Shop Small Business Day

On November 24, is shop small business day. Thanks to American Express for their advertisement and support.  There are many small businesses that are in store fronts or farmers markets or craft shows and we do appreciate their support.  There are a lot of local artisans or crafters that create by hand or with the help of tools to make their products.  They make items you can buy in big retail stores and most of the time they are priced higher, but the difference is they are one of a kind. When creating by hand, no one item is the same.  They are really one of a kind. We always give you the best because we are our worst critic when creating our work.  We pay more for supplies, we don't carry large inventory and we never pay ourselves enough what are time is really worth.  So when shopping for just a gift, make it a one of a kind gift. You are supporting a small local business.

Synthetic Dyes in Candles

Synthetic dyes in almost all candles, what are they and how are they made?
I really didn't know, I don't use dyes. So, my quest for information was on. I found out most dyes use aniline, what's that? First place dictionary, I used World English Dictionary - Definition of Aniline:
"Also called: phenylamine  a colorless oily pungent poisonous liquid used in the manufacture of dyes, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and explosives. Formula: C 6H5NH2" I tried Wikipedia but that was like chemistry 101 for me. I then looked up Encyclopedia Britannica, this is what was written" aniline, an organic base used to make dyes, drugs, explosives, plastics, and photographic and rubber chemicals.
Aniline was first obtained in 1826 by the destructive distillation of indigo. Its name is taken from the specific name of the indigo-yielding plant Indigofera anil (Indigofera suffruticosa); its chemical formula is C6H5NH2.
Aniline is prepared commercially by the catalytic hydrogenation of nitro-benzene or by the action of ammonia on chlorobenzene. The reduction of nitro-benzene can also be carried out with iron borings in aqueous acid." Aniline is used to make dyes but to make it simple, it's a water down version, supposedly not as toxic.  There are other additives (chemicals) like toluidine that are not so good for you either. Then there are Trade Secrets again, not going to find out  exactly how their made, we just have to believe they are safe.Synthetic dyes are in a lot of products, from pharmaceuticals to almost everything.  As for me, I think I'll just enjoy what ever color nature can give me.  If it doesn't have a pretty color I'll use my imagination.