The first post I ever wrote on my blog was about the amazing fireworks display that the town of Royalton put on at Royalton Ravine Park. Now here we are, a year later, and though I have many posts ready to be published, I can't help but stop and take a moment to share what an amazing job this town does at celebrating Independence Day.
Royalton Ravine Park has become our go-to destination when it comes to celebrating July 4th. There's more than enough room to accommodate everyone who's looking for non-stop entertainment, and for those who are just looking to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show, well, as you can see above, there's plenty of beautiful scenery to take in while you're waiting.
Parking is great, and a quick five minute walk from your car, will get you the perfect spot, nestled among prime scenery. The town of Royalton does an amazing job at providing entertainment for every age. I love that you're given two choices for area seating: stay up front where the action is, with food, drinks, live music and more or opt for a quieter area in the back, where you're treated to a pond, kids entertainment, and front row seats to the fireworks.
From the second we arrived, the kids had a blast, and with so many kids activities, we didn't have to worry about those two words parents fear, "I'm Bored!"
Whether it's new this year or I just didn't notice it last year, the town of Royalton gets five stars for providing a kids movie. It not only kept their attention, but also had perfect timing, ending 20 minutes before the fireworks started. It was just enough time for us to walk back to our seats, get situated, and to get ready for what was to be an amazing show.
Plus, they ran the hilarious kids movie, "The Nut Job," which I knew my kids loved.
Just as we were walking back to our seats, we were lucky enough to start seeing all the sky lanterns heading up. We had so much fun sending two lanterns up last year, but were the spectators this year. It's always a beautiful sight to see, as different colored lanterns light up the night sky.
The time had arrived and as the American Flag was lit up, so was the sky with the start of one of the best firework shows around. Each year, I take pictures and film, because the show is just that good. I try to make a few short videos and wanted to make sure I could show off what an amazing job the town or Royalton did once again. The problem is, trying to time the grand finale of the firework show is not easy when the entire show feels like it's the grand finale.
I've been celebrating July 4th for close to 30 years and have been to many locations for fireworks, but not one of those can compare to what Royalton does. Impressive? It's more than that. Royalton's 2014 July 4th celebration was by far the best.
There was one firework that I'm 100% sure was brand new this year. Of course I have no photos or video when my new favorite firework went off, as I was switching from camera to video . As it was shot off, it spiraled, going in circles and was one of the coolest fireworks I've ever seen. I know, it's maybe not the best description, but those are the best words I can use to describe how magnificent this firework was. I'm crossing my fingers they bring it back next year, and much more of it.
The show went on for what seemed like forever, and that's why I love going to Royalton. Other places, will have you spending hours waiting to see a fireworks show that lasts maybe twenty minutes, but the town of Royalton knows better than to waste your time. When they put on a show, they put their all into it, giving everyone a display of fireworks, that you just won't find anywhere else.
Royalton Ravine Park is the place to be for family-friendly entertainment, and a beautiful fireworks display that will have you coming back year after year. Though I'd love to keep this amazing place a secret, it's just too good to keep to myself and deserves to be talked about and shared with anyone and everyone who doesn't know about it.
A huge Thank You goes out to the Town of Royalton, fire department, law enforcement, volunteers, bands, food vendors and everyone else who helped make this Independence Day a memory we'll never forget.
Feel free to check out a small taste of what you can expect from the Town of Royalton. Below is a video of the July 4th Fireworks Grand Finale at Royalton Ravine Park in the Town of Royalton!
Did you visit Royalton Ravine Park for July 4th? Tell us how the Town of Royalton made your Independence Day one to remember at Royalton Ravine Park!!!
This next small business in our Pay It Forward series was more than a pleasure to work with. To be honest, I've had it done for a while, but with a marriage/honeymoon in the works, I wanted to wait until her store was open again to show off the great products she offers. Dedicated and hard-working are two words that come to my mind first when I think of the owner. In the past few weeks, she's added even more products and even some to help out charities! The first part of her business name, Southern Belle, perfectly describes who you'll find behind this one-of-a-kind candle and wax company.
Who Owns Southern Belle Gems & Smells?
