Christmas....Now Valentine's Day????

Hello Everyone,

I am so sorry I have not updated this blog in so long. Time slips away so easily these days. The holidays were spectacular! We had our best season so far! Thank you to all of our customers. Thank you for believing in our product and service.

We have been so busy since the last blog post. We have a new local retailer, Allegiance Health. We were also able to give $100.00 to the University of Michigan Childlife program; and we have been super busy re-stocking all of our soaps and products. It is hard to believe we had nearly 1,000 bars of soap at the beginning of the holiday season and at the end of the year we had under 200!!

We are now ready for Valentine's Day. We have the adorable Pink Crush soap, plus our Pink Aloe collection that is both pretty and pink. If you are looking for a practical luxury gift for your guy, we have plenty to offer with Wooded Olive, Soothing Sport, Brigadoon, Irish Moss, and more.

We can package everything up for you in our free gift packaging, or you can choose our premium gift packaging as well.

Thankful For

It is times like these when I ruminate about why I take my son to school every morning and pick him up every afternoon instead of letting him ride the school bus. And oh, how he wants to ride that big yellow taxi and be a big boy! It is tempting. I would have quite a bit more time in the mornings to get going with work, I wouldn't have to stop in the middle of work to go pick him up, and I would also save tons of money in gas.

So what's the big draw? Two words: Quality Conversation. I have had so many conversations with my boys about life while sitting in the driver's seat. Our 2000 Dodge Caravan's inside walls could tell stories about all of the memorable substantial chats that would otherwise not have taken place. We have chatted about issues including academics, friends/bullies, in-depth spirituality, sex(when appropriate), peer pressure, spelling words, and at times life questions that have left me jaw-dropped speechless. That's quite a lot of content for a 10-15 minute drive!

This morning in the symposium--ahem, I mean, van; Keegan(my 1st grader) and I discussed what we were thankful for. He is sure he will need to think about this for a school project at some point in the near future, so we needed to do some research into the subject, LOL! All the basics came up: food, shelter, jobs, health, etc.

I can't help but get a little blubbery when thinking about what I am thankful for. I have a good life. A seriously good life! My husband is my rock, Jonathan will be cancer-free for a year next month, Conner is an extraordinary young man turning 14 tomorrow, Keegan keeps me joyful and young, my mom is my biggest fan, and I have many friends who are supportive as well, and...I love my work. What else is there? Right here in this moment, it is all I need.

Life is crazy, scary, and wonderful. I am so thankful for those 10-15 minutes, twice a day to have had the privilege to explore all of this with my boys at one time or another.

Thanks for letting me share this you. Be on the look-out for the next post with pictures of the new holiday soaps!!

Until Next Time,
Candy

Getting Greener

We research cost-effective ways to help with the environment. One recent change is in our shopping bags. If you come to shows, or pick an order up locally, you will see a change in our bags. We have purchased nice kraft handle bags that are 100% recycled. We will continue to do what we can and still keep it economically practical for us, and for you.

Do you Tweet? Join us on Twitter!

Sedona

Ahhh...memories of Sedona. I will never forget our trip to Sedona. What a place! All of its mystery about vortexes and the beauty of the red rocks. We were mesmerized and fell in love. We still dream of returning someday. The inn where we stayed had a beautiful view of the mountains that was unbelievable!

For a very long time we have wanted to make a "Sedona" soap. We tested fragrances and clays until we found just the right combination. We think that you will agree this is truly a mysteriously fragrant and interesting soap. Sedona is curing and will be ready in about a week. I will definitely have it available at the Fall Women's Expo here in Jackson next Saturday.

Please stop by and see us. We will have free soap samples and the fall soap line available. We also have a cool newly designed soap saver. Jody (my husband) has been working on some improvements. The new design is still made of cedar for its natural water resistance and provides for more air circulation still keeping the soap high and dry.

Fall is now creeping upon us and we are ready! We have our Caramel Taffy Apple, Pumpkin Gingerbread, and Autumn Earth. Oh, we mustn't forget our BOO! soap for Halloween. BOO! is the same soap as Autumn Earth, only in cool spooky packaging for a unique gift that is sure to be a hair-raiser!!

Until Next Time,

Candy

I Was Featured!

