Lighting up Zeal for Teal - Featuring Maureen McDonald (Jemscents - Mia Bella Candles)

Zeal for Teal is a mere dozen days away and we are getting excited!  Busyness is the order of the day as we get down to the nitty gritty of making this year's fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Canada the best yet. Okay, so this is only the second one, but we are gearing up for a spectacular day.  The Sunflower Seeds are busy gathering the most appreciated silent auction and door prize donations and a million other tasks. Our goals is for smooth sailing so that YOU will experience a day to remember.  We are bound and determined to shine a light on this dark disease and to prove that cancer is only a word and not a sentence!

And speaking of shining a light, now might be a good time to introduce our latest Vendor Alley gal - Maureen McDonald who will be offering her Mia Bella Candles and products through her (deliciously sounding) business, Jamscents.

Maureen is an independent distributor for Mia Bella’s Candles and, although she just started her business in January 2010, she is already passionate about her product.  "I love the candles," Maureen says as she details the way she does her marketing. 

"Lately I have been doing trade shows, but I’m would love to do home parties, office parties, email orders, church groups, and fundraising opportunities for any organization that needs to raise money."

It sounds like the possibilities are endless with our local candle lady.  Maureen lives in Drayton with her hubby and two children and seems to be thoroughly enjoying life as a Mia Bella representative. She finds her new business an excellent way to meet and get to know new friends.

Maureen's first introduction to Mia Bella Candles was when she received one as a gift.  

"I fell in love with it," Maureen confesses. "It was a Christmas candle called Home for Christmas." 

Apparently Mia Bella candles have an amazing ability to permeate evenly.

'Within twenty minutes, the Christmas smell was throughout my house," Maureen remembers.  "What impressed me the most [was] the 16 oz candle [that] burned evenly all the way down.  I had nothing left at the bottom of the jar."

Obviously the candle impressed Maureen so much,  that the following month she became the Drayton Mia Bella representative and has been going strong since.

Another selling feature about Mia Bella is their 'going green' earth friendly fragrances and clean burning natural wax.

 "It makes it a perfect candle for any environmentally conscious lifestyle, " Maureen says.

We are excited to hear that Maureen's display at Zeal for Teal will include her 16 oz candles, along with simmer pots, mia melts, spa candle etc. I've seen a catalogue from Mia Belle and I am fascinated by the pie plate candles. So pretty!

Maureen, in her typical kind manner, is donating a perfectly suited item for our silent auction. 

"I’m donating a Mia Bella Candle for Cure candle for the silent auction," Maureen said, as I grinned like a Cheshire cat. How fitting is that? 

I like Maureen's attitude when she says, "Cancer can be beaten!" She reminded me that a lit candle can be a great focal point in a room and can be a wonderful way to relax after a stressful day.  They can rejuvenate you and bring a smile to your face. Anything that can do that, is a good investment in my books! :)

We look forward to your presence on June 26th, Maureen. Welcome aboard!

Gearing Up for Stampin' Up! Featuring Margaret de Witt

Time is getting on and so are the plans for our great Beach themed day - Zeal for Teal! Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun...please shine down on us! (But even if it rains, the sun will be shining on our day. We can feel it already!)

Ovarian Cancer Canada has been wonderfully supportive and have sent all sorts of great items and information for our goody bags. So many others have been supportive too, including our next featured Vendor Alley gal - Margaret de Witt from Stampin' Up. 

 Margaret, an independent demonstrator for Stampin' Up, works from her home, client's homes, and in schools.
 "I LOVE stamping and papercrafting," says Margaret and she has been at it since 2004, she tells us. Margaret admits to her passion for stamping.

"I fell in love with the craft before I even tried it myself."

There was no doubt in her mind what she wanted to do as a business venture.

"I instantly knew that I wanted to sell Stampin' Up!'s fantastic products."

Margaret hosts stamp clubs, offers private classes and holds events in her home or in the homes of interested customers. And if that isn't enough, she teaches specialized classes through the continuing education program with the Upper Grand District School Board.
"Each year Stampin' Up! releases a new catalogue in July,"  Margaret explains, "which means a lot of products retire before the new release."

Generous as always, Margaret  will be donating 50% of her own profit from any retiring product ordered (while quantities last) at our Zeal for Teal fundraiser. Applause! Applause!
Not only that, Margaret tells us she will also be offering a 50% discount off the hostess party fees booked for the month of July and August with a minimum of 6 people attending. Regular fee is $10.00 per person (discounted fee is $5.00 per person) Hostess party includes 3 handmade cards with envelopes BONUS - individual participant fee will be waived completely with a $50.00 order (before S/H and tax). So if you are interested in booking a party, you might want to stop by her table in Vendor's Alley on June 26th.

