With every passing year I always find myself “measuring” things.  You should have seen the look on Mike’s face the other day when I reminded him that we met 30 years ago and started dating 27 years ago! We will celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary this year and our daughter Sarah will turn 12.  Funniest part is, I’m 42 and he’s 43 … we’ve been together for a long time and he works with me all day, every day!! (LOL Mike is really resilient!).

2012 will be the 8th year since my Dad transitioned from this life’s journey to the next, my Father-in-Law will celebrate his 32nd year sober and my Mom will be celebrating 16 years free from breast cancer and 11 years free from lung cancer!  Amongst many other milestones Carved Solutions turns 6!

Why do I measure?  I think because I’ve always been on a growth path.  I’ve always been the kind of person that could get lost in the “self-help” section of the bookstore; searching for tools to improve myself, to become a better communicator and a person of compassion and empathy.  I’m always in pursuit of the positive and sharing the positive.  I’m always on a mission to “see it, feel it, be it, believe it” thanks to my Dad, Chuck Faverty.  I’m a huge fan of Oprah’s Master Class, Oprah’s Lifeclass and Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday.  I’m also a huge believer in the value of “OPM” Other People’s Minds because I don’t know it all.

One may think that this new chapter in Carved Solutions product offering came from me but this next stage of product creation is Mike’s brainchild.  “Dawn of a New Day” was his way of creating a vehicle to spread the positive.  “Dawn of a New Day” is Mike’s way to share the power of positive thinking and the uplifting energy found in the sense of hope.

“Dawn of a New Day to me, ” says Mike “Makes me think of Dawn because she’s always positive and always spreads the positive either by direct encouragement of others or the positive messages she shares as Carved Solutions on Facebook and Twitter.  The New Day is always the opportunity to start fresh, to do better, and to give more in every aspect of our lives”.

Needless to say, I’m beyond honored that Mike, a self-proclaimed “realist” spending his life with an “optimist”, would still find something inside me as an inspiration 30 years later!

I’m so proud to start unveiling this new line for you.  Photos will come from AmericasMart this week.  If you are at the Mart you can come discover it first hand.  You’ll find us in Building 3, Floor 5, Booth #2700 with the “Lucky 7″ known show after show for consistently the best lines at market!

Who are the “Lucky 7″ at AmericasMart?

Carved Solutions

Dolma Fair Trade

Uncommonwares

The Pink Monogram

Survive Design

Wanda Web Jewelry

Patty Anderson Jewelry

Hope to see you at Market ~ Time to pack!

Safe travels!

Smiles always,

Dawn

I know, I know… we English majors can be a pain sometimes.  We’re the kids who actually LIKED to diagram sentences on the board in 5^th grade.  During math class, of course, our palms would sweat and we’d ask for bathroom passes.  But if it involved words and ideas, we seemed to understand at an early age that following the rules would mean we’d be understood.

Which brings me to my blog post today… the mighty apostrophe.

At Carved Solutions, our job is to help you communicate your special message.  So here are a few rules about how and when to use an apostrophe in your customized carving and engraving, whether it’s soap, candles, glassware or any of our great products.

1.  When putting a name on something you don’t need an apostrophe to make it plural:

The Warrens refers to the Warren family.

The Warren’s means this bar of soap belongs to them (probably not what you’re trying to say).

2.  If the name already ends in an “s” or “z” you can either add an “es”, or just use the name without  putting “The” before it:

The Joneses, The Hernandezes (correct, but it looks kind of clunky)

Jones , Hernandez (preferable)

3.  If the name ends in a vowel  and you want to make it plural, just put an “s” on the end:

The Moores

The Moore Family (another good option)

One final word about CAPITALIZATION.  In our media-saturated world, all caps is a common way to get people’s attention, to shout a bit. If your statement is EXUBERANT then use those caps!!  But if you’re just putting a name on something, the old rule of capitalizing the first letter of the name will probably serve you well.

We will, of course, fulfill your custom carving and engraving order exactly as you submit it to us, so when in doubt, ask the nearest English major to check your order before you hit send.  And rest assured that your thoughtfulness and good taste will shine through any grammatical errors.

