Facebook Makes Old Friends Become New Again

This post is dedicated to my love for Facebook right now. I have been all over the social media circuit, Myspace, Twitter, Ning Groups and most recently Facebook. Mainly to connect with folks who are entrepreneurs, craft makers or just to keep in contact with family.

One day out of the blue sky, I went on a search to see if any of my classmates from High School had Facebook pages. Being that it has only been a couple of years since I was in High School (smile), I could not remember any of the names of people I went to school with the exception of one person. That person will remain anonymous as I am sure they do not want to be published on my blog. When I did a search on that individual, sure enough they had a page and so did some 30 to 40 other people that went to my school with me.

Needless to say, November and December has been a time of getting reacquainted with my classmates from Edward R. Murrow HS class of 19xx (I will keep the year a secret folks, don't want to give away how young we are :) Although I am still upset that I missed the September 2008 reunion. But I am looking forward to the upcoming reunions.

Everyone seems to have aged or shall I say matured gracefully. We have exchanged pictures and fond memories of when we were in school. Most of us have agreed that our best school years were in High School. After that real life set in.

So this blog post is dedicated to all the old friends who have become my "New" friends due to Facebook. There is no greater time than the present to reach out and share a little love to someone you have not seen in awhile. They may really need it and you would be blessed by it.

What about you? Have you gotten in contact with an old friend through a social media group or otherwise? Have you thought about getting in contact with folks you have not spoken with in 5, 10, 20 even 30 years?


Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Barack Obama Our New President :)

History has been made today Tuesday November 4, 2008. No recounts, no stolen ballots, Barack Obama has won and is the our New Elected President of these United States of America.

God Bless Everyone & God Bless America.

YES WE CAN.













Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Deep South Bath Co - Sage & Grapefruit Prod. Review

I was wandering through my etsy favorite sellers and decided to buy some Soap from Deep South Bath Co. For those that know me, I love anything citrus but the smell of Sage is something new to me. So I decided to live on the "wild" side and order a bar.

Well Ms Letrah Avery of Deep South Bath Co. blessed me in a special way. Since I ordered the last bar of soap, she decided to throw in another one since it was a seasonal item. How special is that!

Back to the soap, it did not disappoint. Some citrus soaps can be drying to the skin, but I did not have to apply moisturizer after using this soap. I even tried it on my oily/combo skin. It did not dry out my face but took care of the oily skin where it needed to. Again, the lather was abundant and flowing just like I like it. :)

This soap may be available next Summer, but check out the other soaps available from Deep South Bath Co



Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Sudstress - Soap Reviews

Katherine Wiranowski, is the soapmaker behind Sudstress. She is the creator of the soaps pictured to the left. The first one is called Sunshine and the name is true to form. This is the citrus soap you want to use to wake you up in the morning. Everytime I used it, I had to smile because you are engulfed in the most sensual and happy blend of citrus smells.

The second soap is called Sugared Lemon. All I can say is WOW. This soap reminds me of the candy Lemon Heads I used to eat as a child. Here is the review from my hubby in regards to this soap, "tell your friend that this is one of the best soaps (next to mines of course (smile)) I have ever used. You could feel the love that went into making this soap" He is right of course. Kat definitely put her all into that soap and I will definitely have to buy more of it from her. Also the suds are ridiculous. I usually have to re-lather with some soaps. But you never have to with Sugared Lemon.

Get you some soap from the Sudstress, tell her Diana sent you. :)




Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Rinse Bath & Body Co - Almond & Honey Soap

This is the first of three reviews for Rinse Bath & Body Co soaps.
My hubby and I have been using this Almond & Honey Soap this week. These are my hubby's exact words after using the product, "I love this soap, the smell and everything. You can tell she but her love into that soap". OK I am jealous because he was not talking about one of my products. But I have to agree with him on this. This soap smells exact like the old Yardley Almond soaps my Grandmother used to let us take a bath with. The honey smell with the almond make me close my eyes and think of my childhood. This is definitely one to pick up from Rinse Bath & Body Co.

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Back 2 Work

Just to let you all know that I have finally found a job. I will be taking Worker's Compensation and Insurance claims for companies in the United States and Canada. So my days of being in front of the computer answering emails and being on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace etc will have to wait until I get home at night. I will be in front of the computer all day but in a different capacity.

I will however, still blog and chat it up with all my Tweets when I have a free chance. The purpose of this job is to bring in substantial income to Shea Bath up and running. I have noticed that there are a lot of people who have a traditional "9 to 5" and still have a hustle on the side. I applaud them and look forward to when I can make this hustle a full time gig. As my friend Cee Cee from Neo Soul Products reminded me, "Don't forget to make time for your body butter". The advice is well taken and I will be sticking in business after work every chance I get.

What about you? Do you have a "9 to 5" in addition to your side business? Or is your side business the only business? This inquiring mind wants to know. :)

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

I seem to be getting sleepier during the day since the weather is changing. Or maybe I am doing too much. LOL. I wanted to pass on these tips to all my friends who may need a little
boost today after the 3 day holiday. This is courtesy of Vital Juice Daily.

