Debut of Wrapperlicious' Wrapper of the Week Photo Contest

Wrapperlicious Announces Its New Wrapper of the Week Photo Contest!

Wrapperlicious is very excited to offer its customers and visitors the opportunity to showcase their photography talents. Wrapperlicious wants its customers to submit a non-professional, non offensive, entertaining and super creative photo for the Wrapper of the Week Photo Contest. Wrapperlicious visitors will vote on their favorite photo.

Do you have what it takes to win this competition? Wrapperlicioius wants YOU to show your skillz!

The Grand Prize winner will receive several special gift(s) of the month, including their very own customized candy wrapper keepsake. Based on our wonderful sponsors, gifts may vary from month to month. The winner will also receive a prime spot on the Wrapperlicious.com home page! Talk about bragging rights!

Wrapperlicious Customers Are Excited About the Photo Contest!
“Wow, I love your new idea, I can’t wait to send you my favorite photo.”
“You did it again, you’re a genius!”
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About Wrapperlicous
Wrapperlicious creates personalized candy wrappers for any occasion you could image, from birthdays, baby showers, weddings, and bridal showers to holidays and corporate events. Wrapperlicious is so easy to work with that they will accommodate any request, no matter how odd it may be! Wrapperlicious prides itself on being flexible, forward thinking and nonjudgmental. If you can think it, Wrapperlicious will make it!

For more information, please go to the http://www.wrapperlicious.com/ website or email us at: info@wrapperlicious.com for more details or feel free to call us and chat at: 832-257-6795

Should You Care How You Are Perceived By Others?

Have you ever thought, I mean really thought of how people perceive you? Do you even care how others see you? Should you care? Should one take the time to STOP-LOOK & Listen to the hard facts about how others perceive you? You may think you are an awesome individual, to only find out that you are perceived as something totally different. More importantly, if numerous people are saying the same things about you, then perhaps you need to reevaluate YOU. If you keep getting the same outcome in life that you do not desire, then perhaps you need to reevaluate yourself and stop putting the blame on others. Self reflection is a powerful medicine and sometimes a cure to most problems.

Let me tell you a story of a similar nature. In Corporate America, there are two kinds of people, those who manage and then those who are managed. The ones who are managed are usually told what they're doing wrong, what needs improvement and of course the 1 or 2 things they actually do well. In most cases, the cons usually outweigh the pros.

I strongly believe some people get so hung up on managing others, flexing their egos and pounding on their chest, that they totally dismiss or forget the human side of people. They forget that people thrive on positive accolades more so than the finger pointing and nit picking. There's a true science and an art to managing others and making them feel good and appreciated for their work and efforts. But unfortunately, there are very few who even take the time to master those skills. Case in point, do you view the glass as half empty or half full? Which view point would you want your manager to have?

I love the saying, "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice." But this is what I do not understand, the subordinate always takes the beatings, whether it's verbal or project wise. The blows are given, but they are never reciprocated. I understand this is not a childish game of tag or ping pong, but reciprocal feedback is always lacking and playing ping pong or tag alone is not a fair game. Why aren't subordinates allowed the same privilege of evaluating their managers? As I mentioned earlier, if no one is there to tell you how you really are, then the cycle of ignorance goes unscathed and nonchalantly continues.

A woman once told me that reciprocal feedback was thought about at her company, but the problem of anonymity was an issue. If you ask me, that is yet another excuse to avoid doing something that would require change. I think subordinates should have an opportunity to flip the script and let mangers know the pros and cons of their managing skills. If you do not know you are a terrible manager or just need a little improvement, then change is not possible. Just like a cook, if no one tells the cook that their cooking is less than desirable, then you deserve the continued torture of eating the food or force feeding it to the damn dog under the table who doesn't want it either.

