Updates, Changes, And a New Beginning

I have to apologize for for the lack of updates over the last several weeks.  Life honestly just got crazy. Before I get into that, let me say that I've finally bit the bullet and decided to merge all my blog content into one blog which is now at Jennswt.com.  I kept the swt for a throwback to my Spake With Twang blog and it better ties into my youtube channel of the same name.

What does that mean for this blog? 

Other than this post and any comments with questions that may arise, I will not be adding any new content here.  All my new content will be on jennswt.com.  All the bargain, wax, book, polish, and the whole mess that is me will be on there.

For the time being, I am going to keep all the old blogs live at the current urls.  So all the old content will be here at least for awhile as I've already got most the domain names paid for quite awhile.

Sorry for any inconvenience this causes for anyone.  It isn't easy for me to pretty much rebuild from he ground up either.  Truthfully, this move as been a long time coming. 

I think one of my biggest regrets was starting side blogs in the first place or trying to limit the content into specific subject matter.  It just didn't work for me and I felt boxed in.

As for why my life as been crazy, for those who are curious or nosy :)

Well, to start last year I pretty much unable to do much of anything due to health issues.  2015 was an all around crap year.  So, let's talk about the whirlwind that started late 2015.

Around September, I finally got put on some new meds that have really helped me a ton.  I went from being in constant pain and having no energy to mostly functional.

I was feeling so much better in fact that I applied to a retail job at one of my favorite stores for a seasonal holiday position.  This was also a desperate need as the magic pills I was prescribed come with a not so magical price tag.  Surprisingly, I got the job.  It was amazing as I'd been job hunting with zero luck for over a year.

If you've ever worked retail, you know how that time of year is.  You don't get to have a life.  I also got hired 2 days beofre Black Friday.  So, you can imagine.  It was very difficult for me to get back in the swing of things, but I managed.

After the holiday, I ended up being offered a permanent part time position which I am still currently working.  The hours dropped dramatically after the holiday madness died down.  I went from having 35 or more hours weeks to only having 10 hours some weeks.

So, I got so mad over my abysmal hours one week that I just went on a job search site and applied to a ton of jobs including some that were a distant dream.

I didn't hear anything back and just continued to work the retail job.

Fast forward over a month and I get a call from this place at which I could only dream of working.  It was surreal.  And after weeks of interviews, tests, security checks, and more, I got offered the job. 

It has regular hours, hour lunches, and even a restroom not open to the public.  (If youve worked food or retail, you know what a blessing that is.  Customers are nasty animals in public restrooms. Haha.)  It's a job in which I'm able to use my degree and has career potential.

That's where I stand right now.  I am working the new dream job and still working the retail job on nights and weekends until I am done with my extensive training.

Life has always been crazy for me, but I'm thankful it's the good kind of crazy for once.

Y'all truly never know what life has in store.  I was at rock bottom last year.  Things were not good at all.  In the last month and a half, I have felt like my life may actually go somewhere for the first time since I was a naive high schooler with delusions of grandeur about how the world worked.

It's weird to be in a decent place for once.  I'm not without problems.  Shoot, I still have some crazy health issues and things.  For once, I have a peace that I've never had.  A feeling like things are gonna work out and go somewhere.  It's oddly comforting.

And I have my snazzy new blog at jennswt.com.  (Had to end with some cheese)

Love y'all even if my sporadic posting didn't show it.

Fotune Cookie Soap Haul | Wax Melts

Fortune Cookie Soap makes some pretty awesome body and bath products which is their main focus.  I freaking love their cuticle and body butters!

But...I've always seen pretty lofty claims as to the performance of their wax tarts from reviewers.  I've seen people say they are the strongest they've ever tried or the scent lasts for days on end.  As they are a company that is very hyped on social media, especially youtube, I am always skeptical.  They have a lot of super fans, and that usually makes for quite biased reviews.

I was subscribed to the Fortune Cookie Soap subscription box for quite awhile, and each box came with a $10 off coupon code.  I saved them up, as I could never get on the site before the product I wanted was sold out, and decided to make a few small orders of their wax tarts to use them up.

Wax of the Day: Ava's Country Cupboard - Flannel Sheets | Wax Melt Review

Today's wax melt review is of Flannel Sheets from Ava's Country Cupboard.  I purchased this melt directly from the wax vendor's web store.

Official Scent Description: (couldn't find one)

Pink Zebra Home Haul: Wax Sprinkles | Mini Reviews

First, let me say, I am not affiliated or a consultant for this company nor do I personally know any.  I am just a curious, weird, and wax obsessed cat lady who made an order from the web site.

This is one of those brands that I've been curious about even since I first found out about them.  I had only seen glowing reviews, but I'd never seen a review that wasn't from a consultant from this direct sales company.

So when they had an awesome coupon code promotion going awhile back, I thought I'd pick up a few of the 3.75oz jars and see how they perform for myself.

Wax of the Day: ScenSei - Hippie Holidays | Wax Melt Review

Today's wax melt review is for Hippie Holidays from ScenSei.  I ordered this one directly from the vendor's website.

Official Scent Description: Wow! An earthy blend of fresh patchouli, herbal sandalwood and hints of strawberry and raspberry with base notes of peppermint and evergreen. A wonderful holiday scent!

Wax of the Day: Front Porch Candles - Harvest Treats | Wax Melt Review

Today's wax melt review is of Harvest Treats by Front Porch Candles.  I picked this little grubby tart up directly from the vendor's web store.

Official Scent Description:  Blend of Sweet Potato Pie, Marshmallow, Sugar Cookies, Caramel, and Angie's Famous Cupcakes.

Yankee Candle Lavender | Candle Review

Today, I am doing a candle review of Lavender by Yankee Candle in a large tumbler.  I picked this candle up from the company's website during a glitch sale.  The full retail price is $27.99, but there are promotions going on constantly.

Official Scent Description:  Powdered lavender bundles tied with heather that is both soothing and luxurious.