FITNESS | HEALING | NUTRITION | BEAUTY | GREEN LIVING | DO GOOD

	5 Tips to Keep Energized Tuesday, September 2, 2008		Subscribe   Unsubscribe   Go to Vital Juice
	Ever feel like taking a dip in the middle of the day? So do we, which is why we're excited that our favorite healthy dip has just become portable. Wild Garden's new single-serving hummus packets taste great, give you a fiber boost and can be stashed in any bag or drawer... perfect for the chick on the go!	Labor Day's come and gone, leaving many of us to labor behind a desk all day. Incorporate these 5 tips to keep energy levels at their summertime high: 1. Wake muscles with a stretch to increase blood circulation and improve balance and posture. Try this simple AM routine. 2. Go hot and cold in the shower. Turn water as cold as you can stand it, back to warm. Repeat 2 -3 times. 3. Focus on 1 thing at a time. Multi-tasking eats into productivity and you'll feel more motivated when you cross something off your list. 4. Take a break from your routine -- go to a different lunch spot, explore a new store, sit in a park at lunch. Change does a body good. 5. Pack something essential for the office -- citrus essential oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit) help energize so keep a mist or candle handy. Bonus: Repeat #1 every hour or so throughout your workday and make sure you find time for yesterday's tips. Have a flagging friend? Perk her up with these tips and you could win a Popchips gift basket!

 

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Grant Park Summer Shade Festival

Before I begin my post, let me first plug in my friends at Grant Park's Urban Bistro. The Operating Partner is DeSol Horton. They are located at 753A Cherokee Ave. SE Atlanta, GA 30315. She has a myspace page with some more info. In the mood for some good food and you are in Atlanta, head over to Grant Park's Urban Bistro.

I took a break from studying on Saturday to go the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival in Atlanta. I have always missed the festival and took this opportunity to go check out the local "artistic" talent here in Georgia.


What enticed me more into going was because a soapmaker I know off of myspace.com was going to be a vendor at the festival. Katherine Wiranowski, the soapmaker behind Sudstress was who I came to see. I have been ohhing and ahhing at her soap creations every since I open up my myspace account and added her as a friend. Katherine sent out a myspace bulletin to all her friends that she was going to be selling her wares at Grant Park. Well I jumped at the chance. I talked to her briefly because:
1- It was 90 degrees on Saturday, talk about hot.
2- I had three demanding children in tow. All with a short attention span.
3- I was trying to meet up with a group of people and they were hunting me down by cell phone. She told me that sales were slow, in part to people being out of town, construction along Interstate 85 & 75 and of course the gas prices. But I did not let any of that stop me from supporting this young lady. Being that I brought citrus soaps we discussed that it is difficult to get citrus essential oils to stick in cold process soap. I purchase two soaps from her: " Sunshine & Sugared Lemon". I would have brought them all if I could. But I had to use restraint. :)


Upon leaving the festival, I ran into another soapmaker. Heather Swanepoel is the founder & formulator behind Rinse Bath & Body Co. Had I decided to go straight home, I would have missed talking to this lovely lady. We discussed how the humidity in Georgia has affected our ability to make certain products. For instance, I explained to her that I make whipped shea body butter. Like other Indie bath & body companies, she cannot even make the product because the moment you it with your hands, it melts away. Shipping the same product is also disaster because it melts during shipping. I personally do not ship any whipped shea body butter until late October when it is much cooler. She agreed. Other things like her bath bombs are developed outside of Georgia because the humidity distorts the product. I did pick up a bar of her soap and my hubby picked up two. :) We picked up Almond & Honey (still needs curing), Nectar & Dead Sea Mud Bar which seems to be my hubby's favorite.


It's that soapmakers are all over the world, but it is also great to support my local Indies right here in Georgia.

I will be doing product reviews on these soaps in the coming weeks. In the meantime take a gander at their sites, add them to your "soap porn" and purchase some soap so you can be clean "Naturally":

Sudstress & Blog - Katherine Wiranowski
Rinse Bath & Body Co. & Rinse Blog - Heather Swanepoel

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Neosoul Essentials Products - Sample Review

What do you get when you have a former teacher, mother of 3 kids (under 6) who home schools and has her own business. You get my friend Christine "Cee Cee" Lowe Woolard Owner and Founder of NeoSoul Essentials Products.

I met (online) Cee Cee through social network group called BBWO (Black Business Women Online). From there we have joined similar groups and follow each other on twitter.
Cee Cee had put it out there that she was offering samples of her MegaMix Shea Butter through Twitter. I love to support all indie business, so I ordered Mango Sunrise. The sample came in a cute purple organza drawstring bag. I also received some other goodies. Cee Cee sent me a sample of her soap called Island Passion. I used the shea butter on my feet after my shower and the scent has permeated through the whole house. I use the soap to wash my hands and it is super sudsy.

Lest I not forget the more than gracious samples of mineral makeup that Cee Cee sent from my other friend Candace Owner MilanMinerals.com. I met her online through the same channels as Cee Cee. How interesting! I received samples of Sonic and Jucciy. I am still working with Candace on my makeup skills as I am an Au-naturale kind of gal. But nonetheless, I will be supporting this indies products as well.

