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Featured Business: Charna Little: Majestique Events & Gifts, Inc.

As a sister bath and body maker, I'd like to feature Charna Little of Majestique Events and Gifts, Inc. on this post.  Although I have only "met" her online, her enthusiam and energy cannot be denied!

About the Company:
Specializing in Elegant Events, Unique Personalized Gift Baskets, Favors and The Majestique Spa Line of Custom Blended Natural Body Products. ( Soaps, massage and body oils, shea butters, bath salts & fizzies, bubble bath, body wash, body scrubs and more)

Majestique Events & Gifts, Inc. was started in 2000 by Charna Little; However, It is a service with more than 20 years experience behind it. Add a vast array of creativity, excitement, enthusiasm, quality, and uniqueness and you have one of the hottest Event Planning establishments on the market. Majestique plans Weddings, Showers, Bar Mitzvahs, Retreats, Birthday Parties and more.

Not only does Majestique plan events, but it offers a distinct and unique line of Gift Baskets and Custom Blended Body soaps, oils, Shea Butters and other bath products by Majestique Spa.

There are four generations of craftsmanship, love, talent and creativity in each basket, soap or bottle of oil. The herbs used to create Majestique’s Body products are Hand selected, Home grown, and custom made all with LOVE by Ms. Little herself! Majestique does NOT test on animals nor do we use preservatives or chemical to create its products. We make everything FRESH to order therefore giving you the best possible product. We also donate a percentage of our yearly income to support research and awareness for Sickle Cell Disease as well as host annual fundraisers for this cause.

Product Recommendations:

Majestique Flavor of the Month
Mini Bath Fizzies

Owner: Charna M. Little
Website : www.MajestiqueEvents.com, www.MajestiqueSpa.com
Contact Info: Info@MajestiqueEvents.com

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Featured Business: The Black Spotlight

Who doesn't want to hear about our favorite black celebrities and what's going on in Hollywood?   Thanks to Crystal Merrick, I found out that Cleveland, the black neighbor from Family Guy, was actually getting his own show.  Didn't see that on Yahoo, that's for sure. 

About the Company
The Black Spotlight is an entertainment and lifestyle portal which strives to showcase or "shine a light" on African American CEOs, artists, authors and others that deserve to be in the spotlight because of their positive contributions to society. The Black Spotlight also reports on positive African American news that may or may not make it to the mainstream media.

Since its debut February 2008,TheBlackSpotlight.com has had the pleasure  of entertaining and informing thousands of visitors and has shined its spotlight on African American news, today's hottest rising and established stars and at the same time provide expert advice in various topics.

About the Creator
Becoming one of the today’s hottest entertainment journalists, Crystal Myrick has written for numerous online and print publications and has interviewed dozens of celebrities ranging from upcoming artists to major film stars.

Contact Information:
Office: (919) 720-5574
E-mail: crystal@theblackspotlight.com

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Featured Business: Alison Warfield, Warm Spirit: Wealth through Wellness

Certified Self-care and Wellness Coach: Alison Warfield RN

Warm Spirit is a self-care and wellness that began with the idea of empowering African-American Women with a business opportunity. Its marketing plan was designed to be like the plan the Madame CJ Walker used to become this nations first female millionaire. In addition to its financial benefit, Warm Spirit delivers a holistic spa experience through its natural, organic body and treatment products. As a Warm Spirit consultant, I believe in doing well by doing good, taking of self and celebrating life and all it offers.

Contact information:
Websites: www.warmspirit.org/awarfield
www.myspace.com/pampering2prosperity
On-line catalog http://www.warmspiritcatalog

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Featured Business: Beverly Campbell, Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc

Company Name: Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc. Independent Associate
Owner: Beverly Campbell

If you enjoy peace of mind and access to legal assistance I can help. A Pre-Paid Legal Membership means unlimited access to the best attorneys in the U.S. for any legal issue. You are covered throughout the U. S. Now you can say 'You will hear from my lawyer" and mean it!