I am happy to say that I was featured today in the Indie Beauty Network's newsletter. I was interviewed yesterday morning after I had "twitted" about my 11 mile run on Sunday. Donna Maria, the founder/owner of The Indie Beauty Network, is starting a series of articles about the "fit indie". Ironically, am currently training for a half-marathon. She wanted to know all the particulars of how I got started, what motivates me, and how it translates for the good in my business.

As some of you know, I started running in 2005 to train with my husband for the Phoenix Rock and Roll Marathon as part of fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of our son. I decided early in training that if he could endure all that he has without complaint, I can endure the pain of training for a marathon. A relatively small thing compared to what he was going through at the time. I didn't realize the all around good that would come out of this for me personally.

Running means more to me than getting and staying fit. It is definitely a big part of my life. It helps me in many other aspects of my life including stress relief and feeling good about myself. The endurance and determination aspect of the sport has also transferred over into personal areas of my life, like helping me be a better mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and business person. Many runs with my music have produced what may be called epiphanies in my life. Most are little helps, but there have been a few times I feel God has revealed to me simple truths that were hugely significant for what I was dealing with at the time.

You don't have to be fast, or even win races to be a runner, thank God! There is no competition, unless you want it. I would say that running is one of the most inexpensive and uninhibited ways to get fit. You strap on a pair of good running shoes and hit the road, path, trail, or treadmill. When people seem amazed at the long distances I run, I do tell them that although it isn't easy, it is very achievable, and if I can do it, anyone can. Start slowly, and allow yourself plenty of time to get acclimated before upping your speed or distance. I guess I better add that you may want to check with your doctor first before starting any fitness program(the commercials are ringing in my ears with the fast talk at the end).

Please comment. I do moderate comments, but only for the sake of spamming that may be inappropriate. Let me know your secrets for getting/staying fit. Is exercise "just exercise" to you, or does it help you in other ways as well? What other things do you do to take care of yourself?

Until Next Time!
Candy

Soap For Hope Kick-Off!

Yesterday...marked 4 yrs. ago that our oldest son was diagnosed with cancer.

Today...September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and we are kicking-off Soap for Hope! We have Chocolatte' and have added Caramel Taffy Apple as our Soaps For Hope for this season. This year we will give part of the profits from these soaps to the Childlife program at the University of Michigan's chemotherapy infusion center. They are in need of some teen items. The children's infusion room is centered on young children, but teens and some young adults get their treatment in there as well. The treatment days can be extremely long starting in the early morning hours and sometimes not ending until evening. Having games and electronics for this age group will surely help to at least pass the time. Go to the website and purchase Soap For Hope today! The Caramel Taffy Apple is in curing, but will be ready soon. You may pre-order!

We support CureSearch also, and would like to share with you what they are doing for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Our son, Jonathan, is alive today because of the research that has been done through organizations such as CureSearch. Years ago, our son's cancer had an under 5% survival rate. Today, because of research dollars, it is upwards of 80% overall. We want all childhood cancer treatment to have this kind of success and better, because 80% is not good enough when children are still suffering and dying from the #1 disease killer of children. Please take a moment to read about CureSearch's Virtual Walk for 12,500!

Want to change your life? Talk to a child with cancer.

Want to honor a child with cancer? Join the Virtual Walk for 12,500 during September National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Ask anyone who has heard these words, “I’m sorry … your child (your brother, your sister, your grandchild, your nephew, your niece, your classmate, your friend, your neighbor, your student)… has cancer” and they will share with you stories of strength, courage, hope, and about the urgent need for a cure. Children with cancer change our lives and our world.
For many more than 12,500 reasons, CureSearch is launching a national campaign for September: The Virtual Walk for 12,500. The Virtual Walk for 12,500 is an online effort to unite people across the country and around the world in the fight to conquer childhood cancer.

A contribution of $10 will honor one child and help us reach our goal: One individual virtual walker for all of the 12,500 children diagnosed each year.

One Goal. One Month. One Person.Can Make a Difference in the Lives of All Children Diagnosed with Cancer.

Money raised through this event will support the lifesaving research of the Children’s Oncology Group. The Children’s Oncology Group (COG) is the largest pediatric cooperative cancer research organization in the world. All of the leading children’s hospitals across the US and Canada are COG member institutions. Together, we are committed to conquering childhood cancer through scientific discovery and compassionate care.

The path is ready, the goal is set.

