Happy New Year

Happy New Year To All!
I would like to take this time to Thank All Of You who have supported me throughout my new venture with Gwendolyn's Gate. It has been a great year with the inspiration and support I have received. Without all of you I would not be where I am at today. Because of the past year I see 2008 as being a prosperous year with all the growth from 2007. I look forward to sharing my new packaging and products in just a few short months.
Thank You again and God Bless. Wendy Goudie, Owner, Gwendolyn's Gate

From Childhood Passion to Career Fulfillment

About 19 years ago, while working in the corporate world, I decided to go back to school to study natural healing arts. At that time, I enrolled in The Chicago School of Massage Therapy graduating as a CMT. During my studies we also learned about other natural healing arts. One in particular that was of great interest to me was Aromatherapy - I always loved nature even as a child. I decided to further my studies into aromatherapy and implement the art into my Massage Therapy practice.
When I decided to pursue the practice of Aromatherapy I contacted my Mother and told her of my plans. She was supportive and mentioned that she still has the first bottle of perfume I made for her. I was shocked, surprised and elated that she would still cherish something I created 20 years prior. The memories came back - picturing myself sitting on our back porch smashing flowers in my tan colored bowl, adding water, and then straining into a Barbie bottle. Also, realizing at that time, the onset of my career and passion began at a very young age.
When I first started my practice(s) it was not in the mainstream of society - there was still a stigma attached. I would not allow this to overtake my passion and continued to practice. As years went by both Massage and Aromatherapy became recognized as important healing arts. They are now in the mainstream and have become traditional in healing.
Follow your childhood dreams to be fulfilled in life when choosing a career. I did, and look at where I am at today!

Holiday Schedule

Gwendolyn's Gate will be closed on December 24th and 25th to enjoy the holiday with family and friends. We will return on the 26th of December until the 31st.
May you have a Merry Christmas and God Bless!
Wendy Goudie, Owner

A Personal Thank You

Thank You for giving Gwendolyn's Gate the opportunity to fulfill your Happy Holiday shopping. We always strive to provide you with the highest quality product and service to meet your needs. We look forward to developing an even better relationship in the New Year to come.
God Bless and Happy Holidays, Wendy Goudie, Owner

Holiday Shipping

As of December 19, 2007 Gwendolyn's Gate is still shipping orders within 24 hours of receipt. Please place your orders promptly to ensure holiday delivery.
We hope you are enjoying the holiday season and wish you all the best throughout the season and the new year to come.
God Bless, Wendy Goudie, Owner, Gwendolyn's Gate

Hubris - Etymology: Greek hybris

While watching Monday night football, I heard a fascinating word, "Hubris", meaning exaggerated pride or self-confidence; arrogance.
In classical Greek ethical and religious thought, overweening presumption suggesting impious disregard of the limits governing human action in an orderly universe. It is the sin to which the great and gifted are most susceptible, and in Greek tragedy it is usually the hero's tragic flaw.
For such a small word the impact is quite vast. A hubris character flaw in relationships and work will only stop any future growth within that one might have. When misfortune happens will you be able to rise again without pride getting in one's way? Have integrity in all that you do - do not allow malice to play a role. Honesty, Integrity, Loyalty, and Truth, is what we all look for in someone or something. Apply the HILT and reach the acme of success.

Retrospect

While looking back in my first year of business I can see where I have prospered and where I need improvement. Although, I have made my mistakes along the way I do not look at them as a failure but an opportunity to make the necessary adjustments needed to succeed. What I found to be extememely important is to have a plan and remain focused on it and not to steer in another direction. Being a creative soul is wonderful but also can have it's downfalls. I love to learn, research and develop new product keeping myself busy all the time. But, being a 1 man show with only part time help remaining focused has played a very important role. I have been frustrated in the process but I am beginning to reep the rewards. Staying focused has allowed me to begin planning for 2008. During this time I designed a new marketing strategy and developed 2 more products. The marketing will begin as soon as January and will be in full swing by February. As for the product I have become more indepth with the development utilizing ingredients on hand and the same with the packaging. The launch of the new product will not be until late February. Stay tuned for Gwendolyn's Gate new product and exciting happenings in 2008. Here's to a Happy Prosperous New Year!