About Pre Paid Legal Services (From the website):  Pre Paid Legal Services is a New York Stock Exchange company that has been providing legal service plans to North American families for over 30 years.  Our customers can access legal counsel and advicefrom qualified laywer simply by calling a toll-free number.  Many other benefits are included, but even at the most basic legals our plans allow you to have peace of mind, knowing that the promise of Equal Justice Under Law is a reality.

Contact information for Beverly Campbell:   www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/beverlycampbell,  beverlycampbell@prepaidlegal.com,
www.myspace.com/ebonyroyal1
Phone: 407-952-5199

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Featured Business: Riland Corp. - Barbara Andrews - Owner

Company name: Riland Corp
Owner: Barbara A. Andrews
http://www.rilandcorp.com
Contact Info (email address, phone number, fax number):
rilandcorp@yahoo.com  phone/fax:(404) 228-8396

In her own words:

Riland Sat Institute deals in test remediation and preparation. We offer intensive test preparation for SAT, ACT, MAT, as well as the Praxis Series for teacher preparation.  We have small class sizes-15 max and we come to you.  We also offer the week long course online.

I also am a writer writing under Nefertari Imani Baraka my For the Lover in you Grown and Sexy Wednesday's in my blog talk show that I use to promote my writing and that of others so I need this show supported in the same way. I also need support by purchasing one or more of my books, going into your local bookstores and asking that they carry my books and in the Atlanta area asking them to host book signings.
I need support in spreading the word about my Appearing at the Decatur Book Festival in August. I am also the source for all your professional writing needs, from Bios to resumes, cover letters, newsletters and flyers. I have ghost written books on House Flipping, Feng Shui, and personalized stories.
My books: Ghetto Lullabies, My Soul it Knows his Mercies, Bible Truths,Little Black Book (Bedtime Stories for Lovers),The Nightmare Begins www.nefertaribooks.com

Websites:
http://www.rilandcorp.com
www.nefertaribooks.com

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Featured Business: Young, Black and Rich - Alecia D.

YBR Enterprise Inc-www.YoungBlackRich.net
The goal of YBR © is to uplift, inspire, and transform the lives of women by providing information on a number of topics related to living a successful lifestyle including health, relationships, finances, and education. The website includes- among other things- helpful tips, articles, and success stories on a variety of topics such as motivation, goal setting, entrepreneurship, money management, and success.

What is Young, Black and Rich?

THE SUCCESSFUL LIFESTYLE NETWORK FOR TODAY'S YOUNG, BLACK, AND RICH WOMAN

Being young has nothing to do with age just as being rich has nothing to do with money.  I truly believe that you can be as young and as rich as you feel no matter what your birth certificate or bank account may reflect.  As long as you have the right mindset and motivation there's really no limit  to the amount of success you can achieve. This network was developed out of the need for today's Diva Entrepreneur to have a haven all her own where she can not only express herself but find a home for her creative talents. 

The goal of YBR © is to uplift, inspire, and transform the lives of women by providing information on a number of topics related to living a successful lifestyle including health, relationships, finances, and education.  The website includes- among other things- helpful tips, articles, and success stories on a variety of topics such as motivation, goal setting, entrepreneurship, money management, and success. 

No matter where you are in life, I want you to know that now is the time for you to start on your journey of being Young, Black, and Rich!  Whether you are still trying to find your true passion or getting ready to embark on a new business venture, success is only one thought away.  YBR  Enterprise strives to let women everywhere realize that the keys to true happiness and freedom are within.  Are you READY for the YBR Experience?

Check it out at:  www.YoungBlackRich.net, www.YoungBlackRich.ning.com

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Featured Business: Unitee Designs

In R. Lee Gordon's own words:

Three years ago, while still hard at work in and on Detroit, I started to research and write a business plan for my new company, UniTee Design. As a youth enrichment and ethnic empowerment enterprise, its primary mission is to rally Black Unity so we can find and deliver better ways to ensure our youth have more academic successes. I truly believe education is critical to uplifting the course of our future. And the most effective way to teach our children is together, one community, one parent and one person at a time.

