THE GOAT RODEO

We have (hubs and I), have been discussing what makes a small business successful. It’s niche. The thing is I’m all over the map. I love that. I’d go nuts if it was just soap, lotions, cosmetics. I’m too hyper (literally), to make batches of soap all day and nothing else.

I love all of what I do. I’m good. A perfectionist, and happy when bus.

So, after, “Glam Naturals,” was stolen, we’ve started our paperwork for three companies incorporated under one umbrella. I can only share two of the names, because some turd is trying to steal, Goddess Herbals tm.”

“Goddess Herbals tm,” will be ours. We are using it for the body, bath, and facial care. It opens soon. The labeling needs to be finished, and it’s close. I am so uptight.

The soaps will be, “Liedel Soap Works.” TA-DA! Steal that! There aren’t many Liedel’s.

The mineral makeup company, which is being re-formulated to be Vegan and I am almost there.

Soaps, are being naturally colored, and scented as much as possible. I love them a lot. The bath and body will be more natural, but use the best of nature and science. This is a fine line. I’m making Shampoo Bars today. They are made…I’ll post a photo tomorrow.

It won’t bubble. Not even a… Okay, it will bubble, sort of. If you wash your hair twice like I do. Do you have to wash your hair twice? Um, nope. It’s a sham put on by the marketing boys to sell shampoo twice as fast. Now, back to my dilemma. Cause it’s all about me. Snort. Not really. I am trying to make good things for others.

I made a very nice formula. I’d adapted it from a formulators formula shared with me and put my touches on it. Which means it in no way, resembles the actual initial formula. I see flaws in great things and need to fix them. It matters not if they are there, or not. After all, if I am not improving something, why make it at all?

I took, “all natural, Whole Foods approved,” surfactants, mixed in honey (great humectant and far more lovely than glycerin if you are not a vegan), delicious vitamin E, some, “oil of the moment,” Argan Oil, a nice preservative, all natural thickener, aloe, and other wondrous things that some very pricey companies put in their shampoos. Oh, and vinegar I’d been marinating a tea bag of shiny hair herbs in for a week. It was about a teaspoon for the entire batch, so no. You will not smell like a salad.

The thickener is great. It works exactly as expected every single time. I love it. I use it to make gels all the time. I detest Xanthan Gum. It seems to have a personality all it’s own and one day is a dream, the next…hell on earth.

Mixing them in three phases, all covered up like a mummy from clean room Egypt, I created my concoction. I scented it with Rosemary and Lavender essential oils, poured it and, after cooling it, capped it with pride.

I’m good at shampoos and conditioners. I don’t toss many experiments and I want a liquid shampoo that works, is kinder to the earth and above all, WORKS!! You know, like you expect a shampoo to work. This one is yet another in the long list on disapproved shampoos for my son’s hair issues. Teenager with dandruff. He hates it all. Why would you buy something from someone who makes product in small batches when you can get it at a grocery store? Um, because it’s very well tested, made in small personal batches by someone who wants a better mousetrap?

He thinks, “As Natural as Possible,” is stupid. Fourteen is not the smartest of the teen years.

I tested it this morning. Is my hair clean and bouncy? Yep. Did the shampoo wash out easily? Not so much, but that set of surfactants have a harder time and I cannot put in something that washes out as easily without compromising the, “all natural crap.” It’s nice smelling, creamy, low sudsing and not the best thing I’ve made. It works. There is no lather. I knew it would be that way when I chose my ingredients. I’ve made dozens of products that Whole Foods,toughest test of cosmetic natural formulation in the market, would approve of. They’re not my bag of Chai.

I like the thought of a nice natural shampoo. I really do. I also like foam. I’m not sure what to do, other than, 1. give in and make something that is as natural as possible and foams, or, 2. make it without the super foam and sell it with that as a feature and benefit. You do get some suds, if you wash twice. Again, you don’t need to do that.

The more natural conditioner was easy as pie. Got it in one and done. I’ve never tried to improve it, although I eventually will, because I love it. Moisture without drag, no silicone in it and easy rinse out, all vegan blah, blah.

At least the lipsticks look amazing. I’m on my final formula for that.

Sometimes all, or more, natural just sucks the big mountain, ya know?

Formulator in distress with da tress,

Nancy

A lot of soap makers celebrate their country, their state, their continent. They try for a look that envelopes the idea of a small area soap creator that is specific to that area. It’s been something I’ve been thinking about. Ways to REP-RE-Sent! After all our area was smooshed by the recent issues with the economy. Which means selling in my area alone won’t exactly help the ole business.

However, Michigan and the Great Lakes states are really awesome. We’re all lovely and fun places to visit. We have mountains, ground down (Porcupine), but they were once taller than the Himalayas! I got that from actually paying attention in Geology class. We area all states of, “Gee ya, you betcha,” gung ho, work hard folks and failures as well as innovation. We have an interesting history, and unique foods in our humble area. We also have five Great Lakes. One of which, Michigan, I grew up on. I spent days too cold to think about now swimming in Lake Michigan as a child and loved it. I’ve seen all of the Great Lakes and at least waded in. Sorry, Superior, you are too cold for me to swim in, even in August.

