Dishing 245th Birthday wishes to America!

Dishing Independence Day wishes to my fellow Americans!

American Flag waving over Rockefeller Center, NY

Happy 245th Birthday to the USA! Here’s to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Declaration of Independence

245 years ago on the 4th of July, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted by Congress to formally separate from Great Britain AND the United States was born. The Declaration of Independence, one of the most important founding documents of the United States, is kept safe and sound in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC.

On a business trip to D.C. for an event a few years ago, I took an early morning stroll along Pennsylvania Avenue (with my easily portable product invention RestoPresto the Made in America wearable blanket, of course) and when I happened upon the National Archives, I had an A-HA, very meaningful moment. Here I was, at this striking building that holds a document that bestows life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and I had achieved a very American dream: I switched careers from corporate to entrepreneurship (after the age of 40) when I discovered a gap in the market for a product that I wanted but could not find. I envisioned an easily transportable, multi-functional, soft, water-repellent textile to use how and when I needed it instantly…then through hard, strategic work beset with challenges, accomplishments and several big set-backs, brought it to life! It was subsequently patented and featured on the TODAY SHOW !  As we all know, dreams are universal and not just an “American thing” however when you achieve a business goal in the USA, there is a unique sense of pride since our country is a young 245 years old!

RestoPresto at the National Archives Building

So here’s the thing: since the moment I launched my Kickstarter campaign (which was overfunded in 2 weeks), which also revealed RestoPresto to the market, people have asked me how, what, who and tons of other questions about prototyping, crowdfunding, intellectual property, manufacturing, shipping, branding, PR, social media, marketing and everything in-between. I learned that necessity is the mother of invention with RestoPresto and am now, proudly running a second business…providing customized advisory services for individuals and companies. I help bring business ideas to life: products and services, at any stage, across industries.  I customize solutions based on specific needs to move the project forward. WOW – it is a totally different kind of gratification helping people do what I did with the hope of reducing the headaches and adding firsthand experienced value by sharing my “been there done that” expertise.

My doors are OPEN to work with me virtually AND in person, so please reach out if you are curious how I can help YOU and how we can partner on your project. You can check out my website: candiobrentz.com and contact me directly: candi@candiobrentz.com

Dishing 244th Birthday wishes to America!

Dishing Independence Day wishes to my fellow Americans!

American Flag waving over Rockefeller Center, NY

Happy 244th Birthday to the USA! Here’s to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Declaration of Independence

244 years ago on the 4th of July, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted by Congress to formally separate from Great Britain AND the United States was born. The Declaration of Independence, one of the most important founding documents of the United States, is kept safe and sound in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC.

On a business trip to D.C. for an event a few years ago, I took an early morning stroll along Pennsylvania Avenue (with my easily portable product invention RestoPresto  the Made in America wearable blanket, of course) and when I happened upon the National Archives, I had an A-HA, very meaningful moment. Here I was, at this striking building that holds a document that bestows life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and I had achieved a very American dream: I switched careers from corporate to entrepreneurship (after the age of 40) when I discovered a gap in the market for a product that I wanted but could not find. I envisioned an easily transportable, multi-functional, soft, water-repellent textile to use how and when I needed it instantly…then through hard, strategic work beset with challenges, accomplishments and several big set-backs, brought it to life! It was subsequently patented and featured on the TODAY SHOW !  As we all know, dreams are universal and not just an “American thing” however when you achieve a business goal in the USA, there is a unique sense of pride since our country is a young 244 years old!

RestoPresto at the National Archives Building

So here’s the thing: since the moment I launched my Kickstarter campaign which also revealed RestoPresto to the market, people have asked me how, what, who and tons of other questions about prototyping, crowdfunding, intellectual property, manufacturing, shipping, branding, PR, social media, marketing and everything in-between. I learned that necessity is the mother of invention with RestoPresto and am now, proudly running a second business…a customized advisory business. I work with innovative people who have an idea, at any stage, that needs to progress. I customize solutions based on individual needs to bring that idea for a product or service to life. WOW – it is a totally different kind of gratification helping people do what I did with the hope of reducing the headaches and adding firsthand experienced value by sharing my “been there done that” expertise.

