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Citruscitygal
Member
08-07-2003
| Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 5:26 pm
Holly, Sorry I can't help - i just used my first tart yesterday and have many more questions than answers. But I'm sure someone who knows will be along soon. Which leads me to my next question. Does the wax eventually "burn off" or evaporate till there is little or no wax left or is it the scent that wears off after it has been warmed for many hours leaving just the wax to be disposed of?
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Bonzacat
Member
07-08-2003
| Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 5:46 pm
Citrus - the scent burns off but the wax never disappears. When you can no longer smell it, it's time to dispose of the wax. Holly - I am new at this so I don't have a lot of "burn time". I am at the end of burning Butter Cream Crunch for almost 24 hours and it's about done. I think the length of time you get from a tart depends on how well cured a tart is and if it's a "robust" scent or a lighter scent.
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Citruscitygal
Member
08-07-2003
| Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 6:15 pm
Ok another bag question I bought 2 sizes. One package is exactly like the picture Bonza posted, a good size for individual tarts. I also bought a pkg labeled party bags that are a larger size. The larger bags feel more like cellophane, while the smaller ones (as in the picture above) feel more like a regular plastic bag (ie kitchen type). Can I assume that the small Wilton bags pictured above are safe and will not suck the scent out of the tarts? Has anyone else used them without a problem? Now I need to decide if I'm going back to Cinnamon Stick tonight or try another scent. Back to work for me!
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Julip
Member
09-28-2005
| Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 7:21 pm
Hi Holly - I'll add to Bonza's good info that it also has to do with whether you are melting a tarty part or a whole tart? I think the burn time guidelines are based on a whole tart, and I imagine the tarty parts would have half that scent life. But yes, cure time, and type of scent oil has a lot to do with the length of time it lasts, as Bonza stated. Also, age of the tart. Some scents just "stick" better to the soy. Some oils don't work for tarts, but they do for the body products. Also, the heat of your warmer could have a lot to do with it. If you are using one of the hot plate warmers like the Candlesense and you are finding the scents are burning off quickly, a good trick is to take 5 small hex washers and place them on the warmer, with the ramekin balanced on top. That will slow the heat effect on the tart, while still providing a good throw.
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Julip
Member
09-28-2005
| Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 7:24 pm
CCGal - I have used the Wilton's with great success. They are the polypropylene ones. Are the larger ones you bought also Wiltons or also stated as candy bags? If so, those should be fine too. The difference in feel might have to do with it being a thicker bag. I noticed at www.veripack.com that the polypro bags come in different thicknesses. Do the larger ones feel thicker, or do they feel completely different? Cinnamon Sticks is one of my favorites as well. A favorite blend is with a touch of Creamy Peppermint (which is also one of my favorite tea blends - cinnamon tea with a touch of peppermint, vanilla, or cream tea. )
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Holly
Member
06-19-2005
| Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 8:19 pm
Hi Julip I have been burning whole tarts on the candlesense in a ramekin, so that's why I'm surprised that my average burn time is about 8 hours. Now once the tart has hardened and I pop it out of the ramekin, if I stick my nose close to it I can still smell it, but not when it melts! I think it must be me...I must need a really strong throw. I'll try the hex nut trick and thanks for the tip. I've been buying up some of the new VD scents. I'll be trying: Cinnamon Dolce Latte (lol) Sugar Cookies Strawberries & Champagne Bird of Paradise and I've also ordered Orange Chiffon Cake, Rasp Zinger, Vaniglia, and White Icicles. I tell ya, I'm going to need a second job to support THIS habit. Have you ever tried the Orange Chiffon Cake, Julip? It does sound good! It's a dupe of the OCC our local Publix supermarket sells, which is yummy.
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 8:25 pm
My Kayla's Secret from last night ended up warming all afternoon while I was gone.. I thought I'd switched it off. Anyway it is still going strong.
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Julip
Member
09-28-2005
| Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 8:40 pm
LMAO Sea - lucky you! Is it getting any better? Hi Holly! It sounds like you got in a nice order. I suspect you had to have a Cinnamon Dolce Latte after you had a coffee with Alyce a couple of weeks ago. I have not tried the Orange Chiffon Cake, but it sounds yummy - both in tart form and in bakery form! Have you tried it yet?