A while back, while in one
of my favorite candle/wax groups on Facebook, I met Sarah and was instantly
impressed with how dedicated she was to making her company perfect. From the
scents she offers, to the jewelry inside, it’s easy to see why so many people
have fallen in love with her company from the second it opened. I was able to see
first-hand, just how much hard work was put into everything she made, even down
to the smallest details like the colors of the packaging. Not only have I
gotten to know Sarah professionally, but personally as well. She’s been a great
friend and support,an amazing owner and the face of female empowerment. I’m lucky to have met her and been a part
of her rigorous wax testing before her company opened. I’d wish her luck, but
from what I’ve seen in the past few months, it looks as if, there’s
no luck needed. She’s very talented and that talent shines through in all of
her wax and candle products.
What Does Southern Belle Gems & Smells Offer?
Sure, Southern Belle Gems & Smells offers amazing candle and wax products that you'll love, but even more impressive, is the experience you'll have when you order. Sarah takes honesty, integrity, fair play and great customer service very seriously. How do I know? Before her company even opened, Sarah talked about some of the poor experiences she had had with jewelry candle and wax companies and never, ever wanted her customers to have that same experience. When she says her "commitment to excellence and superb quality will make Southern Belle Gems & Smells stand apart from other vendors," she's not kidding. The joy, happiness, and excitement expressed by her fans over her products are a true testament to the hard work Sarah puts in every single day.
Candles & Wax Products
Southern Belle Gems & Smells makes ordering fun! You get to be apart of customizing your order from choosing the scent and jewelry options to the fun colors offered as seen above. What you end up with, is a quality product that's not only beautiful, but made with hard work and love. Find out what great wax products you have to choose from when you order from Southern Belle Gems & Smells!
16oz. Candle With Genuine Jewelry
You’ll receive
a 16oz. 100% soy candle made-to-order with your choice of scent and wax color,
with a piece of genuine sterling silver or better jewelry hidden inside. Each
candle you order comes with a decorative mirror plate in a variety of shapes.
Choose between rings, earrings or pendants. Your candle will come in an
aluminum tin with a window lid.
“Create Your Own Custom” 16oz. Genuine Jewelry
Candle
Create your own jewelry candle and customize everything from
the color and scent to the type of embeds you get. You’ll receive a 16oz. 100%
soy wax candle with a genuine jewelry surprise inside with a minimum retail
value of $100. You can choose one scent or blend up to three scents together.
Choose the color of your wax with options like teal, purple, blue, pink,
orange, red, yellow or white. Choose your glitter color with options like
silver, white, iridescent, peacock, light blue, blue-green, purple, hot pink or
green. Choose embeds that include America Flags, seashells, stars, sand
dollars, butterflies, hearts, fleur de lis, roses, or card suits: hearts,
diamonds, spades or clubs. Plus, choose the name of the person or scent that
you’d like to appear on the custom cardstock tag!
Just Candles:
16oz. Soy Candle Without Jewelry
If you’re
looking for an affordable candle option without jewelry or just want to
experience some of the amazing scents that Southern Belle Gems & Smells
offers, this next option is perfect for you. You’ll receive a 16oz. 100% soy
wax candle without jewelry. It comes in a tin with a window lid and you can
choose your color and scent when you order.
Just Candles: “Create
Your Own Custom” 16oz. Soy Wax Candle Without Jewelry
Want a candle
without jewelry, but still want that fun experience? Southern Belle Gems &
Smells makes ordering your candle a one-of-a-kind fun experience. Choose up to
three scents to blend, choose your wax color with choices that include teal,
purple, blue, pink, seafoam and white. Choose your glitter color with choices
like silver, white iridescent, peacock, light blue, blue-green, purple, hot
pink or green. Choose what type of embeds you’d like with options like American
Flags, seashells, stars, sand dollars, butterflies, hearts, roses, Fleur de Lis
or card suits: hearts, diamonds, spades or clubs! Plus, you get to customize
the cardstock tag! You can add names, scent, or anything you’d like the tag to
say.
16oz. Bag of Warmer/Melter Crystals (with or without genuine jewelry)
Ready to experience a new way to enjoy your favorite scents?
Grab a 16oz. of melter crystals! These warmer crystals don’t just put off a
beautiful aroma, they also purify the air. So instead of just covering up
odors, the crystals absorb them. Plus, you can order your melter crystals with
or without genuine jewelry! Choose between colors including blue, teal, purple,
pink or white and a variety of wonderful scents! Warmer Crystals are easy to use
and cleanup. *These work best in a 24watt or higher warmer/hot plate.