Enjoy!

Jane Warren (Guest Blogger Extraordinaire)

Carved Solutions 24-48 hour turnaround time keeps us all in constant motion to make sure what you are hoping for under your tree, the gift you are expecting for the hostess with the mostess, your Hanukkah celebration, your team or staff appreciation, the gift for that special caregiver and unsung hero arrives when you need it.  In December, I often find my head hitting the pillow late and my days starting way before the sun does.  There is not a lot of opportunity to pause. 

This morning, as I took a moment to close my eyes and stop the hurry of my shower, I realized that I was enveloped by an amazing aroma.  A fragrance that I experience as part of my everyday existance at Carved Solutions but for a moment it was different.  My brain stopped racing and I allowed myself the pleasure of time, the pleasure to take in the devine fragrance of Green Tea and Bergamot.  Elegant yet innocent.  The bright notes of Green Tea and Bergamot simply fresh and soothing.  Green Tea, with its unique and subtle aroma married to Bergamot’s exquisite and refreshing with a core of orange, a hint of lemon yet slightly floral.

As I held this beautiful bar in my hand I couldn’t help but reminisce in the simple pleasures of this truly luxurious soap.  The triple-milled, creamy lather of Vermont made goodness.   This beautiful bar, with Green Tea & Bergamot’s aromatherapy properties that heal and rejuvinate. 

To top it off – it had been personalized just for me!  It reminded me why we do what we do.  Personalized Soap whether it’s an initial, a classic monogram or even a name or a phrase is a thoughtful, practical yet so very elegant way to spoil someone (even yourself!).   

It was exactly what I needed to start my day.  Thank you, Mike, for placing such a lovely gift in my shower today.  Oh, and so the rest of you know, my bar said “Believe”…

Smiles always,

Dawn

I’m grateful for childhood memories that bring my Dad back to me, memories that fill my parents’ home with 30 plus folks who traveled from near and far to celebrate in gratitude together.  We were thankful for one another, for the plenty of food before us, for Dad’s humor and Mom, the hostess with the mostess, for Grandma and Grandpa who have since passed, and the Aunts, Uncles and all the cousins who have now grown with family and traditions of their own.  Family always grew every year by friends that became family and belonged in the warmth of my parent’s home.   But it was there, in my childhood home, where our traditions began.  For those memories, I am grateful.

Today, Mike and I find ourselves surrounded by a community in our own backyard, a social network community with Twitter and Facebook, a community of co-workers,  clients,  vendors and a community of peers.  Each one of you touches our lives, probably in ways that you will never know.  The gratitude for each of you is overwhelming at times.  Our friends and neighbors who have supported our dreams, our social network who have connected, encouraged and have become true friends, our co-workers (our beloved staff at Carved Solutions) none of this would be possible without you, our clients who make it all real, our vendors, who really are our partners and our community of peers, often found at trade shows, you are my sisters and brothers at heart.  Today, we want to share that gratitude for each of you, with each of you.

The Season of Gratitude celebration at Carved Solutions, you’ll find 20% to 33% off!  Our way to give a little something back to you!  YOU are the reason Carved Solutions is “The Most Desired Brand”.  As we grow our line of personalized and monogrammed soaps and candles into personalized and monogrammed tabletop (barware, stemware, glassware and servingware) your personalizations, monograms and initials keep coming.  The trust and faith you put into our products and service is humbling.

Today, we hope you find yourself surrounded by friends and family, surrounded by the love of old traditions or new traditions.  If for some reason you find yourself with nothing to do today – dinner is at 1pm – don’t be late!

With smiles always,

Dawn

Summer has come and gone since we last shared a conversation.  The floods this spring in Vermont really challenged the water quality of Lake Champlain.  As avid boaters, swimmers and fishermen we, as a family, are on the lake anytime we aren’t working.  Our 11 year old, Sarah (whom many of you have come to know), developed a very strange rash from exposure to the water.  It made the summer challenging as I’m sure you can imagine how hard it is to keep a “fish” out of the water!  In many ways, the situation was a gift, and you’ll now find a great way to give back to the health of Lake Champlain through Carved Solutions.  Just add “Save Lake Champlain LCI” in the special request field and 50% of your purchase will be donated to saving our beautiful Lake Champlain! “…because a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Champlain is the only option.”