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Cathie
Member
08-16-2000
| Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 9:01 pm
I got my shipping notices on my two last-minute orders and I can't wait to see what are in my two sampler bags and two free bags. I am hoping for another green tea, I didn't order any this time and I am already missing that one from my first sampler bag. I am glad you like it, JuliP, and i agree it is really strong, but if you love the scent it's a good thing! Holly, I have had some tarts last longer than others, but I usually get 12-24 hours of burn time. Some of the stronger ones I have tried, like green tea and coffee bean have lasted longer. And, I had a sample of orange chiffon cake in my last sample bag--it is yummy, but one of the lighter scents for me. I have to make a confession, I have been unfaithful. I searched on Google for other soy tarts and found a site that has "triple scented" soy tarts. They had some scents that I wanted to try (Stargazer Lily, Creamsickle, Raspberry Lemonade...) and were relatively cheap, 4 for $1.89. I ordered several, including some of the same scent that I have from Alyce so I could compare. THERE IS NO COMPARISON! I had several floral scents, the lily, jasmine, honeysuckle, sweet pea and hyacinth. I started sneezing as soon as I opened the box (not a good sign.) I soon found that all of the floral scents had the same "base" scent with a little variety added. Unfortunately, the base scent was very nauseating, soooo sweet that it overpowered any other scent. I burned the hyacinth to compare it to Alyce's, and it was unrecognizable as hyacinth. My first whiff of Alyce's was fantastic, just like I had a pot of them. This was like cheap sweet cologne. By the time I stopped the melt and cooled it in the freezer to get rid of it I had a scratchy throat and lots of sinus problems. I gave all of the floral ones to my secretary today (with the restriction that she can't burn them at work) and kept two fruity ones that were less offensive to me. I burned their raspberry lemonade last night and it was "okay", then I burned the Creamsickle tonight and it was also "okay", but not as a creamsickle. It actually smells a lot like the raspberry lemonade. Must be the same fruit base in both. Lesson learned, triple scent is not a plus when the scent is not good! I promise to remain faithful to Alyce 'til death do us part...
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 9:32 pm
Julip.. well all of a sudden I started sneezing, so the Kayla's Secret got poured into a yogurt container and I put on Honeysuckle Vine but I'm already wondering if I should put on something more "robust".. Holly, I got in a VD order today.. Pear Glace Tarts Red Velvet Cake Tarts Strawberry Shortcake Tarts Sugar Cookie Tarts Whipped CreamTarts
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Julip
Member
09-28-2005
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 3:40 am
Cathie - you are right about it being a good thing that the Green Tea is so strong if you like the scent! It has an excellent throw. I did get a bit stuffed up yesterday, and I'm hoping it is not due to any of the tarts I'm melting, because that has rarely happened, even when I did not like a scent! And about trying other soy tarts - I did exactly the same thing within weeks after getting into Alyce's tarts! I bought a warmer on ebay, and the gal also sold her own soy tarts - said they were double or triple scented just like the ones you bought. I was swayed, and they were so cheap, so I thought, what the heck? They also featured scents like Fresh Squeezed Oranges, which was a popular one of Alyce's but that she did not have available at the time (she brought it back later due to popular demand). Right when I got them, though, I was not impressed with the scents, which intermingled with each other. They also did not look as fresh as Alyce's - not that soy tart look...more like that paraffin waxy look. I put them on the warmer, and they were just ok, but did not impress me at all. They smelled artificial. I went back to my SJ tarts before the one I tried was used up, and I could not bear to even waste the time with the others! I had that bag sitting in my cabinet for months, not knowing what to do with them, but not wanting to toss them. I finally gave them to some neighborhood kids for them to use as surf wax, on a suggestion from one of the gals at the Delphi board who did the same thing, and they were thrilled! Surf wax can get expensive. 
