Healthy Skin Tips-Top 10 List

The folks over at Murad Skin Care have come up with a top 10 list of healthy skin tips.  Although we've mentioned some of these tips in our list before, it's always good to have a refresher course.

Two of our favorite tips from Murad's list:

Check Ingredients on Skin Care Products: Don’t just buy skin care products based on packaging or brand name. Research the ingredients to make sure your skin care products have what it takes to solve your skin concerns. You may even want to study some online skin care product reviews as well. Make educated decisions about what’s in the products that go on your skin.


This is exactly why we've created our What's In It? series.  You need to know what is in our products and why.


Water, Water, Water: Hydration is the key to healthy skin no matter what your skin type or skin concern. The body is almost sixty percent water, and the skin is the body’s largest organ. If you’re not staying hydrated through drinking water, applying topical moisturizers and “eating your water,” then your skin can’t possibly be healthy. From anti-aging concerns to acne concerns, you need to create a base for building healthy skin. Healthy skin is hydrated skin.


Now how do you expect our wholesome products to work their best, without hydrated skin?  Our products are your cherry-on-top to your already beautiful skin.  Drink Up!




For more of Murad's suggested tips, head on over.






Do you do any of these tips already?  Which one(s) work best for you?








To your skin health,

Ci-CLo-METH-e-CONE :: What's In It? Series

Cyclomethicone is a silicon-based oil that is a "carrier" for fragrance and essential oils.  Its purpose is to  carry scented oils and natural oils in bath and body products.  It is a clear, odorless silicone that delivers a non-greasy, silky, smooth feeling to the skin.  How does that work?  The chemistry of Cyclomethicone allows it to evaporate quickly off of the skin.

Cyclomethicone is known as an unmodified silicon: Unmodified silicones stay on or near the surface of the skin. Not only are the molecules too big to physically enter past the upper living cells, they associate with the upper layer of drying skin but they also cannot penetrate cell membranes due to their large size. 3dchem.com




Why we love this "dry-oil" silicone:

1. Decreases "slip" in products that are abundant in oil, that are used in the tub/shower.
2. Adds a luxurious feel (glide) to after-bath and massage oils.  
3. Leaves no oily feeling.
4. Incredibly versatile (can be used in many formulations).
5. A little goes a looooong way.

How much do we use in our products?   The percentage of Cyclomethicone used in our products is anywhere from .5% to 1%.  See #5.  I still scratch my head when I see a product label with Cyclomethicone as the first ingredient.  That's over 50% of the product!  Cyclomethicone is listed as the last ingredient on our label.  Such a small amount that if a customer did not want to experience points 1, 2, or 3, they can request to have it omitted. 


Cyclomethicone can be found in Lush Body Butter; Mojito, Matcha, Tantouchthis spreads; Pure Body Balm, Marinade;King Moisture Spray;Alaea Sea Salt Polish;Mojito Sugar Smoother;Sweet Raw Sugar Honey Polish; Rub Down;DECADENCE Layered Sugar Scrubs;Patriarch oil.










Have you read about the other ingredients in the What's In It? series?  Are you being informed by this series?  Have you seen an ingredient on any of our product labels and want to know more about it, by having it highlighted on our blog?  Let us know in the comments.








To your skin health!

Calling All Herbivores :: What's In It? Series

Hailing from the Kingdom of Castile (b.k.a Spain), for herbivores and environmentally conscious folks....Castile Soap!


"This soap is said to be named for the Kingdom of Castile, a region in what is now known as Spain. Evidence seems to suggest thatcastile soap actually originated in Northern Italy, and spread outwards from there, although this soap is so ancient that it is a bit difficult to pin down the precise details of its history. In Castile, the soap was made with olive oil only, and some people differentiate between capitalized Castile soap, made with olive oil, and lower case castile soap, made with other vegetable oils." wisegeek.com

Why we love this wholesome commodity:

1. Makes our hair oh-so soft when used as a shampoo.  You can even skip the conditioner!
2. Chemical free!
3. Family friendly--the entire family!
4. Fights cell degeneration (antioxidant)!
5. Beneficial for sensitive, mature, and normal to dry skin!
6. Sudsy!

Characteristics of liquid Castile soap:


By the fat being vegetable and not from the four-legged persuasion, liquid Castile soap is "loose".  But it delivers a great amount of lather.  Using the proper bath tool, such as a bath puff or natural fiber sponge, makes a small amount increase its suds power. 