I didn’t think it wise to rely on George or General Motors to give our young generation all they need to succeed, so I decided to produce and sell designer tee-shirts that represented the beautiful colors of our unity to fund leading youth education programs, and would create awareness, dialogue and, most of all, movement in my (and our) mission.

While it took a long leap of strong faith to jump from a well paying job and fruitful career, and put my own monies and my family’s (including a two week old daughter) well being at risk, my sole goal now and every day is to improve the successes of our children by promoting and supporting their quality of life and learning.

Visit her website at www.uniteedesign.com

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Featured Business: Paradise Secretarial Services

Readers:

As part of my membership in BBWO - Black BusinesWomen Online (see previous post) I am continuing to feature businesses on my blog.

Paradise Legal Support & Secretarial Services (PLS³) provides quality support services for small business owners, attorneys, authors, individuals, non-profit organizations, and corporations who need full time professional administrative support without the enormous cost.

For professionals, you can count on us to help you maximize your potential, minimize cost, and expand your horizons! We provide our services as an alternative to hiring temporary or seasonal employees for your special projects or during regular employee vacations, absences, or seasonal overflow.

For individuals, students, senior citizens, let us help you get your “house” in order. We provide exceptional services at sensible prices.

Mission
Our main goal is to consistently provide professional and experienced support services while emphasizing a commitment to customer satisfaction. We are determined to present professional, error-free work product, in a timely manner, and in the format requested by our clients -- every time!

We operate in both traditional and virtual environments in order to accommodate a geographically diverse, broad-based clientele, including, but not limited to, attorneys, authors, entrepreneurs, college students, and senior citizens.

If the services you require are not listed, please let us know! We will provide you with a referral. 

Benefits
CONFIDENTIALITY: Your work is saved in confidential folders specifically for you and/or your business.

COMMUNICATION: Communicating is done via phone, fax, email, mail, disk and/or CD Rom transfer. Completed work can be emailed or couriered overnight (at client's expense). For your safety, all files are protected by current Antivirus software.

EQUIPMENT: IBM Compatible PC w/ 3.5” disk with CDR/RW drive, high-speed Internet access, scanner, color printer, copier, and fax machine.

OS/ SOFTWARE: Includes, but is not limited to, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Office 2003 Professional, WordPerfect 11, Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator, Macromedia Fireworks, Dreamweaver, Flash, & Freehand, Printmaster, MS Works, MS Greetings Workshop.

COST: There is no cost to you for employee benefits, computer training, or extra office equipment, leased or rented. Projects are assessed individually and quotations are created based on the client's budget and complexity of the project. You may be provided with an hourly or flat rate, plus cost for materials. In addition, if you need services on a continual basis, a monthly retainer can be set up for you at a reduced rate (25 hour per month minimum). The monthly rate will be based upon the type of work you require.

Please visit Shellye's site at www.paradisesecretarial.com.

Visit BBWO at sistapreneurs.ning.com

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Online Resources for Women Entrepreneurs

Tap into a growing network created just for Minority Women Business Owners and aspiring Women Entrepreneurs of Color.



Black Business Women Online [http://sistapreneurs.ning.com] is a networking community for Black Women Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, and Work at Home Moms. And it might just be the right network for you!



BBWO is the place for you to share your sheBusiness with other women. You can create your own BBWO Page, like on myspace.com or other popular social networking communities. You can add your product photos, promotional videos, events, business services and more!








Best of all it's a free to join community exclusively for minority women in business to connect with like minded women who are interested in entrepreneurship, marketing, sharing, and growing their business. We've got designers, publishers, authors, event planners, travel agents, web designers .... an almost endless list of talented women entrepreneurs on Black Business Women Online and everyday members are building new networks, selling their products, supporting other Black Businesses, and learning how to better market their business both online and in the real world.