My doors are OPEN to work with me so please reach out if you are curious how I can help YOU and how we can partner on your project. Of course, referrals are very welcome: candi@candiobrentz.com

Dishing 242nd Birthday wishes to America!

Dishing Independence Day wishes to my fellow Americans!

American Flag waving over Rockefeller Center, NY

Happy 241st Birthday to the USA! Here’s to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Declaration of Independence

242 years ago on the 4th of July, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted by Congress to formally separate from Great Britain AND the United States was born. The Declaration of Independence, one of the most important founding documents of the United States, is kept safe and sound in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC.

On my last visit to D.C., I took an early morning stroll along Pennsylvania Avenue (with my easily portable product invention RestoPresto  the Made in America wearable blanket, of course) and when I happened upon the National Archives, I had an A-HA, very meaningful moment. Here I was, at this striking building that holds a document that bestows life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and I had achieved a very American dream: I switched careers from corporate to entrepreneurship (after the age of 40) when I discovered a gap in the market for a product that I wanted but could not find. I envisioned an easily transportable, multi-functional, soft, water-repellent textile to use how and when I needed it instantly…then through hard, strategic work beset with challenges, accomplishments and several big set-backs, brought it to life! It was subsequently patented and featured on the TODAY SHOW !  As we all know, dreams are universal and not just an “American thing” however when you achieve a business goal in the USA, there is a unique sense of pride since our country is a young 242 years old!

RestoPresto at the National Archives Building

So here’s the thing: since the moment I launched my Kickstarter campaign which also revealed RestoPresto to the market, people have asked me how, what, who and tons of other questions about prototyping, crowdfunding, intellectual property, manufacturing, shipping, branding, PR, social media, marketing and everything in-between. I learned that necessity is the mother of invention with RestoPresto and am now, proudly running a second business…a customized advisory business. I work with innovative people who have an idea, at any stage, that needs to progress. I customize solutions based on individual needs to bring that idea for a product or service to life. WOW – it is a totally different kind of gratification helping people do what I did with the hope of reducing the headaches and adding firsthand experienced value by sharing my “been there done that” expertise.

My doors are OPEN to work with me so please reach out if you are curious how I can help YOU and how we can partner on your project. Of course, referrals are very welcome: candi@candiobrentz.com

 

 

Happy 241st Birthday, America!

Dishing Independence Day wishes to my fellow Americans!

Happy 241st Birthday to the USA! Here’s to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Declaration of Independence

241 years ago on the 4th of July, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted by Congress to formally separate from Great Britain AND the United States was born. The Declaration of Independence, one of the most important founding documents of the United States, is kept safe and sound in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC.

On my last visit to D.C., I took an early morning stroll along Pennsylvania Avenue (with my easily portable product invention RestoPresto  the Made in America wearable blanket, of course) and when I happened upon the National Archives, I had an A-HA, very meaningful moment. Here I was, at this striking building that holds a document that bestows life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and I had achieved a very American dream: I switched careers from corporate to entrepreneurship (after the age of 40) when I discovered a gap in the market for a product that I wanted but could not find. I envisioned an easily transportable, multi-functional, soft, water-repellent textile to use how and when I needed it instantly…then through hard, strategic work beset with challenges, accomplishments and several big set-backs, brought it to life! It was subsequently patented and featured on the TODAY SHOW last September.  As we all know, dreams are universal and not just an “American thing” however when you achieve a business goal in the USA, there is a unique sense of pride since our country is a young 241 years old!

So here’s the thing: since the moment I launched my Kickstarter campaign which also revealed RestoPresto to the market, people have asked me how, what, who and tons of other questions about prototyping, crowdfunding, intellectual property, manufacturing, shipping, branding, PR, social media, marketing and everything in-between. I learned that necessity is the mother of invention with RestoPresto and am now, proudly running a second business…a customized advisory business. I work with innovative people who have an idea, at any stage, that needs to progress. I customize solutions based on individual needs to bring that idea for a product or service to life. WOW – it is a totally different kind of gratification helping people do what I did with the hope of reducing the headaches and adding firsthand experienced value by sharing my “been there done that” expertise.

