jasonfaunt.com

2013-02-20T12:59:00.000-06:00

Just designed a new Facebook cover page for Jason Faunt

2013-02-18T12:19:00.000-06:00

I just designed a new Facebook cover page for my brothers fan page, I think it turned out pretty good. I knew all this Photoshop experience would pay off some day :)

Time for a giveaway! Antique Silver Heart Bracelet and Earring Set!

2013-02-03T09:35:00.001-06:00

I'm pleased and proud to be hosting a giveaway for my Moms adorable jewelry! She is giving away this Silver Heart Bracelet and Earring Set. Just in time for Valentines Day! Enter your info in the rafflecopter entry form below and you can enter 4 ways like the Joyful Jewelry Facebook page, favorite the Joyful Jewelry Etsy shop, comment on this blog post or subscribe to my somethinspecial.com mailing list. Or do all 4! Just log into the entry form using your Facebook login or simply enter your name and email address to choose your entry options. The raffle begins on Sunday, February 3rd and ends at midnight on February 10th. We'll choose and post the winners here on February 11th. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Time for a giveaway! TWO Massage Oil 4 Pack Gift Sets!

2013-01-25T12:15:00.001-06:00

I'm giving away 2 free Massage Oil 4 Pack Gift Sets! Just enter your info in the rafflecopter entry form below and you can enter 4 ways, follow me on Twitter, like the Somethin' Special Facebook page, comment on this blog post or subscribe to my somethinspecial.com mailing list. Or do all 4! Just log into the entry form using your Facebook login or simply enter your name and email address to choose your entry options.

The raffle begins on Friday, January 25th and ends at midnight on January 31st. I'll choose and post the winners here on February 1st.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Free shipping to Canada discontinued due to USPS rate increase

2013-01-24T12:18:00.001-06:00

I've been offering free shipping to Canada on somethinspecial.com for almost 2 years and now that the USPS is increasing their shipping rates, I've had to discontinue this as of today. I could have absorbed a .50 or even a .75 cent rate increase, but they are doubling all the international shipping fees.

I'm so sorry to all my wonderful Canadian customers :(

Samsung Galaxy Note II 2 Review

2013-01-06T10:16:00.000-06:00

It was time to upgrade my HTC Evo, I've had it for over 2 years and the little thing was slowing down. I looked at all my options on the Sprint web site, it was a toss up between the iPhone 5 and the Note II, I chose the Samsung Galaxy Note II. The reviews were really good and my current plan was supported.

I ordered it on a Sunday night and it showed up on Tuesday. Fast. I opened the box and thought, uh oh, this phone is way too big. It dwarfed my Evo and almost looks at big as my Kindle Fire. This phone is huge with a 5.5" display:

I was concerned with pocket-ability, I hike daily and I need a phone that can fit in my pocket comfortably for emergencies and random nature pictures. I had a 14 day trial period, so I took it out of the box and fired it up.

It does not use the standard SIM card, so I just plugged it in and followed the directions for activating my new phone. It transferred all my contacts and calendar over, which I made sure to sync with Google before activation. Super easy. Now to play with it.

Even though the phone is big, it is very slim and weighs less than the Evo. It feel very solid and the back plate is secure (the Evo back plate never snapped in tight, there was always a little gap). I chose the Titanium Gray. I uploaded all my apps, wanting to really run it hard for a few days to test the battery life. I was constantly charging my Evo, so I wanted to see if this would match the amazing battery life reviews.

It has exceeded my expectations. I had it unplugged for over 24 hours (which would have killed my Evo in 4 hours even with all the apps shut down) and I still had 62% battery life. Amazing. Incredible. After years of being tied to an AC adapter, I was free (for at least 48 hours).

It is a big phone and I really thought I'd look silly with this tablet pressed against my ear. You'll be surprised at how quickly you adapt and never even think of it again once you get used to it. The call sound quality is much better than the Evo.

Even if you think you will never use it, as I did, the Stylus pen and S-Note (the note taking app that comes pre-installed) is a nice feature. It's really convenient to pull it out and jot down quick notes. I've not used the sharing feature because I don't know anyone else that has a Note II, but that looks cool. The camera is nice quality for my random pics, so is the video camera.

So, I boxed up my Evo to be recycled and shipped it back to Sprint. My 14 day trial has come and gone. The phone does not fit into my pocket, but it's cold now, so I wear hoodies with big pockets and for the summer, I've found an armband that will work just fine. Next time I buy cargo shorts, I'll get bigger pockets. I'll adapt my wardrobe to the phone, cause it's a keeper.

2013 New Year Sale! All orders over $20.13 get 13% off!

2012-12-30T09:46:00.000-06:00

Valid on everything on the somethinspecial.com web site only, discounts will automatically be applied to your shopping cart. Sale starts 12/29/2012 and ends 1/2/2013.