Soy Wax Clamshells
Stock
up on your favorite scents with Southern Belle’s clamshells. Made of 100% soy
wax, you’ll receive approximately 3.5oz. of wax in an easy to store, reusable
clamshell package! Choose your color! Choose your scent! Melt Away!
Southern Belle Scent Shots
Looking for the best way to try out new scents? Grab some scent shots! You’ll receive 2oz. of wax that come in a variety of colors and any scent you choose!
Keep It Simple Y’all! Bag of Six Wax Tarts (One Scent)
You’ll receive a beautifully
packaged damask bag of six scallop wax tarts, each weighing over 1oz. for a
total of over 6oz. You can choose one scent per package and have over 40 scents
to choose from. Colors may vary, depending on scent, but include teal, orange,
yellow, red, green, blue, pink, and purple.
Single Flower Wax Tart With Genuine Jewelry
You’ll
receive approximately 3oz of wax in the shape of a beautiful flower. You choose the scent and the type of jewelry you’d like. Genuine Jewelry to choose
from includes rings, pendants or earrings. Southern Belle Gems & Smells
generally carries whole sizes in 5 through 9 in rings.
Single Large Flower Wax Tart without Genuine Jewelry
You'll receive approximately 3oz. of wax in the shape of a beautiful flower. Choose from over 40 scents and get ready for a wonderful scented surprise to arrive, just waiting to be melted.
Jewelry Tart and Scent Shot Set
If you’re looking to try a variety of scents, then this wax
set is the way to go. You’ll receive one large flower wax tart with genuine
jewelry and four scent shots in your choice of up to four scents. In the mood
to be surprised? Just say “Surprise Me” and Sarah will choose some amazing
scents for you. Genuine jewelry to choose from includes rings, pendants and
earrings with rings coming in sizes 5-9. With approximately 11oz. of wax, this
is the perfect way to try out new scents and get a beautiful piece of genuine
jewelry.
Southern Belle Sampler
An All You Can Smell Buffet! Whether you’re new to wax or
looking to try some new scents, the Southern Belle Sampler is the best way to
sample out some of the most popular scents. You’ll receive (8) 2oz. scent shots
in Bite Me (AKA Get Your Shine On), Tan Lines, Red Lipstick (AKA Cocktails
& Stilettos), Love Speel, Bora Bora, Seas Salt & Yuzu (AKA Jessie’s
Girl), and Camu Camu. That’s a pound of wax!!!
4oz. Bag of Random & Fun-Shaped Wax Tarts
If you like surprises, you’ll want to grab a 4oz. bag of
random and fun-shaped wax tarts! Each time you order, it’s a fun and new
surprise. You’ll receive 4oz. of 100% soy wax tarts that come highly scented.
Sarah will create a custom bag for you that may come with shapes that include
Awareness Ribbons, Flip Flops, American Flags, gemstones, fruit slices,
ladybugs, card suits, birthday cakes, strawberries, butterflies, seashells, starfish,
sand dollars, hearts, Fleurs de Lis, stars, flowers that include daisies,
hibiscus flowers, roses, and many more shapes.
Ice Packs For Your Wax
Ever worry
about ordering wax in the summer? Now you don’t have to. Southern Belle Gems
and Smells has you covered, making sure your wax survives the summer heat with
ice packs. Add an ice pack to your order for less than a dollar and Sarah will
add extra packing and insulation to your order, so your wax stays cool while in
transit!
Charity Candles
As an extremely giving person, it doesn’t surprise me one
bit that Sarah created candles that give back. Southern Belle Gems and Smells
offers Candles for a Cause: For each candle you buy, a donation will be made to
that specific charity. Southern Belle Gems and Smells has chosen three
charities that are near and dear to their hearts!
The KARE Foundation –
“Barbara’s KARE Candle for Epilepsy”
Light A Candle For A Cure! You’ll receive a watermelon Taffy scented
candle, embedded with an awareness ribbon. This candle comes in the color lavender
and includes genuine jewelry. For each candle purchased, a donation will be
made to the KARE Foundation, whose
mission it is to raise awareness for Epilepsy, support those who suffer from it
and help find a cure. Find out more about how you can help in the search for a
cure by visiting http://www.karefoundation.org/home.aspx!
