Blog Action Day 08 - Poverty & Beauty

Today Ka Nani Essentials is participating in a unique opportunity of raising awareness in regards to poverty. Through out our company we re-enforce the idea that while beauty is maintained on the outside, beauty is from within. When one is feeling low on the inside it is spread outward towards everything else.

Today I do not want to speak to the numbers & the tragedies of poverty as these are un-numerable, but rather focus on those who are actually taking action and making a difference. Those that are teaching & educating on how to be beautiful on the inside.

Ka Nani Essentials was honored to participate in supporting Alternative For Girls Organization in several of their Awareness Functions & Projects this year. We were able to donate several of our Bath Collection Baskets for a Silent Auction to help raise money for AFG & again in September when we helped support a team project with a delightful Spa Bag and hope to be donating soon some delightful soap bars for the Shelter.

Alternative For Girls is an organization that provides shelter, intervention & prevention for at risk, homeless & those who are not being taken care of by State or judicial programs.

Last year alone Alternative For Girls provided near 9,000 nights of loving care to girls, young women and their children.

They enlist the help of the elderly in the community as volunteer foster Grandparents to help provide child care for participating residents. What an idea!!

Alternative For Girls provides Out Reach programs where teams are dispatched to high-risk crime areas & provide information, food, rides to shelter safety for women engaged in self destructive activities such as drugs, prostitution or gang related jobs. They provide education & information on gun violence prevention, alcohol & increasing self-esteem.

Last year alone – they distributed over 26, 837 harm-reduction kits.

One of the best parts about Alternative For Girls that I appreciate so much is their Prevention Program that reaches the span of a girl's life…5-18. Their girls clubs are mentor based with each club having only 2 to 3 girls PER mentor!!! The clubs are interest based & include learning activities that range from gardening, to poetry, to martial arts or whatever else that the girls might be interested in. Alternative For Girls provides home visits to help give girls support even at home!

Alternative For Girls enlists the help of retired teachers that serve as tutors for after school programs & study groups to help girls retain what they have learned. They provide transportation & tours to college campuses.

As I look at all that Alternative For Girls is doing to take action against poverty – I am amazed!! Not only are they meeting women & children where they are at – they are helping to raise the hopes & dreams of those who have let those dreams go. And they are doing it with a mere handful of staff.

Ka Nani Essentials is humbled & honored to help in even the smallest way to support organizations such as Alternative For Girls that are truly taking a stand against poverty & making a difference!!

http://www.alternativesforgirls.org/WishList.html

To get started & make a difference above is a link of things that Alternative For Girls organization needs – even if it is a small item that you can give – you are making a difference in helping to stamp out poverty. For as you do these things, you are truly helping everyone to “Feel GREAT About Their Beauty!”

October Events

This Sunday, October 12, The Devil-Ettes are hosting another Pip Squeak A Go Go, the Bay Area's best dance party for kids!

WHAT: Pip Squeak A Go Go
WHERE: 330 Ritch Street, San Francisco
TICKETS: $10.00 (kids under 1 are FREE!)
FEATURING: kids rock band The Time Outs and The Devil-Ettes!
TIME: 1pm-4:30pm

Pip Squeak A Go Go, a dance party for all ages! Looking for something fun and completely different to do on a weekend afternoon? Then grab the kids and head on down to Pip Squeak A Go Go! The Devil-Ettes, San Francisco's premier 60's style go go dance group, are pleased to bring you a Go Go Dance party for the underage set. Inspired by the 1960's television show "Kiddie A Go Go," The Devil-Ettes offer a new spin on an old classic with music and fun for all ages. Whether you're a kid, or just like to act like one, this is one bash you won't want to miss! The kids dig learning all the lost and forgotten dances of the 1960's and The Devil-Ettes are great at keepin' the kids engaged throughout the day! Featuring the all daddy band The TIME OUTS!

