Announcing The Opening Of Mint Julep Bistro

Ladies and Gents if you ever wanted the best southern cooking around I highly suggest the Mint Julep Bistro.
On Wednesday, Sept. 10th the Bistro will be open to the public. Located in downtown Palatine on Slade St just east of Gwendolyn's Gate.
Here is just a little hint of what will be offered. - Fried Green Tomatoes. Yes, you heard from me and I can not wait to try these wonderful delights. Not only do I love the movie but also the fried green tomatoes and any other type of tomato.
On Tuesday, Sept. 9th. I have been invited to participate in the test run. I am excited to be a part of this wonderful event and will share with you the results.
Stay tuned for more info to come!

Knowing Your Target Market In Business

Changes in business are inevitable and sometimes for the best. When first creating your business plan it is important to know your target market. When I first created Gwendolyn's Gate "Chrysalis" Skin Care line my target market was the mature women. This was working out great as the results and testimonials came in. Then we opened a retail location with my product line, scent your own product, eco friendly sleepwear and lounge wear and a few other related items. Suddenly we noticed that our target market had changed and expanded to young teens, in between, and the mature woman. All female keep in mind the young teens and in betweens. Then, - oh I sound like that girl from American Pie, and then and then I went to band camp. Anyway, this past weekend the town Palatine where our business is located had their yearly Street Fest. This was a great success as we extended our hours and days of operation. During this time we had a lot of couples who came in to purchase. To my surprise the men who entered loved the line and purchased items for themselves as well as their wives. This was absolutely amazing. I can honestly say that although my husband loves aromatherapy he has never gone out of his way to purchase a skin care product because of aroma or natural ingredients. This was a great lesson to learn as we received a lot of feedback. Now, once again, we are expanding our product line - but not too much - we still need to test the market.
Change, as in the seasons is always good. Still remember your purpose!

The Breakdown Of Preservatives In Make-Up

As reported today, your make-up does have a shelf life. What amazed me is that although there is a preservative the shelf life can be anywhere from 2-3 months to 2 years. The reason for this is that as you use the make-up the preservatives begin to breakdown and anything that is a water base is more susceptible to bacteria. When this happens you can get an infection, conjunctivitis, and irritated skin.
The worse enemy is mascara because it is dark and moist. The shelf life of mascara is 2-3 months. As for your eye pencil this will last longer the more you whittle it down removing the possibility of infection. But, don't forget to clean your sharpener. Liquid make-up usually has a shelf life of 10-12 months. Face powder and blush can last as long as 3 years because there is no water. But, whoever has make-up for that long? And finally, lipstick can last as long as 2-3 years.
There are a couple of ways to tell if the preservative is breaking down in your make-up. One is the sniff test - if it doesn't smell right then time to get rid of it or look for discoloration!
Time for me to clean out my make-up drawer!

Aloe & Green Tea Body Cleanser By JR Watkins

JR Watkins has done it again. The Aloe & Green Tea Body Cleanser is absolutely fabulous. The combined ingredients of Natural Botanicals, Aloe Vera & Green Tea Extract are just some of the reasons why you should use this fabulous body cleanser.
Where do I begin? The packaging is wonderful, the aroma is beautiful, your skin feels silky smooth, you can use the cleanser as a shower gel or take a soothing aromatic bath. Which by the way, the aromatic bath pleases both the body & mind. Now combine this with the age-defying aloe vera, antioxidant green tea, and natural botanicals, - you have a very luxurious bath. Add to that the reasonable price of $8.49 you can not go wrong.
Click on the heading above to be directed to JR Watkins web site where you find other personal care, natural home care, natural gourmet, and recipes.

Gwendolyn's Gate Is Expanding Again With...............