Liquid Castile soap can be found in our wholesome Organic Love Body Wash & Organic Love Body Wash for him.  

have you made IT? :: i'll never let them do IT to me again!

Have you made IT?  I'm not speaking about the ching-ching-bling-bling IT.  I'm coming from the stand point of: self evolving-responding vs reacting-taking responsibility of direct behavior towards you IT.  ????

presenting (instead of being present):
'If I was (insert name of well known company here) people would buy from me more.' 'Man, people only buy from you if you had a celebrity biggin' up your stuff (grrrr).' 'Oh, see, at first they were buying from me, saying how my product was all-that, now they acting funny, not buying from me anymore (suck teeth).'

STOP IT


reacting (instead of responding):
'Why people always trying to get a hook-up?  If I was (insert name of well known company here), they wouldn't be treating me this way.' 'Why do I keep seeing people stealing pictures of my work?  I post my work, then I see it on someone else's website or social page!  Why do they keep doing this?!'

STOP IT

(The above have been read on my timeline and news feed on social networks.)

personal testimonial:
Years ago I met a couple--I was invited into their home.  The wife mentioned to the husband about me having a business.  'You got any samples with you?'  Yes!  That was the first thing that came out of his mouth.  He said it like he was the bourgeois and I was the hoi polloi .  LOL.  Yes, I can laugh about that now.  Actually, I chuckled (inside) back then.  I could've broke the hustle down to him.  But what would be the use (Don't get me wrong, there are times when people need correcting.  You got to know when that time is--that wasn't the time.  Wisdom.)  That moment wasn't about him, it was about me.  What was it about me, that he felt he had the audacity to ask that question, before getting to know more about the business?  Yes, me.  It may not have been me, but it was important to my growth and business growth that I figure it out.  Responding vs Reacting.

Responding isn't always about responding to an individual.  It's about responding to yourself: asking the right questions, accepting the hardcore truth about self, acknowledging your responsibility in what you attract/other's behavior.

my response:
On my drive home that day, I told myself that would never happen again.  I needed to establish myself and my business in a way that "hand-out & hook-up" wasn't written on me.  I'm not against sending complimentary items for another entrepreneur's event.  No qualms here. I started to be present in all that I did for my business--to help others to see that I meant business;I directed all those seeking free products to my Samples category online;I made my list: Women Entrepreneurs That I Will Give To.  That list consist of women entrepreneurs that I would not think twice about sending them a complimentary item for an event, because they have genuinely established a relationship with me.  Today, I receive orders for gift bag items (Funny thing is some of those orders come from women on my list.  I would do it for them anyway, but they don't take advantage.  Respect.)!  I made IT! And if you're wondering about that couple.... they became great customers, even without the husband getting the samples. *Wink* Not immediately, but over time, after observing me and the growth of my business.

When you willing evolve, when you check yourself to see if another's behavior is due to how you are operating, when you make the neccessary corrections in your work-life (a term I love from Execumama.com)... you made IT, and no one can do IT to you again.  No one can do what you won't allow them to do.  You don't have to be anyone else to get more business sent your way.  You don't need to "cry" over what others are doing to "mess" your business up--handle the business and implement or make the changes.  More success comes when you become the success.

<3

My desire is to inspire women in business, to aspire to be the best that they can, in all aspects of their lives. 

Win to Give Giveaway | Smell Goods '98™

The Win to Give Giveaway is happening now on Facebook!  Love to GIVE?  Do it with one of our wholesome Specialty Bar Soaps.  Share our giveaway with a Friend, and when they win, you win too!  It's a Win Win (LOL, pun intended).  It only takes 30 seconds to enter (you got that, right?).  Giveaway ends 12/6/2011.

Black Friday-Cyber Monday | Smell Goods '98™

This marks the last open-to-the-public sale.  The next public sale will be in the fall of 2012
For weekly deals, penny sales, free shipping offers, monthly deals, and BOGO specials subscribe to our newsletter ---->.
For special discounts Like Smell Goods '98™.




Friday: After winding down for the evening, grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage, and join other shoppers as they shop for their loved ones.
Monday: During your lunch break, take a moment to get something for yourself.

Stop by and make your Wish List today.