I asked Margaret why she is so faithful and is attending Zeal for Teal again this year. She is blatantly honest as she shares her intimate reason for climbing on board with our Ovarian Cancer Canada fundraiser.

"I think it is an important issue to raise awareness. I recently lost an ovary due to complications with a cyst and was fortunate that cancer was not detected. Women need to understand how important it is to be aware of their bodies and for signs of problems."

Well said, Margaret. Zeal for Teal is intent on helping where we can and if even one woman can be detected early for ovarian cancer, then we have reason to celebrate.
We look forward to sharing the day with Margaret and all our other fine vendors. Plan on an amazing day. We sure are!

Vendor Alley - Featuring Amanda Kabbes (Tupperware)

Registrations are happening and we are delighted to see some new faces in the mix. We are also thrilled that many of last years participants are returning for another day of scrapbooking with a purpose!

There are lots of new surprises planned for everyone, including our new Vendor Alley. Today I would like to introduce you to another one of our great vendors who is as excited about her business and product and is eager to share that with us on June 26th.

Amanda Kabbes is our Tupperware representative. Amanda's enthusiasm for her new business endeavour is contagious as she shares how she does it not only for extra income, but also for fun!

Amanda does mostly homeparties but judging by her eagerness to jump on board the Zeal for Teal ship, she enjoys public presentations, too.

"I will have some sale items," says Amanda,  as she talks about reducing her inventory a little before the baby comes.  Oh, did I mention she is having baby number three soon?

Amanda is offering a special fundraiser sale for Zeal for Teal participants and a whopping 40% of her profits will be donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada. Thanks, Amanda!

Amanda is excited about being part of our new Vendor alley and is equally excited to help support the Sunflower Seeds team in their Winner's Walk of Hope for Ovarian Cancer Canada!

She is also generously donating a gift for a door prize and for the silent auction.  Woo! Hoo!

Kits Available

Hello All! As our day is FAST approaching, we're looking forward to seeing everyone for our day of fun in the "Sun"! Don't forget to wear your beach attire {or even something teal!}

For those not able to attend our fun-filled day, we are offering kits once again...there are three different styles to choose from. If you would like to purchase your kit, please contact The Sunflower Seeds {using the "Contact Us" button on the sidebar} and we will get one to you ASAP...if you are out of town, we will have to charge the shipping costs. 

The cost of each kit is $15 and your donation will be applied - you will receive a tax receipt for it too! You are getting a great kit for $5 and $10 is your donation to the cause. So everyone wins!!

Here are the three choices. When you contact us for your kit, please state which one you would like. They are available first come first serve so don't hesitate because the kit you want may no longer be available!

Thanks to everyone for your support! We hope to raise lots of money again for this great cause!!!

Vendor Alley - Featuring Karen Weber (Epicure)

June 26th is shaping up to be a marvelous day of scrapbooking and cardmaking with purpose. All profits go to Ovarian Cancer Canada Winner's Walk of Hope, so we are anticipating great things with our increased numbers.

  A new experience for participants this year is our Vendor Alley. Since we have shifted location, we are able to spread our wings a little and we have invited local and other business folk to come share the day with us and offer their wares.

Don't worry, there will be no high pressure sales; just opportunities to see what's out there and make purchases at your leisure if you like.

First on the block is our new Epicure Rep, Karen Weber. Karen Weber [formally Timmerman] hails from the Drayton area and now lives in Elmira with her hubby Randy and is the busy mother of a three year old, two year old, and a new baby born in April!

Karen is an Independent Epicure consultant with Epicure Selections, which is a 100% Canadian owned and operated company. Epicure's main product is spice blends.

I asked Karen to offer us a few details about her products and she was more than pleased to describe some of the items she sells. 

"Some of Epicure's top sellers," says Karen, "are the Cheese, Chives & Bacon dip, the 3 Onion dip, Salsa blend, Summer Berry fruit dip, and the Beef & Steak Seasoning."

They sound pretty tempting to this particular palate! Karen tells me there are so many different spice blends to choose from. 

 "My personal favorite," says Karen, "is the Pizza Seasoning.  Not only do I use it on my pizza, but in my  pasta, and on my chicken."

