2nd Day Of Spring In Illinois

This is the result of the winter storm in Spring. Although, we expected a lot more snow we still had at least 6-8". I have always enjoyed the beauty of a storm when the tree's are lined and the ground is covered in a fresh blanket of snow. When the sun shines on the snow it is a glistening beauty reminding me of tiny diamonds.
I think this is the last of the snow for the year. Here in Illinois, if I'm not mistaken it has been a record for snow fall. In years past, I do not recall having this much snow.
I love living in Illinois, enjoying the change of every season. I can't imagine a Winter without snow, a Spring without rain and the blooming of flowers, a Summer without the warmth of the sun, and the Fall without the color change.
Love life and embrace change!

Spring In Illinois

This is Spring in Illinois. Although, yesterday was the first day of Spring and was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures in the 40's, this is what Mother Nature can do. This picture is outside my home office window. We are expected to get 6-10 inches of snow with the possibility of more because we live near the Wisconsin border.
They say that a new season brings upon change - well, if this isn't proof! Drastic change in weather!
Have a great Easter weekend.

1 Year Anniversary As An Indie Beauty Member

Today marks the day of my 1 year anniversary as being an Indie Beauty Network member. A decision that I am completely satisfied with and grateful for joining.
When I first started Gwendolyn's Gate back in January of 2007 I wasn't sure where the company would go and even if I wanted to devote myself full time as a business owner. Basically, turning my hobby and passion into a business. After a few months of formulating and reformulating product, designing and redesigning packaging and finally coming up with something beautiful and beneficial I decided to take that "Leap of Faith" and become a full time professional business owner. In doing so I applied for all the proper credentials through the state and county. But, one thing kept lurking in the back of my mind "Product Liability Insurance". I began my research online and discovered the Indie Beauty Network. I read all the necessary info and joined on March 19, 2007. Although, in March I was legal my product did not hit the market until June of 2007. I still needed time for testing and researching the market.
During this time I felt comfortable knowing I had PLI and never really was involved in the network until September of 2007. Well, did I waste time. The information, advice, and stories of other members is very uplifting and inspirational. In the past year I have learned so much and because of the wonderful opportunities of being an Indie member I have renewed my membership today. Kudos to Donna Maria for what she brings to being an Indie member. And Thank You for helping me be more successful!
Click on the heading above for more info on the Indie Beauty Network!

Lavender - Healing Recipes

Lavender, is another aloe vera of the plant world. A healing agent with skin conditions and as an aromatic delight.
Lavender has many uses as a stand alone ingredient or when combined with others. Just the smell of Lavender alone is so relaxing yet uplifting. Lavender is also a great plant to help keep those pesty mosquito's away!
Here are a few recipes I have discovered to help alleviate certain ailments. The blends are listed by the most to the least amount of essential oils. When applied to the skin dilute with either water or a base ingredient. Headache: lavender, peppermint, and rosemary. Use as an inhalant, apply to area(s) of discomfort, and may be added to a bath. Stress Relief: lavender, geranium, bergamot, and grapefruit. Use as an inhalant and may be added to a bath. Depression: lavender, ylang ylang, and clary sage. Use as an inhalant and may be added to a bath. Relaxing: lavender, cedarwood, neroli, and ylang ylang. Use as an inhalant and may be added to a bath.
This is one of the best recipes when it comes to healing minor abrasions and assisting in clearing up acne. This must be diluted with either water or other ingredients - do not apply directly to the skin. Skin Healing: lavender, bergamot, and eucalyptus. Apply diluted directly on area needed. This blend may be added to lotions, soap, body oils, and water. The results will be amazing.
Please note that the above recipes are not intended to treat conditions. Seek medical advice.
Have fun blending!

Aromatherapy and You!

Some of us may think that Aromatherapy has been around for a hundred years or more. But, it dates back 6000 years and has Biblical references. When I first started to study and research Aromatherapy I decided to look in the bible and there it was. There were many references to plant essences such as olive oil, frankincense and myrrh - which were great commodities at the time traded among many countries.
We can thank Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a French Chemist who brought this science into the mainstream in the 1920's and Jean Valnet who continued the work of Gattefosse. In an accident where Rene burned his arm, he placed it in a vat of lavender (the only cooling agent in his lab) to soothe the burn. Immediately he noticed a remarkable pain relief, quick healing and no scarring. After the accident in the perfume lab Rene then continued to study the healing properties of essential oils.
In the 20th century Aromatherapy became very popular in the United States and has remained in the mainstream. The art and science of Aromatherapy is now practiced extensively not only in alternative medicine but also in traditional medicine. The essential oils are used in many applications from the aromatic affects to topical healing. They are used alone, diluted or blended with other ingredients.
A beautiful healing science using God's natural resources!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Today is the day when everyone is Irish!
Did you know that St.Patrick was once a pagan? But, he is one of Christianity's most popular saints and is known for driving the snakes out of Ireland.
In 1737, the holiday first became publicly observed by the Irish immigrants in the United States in Boston. The first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in New York City in 1766.
After almost 300 years, the tradition continues by wearing green, eating Irish food, listening to Celtic music and Irish folklore, and attending parades. What a great day for celebration and in Chicago it is by far the best!
There is an area in downtown Chicago called Division St. where they close down the streets, Policemen are on horseback, and the celebration begins in the wee hours of the morn'. Believe me when I say the streets are filled not only with those who are Irish but the wanna be's too! The celebration spans throughout the Chicago land area with great excitement.
Happy St. Patrick's Day & God Bless!

Thank You For Your Support

I would like to take this opportunity to Thank all of you for attending the Product Launch and Anniversary at Fancy Nancy's Boutique and for making it a success. I hope that you enjoyed yourself as much as I did! It truly was a pleasure to meet you and I look forward to a continuing relationship. Please remember that Gwendolyn's Gate "Chrysalis" skin care is now available at Fancy Nancy's Boutique. Nancy will be pleased to assist you with your skin care needs. Also, if you have any questions you may contact me through my web site at http://www.gwendolyns-gate.com/ or email gwendolynsgate@comcast.net. I am always available to assist you.
Pictured on the left is Nancy, owner of Fancy Nancy's Boutique and myself Wendy, owner of Gwendolyn's Gate. This photo was taken on the second day of the event with all the excitement still in the air. We both had so much fun assisting with your fashion and skin care needs. What woman doesn't love to look and feel good from their skin to their clothes? Since your response to this event was so overwhelming, we have decided to continue to have more events at the boutique. One event that is presently in the planning stage is a pamper night. You will be invited to participate in a facial and manicure just for fun - a Ladies Night Out!
Stayed tuned for more details to come!