September 27, 2008

This weeks Pay it Forward goes to

Lisa Ann Bonfiglio
Author-Illustrator-Business Owner
Dynamic Art House
http://dynamicarthouse.com/

Her smile is contagious and illuminating, but not as much as her spirit of giving. Lisa is a true inspiration in all that she does. From her paintings, writings, talents as a jeweler, to her personal commitment of giving of herself.

Through her own self expression, she challenges us to look further within ourselves and give when we truly do not feel there is anything left to possibly share.
The cover of her book, "Illumination Divine Inspiration from my heart to your heart" ISBN 978-1-4259-7200-4, reminds you of her personal angelic spirit and leaves you with the desire to move forward and pass it on.

Beeswax

For almost as long as we have been collecting honey from bees, we have also been gathering and using beeswax. It is used in many forms, to make art, candles and medicines, and many of these practices continue today.

The source of Beeswax

It's the honeybee that produces beeswax – in particular the worker bees that use the wax to build their honeycomb. They have special glands on the underside of the abdomen that secrete the wax, which emerges as a transparent liquid that the bees then chew and mould into the cells of their comb. When the wax dries it turns into a hard, white substance, though because of the presence of pollen it is often yellowish, or even red. It's because of this process that beeswax retains a faint smell of honey, one of its best-loved properties.

Beekeepers have gathered beeswax since ancient history – it's still a laborious process compared to synthetic or petroleum based waxes. The wax is collected from the hive, melted down and then fashioned into 'cakes'. These cakes are very durable, and have been traded for centuries as a long-lasting commodity. In some parts of the world beeswax is still the most readily available type of wax, and is used for many different purposes from healthcare to gardening. It can be used to graft plants onto new stems, as it is pliable and weatherproof.

History

Beeswax was used in Ancient Egypt around 2 millennia ago – mixed into pigment it was applied to canvasses when painting with the 'encaustic' method. These pictures are some of the best-preserved examples of Egyptian art, demonstrating the resilience of beeswax. The wax was heated and used as the 'carrier' for the powdered pigment – before being baked in the heat of the sun to seal it.

In mediaeval times most candles were made of tallow – usually from animal fats. However, these candles tended to sputter and give off foul odors, and in the middle Ages the Catholic Church decreed that only pure beeswax candles should be burned in their churches. Traditional church candles today are still made from beeswax. Because of beeswax's superior quality, it was very expensive, however, and only the richest could afford beeswax candles for their home.

There is mention of beeswax being used as a skin softener in Roman times, and the wings of Icarus were reputedly fixed with the substance. Cosmetic products today, particularly of the 'luxury' type, sometimes contain beeswax. It is also mixed with linseed oil and turpentine to produce an excellent furniture polish.

A substance with so many varied and beneficial uses has understandably always been regarded as very precious – for this reason beeswax is quite valuable, and in fact used to be a form of currency. In Europe several governments called for payment in beeswax – for rent, taxes or fines. No wonder it's always been so highly prized!

With the rich history of beeswax and the valuable properties, it's no wonder Ria's Collectables has chosen this wax to be a part of their Natural Hand Poured Wax Candles

September 20th, 2008

Ria's Pay it Forward

September 20th, 2008

Etienne A. Gibbs

Internet Safety Advocate & Educator

http://www.saynotohackersandspyware.com/

This weeks pick is Etienne Gibbs. I first met Etienne several months ago during a class we were both taking. His passion for on-line safety is remarkable! From his blog radio show, to his on-line presence, he is always educating someone about the safety issues surrounding the Internet.

Born on the island of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, he was known as Mr. Maximizing Your Potential. Since his move to San Antonio, he is now known as The Master Blog Builder for his work with small businesses. He has created blogs for travel at Executive And Group Travel blog as well.

Ria's Collectables has had the pleasure of being interviewed on Etienne's Show and I must say, his enthusiasm is highly contagious.

As an on-line business owner, I encourage not only on line safety but to also be aware of your personal safety as well. Etienne will help guide you in keeping one of your most valuable possessions, your computer, safe.