We look forward to serving you.

It's Her Bash;You Walk Away With the STASH!

Rockstar Mom Entrepreneur, LaTersa Blakely, owner of LaTersa Diaper Cakes™, and HMIC (Head Mom In Charge) of Moms Wearing Multiple Hats is having a birthday bash!  She is inviting everyone who is anyone to come celebrate the whole week with her (now how cool is she?).

What is a birthday without presents, right?  Keeping up with her cool-points, LaTersa is giving you the presents!  10 to be exact (ebooks, customized landing page, Q/A sessions!), including 3 travel size bars of Specialty Soap from Smell Goods '98™.

Head on over to grab your stash today, because all good things come to an end, and this good thing ends on the 19th.

There's Always a Ram in the Bush

My desire is to inspire women in business, to aspire to be the best that they can, in all aspects of their lives. ~Itiel


I had another title for this blog post, but after saying those uplifting words to King T. this morning, I thought it would be fitting.


October 21, 2011.  The day of the BIG sale.  The 1-day only sale.....50% off.  The sale that more and more people are becoming aware of (all praises to The Most High).  The sale date that customers plug into their digital calendars, and tell their friends and family to follow suit (all praises to The Most High).  The DAY WHEN OUR SYSTEM FAILED.......

Yup. *sigh*  2 hours before the kick-off.

"Did you panic?  Were you upset?"  I could have been both of those things and then some, but I wasn't.  Of course I was concerned.  So instead of focusing on the #fail, we went right to work to find the solution.  I don't know...although I don't care for situations like this, I tend to function very highly in them (I refuse to throw in the towel on the "stuff" that is inside of me).

Like many of you reading this, I've been through some Sugar Honey Ice Tea.... this authentic smile on my face and super glow, ain't because life is in favor of me over anyone else.  Ya know?  But after being  seconds away from being homeless, having a molar pregnancy, having two preemies.... I could go on.  One thing I know, that I know, that I know, that I know, that I know.... There's Always a Ram in the Bush.  


At the beginning of each new year I make a to-do list for the next year.  On 2010's list, I had New Website- Set Goal Date: Before the Sale of 2011 (yes, I actually had that written down!).  So we moved forward with budgeting in the $$$$$ needed for software, template, etc.  Hmmm, looks like it's not going to happen, the sale is here, maybe by the spring...no worries.  There's Always a Ram in the Bush.


Have I ever told you that King T. is the most amazing person that I know?  He is.  One way he shines so brightly is in troubleshooting.  I don't know how he can sit for hours testing, testing, testing, and testing (my eye twitches just thinking about it).  His troubleshooting skills got us up and running just under 24 hours from the #fail.  Personally, I am glad I have an in-house tech, because when I was searching the forums on a lot of the issues we were experiencing, several web designers were not getting their questions answered to help their clients.  I thought ugh, I can imagine how the client is feeling, when will my site be up.


On October 21, 2011, 10p EST, our back-door failed.  On October 22, 2011, 9p EST we had a high functioning back-door, and a new front-door.  The front-door was unexpected.... do you remember what you read above?  We did not have all of what was needed for a new website.  Last year I set the goal for the 2011 sale, but how we thought it would come--it did not.  On the day of the sale we had a new website.  Guess what?  It's exactly what I had envisioned.  What I said out of my mouth to King T., last year.  I just laugh-out-loud (with joy) every time I think about it.

There's Always A Ram in the Bush


Soooooooo...... about this new look:

It is different from what most have seen from us.  That is intentional.  When I want something, I make it a point to research.  I visited Big-Business sites in my industry and out of my industry.  I noticed two things they had in common: clean/no color site; very basic navigation.  Two components to help shoppers save time online, and to bring about a seamless shopping experience.  We have the best, loyal customers.  What do I love must about our customers?  Them spending money.  No.  The fact that although they were consistent in their purchasing, they would give 2¢ about our site.  I was listening, reading, and making notes.  So we owe our new look to those customers as well.


It's a new look, but the live good, feel good, smell good experience remains the same.

Add to Wish List! Make a personal list of all the wholesome goodies that you want. Come back to purchase later, or send your list to family and friends.

Shopping Cart On the left hand side of your screen, you'll see an itemized list of what's in your shopping cart. Plus, when redeeming a coupon code, you can view detailed information about that code, by clicking on the yellow triangle.

