Hello dear blog readers. It's been a busy month and September is on it's way out the door. I wish I could say that October is going to be a little lgihter but I can't. We're preparing for 2 catalogs and developing all the new excellent Root product that will go into these books.

One extremely important factor for any Root Candle's catalog is the photography. My job is very involved in this part of Root's brand as I plan all the images, select the products, and scout the locations for the shoots. Our shoot for the decorative catalog this past month was at a personal friends house who has impeccable taste and her style is shining through every room of her house. And working with friends is always a treat. I thought that sharing a few snapshots from our day with you would be fun, I know I would be curious.

The morning light was deliciously warm on the hardwood floors

Here I am planning where to shoot next.

This is our brilliant fragrance consultant Melissa. She's a golden ticket in our creative team.

Our lovely hostess Tama. She was preparing a tasty homemade lunch for us all. She takes hospitality to a new level.

Lunch was pita pizza with fresh roasted tomato sauce, cucumbers and feta. yumm!

Caprese salad with basil fresh from the garden. 

And even desert selections. She treated us like queens.

And one of my personal favorites from the shoot. Look at all that color coming in from the window. Superb!

A special thank you to Tama for being such a wonderful host, Heidi our photographer for her brilliance and Melissa our "keep us on schedule" girl because us creative people can run off on an idea for hours. 

Until next time ~ Meghan
 

You may have heard about the national recall of imported tea lights made by another candle manufacturer.  At Root, we have always taken extreme care in the manufacture of every item we sell.  When you purchase a Root Candle, you know you are purchasing a finely crafted candle that is manufactured to meet all industry safety standards.  Every Root Candle is still manufactured right here in the United States and many are made on the same piece of land where the company began way back in 1869.  Root - The Best Candle in America.

Below are pictures from our manufacturing plant. I thought you would appreciate a peek into how many times human hands touch a Root Candle in the manufacturing process.

Worker bees Colleen, Amanda, and Heather busily tie bows on custom gift baskets for this weekend's Ice Festival.

Although the weather may be hinting at spring, this weekend's forecast calls for a frozen festival. This weekend Root Candles is one of the proud sponsors of the 17th Annual Ice Festival in historic downtown Medina. We certainly hope to see all our local friends enjoying the ice sculptures on display, and when you're ready to warm up, just a head west of the square to our home store, Root Candles at West Liberty. You'll enjoy special event savings this weekend only. Click here for a coupon you can print and redeem this weekend only. For more information on the Ice Festival visit MainStreetMedina.com

Have a Great Weekend!

Not only is it Friday and that always causes a buzz around the home hive, I also am excited to announce the first installment of The Worker Bees. We all know how great the Root Candle products are but do you know how great the Root Candle people are? My guess is probably not. Root has been in business for five generations of Root family members and is still owned by family today. Our whole team considers each other family members and like a hive, we are always working for the greater good of supporting each other. This edition of Worker Bees focuses on one man who knows way more about bees than any of us. 

Kim Flottum

Kim is the Editor for Bee Culture Magazine, which has been published monthly by the Root Company since 1873. This March issue will be Kim's 300th as Editor, and for the first time ever, you'll be able to pick up an issue at Barne's & Knoble, Border's and Tractor Supply! Until now, no Bee magazine has ever been available on news stands.

Kim's life with bees began with an education from the University of Wisconsin in horticulture. His specialty was growing plants to feed the growing insects used for studies in pesticides. During his time right after college the USDA funded a program to study bees and Kim was the right man for the job to supply the food for the bees.

After the program was cut due to funding, Kim headed out to Conneticut to keep on his horticultural career path. He became an active member in the Eastern Apicultural Society, where he met John Root. At the time, John was running both the magazine and the Root company and was in dire need of an Editor. Again, Kim was the right man for the job and 25 years later he still loves it.

25 years is a lot of time to give to one company and Kim has seen how much the Root company has changed and evolved over the years. He has also met many people from all over who come together on the topic of bees. Maybe you didn't know this but the White House in Washington D.C. has a beehive and the official Bee Keeper, Charlie Brandts, is a Bee Culture subscriber. Kim was able to offer a tip to keep everyone sting-free during the garden planting ceremony last spring and received a gracious invite from Charlie to come out to D.C. and "talk shop". 

Kim also contributes to thedailygreen.com and is the author of The Backyard Beekeeper (Quarry Books, 2005) and an editor of the ABC & XYZ of Bee Culture, 41st Edition (A.I. Root Company, 2006).

Have a fantastic weekend!