Gwendolyn's Gate Holiday Special

Treat yourself kindly - Gwendolyn's Gate is having a special holiday offer. The Body Oil Gift set is now 50% off. When you purchase the set online you will receive 2 for 1. The "Chrysalis" Body Oil" is made with pure sweet almond oil and scented with beautiful essential oils. The Body Oils may be used as a moisturizer, bath oil or massage oil. Indulge yourself and be beautiful! Also, did you know that Jacqi O' use to use almond oil as a moisturizer? Happy Holidays!

Joining A Network For Business Enhancement

For many years I have been developing product. But, this year with the new line I created called "Chrysalis" I decided to take it to another level due to the amazing results. Credibility and a professional image is what I was looking for. My first step was applying for all the appropriate licenses through the state and county - I was now legal and have the credentials to show. To further enhance my image I decided to join The Indie Beauty Network in which I received Product Liability Insurance as part of the membership. The membership and PLI not only adds to the credibility of my line but also creates a stronger image of being a serious entrepreneur. Honestly, I can say that in the beginning I was not a very active member. I would always read the online weekly newsletter I received and browse the web site. Then one day I decided to write an email to the founder in which she replied. The enthusiasm I felt in the email was overwhelming. From that day forward I decided to become more active, read the articles and participate on a different level. The results have been great. During this time I have learned quite a bit and I look forward to a great future with my business growth.

Healthy Winter Skin - Body Butter

The winter months can be very hard on our skin-applying moisturizer just doesn't seem to work. Especially in specific areas of dryness where we tend to flake and itch. One of the most important things to do is exfoliate your skin. This allows the moisturizer to penetrate into the skin and not just lay on the surface. You can purchase exfoliating gloves that can be used in the shower with the cleanser of your choice. The next step is to apply a deep moisturizing butter. The ingredients in Chrysalis Body Butter is designed to alleviate winter dry skin and to protect your skin from the harsh elements of the winter months. The kokum & shea butters are used to rejuvenate and moisturize your skin, as are the oils of kukui, sunflower & soybean. But, the added oils also assist in the healing process. During the winter months certain skin disorders seem to surface such as psoriasis and eczema due to the dryness, and stress during the holiday season. With the combined ingredients of my Body Butter I found the symptoms of skin disorders were lessened and your skin retained the deep moisturizing qualities. For more information on Chrysalis Body Butter please click on the heading above. Here's to Healthy Winter Skin!

Bath Salts - Wonderful Holiday Gift To Make Yourself

Handmade holiday gifts can be the most wonderful gifts to give. Start simple by creating a beautiful aromatic bath salt. The ingredients you will need I am sure you will find in both your kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Ingredients and measurements: 1 cup sea salt, 2 cups epsom salt, 1/3 cup baking soda, 1 tablespoon dendritic salt (to increase and retain aroma), 1/2 teaspoon almond, sunflower, or soybean oil, 1 tablespoon of desired fragrance oil. In a medium size glass bowl mix the sea & epsom salts, baking soda, and the oil. In a small glass bowl mix the dendritic salt and fragrance oil - stir well. Combine all ingredients and package as you desire. This may be used for 1 bath or to make a couple sample size pieces. To package your bath salts put in a zip lock bag and then place either in a muslin or organza bag. To be more creative you may also use a glass jar and layer the bath salt using herbs and or flowers. Attach a scoop, ribbons and a hang tag - let your creativity flow. Happy Holidays!

3 Simple Steps To A Youthful Beautiful You

When I first began to work on my Chrysalis skin care line my main focus was to create a product that would help reduce the signs of aging. The first product I created was the Facial Butter. I chose ingredients that I felt would be appropriate for the results I was looking for. The main ingredient is the Kukui Nut Oil which has been used in Hawaii for hundreds of years to help alleviate certain skin disorders. What attracted me to this oil was the effects in had on the skin, the properties, and they way it absorbed into the deepest layers of your skin without an oily look or feel. I tried this ingredient by itself and I loved the results. With further research I discovered Kokum Butter which is great for the elasticity in your skin and to rejuvenate tired worn cells. The Cocoa Butter also improves the elasticity of your skin and helps to firm the skin. The Lecithin made from soybeans is used to help pull moisture from the air and to thicken my product. The Facial Butter alone is a wonderful product. But, when combined with the Gentle Exfoliates and French Green Clay the results are amazing. The Gentle Exfoliates consists of mild cleansers, apricot kernel meal and French green clay. This combination is absolutely wonderful for reducing pores, clearing your complexion, and gently exfoliating. French Green Clay is known to be the world's best anti-aging product. When used alone as a mask the benefits are tremendous. With the combination of the 3 products you will truly be amazed at the effects. Click on the heading above which directs you to my web sites Testimonial Page. Please take a look and see what my customers have said about Chrysalis' 3 Simple Steps