Product Updates Please notify me of updates to the products I have selected below:Check the box, and get notifications (sales, etc) in your inbox.

Stop by today and enjoy our new site.  Looking forward to serving you!

smellgoodspa.com

There are many people who can be dishonest with me.  I refuse to be one of them. ~Itiel

Win a 50-Image Stock Photo Pack from Photos.com (Valued at $134.99)!

Aren't stock-images the coolest thing since slice bread (yeah, I said it.  LOL)?  What could you do with 50 of those bad boys (more back-in-the-day vernacular...couldn't resist)?!  Well there's only one way to find out.....  

The Work at Home Mom is giving you a chance to win 50 stock-images from Photos.com.  Enter today, because the giveaway will end on the 15th.

A Little Emotional, But I Recovered ;)

My Smell Good for the CAUSE partner, Dr. Dawn K-Aldrich, and I had a heartfelt time speaking with Tracy Foremen.

Listen to internet radio with The Royalty Network on Blog Talk Radio

Support Smell Good for the Cause

Smell Good for the CAUSE Giveaway

Larie Writes of My Heart Speaks is hosting a giveaway on her blog.  Head on over for your chance to win two of our CAUSE Handcrafted Soaps!

Thank you, Larie, for showcasing this initiative!

Women Entrepreneurs: Why You Are Not Making Money in Your Business

My desire is to inspire women in business, to aspire to be the best that they can, in all aspects of their lives. Itiel 


Author: Tamyka Washington | The CEO Mamma, Small Business Marketing Blog For Women Entrepreneurs 

YES, I AM GOING THERE!

WHY? Because this is an issue I’m seeing entirely to much and it is time for the women who are experiencing lack in their business to take a look at what could be the problem and take the steps to correct it.

What gives me the right? Well, because I’ve been there. Early on in my online entrepreneurial journey, I was a self proclaimed “Women Entrepreneur” for a long time, not making any money.

I thought entering the World Wide Web would bring me almost instant success (I said almost, because I knew I wasn’t going to become rich over night…but sure it was going to be soon after)

I’m not ashamed to admit, I didn’t have a clue…at first. I had an opportunity, a few ideas and was positive, I was gonna get paid! But after months of barely making enough money to pay my web hosting, I had enough sense to see what I was doing…was SO NOT working.

What I see today with many women,  some of them in my circle, is that they are not making any money, yet they continue to do the things that are NOT giving them the results they want.

If you want to be a women in business, making a generous profit that continues to increase month after month, you have to make some serious changes…PERIOD, starting with, (1) Changing your way of thinking, (2) Be willing to learn and/or invest in what it takes to “Get it Right” and (3) Be intentional and seriously, GET TO WORK!

Let’s Be Real… This thing called Entrepreneurship, is not easy. It takes a lot, and that’s why it is not a preferred choice for everyone. You have to be willing to give it your all…and then some, make sacrifices, and by no means can you give up.

What I discovered for myself, and from talking with those women who aren’t making money in their business, is that there are a few things that always arise and are key setbacks that prevent you from really experiencing an abundance in your business.

1. There is a lack of focus, clear direction and an actionable plan. For the most part, many women just simply don’t know what to do. They have no clue where to start or even how to start so they operate in spurts based on what they see others doing.

One week they are actively promoting their business, sharing and interacting online…then they disappear, only to resurface weeks later and repeat the cycle. There is no consistency so these women fall off the social radar and are rarely taken seriously.

2. The “Serial Entrepreneur”. Many of my Go-Getter sisters fall into this category and I totally support multiple streams of income…however, the problem here is with the women who are starting a new venture every other week and have yet to completely establish the previous business.

To be quit honest, these are the women who generally make the least amount of money, if any at all because they are often paying out, way more than what is coming in. With the different businesses they operate, they are often unable to discover and connect with a specific target market and in the process, reach only a very few.

3. Not committed to the full investment of time required. These are the women who have a clear goal and know what they have to do but are unable to dedicate the amount of time it takes to get it done. Because of this, they often go unnoticed even if they provide a remarkable product or service.

This woman may have other things going on in her life that keep her from being able to pursue her business in the manner in which she desires.

