I have committed to participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, where a group of entrepreneurs and bloggers will post 31 blog messages throughout the month of August. I have many ideas for content on this blog, and I am sure the practice of posting once a day (or at least a total of 31 times this month) will be good discipline for me to keep the blog full of informative, entertaining and inspiring posts for you! Please let me know if there are specific topics you’d like me to cover or questions you’d like answered. If you are a business owner or blogger who wants to take the challenge, it’s not too late – sign up here and join us!

Here’s a site that I think many of our readers/customers will be interested in. I connected with Charlene and Susan of GALTime (www.galtime.com) shortly before the launch of this amazing online magazine (which magazine doesn’t even begin to describe it – with articles, videos and interactive message boards) covering topics relevant to women of all ages – from health, fashion and beauty, finances, family, entertainment and career.

I’ve written some articles about domestic violence for GALTime, and am their resident domestic violence ‘expert’. I have been able to share a little of my story surviving domestic violence as well as talk about Behind the Curtain and how Vintage Body Spa donates products and funds to help support survivors of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault. I am thankful for the opportunity to turn a negative experience in my past into something positive – helping support others going through similar situations or by educating people on what to do if someone they love is in a violent relationship and where victims can turn to for support and resources. Even if I weren’t a contributor to GALTime, I would still regularly visit the site, as each time I visit I find something of interest and use to me and my situation.

No matter what stage of life you’re in, you’re bound to find something relevant to you on GALTime and ways you can connect with other women, so check it out. Visit www.galtime.com and get involved (for free!) today!

image by Robert Brown

Herbs and essential oils are important not only when creating new products for Vintage Body Spa, but in my personal life as well. Around our house we incorporate herbs and essential oils to alleviate a number of common issues – from headaches to cuts and scratches. This morning was another opportunity to show my sometimes skeptical husband how well a natural ‘remedy’ could work.

When he and I woke up this morning with sore throats, I immediately whipped up my favorite remedy to ease the pain and relieve the coughing. My husband gave it a thumbs up and didn’t have to reach for his throat spray or cough drops – it eased the pain and stopped the coughing completely. Next time your throat is scratchy and sore, you might want to give this a try.

Boil water and pour into a coffee cup. Add 2 1/2 Tablespoons of honey, 2 drops of lemon essential oil and one drop of lavender essential oil. Sip slowly.

*Note that this has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any ailment. Essential oils and herbs may interact with medication you may be taking, so be sure to consult a physican before utilizing herbs or essential oils. Please review the dislaimer page on this blog (see sidebar).

We’ve got some new plans for the blog as well. It’ll be updated on a regular basis with not only new product and sales announcements but with tips and DIY instructions if you want to make your own products spa products. I’ll also give more information on the ingredients used in Vintage Body Spa products and why they’re so important to our product line.

What else would you like to read about? I’d love to hear your thoughts, comments and suggestions!

It’s amazing how many people you can shop for here at Vintage Body Spa. Have you picked out gifts for:
* yourself (don’t forget that you need pampering too!)
* mom
* mother-in-law
* sister
* sister-in-law
* grandmother
* aunts
* cousins
* co-workers
* friends
* babysitter
* hairdresser
* housekeeper
* kids’ teachers

Don’t forget to pick up a couple extra items for those ’surprise’ situations where someone gives you a gift that you weren’t expecting! Our WHEREVER Body Cream or Butter Beans are great, easy items to give.

Another option for someone that’s hard to shop for is a gift certificate. The recipient will receive a pdf file via email containing instructions and a one-time use code just for them You can even personalize the message just by typing it into the comments section and we’ll add it to the gift certificate. Voila! Your gift giving is complete. If the recipient does not have email or you’d like it sent to you, just state that in the comments section at checkout.

Don’t forget the stocking stuffers! Our Suga’ Lips Lip Balm, Butter Bar and Whipped Shea Butter are perfect options.

Be sure to visit on Monday, November 30th to take advantage of these special deals. Discounts cannot be combined with any other offer, and are valid only from 12:00 am – 11:59 pm on November 30, 2009.

Helen Keller was born in 1880. At just 19 months, she contracted an illness which left her both blind and deaf. Her teacher, Anne Sullivan was credited with teaching her to identify her world through sign language. In 1904, at the age of 24, she was the first deaf person to earn a Bachelors of Arts degree when she graduated from Radcliffe College.

Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan. Image via Wikipedia.

Helen became a world famous author, speaker and advocate. She also helped to form the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 1920. She traveled around the world and broke many stereotypes that were held regarding people with ‘disabilities’.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure”.