The Wounded Warrior
Project – “Fierce Heroes Candle”
Support Our Troops With A Candle! You’ll receive a Fierce (Type –
Abercrombie & Fitch) scented candle with an American Glag custom embed on
request. This candle comes in the color blue and includes genuine jewelry. For
each candle purchased, a donation will be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, whose
mission it is to help, honor, and empower those who’ve been injured, fighting
for our freedom. To learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives
of wounded service members and their families, visit http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/!
The National Multiple
Sclerosis Society – “ Kali’s Retreat MS Warrior Candle”
Become A Wax Warrior! You’ll receive Kali’s Retreat a relaxing spa scented
(Sea Salt & Rice Flower + bamboo & Sugar Cane) candle, embedded with an
awareness ribbon. This candle comes in the color teal and includes genuine
jewelry. For each candle purchased, a donation will be made to the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society, whose mission it is to address the challenges of
everyone affected by MS and drive research for a cure so we can live in a world
free of MS. To learn more about how you can help in the search for a cure,
visit http://www.nationalmssociety.org/!
Body Lotions
All-Natural Goat’s Milk Body Butter with Genuine Jewelry
Get complete moisture and an amazing genuine piece of jewelry with all-natural
goat’s milk body butter available in three scents. Choose between Tan Lines,
Lemongrass Tangerine, and Debutante Ball. Choose your jewelry with options that
include rings, earrings and pendants. Plus, get it on sale to celebrate its
launch.
Goat’s Milk Body Butter
Get long-lasting moisture, an amazing fragrance and a soft glow with
all-natural Goat’s Milk body butter! Get all the moisture you need in a variety
of sizes including a 4.5oz. reusable jar or get it in a travel size 2.5oz.
reusable jar with your choice of three scents including Tan Lines, Lemongrass
Tangerine and Debutante Ball. More scents coming soon.
All-Natural Goat’s Milk Lotion
Moisturize your skin for hours. You’ll receive a 4oz. bottle of all-natural
Goat’s Milk Lotion, available in three scents including Love Spell (Type),
Lavender and Island Kiss. Perfect for the summer, after a long day in the sun.
Where Can I Find Southern Belle Gems & Smells?
Southern Belle Gems and Smells Website
Order all your favorite wax and candle products from the Southern Belle Gems & Smells website. You'll find a long list of amazing scents, a detailed page of all the products, embeds, color choices for wax and glitter, contact information, charity candles, and access to the Southern Belle Gems & Smells candle and wax shop!
Like Southern Belle Gems & Smells on Facebook for all the latest updates! Check out photos of the newest jewelry pieces, enter giveaways for your chance to win amazing candle and wax products, find out about the latest sales and deals going on, get updates from the owner herself and hang out with other fans of Southern Belle Gems & Smells. (Make sure to have your notifications turned on to never miss an update)
Southern Belle Gems & Smells Insiders Facebook Group
Join the Southern Belle Gems & Smells Insiders Facebook Group to get instant access to giveaways, updates, deals, sales, photos, and so much more. As a member, you'll join other Southern Belle fans in getting the most up-to-date news and be able to share your photos of all your favorite Southern Belle products. Stay Tuned for Part 2 of our Southern Belle Gems & Smells Review where I'll show you photos, video and more of the amazing wax products I was asked to review. Have you ever ordered from Southern Belle Gems & Smells? What are your favorite products? What are you looking forward to seeing? Feel free to share your experiences with us!
Just over a week ago, I shared with you, Part 1 of my Lagniappe Candle Company review: "Melting Hearts One Jewelry Candle At A Time," in our "Pay It Forward" series for small businesses. I talked about what Lagniappe Candle Co. offered, how to purchase Lagniappe candles for yourself and how to stay up-to-date with new products, scents, sales, giveaways and more. I also shared the two very special women behind Lagniappe Candle Company! My experience with their company is one of many that you'll find floating around the internet, whether it be through Youtube videos of ring reveals or messages of "Thank You for the great product" on Facebook."