The summer also brought a lovely, young lady into our lives.  Miss Riva Dumont, crowned Executive Associate and introduced to the world at August’s NYIGF booth 2448!

Riva and I are two peas in a pod!  She’s an instant Carved Solutions family member; a hug hello and good-bye, filled with “I love you’s and appreciate you’s”.  Riva is one of a kind and has been a wonderful addition to our family.

August also brought IRENE to Vermont (as well as many other places!).  Vermont may be a state but we really are just one big neighborhood. Summing up The Vermont Way one of my favorite reports on Vermont during Irene clean up (which still continues today).  From the CBS report Paul had me at minute mark 2:55!  With so much appreciation for all the “Paul’s” in Vermont that just GET IT DONE!  We are Vermont Strong!

September brought more family support.  Walk to end Alzheimer’s! Who would know, with 19 years between us, that Riva and I would both have a parent with Alzheimer’s (plus we both hate mustard and love Mary Cassatt)?  Her Dad with early onset and my Mom at 76 just starting her Alzheimer journey.   Together (with Riva’s boyfriend, Gary) we Walked to end Alzheimer’s at the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, VT.  It was an unexpectedly beautiful day and gave us a wonderful opportunity to be together to support our parents; the three of us in a sea of purple!  Of course Carved Solutions supported us all the way.

OK so this is Shadow “cheering” Sarah at a field hockey game but it cracks me up so I had to include it!

Do you remember “Aunt Bee” from Andy Griffith?  Her kind manner, loved everyone, did everything for everyone, funny and yet still naive?  That’s my Mom through and through; all of 4’11″ of her.  Born on a Vermont dairy farm in the 30′s, the oldest of 5 girls, a marine that married a sailor (she’s so gentle  that you’d never guess it)!  My mom (besides surviving lung cancer and skin cancer) is a two-time breast cancer survivor and October is always special at Carved Solutions.  The Oprah Blog Life Lift shared our Breast Cancer Awareness soaps for the month of October to aid in our fundraising for Susan G. Komen for the Cure 50% of all gross proceeds of our Satsuma (Vermont Made) Soaps and Candles are donated to SGK for the Cure! We also love Cocktails Curing Cancer!  My Mom, Shirley A. Faverty is the perfect example of a SURVIVOR!

Finally, we reach November! It’s always a perfect time to be grateful and November is a wonderful reminder with Thanksgiving right around the corner.  Gratitude really is a wonderful state of mind to find yourself in, to put yourself in.  When you come from a place of gratitude it changes your outlook on every single experience in your day, it changes your opinion of everyone in your life, it even changes how you look at yourself.

To begin our “Season of Gratitude” we are offering (for a limited time) an unheard of 20% off of select Signature Spa Collection soaps. Just in time for the holidays!

There are many exciting surprises coming in the next few weeks – so keep your eyes open!  Have you joined us on Facebook or Twitter yet? If not, please do so as you’ll be the first to be in the know!

I would be missing an opportunity to shine a light if I didn’t mention Jason from Yahoo! Hosting Help Center.  When WordPress couldn’t help me reset our password to our blog – Jason, out of the kindness of his heart had us up and running in 15 minutes flat!  So thanks to Jason; I’m back!

Always with smiles,

Dawn

I don’t think that men truly appreciate the gift of fatherhood until they become one, themselves. As I watch my own husband interact with our daughter, Sarah, I see the priceless appreciation in his eyes and the wonder of how his heart got out of his body and became this beautiful little being that one day will grow up and he will have to set free.

When I was pregnant and we found out we were having a girl, I couldn’t help but be excited for Mike to experience the love, power and affect that “Daddy’s little girl” has on a man’s life, heart and beliefs.

