In December 2000, I was named the IVillage Mompreneur of the Month. At the time of the article my daughter was eleven and I was juggling being an only parent and a growing business. My daughter is  now in her first year in college and I find myself with more time on my hands but still never enough to get everything done that I would like to. I just ran across an article on Entrepreneur Magazine that offers some great tips for Mompreneur (and business owners) culled from the book, 4-Hour Work Week.

Mompreneur Lisa Druxman says: Read more

From Real Age: “The next time you’ve got to spend an hour or two in a car, bring along these scents: peppermint and cinnamon.”

Why? Because they just might make the commute nicer — and safer! — by boosting your alertness.  

Miles to Go . . .
An endless ribbon of highway between you and where you want to go can be a real bore. If singing along to the Beach Boys isn’t keeping you stimulated, bust out some minty mints or a stick of cinnamon gum. Or pick up an air diffuser for your car — one that plugs into the cigarette lighter and has essential-oil inserts. In simulated-driving tests, a whiff of cinnamon every 15 minutes decreased fatigue. And adding peppermint to the mix boosted alertness.

Visit our online store to order Essential & Fragrance Oils.

If I were to recommend one great winter skin care product to my spa and retail industry clients, it would be our 100% natural, handmade Whipped Shea Butter.

Shea Butter comes from the large brown seed of the fruit of the Shea (or Karite) tree which are grown throughout West Africa. Shea butter is rich in Vitamins A, E & F and it is used primarily in skin care products including lotions and creams; hair care products; cosmetics and soaps.

Shea Butter provides an effective barrier against the damage that the sun can cause to the skin and it also protects against drying winds and cold weather. The superb moisture provided by Shea Butter allows dry skin to heal and retain it’s elasticity. With regular use of Shea Butter, you’ll notice the difference in your skin immediately and subsequent use will show daily improvement in your skin’s health and tone. Shea Butter also helps to prevent stretch marks and improve the condition of present stretch marks. 

Other recommend uses include: Dry skin; dark spots, blemishes & skin discoloration, scars, wrinkles & stretch marks; sun protection, arthritis symptoms, muscle aches & pains, relaxation & stiffness and massage.

Our Triple Goddess Whipped Shea Butter comes in Lavendar, Mandarin and Unscented and is available in 2 Oz. and 4 Oz. Jars.

AP News reported on Tuesday that “wholesale inflation last year shot up by the largest amount in 26 years while retailers suffered their worst December shopping season in five years as mounting economic woes caused consumers to put away their wallets.”

That’s no small secret to anyone in the retail industry, is it? But here’s the good news, while other wholesalers are raising their prices, we’re not!

The stress of holiday season can overwhelm the best of us, and for small business owners, it’s the busiest time of the year. Here’s some tips from Angie Ferguson, an exercise physiologist from Fort Myers, FL, as published in The News-Press:

This holiday season, if your cup runneth over, try a few of these time-tested meditation techniques to keep you mentally healthy as well as physically fit. And above all, remember the season and the reason for giving. Maybe we can get that spirit to last throughout the year, too.

Meditation has a positive effect on the mind and the body. As we relieve stress, we help the body naturally lower the number of harmful stress hormones that inhibit normal immune function. In turn, we also lower blood pressure, heart rate and in some instances, blood cholesterol levels. It has also been noted that high levels of stress are associated with many disease processes, including heart disease, stroke and various cancers.

First, find a quiet place. You want to eliminate as many distractions as possible. Choose a time and place where you will not be interrupted. Turn off the phone and post a “do not enter” sign on your door.

Next, get comfortable. While many traditional relaxation practices are done in the lying-down position, meditators often find this posture too suggestive of sleep. A seated posture is preferred as it promotes a more alert mental state.

Sitting postures can vary from sitting on the floor with a straight back and legs crossed to sitting upright in a chair with feet flat on the floor. Either way, you must be comfortable and in a posture that you can easily maintain for 10-20 minutes.

Now, get focused. Many meditators learn mental focus by concentrating on one word or phrase. This is repeated with each exhalation and should be simple yet suggestive such as “peace” or “relax.” Sometimes reciting a poem or prayer can be useful also. Either way, the phrase or word should help you feel safe and secure, enabling you to relax and feel internally and externally connected.

Lastly, learn to breathe. Most techniques begin with a breathing practice. This facilitates physical relaxation and bodily awareness. Take a few moments to do a quick body check. Is your breathing shallow or deep? When you inhale, does the chest lift or does the abdomen expand? As you exhale, is the breath quick or does it linger?

During a breathing practice, your breath should be calm and relaxed all the time. As you inhale, you should feel the abdomen rise and the belly expand. As you exhale, push the air out from below the naval area releasing the breath slowly, not all at once.

Remember, the breath is always relaxed and comfortable. It should never feel as if you are forcing your breath. 

Take a few minutes for yourself during this holiday season and remember to pass this wonderful article along to your clients. Finding a balance of inner peace is key to happy, healthy and profitable holiday season.