Success in 2011!

I'm more excited about this year than I've been in several years! As our economy makes strides to stablize, I see so many positive signs and changes in people, and how they have adjusted to economic hard times. Here are the top five changes I see in my practice, in my clients and in my community, as people have made changes in response to the challenges we've all faced:

1. Many people have changed their "evil" ways and have stopped frivolous, deficit spending and started saving money. This seems so simple, but when the collective mindset has been "I must have every gadget I possibly want right now" to "I must find a healthy balance between enjoying my life right now and also being responsible with my future" something good has happened!

2. The former common wisdom of "I don't need to save for retirement because all this equity in my house will BE my retirement" has exploded. People now finally understand that a house is something you buy to live in, that you can comfortably afford, and it is not an ancillary ATM card that I can finance a lifestyle above my means. This real estate change is permanent: houses are what we buy to live in, not speculate with.

3. People are figuring out that their "jobbie" job may not be there next week, or next month, and entrepreneurism is at an all time high. The age of "work for 30 years for a company and you will be rewarded with a gold watch and a pension" has been gone for decades. What a great thing that we can start a little business in America, and pursue it vigorously!! It requires great things of us: learning new skills, working hard. But many people are figuring out that if they work as hard for themselves as they have been willing to work for someone else...great things can happen!

4. We can save ourselves. We can get help to repair and rebuild our nest egg, we can start a business, and we can get involved in our community. I believe great change can happen right in our neighborhoods...and in our communities. If each one of us donated just a few hours a month giving back...many of our foundational issues could be solved. I teach two free classes each month: one for women facing divorce, and one in simple financial literacy. It's a way to give back in the hopes it can help lift someone else up. Another way I like to contribute is to donate packets of personal hygiene items: soap, toothpaste, skin cream to our local churches and homeless shelters. This is a way my "hobby" business can give back too. What are some things you can think of that you could do right in your community?

5. We can realize we have great resources that we've gathered along life's journey and we can learn. We can learn a new skill, a new business idea, and new behaviors. This is the best news of all in 2011...we humans are infinitely capable, resourceful and courageous...and we can look beyond ourselves into the world around us to see what we are really here for: find the purpose of our life and offer it selflessly and endlessly to those we come in contact with.

Please help us by posting your ideas here for giving back in your community...someone else might see your idea and say: I can do that! Ready...set....GO:

New Updates!

I've been working on refining my business plan as this year winds down. It seems to me each year goes faster and faster! I jettisoned my skin care line in June, as it was apparent it was not profitable. This is forever the challenge of the entrepreneur....we follow our dreams and passions, create some way to serve the public and run good business practice, but sometimes you must be able to discern when to throw in the towel, without throwing away your dreams. Here is how I did it:

When I did careful bookeeping and could see that the time and money spent on ingredients, formulation, packaging, labeling, FDA changing requirements and landscape the math just did not add up. I felt a mixture of both a little sadness, and also relief. It was my opportunity to re-define what I wanted PureBliss Essentials to be about.

The first step I took was to clearly define the parts of the business that really excited me. For me, it was clear, the artful/creative development was the "buzz" I was seeking. As I looked at this carefully, I could see that doing innovative soap desgin, that could change season by season was where the satisfaction was. So it was clear: I had to drastically cut my line, and specialize in what I loved the most.

One thing I'm still grappling with, is that I have a number of absolutely dedicated customers who are really upset that I discontinued the skin care line. I've reached out to them and communicated, and have tried to see how else I could help or direct them. At the end of the day, a successful business has to be profitable, satisfying and it must serve customers well.

What process have you used to establish, or re-define your personal or business goals? What process works for you?

It's a Happy Mother's Day Gift!

I realize I haven't blogged for the longest time. One thing that has me absorbed is the discovery of a radical, earth-shattering scientific discovery in the Anti-Aging field. Do you believe it is possible to actually "de-age" your face and skin with only a topical application of a skin care product? Up till now, myself and any good dermatologist (of which I am NOT) that it really isn't possible. Skin care products can temporarily even out skin tone, or perhaps tighten a bit...but to actually turn back the clock? Erase wrinkles without Botox or fillers? Impossible you say! I said that too.

UNTIL

I've made a discovery that will in my opinion, set the bar for the Anti-Aging industry. My next blog will be to delve into this science in quite some depth...you'll want to stay tuned.