More product offerings. Since the opening of Gwendolyn's Gate your response has been overwhelming and as per your request we are continuing to bring in more new & exciting products.
The Touch-On's, as pictured above are now available in 2 beautiful blends. Body Calm regulates and harmonizes the female lifecycle and hormonal imbalance further assisting with mood swings. This blend is also beneficial for stress. Revitalize enhances both physical energy and mental power. A great blend to overcome lethargy and fatigue - refresh and sharpen the mind.
We have also extended our line of essential oils to include Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Patchouli, Peppermint, and Rosemary in addition to Lavender. Of course the Lavender we had to reorder in just a weeks time. Soon we will bring in more essential oils such as Frankincense, Myrrh, Bergamot, Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Sage, Vetiver, and the beautiful Ylang Ylang.
I will be there to assist you with all your personal needs in regards to the blending of the essential oils. For immediate relief try one of the Touch On's!
COMING SOON - Personalized perfumes. In 2009 we are introducing the personalized perfumes where I will create a blend specifically for you. And, this will be your private stock and the aroma will not be duplicated.
Stay tuned for more info to come!

Hat's Off to You...

It's that time of the year.... back to school is near. As many of us mother's shop for back to school supplies, clothes, shoes and the many additional item's our kiddies need, we have to keep in mind Fall is near. As the summer day's grow shorter, so to do our day's of wearing tank tops, shorts and flip flops.

Gwendolyn's Gate is pleased to announce that we are an authorized retailer for beret's and hat's by Ms. Sharon Rowe. Sharon has been creating unique clothing items for over 30 years! We are so excited that she has agreed to let us market her custom creations. Sharron's GORGEOUS hat's and beret's will complement any wardrobe and any age group.

Be sure to stop in and purchase a few of these beauties before they are all gone!!

Lotions & Perfumes - It's Okay To Blend Your Fragrances

For most women the thought of combining perfume with a lotion scented differently seems unlikely and may even cause a disaster. When, in fact combining fragrances can result in an absolutely beautiful aroma - unique and personal to your own body chemistry!
The manufacturing of perfume is quite intriguing. Believe it or not each new perfume starts with blending anywhere from 3 to 23 different fragrances (well maybe not 23 but quite a few). Also, this is done drop by drop - of course only for the initial scent - then it is manufactured in mass quantities. So there is a chance that the same fragrances will be in both your lotion and perfume.
The best way to discover if your lotion and perfume will blend is to hold them under your nose and smell moving the bottles from side to side. Also, remember when applying your body heat will change the aroma slightly. Heat activates the fragrance giving it a little warmer tone and when combined I am sure it will be very pleasing to the senses!
So let's give it a try - I dare you!

The Power of Positive Thinking

We all have heard the saying, "The Power of Positive Thinking" - and believe when I say this is true.
July, as in retail, is known to be a slow month. Although, we did well considering July was celebrating our second month in business - the month itself is usually slow. On the last day of the month I said to myself and others that August would prove to be great and sure enough it was.
On Friday, August 1st sales were great and then on Saturday, August 2nd sales were double of the first. I was so excited and knew that things would be great and could only get better. Today, August 5th, back at work is proving to be the same.
Here's to The Power of Positive Thinking. Apply it in every aspect of your life and see what happens!

JR Watkins Just Arrived At Gwendolyn's Gate

We are happy to announce that JR Watkins products have just arrived at Gwendolyn's Retail location. From the packaging to the product it is absolutely wonderful. Please click on the heading above to be directed to the retail location blog. There you will read about all the wonderful Sizzling August sales! Hope to see you soon!

A Tribute To The Rix Family - The Overhill Gang

This past Saturday I had such a good time and I want to Thank Val, Mike Rix's oldest! My past came to me from younger years and I loved every minute of it.
Now, this could be lengthy, but I will keep it short. Growing up in Chicago was a wonderful time in which I will never forget. There are those who wish to share and keep in touch. And, Thank You to, well to name a few Kath, Mary, Colleen, Maureen, and Ann for keeping us all together. Growing up is so hard and looking back reminds us of who we are and where we came from- always look back and know what is important.
Here's to my friends of younger years and Kudos to our daughters who wish to carry through.
I can't wait for us to see each other again. I am blessed to have you all - keeping me alive with the past and to share by all!

Embracing Who We Are

As almost every morning, I am up early and surfing the Internet. While visiting my usual sites I came across a wonderful phrase posted at http://wholesalesuppliesplus.blogspot.com/.
"Perhaps God's greatest gift to us in life is the ability to learn from our experiences, especially our mistakes, and grow into better people."
Envy, as described in the dictionary: painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage. This, envy will only inhibit your ability to embrace who you are and grow into a better person.
Embrace yourself and live life as God has given you. See the beauty around you. Remember, what you give is what you will receive.