Advice, Sell, Support. Almost 2000 members and growing.

JOIN BLACK BUSINESS WOMEN ONLINE TODAY!

MEMBERSHIP IS FREE








Do you have a myspace page?

Add Black Business Women Online to Your Myspace Friend's Circle

www.myspace.com/blackbusinesswomen



____________________________

This is a promotional post for Black Business Women Online [http://sistapreneurs.ning.com]. Please feel free to feature this post in your blog, on a mailing list, or just share it with friends. You can also add one of the featured banners to your website!



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Featured Business: Brace Yourself Boutique

Brace Yourself Boutique is a small, independent company based in Southern California. Brace Yourself was created in 2007 by Myisha Croom–Turner when her self-taught skill making jewelry resulted in a means to earn extra cash. Through her love of nature, travel, and fashion, she began designing numerous bracelets to reflect her many inspirations and style. Her goal has been to create jewelry that is timeless and transcends the changing trends. Her designs are original, earthy and collaborate well with everything from cotton to couture. In May of 2007, Myisha started preparing for her first marketplace showing in Los Angeles, and to date has participated in several craft fairs, and trade shows throughout California. In November of 2007 she created an indie shopping extravaganza for women called "Sip N' Shop" Girls Night Out that showcased women business owners and designers. 

Please visit Myisha site at www.braceyourselfboutique.com.

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Move over PayPal? Revolution Money Exchange is on its way!

As a person who buys and sells on the Internet frequently (perhaps too frequenlty) I've often used PayPal to pay for items or to accept money.  However, PayPal fees can certainly add up, which is why I was looking into this "Revolution Money Exhange".  At first I thought it was some sort of scheme, but I researched it and it is legitimate, which is why I signed myself up this morning and got my $25.00 in my account.  (Yes, I promise you it's true!)

A quick overview - basically, Revolution Money Exchange was established by Steve Case (one of the foundesr of AOL).  There are no fees to send or receive money if both parties are a member of Revolution Money Exchange.  The services that are free include:

• add money to your Money Exchange account


• register for an account


• send/receive money


• request money


• transfer money to your bank account
  
  Taken directly from their FAQs:  "MoneyExchange does not charge you any fees for electronically adding money to your account or electronically transferring money to your linked bank account. You should check with your bank to determine whether they will charge you any fees for adding or withdrawing money from your MoneyExchange account."

If you're looking for an alternative to PayPal AND you want to make a quick 25.00, try Revolution Money Exchange:     Yep, that's my referral link - if you refer a friend, you get $10.00. 

$25 OFFER EXPIRES MAY 15, 2008 so click right away!

.

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Do you ZenZuu?

In my Internet travels, I have discovered a new social networking site called ZenZuu. Now, please believe me when I say I am SO not for those multilevel marketing schemes, but from what I understand, this site is free to signup.

Here are some blurbs about the site:

ZenZuu is a brand new advertising, business and social networking site that plans to reward its’ members, rather handsomely.

It has just moved into Beta phase and is currently free to join Sign-Up:

So it's the right price for now to have a look.

The whole social networking craze has seen people opening up networks for anything from pets, to hobbies to business and everything in between. One wonders where it will stop… or what the next craze will be.

The idea of joining a social network and being paid is not necessarily however the planned revenue sharing on ZenZuu is 80%!

ZenZuu is a next generation social networking platform that lets you create a profile similar to other ancient social networks, except our leading edge technology allows you to make money by signing up your friends and receive revenue sharing. Seize your opportunity to cash in on the trillion dollar internet economy of social networking and global commerce with ZenZuu.

Connect with a Live Global Community.

ZenZuu gives you the opportunity to keep in touch with a massive global community anytime, anywhere. Unlike other social networks, it allows you to make money just for doing the same old things such as creating a profile, signing others up as well as the ability to take part in its Ad Revenue Sharing. ZenZuu gives you all the standard features you’d expect such as the ability to share your pictures, videos, music and more. Whether you want to make new contacts for business or for pleasure ZenZuu gives you all the tools necessary.