I don’t want to just represent the mitten with the thing on top. That thing is the Upper Peninsula and it’s gorgeous, quiet and a great place to visit. I’d love to live there. It has a fabulous tech school and interesting history. You can park your car by the side of the road and there is evidence of Metamorphic Rock all around you!

Still, it’s not enough. The entire Great Lakes area was built on shipping out our resources to the rest of the country (Sorry Arizona, you cannot have our water. It’s not you. We just love our lakes). We informed the building of many other states, the food, Michigan Cherries are the best. Great cities!! Cleveland, Buffalo, Chicago, Duluth, Milwaukee.

Did I forget one? Technically Detroit is on a river, so I can ignore it for now. I have high hopes for Detroit, but it’s like waiting for the Cubs to win the Series. I may be long dead before it happens again. I’m pro Detroit an yes, I would live there, if it was not either gentrified or destroyed. There is some in the middle, but not much and the schools need help. So does Ann Arbor, but that’s a complaint post.

So, I am representing the region, rather than just my state, although my state is in my heart of hearts and always will be. Buy as much as possible locally, in state and then regionally. Do reviews on soaps and soapers in the region. Because my soap may not be for you, but one of my fellow Great Lakes Soapers may be exactly what you’re looking for. Sell to the world, but this soap is informed by my heritage in Michigan, as well as my time in Chicago. Which was influenced by the world. Marry local and exotic. Love them both, work with all of it and come up with something informed by my love of Scandinavia, “hey, ya, you betcha’” and the local area. It’s all me. Danish modern with sand from the lake in my hair.

I’m researching more and more how to work this, but I want to promote my home area. Name soaps for cities, streets, etc. Beer soap and Milwaukee? A wind-blown dune for Grand Haven, a mixed up bunch of colors for Chicago and it’s blowhard history of all things insane and interesting? What about my yogurt soaps? Cows and the area are linked hand in hand.

So, represent the Great Lakes region and somehow support a charity that protects the water? Hey, ya! You BETCHA!

Crud, sorry Pennsylvania, I didn’t mean to exclude you. Erie’s in the mix. Don’t you worry.

I can’t face it this year. All of them. Four years? I don’t know. Pain is not measured in years. It’s personal steps, taking yourself beyond it. I’m stuck, been stuck. I don’t let go of pain, but joy? I do. We all do. It’s like if we hold that pain in tight and let our joy drop we’re better people.

Why?

This time of year. That’s a lie. Every time of year I’ve lost someone. I want them back. I want no regrets. In some cases, I told them how much I care. Told them often. In others? What if I was rejected? What if…I don’t know.

I hurt. I’ll always hurt. That’s not the problem. It’s allowing myself to accept small bites of happiness and be even. Even. How is even? I don’t think I know. I’ll find out.

I actually have this on my Facebook page, but I wanted to ask it here too.

I got the coolest phone call yesterday, out of nowhere. A woman I met at a show, an art student about my age. She is writing a paper for art history class and wanted a couple of views on this quote:” Every act of creation is first an act of destruction.”
Pablo Picasso.

I actually kept it short and quotable.

Remove clay from a river’s edge, the formation of great art is seeded.Yet the river’s edge is changed from it’s natural course.

I looked up some of his other quotes.

I am delving into the discipline of art. The practice of art, writing, music, dance, etc becomes a passionate breakdown of inner walls. Allow your soul to open, a small chink.

Is this the tortured artist? Do we become that which you create, are is what we creat who we are? A very sacred, needy place. Do we open our innermost dark, light. Allow the world to see naked joy and fear? Is it okay in the eyes of society to be like no one else? I know the thought terrifies and intrigues me.

How vulnerable can we, should we be? Is it important to let that which is who we are at the innermost depths so dark, so light, so open, that the fear of rejection shuts us up and we become actors in our own lives?

Heavy thoughts for 7am on a Wednesday.

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/p/pablo_picasso.html#ixzz1n6rvv0I1

You want to lose weight, feel healthy, live longer, be smarter as you age. So, YOU STARVE YOURSELF RIGHT?

WRONG!!!

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A habit of nutrition and exercise that kills you is easy on the, “Biggest Loser Ranch.” You’re in competition. However, look back? Who kept the weight off? Why? It was the people that changed their attitude about life and food and it crawled in there slowly.

So, 1. Don’t start exercise, if you are very heavy without your docs permission. I mean that. I double super mean that.

2. No fad diets. NONE! You live in a world of pie and ice cream and if you deny, deny, deny, you’re going to fail. FAIL! Do you want to work your butt off to fail? Seriously? I didn’t think so.

3. NO excuses. I know some people can’t move, much. Well honey, do what you can. I have Remitting Repeating MS, I move it, or I will lose it.