Reaching our goal of 12,500 will only happen with your help. Please join us today.
www.curesearch.org/12500

It won’t be easy. We need you to spread the word. Post a message on all of your social networking sites (facebook, my space, caring bridge, care pages, blog pages). Send an email to all of your contacts today and again next week. Help us reach 12,500!

Join the Virtual Walk for 12,500. www.curesearch.org/12500

We can’t do this without you.

Want to share your reason?

Create a “One of the 12,500 Reasons to Walk” video and send the link to info@curesearch.org. We will post the videos on our YouTube Channel: http://host.curesearch.org/site/R?i=V6hEPpG-qZSWxhBZtTOgNg.. and share on our blog page: http://curesearchnccf.blogspot.com/

Walk for One!

Track the progress: http://host.curesearch.org/site/R?i=UKeynR_Av4uU7wc5Li2uMA..

A Big Holler For Holler Fest!

We went to something called "Hollerfest" at Frog Holler Farm in Brooklyn, Michigan on Saturday. This organic produce farm has been owned by the King family for 30 years. I believe there are over 100 acres of pure simple bliss. Their three boys, who are now in their 20s - 30s, were born and schooled there.

The weather was miserably hot and humid, but the atmosphere was amazingly cool and inviting.

We went on a nature trail hike hosted by one of our friends, who did a fantastic job of identifying native plants and trees and also educating us about the importance of restoration. I got my first taste of tofu for lunch...yes, a virgin tofuer I was. I have to say it was absolutely tasty. They marinated and grilled it and put it on an organic sandwich along with fresh hummus, tomato and greens from the garden. It smelled so incredible, I just had to try it. They also had this beautiful pasta salad and coleslaw. They had an infusion "sun tea" made of rosemary and mint. Technically this would be called a "tisane". Tea is made with tea. An infusion drink made with herbs is called a tisane.

Now, I would be remiss not to mention the fantastic music being played by stellar bands all day on a rustic outdoor stage with professional sound located in a bowl-like area that looks to have been carved out by God himself. Bands including Dick Siegel, Raisin Pickers, Joe Reilly, The Mutual Kumquats, and Billy King, and so many more. Keegan (our 7 year old) thoroughly enjoyed Joe Reilly. I have to say that Jody and I did as well. He sang about the environment, earth, and even Michigan!! We were getting ready to leave that evening when the Mutual Kumquats came on stage. We stayed to listen to them. Their harmonic voices were incredibly tight, and that mandolin picking was amazing.

At the end of the evening we were incredibly satisfied with the day. And the kids? Well, Conner (our 13 year old) was not sure what to expect from the "hippie convention" as he laughingly referred to it before we even got there, but I think he sort of enjoyed himself. For a day of no TV, video games or skateboarding, he did very well. :) I did pack plenty of yummy snacks for him though, which can keep him happy for quite some time. Oh, and they did serve organic pizza. Fortunately, they had the plain cheese variety. I was a little worried reading the different toppings like arugula and potatoes, but phew! Plain cheese saved the day! Keegan had the girls chasing after him with glow sticks, played games like, "dumping each other out of the hammock". He pretended not to enjoy the attention from the girls, but to no avail. I think he wanted to stay there forever.

Our horizons were broadened just a little yesterday, and I learned an appreciation for some new things. Life is so good and doesn't have to be complicated.

Until next time,

Candy

NaKee' Natural Launches New Website!!

It is here folks. Our brand new website is here! Your source for natural soaps and skincare made with natural, organic, unrefined materials! Go to http://www.nakeenatural.com/ to see it!!!! Let us know what you think.

We are still in the process of updating products, descriptions, pictures, and setting up discounts and point systems. It will be a very long process, but the site is live, and is accepting orders. Please bear with us as we continue to update.

If you are a current customer of the old site, you can use your same log-in information. That all transferred over to the new site. Remember to go into your account and change your membership to "Patron" so you can receive the discounts and points when all of that is in place.

Since I also teach Kindermusik here in Jackson, Michigan, there is a link to register for classes on the site as well.

We are so excited we just had to share.

Until next time,
Candy

New Favorite Health Food - Flaxseed

Who knew such nutrition could be packed into a seed!

We have used flaxseed for some time in our protein drinks for after a workout. I read the label, and knew it was nutritious and would add goodness to my shake. Until I read the ENTIRE label and then researched it on the internet, little did I know about this little linseed gem.