Congrats To Denise Russell Of Carson City, NV

Congrats to Denise for winning Gwendolyn's Gate Peppermint Foot Scrub package. We hope you enjoy it Denise and please tell us how you like it!
Also, Thank You to Beauty Chat for allowing Gwendolyn's Gate to be a part of their GiveAway. We love Beauty Chat and Beauty Details - a place where you can learn and share all about beauty - remember, it's in the Details! And, why not Chat about it.

Coming Soon to Gwendolyn's Gate- JR Watkins

As many of you know, I love to try new products! I recently discovered JR Watkins and BOY OH BOY...is their product line sensational. I loved the quality, packaging and ingredients so much, I am now authorized to carry their line!

Not often do you find a product line like this. (except for Chrysalis)

We should be expecting our first order over the next week or two.

Be sure to visit Gwendolyn's Gate retail location in Palatine to experience Chrysalis and JR Watkins.

Our goal, is to help women achieve an overall sense of well being and balance in their daily lives.

Reed Diffusers - Back By Popular Demand

Yeah - as of Saturday July 12, the diffusers are now available at Gwendolyn's Gate retail location - with 15 different fragrances to choose from. Our newest addition to our line of fragrances are Lily of the Valley and Black Raspberry-Vanilla, and I can honestly say they are just beautiful. But, the most popular is the Lemongrass-Sage - very light, fresh and clean.
What I like the most about the reed diffusers is that a 4 oz. bottle will last 2 or more months and of course it is a white frosted bottle.
So come on in for a visit or call us at 847-963-1684 to order your custom reed diffuser today!
We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Something About Lavender At Gwendolyn's Gate Retail Location

Visit Gwendolyn's Gate retail location for the beautiful aromatic gifts of Lavender. Pictured on the left here are the Organic Lavender Dryer Bags - packaged 4 per container. Each bag may be used up to 10 times.
Click on the heading above to read more about the special Lavender gifts at Gwendolyn's Gate.

Beauty Chat & Gwendolyn's Gate Whipped Peppermint Foot Scrub GiveAway!

Beauty Chat and Gwendolyn's Gate are having a GiveAway! Visit http://www.beautychatblog.com to enter to win a great Whipped Peppermint Foot Scrub, Foot Brush and a Pumice Stone beautifully packaged in a pink organza bag. Just read how Denice of Beauty Chat loves this scrub! To win simply post a comment stating how you relax at home when you're on a budget. We will then choose the best answer. Contest ends July 14th. Be sure to enter now!

All Natural Insect & Mosquito Repellent at Gwendolyn's Gate - The First Retail Outlet To Sell Herbal Screen