New scents just added:

Blue: Opens with notes of lotus, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, pink peony and gardenia. The middle notes wrap with accords of rose de Mai, tuberose and orange blossom, and the base adds a sensuous warm trail of sandalwood, musk, ambrette seed vetiver and oakmoss. My version of the Ralph Lauren Blue perfume.

Blue Agave & Cacao: Inspired by the rhythm and vibrancy of Latin music, a sparkling citrus melody of lime and grapefruit leads to an exquisite heart of the blue agava flower. A sensual blend of vetiver, cinnamon and the primitive rawness of cacao, make an unexpected and surprising harmony. My version of the Blue Agave & Cacao Jo Malone perfume.

Buttercream Frosting: The exact scent of thick, creamy, vanilla packed buttercream frosting. I have searched high and low for a true buttercream frosting scent for years and this is it. And it does not turn to that strange plastic like play-dough scent on my skin, it stays put as a true buttercream frosting scent for hours.

Cedar Wood: A warm earthy scent of cedar with base notes of vanilla and musk.

Evening Dusk: Eucalyptus creates lift for this romantic floral blend of lavender and lilac. Warm woods soften the bouquet as gentle sweet notes of sugared vanilla and white musk add a soft background. My version of the Twilight perfume by Lush.

Have a safe & Happy New Year!!

Top reviewed scents of 2012

2012-12-26T10:39:00.000-06:00

1. Pink Sweets (Pink Sugar): Yummy notes of cotton candy, vanilla and caramel with fresh bergamot, orange and a touch of berries, muguet, strawberry and plum on a bed of dry fig leaves, musk, anise and slight woods. Our version of Pink Sugar by Aquolina. read & post reviews here
2. Hello Lemon Sugar: A tart, lemon-y sugar scent with a hint of shortbread. Our version of Hello Sugar by Bath & Body Works. read & post reviews here
3. Cleanest (Clean): The ideal fragrance option for those that prefer that just-out-of-the-shower fresh smell. A blend of green wildberry, night jasmine, calabrian bergamot, sweet orange, grapefruit, lime, neroli & rose damascenia with violet, english lavender, geranium heliotrope on a white musk base. Our version of Clean by Dlish. read & post reviews here
4. Honey Bee Sweet: Crunchy toffee notes mingle delightfully with sweet, dripping honey with hints of floral. Our version of Honey I Washed the Kids by Lush. read & post reviews here
5. Sun & Sand: A beach blanket blend of salt water, sand and suntan lotion. read & post reviews here
6. Vanilla Bean Cookies (Vanilla Bean Noel): Turn your days into relaxing, comforting cozy feelings of sugar cookies coming straight from the oven. The scent is a delicious blend of caramel, vanilla, and rich comforting cream. Our version of Vanilla Bean Noel by Bath & Body Works. read & post reviews here
7. Pink Coconuts: Pink Sugar is ready for the summer beach scene with a tropical boost of coconuts. read & post reviews here
8. Amazed (Amazing Grace): Bergamot & lemon essential oils sweetened with peach, plum & raspberry, followed by jasmine, orange blossom & rose. A hint of cedarwood & white musk make for a clean, sexy finish. Our version of Amazing Grace by Philosophy. read & post reviews here
9. Vanilla Banana (Vanille Banane): A concoction of rum, warm vanilla pods, banana cream and hints of orange, kind of like a Banana Colada. Our version of Vanille Banane by Comptoir Sud Pacifique. read & post reviews here

10. Butt Naked: Fresh green apples are perfectly blended with refreshing honeydew and spicy pear along with other scrumptious aromas to create a fragrance that is delightful. If you want a sexy, fresh scent that is different and bright...this is it. read & post reviews here

11. Strawberry Shortcake: The aroma of buttery vanilla cake with fresh sliced strawberries and rich vanilla cream. read & post reviews here
12. Marshmallow Fluff: Ooey, gooey, deliciously simple plain white marshmallows. read & post reviews here
13. Nag Champa: The wonderful aroma of incense; patchouli, sandalwood and dragon's blood work together to create this balancing blend. read & post reviews here
14. Lilac: The aroma of fresh, blooming lilacs. read & post reviews here
15. Amande Coco: A blend of almond, coconut milk, white jasmine, rosewood, ylang ylang, vanilla bean, tonka, heliotrope and musk. Our version of Almond Coconut by Laura Mercier. read & post reviews here
16. Vanilla Valentine: This sweetheart fragrance is a perfect creamy blend of vanilla beans and sensual musk to stimulate the senses and arouse your passion for sweetness. read & post reviews here

17. China Rain: A truly refreshing, clean blend of rose petals, wisteria, cyclamen, sandalwood & vanilla. read & post reviews here
18. Gardenia Kiss (Kai): The blend of tropical gardenia and white exotic flowers make for a scent you won't be able to live without. Our version of the popular Kai scent. read & post reviews here
19. Fresh Cut Grass: The wonderful aroma of freshly cut green grass. read & post reviews here
20. Dragons Blood: Has a truly unique, soft, musky and captivating scent. read & post reviews here

Time for a giveaway! FOUR Calming blend bath tub teas

2012-12-14T08:06:00.000-06:00

I'm giving away 4 free Calming blend bath tub teas in the large 16 oz. jar! Just enter your info in the rafflecopter entry form below and you can enter 4 ways, follow me on Twitter, like the Somethin' Special Facebook page, comment on this blog post with your favorite part of the holidays or subscribe to my somethinspecial.com mailing list. Or do all 4! Just log into the entry form using your Facebook login or simply enter your name and email address to choose your entry options.