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

AND THE BRILLANTE WEB AWARD GOES TO...

Me from Marr over at SmellyChicksOnline
I have never met Marr in person. I know her through the magic of the blogosphere. I consider you to be a friend. You are always encouraging towards all that I do. I love her blog because it is always informative. Her love for handmade soap shows in the soap "eye candy" she list on her blog. She also keeps all crafty entrepreneurs informed on what is current in technology or trends in our industry. She even contributed to my business by designing my company banners. Marr, thank you for your continual contribution to all us Indies.

The folks I award this prestigious honor to are:

Itiel of Smells Good Spa
Itiel is no ordinary woman. She is happily married to her hubby of 13 yrs, has 2 lovely daughters, whom she home schools. Oh did I forget to mention that she's been running her own business for 10 years. :) I met Itiel online through BBWO (Black Business Women Online). She is a very giving person. Currently her company has been named as an advocate for an organization called Moving Young Ladies Forward . They help young girls and teenage mothers reach their greatest potentials by changing they way the see themselves in society. Proceeds from the sales of her Sugar Whips products go toward MYLF and their efforts. She has been a encouraging voice in my corner for the small steps I have taken in moving my company forward. As well as a sound box on personal matters. Thank you Itiel for being a friend and I know you will see another prosperous 10 years for your business.

Cee of Neo Soul Essentials
Another extraordinary Diva I met on BBWO. Cee Cee was a teacher for many years and went another route with her craft. Due to severe eczema in her baby, Cee Cee decided to make her own home remedy to soothe if not help the problem. That product and many others are what make up Neo Soul Essentials. Cee Cee has always gave me new approaches to this entrepreneur aspect. Because of Cee Cee I signed with Squidoo, StumbleUpon and now I have a Facebook page. Basically, she has shown me that in order to be in business, you have to push the envelope and put yourself out there. Cee Cee, you may not have realized that you have done that for me, but you have. So for that I say Thank You.

There are many others in my Blogroll who also deserve this honor. So the post is dedicated to everyone I have encountered through blogging that has left an impression on me directly and indirectly.


Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

We Have A New Look !

Thanks to my girl, Marrianne Williams aka Marr @ SmellChicksOnline, she pimped out my blog & etsy store with a new company banner.

I bet those of you that know Marr, did not know she was this super talented. Marr is a wife, mom, graphic designer and addicted to soap porn. Those in the soap making industry know what that is :). She also keeps others current on topics that small business owners need to know. Thanks for that.

When you get a chance, stop by Marr's blog
Marr, I cannot tell you Thank You enough for giving Shea Bath a great visual face lift. :)

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

New Etsy Products

We have added the Whipped Shea Body Butter in the 8oz and 16oz sizes. The 8oz is $12.50 and the 16oz is $20.00. We have three of each available right now. So why not treat yourself to skin to something special today.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade sheabath.etsy.com

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

RIP - Bernie Mac & Issac Hayes

This has been a sad weekend for me. We have lost two great entertainers. One being Bernie Mac(50) on Saturday morning. The other being Issac Hayes (65) on Sunday afternoon.

I saw Bernie Mac live at the Kings of Comedy tour in North Carolina. Out of all the comedians that performed and I love them all, Bernie Mac was the only one that had me on the floor of the Guildford Arena wanting to pass out from laughing so hard. You never know what a person has achieved until a time like this happens. Looking back at his life, he accomplished so very much and was blessed with a talent that took him beyond where he ever expected. I am saddened by this loss because it is as if he was a friend of mine.

The best memory I have of Isaac Hayes, is this classic all white album (yes I said album) that my Daddy still owns till this day. For those of you that are as old as me or older :), it is the one where it opens up like a poster. On the album cover he is dressed in a white robe and hood. If I remember correctly there are three album in that jacket and each and every song listed is better than the other. The famous 15 minute Shaft song continues to ring in mind each and every time I think of him. He will be dearly missed as well.


I truly believe that Isaac Hayes & Bernie Mac are laughing and dancing with my Grandpa in Heaven.

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Pink Grapefruit Soap by Naiad Soap Arts

All the soap I have made is curing right now, so I went on a soap shopping spree last Saturday. I decided to make my first purchase from one of the "favorite sellers" I have listed on etsy.com. Erin at Naiad Soap Arts is having a sale through the month of August so I decided to treat myself o some Pink Grapefruit Soap.

First let me say I got my package in record time. From the West Coast to the East Coast in two days. When I opened the package I was in awe of the way she package the soaps. The soap came in a simple cheesecloth sac with a drawstring to close it. (Sorry no pictures available) The soap label and ingredients were displayed nicely on the outside of he sack. I couldn't help smelling the soap through the sack and taking it in.

I used the soap today during my son's bath. I must say there was an abundance of bubbles and he was very soft after the bath was through. I can't wait to use it myself. :)

She has some awesome soaps and her creativity is off the meter. I am hooked and will definitely be making some more indulgent purchases soon.


Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

First Etsy Store Item - Whipped Shea Body Butter

I have been holding back and procrastinating on putting this item in my Etsy Store for a number of reason. Speaking with my girl, Itiel over at Smell Good Spa we both agreed it was fear. We will leave that for another blog post.

So without further delay, I introduce to you my first official item in my Etsy Store My Best - Selling Whipped Shea Body Butter

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade sheabath.etsy.com

It is made with 100% Unrefined Shea Butter from Ghana, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Avocado Oil & Apricot Oil. Currently I am selling this unscented in sizes 4, 8 & 16 ounces. I have 1 of the 4oz jars in the store. I will be adding 2 each of the 8 & 16 jars this week.

Many of my friends and family use this product and it is the only moisturizer I use on my skin.

To all my soaping friends, let me know what you think. I know the picture is grainy, I need a new camera.

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Castile Milk Soap

Recipe I thought up for the Castile Milk soap was:

Olive Oil 64%
Coconut Oil 20%
Shea Butter 16%

I had a high percent of Shea for moisture due to my hubby's concern about the Lemon Mint soap being too drying. Additives added to the soap was oatmeal. I made this via the Hot Process method. Once I mixed the lye/milk with the oils, got a trace, I put my crock pot on low temp for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, I noticed that the mixture did not do anything. It looked as if the milk had curdled. I proceeded to mix the mixture with a stick blender while it was cooking. Within 5 minutes, I started to get the "applesauce" texture I needed for this process to work. I forgot that with milk soaps, it needs to be super hot for it to gel. It gelled, I took it out of the crock pot and added the oatmeal.

I figure if I left the mixture on low rather than high temp, that thing would not have gelled in the crock pot until Friday. I will probably take the soap out of the mold on Saturday. It is a castile soap so I anticipate it being soft even if it would be ready to use.

Unfortunately I am unable to post a picture of my creation. My 5 yr old HP camera has gone off to be with the Lord. ;)

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Tag Your It !

My soap friend Heather @ Twin Birch Soaps
has tagged me:

Here are the rules:

1) Link to the person who tagged you
2) Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading)
3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below)
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them (This is only a game)
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up

Here it goes: (These are more like confessions)

1- I had my first real boyfriend my sophomore year of college. I married that boyfriend. I Love You Mike :) xoxo

2- I am a cheapskate when it comes to shopping. I will not splurge on myself even if I have the money. Yes I have issues. :)

3- I talk to myself to gather my thoughts. Oh don't act like you have never done it. :)




4- I lived in New York for 25 years and never went to the top of the Empire State building. I've walked past the bldg many times but never went in. Go figure.




5- I have an obsession with the store IKEA. Is it only me?

6- Being a mother has made me appreciate the simple things in life.

Now its your turn. I have tagged:

- Nea @ Nea Soapworks
- Itiel @ Smells Good Spa
- Cee Cee @ NeoSoul Essentials
- Kim @ Stella Marie Soap
- Stacie @ You Go Girl! Soaps
- Marr @ Smelly Chicks


Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Do You Twitter??

I will admit I have a new tech addiction. It is Twitter. What is Twitter you ask?
IMO, text message updates that are sent in real time between you and those you care about.
The people you care about are the one you are "following" or stalking :). The people who are in your circle are called "followers" or the ones who are stalking you :) Just kidding on that latter part.

What makes this small but powerful new application fun is that you can follow friends, family even people who you would not think would be on Twitter. Along with interact with my crafty friends through this blog, email and social groups, a lot of them are on Twitter. I get to interact with them on a business and personal level. I have interacted with a lot of cool people through twitter. Twitter can be used for promotional purposes, learning about others people and their interest, and just staying in contact with folks.

So come follow me : You can view more about Twitter here. If you are already tweeting, leave me your twitter address in the comment section or email me (deecyrill at gmail.com) if you don't want to broadcast it to everybody.

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Congrats to Aaron McCargo, Jr - Food Network Star

I just want to congratulate Aaron McCargo, Jr for winning Food Networks Next Star last night. The competition between him and the other competitors was fierce. They had to produce their own food show and this determined whether or not they won.

Aside from Aaron having a great mock show his story was one that any entrepreneur would see as inspiring. It was interesting to me that he was very unsure of himself through the whole competition. But he had to keep telling himself that his passion was food and he believed that this was where he needed to be.

At the end of the show one thing he said stayed with me, "I began to doubt myself, but in the end, I came out on top". I believe that is the driving force for any entrepreneur that has a drive for something in an uncertain and unknown territory.

Enjoy the video of his victory: Video
Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Happy Birthday 2 Me

MyHotComments

Today is my 36th Birthday. I am truly grateful to see another year of life. I have dedicated this post to things I have learned about myself as I grow younger (smile):

1- I know what I want and it's everyone else's job to get up to speed with me. LOL
2- It is better in life to be positive rather than complain and be negative.
3- It's a waste of energy being upset or anger at things I can not control. Be happy and move on.
4- I can no longer wear clothes like I am 20. I am 30 something and proud of it.
5- Being old may be a state of mind but when every joint in my body aches in the morning, that's not my mind, that's reality. :)
6- You can pack on weight quicker in your 30's than in your 20's. Why doesn't the same weight come off as quick as you put it on?
7- I don't need people to validate my existence, the breath that God gives me everyday is validation enough.