For now: It's a HAPPY MOTHERS DAY pamper her sale!! We have just begun a 50% off sale on all our organic skin care basics. Put a great spa package together for mom...at an unbelievable price. While these supplies last: www.pureblissessentials.com

Healthy, Wealthy and Wise....

I've been developing a new program with a new friend I met not long ago, and we've been discussing all the things that make us feel healthy, wealthy and wise. As a financial advisor by trade, and a skin care expert by passion, I've given these somewhat esoteric issues a great deal of thought!

This week, my husband had an unexpected total hip replacement. Although we expect a fabulous outcome for him, it is a very major surgery and a rough recovery, at least for a couple weeks. I've been keenly aware of what makes me feel "wealthy"...even in the face of a family stress time and being off work for a couple weeks: wealthy to me means all the things you can NOT buy with money: family, relationships, comfort, health, freedom. This is true wealth...so I spend some time each day just in gratitude for what I have.

Healthy has been in our minds a lot too, lately. My husband received the absolute best of care while in the hospital from compassionate, knowlegeable, competent nurses, surgeons, and staff. I was so appreciative to them...and as I headed home each evening to try to get some sleep myself, I was confident he was in good hands. To show them my appreciation, I made about ten gift bags of Organic, Anti-Aging skin care samples and creamy goat soap from my line. One of the greatest pleasures I have in doing PureBliss Essentials business is the ability to gift: often, and abundantly. The ability to give things most people really like, makes me feel both healthy and wealthy!

And wise....what makes us feel like we have wisdom? Those flashes of insight that come spontaneously, often when we least expect it. I have these often, and in fact, I see my own intuition as my "guiding force" in everything in life. That gut instinct helps me navigate every situation, and make decisions that are never wrong, when I follow it. This has served me well in business: in the financial realm, there are clients I won't work with: when my "gut" tells me they are irrational, unreasonable or trouble. There is great freedom in this, to trust my own instincts. Wisdom also shown this week when I realized that all of us are human...and each of us seeks many of the same things: kindness, thoughtfulness, humor and compassion. At the end of the day, if I can look back on my life and feel it was full of wisdom and compassion, I will know I've lived my best life.

What makes you feel healthy, wealthy or wise?

Skin and Hair protection secrets for summer sun!

Aloha from the beautiful island of Maui! We are here on vacation this week...and although I've been before, Maui never ceases to astound me with its beauty, and spectacular sights.

As a very fair-skinned person whose family has a history of skin cancer...of course I'm naturally concerned about the best way to enjoy all that Maui has to offer, and also not subject myself to the intense island sun. Here are some of the tips I can share on what I'm doing, and hope it may help you not let too much sun spoil your summer fun!

1. All the common sense things everyone knows: sunscreen, re-apply frequently! If you dip in and out of the water, more sunscreen each time you come out! Also: huge tip: wear a shirt snorkeling: you forget in the wonder of seeing below the surface how your back is directly exposed. Keep your shirt on!

2. Protect your hair! This is especially true if you color treat! Sun and salt water are no friend of your hair condition or color. Here is a great tip: before hitting the beach, douse your hair with the magical kukui nut oil. You can buy it locally here in Hawaii. Leave it on...then wash out at the end of the day. Your hair will be considerably softer and less damaged by the elements. Here is a bit about Kukui Nut Oil, which is great for skin and hair in this climate!

Kukui Nut Oil has been used for many years in Hawaii , and has only recently become known to the rest of the world. It is prized for its rejuvenating and soothing effects upon the skin, without leaving a greasy or oily film. Pressed from the seeds of the Aleurites moluccana tree, Kukui Nut Oil is invaluable for many different skin conditions, providing moisture and nourishment to dry, mature, and damaged skin.

The Kukui Nut tree was first brought to Hawaii by early Polynesian settlers. It quickly adapted, and is now Hawaii 's official state tree. Kukui means ‘enlightenment' in Hawaiian. Traditionally, babies in Hawaii were anointed with Kukui Nut Oil to protect their skin from the sun, salt, and other elements. In addition, it was used on skin irritations, wounds, and burns. Kukui Nut Oil was also used to massage members of royalty, who were sometimes massaged for seven or more hours with this oil!

