A GREAT DEAL!

I bought this deal a few months back. I absolutely LOVE IT. In fact, I’m using the diffuser right now diffusing purification, to kick some bad-left odors in the butt. The bonus is that you can get this deal as a wholesale distributor OR a retail costumer. Perfect! Thanks Young Living for such a great deal!

Meet Victoria

Clark

Victoria and her husband Brent

Meet Victoria.

She is a wife, mom of four-year-old Clarke. and owner of Mendhi Designs- a henna design business. I interviewed her about how pursuing a business and career at home has benefited her and her family.

Victoria, tell me a little about yourself and your business? 

V: I’m a wife and mom, I have a degree in musical theater and work as a film and commercial, actor, model and voice over actor. I also do henna on the side. My henna business is called Natural Henna Mendhi Designs.. “Natural” because I use only natural ingredients; no hair dye or PPD (which is a toxic chemical used in “black henna”) My henna is also organic. “Mendhi” is the traditional Indian Style of henna, which I love and which my style is derived from.

                                                       How did you get started? 

      V: I started henna in college. I had never heard of it before, but some of my friends started getting kits at Hot Topic and we all hennaed each other (rather badly, I’m afraid). I started doing research into how to mix henna and began buying my own and doing it at parties for my friends; then I moved on to doing small  events.

                               What is your favorite part of this business?

Natural Ingredients

      V: Learning by practicing a lot drawing patterns out on paper. I  also made friends with a really awesome local henna artist, who introduced me to the  Henna Guild of Orlando, whose meetings I attend, and I have recently taken a class  with her as well. I love that henna is a  gift  the artist gives the client. It not only makes  them feel beautiful, traditionally Mehndi is often a blessing for a life event, such as a wedding or birth. I love being able to bless  someone with the gift of a beautiful design that they love. This may sound strange, but when a friend hennas me, I feel their good intentions and wishes for me each time I look at the design. Somehow that positive energy and friendship stay with me as long as the henna lasts. I’ve heard the same from many people. A friend of mine was pregnant last year, and I hennaed her belly. She went into premature labor that week and spent a lot of time wearing a monitor. She told me that each time they monitored her, she looked down and saw the henna design peeking out from under the belt and it brought her comfort in a very stressful situation. I hope to be able to bring feelings of love, blessing, and friendship to everyone I henna.

                            What benefits have you found for you and your family? 

        V:  I love that my family supports my business. My husband and son have gotten henna, and I regularly do designs for my sister and even sometimes my mother (who was skeptical of it at first). It’s been a great little business to have in my back pocket for parties and little events, and I like getting to know someone by talking to them while I do their design. 

Applying Henna to friends

 Touch is also a big part of this business; I feel it builds a stronger relationship and helps move past the initial  awkwardness of getting to know someone when I am holding  their hand or moving them around as I have to in order to get  the design placed correctly. I was greatly influenced by the gentleness of my dance teachers’ corrective touch as a child and young woman; it means a lot to have someone connect with you physically with gentleness and caring, and I hope my clients feel  the same with me. It’s almost a spa sort of vibe. 

                                              How much time do you invest a week?

I don’t invest more than a few hours a week into henna usually,  because I just don’t have that  many events right now. I want to promote the business more, but it’s become difficult as my film, voice-over, and directing businesses continue to grow. Still, I am enjoying connecting more with local artists who encourage and inspire me to do more with henna, and “advertising” via hennaing my friends and sending them out with business cards. Good work that’s visible to the public is as good as any ad in this business.

What would you say to a woman who wants to start a business from home? 

        I think starting a home business is a great idea. It makes you feel like more than a cook, babysitter, and maid (which, let’s be honest, we all feel like sometimes). It makes you remember you have value for more than just your homemaking and parenting skills (which are incredibly valuable in themselves and should not be underestimated!). Doing something you’re good at and something that contributes to others’ lives helps you feel more like yourself, and gives you confidence and joy. I have done a LOT of home businesses, some of which did well, and some of which fizzled. So don’t be discouraged if your first, second, or eighth attempt doesn’t work out. Try something else. Find a need and fill it with something you love. 

 

                                              To contact Victoria or learn more visit: 

                                          http://Facebook.com/naturalhennamehndi

                                                        

Be Thrifty- Part 2: Food

   Thriftness is back and in bite size form! The following is our Thrifty Food Edition Post containing a list of easy ways to save on food when traveling, shopping, or eating out! Enjoy!

Shopping:

Go with a list/budget prepared ahead of time 

Have a menu plan made 

Use coupons 

Don’t shop when you are hungry or in a rush

Shop ONLY with cash so that you are forced to stay on your budget 

Make it a goal to come out of the store with money still in your pocket 

Buy a main ingrediant in bulk- and use it for several dishes

Buying only what’s in season

Minimilize ingrediants

Shop alone or with a self-controlled shopper

Take Out: 

Make it a special event instead of a regular occurance 

Budget the tip in your expense 

Share drinks, dishes and entrees

Order appetizers instead of entrees

Get goody bags to stretch the dish for more than one meal 

Sign up for resturants email lists- discounts and specials

Some resturants offer free food at certain times of the year,  a family event and do it! 