This is the list I have come up with on the fly. I am sure there are other things that could be added. So Happy Birthday to all my Cancer Babies. We are a crabby bunch but we are the best friend, sister, aunt, mother, niece anyone could ever have.

What about you? Are there things you have learned about yourself as you progress through this journey called life? Comments are welcome.
Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Uplift & Encourage Women Day - Helping Each Other Out

Last week while riding through my neighborhood, I passed by a farm that had a sign that read "Goats 4 Sale". Now I am not in the market to buy a goat. LOL I am a born and bred city slicker and would not know what to do with a goat. But I do love using goat's milk in the soaps I create.So I stopped by that house to find out if the owner sold goat's milk. She unfortunately was not home, so I left my card. I received a call back from the owner of that farm within 15 minutes.

She educated me on the different types of goats. She was selling meat goats. They produce little to no milk. The goats that I needed were dairy goats. Although she did not have the goats I wanted, she was able to refer me to another individual who had a farm in the vicinity who sold goat's milk. She also clued me onto some other local farmers that may have dairy goats.

That day someone I did not know nor have never met helped me out a great deal. If I kept driving and never took the chance to stop by this farmer's house, I would not have received the wealth of information she passed on to me.

So Sonya (the lady farmer), a big Thank You for giving me something so small that will end up being a big impact for me.

What about you? If you had information that someone else could you use, would you keep it to yourself or would you pass it on?

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Fourth of July Holiday - Part 2

The family and I went to Destin Florida for a little Rest & Relaxation.

My hubby's uncles go every year with their kids and we usually miss out. But this year we were able to go. The hotel we stayed in (Holiday Inn Destin) is very family oriented and they have activities throughout your stay there. The kids enjoyed a treasure hunt, limbo contest and make your own sundae.

We were only able to enjoy the pool and the beach. Which was delicious by the way. :) But there are plenty of activities along this tourist strip. The next area over which is Panama City is for the young party goers. There are beautiful vacation homes and hotels to choose from if you need variety.

We enjoyed our time and look forward to going next year. What about you? What did you do for the holiday weekend?

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Fourth of July Holiday

Everyone have a safe and fun 4th of July Holiday.
I will be in Florida getting some much needed rest.

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

The Resurrection of Maxwell

OK so this is definitely off the Soap topic but I had to post.

During a dedication performance for Al Green on the BET Awards last night, Maxwell, yes Maxwell came out to do his rendition of Simply Beautiful.

Here is the performance that a fellow fan uploaded off of YouTube:



This soulful R&B artist has been MIA for some time now. It was definitely a surprise to see him on stage last night.

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Stop the FDA Globalization Act of 2008

This is for everyone who has a small business producing bath & body products and everyone who buys these products. Listen to the video from fellow Indie Donna Marie of Indie Beauty.
Sign the petition, pass this link onto your friends and family and anyone who you know will be affected by this amendment. That would be everyone!

click here

Blogged with the Flock Browser

"ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE" - Kevin Garnett

Yes, the Boston Celtics have won the NBA Championship Finals 131-92.
It was a great game. Much success to the Lakers. But they could not hold
a coin to the great defense and offense of the Boston Celtics.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Series 3-2 Lakers

Ok so the Lakers caught a lucky break. There were plenty of fouls that should have been charged against the Lakers that were in the Celtics favor. The Celtics were supposed to end this tonight.

Well at least, we get to celebrate in Boston on Tuesday when the Celtics whip the Lakers.
See you there.

** Added 6/17/08 - I do hope the series ends tonight, because I need some sleep. :) **

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Boston Celtics wins 97-91 Series 3-1

ESPN: The Worldwide Leader In Sports

Wahooo. The Boston Celtics came back from an 24 point deficit and are one game away from winning the NBA Championship.

See you Sunday for the game.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Boston/Lakers Series 2-1

I am not a sore loser because it would not be NBA basketball if the Los Angeles Lakers did not get at least one win off of the Boston Celtics (I will get to their bad playing in a minute).

I am not a fan of the Lakers unless you are talking about the great ones, Magic, Kareem etc. The Lakers came out with big guns last night. Kobe had to get nothing less than 30 points and he did that by end with 36. One thing I am surprised about was how the officials refereed Lamar Odom. Granted since the beginning of this series, the Celtics have ensured that Lamar Odom gets into foul trouble early. But the officials have called some very strange calls against him. For those who watched the game. In the last minute of the game, a charge was called against Lamar Odom when his defender was moving and not standing still to get the charge.

Onto the Celtics, what can I say, two of the big three played like garbage. Yeah I could sit here and say they had an off night. But now is not the time to make excuses from. This is the championships we are dealing with here. Kevin Garnett, all of sudden you don't know how to shot the rock and you want to pass to your teammates. I need you to leave the passing to your guards and stuff the rock in the basket. He was given the chance two times but it was not enough. Paul Pierce, I have no words.