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 4:10 am
What a great way to use them!! I can't believe I'm still up.. and you and Alyce are already up for the day on your end of the country. Well.. I must say that my hours with Honeysuckle Vine were not impressive. I finally brought out my Butter Cream Crunch. I'll try one more time when I'm not full of Kayla's Secret, but I don't have high hopes. Well, I'm off to bed.. I now have Fresh Baked Cookies in my order too.
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Julip
Member
09-28-2005
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 7:45 am
Sea - you were up late! I hope you are snoozing away with Angelina and/or Critter right now. Too bad about Honeysuckle Vine - I am surprised I like a floral that you and Bonza don't, given I don't consider myself as much a floral fan as you two lol. Funny how that works with these tarts...another example of why samplers are the way to go, no matter how long you've been into the tarts. If either you or Bonza want to get them off your hands, I would suggest selling them or swapping on the Delphi board for ones that you like - there are always a ton on there for swap now...or I would be happy to do a trade. Update on Kayla's Secret: I added a quarter of a Creamy Peppermint (cut from a half of one I had from a pretty old order, I might add, and it is still going strong) and it did wonders! I wouldn't classify it as a "favorite", but it transformed it into a nice, "cold" fruity concoction (as opposed to a "warm" scent). It took that sting or bite out of the scent for me that was making it a bit unpleasant. If you are finding you aren't enjoying KS, try blending it with Creamy Peppermint, Buttercream, or any type of Vanilla, and I imagine it might make it more enjoyable for you.
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Bonzacat
Member
07-08-2003
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 8:28 am
Julip, you are a mixologist! I haven't even tried Honeysuckle Vine yet! I only had a TP from an earlier order + 1 tart from Sea to begin with, and sampled out 5 squares, so no sweat either way for me. I am compelled to try my one remaining TP square of it today. :-) Last night and this morning I have been burning Chocolate Mint Cookie Souffle, and I like it a lot, but I find myself wanting it to be more robust. Does that make sense? It's a light one.
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 11:18 am
LOL about adding Creamy Peppermint. I had a sample, probably from you, Julip and I had to pull that off the burner.. but it was a real sinus clearer and it may have a day in the sun or on the burner if I get a cold. But combining Kayla's Secret with that.. probably not good for me. I have three KS left. As for the KS AND the Honeysuckle Vine.. each of them came to me as WHOLE free bags .. to date my only free bags, but my last one is on the way as of yesterday!! Bonza, yes, it makes perfect sense.. there are times I wish my beloved Judy's Japanese Pear and Ginseng was more robust just because I want to smell it even more. I just pick up the ramekin and inhale deeply. I agree about no sweat, because I like so many different scents it is probably a blessing to find some I don't need in my life..
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 11:19 am
Oh, speaking of Green Tea.. actual green tea, not the tarts.. Alyce says she's been losing weight after switching from coffee to green tea.. lol..
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Joely
Member
09-24-2005
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 11:28 am
Strawberry Lemonade: about one Lemon Drop and 1/4 to 1/2 of Strawberry Preserves. just fyi 
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Julip
Member
09-28-2005
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 12:09 pm
Bonza - I was so proud to toned that scent down on the first try. I will try it with a bit of buttercream next time. I have not tried the Souffle one yet! That is too bad about it being so light. Sea - lol - yes, probably not a good idea for you to mix CP with KS ... you might pass out! Maybe a plain bakery scent like buttercream or a vanilla will mellow it out enough and make those last 3 pleasant, if you don't trade them out. For the light scents that you love, sometimes the scent sticks to the body products better, so you might want to look into that option. I have to get back on my green tea kick! For awhile there, a bunch of us on the Delphi board were going crazy for Adagio tea. I have a whole section of my pantry dedicated to little tins of loose leaf tea. Alyce enabled me onto tangerine tea, which is one of her favorites. The tea addiction was what brought about the limited edition tea pack she featured for a short time last year. My favorite green tea is apricot green. mm mmm. Maybe I'll brew some right now! Joely - yummy! Sounds like a great mix. 