As a result, even as a manager, I think hearing criticism from the subordinate's point of view, both good and bad, would not only benefit the manager, but the entire company. Why? Perhaps the feed back would be a revelation to the manager and they can now implement change in order to become a better person and manager. If you do not know the truth about yourself, then change is not possible. Sometimes hearing things about yourself from someone else, is a real eye opener.

The Moral of the Story is: STOP-LOOK & Listen, do not be afraid to ask those around you how they perceive you and if they think there's anything about you that you should change or work on. No one is perfect, but we all have the power and ability to change ourselves. Self reflection is a powerful medicine and sometimes a cure to most problems.

"Nothing Changes, If Nothing Changes."

My Experience with Hurricane Ike in Houston

Hurricane Ike visited Houston like he lost his job, foreclosed on his house, someone stole his wife and owed his mama some money. Talk about a temper. Big Ike shut most of Houston down, just like a wrestler unrelentingly slamming down his opponent with brutal force.

The wrath of Ike's temper destroyed and damaged homes, cars, power lines and left over 2 million people without electricity and clean water. There were also many who had to endure total loss of water for weeks. Mother Nature's wild child affected the lives of so many and without prejudice; ranging from death, homelessness, temporary displacement, to how we sleep, how we eat, how we drive, how we cook or not able to cook.

Although hurricane Ike caused a lot of sadness and discomfort, it also brought out the best in people too. Neighborhoods finally blossomed into caring communities and everyone looked out for each other. That is what I vividly remember when I was growing up. It was an unwritten law to know who your neighbors were in Brooklyn, because it was also a security issue as well. If you saw someone that was unfamiliar in the neighborhood, you better believe that everyone's eye was on that person. Now THAT is what community is about.

During hurricane Ike, there were numerous people who met their neighbors for the first time, after living on the same block for years. Now I think that is appalling. Has society become so engrossed in their own lives that we no longer find the time or put in a little effort to meet & greet the neighbors that live right next door or across the street? Sadly, it had to take a tragedy to bring the community together, which is very disappointing.

What's even more shocking is as soon as the power was restored and generators fell silent, the community immediately reverted back into being an uncommunicative, disassociated, quiet neighborhood. They hurriedly scurried back into their caves, just like roaches when the light is immediately turned on in a dark room. What? There were also plenty of roaches while growing up in Brooklyn too. So yes, I do know about roach behavior as well. HA!

It is sad that you no longer have to put in any physical effort to socialize. You don't even have to show your face. All you have to do is plop in front of a computer, latest video game or send a text message and relationships are forged. As a society, we have willingly allowed technology to control and shape our lives. Just like the natural evolution of life, we are evolving into unsocialable androids and being without power reminded us that we are indeed human.

When I was growing up, there were no computers or cell phones. And NO I'm not that damn OLD! You actually had to go outside to play, to make friends and to communicate. As our society becomes more technologically advanced, the further we move away from reality and the true meaning of what life is about.

As a result of my experience with hurricane Ike, I strongly believe we should all commit to at least one weekend or one day a month where we do not use computers or cell phones and actually socialize and communicate the way our parents used to, the old fashioned way!

This entire experience is so enlightening, because now I truly understand why relationships with our grand parents and great grand parents withstood the test of time. They actually had little to distract them as far as television, computers, video games, texting or cell phones. They actually had to communicate with each other. If most relationships today focused on communication, then perhaps the divorce rate would not be so damn high. And I will admit, the week I was without power, I was forced to talk to my husband. It felt like I hadn't spoken with him in years. It felt a little weird, but good at the same time. It was so romantic, we ate by candle light every evening...tee...hee...hee. That's sure a thing of the past now....HA! Too busy on the computer and writing blogs...HA!

The moral of the story is, we all need to do some self-reflecting and seriously consider taking a day where we all band technology and socialize the old fashioned way. Do you know your neighbors down the street or even across the street from you? My point exactly. Turn the TV, video games, cell phones, black berries and everything else OFF! Say no to technology just one day a month and socialize like a human-being!