Gwendolyn's Gate is the first retailer to sell this wonderful all natural insect/mosquito repellent. Just last week I was contacted by someone who had asked if we would be interested in selling their product. Of course we jumped at the opportunity realizing what a wonderful product this is and how it is safe for all ages. We are honored to be the first distributor of Herbal Screen! Please read below for the most commonly asked questions:
1. Is Herbal Screen as effective as other repellents? Yes. Herbal Screen has been thoroughly tested by an independent laboratory (Carroll-Loye Biological Research in California). The effectiveness in bite reduction was 96.5%, which can be compared to 97.8% for a leading brand DEET product. Since both product results have a standard deviation or margin of error of over 2%, that means there's no significant difference between the 2 in protection. The duration of protection was 2 hours or more for the majority of people tested. It is recommended to reapply product every 2 hours or as needed. Herbal Screen is as effective or more effective than other leading natural insect repellents on the market, and competitively priced.
2. What is 'DEET'? DEET stands for Diethyl-N-Toluamide. This chemical was developed by the US Dept. of Agriculture and is manufactured by 2 of the largest chemical corporations (US) in the world. There has been some controversy over the safety of DEET products, most notably on children. Herbal Screen products are 100% DEET free, offering a natural insect repellent solution without potentially harmful chemicals.
3. Are 'natural' repellents safe and effective? Some 'natural' repellents are safe and others are not. It is the concentration of certain plant extracts and oils which can be harmful in large quantities. Citronella is an extract of Citronella Grass and is safe to use up to about 10%. Herbal Screen products have an acceptable concentration of products to provide safe use. Herbal Screen is an effective product and has been tested thoroughly within an independent testing facility.
4. What ingredients does Herbal Screen contain? Herbal Screen is a natural insect repellent made from a combination of plant extracts. Pure essential oils of citronella, mint, cedar and/or vetiver are combined with an alcohol tincture of gavilana for multi-layered protection against a variety of biting insects. Aloe vera extract and soy oil form a base. The formula is pH buffered to maintain your skin's natural balance.
5. Do mosquitoes pass on HIV/AIDS? HIV/AIDS is not transmitted via mosquitoes. Other diseases of concern are transmitted by mosquitoes, such as West Nile Virus.
6. What insects does Herbal Screen protect you from? Herbal Screen provides effective protection against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and no-see-'ems.
7. What is West Nile virus? West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. The disease is transmitted through mosquitoes and can be fatal. West Nile virus emerged in the 1930s in the West Nile district of Uganda. It became established in Egypt and in 1957 caused an outbreak of encephalitis in Israel. In the early 1960s it began infecting horses in France. West Nile virus arrived in New York in 1999, probably on the wings of an infected bird. From 1999 through 2001, the virus caused 149 cases of human illness in the US There were 18 deaths. Then came 2002. The virus spread from coast to coast. There were more than 4,100 documented human cases and 284 deaths. Experts agree that West Nile virus is now a permanent part of our summers. Nobody knows how big a problem it will be in any given year. West Nile virus is scary. For further information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factSheet.htm.
8. Is Herbal Screen safe for the environment? Herbal Screen is a 100% natural product. It is nontoxic for you and the environment.
Herbal Screen is currently available at our retail location only. For more information please contact us at 847-963-1684.

Whipped Peppermint Foot Scrub Give Away

Gwendolyn's Gate and Beauty Chat will be giving away a beautiful Whipped Peppermint Foot Scrub package including a Pumice Stone & Foot Brush (in the shape of a foot). A Delicious delectable treat for the feet. Although, it smells good enough to eat I highly suggest you use it specifically for the feet!
Stay tuned for more info to come and please visit Beauty Chat http://www.beautychatblog.com/. A wonderful blog to learn about what's hot and what's not!
Don't forget to also visit http://beautydeatils.ning.com/ - another great community to learn and share beauty details. Remember Beauty is in the Details!

Introducing The Future CEO Of Gwendolyn's Gate

Introducing Ms. Kenzey Lee, the future CEO of Gwendolyn's Gate. At the age of 3 1/2 Ms. Kenzey Lee knows what she wants for her future. She did request that she get paid $50 bucks in advance for her future position. Well, does she seem like a go-getter?
It's nice to see that Kenzey Lee is just as excited as Gamma, Lisa, and Christine!

Jacaranda Living & Cathy Deale Someone You Should Know

Once you read about Cathy Deale you will understand why Gwendolyn's Gate is proud to be a retailer for Jacaranda Living. This line was our most popular seller at the Downtown Palatine Sidewalk Sale. Everyone who purchased Jacaranda was so pleased and when I told them the story as you will read below, they too, felt proud to be a great support to Cathy's company.
Cathy Deale was born on the Kwa Zulu Natal coastline of South Africa and grew up there until 1997 when she moved with her family to live in Boston, Massachusetts.
She always admired the high quality of work produced by the talented local Zulu women and wanted to try and help them expand their market horizons beyond South Africa.
Jacaranda Living (named after a beautiful tree that is prolific in South Africa) was established to support these wonderful people and their families who live in a harsh environment that is largely beset by poverty, crime and AIDS.
Every item is sold through retail stores. Every sale serves to help support these wonderful people.
Please come visit to experience this beautiful and elegant line of night wear and help Cathy support the Zulu women of South Africa!
There is a movie called "Pay It Forward" - which is very heart warming and the title says it all in 3 simple words on how to help someone else. So, be a part of "Pay It Forward" - knowing that you have helped someone is heart warming and remember what you give will be returned in some way!
We look forward to seeing you soon!