Warmth of a Winter Storm

As the day approached of our winter storm we all prepared with anticipation of what was to come. The hours went by and it seemed as if the storm would not be as bad as stated. The naked tree's became lined with snow, the cardinals were brilliant with their red coats, the lawn and streets began to turn white creating a blanket covering the earth. The snow was glistening white, and as the winds picked up the tree's began to sway - all the makings of a beautiful winter storm day. Suddenly the power was gone. What would we do, no TV, and no computer? It was wonderful - we sat and talked until late. For some we had a peaceful night sleep awaiting what the morning would bring. Knock knock on the door, wake up we have no power and the basement has flooded - please make sure you are okay. Up we were, not knowing my husband was up on and off all night to make sure the basement was okay, we began to scurry around. Realizing all was well I went to the store to get coffee and doughnuts. The warmth of the storm began, the neighbors were out - we talked all morning (outside in 30 degree temperatures) until the power went on. This was about 3 hours later. But, in the meantime our neighbors across the street had power, and they offered their homes for comfort. And we also borrowed power - running very long extension cords across the street to give power to our sumps to not flood or have to carry heavy buckets of water up the stairs and out the door. This is the warmth of the storm - knowing we have friends who care and offer a lending hand. The talks with the family and conversation with our neighbors in cold temperatures. I had other plans for the day but, it was nice to relax and chat.

Aromatic Delights You Can Make Yourself

Aromatherapy, what a wonderful way to make yourself feel good both emotionally and physically. Since the 1980's Aromatherapy has been on the forefront of alternative care and now in conventional care. The use of essential oils seems to be commonplace in the home now. The expense of essential oils can be costly but, there are ways to create your own aroma's using the herbs and spices you have in your cabinet and of course your garden. Because it is fall and winter is fast approaching so we will discuss what we can use in your cabinets. Keep in mind that your local health food store (usually independently owned) will carry a lot of dried herbs, spices, flowers and other plants to create the aroma you so desire. Also, your local craft store will carry these items too.
To keep it simple start with 1 to 3 different aroma's. Once you become familiar with how the fragrances blend together you can always add more and remember some are stronger than others and will take over your blend. To start use a small pan filled with about 3-4cups of water place your desired blend about 1/2 cup in the pan bring to a boil and let simmer. You may add to this as you please throughout the day. Here are a few of my favorite blends - especially for the winter to keep your house smelling fresh, and clean. Some of the blends are great to help soothe symptoms of a cold or flu, to alleviate headaches, increase energy and clarity of mind, or just to give you an overall sense of well being.
1. Rosemary, eucalyptus & sage 2. Cinnamon, orange peels & or nutmeg
3. Lavender & rosemary 4. Rosemary & peppermint
5. Sage, rosemary & thyme (hey, isn't that a song - I know parsley is missing) 6. Marjoram & lavender 7. Patchouli & rosemary 8. Lavender & orange peels 9. Patchouli, rose buds & orange peels
Mix and match as you please and some of these are great aroma's alone. If you have any extracts you may also add to the blend. Remember the extract will evaporate quickly due to the alcohol content. Relax and enjoy - be creative!

Take The Call & Read Your Mail

When starting a business and once you have registered yourself with the state and county where you live your business information is available to everyone everywhere. Be prepared, the solicitations begin. But, I do recommend that you take the time to accept the phone calls and read your mail because you never know who or what information there is to help build your business or even your personal life. I am commenting on this because I took the calls and read my mail and have met a couple people that I do plan on working with in the future. One person in particular that I truly enjoyed our conversation is Glenn Reben of Better Marketing Solutions, Inc. greben@socket.net. During our conversation I discovered that he is a rep for 3 different companies offering all natural, cruelty-free, and vegan compatible products. This is somewhat similar to what I offer in my line of skin care products but, I never considered the vegan compatibility issue. Hmm - food for thought. Anyway..back to the subject. We further discussed the products offered and I came to realize that in Glenn's line there are products that will greatly improve your health - especially for those who live with a disease that compromise the auto immune system. I have a few family members that have such a disease and now I will look further into the products that Glenn offers. Whether my relationship with Glenn helps improve my business or my personal life I am glad that I took the call.

