Frequently Asked Questions
For Country Cottage Candies COQ: ingredients?A: This is a basic list of ingredients. Made from unsalted butter, a variety of sugars, corn syrup, dairy, flavorings, chocolates, patience and love. If you need more specific information on the ingredients of the package you're purchasing just let me know.FOR FFNCCQ: What are neck coolers?A: A neck cooler is a band of fabric that is made into a bandanna - there is a pocket sewn in that contains polymer crystals. The crystals swell when wet and provide cooling when the bandanna is tied around the neck by cooling the main arteries and by evaporation. The crystals return to their normal state when the bandannas are allowed to dry and can be re-used hundreds of times with proper care.Q: What's the difference between sponsoring and purchasing?A: When you 'sponsor' a firefighter, the neck cooler that you've sponsored goes out into the general distribution. If
you purchase one outright, then that is shipped directly to you or the
fire station of your choosing. Example: I had a lady just the other day
order five of them and they have been shipped to her NJ address, so
that she can personally deliver them to her local station. If you order
multiples, please contact me first, so that I can save you on the
shipping charges.
Q: What do you mean by general distribution?A: Because I live in Colorado my main focus had been
on delivering them in this state, as the local stations have volunteered to help me get them out there. However, I get even more joy from
sending them out across the country.
Where have they been
distributed so far? Here's the current breakdown as of July 19, 2010 -
70 have gone to the City of Thornton - that covers every fire fighter
that protects the city - 7 have gone to Texas - 3 have gone to
Bellingham, Washington - 5 have gone to Denver - 7 have gone to
Littleton - 5 have gone to Stone Harbor, NJ - 40 have gone to North
Metro equaling 137 out in the hands of fire fighters. As of August 16, 2010 - 17 more are on their way to Lake City Florida - total out there so far - 154.
More are in the making as I can afford to make them. Your support of this campaign is sincerely appreciated.
Q: Do you make regular neck coolers available to the general public?
A: Yes. If you're interested you can visit my etsy site at:
Q: What do the crystals look like when wet?
A: See photo
Q: Do the neck coolers require special care?
A: Yes they do - but it is very simple. I'm including here the same information that is included with each neck cooler...
COLORADO
COOL AIDS POLYMER NECK COOLERS
PLEASE
READ BEFORE USING
Soak
the casing or the entire scarf in
cold or ice water for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the crystals turn to
gel; avoid over-soaking. Distribute the gel along the casing with
your fingers. Lay the scarf on a hand towel to absorb any dripping
water, then tie the scarf loosely around the neck. To keep the casing
cool while wearing, roll it to redistribute the gel or dip it in cold
water for a few minutes. Although the manufacturer of the material
claims the material to be color-fast, I make no
guarantees
to that fact. My recommendation is to soak the scarf separately upon
the first few times of using it, just to be on the safe
side.
Refrigerate
extra cooling scarves
for breeze-less humid days. When one scarf reaches body temperature,
swap it for a cool one.
Store
wet scarves in an open plastic bag,
hang them to dry, or store them in the refrigerator. After several
days of drying, the crystals will return to solid form and can be used over and over again.
Hand-wash
crystal-filled scarves
using a few drops of liquid detergent. Rinse well and hang to dry.
Don't
machine-wash or dry. Press the casing only after the gel is
completely crystallized. Shake the crystals to one end of the casing
to press the opposite end. Then flip and repeat. Don't iron the
crystals or expose them to iron temperatures.
FOR PENDANTS -
Q: What are the tiles made of?A: The tiles are made of glass, to which a glossy photo is attached.
Q: Are the pendants waterproof?A: Although they are sealed in an indoor/outdoor acrylic varnish, they are not waterproof. I would not recommend getting them wet as in a shower or while swimming.
Q: What is the turn-around time from the moment I place my custom order?A: On average, depending on the size of the order, it takes approximately one week from the time I receive the custom photo.
Q: What's the best way to reach you?A: I would prefer that you start by sending me an email so that I know best how to help you. You can use the 'contact us' page or simply drop me a line to monikaphillips@hotmail.com
Q: What does the back of the tiles look like?A: See photo below. I've been asked this question several times, so finally decided to show you.