My doors are OPEN to work with me so please reach out if you are curious how I can help YOU and how we can partner on your project. Of course, referrals are very welcome: candi@candiobrentz.com

 

Dishing the very best to you in 2017 (including my advisory services)!

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On the first day of the new year there is enormous promise for the next 365 days and I hope that your next trip around the sun is filled with the best of health, peace and happiness.

2016 was an incredible year for me personally and professionally: namely, I formed friendships and connections with inspirational people who make the world a better place AND expanded the brand of my product invention RestoPresto.

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RestoPresto was featured on The Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda in September 2016. AMAZING!

Many times this past year, I was asked for advice and help on starting a business, creating a product and what steps I took to obtain a design patent from the USPTO for RestoPresto. This has prompted me to offer advisory services (on a one-off or continuing basis) on the basics and particulars. “Where to start”; “how to protect your idea as you move forward”; “suggestions on forming an LLC”, “the importance of intellectual property/protecting your idea” and “legal tips from a small business owner perspective”, “prototyping”, “launching”, “crowdfunding”, “entrepreneurial support groups” and “brand building” to name a few! Supply & demand, right?!? So if you are exploring the creation of a product or ready to move to the next stage and need guidance from someone who has recently “been there and done that”, please contact me to discuss partnering on your venture. Knowledge is power and I would be happy to see if I can be of assistance by sharing what I know and what I would have done differently.

On the set of "This is It with Cheldin Barlatt Rumer" in Philadelphia to discuss all things entrepreneurship & RestoPresto

On the set of “This is It with Cheldin Barlatt Rumer” in Philadelphia to discuss all things entrepreneurship & RestoPresto

I am not big on new year’s resolutions, HOWEVER I do hope to post more on The Candi Dish to share stories, snapshots and suggestions with YOU! Oh and of course to have more fun than I did in 2016!

Happy 2017,
Candi

Remembering the 1966 Florence Flood

2015 - Il Duomo

2015 – Il Duomo

Adoring Firenze passionately is somewhat of a pastime at The Candi Dish! It is a magical city that exudes charm, transcendent beauty and unique history: some obvious (IL DUOMO,) and some hidden (VASARI CORRIDOR). One significant and devastating piece of history occurred exactly 50 years ago today. On November 4, 1966, after a long period of steady rain the Arno River flooded Firenze. The flood took the precious lives of people and destroyed millions of masterpieces.

With RestoPresto on the Arno!

With RestoPresto on the Arno!

At its highest, the water reached over 22 feet in Santa Croce. If you have been to Florence, this statistic is quite shocking.

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Basilica di Santa Croce

Here are 2 photos that I took last year that show one of the “high water mark” signs from 2 different angles on the side of a building in the Oltrarno.

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Close up of the “high water mark” sign that reads: “Qui arrivo la piena dell’Arno”

 

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The “high water mark” sign on the side of a building in the Oltrarno.

My first of many visits to Firenze was in 1992 when I entered the Florida State University International Program Study Abroad Program that summer. I was in love with the city immediately and can honestly say that my 6 weeks in Firenze changed my life in the most wonderful ways. The FSU Florence Program is celebrating its 50th Anniversary as well which means that the first round of students experienced the Arno flood in November 1966. There is a wonderful documentary by Breanna Bruner interviewing former students who were there in 1966 and how they became Angeli del Fango (“Mud Angels) – here is a link to the video: https://youtu.be/Ymf92c4cm0Q

I am proud to be a FSUIP Alum!

So today, 50 years later I honor the lives lost, the generous Angeli del Fango whose speedy volunteer efforts to save damaged pieces led to the restoration of many fine works of art and magnificent Firenze, herself.

If you are interested in a firsthand account of what was happening in Firenze after the flood, here is a terrific article by Jonah Jones via The Florentinehttp://www.theflorentine.net/lifestyle/2016/11/memories-1966-florence-flood/

For stunning photos of the flood, click on this link to the Foto Locchi site which has archived photos taken in Firenze following the disaster: http://www.fotolocchi.it/it/

 

Hours left for the RestoPresto GIVEAWAY on Hint Mama!

Hint Mama shares valuable tips with busy parents!

Hint Mama shares valuable tips with busy parents!