4. Making Excuses. This is another area many women fall into. Far to many excuses as to why they can’t start or grow their business. A lot of times it is because of a full-time job, or they are a single parent, or school or money…for some, these can be legit reasons BUT, there are lots of women who have the same things going on in their lives and still make it happen.

Most of the time, excuses are a disguise for fear. Fear of the “what if’s…”. As a lot of us do know, FEAR will stop anybody dead in their tracks and surly keep you paralyzed in your business.

Do you fall into any of these categories?

If so, I encourage you today to take a step back and reassess your situation. Acknowledge where you are falling short and determine the steps you need to take to move forward in prosperity.

It’s not easy, and we have all been in at least one, or some of these places at some point in our journey. The key to getting unstuck is to seek out the best support for you.

Author: Tamyka Washington | The CEO Mamma, Small Business Marketing Blog For Women Entrepreneurs 

Summer Memories Sale

Cold weather is soon approaching. Well while we wait for summer again, here's to warm weather-bliss memories.

Cotton Candy Combo

Honeysuckle Combo

Going...going...gone 9/20

'You don't know what you are missing until you try something new.'

Last night I received this praise in my inbox.  Talk about a sweet way to fall asleep after a long day.

Hi Itiel,

When I received your product (Organic Love Body Wash), I had been using a name brand shampoo (from the discount stores) on my hair (relaxed) and using only conditioner on my daughter's hair (natural) because the shampoo was drying out her hair.

I was pretty pleased with the results. However, I was still tempted to try to W_ _  that is heavily advertised on TV. The one where the users claim they will never go back to regular shampoo.

You recommended trying the Organic Love Body Wash. You mentioned it works on hair also.

I decided to try the product.

Oh my goodness!

You don't know what you are missing until you try something new.

I did not realize that the regular shampoos left my hair feeling heavily coated with who knows what until I tried Organic Love Body Wash .

After one wash with Organic Love Body Wash, my hair felt like hair. I could run my fingers through it. It was not matted together.

On my next wash, I decided to go back to my old shampoo. Just to see what would happen.

Yep, that coated feeling and matted hair was back.

I immediately washed it again with Organic Love Body Wash. It was significantly softer. However, I could still feel remnants of the coating from the brand name shampoo.

Since I have been using Organic Love Body Wash, I have been pleased. My hair is squeaky clean. Really!

My daughter's hair is very clean and a little more manageable when I use the product.

Thanks for supplying it in your shop. The next time I will definitely get it scented with YaMon!

-- Vanleer T. Pierce (1st time buyer)

P.S. Thanks for not being a pushy salesperson. You are always helpful and very professional.

Interested in this product?  Purchase it here.

Audio Inspiration-Beautiful Dreamer

The Power in Partnership-Blog Talk Radio

Join Dr. Dawn Aldrich and me this Wednesday, 6:30p est.  We will be sharing about our partnership project, Smell Good for the CAUSE.  I will be sharing what the project means to me, and why the collaboration with Dr. Dawn Aldrich.

The Power in Partnership-Blog Talk Radio

Join us in the chat room.
Call in number: (619) 789-6829

Back To School Sale_ I Affirm... I Am...

Send her back to school with the best tool.....herself.

Empower her to live good, feel good, and smell good with Stay Sweet Collection products.  Now on sale!  Ending 9/30/2011.

Enhancing her INSIDE, outside beauty.

Complimentary Shipping

Genetic Salt-I Do What I Am

My desire is to inspire women in business, to aspire to be the best that they can, in all aspects of their lives. Itiel

'What is this?'
"That's your son's (King T.) screen printing dvd."
'Do you remember when I built the silk screening frames, on the third floor of our home in Philadelphia?'
"No, I don't remember that."
'Really.  No, I don't think you were born.  Yeah, I decided to make Christmas cards one year.  I built all the frames, put in the screens, drew the stencils, traced the designs onto the film, and put the film onto the screens;I used three colors for my designs.'
"What did people say when you gave out the cards?"
'They liked them, but you know, they weren't aware of the detailed work that went into it.'
"Yeah, I don't know why I asked that.  The work was more for you, your enjoyment."

This was a conversation between my mother and me last weekend.

My mother is a born artist.  Not just a drawer, but an artist.  I always have that overjoyed "this is my mommy-I'm so happy to know her-to be a part of her" feeling when she shares her decades of work with me.  Talented.  Skilled.