With great pride, I watch him add feathers to her wings every day preparing her for that flight. He does a much better job giving her feathers than I do.

Sarah reminds me of myself as a young girl. How not only does she have her Daddy wrapped around her finger, but he holds her heart in the palm of his hand, the great protector. Watching the two of them makes me reminisce about my childhood experiences with my Dad and allows me to remember the joy he did bring into my life. How I wish he was here now so he could enjoy Sarah and Mike too.

With much gratefulness and appreciation we do still have the gift of Mike’s Dad, Jack (photo below). Jack has been in my life since I was 12 years old (I’ll turn 42 this August~shhhh!). It is with great love and honor that I call him “Dad” and he is in every since of the word a wonderful father to me. Jack has always offered to me his support, guidance, love, patience and humor! I often wonder what he would say about me if I wasn’t in the room. I would bet on one hand he’s proud and loves me very much and on the other hand finds me challenging at times, and wonder’s where I come up with my “ideas”. For me, he’s priceless and I’m so glad Sarah has a Grandpa like him!

Whether we come from “dysfunctional” families or even the perception of perfection in the Cleavers or the Cosby’s our Dads have a remarkable impact on who we are and who we’ll become. Be aware of the impression your Dad has made on your life. If it was good, seal it in your heart and strive to equal it, if it was less than desirable, learn from it and make your life easier now.

An important belief that my Dad always impressed on me was to love, respect and protect your mother because you only have one. I think my Dad finally was able to find peace and let go of this existence when Mike told him not to worry about his girls because he’d take care of them. The best Dads I know have deep respect for their Mothers and their wives.

Ahh, the joy of fatherhood!!!

Chris…you’ve come a long way baby! Bud, you make me proud! Jack you are my shelter in the storm! Daddy, I miss you!!!!

Got a special message for the Dads in your life? Let us know, if you’ve got a suggestion, we’re willing to try anything so let us know what your soap should say! www.carvedsolutions.com

Always with smiles,

Dawn

Super-sized is often presented in flashy packaging, with a fragrance that either repulses you or pulls you in. You often walk away with more than you bargained for; unhealthy weight gain, cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity (highly processed, lots of saturated fats, hydrogenated fats and refined sugar, salt by the teaspoons, very little fiber, very few vegetables and fruit) add to that heartburn, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Sure, the serving is huge; typically enough food for three but it’s really what’s inside that counts. When you give in to that “but it’s cheaper” mindset, you do get what you pay for and so does your body.

A healthy meal (whether prepared at a gourmet restaurant or at home with your family) is presented naturally and organically. It’s pure aroma is irresistible. With portions that are just the right size, filled with herbs, spices and natural vitamins and minerals that build your body, your immune system and keep you healthy and happy. Not only is family time a luxury these days, but time for a healthy meal is too!

The same holds true for luxury soaps. It’s not about the size of the bar or the flashy overseas packaging it’s about the entire experience.

Where did your soap bar come from?

Did it start with Fatty Acid Neutralized Soap Base (ours) or Kettle Saponified Soap Base (theirs)?

The size of a bar is no reflection of the luxurious quality of a soap bar. Many other brands use a (yellow colored) soap base that was created using a kettle saponification process. A kettle saponification process limits the quality of the end product, limits the color stability and also length of time the scent is carried by the bar. In regard to soap base (vegetable being the medium we are using) kettle saponification has no option to break down the fatty acids of the palm and/or palm kernel oils.

Our bar is produced using fatty acid neutralization. What this means is that we are able to break down the fatty acids of the palm and palm kernel oils to create ratios that produce the highest quality bar, most stable color (won’t fade back to the yellow base of a kettle saponified bar, as our base starts snowflake white), and a harder bar with more lather (thus a longer lasting bar – even if smaller because short chain fatty acids are removed). Carved Solutions doesn’t use heavily perfumed, inexpensive fragrances often found in the marketplace to try to entice you into thinking something is luxurious – don’t fall for their smoke and mirrors! With a range of natural ingredients and essential oil scents we bring you the simple purities and true aromatherapy experience you desire.