Home Office-Scheduling Your Time

This is what my home office looks like. Well, kind of, I pieced together photos I took. Let me introduce to you Melmo one of our cats. He always likes to work with me.
There are advantages of having a home office. Number 1 is that you can set your own hours but, be sure to try and keep a regular schedule without being too rigid. Allow flexibility - interruptions will always happen when working out of the home especially if you have children. Setting priorities as to what needs to be done first and the remainder may be done at night when the house is quiet. What I found to be extremely helpful is getting up early in the morning at 5:30 am. From 5:30 til 7:30 my home is quiet, I check emails, answer emails, check orders, do any important paperwork that requires my full undivided attention, and check my to-do list for the day. It is amazing what you can accomplish in 2 hours without interruptions. This also sets the tone for the rest of the day - when you feel that you have accomplished something it reinforces the positive aspects of having a home based business and the successes you have created. Enjoy - creating your own destiny!

"Honey", Can we talk?

In years past, honey has been used not only as a culinary delight but also for medicinal purposes. Today honey is now becoming more popular with skin care. Studies have shown that honey is high in antioxidants, helps retain moisture and tightens pores. I offer a skin care product called Body Cream that has honey as part of the ingredients along with other important skin healing & moisturizing properties. Actually, it's a lotion but too thick to put in a pump bottle. The Body Cream is packed in an eight ounce jar that allows you to use all the product with no waste. Another one of my products, the French Green Clay Mask is also beneficial to your skin & when combined with honey the results are amazing. To use the French Green Clay simply place about a teaspoon in the palm of your hand add water slowly to create a paste. To increase the benefits add a small amount of honey apply to your face and let sit for about 20 minutes. Rinse and apply my Facial Butter.

Recipe for natural skin care-Winter dry skin

The winter months are fast approaching and this time of year it can be difficult to keep our skin hydrated. Between our environment and the outside elements our skin becomes dry, flaky, and may even cause itching. What I have discovered throughout the years is that it is very important to exfoliate your skin, removing the dead skin cells allowing your moisturizer to penetrate deeply. Here are a few simple steps using ingredients from your cabinets to help heal dry skin and improve your skins natural beauty.
Ingredients:
Vegetable oil: olive, soybean, or sunflower oil. I recommend these oils because they penetrate the skin easily and have certain healing properties.
Sea Salt: any fine grain sea salt. The sea salt will not only exfoliate the skin but it will also help remove toxins from the body.
Herbs & Spices: optional. to make your blend an aromatic delight & a bit more exfoliating I suggest using herbs from your cabinet. Before mixing in your exfoliating blend, place the desired herbs in a coffee grinder to turn the herbs into fine granules. The herbs that I like to use are rosemary, sage, & a little peppermint - very invigorating and pleasing to the senses. Use 1 or 2 or combine all 3.
Combine: in a small bowl
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons sea salt (may increase amount) and 1 teaspoon herbs (optional).
Mix the ingredients well - almost like a paste. Apply with your hands to clean, wet skin. You may either use your hands, washcloth, or exfoliating glove to massage your skin. Rinse and pat dry. Your skin will feel smooth and silky.
This also makes a great gift - just package in a decorative container adding ribbon or raffia, and a little hang tag. Please note that if adding the herbs they may discolor.
Enjoy & be Beautiful!

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday Mom! How young are you?
Here's to another wonderful year filled with health, happiness & peace. Have a great day! Love Wendy

Thank You Ken

My husband Ken, has supported me throughtout the years of my ambition to create products and start my own business. He loves my new product line "Chrysalis" especially the Facial Butter. Thank You Ken for all your support! Love You!

Gwendolyn's Gate New Addition to Business

Welcome Everyone,

I have just decided to add a blog to my site and business to help keep everyone informed of what's new, product information, and whatever else comes to mind.
Please be patient with me, as this new blog is in the developing stage.
I would love to hear from you - post a comment.

Best Regards,
Wendy Goudie