Today, I'd like to share with you my review of the actual products, because the candles from Lagniappe Candle Company deserve praise. To be honest, I don't think my words can do their candles justice. I can tell you the scent of each candle below was out of this world. In fact, they were some of my favorite scents yet. I can tell you I made a video, just to tell you about the cold throw alone, because it was just that impressive. I can tell you when the candles were lit, I was in scent heaven, and those scents lingered long after the candles had been blown out.
I can tell you how impressed I was with the quality of the jewelry, and not just because I had received my first marked ring ever, but because you could tell how much thought was put into each piece. I can tell you the looks on my four and five year old daughters' faces when they saw their surprises, that were specifically hand-picked, and again extremely well thought out. I can tell you all of this, but it still would not do Lagniappe Candle Company justice.
To truly find out what Lagniappe Candle Company is like, you have to experience it for yourself!
Below, you'll find both photos and video of my review and jewelry reveals.
Cool Water Candle
Words cannot describe how much I've fallen in love with
this scent! Within a few minutes, my home was filled with the wonderful scent
of my favorite cologne. Even an hour after I had blown the Cool Water Candle
out and had left, my husband had called and asked what had made our home smell
so good. I explained it was the Cool Water candle. This is a perfect scent for
both men and women, but if you're looking to get your boyfriend, husband,
father, brother, etc. into your candle addiction, this is the perfect scent to
go with. This scent brings together a fresh and modern fern-like scent with a citrus top note enhanced by a hint of green, with a heart of
flowers on a background of amber, musk, moss, sandalwood, and cedar.
What Jewelry Came In My Candle?
I cannot tell you how excited I was when I discovered this gorgeous ring inside of my Cool Water candle from Lagniappe Candle Company. I've watched hundreds of ring reveal videos and have seen so many rings that have been marked with the special "925," but had never been lucky enough to receive one myself. That was until Lagniappe Candle Company turned my luck around. I've always been very lucky in the ring size department, always receiving a ring that fits perfectly to my fingers. I can't begin to explain how happy I was when I discovered my first ring that was both marked and fit perfectly!
This is by far the most beautiful ring I've ever received from a company. To be honest, the fact that it's marked holds no weight when it comes to the reasons I fell in love with this ring. This sterling silver ring comes with a double band and three stones, in the center is an oval shaped stone with a stone on each end as well. I'm still doing research so I'll be sure to update you with details on the name of the stones soon. The ring is marked with 925 both inside the band and right underneath the setting. This ring begs to be worn everyday and attracts attention wherever I go. I love love love it! It really shows off the quality that Lagniappe Candle Company has when it comes to the rings they select!
Blackberry Sage Tea Candle
This candle scent is undeniably delicious. The sweet smell
of blackberries that fill the air make this the perfect scent for spring and
summer. I love lighting this candle first thing in the morning and just before
bedtime. It truly is the perfect start and end to every day and a must have if
you've yet to try it. I've read so many great reviews from others who've tried
this yummy scent, but to really find out just how amazing Blackberry Sage Tea
is, you have to experience it for yourself.
What Jewelry Came In My Candle?
I fell in love with the scent of Lagniappe Candle Company's Blackberry Sage Tea candle and this next ring emulated that perfectly. This too, had a split band in gold, with a setting that came with a heart stone. This ring fit like a glove and is the perfect accessory no matter what I wear.
Though it's not marked, it doesn't have to be for me to fall in love with it. I couldn't have asked for a better ring to go with summer scent! Just how the scents blend perfectly together to make the must-have candle of the summer, this ring's colors work together to create a beautiful piece of jewelry!
Strawberry Cheesecake Candle
Lagniappe Candle Company will make candles for anyone
including kids. Lagniappe made custom candles for both of my daughters and I
couldn't have asked for a better scent for their first candle. I'll admit, I've
become a bit jealous, so to get my fill of this delicious scent, their candles
are lit everyday. Lagniappe has done an amazing job of opening my eyes to more
scents like this because Strawberry Cheesecake is just that good. It makes me
wonder how much I've been missing out on. These special candles arrived with
very special and custom surprises in each one. (Once we reach the surprise in
the candle, we'll update this with photos and a video or the reveals.)
