My first blog...

I'm new to this whole blogging world. I've read a lot of blogs, but never dared to dip my toe into the blogging pool myself, so please be kind as I learn my way around!

My husband, Jim, encouraged me to start a blog (I think that was his nice way of telling me I talk too much) but I put it off and out of my mind. I always have a million ideas and thoughts whirling around in my head, so hopefully blogging will help me sort everything out.

I also love to pass on interesting things I come across on the internet to my friends and family. Hopefully, some of you out there will find them interesting as well.

The first site I would like to share is near and dear to my heart, well, because it's mine. I am the owner of a small business, Aromalite Candle Company, LLC. I make all kinds of candles, bath & body products, and air fresheners. I've been in business for 4 years now, and have been doing this full-time since September 2007. You can visit my store here: www.ilovearomalite.com

Working for yourself can be a double-edge sword: On one hand, there is no feeling like being your own boss - you don't have to call in when you're sick, you don't have to request vacation time, and you can start work whenever you want. The down side, however, can be tough. There's no 401K, no health insurance, and scariest of all: No guaranteed paycheck. If you do get sick there is nobody to cover for you, and you don't get a paid vacation. It's a lot of hard work - you have to find your own leads, set up your own appointments, and everything (good and bad) falls onto your shoulders.

My workday doesn't always end at 5:00 and my brain likes to come up with new ideas right when I'm ready to fall asleep, but so far it's all been worth it. I only hope that I can continue to grow my business and become a success that my family and friends are proud of.