A popular way to create soap is using what we refer to as “lab technique” manufacturing (we only produce hand/leg pressed bars when we are specifying new products). Typically, a manual leg press creates the pressing of the mold(s) by “hand” or actually stepping on the mold machine to create the product.

Our manufacturer supports us with an extrusion and pressing operation consisting of eight soap manufacturing lines. Each line is optimized for the quality and innovation that the most demanding cosmetic companies require. With several different press types we can produce almost any conceivable bar soap shape and look with weights that range from under one ounce to one pound. Using a true manufacturing process with quality that has earned our manufacturer the reputation of being the most innovative private label soap manufacturer creates a homogenized, uniform and consistent product.

Top that all off with our proprietary carving technologies and you’ve got a personalized gourmet meal, I mean luxury soap bar awaiting your quiet bathing escape.

Carved Solutions Nutritional Value

* Pure white, fatty acid neutralized soap base
* Triple milled manufacturing process
* Natural ingredients
* Gentle and pleasing essential oil scents
* Personalized aromatherapy
* Deepest carving in the marketplace
* Detail and quality beyond reproach
* Carved Solutions signature 5 Star Client Care
* 100% Fat Free, Sugar Free, Salt Free, Calorie Free
* Eco-Luxury Made in Vermont
* 100% Guilt Free Pampering

Smiles always,
Dawn

0311 House Beautiful Cover 0311 Best Opener House Beautiful

House Beautiful requested samples from every possible personalized soap company and with the editor’s keen eye for details, discerning taste, and desire for perfection that we find in House Beautiful, they chose Carved Solutions, above all, as “The Best”. This feature leaves us honored, humbled, and committed to representing “The Best” that House Beautiful in known for. March’s “Power of Pink” is filled with so much beauty, creativity and stunning style!

At Carved Solutions we work hard to spoil you, to give you the personalized luxury you are so deserving of and options that are found nowhere else. With our ever-progressing, proprietary technologies Carved Solutions is always discovering the best new ways to personalize for you. Over the next couple of weeks we’ll be unveiling “Personalize Like Never Before”.

You’ll find the perfect gift for everyone on your gift-giving lists and even must-haves for yourself! The anticipation of sharing the news is torturing me!!

Smiles always,

Dawn

WILD BLUE LUPIN: This gentle floral scent is presented in a romantic blue and is known to improve concentration & clarity. This scent is a unique floral that is not an overwhelming perfume base or overpowering in anyway. Reminiscent of a summer’s meadow. When I found this plant in Maine (while taking a precious and rare long weekend with my husband and daughter) I knew this had to be our signature floral scent. One shower and you’ll immediately discover why butterflies are drawn to this fabulous floral scent.

SATSUMA: A sensual pink possessing a unique citrus scent dates back to ancient Japanese culture; the fruit is often compared to a seedless mandarin with a scent that is refreshing & healing. Its gentle sweet notes are cheery, uplifting and vivacious; a personal favorite of mine!

VERBENA: This delightfully fresh, lemon herbal scent in a bright snowflake white is relaxing, uplifting and soothing. A verbena shower leaves you invigorated!

AQUA MINERAL: As its name states is a water-based fragrance; what you expect soap to smell like. Aqua Mineral’s pure hydration is gentle & clean, created for mass appeal, completely unisex. An all decor complimenting Antique White is the personalized industry’s only safe for sensitive skin & noses. Perfect for guaranteed gift-giving every time *** EVERYONE LOVES Aqua Mineral!

LAVENDER: The quality of our lavender will please the most discerning palate of the lavender lover in your life! These pure essential oils presented in the softest shade of lavender reduce stress, and relax the body and mind. I admit that I close my eyes and lather up my face just to completely take in this pure lavender experience to its fullest!

GREEN TEA & BERGAMOT: This alluring spring green is inviting and clean. The scent blends, refined by the refreshing notes, are refreshing, stimulating and rejuvenating. This delicate essence is ideal for the one who loves the freshness and the awakening of the great opened spaces.

