Wow, we’re more than halfway through 2011 already – it has passed by so quickly! I recently carved out some time to check back in with the goals I set in January to see what’s working, what isn’t and how I need to change or adapt (I actually check in pretty regularly with them but figured a mid-year update post would be good and help keep me accountable).

One of my words for 2011 is intentional. I want to focus on productive tasks and not get distracted or bogged down by the unimportant time suckers. I’m still working on this. I am the first to admit I have struggled with being organized or a strong time manager. I’ve just started reading Dan Kennedy’s No B.S. Time Management for Entrepreneurs (affiliate link) and I’m implementing some of his strategies and look forward to being more productive with my time throughout the rest of the year. It’s amazing how little changes can create some big payoffs just by being disciplined and organized.

Another goal was to seek out a small accountability group of likeminded business women to support each other in our spiritual and business walks. This has been so important for me. I’ve joined a women’s bible study this summer and the camaraderie and support has been a tremendous boost to my spiritual walk. When I keep my faith as a priority, everything else seems to fall into place easier. Business support has come through a small coaching group, and also through the Indie Beauty Network Book Club. We meet online each quarter to discuss a business book and implement into our business practices. So far we’ve read The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh and next we’ll be discussing Poke the Box by Seth Godin. (affiliate links). Once again, the community and support that has been developed by being a part of this group has been wonderful, and it has opened the doors to some new opportunities, which I’ll be announcing shortly.

Next was the goal to keep investing in myself. One of the ways I’ve done this is through (love this name!) Rich, Happy and Hot B-School (RHH B-School) – if you’ve not heard of Marie Forleo and Laura Roeder, check them out – they are seriously smart, sassy and accomplished business women who are doing great things online and having a fun time doing it! This course has helped me better understand my customer’s needs and desires which is helping me to reframe some of our offerings to serve you better. It’s also sparked two new websites/offshoot businesses that are currently under development that I’ll be announcing soon. We’ve got a private group on Facebook where the guys & gals regularly ask questions, help each other out and provide support and accountability. As I’ve mentioned before, I work so much better when I commit to a specific task with a deadline and have people help hold my feet to the fire.

I’m excited to head back to Spark & Hustle again this year. Tory Johnson and her group put on such a fabulous conference last year and I’m looking forward to learning from other dynamic entrepreneurs this year and implementing even more ideas to serve you better and more efficiently.

Another word for 2011 has been action, and this has definitely been happening. We launched our Eco Baby Botanicals line which has been incredibly well received. Other product lines are SO close to being finalized, I’m anxiously awaiting when I can announce them! We have some great press coming up this fall and fun partnerships that we’ve been continuing to grow. The days are packed, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It truly is a blessing to do what I do for a living.

Finally, I committed to growing a team this year, and it is happening! We had an intern over the spring semester and in the next six weeks we’ve got three incredibly talented interns joining the team with possibly more coming on board as well. I’m looking forward to introducing them to you soon and am beyond excited about their energy and creativity they’re bringing to the company.

All in all, it has been a great year so far, and I know the second half of the year is going to be even better than I could imagine. There is still a lot of progress to be made, but I am looking forward to my end of the year recap! Thank you again for your continued support of Vintage Body Spa, we are honored to serve you and provide you and your family with our products.

How are you coming along with the goals you set for this year? Leave your update below and let me know how I can cheer you on in reaching your goals – no matter how big or small, business related or not!

I’ve heard about Frankincense since I was a young child, with the telling of the bible story of Jesus’ birth, when the Magi presented the baby with gold, frankincense and myrrh. It was just recently, however; that I finally experienced frankincense, and it truly does smell divine.

image by Ben Norvell

Latin Name: Boswellia carterii

Description: Frankincense comes from the very hardy, fragrant Boswellia tree that grows wild in unforgiving environments (sometimes growing directly out of rocks) and can grow up to 25 feet tall. It has small leaves and tiny pink or white flowers. When the tree bark is cut or scraped, a milky-white resin bleeds out and hardens into orange brown ‘tears’. The essential oil is steam distilled from tears.

Frankincense tears

Largest Producing Countries: Ethiopia, India, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen

Scent: Frankincense has a fresh, woody, balsamic and spicy scent with a citrus top note. It blends well with most floral, woods, spice and citrus essential oils.

Properties: Frankincense is one of the most highly prized essential oils that has been traded for more than 5000 years and is used extensively in perfumery, aromatherapy and in religious rites. The oil is good for slowing and deepening breathing and to relieve fear and anxiety. It is considered helpful to aid meditation and prayer and in stilling the mind. It is recommended for use with dry, sensitive and mature skins, to help rejuvenate skin tone and prevent wrinkles. It has been useful in treating colds, coughs and sore throats.

Precautions: Frankincense is non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating. As with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of frankincense oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Further research should be done on each essential oil to determine its proper usage for each individual. Aromatherapy is not intended to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but is to be considered a complimentary therapy.