Ok, check it out for yourself here. Check out ZenZuu

I've joined, and I'm still reading around to see what's going on with the site. Check it out and see for yourself.

Featured Business - Kala Mujibha- Aseyori Market www.aseyori-market.com

Aseyori African Arts Market, specializes in a wide range of artistic items from Africa. From our wood-carved and leather items to our masks, bags, jewelry, and drums, we provide quality products that are expertly made, beautiful items that have been brought straight from Africa, and are waiting to come to you!

About Us: Aseyori-Market.com is a Black owned e-business created out of a love for the ancient cultural heritage of Africa. We seek to promote the beauty and creativity of Africa and its diaspora. Our purpose and goal is to encourage the international trade of African-created products. Through the cultivation and enhancement of a Pan-African market online, we intend to generate prosperity for Africa and its diaspora.  Visit us at www.aseyori-market.com.

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Going Green in body care?

Going green has been in the news for quite some time.   There are reusable bags for sale in many supermarkets and plastic bags from department stores offer ways to recycle said bag to keep from harming the environment.  Bath and body care is going green also – if one takes a look at any shelf in the supermarket or the local discount department store, you will see various skin and body care products labeled “organic” or natural.

In the general sense, being having “natural” on the label does not necessarily mean the product is good for your skin – it  depends on what other additives are used.  Remember, arsenic is natural!  However, a body or skin care product created from natural ingredients is much better for your skin and well being than a product with an ingredient list full of unpronounceable words that is longer than your arm.

Because I initially created a product for use by my 1 year old daughter, I took great care to use ingredients that were basically safe enough to ingest (excluding of course the fragrance).  Neosoul.essentials’ products are 95%-100 % percent natural and do not contain parabens or any other preservatives.   Our unfragranced products and those fragranced with essential oils are 100% natural.

My purpose for creating neosoul.essentials was to provide those who want to ‘go green’ in bath and body care a healthful and budget conscious alternative to the high priced “natural” products.  Everyone deserves to have an alternative to chemical-laden body care products.  I use shea butter, cocoa butter, avocado oil, coconut oil, canola oil and virgin coconut oil in my products.  As I stated before, our unfragranced products may not taste good, but are safe to ingest!

If you have any questions on our products or our ingredients, please feel free to email me at Christine(at)neosoulessentials.com

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Featured Business: Smell Goods Spa

Owner:
Itiel McVay (husband:tech guy, web designer guy, graphics guy, media guy)

Specializing in signature fragrance body oil blends, signature hand-dipped incense, and gourmet, made-to-order bath & body products. I focus on creating products that are healthy for the skin, that will condition the skin, and of course products that smell good.

Itiel McVay is the chief operating officer and mixologist of Smell Goods ‘98™. In 1998, after hearing her husband’s idea of becoming purveyors of oils and incense, Itiel moved forward with the idea and has made the creative side of the product line what it is today. Over the years Itiel has honed her bath and body knowledge and creative skills. Itiel stays abreast on the latest cosmetic trends, body care treatments, and the pros and cons of cosmetic ingredients.

Itiel is also an active member of online crafting communities and online indie business communities. Since childhood, Itiel’s life has centered around a healthy way of living. Mixing up goodness for beautiful conditioned skin and educating others about the Smell Goods ’98’s™ line, comes naturally to Itiel. Itiel’s creative inspiration comes from gourmet desserts and gourmet beverages.

Itiel is a home-school mother and resides in Charlotte, with her husband and their two children.

Please visit her site at www.smellgoodspa.com

New Scents for Mother's Day!

Neosoul.essentials Launches Three New Scents for Mother’s Day
Scotch Plains, NJ, April 28, 2008- neosoul.essentials, llc a natural bath and body company based in central New Jersey has launched three new scents for summer. Intended to embody the spirit of hot summer weather and vacations, the scents are first to be added to the line in over a year.