I will say this to close, I have been looking at NBA games and championships and this industry is about money. Don't let anyone tell you different. The players and officials are pushed to make sure these games go the distant or seven games.

Let me know what you thought about the game.
I see Celtics winning either 4-1 or 4-2.

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Sunday's MVP - In My Opinion

Leon Powe of the Boston Celtics. This dude had a stellar night. He came off the bench, scored 21 points in 15 minutes. Maybe Kobe or Paul Pierce would have been able to put up such numbers during the regular season, but that did not happen here.

Now I will say I have only watched a few Boston games during the regular season and the highlight people were always KG, Paul & Ray Ray. It was Powe and his tenacity that put Boston way ahead of the Lakers.

What was up with Kobe wanted to play real basketball in the fourth quarter? My hubby, who is a Kobe fan said that the 4th qtr is when Kobe really comes through. Yeah right. He did not watch the whole game and I did. When he saw the points he put down for each qtr, he wanted to know if he played at all? Duh if you were watching the game you would have saw that Kobe played, but the Boston Celtics were not having it.

Game 3 on Tuesday in LA. I am for my boys, but you got to know that LA is going bring the big guns because they are in their territory. Stay tuned.

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Boston Won Game 1

Ok all my Boston Celtics fans. We won Game 1. Did you guys see the two dunks that KG put down on Gasol. But Boston has got to know that although they will be playing at home on Sunday, that Kobe will be putting on a clinic if they don't tighten up the scoring.
What was up with PJ Brown being in the game so long? They really need to bring Sam Cassell back since he had a hot hand in the first half. I expect Perkins, Posey and Allen to be scoring more in Game 2.

Good way to shut Kobe down though.
Where my fans at? And the LA Haters , I mean fans are welcomed to post also. NOT

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

The Price of Parenthood - A CNN Study

Beneath CNN's top news of the Democratic Nomination sits an article that reads, "The Price of Parenthood - Mother's love worth $117,000 per year, study says". You can read the article here.
I probably would have passed this article but decided to take a gander. In brief it states that SAHM work 94.4 hrs/wk. The basis of the dollar amount is due to all the overtime hours we put in for a typical day. And get this a woman that works outside the home makes in comparison (average) over 68K. Now I worked outside the home and have come close to that salary ( I cringe ever time I think about it) But whether you are Mom who works outside the home, stay at home, work at home are far more worth all the rubies and diamonds in the world. There is no dollar amount to equate what my Mother did for me or what I do for my kids now. Although I would like for someone to write me a check for $1,000,000.00 once in a while. LOL

What about you? Is there really a price value for what you do as a mother or what our mothers did for us? Comments are welcome.
Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Uplift & Encourage Women Day - A Change is Gonna Coming

I watched the Obama speech this morning and watching this man speak lets me know that change is possible and doable as long as we believe. (You can view the speech here). I don't know about you but the Democratic Primary has changed my outlook and perspective on a lot of things:

• When the road looks rough - we must believe in ourselves


• When people put obstacles in your way - we must address those obstacles, solve it and move on.


• When someone discredits what you have done or what you want to do - Don't feed into their evil and wicked ways. Stand by your convictions.


• When you have fear in the unknown, defeat, failure or success - Do it anyway.

My favorite definition of Change is - to make radically different. For me it means to do the unexpected and not the same old thing. Many times during Barack Obama's speech he mentioned that we need to do something different in Washington. Not adhering to the same old thing.

This time in history is an indication to all of us men, women and children that a change is possible, as long as we believe.

This post was not promote the political candidate. Although I will be voting for him in November :) LOL. The intent is to show that change is all around us and we have to either adapt or stay in the same place we are in.

What is your take on change, do accept it or fight it tooth and nail?

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Let's Go Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are the Eastern Conference Champs.
Onward to LA.
I like Kobe Bryant, but I LOVE Kevin Garnett more. :)

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Time Management - How Do You Do It????

My daughters (9 & 7) are home for the summer. While they were in school, I was at home with my 20m old son. I had a routine everyday:
- drop girls off to school
- take morning walk w/son.
- come home get breakfast.
- check emails.
- set Barney up for son, hopefully he took his nap thereafter :)
- do my job search
- get lunch/dinner together
- pick up girls from school
- homework, dinner, bed
In between there were moments where I may run errands, get interrupted by my son (of course), read blogs (need to cutback on that :), etc. Let's not forget that I have to research for my dream business, make products every once in while. While still looking for a job outside the home.

But now that I have to look after all 3 kids, that routine is no longer doable. Multitasking is one thing, but making valuable use of your time is something entirely different. Keeping them entertained while I get things done is always my main concern.

So this post is for all my Mommies out there who have that side business while taking care of business at home. I am with you in the struggle and while it may seem hard, I would not change a thing.

So tell me what great suggestions would you give someone who is trying to make better use of their time? You could be married w/children, single w/kids or pets :) or otherwise. All comments are welcomed.

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Rice Bran Oil & Nettle Leaf Who Knew - Part II

I was supposed to review the rice bran oil & nettle soap I made here a while ago.