On top of that, I’m a daily motivation kind of girl. I love an inspiring word or sentence. Finding “See it, feel it, be it, BELIEVE IT!” in my shower is remarkably uplifting and touches my soul (it’s the mantra my Dad raised me by and since his passing in 2004 I cling to those words daily). Initials, Monograms and Family Names are timeless favorites and our carving style allows you the freedom to be creative. With 3 lines and 12 characters per line you have 36 characters to express yourself (not quite a Tweet but so much fun!).

I’m already looking forward to tomorrow morning; the clean slate of a new day, that first cup of coffee and my shower with love from Carved Solutions! Hmmmm… I wonder what scent I’ll choose?

Smiles Always,

Dawn

What became most prevalent to me through the year 2010 is maintaining my way of doing business no matter what. Sincerely, doing the right things for the right reasons allows everyone to “win”. MSNBC’s “Your Business” partnered with American Express Open Forum came to Vermont to visit Carved Solutions. It was a fabulous day and a half. We had a blast with Producer, David Foster (instant friend!) and were able to share David Glickman with Vermont Butcher Block & Board Company and Ellen Cagnassola from Sweet Soaps. MSNBC’s Promoting Me, Promoting You come discover with us how our business is so much more than personalized and monogrammed soaps and candles.

2010 was a remarkable year for Carved Solutions. The biggest highlight was a personal invite to the Oprah Winfrey Show this October. Witnessing everyone in action first hand was a surreal experience. As magical as one would expect the experience to be – it was. I was able to bring a very special guest with me and our time spent together was truly a gift in so many ways – time stopped.

We get so busy these days that we forget to stop; to notice a smile, the sparkle in someone’s eyes, really listen to the laughter that happens around us. When we take a moment to stop, to ground and start all over it’s remarkable what we find. When sincerely watching or listening to those around us, we are given the gift to see inside ourselves.

Simple things, common courtesy, manners, and patience are often forgotten over the course of a normal busy day. When someone offers a simple courtesy to you doesn’t it make you feel great?

Hold open a door
Really look someone direct in the eyes and ask how they are
Say please and thank you
When writing emails remember there is a human being on the other end and your tone cannot be heard; choose your words wisely
Think before you react
Offer forgiveness freely and be the first to apologize

I really could write for hours about the kindnesses we should remember to share with one another but in the end it’s the Golden Rule (Ethics of Reciprocity) that we all must remember with every breath we take.

Those in my life do tease how “busy” I am; I don’t get a lot of time to enjoy a television show but I did see OWN Network’s Master Class with Maya Angelou. If I could offer you all a gift, it would be an hour to sit and really take in the wisdom that Dr. Angelou shares – she really makes you stop and think!

Knowing me as you do, you know that I can’t share without sharing my gratitude. The Carved Solutions family is a tight knit group who are loyal, supportive, positive and uplifting to one another. The depth of our family runs past the walls of our organization; in fact each one of you plays a very important part of who we are and the culture of our little world. The Carved Solutions family works hard to provide the highest quality personalized and monogrammed soaps and candles in the industry. CBS’ WCAX of Vermont offers a glimpse into Life at Carved Solutions a story covered by the beloved WCAX reporter, Jack Thurston.

It’s been a year of excitement for us. Humbly, Mike and I accepted the Vermont Alumni Leadership Award from Champlain College this past fall.

Much of the foundation in our business came from our education at Champlain College. We’ve had the honor to share through the College’s LEAD program (Life Entrepreneurs Sophomore Symposium), Champlain’s Speaking From Experience and also the Single Parent Program. Working with the College is always a fulfilling experience.

On a personal note, the best creation Mike and I ever made is our daughter Sarah! At almost 11 years old, she’s what grounds this busy Mamma. Sarah holds great pride in Carved Solutions, the hard work that we and our team put into the business. She says her favorite part is watching the UPS trucks leave at the end of the day filled to the brim with CS Love. But at the end of the day, it’s her blue eyes that gaze at me with endless love that reminds me why we do what we do – why doing the right things for the right reasons is all that matters…

Smiles always,

Dawn