I know I need more Omega 3's. I don't care for fish, and hate taking supplements. I also know I could use more fiber in my diet as well, and I don't want to spend the money on benefiber. Flaxseed has all this and much more as I will explain.

Fiber Provider/Cholesterol Checker: Just 2 Tablespoons a day will supply amazing nutrition! In these 2 Tablespoons contain as much fiber as 1 1/2 cups of oatmeal...good for your heart! LDL cholesterol drops, and HDL stays put. Not to mention the unmentionable problem - irregularity.

Cancer Fighter: Lignans are natural antioxidants and also a member of phytoestrogens, which maintains breast and colon health by binding estrogens that may promote unchecked cell growth.

Mega Omega 3 Supplier: Flaxseed has the richest source of fatty acids and lignans, which are potent cancer fighters. Alpha-linolenic acid is the plant version of omega 3's.The oil in flaxseed contains about 50% linolenic acid. Canola and walnut oils are the next highest, but at a weary 10%! One serving contains 2400 mg of omega 3's.

Immunity Improver: The alpha-linolenic acid and the lignans also decreases inflammation and promotes a healthy immune system which may be helpful for auto-immune and inflammatory disorders.

Hormone Helper: Lignans naturally regulate menstrual cycles, help manage menopause and lower the risk of osteoporosis.

Weight Controller: There is research that also indicates flaxseed helps manage weight by managing blood sugar levels and adding bulk, creating a more "full feeling" at meals.

Food Enhancer: Yes, it tastes good. It has a nutty flavor that can be used in shakes, oatmeal, cereal, and in baked goods. Ground flaxseed can be substituted for shortening or cooking oil in baked goods! It can also replace butter or margarine in a recipe. Oh, and it is gluten-free too.

So there you have it. I will be using this gem every day from here on out. So many reasons to use it!! Be sure to get the "ground" flaxseed unless you want to grind it yourself. Also, the flaxseed is much better than the oil. You get more benefits. I will be looking for an organic source and compare the prices. When you open the package, remember to put it in a bag and into the refrigerator.

Happy Flaxing!

Candy

Summer Time

Summer is still here. I see all signs of back-to-school, but we still have about 4 weeks yet before school starts back up!Don't let the commercial ads fool you. There is still time to enjoy all of the aspects of the summer in full force. Since I work my schedule around my children, I am with them mostly 24/7 during the summer.

I teach one Kindermusik class for 6 weeks during the summer months, and have been working on text and ideas for the new website and continue to learn more about business and formulating . Other than that, summer has allowed me to spend more time with the kids. I do love it, but I think they are starting to get a little bored!

I have started the process of re-stocking soaps, and will soon get the fall soaps made. I have re-evaluated some of the products, and have also been deciding on whether to add new products to our line. I am leaning toward a few new soaps for fall and holiday season, but have steered away from putting new products in the line. I have researched and created some wonderful new facial products, but have decided that we need to wait awhile longer to introduce them.

I am looking forward to show season and getting to know new people, and continuing to get to know my current customers.

Until Next Time,
Candy

Natural Bath & Body Friends--We're Still Here!!!

Hello Natural Bath & Body Friends!!

We are still here...things have just been busy at home. I have been working on text and pictures for the new website project that will be starting very soon. I am so excited to be able to offer you a more attractive, more user-friendly site that will come with a Patron registration that will allow for discounts, points, etc. to offer you more savings. My summer soaps had to be put on hold to allow for this process. I do plan to make the Margarita Lime soap that some of you have been asking about. I am currently working on getting the materials for full production of the facial serum you have been asking about as well.

I know sometimes it seems like "forever" from the time I talk about products to debut, but it takes a lot of researching and testing before a product is ready. Being a one-woman show for the most part means that I do everything from creative work to technical work. The technical part is definitely not as fun as the creative part of the business, but just as important to the success of this business.

I will update more as the new website and new products come to fruition!

-Candy

SHOWS!!

This is a busy time! We set up a display in front of the Nomad Bookhouse(left) on the 10th for Downtown Development Day in Jackson, Michigan. Handmade soap downtown Jackson! It went very well. It was nice to see some folks I knew and also see some customers that I had not had the pleasure of meeting yet. Nomad is a great place with a great bunch of people. If you haven't been there, you really gotta go.