I was
given a sneak peek into what each one was, and again became quite jealous, but
my daughters will love them and that's what's important. I loved that from the
second my children opened their candles, you could instantly see how they were
carefully decided upon from Lagniappe. They surprised us with the scent, color,
size and surprise. Each was adorned with sparkles and this scent is a must if
you're looking to purchase a candle for your kids. The bright look of the
candle, makes it fun for kids too. The thought that went into these, proves
just how much dedication Lagniappe Candle Company has in making sure their
candles are loved by all ages.
What Jewelry Came In My Kids' Lagniappe Candles?
I was worried my kids would be inpatient, having to wait for the candle to burn down, but surprisingly, it only made their anticipation and excitement grow. Plus, there was no way I was about to ruin this delicious strawberry cheesecake candle, no matter how many puppy dog faces I received. The kids candles from Lagniappe Candle Company are not only customized, but make the jewelry reviews even more fun then they are for adults.
Brynley received an over-the-top adorable necklace from Lagniappe Candle Company. I like to call it a princess pig adorned with tiny jewels all over and has heart cut-outs on its back. Lagniappe Candle Co. couldn't have picked a more appropriate jewelry piece for Bryn.
She's definitely a girly girl who loves to play dress-up, watch her princess movies, and yes, sing the "Frozen" song on a daily basis. This necklace fit her personality to a T, and her day doesn't start until her special princess necklace is on. This necklace is proof of just how far Lagniappe Candle Company will go to make sure not only adults, but kids will have a fun, customized experience with their candle.
Addyson is the type of kid who wants to be all done up in her finest "Wonderland Clothes" (her name for clothing only princesses would wear), and she has extremely particular tastes. Even with her strict 4 year old standards, I was not worried after seeing what Bryn had received. Little did I know, her soon-to-be-opened jewelry prize, was about to be the new standard in how she dressed.
Addy received a necklace that came with a beautiful white heart adorned with multi-colored jewels in clear, pink, blue and green. The look on her face was priceless when she realized Lagniappe Candle Company had sent her a "Wonderland" necklace. The colorful jewels sparkled in the light and the necklace was the perfect accessory to her princess-like clothes.
These hand-picked jewelry pieces brought smiles to both my kids' faces and each made them feel like a princess in their own way. A million "Thank Yous" is not nearly enough to express my gratitude to Lagniappe Candle Company for the hard work and love that were put into these kid's jewelry candles.
Lagniappe Candle Company Website
Stock up on all your favorite scents with Lagniappe Jewelry Candles, wax tarts with jewelry, maniappe candles, and other great gifts. Find sales, info on shipping and stay up-to-date with what Lagniappe Candle Company with their blog!
Lagniappe Candle Company Facebook PageLike Lagniappe Candle Company on Facebook and get the latest updates on new scents, new products, giveaways, sales, photos and so much more. Plus, share your photos of your candles, wax tarts, jewelry reveals and more. Make sure to have notifications turned on so you never miss an update!
Lagniappe Candle Company Facebook GroupJoin the Lagniappe Candle Company Facebook Group and post photos of your candles, wax tarts, scent shots, jewelry reveals, video reveals and more. Meet other Lagniappe Candle fans, find out about sales, giveaways and join in on the Lagniappe Candle Company fun! Plus, interact directly with the special women behind Lagniappe Candles. They're always interested in your opinion and looking to find out what you, as the fans love most and want to see more of.
Lagniappe Candle Company on Twitter
Follow Lagniappe Candle Company on Twitter for new candles, scents and more. Tweet @LagniappeCandlC with photos of your candles, wax tarts and more.
The time had arrived and as the American Flag was lit up, so was the sky with the start of one of the best firework shows around. Each year, I take pictures and film, because the show is just that good. I try to make a few short videos and wanted to make sure I could show off what an amazing job the town or Royalton did once again. The problem is, trying to time the grand finale of the firework show is not easy when the entire show feels like it's the grand finale. 
The show went on for what seemed like forever, and that's why I love going to Royalton. Other places, will have you spending hours waiting to see a fireworks show that lasts maybe twenty minutes, but the town of Royalton knows better than to waste your time. When they put on a show, they put their all into it, giving everyone a display of fireworks, that you just won't find anywhere else. 
Royalton Ravine Park is the place to be for family-friendly entertainment, and a beautiful fireworks display that will have you coming back year after year. Though I'd love to keep this amazing place a secret, it's just too good to keep to myself and deserves to be talked about and shared with anyone and everyone who doesn't know about it. 