 Karen usually sells Epicure products at home parties. If anyone wants to find out about holding a party at their home or business, then you can talk to her about a booking.

Karen understands the busyness of our days and how sometimes it seems impossible to set up or attend an Epicure event, so she does say she takes individual orders whenever the need arises.

There are a few tempting incentives for hosting an Epicure party, if you do have the time, including  a free tote bag, 1/2 price items, and monthly hosting specials!

 Karen invites anyone interested to check out the Epicure website   www.epicureselections.com for more information.

 I asked Karen why she wanted to be part of Zeal for Teal on June 26th. Her reply spoke volumes about her compassion for those dealing with cancer.

 "My heart goes out to those who have suffered and are suffering with cancer.  My prayer is that this [Zeal for Teal] day will be for the Lord's Glory."

 Karen is donating an amazing prize - an Epicure Selection's goodie bag with three selected spice blends inside, as well Epicure's well known Bruschetta herbs. How generous is that?

 The Sunflower Seeds Team is thrilled to have Karen on board (and with a new baby in arms, yet!)

And We're Off!

The excitement mounts as the team rallies.

Are you ready for an amazing day of scrapbooking, cardmaking, merry making and more? And all for a good cause!

Registrations are coming in fast and furious, so don't delay get yours in today (yes, a lame attempt at accidental poetry, that was!)

The early bird registration expires June 1st, which entitles those eager scrappers to receive two extra door prize tickets. We have so many lovely prizes coming in from generous donors, you will be impressed.

Remember this year we have a Vendor's Alley including Epicure, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Mia Bella's Candles, Canadian Writers Book store, Close to My Heart, Stampin' Up, Steeped Tea, In A Scrap Creations, Club 177 purses and jewelry and there will be an extensive display for Ovarian Cancer Canada and the Winner's Walk of Hope.

Our trusty and talented photographer, Anja Noordam, will return to capture some of our precious Zeal for Teal moments, so we are thrilled about that. Check out one of Anja's photos from last year (below!)

The theme for this year's Zeal for Teal is 'A Day at the Beach.' Dig out those flip flops and sundresses and get comfy. We anticipate a wonderful, relaxing day.

We also have our very own esthetician, Janet Wilson returning to offer free mini manicures throughout the day, along with an onsite personal trainer who will keep us on our toes with the occasional fit break. Who knows, maybe we'll even find a pool to paddle in! We have it all. You don't want to miss it.

And the best part, is that your participation in this special day will help women everywhere. After expenses all profits go to the Ovarian Cancer Canada Winner's Walk of Hope to be held September 12th in Barrie. The Sunflower Seeds team is revving up and looking forward to doing their part to help women get diagnosed earlier and to help conquer and one day eradicate this disease often dubbed the silent killer, ovarian cancer. There is a 90% survival rate for women with ovarian cancer who are caught in the early stages. The statistics are a little more grim for those who have late stage ovarian cancer.

So come on out and know that not only are you going to experience a fantastic day away from routine, but you are doing YOUR part to help women everywhere! Use the registration link on the side to register for Zeal for Teal or contact Amanda or Glynis at gbelec@everus.ca

[caption id="attachment_86" align="alignnone" width="614" caption="Pamper yourself with a free mini manicure"][/caption]

 {Photo by Anja Noordam © 2009}

Registration Sheets are ready!

The posters are out and registration sheets are ready. The Sunflower Seeds team is busy planning and preparing for our second annual Zeal for

[caption id="attachment_79" align="alignleft" width="111" caption="Ahhh..."][/caption]

Teal crop fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Canada on June 26th, 2010.  And we are excited. We have a new Vendor Alley this year with some fabulous wares and surprises, along with some unique games and scrappy challenges!

Wear your best beach duds, for this year's theme is "Beach and Relaxation!" So get comfy and dig out those flip flops, ladies.

 Special note - if you register on or before June 1st, 2010 your registration will be earmarked and you will receive two free doorprize tickets. Don't be disappointed. Register early. To request your registration sheet, contact us (see sidebar) and we will get one sent your way. Invite your friends and neighbours. Make it a girls day out. Take Mom out for the day.  Or just come out for the fun of it. Remember - no experience necessary. We have a beginner class!

All profits go towards the Sunflower Seeds Team Walk of Hope for Ovarian Cancer on September 12, 2010.

Stay tuned for further details. If you have any questions, please contact us! Happy Scrapbooking!