How My Children Have Changed My Outlook in The Work Place.

As I entered the office this morning, the "Super Mom" in me instantly kicked in.

Super Who? Okay, she is an innate instinct that has unfolded since having children. I opened my boss's door and noticed his prescription bottle had been sitting on his desk for weeks. I immediately had to investigate this matter. I hurridly picked up the bottle and noticed that it was his heart medication and it was EMPTY. I thought, "Houston, we have a problem." I really like my boss, but if he kicks the bucket, I'm out of a job. Wrapperlicious has been good to me, but I still need a steady income, but more importantly, I need health benefits for the entire family.

As my boss nonchalantly came in this morning, he had no idea what was to come. I walked into his office, raised one eyebrow and I asked him if he already filled his prescription and he said no. Without hesitation, I held out my hand and told him to give me some money and that I would pick up his prescription for him. He looked at me funny and said, "Joy, that's not in your job description." Now as I get older, things just fly out of my mouth, I just can't seem to control these sudden impulses. I then said to him, "Well if you die, I will suddenly be out of a job, so it is part of my job description, now give me some money!" Like an obiendient boy, he handed me $60 dollars. I took off....I mean, Super Mom took off and filled his prescription.

On the contrary, BEFORE I had children, I would have NEVER cared enough to make sure any of my boss' took their meds. I would have thought, "I'm not their mother and that's not in my job description." Now that I'm on the other side of this spectrum, caring for others seem as natural as caring for my own children.

The Moral of the Story is that our life experiences help define who we are and who we become as people. Our experiences add to our unique character. Also, our experiences can make us stronger, but unfortunately, for some they can also make us weaker. As I've said before, what matters most is what you choose to do with your experiences. Life my dear, is a priceless teacher and we always have choices.

Creating Something From Nothing

You may have already read that I can make something out of nothing. Well, I recently had a rather odd request to create a personalized candy wrapper for a client. She wanted a unique personalized wrapper created for her husband's birthday. I said that would not be a problem! BUT...she said she wanted a wrapper with her 3 year old's art work incorporated into the wrapper. I then said to myself, "Houston, we have a problem." Now this three year old is no prodigy mind you. Not wanting to disappoint my client or back down from a challenge, I said, "Bring It On!" I looked at this opportunity as a way to push the envelope of my creativity.

This is what she sent me.

When I first looked at it, I was like, "What the HELL!!"

This is what I created.

Although other elements were added to this child's amazing art work, the essence of the original scribble remained the same and the client was happy beyond her wildest dreams. Now I plan on incorporating this service into my business. See....I took what seemed like an adversity and made it into another opportunity. Although the candy may be eaten, this wrapper will always be cherished for a lifetime.

I am so grateful for every adversity I'm faced with, because you never know what will come of it. Remember what I told you, there's a reason for EVERY experience in your life. What matters the most is what you do with the experience. Now go out there and make it happen for you! God Bless!

How Was Wrapperlicious Born?

Many people have asked me the same question over and over, which is: How was Wrapperlicious started?

I am a true believer that everything in life happens for a reason. I believe that everything we experience in life is to teach us something or to make us stronger & wiser. I believe experience, both good and bad, is the wisest teacher of them all.

I've ALWAYS been a creative person. I am a true example of being a Jack of all trades. For example, I draw, I'm a licensed hair stylist, makeup artist, an event planner, a costume designer, a repair person and so much more. If you give me some aluminum foil, some string and a crayon, I could make a fierce outfit out of it...HA! I can take just about anything and create something from it. My best friend used to tease me all the time and tell me that I could make a ponytail look good. Well....she was right....that IS true...smile.