CHECK OUT THE PIP SQUEAK VENDORS!!
The Damnation Army Store – jewelry and accessories worth sinning for
Pie Dough Productions - Blanket, bibs and burps, oh my! Unique homemade creations including animal-ear hats and clothing for toddlers.
Ka Nani Essentials - soap bars, liquid soaps, lotions and scrubs & NEW this year Candles created by Soy4me. All of Ka Nani Essentials bath and body products are hand made with natural and organic ingredients.
Rock The Crib - punk rock kids t-shirts
Beebalou – jewelry and art and plastic kitsch divine
Mama Cow - wear-able art made with new and recycled materials - monsters, birdies, skulls, monkeys and more.
Tucky Mama – uber groovy bags for hip mama's
WilloToons - geek meets rock 'n roll!

www.myspace.com/pipsqueakagogo
www.devilettes.com

Intentionally Clean

This last month we have been busy finalizing a new product line called Intentionally Clean

This product line was designed using an ancient Hawaiian Healing method Ho'oponopono as well as some other alternative healing methods.

This product line helps those who INTEND to live a life where one takes 100% responsibility for everything in their life and to keep one mindful of constantly cleaning their world.

The items that are provided reminds as well as helps clear and clean one's spirit/energy and body.

The tools are fun, unique and easy to fall in love when they are used.

I invite you to take a look at our first ever video made to explain the product line and how you too can become Intentionally Clean!!

Here is the video:

Are You Intentionally Clean?

I invite you to come watch the video and help us Celebrate our latest Intention!!

Beauty Secret of The Month for July.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. – George Carlin - In Loving Memory.

This month's Beauty Secret is an exercise in providing you with 50 Top Reasons Why you should have Natural Ka Nani Essentials or translated - Natural Beauty Essentials.

Ka Nani Essentials is a Bath and Body Company that makes their products by hand from natural and organic ingredients. Here are 50 Reasons to Go Ka Nani - Naturally!! So without further ado - here goes........

Why Ka Nani Essentials - Top 50 Reasons

50. It's foundation is built upon Integrity and finding the answers.

49. Honors Freedom, Creativeness and Individual Choices.

48. Supports two girls in providing a great start to life when they are ready.

47. Promotes and Celebrates Natural not artificial Beauty.

46. Puts taking care of yourself BACK into your hands.

45. Always tested on Humans rather than animals.

44. Gives four children the opportunity to have their parent available to them through-out the day.

43. Gives FREE tips and information.

42. Is trust-worthy - always follows through on their word.

41. Promotes being happy with who you are and celebrates the uniqueness in EVERYONE!

40. Is used in Local Chiropractor Offices.

39. Customers usually come back for more.

38. Takes great pride in their products and work.

37. Has GREAT moisturizing properties.

36. Is a mom-owned business and helps support two families.

35. Supports local communities and businesses.

34. Helps other small businesses.

33. Allows for artistic creativity.

32. Amazing and Exotic aromas available.

31. Order process is simple with easy to follow customization processes.

30. Promotes taking care of Spiritual Beauty as well as Physical Beauty.

29. Is really 'Kid Tested - Mother approved!'

28. Works hard to fulfill ANY request.

27. Really CAN match ANY Bathroom Theme you may have.

26. Is a company that REALLY listens to their customers.

25. Made In the U.S.A. by supplies and ingredients grown and made in the U.S.A.

24. Has no harsh detergents or chemicals in their products.

23. Strives to continually improve to remain Environmentally responsible.

22. Offers sincere Gratitude for customers, friends and supporters.

21. Is Safe for Children.

20. Has fast and efficient delivery.

19. Works to support healthy self image for everyone.

18. Gives to charities and other organizations that support children, animals and the environment.

17. Has a product for every budget.

16. Offers healthy choices.

15. It's products are based on extensive re-search.

14. Always gives samples and other goodies with EVERY order.

13. Designed to bring Naturalness to every home.

12. Is Fun.

11. All products are environmentally friendly.

10. Helps promote health.

9. Constantly tries to treat all customers as they themselves would like to be treated.

8. Allows the customer to get creative.

7. Helps to support children and other 'Mom businesses.'

6. Provides unique one of a kind creations.

5. Delivers ways to save ALL customers money.

4. Offers Aromatherapy in every product.

3. Makes living healthy EASY and AFFORDABLE.

2. Provides IMMEDIATE relief for a lot of skin conditions.

1. You can pronounce ALL ingredients on our labels!

And there you have it. If any one asks - now you have 50 reasons to support your decision to buy our Natural and Healthy Products!!

Feel free to share with anyone you wish :D

Until next month - Feel GREAT About Your Beauty - Naturally!