The three new fragrances: mango surprise, island passion and tropical glow are available online at www.neosoulessentials.com. The company offers a variety of natural body products such as body oil mists and whipped body butters. All items are available in a variety of fragrances and are suitable for all members of the family. “I love summer and these fragrances really remind me of the beach or those fruit smoothies that are so popular when the weather gets warm,” says Christine Lowe Woolard, owner and chief “mixtress” of neosoul.essentials. “These new fragrances are becoming so popular among my customers and I have had many requests for Mother’s Day baskets.”

For additional information on these new fragrances, or natural bath and body products, contact Christine Lowe Woolard at Christine@neosoulessentials.com or visit www.neosoulessentials.com. Samples are available at a minimal cost and are shipped free.

http://www.prlog.org/10067283-neosoul-essentials-launches-three-new-scents-for-summer.html

Balancing Goals and Life

by Barbara Howard

A lot of people think that you have to have a balance in your life to be completely and utterly happy, however, there are some people who find the chaos in their life to be blissful. Keep in mind that there is a certain degree of life balance that you will need to have eventually. Basically, you will find that your happiness is not going to come to you overnight, however, you can work slowly on retaining your happiness and balancing out negative and positive things in your life.

When it comes to the balance, you will find that it is your goals in life that will do the trick. Basically, you will need to set a goal so that you have a purpose in living. You will also find that it will help you to push yourself to be better. You will want to make sure that you do some things just for yourself so that you can keep your inner light shining bright, however, there are going to be times where you think things have gotten the best of you, but you still must progress. You must always move forward, even if you are failing at your goals. You try and try until you have nothing left inside of you, because the hard work will pay off in the end. Still, how do you balance out the positive and the negative? The key is to learn how to take the lemons of life and turn them into sweet lemonade. Every time something negative happens to you or in your life, you need to turn it around to be positive.
When you fail at a goal, you need to turn it around and make it a positive by saying either that you gave your best, or you may just need to push yourself a tiny bit harder. There are goals that do seem realistic when you make them, but then in the end it seems like you try and try, but get nothing. When it comes to negative goals you may need to take a step back and rethink the goal. You may need to take some time from the goal and come back to it when you are in better spirits. It is very important that you learn to accept defeat, but not allow yourself to be beaten. You need to learn to take the negative and make it a positive.

For a person to have a well-balanced life you will need to take care of your career goals, family goals, spiritual goals, social goals, personal goals, developmental goals, and also financial goals. That is a lot of goals, but you have a lifetime to take care of them all. Also, keep your personal health in mind when trying to balance out life


Barbara Howard is recovering from a 20 yr career as an IT consultant in Washington, DC/metro (12 yrs @ The Pentagon) - addicted to political blogs, news talk, strong coffee, great food and too much information. For more information, visit her at www.barbarahoward.net or http://www.myspace.com/barbarahowardtalkradio.

Featured Business - Ar-Lena Richardson, The E-Publicist

As my presence on the web grows, I've had the distinct pleasure of e-meeting (I made that up) many different web professionals. I would like to feature Ar-Lena Richardson, the e-publicist at www.arlena.com.

Company: The ar lena richardson agency (arlena.com) is a highly specialized traditional and Internet public relations and marketing firm. The company has a proven track record for successfully helping sports, celebrity, and executive clients achieve and maintain a profitable real world and e-presence. The strategies and technique are tailored to fit the personal and professional needs of each client. The company was founded in 1990.

Owner:
Ar Lena Richardson, has more than fifteen years of experience as a marketing and public relations professional. She is a two-time former Chief Operating Officer of the Black Athlete Sports Network (Blackathlete.com) located in New York City. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Ar Lena is currently earning a MBA in Information Technology and Management online with Western International University. She resides in Houston, Texas.