Well....when my husband lost his job last year, I was forced into finding additional means of work on top of my full-time job. I didn't know what I was going to do to make ends meet. I was desperate. I searched the internet for months and months until the customized party favor world found ME. I said, "now THAT is something I know I can do!" I knew I was good with the computer and my boss gave me the uncanny opportunity to learn photoshop. I have absolutely no use for photoshop at work, but he asked and I said, "HELL YES!" (See....another example of things happening for a reason). I then taught myself how to use photoshop, which has been the spring board to Wrapperlicious. I took all of my computer knowledge and put it into designing personalized candy wrapper favors. It has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done in my life. It allows me to use my creative abililites to design things that I know will bring joy to the lives of others.

Wrapperlicious has been so fulfilling that it has already caused problems at home. Both my husband and my children get upset and/or feel neglected, because of the time I spend on the computer designing wrappers or fulfilling orders. It's frustrating sometimes, because I simply can not be all things to everybody. And trying to find a balance is very challenging at times too.

So as you can see, I took an adversity and made it into something positive, which brings me back to my earlier statement, that every experience that we go through in life is to teach us something or to guide us down a different path. Perhaps my husband losing his job was the catalyst to make me find my true passion in life. On the contrary, if he never lost his job, Wrapperlicious would not have been born. So thank you honey for sucking at your job! Tee...hee..hee....I'm just kidding.

The Moral of the Story is, no matter what ordeal you're going through in life, you should try your hardest to take something positive from the situation. Every life experience gives us a chance to grow, but the key is what you choose to do with that experience. It's very easy to accept defeat, but fighting the battle with every fiber in your being makes you a true warrior. Don't get me wrong, you may lose the fight, but doing your best ALWAYS makes you a winner.

Unique Party Idea!

I am very excited to share this unique party idea with you. Okay, it may not be unique to some, but it's a way to appreciate things you don't take the time to see all the time. When my precious little girl turned 5, I wanted to throw her a party. Not because she's my daughter, but she is one of the most precious and mature little girls I have ever met. Even her teachers say they wish they had an entire class full of Bobbi's...smile.

Okay, getting back to the topic. So....I wanted to do something special for my daughter. I wanted to take it back to the Old School way of throwing a party - right in the house! I currently live in Texas and the majority of the parties I've attended have been at indoor play spaces, so I wanted to break that mold and show people how to really get down!!!!

What I did took a little time to prepare, but I went through all of Bobbi's photos from birth to present. I then downloaded the pictures and created a slide show, which was displayed on our flat screen television in the living room. How did I do that? Well, I currently have AT&T & Dish Network for internet and cable. This combination enables you to download your pictures to a database, which can then be viewed on the television. This gave the guests an opportunity to view pictures of Bobbi throughout the party. The pictures were on a continuous loop. I downloaded about 300 pictures of Bobbi. Can you think of a better way to share photos of your children with 30 people all at the same time. No photo albums needed here! Everyone was super impressed. I was tickled pink with the way it turned out.


The other thing I did to fuse the New School with the Old School was purchased the Cha Cha Slide Song and other familiar songs that all the children knew. I moved all the furniture out of the way and the kids went WILD. We danced and sang and danced some more. The kids had an incredible time and no one noticed that there were no incredible slides, bowling balls, video games or whatever they're used to at these indoor party places. In addition, let's not mention the amount of money that was saved having a party at home. More importantly, we were not on a set time schedule, which is usually the case when reserving a space at the indoor play spaces.

I also made a promise to myself that when I began having children, I would ALWAYS make their birthday cakes. Seven years later, I still make EVERY cake my children have on their birthday. It's so bad, that my children will not eat store bought cakes. They LOVE mommy's carrot cake and that's the only cake they'll eat. I feel proud...smile.

Fusing the Old School with the New School was a party that's still talked about to this day!

So the next time you consider having a party for your child, skip the indoor play spaces, throw a bash right in your own home, with good food, music and lots of love & laughter. They'll remember that party for years to come!

I almost forgot the most important part of this entire article...make sure you have personalized favors from http://www.wrapperlicious.com/. The favors were the icing on the cake! Carrot cake of course!