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Merrysea
Member
08-13-2004
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 12:50 pm
Okay, I've tried fresh cut rose and lilac, which are both strong florals. I love them, but my boys don't (my middle son asked me if I was burning Raid when I had the lilac going!). They also tried the sunwashed linen that came in the sampler bag in their bathroom. To me, it smells strongly like a dryer sheet, but it does work well to cover up more unpleasant odors! I keep coming back to my coconut and milk, vaniglia del madagascar, and banana nut bread. So far, those seem to be everyone's favorites. (Oh, and my oldest son loves cherry vanilla, but since it's only on in his room, the rest of us don't really get to test it!)
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Julip
Member
09-28-2005
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 1:25 pm
Great review, Merry! LOL about the Raid - the men in our lives seem to have a different take on some of our favorite scents, don't they? I have not had good luck finding a laundry/clean tart I truly like. Most smell so strong, but I may just have to try a smaller portion of them. But yes, they are good as maskers, or to make you feel as if you've been working all day on housework! I'm glad you and your sons are finding a few that you really enjoy together. Makes reordering a lot easier when you have a few to focus on! 
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Julip
Member
09-28-2005
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 1:34 pm
Update on Kayla's Secret - night and day when I added the little quarter of Creamy Peppermint! I have had this on all day and it is still as pleasant as ever. Nothing like before when I struggled to keep it on to give it a chance for 3.5 hours. I highly recommend adding a portion of a creamy scented tart before you give up on this one, if you don't like the original scent. It really brings out the fruity essences for me.
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Pajomu
Member
07-26-2005
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 2:05 pm
I don't know what's wrong with me, but I'm not too fond of Blackberry Sage or Banana Nut Bread. They are just ok. I found the blackberry too strong and the banana not strong enough. I will definitely give them another try, though. I think my problem is I like Boysenberry Butter Cookie and Creamy Peppermint so much that others aren't impressing me. I do have a lot more scents to try (thanks to Juli!). I guess it's good not to have too many that I really like, though. I've been on a green tea kick for a while now. I like Teavana. There's a new store near me and it's fun to just go there and pick out a new tea to try. I also really like Tazo Zen. My favorite teas are mint flavored and Zen is mint with lemongrass. I have only found this in tea bags (at grocery stores and from drugstore.com), but I think it is also available in loose leaf. I've got a lot of it stocked up. If anyone wants to try it, send me a PM and I'll send you some.
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Holly
Member
06-19-2005
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 3:38 pm
Sea, your VD order sounds delicious. I'd be particulary interested in hearing what you think about Red Velvet Cake and the Whipped Cream. They both sound great. I bet you're excited about all these orders you're expecting. It makes me feel great to read this board--I don't feel so bad about the excessive amount I've spent on these tarts. But at least I'm off to a good start on a collection and should be good until the next sale, LOL. (she says with no conviction whatsoever!!) Joely I had a good chuckle reading about your son's exploits although I know it probably was no laughing matter for you. I hope you got it all cleaned up easily.
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Bonzacat
Member
07-08-2003
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 4:46 pm
Julip - I'm not sure sure I'm a big floral fan. Or at least not if there is a strong, dominant fragrance. The bigger blends (like Lovely) seem to work for me. I'm starting to see a pattern - the Lavender was too robust for me, as was the Lavender Vanilla until I toned it down with more vanilla. I've come to this conclusion after trying Honeysuckle Vine today. The fragrance is perfect and authentic and I wanted to love it - it smells like our yard when I was little, but it was too big for me on the warmer. I even sneezed a bit - it's off now. My TX friend tried it yesterday and absolutely loved it, but she told me she'd like almost any floral. Just like cat toys, you never know! 
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Julip
Member
09-28-2005
| Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 5:16 pm
Hi Paj! - I can understand how the Boysenberry Butter Cookie can make all others pale in comparison for you - it is a yummy one! Did you see that there is a Banana Split scent in the VDay scents, as well as a Vanille Banane in the Designer scents? I have not tried either yet, but maybe one of those 2 might have more of the banana scent you are looking for. I love tea, and I really got into the loose leaf about a year ago. The big thing was the brewer I got from Adagio - it makes it fun and foolproof to make a good cup of tea. I had never tried so many varieties before. I love Tazo teas! My favorites are the Zen and the Spice. Holly - aren't enabling threads great? bwa ha ha. Just think how much better your house smells. 
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