Michigan State Spring Arts & Crafts Show(below).

Here was our tent booth up at MSU this past weekend. Our display with the handsome unpaid help...LOL! It was a long weekend and a lot of work, but we did pretty well. Gotta get our name out there and keep up the marketing.

Whew! That is it for shows until fall. We may do a farmers market day this summer, but mostly testing and getting things ready for fall.

I hope to get the Margarita Lime soap made next week, and it should be ready by the end of June.

We have some great little Spa At Home Packs ready for graduations, birthdays, wedding and baby showers. We have the Pedicure Pack(peppermint tea tree soak, scrub, and stick), Mangapaya(soap, dish, scrub, and spray), The Moroccan Mud Glow, Pink Aloe, and Dead Sea Lavender all have soap, dish, scrub, soak, and stick.

Until Next Time!

Who Knew? Art 634 Fairy Festival

What is a Fairy Festival? Well, I didn't really know until yesterday. I was invited to set up a display in the Gallery at Art 634. Oh, what a glorious place! I love the energy there. It is a place I dream of setting up shop some day. Timing is everything though. Maybe when all of the pieces fall together!

The 1st Annual Fairy Festival was a great success! There were hoards of families and little girls dressed up like fairies flittering around getting their faces painted, going on a scavenger hunt, making tooth fairy boxes, watching belly dancing, and having tea with the Jackson Rose Queen. There were even little boys there enjoying themselves!

At first when I was asked to come down there to set up a display, I declined. I didn't have enough time to formulate some fairy products. I didn't think my stuff would appeal to the "fairy"set without some special fairy bath and body goodies. I just wasn't thinking enough outside the box. Of course, the mommies and grandmommies were there, and were excited to see something for "them" too! It was a lot of fun, and something I want to definitely do again, if invited. I will be prepared next year with some fairy goodies for the younger ones. Maybe some sparkling fairy bath dust, maybe fairy wings soap, hmmmmm, the creative process begins!

I also brought a book with me that was sent to me by a family in Grand Rapids called Ashleigh's Fairies. Their young daughter fought a courageous battle against cancer. The website is http://www.ashleighmariebooks.com/ . The book is lovely!

NaKee' Natural at Art 634 Fairy Festival

1st Annual Fairy Festival
April 13
12 noon to 4 p.m.
@ Art 634
Celebrate the arrival of spring and the fairies at Art 634. Jonathan Wright, official fairyologist and author will be present to read excerpts from his book. There will be fairy activities for the entire family including the creation of fairy artwork, tea party, face painting, scavenger hunt, among many more activities.
Cost: Free
Fairy Events
Fairy Storytelling with Jonathan Wright
Fairy Scavenger Hunt
Fairy Secret Garden Tour
Fairy House Art Exhibit
Fairy Magical Woods Tour
Fairy Tea Party with Jackson Rosequeen
Fire Dancing Performances
Belly Dancing Performances
Spring Metal Fabrication Exhibit
Fairy Costumes & Wands
Fairy Doors & Surprises
Fairy Art Activities
Fairy Coloring Station
Decorate Fairy Flower Pots
Decorate a Fairy Tooth Box
Create Fairy Dust
Create a Fairy Garden Stake
Fairy Face Painting
Food & Drinks
Bone Island Grille
Hazelle M. Designs
Real Goods
Fairy Gifts
Art 634 Gallery
Studio 13
Moonsday Child
Hazelle M. Designs
Big Tree Gallery
Nomad Bookhouse
Pink Heels
Nakee Natural

Spring Break??

Hello Friends~

For the past several weeks I have been working on my income taxes(oh, my). I had set most everything else on hold and dedicated my time to get this done. I had also decided to get QuickBooks set up for the business so that things go smoother next year...HA! I had set a deadline to get everything done, not only for the obvious April deadline, but also so that I could spend some time doing some things with my boys on spring break.

Well, we have spent the week taking turns getting sick with fevers, cough, stuffiness, sore throat--the whole nine yards...bummer. We did manage to do a half day of shopping for them, so not all was lost.

Now, time to think about what products I will be making next week. I have been invited to attend the Fairy Festival at Art 634 on Sunday, so I will be getting ready for that packaging up some handcrafted natural soap, scrubs, light oil body sprays, lip balms, etc. to take with me.