Everyone loves a giveaway, right? As a small business owner and inventor, I love collaborating with great people so I jumped at the chance to do a RestoPresto pack giveaway with Hint Mama because I admire savvy moms who share tips and really dig my friends at Hint Mama who blog about how to make parenthood easier, cheaper and a bit more humorous!

Here’s the deal about RestoPresto AND the giveaway which ends in less than 2 DAYS:

  • In case you don’t know, I invented a patented consumer product called RestoPresto. It is a lightweight compact pouch that unfolds to a soft, water-repellent, thin extra layer to sit on. sit under & wear. It is an easily transportable wearable blanket that adds value to busy lives because it is with you when you need it the most. It’s several products wrapped up in one handy gadget. Here is a diagram:
RestoPresto is a compact gadget that has TONS of uses!

RestoPresto is a compact gadget that has TONS of uses!

The winner will get a RestoPresto, branded carabiner, mini-stakes, instruction guide and luggage tag.

Please note that the wonderful written review authored by one of our original, super savvy and fantastic customers: Karen Witham did not involve pay for play! Karen is a paying customer who is sharing her knowledge of RestoPresto because she and her family use it! Karen rightly points out that RestoPresto will grow with your child. From nursing your infant to outdoor play as a toddler; from a newly backpack wearing elementary school student to soccer games; from Middle School field trips to High School extra-curricular activities – RestoPresto is a compact, thin mat that kids (and adults) of all ages can use!

Durable yet sophisticated, the design and utility are appealing to various personalities and tastes of people. all of who lead active and busy lives! Proudly Made in the USA, too!

Check it out, sign up for the giveaway, share it with your network and don’t forget to follow Hint Mama and Karen Witham on Twitter!

Here is how the multi-functional RestoPresto works!

Here is how the multi-functional RestoPresto works!

Dishing about RestoPresto being featured on Katie Lee and Hoda on the TODAY SHOW!

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Candi of The Candi Dish is also the inventor of RestoPresto the compact pouch that converts to a soft, thin wearable blanket.

Many people know how exciting it is to see something important to you get press because it draws attention to that product, service or endeavor. So, you can imagine the heart-pounding awesomeness that was felt watching  RestoPresto  on Steve Greenberg’s Tailgating Gadgets segment on the Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda on September 14th. See the video here:

RestoPresto is carefully designed to be easily transportable so that it is ready for you to use it how and when you need it the most.

For the Today Show segment, Steve Greenberg featured RestoPresto because it is perfect to use at the tailgate AND in the stadium. It is a lightweight, durable, soft, water-repellent thin blanket to sit on, sit under or wear at your tailgating party and is the perfect multi-purpose product to bring with you to game because it fits in bags that are Stadium Bag Policy compliant. Check out the photos:

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The design of the product enables endless configurations to meet your needs. The versatile utility makes your life a bit easier. To find out more about how RestoPresto is an innovative portable solution that combines several products into one handy gadget to be used by all get year round, click here: http://bit.ly/RestoPrestoTODAYSHOW

If you have any questions about how RestoPresto helps make busy lives a easier and is a great fit, contact Candi: candi@restopresto.com

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Happy Father’s Day from The Candi Dish!

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To the Dads, Uncles, Grandfathers, Step-Fathers, Guardians, Fathers-in-law, Caregivers, Moms, Friends and those who take care of kids: we wish you a lovely Father’s Day!

Happy Spring Equinox to the Northern Hemisphere!

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We, at The Candi Dish, are very excited that spring has sprung for several reasons:

  1. Manhattan is freshly wonderful during spring. The flowers. The breezes. The skip in New Yorkers’ steps!
  2. RestoPresto! The Candi Dish blog founder is the inventor of a great, clever convenience product called RestoPresto. It is a compact pouch that converts to a super soft, versatile extra layer to sit on, sit under & wear. It is the perfect portable gadget to seamlessly carry with you every day in spring, summer, winter & fall. The idea for RestoPresto was conceived during the spring so this season is extra special! Find out more and purchase a RestoPresto online here: www.restopresto.com
  3. This quote from Rainer Maria Rilke pretty much sums it up:
    “It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.”

If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, may your spring be filled with all things wonderful! If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, may your fall be splendid!

All the best,
Candi

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