A Preview of Things To Come

I have been busy putting together a new product line - here are a few little 'taste teasers' for you!!

JOURNEY TO THE MAGIC CARPET

My post this week is going to break away from the normal 'business'.

This week has been a long week of endings. It has been one of joyful celebrations and really sad goodbyes because some extended family members are saying good-bye - for this week is the beginning of our solo flight on our 'Magic Carpet'.

How did we get here? Well it all began.......

Monday June 13, 2005 - In the early evening hours, I heard my second daughter's cry for the very first time. It was a healthy cry - one that brought a huge sigh of relief and tears to my eyes. (My first daughter had died in the hospital) Over the days and weeks that ensued this cry would mark the beginning of motherhood for me and the long forgotten - and sometimes mis-sung Mother Goose song....."Oh Dear, What can the Matter be - Oh Dear......"

In the beginning for me it was so very hard to tell my little one's cries apart. They all sounded the same.....LOUD, DEMANDING and PAINFUL. I tried everything and nothing felt like it was working - nothing 'Normal' anyways....The only time she would really sleep for any length of time was when she was laying on me or by me on a pillow.

It seemed to be that the only time she was contented was when she was in motion or in my arms.......long stroller walks and car rides were the ticket. But when they stopped - she would awake. I used to joke that my little one was born with a sense for velocity!!! When the speed in the car lessened she would wake up to wail. Driving between stop lights really was an emotional roller coaster! She would cry when I stopped and stop when I started again. Rocking chairs were a no, no and I quickly developed a five point jiggle!! Comical relief when I look back now :D The five point jiggle consisted of swinging side to side none to lightly mind you! Arms bouncing up and down all the while one hand patting her bottom gently but not too gently and singing! Foot tapping and dancing sometimes where optional but always greatly encouraged by her. Thankfully when my little one grew a bit - a swing that was low to the ground operated on batteries became the ticket along with an aquarium bouncy seat that vibrated - with soft bubbling water noises - this tired mother's arms finally got a wee bit of a rest.

The happy motherhood picture that I had before I gave birth had disappeared and I was left wondering..."Where on EARTH did I go wrong - what am I NOT doing?!!" By the time my little peanut was about 3 months old and onward. She was finally able to sleep on her own - (for daytime naps only) - I would tip-toe in to check on her and tiptoe back to melt into the coach - only to frantically run back in five minutes later to her screaming like someone had just pinched her or cut off her leg!! It would take 30 minutes to an hour to calm her down and in my mother heart I knew that something was just not right.

She HATED being on her tummy and try as she might she couldn't sit up on her own...this one has abs of steel for certain!!! Laying on her back she would do these mini crunches raising her head to try and look across the room. Although she did love to be propped up or placed in her swing so she could survey her kingdom!! Any attempts by dad to pick her up were met with intense screaming and must have been a horrendous feeling for him for her to be so unhappy in his arms.

Those around me thought and often told me that I was just a first time mom - who needed to relax and let her "work it out". But those cries would only become more intense and loud when I attempted to do so. It just didn't feel right to my mother heart to withhold the comfort that I knew I could instantly give. By the time my little one was 8 months old - I knew I needed help.

A little before 1 yrs of age - we started receiving Early Intervention therapy for 'lil peanut' and was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder or Sensory Integration Disorder as it is now called with mild Hypotonia or Hypertonia(low muscle tone) and mild developmental delays.

New things started popping up as well - loud noises, blenders, vacuums, garbage disposals and other 'startling' types noises especially a knock on the door would send her into a screaming, frightened fit that would take 20 minutes or more to calm her. Certain groups of people were NOT tolerated and I had a permanent leach!! (Or so I thought!)