Website: http://www.arlena.com
Contact: 281-821-4222 (p)
arlenatheepublicist@gmail.com

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Not Just About Business

I certainly hope that you who are reading this blog are learning something about natural products and natural ingredients that work just as well as man-made products.  In addition, I hope that you're learning a bit about what goes into creating natural products.  Certainly, it's not easy, but it's quite fun and can be addictive, as I search for different scents and ways to improve upon what I all ready make.

Experimentation is essential for me to keep my line fresh.  For example, I started out in 2006 with lotion bars.  I found a boilerplate recipe on a message board, took that, and experimented with ingredients until I got the right feel that I wanted with a minimum of ingredients.  I am not a person who likes a bit of this, a dab of that, unless it's absolutely necessary for perfection of the recipe.  I truly like to keep things simple!

What am I working on right now?  Well, it's a bit of a secret (smile) but suffice to say it's a variation on a sugar scrub.  Now, I'm not trying to say that I'm going to come up with something totally orginal - I'm sure someone has done this already - but it's new to me!

I hope that you're enjoying reading the blog.  Keep checking back - I am planning on a revamping of the website. 

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Soap and More Soap

I love soap.  I love soap so much that I've got tons of it in my home. Everyone I know has some soap that I've created.  Unfortunately, as a mom of small children, I don't make cold process or hot process soap, because I don't deal in lye.  I know there are folks out there who do deal with lye, even with small children, but I've got way too much going on in my home to worry about a caustic chemical.  If my little ones get into the shea butter, no harm, no foul.  If they got into the lye.....

As you can probably see from my store website, I work with vegetable glycerin soap, or as some call it, melt and pour soap.  This type of soap is purchased as a base. I melt it, add extra moisturising oils and/or butters (of course, I couldn't leave it plain!!), add color and fragrance, and voila!  A soap work of art from neosoul.essentials!  Are you a Diva?   DIVA soap is made with shea butter and other oils, with a lovely fragrance that will turn your shower into 'spa indulgence'. 

In my quest for the soapiest of soaps, I've turned to soap rebatching or hand millling.  From what I have read, it's something that a lot of people don't seem to  like to do, and I've had difficulty even finding base soap to rebatch.  But, over the weekend, I rebatched some goat's milk soap and make a, let's say, interesting looking soap: 

Interesting, isn't it?  I call it coffee sunrise.  The coffee scent is very strong and I added coffee ground to the bottom of the soap for color.  I plopped the coffee ground filled soap in my specially lined box (that my contact lenses came in) and swirled some non coffee ground soap into the top.  As you can see, I didn't get it quite down to the bottom, but it's an interesting effect, and it smells great!!

I really enjoy playing around with making bath products and the like.  I hope you enjoy my creations as much as I do!

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Body Mist Spray

I use all my products on myself and my family. One of my most favorite products is my Body Mist Spray. It's made from coconut oil and let me be the first to tell you, it's the best straight out of the shower. If you don't have time to slather on the lotion and want a quick moisturising spritz full of fragrance, the body oil mist is for you! There are a variety of fragrances to choose from, but my personal favorite is Radiance, followed by Aloha. Of course, I'm browsing my favorite fragrance sites to find more scents - as if I need any more fragrances in my collection.

neosoul.essentials.....naturally you!

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Looking for Natural Skin Products

Do you frequently browse the lotion aisle looking for the term “natural skin products” or shea butter on the labels of your lotions or body creams?  When you see shea butter or cocoa butter or ‘all natural’ do you ever flip the bottle over and read the actual ingredients?  Because of my daughter’s skin irritation, I became quite the label reader.  Although many lotions and creams may say “shea butter” or “cocoa butter”, nine times out of ten, the first ingredient is water, then a couple of other ingredients before you actually saw the listing of the shea butter or the cocoa butter.    Water may even account for up to 30% of the actual lotion, which is perfectly fine if you’re in need of a light moisturizer.