4. You’re not running an Ironman tomorrow. I’ve been working towards that big goal for five years now. It’s happening, in just under two years. I started with walking and just trying to get to one mile. I did that and it was a mile and a half. Pretty soon I was bored to tears with walking. It tool too long! I began to run a little. I had good shoes, and an, “I can run for thirty seconds. I can do anything for thirty seconds. Except hold a spider, or look down from a tall place. I began to run. I got lighter emotionally, more energy and happier.

Seriously. I’m happier and have Tigger Bounce, when I do something, anything. You don’t need my psychotic goal. You need a small goal. Just a place to start. Then, you make another one. Reward yourself with a new song for your iPod (although, if you are exercising outside, I suggest you don’t use one. I’m also slower overall. I get to my Zen place with just the sounds of nature and the idiots driving too fast).

Have fun! Dance, even if you dance like my husband. Do it! Wake yourself up in your tired time by spending some quality time with a fun song and closed drapes. When no one is watching who cares how you dance. No mirrors allowed.

Just start something. Anything and your days will be happier. Is it the end all, be all and fountain of youth? Maybe not. However, it helps and help is a good thing.

Smooch-er-roos till next time.

Nancy-Pants

I’ve read every comment and it’s all really good advice. Because I’ve got to watch my back now, and show my cards, I can’t talk about it anymore and I’m going to take the comments offline, as well as the post. I’m praying the wayback machine didn’t get it.

I am more than grateful, but I’m keeping this one between someone who has been through it, my husband, myself and my attorney. We will be updating you if anything happens. No matter what, they will not be able to force me to shutdown. I don’t need the extra hassle, but Patrice is onto something and our attorney confirmed it late last night, when he finally called back.

I know you’re all pulling for me. Especially anyone I owe money to.

I tried to explain this to my dad last night. He’s always been my go-to guy for advice, but he does not understand the internet at all. My sister has an MBA, but she’s in a funk because of a crappy birthday. Over 40, we’re not so into celebration as a grudging respect that we’ve been spared one more year.

Post and comments pulled due to pending litigation. Mostly because my readers are the smartest people I’ve ever met.

Hence, the repeat of the booze glass.

The story, in short.

I have trademarked Glam Naturals. I’ve used the tm for everything, to build a good case in case some asshat, and I am rather upset today, steals it. Guess what, Google glannamtural. I’m so perturbed I wrote gigligo it. I don’t stumble. This time I did. It’s funny.

Yes, they sell what I do. I purchased EVERY permutation of the domain name, but they are owned by a holding company and are using it as part of their name. They’ve never, as far as I can see, used a tm on anything. I have mine going back over two years and I’ve carefully documented my screen shots, sales, you name it. It’s Trademarked. Which would mean a simple cease and desist letter, but they’ve filed for it.

Trademarked is different from registration. Anyone can put a trademark symbol on anything. You must use it consistently for over a year and be able to prove it. You must have started before the other company and be able to prove it. Then, you gather your evidence and present it. This is where I get lost.

Right this moment, I cannot afford an attorney. I’ve spent a lot of product, branding and educational stuff. I know soap better than some people making it longer, because I’ve made it daily for over two years. Not the same formula. Tweaking different formulas. Glam Naturals tm is my everything, but body business. It contains skin care, mineral makeup and it’s my parent company. We are in the middle incorporating glam naturals tm. I know I can object while I’m in this process, before they become registered. I know I am on the legal high ground. I cannot figure out what the heck the stupid patent and trademark office wants me to do, or if it’s even worth it. I can change the name to, “Healthy Face Minerals,” but what a headache. They knew, they knew. Do a url check, an Aran who is and you cannot miss it. They are not using the tm symbol, which means they can go down in flames on the get go, but that much ill will against a large company? I supposed I could approach them, sell them the domains for an honest amount and start again.

The question about, “Healthy Face,” is if it is a stated drug claim? I cannot make drug claims.

Most people know me as Goddess Herbals anyway, but then I have to re-do all the state stuff, stop the incorporation halfway through and I love my name. I don’t want pride in the way. I am so lost here. I want to rise above this. I’,m not sure how?

Any advice, or not. I understand if you don’t offer any back.

I know this may be clear as mud, but it’s all I’ve got right now. Going to Amazon to get a book on it.

We are deciding on a day to day basis. He’s doing well on his pain regime, except for a bout of pain once a day that he screams through. As with all Pomeranians, you pick them up, hold them close and pat them on the rib cage soothingly, but with some strength. The number one cause of death for them is a shock, or pain induced heart attack, because they will literally make a noise over and over and not be able to stop. They don’t breath and have heart attacks.

We are following that and the pain meds and he’s okay. The second I see that look again, fear, pain and not understanding, we go. Right now, he still likes pets and to bark at nothing. His all time favorite thing to do. The less to see, the more he barks.

His feet still come off the ground. The front ones. That’s my Bear.