The raffle begins on Friday, December 14th and ends at midnight on Christmas Day, December 25th. I'll choose and post the winners here on Wednesday, December 26th. Happy Holidays!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fun giveaways site

2012-12-09T17:14:00.001-06:00

When I was looking for ways to share my Rafflecopter giveaways, I came across this great blog that posts nothing but free giveaways! Not only do I have them post my giveaways, I enter to win things that I like. Here's a link:

http://etsygiveaways.blogspot.com/

Give them a look-see, you're sure to find something you'd like to win free!

Not affiliated, just a fan.

Need a Christmas gift idea for a Power Rangers fan?

2012-12-01T10:17:00.000-06:00

If you are looking for that perfect gift for a long time Power Rangers fan, be sure and check out my brothers web site and store for some great, personalized gift ideas.

Jason Faunt was the Red Power Ranger for the Time Force series, playing dual roles as Alex and Wes. He recently did all the mo-cap (motion capture) for Leon Kennedy in the video game Resident Evil 6. Click the pic for a link to his on-line shop.

Time for a giveaway! 2 Free Holiday Bath and Body Gift Sets

2012-11-12T16:05:00.000-06:00

Win a free Holiday Bath & Body Set! Just enter your info in the rafflecopter entry form below and you can enter 4 ways, follow me on Twitter, like the Somethin' Special Facebook page, comment on this blog post with the name of your favorite fall fragrances or subscribe to my somethinspecial.com mailing list. Or do all 4! Just log into the entry form using your Facebook login or simply enter your name and email address to choose your entry options.

The raffle begins on Tuesday, November 13th and ends at midnight on Cyber Monday, November 26th. I'll choose and post the winners here on Tuesday, November 27th. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hiking alternatives during the cold, winter months

2012-10-30T14:24:00.000-05:00

I hate cold weather hiking (anything under 50 degrees), my nasal and throat passages get irritated and phlegmy, my eyes water and nose runs. All of this creates super crabbiness and reluctance to get outside and do my daily hike. After calling Charter and Anytime Fitness and being quoted ridiculous rates to just use a treadmill and elliptical during bad weather days for the next 4 months, I found a whole section in Comcast On Demand of Fitness videos.

They range from quick 12 minute cardio blasts (which I did today) to Pilates, Yoga, Kickboxing, Core & Abs, there are 16 different sections. More than enough to get me through the winter months. And best off all, it's free. Well, kind of free, it's included in my Comcast package.

Added 11/14/2012: OK, the home videos weren't quite as motivating as I thought they would and working at home, I need to get out of the house every day. I found a local gym called Snap Fitness that has 24x7 access and a bunch of treadmills and ellipticals and reasonable month to month rates. It's my new fitness spot on cold weather days and in Chicago, it looks like there's going to be alot of them this winter.

Nicole Russo PR announces new web site

2012-10-29T14:27:00.001-05:00

My brother, Jason Faunt, recently (finally!) got his web site up and running. Nicole & I were introduced by Jason via email. Nicole has done a great job designing jasonfaunt.com, I highly recommend her for any design work you may need. Here's a screen shot and link to her site.

She also works with Jessica Rey on her Rey Swimwear reyswimwear.com site (I have one of her very comfortable and stylish swimsuits).

Click on the "where to find me" link for all her contact info.

Time for a giveaway! Free Halloween Bath & Body Set.

2012-10-22T11:47:00.000-05:00

Win a free Halloween Bath & Body Set! Just enter your info in the rafflecopter entry form below and you can enter 4 ways, follow me on Twitter, like the Somethin' Special Facebook page, comment on this blog post with the name of your favorite fall fragrances or subscribe to my somethinspecial.com mailing list. Or do all 4! Just log into the entry form using your Facebook login or simply enter your name and email address to choose your entry options.

The raffle begins on 10/22 and ends at midnight on Friday, October 26th. I'll choose and post the winner here on Saturday, October 27th. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My dry oil sprays will soften dreadlocks without being greasy

2012-10-19T11:35:00.000-05:00

Got this great dry oil spray review on eBay:

"ERMAHGERRRD this smells SOOO NICEEE i love you. I will buy again and again! A+++"

No, I mean this one:

"makes my dreads softer, silky,healthy shine, without being greasy, great stuff!"

I've been carrying dry oil sprays since 2005 and never considered this benefit. I love that I learn something new from my customers every single day.