If I didn't have a reference point, I don't think that short conversation would've resonated with me to the degree that it did.  You see King T. is insanely talented.  I watched him attend several trade-shows before deciding on going all-in on screen printing.  His setup is much more advanced.  Yet although advanced, it still takes a tremendous amount of time, work, and patience for screen printing.  So, when my mother shared that with me, you have got to know I saw a glow of awesomeness around her.

There's a question from my Execumama.com interview that haunts me resonates with me to this day: 'From a perspective of an entrepreneur, what keeps it going?  When you get to those points of launching a new campaign for marketing, and you expect a certain amount of people to buy, and that amount doesn't buy....what keeps it going?  How come you're still doing it?'  Before having that moment with my mother, my response to that question stayed in my head at the regular tone.  But man!  BASS!

'They liked them, but you know, they weren't aware of the detailed work that went into it.'

"Yeah, I don't know why I asked that.  The work was more for you, your enjoyment."

That woman put Salt in me!!  That Salt that seasons me.  That Salt that preserves all that I am, and makes me RELENTLESS.  Genetic Salt.  This is why I am still going.  Although I did not get my mother's artistic ability in the same way....I danced technically for many years.  Why did I think the artistic ability stopped at performing arts....it transferred.  When I put out a marketing campaign it is to generate sales (business), but more so I am wanting people to pay attention and indulge in this love that I've created. I truly am in love with gourmet desserts, gourmet beverages, and confections, and I want others to experience that.  This is me...it's more than business.  I do what I am.

Video: Smell Good for the CAUSE

Smell Good for the CAUSE

Solutions Cancer Resource Center, Inc. & Smell Goods '98™ Partnership Project

This partnership has been developing over the past several months.  We are happy to be able to share it with those who support in lifting up the spirits of others.

Smell Good for the CAUSE Handcrafted Soap

live good. feel good. smell good.™ + lift the spirits of others, when you make a purchase.  Truly a luxurious bar to enhance any bath or shower experience.

• saponified coconut oil & raw cocoa butter
• sparkly champagne pink
• lavender essential oil blend
• sls-sles free

Words from Dr. Dawn K- Aldrich (SCRC,Inc.):

SCRC,Inc. is a resource for everyone with a main focus within the minority communities. We give gift baskets to children with cancer, as well as those who lost a parent to cancer, and to caregivers - any caregiver who takes care of a cancer patient.

In the minority communities, children with cancer do not get the same treatment, as the hospitals are low in staff who are overwhelmed with their case loads, and do not put the extra time in to tap into the services/agencies that offers assistance to those specific needs.

Our goal is to be a resource for all, to empower them with the information they need to make informed decisions: where to find low cost or free screenings, guide them to the best facilities where they can get quality service free of charge, or where they may qualify for services with their insurance, and at times with permission, translate their diagnosis and treatment plan in the cases where the patient/family does not fully understand what they are being told.

15% is donated to SCRC,Inc. with each purchase.

We have setup a few ways for you to support this CAUSE:

• Smell Goods '98™ website
• Solutions Cancer Resource Center, Inc.  When you click on the banner to make your purchase, 30% is donated to SCRC,Inc.  Visit here.
• Visiting us on Facebook?  No need to exit to purchase.  Click on the Shop icon on our home page

What Can Barbara Howard Do For You?

My desire is to inspire women in business, to aspire to be the best that they can, in all aspects of their lives. Itiel

It was two weeks ago... I was relaxing (technology-free, sorta, kinda) down at the southeast's tip.  Just for a second I wanted to check my emails ;).  I came across an email from Barbara Howard--oooh, one of my favorite people in my network (very inspirational and supportive).  I knew it had to be good, so why not click, right?  It was good.....

In need of event, product or business promotion?  Who isn't?!  Barbara Howard has a system in place to accommodate your needs. The cost ranges from $5 to $35.  Pretty decent, right?  "Itiel, I don't care if it cost $.01.  How many people will my promo reach for future business?"  Glad you asked.... 'The combined Twitter accounts have approximately 6K followers and Klout influence score continues to rise. There are more creative things brewing.'~Barbara Howard

Check out the deets here.   I'll be taking advantage of Barbara Howard's system.  I think you should, too. 

Connect with Barbara Howard on Twitter

@BarbaraHoward