Until Next Time,
Candy at NaKee' Natural
Handcrafted Soap & Skincare

Long Time No Blog

Ok. Shame on me for not posting on this blog for sooooo long! With this new year, I am determined to do a better job!We have some great things on the horizon right now:

• Better Blogging
  
• Improved Newsletters
• New Website within the next few months
  
• Wholesale Accounts
• More Shows
• New and Improved Line of Scrubs, Masques, and Soaks

This year we are going to strive to go bigger and better! We added a picture of Brigadoon and Irish Mint&Ivy, our new Spring Irish soaps, and also Antebellum Dream, our wonderful green magnolia scent we have been working on for so long.

We are so excited for the coming year. Please go to our current website and check us out!

Childhood Cancer Awareness

Watch this video! This video has over 12,000 hits already!! This was done by two moms of a listserv that I belong to. Jonathan is the football player in the video. Please email congress by going to www.curesearch.org.
Thank you!!!!!

From the Mouth of Babes

Why Soap For Hope?

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Childhood Cancer Awareness
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I know this is a long read, but please take the time to read or skim this message.

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As most of you know, my oldest son is in his third year of treatment for leukemia(blood cancer). Well, we just got the news that he is now facing some new challenges and has been diagnosed with a debilitating bone disease called avascular necrosis. This has been caused by the large amount of steroids that are used in his treatment protocol. His hips and knees are affected and his knees have fractures and collapse. At the time we don't know exactly what he is facing, but are hopeful they can fix it over time with the least invasive measures.

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My youngest, who is six years old, and has been eavesdropping on conversations asked the other day if Jonathan was going to be ok. He has listened and of course sensed the tension in the home. I told him that the medicine is helping Jonathan get well from the cancer, but that sometimes the medicines that make people better can cause other other parts of the body to get sick. He responded by stating, "Well, I guess the scientists just need to work harder then." Out of the mouths of babes.

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So, I guess the child has explained why we do Soap For Hope. In recent years, the amount of funding for childhood cancer research has been declining. In response to the most recent cutbacks, the National Cancer Institute has decreased funding which severely impacts childhood cancer research. As a result, the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the world’s pre-eminent childhood cancer research organization, has been forced to put 20 new studies on hold and decrease enrollment in new clinical trials by more than 400 children next year. This is outrageous. What can we do? We can write to our congress people, we can tell others to write to their congress people, and we have to raise money ourselves. How can we not? How can we sit idle and not do something to save our children? First and foremost we want cures, and then we want the scientists to figure out how to cure without damaging the children's quality of life.

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Ok, off my soap box..LOL...Soap For Hope is curing and as you can see from above, we have a quartet! We are in the process of naming these beauties, but to make it simple we have: Chocolate Coffee, Chocolate Cinnamon, Chocolate Orange, and Chocolate Cherry Almond! In honor of children of all ages they are all mixed with Chocolate!! We will make these available at the beginning of September because September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. We will continue these through Christmas.

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We will also be bringing back holiday favorites and some new ones as well. If you are not signed up to receive the newsletter, please do so you can get the newest information and releases.

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Upcoming Shows:

October 20 is the Healthy Living Body, Mind and Spirit Show at Lifeways. I will update with further details as it gets closer.

Summer Is Here!

Hello!

It has been some time since I updated this blog. I am so sorry about that. There have been many new things in the works, and new things on the horizon as well. I love summer, and the sometimes lazy days that come with it. With school out, I feel like I have so much more time! I have only one - 6 week music class for kids with special needs to do the whole summer. My new semester doesn't start until fall. I love teaching music and look forward to it, but also need the break. My kids don't have a whole lot going on in the summer, and I love it! When fall starts I know everything will be super busy again with Kindermusik, art and craft shows, and the kids' activities that go along with school. I have been making a lot of skincare products and working on a lot of things with NaKee', but I can do it more at my own pace during the summer months. I can take time to test, experiment, and perfect the products. I also feel like I have time to "reconnect" with my children too. For my own children, I have always taken on the attitude that kids need down time, they need summer to recharge. They have their activities, but not too many. I don't think kids "play" enough, and they need to be bored once in awhile. It is inevitable that the school year will bring much busyness and responsibilities. I think balance is key.