Kukui Nut Oil is a fabulous moisturizer, and quickly penetrates the skin leaving a silky-smooth non-greasy feeling. It is often used for dry or damaged skin, immediately relieving symptoms because of its quick absorption into the skin. It can leave even the roughest and driest skin feeling smooth, soft, and hydrated. Kukui Nut Oil contains Vitamins A, C, and E, providing anti-oxidants that help to protect the skin. This unique oil is able to penetrate into the deepest skin layers, while creating a protective shield that locks in moisture. Kukui Nut Oil is great for those with sensitive skin, and is a wonderful ingredient to add to your bodycare products. Specifically, it is beneficial for the following conditions: (please note: this information is not intended to diagnose, or be construed as medical advice.)
• Burns – including: sunburn, windburn, radiation burns, and heat induced burns.
• Eczema
• Chapped skin
• Psoriasis
• Mature and prematurely aged skin
• Dry skin conditions
• Acne
• Scars
• Lesions
• Dry hair and scalp

A good sunscreen, a hat, keeping your shirt on, and liberal use of Kukui Nut Oil can yeild a wonderfully protected skin while allowing you to romp freely in paradise!

Exfoliation: Anti-Aging Secret!

Exfoliation: Who needs it?

So who needs exfoliation? What is it and why should you care? Here is the real truth: everybody needs exfoliation - men and women, young and old, dry skin types, oily skin types - everyone.

Exfoliation - this is the one crucial skin care step that's most popularly underrated and underused. What is it exactly? It's the step between the cleanser and the toner. It's the one step that's so critical to beautiful skin that it's remarkable to see how often it's brushed aside or off altogether in skin care regimens. Although many people already know what this is or that it is a necessary cleansing step, exfoliation continues to get skipped. This is mostly true for men, who often believe skin care treatments are for women only. One advantage men have is that they shave their faces...thereby exfoliating in spite of themselves! Women, on the other hand, often skip this important step, reasoning it takes too much time, but this is a mistake. Exfoliation is a technique that can and should be used by both men and women at least every other day in order to maintain healthy, vibrant-looking skin. This is because daily, hourly, minutely, dead skin cells are accumulating on the epidermis (outermost layer of skin) which then causes the skin to become dull and thicken. But via exfoliation, whether you choose to use a gentle scrub, glycolic acid or a washcloth, those very same dead skin cells that form on the top layer of your skin are removed to reveal the glorious skin underneath. By removing dead and dry skin cells from the surface of your skin, it allows the growth of new moisturized cells to surface, creating a glowing look for your skin. Your routine can include a gentle scrub, or can be alternated with a glycolic acid mask or clay mask. The combination of both techniques can be most beneficial for keeping your skin clear, and smooth.

When selecting the right product remember that using the most gentle products available. You wouldn't take a scouring pad to your delicate face, nor should your products have harsh exfoliants. A good organic base with tea anti-oxidants and gentle jojoba beads might be a good choice. When using masques, there are a couple things to keep in mind. Glycolic acid is a remarkably effective product for the clearest smoothest skin, but this active ingredient also causes a higher sensitivity to the sun, so you have to be very careful by using sunscreen after using a glycolic acid product. When you look at clay masques, ingredients matter! Masques can be a very effective way of deep cleansing and exfoliating, especially if they contain Vitamin E, DMAE or other active ingredients known to produce spectacular results for skin clearing.

Exfoliation is a critically important step in any good skin care routine. Remember the other pillars of skin care: careful cleansing, proper moisture and SUNSCREEN always! If you combine these elements with a healthy diet, plenty of rest and water, and regular excercise, you will have glowing skin well into your later years, and you'll be glad you did!

Visit our skin care page: www.pureblissessentials.com

Natural Beauty and Anti-Aging

There is a lot of interest these days with all things natural. What is natural beauty? I would define it as optimum health: a balanced lifestyle, pure, organic food in as "unprocessed" a state as possible, proper excercise, fresh air, quality loving relationships, and meaningful contribution to the world. We don't all just have these elements, but many people strive to keep these elements and integrate them.

The very same elements that contribute to overall health, also create great skin. There is a recognition that we are not just a mind, or a body, or some emotions, or a spirit, but we are an integrated system, and that when we follow healthy practices our whole being benefits from it. Anti-aging technologies are everywhere....clearly a rapidly aging demographic trends have a lot of people pursuing ways to stay younger or younger looking and feeling.

Your skin is the largest organ you have. When you take care to use pure, and mostly organic products on your skin it can be beneficial to you. Thorough cleansing, gentle exfoliation for the dead layers on the top of your skin and careful moisturizing are the elements of any good skin care ritual. When combined with a healthy lifestyle and diet, you will give yourself the very best chance to keep looking youthful and healthy well into your later years!