With various therapies - it didn't seem to take right away and I felt those words coming back that maybe - just maybe it was all just me. Until we met our first occupational therapist 'Cindy'. Suddenly things started to make sense and the great black exercise ball was introduced. Although it was meant for something entirely different - the therapy ball quickly became my best and dearest friend :D Therapy balls or exercise balls are used to help roll and gently bounce the child on to help them get acquainted with body awareness and to develop various muscle control. Although my lil one didn't tolerate that at all - she did love it when I would get on the ball and bounce with her in my arms. From there on out until she was almost two - to get her to sleep at night - she and I would climb onto this monstrous black ball and I would start to sing lullabies if I didn't know the words I made them up!! I would bounce on it until she fell asleep - usually between 45 minutes to 2 hours after starting to bounce. Getting off was quite the challenge - but we did it and it worked wonders.....both for her and me!! I now have legs of steel! :D

Sitting up finally kicked in about a year and wow was she ever proud of herself. I began watching another little guy and after several months of hellish "boot camp" between my little one's needs and getting acquainted with another bright, but very different and very peaceful little guy...my little one finally had a playmate. They are the best of buds today and become highly upset when they can't give hugs and kisses to each other at the end of the day. They are also devilishly cute cohorts in getting into all sorts of mischief!! :D Little guy cried the other day all the way home cause he didn't get to hug his "ina"

Still highly frustrated about not being able to get her body to do what her intensely brilliant mind wanted to do - we slowly but surely progressed!! Eventually speech therapy kicked in and new tools were introduced that she was able to learn and use once her 'fear factor' was abated her level of frustration dropped again. Boy was she proud of herself!! :D

We were introduced to a new Occupational Therapist and after awhile things started again to blossom and improve. Her severe 'stranger anxiety' was still in high gear and I felt liked I was doomed to having a permanent leg growth!!! I couldn't be but an arms length away from her at any one time.

About this time I was introduced to a powerful yet soul stirring movie "The Secret" which changed my life completely. Giving me a new way to view the world, my life and everything in it. Being my true self - I went to researching and learning everything I could about this movie - the "Teachers" and the message of "You can have, be, do ANYTHING you want." And in this research is where I came across Ho'oponopono the ancient Hawaiian way to heal anything in your life. It wasn't really until Christmas of this last year when I bought and read the book "Zero Limits" by Joe Vitale that things in my life really began to change.

In the second half of lil ones 2nd year of life - I started my own business. Not being able to work a 'traditional' out of the home job because of my little one's needs I began looking for alternative ways to help support my family. I had been working with another person in their 'craft business' - and being my true self I quickly learned and started playing around with my own creations......Bath and Body - I didn't do the candle part because I couldn't be that involved. After a few months the business re-organized and there wasn't a place for my products anymore - so......I started my own!! With the previous business and office management type skills that I had acquired through the years along with my 10+ years of studying of herbs, alternative therapies and such - I felt confident in doing so.

Boy have I grown - right along side my lil one! :D The one thing that I have constantly been amazed at in watching my little one grow is her PERSEVERANCE! With her challenges it has been sometimes extremely painful to watch her fail and try again - but she does so with a smile on her face most times and when not - we work through the tears and try again. She always wants to try again! What a lesson for me!!

I can never again complain when something goes awry in my life because when I start to feel down and like giving up the picture of my little one trying to sit or stand or ride a little tricycle, or a myriad of things that has been extremely difficult for her enters my head and I remember......TRY AGAIN.

So here we are the last day of therapy before we take flight on our own. Everyone is so confident and proud of how much she and I have grown. How much better we are at handling the challenges that come our way. The tools and tricks that we have learned, the steps we have taken have all woven together to create a magic carpet that we can now ride on. And we are sad because they have become a part of our family.

But even with this magic carpet under us - I know there will be difficult days ahead. Days when wind turbulents will hit us and give us a bumpy ride. But the two things I know are this......

One door has closed - another one has already opened (Hippo Therapy or Horse Therapy) and more doors will open when we find them. The Universe has time and time again provided for me just when I needed it the most - the only difference is now my eyes are open to that fact and I am GRATEFUL!!

And The ONE thing that will always bring us back to this magic carpet starts with........

I LOVE YOU!

Happy Birthday - Sweet 1!! Thank You for coming into my life and teaching me how sweet life can be even with challenges! May you always be the shining light I know you are. I am so honored that you choose me to be your Mother.

I Love You
I am so Sorry
Please Forgive Me
Thank YOU
God Bless

THIS JUST IN.........

Blazing HOT NEW CLUB has just opened!! Graciously hosted by Ka Nani Essentials CLUB SCRUB is now open for business!

For just $.40 a day you can have the Natural Cleaning Power of Ka Nani Essentials available to you every day!!

To get all the details go check out our CLUB at:

Ka Nani Essentials SIGNATURE SCRUB CLUB


Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to have natural cleaning on your side!