Thank you Etienne for you work in helping educate people regarding online safety.

September 13, 2008

At Ria's Collectables, we are recognizing one person per week until the end

of 2008 starting September 6th, 2008.

This weeks Pay it Forward:

Marcia Francois- The Organising Queen
Johannesburg, South Africa
http://www.takechargesolutions.org/

When I first met Marcia, it was during one of those life moments of chaos and stress. I was taking some online courses, working all day at the full time job, coming home to work on the remodel project, working on my website to be accredited through the BBB, and filling orders all before calling it a day.
One day before I decided to turn the computer off, I just sat there and thought, there has to be a better way of keeping it all organized, one that not only comes from the heart but is personal, easy to read, and most importantly, easy to follow. I signed up for Marcia's e-course and have enjoyed my relationship with her since.
She has always been there with encouragement and enthusiasm, which must come from her natural ability to coach from the heart. She has shared my struggles as a Woman Owned Online Business and has been fantastic in her efforts to help with her honesty and willingness to share.
I hope you set some time aside and get to know her. She is an avid blogger and is a published e-zine author. With her infectious personality, she encourages everyone that comes in contact with her to take charge and "Organise". Everything she writes helps to organize the chaos and reduce the stress of everyday life which in return, helps to plant the seed of helping make our world a better place.
Please join us in our effort to keep this act of kindness going. Have a great week and look forward to our next Pay it Forward Spotlight.
Touching lives, one minute, one day, one flame at a time.....

Ria

Tough Times Never Last

This is one of my all time favorites. Great book to read when we feel overwhelmed with life in general.
Hope you enjoy
Ria

Pay it Forward-September 6th, 2008

Welcome to Ria's Collectables Pay It Forward Page. This is our way of saying thank you to the people we come in contact with that are helping make our world and communities a better place.
Pay it Forward
This Week’s thank you goes to

Alvada Stanley
Coldwell Banker Heritage
Dayton, Ohio
http://www.astanleyrealtor.com/





When David and I decided to look at properties in Ohio, Alvada was truly put to the test. Her years of the areas knowledge and acceptance of our "looking" has been great and we look forward to years of not only working together to help make a dream a reality, but to also share the steps of the restoration of our new home.

She has been wonderful not only as a Realtor, but is a refreshing addition to our family as well.

Alvada is truly an inspiration of the spirit of giving back to the community with all she does; By helping her clients achieve their goals she is helping the community.





The Honorable Frank Geiger Home

Built 1886 as it sits today awaiting the restoration.

Located within the South Fountain Avenue Historic District of Clark County, Ohio.




If you are looking for a home or investment property in or out of the State of Ohio, please give Alvada a call. I am more than sure she can help.

August Challenge Week 4

I totally missed week 4 of Marcia's challenge. For a good reason however, we took a family trip to Springfield, Ohio to start the renovation of our 1886 Historical Home.
Wow, what a challenge that is going to be, traveling 8 hours and working all week-end. It was fun however and we were able to get the house clean, pull off all of the parquet flooring, and lay the logistics of the new bathroom out.

I have to admit, this past month has been fun and a reaffirmation of just how important organization truly is.
While we have been under a remodel project here for over a year, working full time, running a business, school for the kids and just plain life, organization is important. Not only for my sanity but for everyone Else's as well.

I can not say how much of a pleasure it has been working with Marcia via the Internet to get this done. A Million thank yous for the support!
Now I can get back to my e-course and finish all the other areas that need attention.

Marcia, your right, I loved the candles!

Coupons

I have found a wonderful website that you can actually print your own coupons! Using coupons with the rising cost of gas and essential food items helps to offset the impact.

Do you want to make the boring chore of cutting coupons fun? Play a game with your children and also teach them the value of a dollar by using this method, for every coupon your children find for products you actually use, add the coupon amount up and give that to them for their bank account.

Let them watch their efforts grow by showing them just how much money they are working to save the family.