I was going to do short video with two pretty actresses I found (my daughters) and let them tell you how the soap turned out. But my camera that I have had for four years is acting goofy. So of course there is not video. Honey I hear a birthday present a calling :)

Anyway, we have been testing the soap out for a month now and have found the following results:

- It definitely set up and cured faster than my other soaps.

- The lather is consistent.

- The smell comes and goes because I was being too conservative with my oils at the time.

- My skin is alot smoother after drying off. Several times I did not apply body butter on my skin to see the after affect from the soap. I had no itchy dry skin feeling.

All in all, I will definitely use rice bran oil as a substitute to olive oil or even combine the two.

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Uplift & Encourage Women Day - Inspiration

Inspiration - (definition merriam webster) - a) a divine influence or action a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation b) the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions c) the act of influencing or suggesting opinions. d) the act of drawing in

Inspiration & Motivation have something in common. The word is influence. Influence can be a good driving force or it can hurt you. I believe the first place we pull our inspiration/motivation/influence to do what we do is from watching others. Depending where I am in this walk called life, someone has given me that push that I need to keep going. Whether it was directly or indirectly.

When I am at a block or not "motivated" to do anything (which happens often), I look toward other people and their creativity. This gives me the will and push to want to do more.

What about you? When you are stuck in a rut, what inspirations you to move forward?

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

How I Spent Mother's Day

Well my hubby and two girls surprised me after we came home from church. They cooked dinner. You would have thought it was Christmas with all the food we had. We had a huge baked chicken, pasta, veggies, potato salad, plantains and a strawberry cheesecake my hubby made. Fortunately they were able to finish making everything before our power went out. We had strong winds here in Georgia, that knocked our power out for 4 hours. After eating all that food, I took a well deserved nap. :)I hope everyone else had a great Mother's Day.

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Uplift & Encourage Women Day - Community

Community - a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society. (Merriam Webster definition)

The blogosphere is a community. It is a community of people publicly displaying their likes and dislikes on any given matter. I have seen a lot of talented individuals via blogs. Whether they were aspiring writers, beauty critics, soapmakers, business owners, or life coaches. We all have one thing in common. We use our blogs as a way to voice that thought inside of us. Along the way, we interact with others that think the same way we do.

It has always been said that women can not get along or work together. Well the blogosphere is a medium where we can have lively,honest discussions and be ourselves. In this community called the blogosphere, we are free to be who we are, without regrets.

What about you? How would you define the blogosphere since you have started using it or viewing other blogs? Post your comments here.

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Women Entrepeneurs

I picked up a copy of Country Living magazine from the library because I have a thing for home design. I love to look at ideas for colors and the latest trends for when I have my first house. I would consider my design style casual, clean, modern & zen. If any of that makes any sense. I don't usually look through this magazine but the March 2008 cover caught my eye. On the cover was a feature on the 2008 Women Entrepreneurs. The magazine featured 17 women in different areas of design creativity. You had one women who started her own Bed & Breakfast and now she owns four. A soapmaker, jewelry designer, chandelier designer and the list goes on. The stories of their passion to do what they loved despite where they were drew me in of course.

If you are frugal like me, be sure to pick up the March 2008 issue of Country Living at your local library or you can view the stories here . Their website http://www.countryliving.com/ also has helpful information for women entrepreneurs. Click on the tab that says women entrepreneurs on their home page.

On another note, through the Ladies Who Launch website, there was a banner display for Vision to Venture. It is an event for women entrepreneurs through the Microsoft Office Live Small Business online workshops. The next couple of events will be in:

MIAMI APRIL 22
AUSTIN APRIL 24
SEATTLE MAY 9

It's a one day seminar that is $59. You can register here for the above venues or register for the FREE webcast that will be in May. The site already stated that the Seattle venue is sold out.

What about you? Do you know of any websites that would be value added to someone looking to start a business or who already has a business established? Post them here.


Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Uplift & Encourage Women Day - Try Again

- So you fell of your diet regime again this week.
- That soap you created the other day turned into a mold
full of oil.
- You started a fitness regime and ate a bucket of chicken
afterward. ( Protein No)
- The boss said no to your ideas.
- Your dream publisher said no to your book.
- You found out that guy you had your eye on is MARRIED.
- You burned dinner last night.
- Your business idea got rejected for the 100th time.

My hubby was trying to motivate me to workout with him although I already walked for an hour with my girlfriend earlier. He is constantly commenting on my midsection (in love not in hate) and how we (not me) need to work on that for health reasons. I always say, I don't want to workout with you. He is too rough in my opinion. I workout but my excuses are there is never enough time or I am watching the baby, looking for a job, making soap etc, etc. But today was different I guess. I was thinking about what I would post for Wednesday and the words Try Again came to mind. So me and my hubby jumped rope and did some ab work that I hate but he says will pay off in the long run.

So my encouragement to you and to myself today is to: Dust Yourself Off and Try Again.

What about you? What do you need to start doing again that you have put on the back burner?



Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Rice Bran Oil & Nettle Leaf Who Knew

This is the result of a soap I made on Monday night via the Hot Process Method (loving it ).I used Rice Bran Oil as my staple in the soap instead of Olive Oil. But I was unsure of what the outcome was going to be. I did a brief research on Google and posted inquiries on several soap forums (Teachsoap, Soapmaking Chronicles, Indie Beauty)
Some soapmakers have used it and suggested that Rice Bran Oil has similar qualities to the Olive Oil. While some have not used it. I took caution to the wind and used it in the soap pictured to the left.

In addition to the new oil, I brewed a tea of Stinging Nettle Leaf that was the water portion of the soap process. I decided to try it after viewing my friend's blog Gracefruit and reading her experience using the herb. The tea from the Stinging Nettle gave the soap its color. I scented the soap with a Yuzu fragrance oil sample and Tangerine essential oil from Brambleberry. (Hi Anna Marie) I can say that the soap was harder coming out of the mold than if I used the Olive Oil as a base. But the true test will come in a couple of weeks when the bars are ready for use.


Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Uplift & Encourage Women Day - Grateful

The question of the day is : What are you grateful for?

For me, I am grateful to God that after being unemployed for eight months with no money to pay bills, no unemployment benefits (for reasons too long for this post), God has kept me safe , kept me family fed, kept a roof over our head, kept myself and my family healthy. I could go on.

The point is we all have something everyday to be grateful for.

What about you: What are you grateful for?

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Uplift & Encourage Women Day

It's official. I have dedicated a new holiday for this blog for women. LOL
I loved it the first time, I might as well keep up with it.

We as women have dreams. They are either for our children, spouses, families, jobs, careers, money etc. But the main dream we need to hold on to and fulfill is the one we keep for ourselves. So often we put ourselves last because we are the nurturers of the whole world. I can say this is true of myself. I had lots of dreams when I was younger. I had dreams when I got married. I had dreams when I had my kids. But each time the dream that I had for myself was left for last. Was it my own fault, yes and no.

Children, friends and family lead by example. They lead by our example. They look at what we accomplish no matter how small or large and they see that they can do it as well.

So ladies, keep on dreaming. But don't leave the dream in your mind. Get it on paper and move. Let's all get Closer to our Dreams:



What about you? What dreams do you want to fulfill now and not someday? Is there something holding you back? If there is move it out of the way :)

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

My Signs of Spring

Gerbera Daisies are the flowers that give me that happy feeling.

Here are some of the daisies I have encountered this past week:

I had those in my house for a week. As you can see, one did not survive. :(

How she looked was how I felt all week, wilted.

I went to Wally World (Walmart) and started looking in the garden center to see if they had my favorite flowers. This beauty was screaming for me to take her home. LOL So I brought her and a couple of friends and planted her in this window box. It gives me something to look at when I am down or need a pick me up.

What about you? Do you have any signs of Spring where you are? Some of my friends are experiencing snow (yes in April) and rain like never before. What gives you that Spring time feeling?

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

Lemon Mint Soap

After my ordeal with the hunt for dried lemon peels, I went ahead and made my Lemon Mint Soap. In place of the peel (still researching), I added this essential combinations of:
Lemongrass
Litsea Cubea
Orange Valencia
Peppermint Oil

It smelled so good when I added the essential oils. I added a superfat of Avocado Oil to the soap so the citrus combination would not be drying to the skin.
Here is the end result:

Someone needs to invent the "Scratch & Sniff" computer. LOL I wish you could smell these. I am thankful that even though I did not have my dried lemon peels to add to the soap, it still came out good.

These will be added to my etsy store in a couple of weeks. They need to cure.

Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath

You Don't Carry Dried Lemon Peel ?????

This evening I was going to make Lemon Mint Soap. I typically add dried lemon peel because citrus essential oils fade in natural soaps. I add the citrus essential and fragrance oil and the lemon peel helps it to stick. It is great.

So I took a trip to Whole Foods because in the past they carried the dried citrus peels. It is a thirty minute drive for me to get there but with my son in tow, it takes longer. :)

There were signs that maybe I should have stayed home. When we got there, the power went out in the store. No problem, I just assumed they would fix the problem in a couple of minutes and the backup generator would kick in. (First Omen). I proceeded to go to the aisle with the dried herbs. I was ready to grab my purchase and leave. I get there and the aisle is totally changed (Second Omen). Everything is categorized different than what I was used to. No harm no foul, I go to the spices and believe that I will find my dried lemon peels there. I look once, twice and a third time, no dried lemon peels. (Third and Final Omen).

So I thought maybe I have the wrong section and they moved it. (Still in denial). I start looking around the store in the "dark" and I still do not see what I am looking for. I flag down someone at the information desk who brought me to a different area. Hooray, maybe I am just blind and I didn't see the lemon peels there. But to no avail, there were no lemon peels in that department. She even called someone in the grocery department to double check. The response, "the item has been discontinued".

So I took my determined self back home and now the search is on for dried lemon peels online. :(

What about you? Have you been in search for something to only be let down by the outcome? How did you handle it?


Shea Bath Products
Learn More About Shea Bath