On to NaKee'! It has been over a year now that we have been in business officially, and I am very happy with the developments of the company. We have been wanting to branch into the wholesale market and are very happy to have landed our first wholesale account with a floral and gift shop in Stockbridge. We are hoping the products sell well there, and that we can establish a long time relationship with them. There are a couple more possibilities here in Jackson, and we are getting ready to mail some letters to potential wholesale clients. We want to get the word out about NaKee'. We know how wonderful our products are and want to share them with everyone! We know there are several companies out there just like ours, but we are confident in the products, and we know the care that goes into developing and manufacturing them.

We have our first products in our Wee NaKee' line, and our Team NaKee' lines. We have the Twinkle soap(pictured above) and our Healing Sport Soap. We plan to expand these lines with moisturizers, powders, etc.

We are also working on some neat ideas for Soap For Hope. We plan to keep the cafe' mocha scent, but to also add to that some other chocolate mixes and have 4 scents to choose from at a time. We will be giving to CureSearch again because the government has cut funding for cancer research, and the first to go will be children's cancer research, especiallly the more rare cancers. At a time when we are on the horizon of breakthroughs, they are cutting funding. Very sad! We need to keep advocating for the population that cannot speak for themselves...our children, our future. I am forever grateful for the research that has taken place in the past. My son would not be here today if it weren't for that research. We need to keep it going because children are still suffering and dying because of the awful beast of cancer. Our son has a projected end of treatment date of December 20 of this year. We are hoping and praying this will be the end of it and he can go on with his life!

Even though we want the summer to last, we are excited and getting prepared for the fall and holiday season testing new scents and bringing back some of last year's popular holiday fragrances. We are planning to bring back Autumn Earth, Ginger Twist, Epiphany, Spiced Plum, Caramel Taffy Apple and Citrus Balsam.

Enjoy your summer. Beauty is all around us in nature and our family and friends.

Candy

I Have a PINK CRUSH on You!

Hello!!

Wow, the weather has finally screamed "Winter"!! It is freezing cold in this neck of the woods. Thankfully we were one of the lucky few who's power didn't go out. I am so thankful for that. I have been making so much soap lately trying to restock after the Christmas.

Here is what is new and on the curing rack at this very moment:

• Perfect Pear-A lovely true pear scent.
• Pink Aloe-This is a specialty spa bar made with pink clay which gently draws the toxins from the skin without stripping the oils; aloe which soothes the skin; and rose geranium essential oil which has a heavenly rosey scent and is such a great face oil.
• Wooded Olive-This is a man's bar that women love too. This has a wooded olive blossom scent that is sure to please anyone who likes a clean woodsy scent. This is also packed with french green clay which exfoliates and draws dirt and toxins from the skin.
• Rhassoul Mud Glow(this may be the name, still working on it)-Now, this is a special bar! Rhassoul clay is mined deep within the Atlas mountains in Eastern Morocco. It has been used for over 1400 years as a soap, shampoo and skin conditioner. Rhassoul contains higher percentages of silica and magnesium along with potassium and calcium, than other clays.Rhassoul clay's most impressive properties in skin improvement are its capacity of absorption and adsorption due to its high level of ion exchange. Clinical studies have been conducted by two different research laboratories in the United States to evaluate Rhassoul use for skin conditions. The results of this single use Rhassoul study produced pretty good results including reducing dryness and flakiness, improving skin clarity, elasticity and texture, removing surface oil and dead skin layers. This bar also has a blend of essential oils that not only scent the bar beautifully, but are skin loving too!
• Tropical Frusion(not sure of the name, still working on it)-This is a yummy bar smelling of fresh tropical fruit slices.
• The Super Natural-This is a step beyond the regular The Natural. This is for babies and super sensitive skin and those allergic to butters. This has rice bran oil and avocado oil...that's it.

And we can't forget the Valentine Soap! This is so cool. I made several heart shaped tubes and imbedded them in the loaf of soap. There is a heart in every bar. I actually used the Pink Grapefruit scent that some of you have tried, and it is called PINK CRUSH.

There are many more scents and ideas in the works. I have new gift packaging. Ialso have new ideas including gift sets. I will be adding rose geranium to the lotion bars.

I am working on improving the Light Oil Body Spray labels to make them waterproof. They have gummed up after a few uses.

I am working on a baby collection called, "Wee NaKee'"(cute, huh!?!)

Oh, and if you like a product, please go to that product and write a review.

Thank you for your business, and let me know what I can do to improve!

Candy