If you need something a bit heavier, that sinks in just as well and doesn’t leave your skin greasy or tacky, then try our whipped shea butter or our megamix whip.  We use natural skin ingredients which will leave your skin feeling smooth and moisturized.  Use our product alongside your regular lotion for extra moisture!

Check out our natural skin care products at www.neosoulessentials.com.   

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Kpangnan Butter "Golden Shea Butter"

Kpangnan butter, pronounced “pain-ya”, is also called golden shea butter or African nut butter. It is obtained from the African nut tree, which is found in the forests of West Africa. It is a golden yellow color, which is the reason why some call it “golden shea butter”. It is not, however, related to shea butter. Kpangnan butter is a soft, powdery type nut butter that melts into the skin and gives it a dry, silky feeling.

According to cyberlipid.org, this butter contains a high proportion of stigmasterol, a plant sterol. In skin application, this sterol may have anti-inflammatory effects and may assist in healing skin irritations such as eczema and severely dry skin.

Kpangnan is a lovely, powdery butter that plays well with other oils and makes a wonderfully soothing balm for the skin. We use it in our megamix shea butter whip and some of our clients have found it to naturally soothe their dry skin without leaving behind a greasy after-feel.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is not meant as a substitute for advice from a medical professional. We are only commenting on our own experiences and urge you to seek medical advice where applicable.

Sources:
Cyberlipid.org
http://www.znaturforsch.com/ac/v54c/54c0937.pdf
http://www.agbangakarite.com/newsletters/february2005.htm

Tags: shea butter, golden shea butter, kpangnan butter, eczema, dry skin, natural skin products

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Take Care of Your Skin

Most of us have read somewhere that the skin is the largest organ in the body.  We excrete wastes through our skin in the form of sweat and when our body is not “right” on the inside, most of the time it’s because what we are or are not putting in our bodies.

Water is the most important element for moisturized skin.  The more water you drink, the more hydrated your skin will become.  I notice that when my water intake decreases, my skin looks tired and dry.  Within a week of increased water intake, my skin looks  younger and has less dryness.

Topical emoillents can also help skin look younger and firmer.  No matter how you slice it, we must nourish the skin from the outside and the inside.. 

Do you have dry winter skin?  Are your store bought lotions not providing the long lasting moisture you need?  Most lotions are made primarily of water, which, in the low humidity of overheated homes and the cold of the outdoors, evaporated easily.  You might want to try an anhydrous (without water) product such as shea butter or cocoa butter.  Applied on top of all ready moisturized skin, the rich butter may serve to seal and protect the skin.

Neosoul.essentials offers many products such as our shea butter bar, megamix whip, and Eva’s Shea buttah whip for your moisturizing needs.

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Dry Skin Kitchen Remedies

In my brief experience with my dd, age 3, it seems that the best that we can do with eczema, short of prescription medication, is to keep it under control.  So, you may ask, what can I do to alleviate the dry and itchy skin of eczema?   During her worst outbreaks, I know that I have to apply some sort of emollient to my daughter’s skin at least twice daily and once before she goes to sleep at night.  Even then, I place a jar of Eva’s Shea Buttah Whip  or a Shea Lotion Bar on her nightstand so if her skin bothers her during the night, she can apply it herself.   Before I developed my formulas, (which do help and smell good too), I used quite a few things from my kitchen.  It’s all oil, isn’t it?

Please understand that I am no way giving medical advice and you should always consult with a medical professional.

Believe it or not, there are some kitchen cabinet remedies that you can use with your children or for yourself.    Crisco (or any solid vegetable oil) is comprised mainly of hydrogenated cottonseed and soybean oils.    Try applying a bit to a patch of dry skin – although it may not be the most attractive looking moisturizer, but it does work in a pinch.  You might also try canola or olive oil.  Try applying it after a bath or shower – a quick alternative to after bath oil.

Of course, you can always visit us at www.neosoulessentials.com for dry skin needs.

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