If possible, make resturant dishes at home

Travel: 

Travel at night so you are not  tempted to order out

Stick to a normal eating schedule as much as possible 

If buying drinks- opt for 12 packs on sale rather than bottled or fountain drinks 

Pre-plan your resturant stops ahead of time

Eat at a dine-in rather than fast food

Budget the tip in the expense

Go with discount cards and coupons 

Don’t graze on snack foods 

Pack foods with longer-lasting carbs and protein

On the Go Ideas: 

Consider making these ahead of time:

– Green drinks/juice

– Wraps (put dressing on the side)

– Sandwiches (condiments on the side)

-Trail Mix

-Breakfast Burritos

– Muffins

Be Thrifty…Part 1: Date Nights

     Homemaking involves a variety of skills from housecleaning to hospitality, parenting (if your parents) having a balanced schedule, decorating, character development and even thriftness. Yes, that’s right, thriftiness! Here’s an old-school word for you! Thriftness: – finding  and doing things of value for cheap and saving money! 

    Everyone likes saving money, or at least I do. Surprisinly I found out that there are more ways than just than the piggy bank method. I have come to find out, there are simple hundreds of ways to save money if you simple do it yourself! Or if it’s time you  need,simply asking a friend to do it or help or trading services with them might simply do the trick! 

    What about certain things however like “Date Nights? So on the topic todays recommended reading is called “Be Thrifty: How to Live Better for Less” by Pia Catton and Caifia Suntree. In their book they cover a variety of topics from saving on haircuts- to college funds, grocery shopping, to making your wardrobe look great with only a few dollars. I highly recommend this book to anyone desiring to save money. And just so your not spending extra money on a book scout it out at your local library or find it cheap at Amazon.com” – (Find it CHEAP on Amazon here..or scout it out at a library for even less mula). 

    With their book and some other ideas at hand, this edition of Thriftness will be a fun one- being Thrifty on dates. So to all the dating couples, married couples or even just friends, looking to do something fun while not letting your wallet starve here’s a list of fun and cheap ideas to cultivate that relationship and have a great time. 

Even more importantly before that, I’ve got to gush a little and post a picture of my boyfriend and I on a  very Thrifty date! 

“US”- my boyfriend and I recently went to Maitland’s Art Under the Stars Art Show near Lake LIly, Winter Park – Free to get in, and look around (we even landed free parking). Though I do have to say we did spend a little cash on some super loaded cheesy sweet potatoes! 

Seasonal Fun: 

:Churches and communities often host seasonal activites such as pumpkin picking/carving, trunk or treats, hayrides and fall festivals. Check your local newspaper and community paper for these days- usually the cost of admission is free or minimum with the option of buying food or tickets.

:String popcorn or make an ornament together

:Bake cookies 

:Dye colored eggs together

:Plant a garden together

Weather Appropriate: :

:Homemade packed picnic lunch at a park, watching the clouds or being mesmerized by the stars 

(another post in this series will cover budget-worthy picnic meal ideas) 

:Visits to the Farmers Markets

:Spontaneous nature walks (or scavender hunt nature walks)

:Run/jog/bike/skate etc..

:Walk on the beach or visit a light house 

He took me to the beach for a picnic for my birthday 

In-side activities: 

:Game-nights (for two) 

    20 questions

    War (card game) 

    Draw silly pictures or cartoons together

    Teach each other new card games 

    Mindpuzzles, jokes or riddles 

: Visit a library (for just books) or often they have free (or very cheap) workshops, classes

: Read a book together 

: Babysit other people’s kids or teach a class

: Attend a free workshop or class of subject you want to learn (see churches and libraries)

: Learn a language together 

With Others: 

: Scavneger hunts 

: Ministry times 

Misc: 

: Give blood. Some blood donors give prizes – my boyfriend just landed 2 movie tickets and a $25 steak dinner for 2 by giving blood 2x in a 2 month period 

http://www.oneblood.com 

Resturants often have discounts or free give aways just by dressing up or on special days: 

: Chipotle- Halloween Dress Up – Dress like a burrito, win a free burrito 

: Chickfila- Free Breakfast day, Dress like a Cow Day (win a free sandwhich or meal) 

: Krispy Kreme- Pirate Day – Free DOZEN DOUGHNUTS!

: 7-11 Free  Mini Slurpees  on 7/11  

: Jeremiah’s Italian Ice – Halloween dress up- Come in with your costume and get a free Italian ice/gelati 

 

Pirate Day at Krispy Kreme- earning 2 dozen glazed doughnuts

Long Distances:   

: Write letters 

: Face-Time/Skype Dates

Discounts:

: Groupon.com, halfoffdepot.com, entertainment book

: Email lists from Resturants (you can find these by visiting their webpages). 

: Resturant Surveys 

Creative date nights can come from anywhere! With a little practice and some creative thinking you can find some great date nights without comprimising your checkbook! 

Be Thrifty…Part 1: Date Nights

     Homemaking involves a variety of skills from housecleaning to hospitality, parenting (if your parents) having a balanced schedule, decorating, character development and even thriftness. Yes, that’s right, thriftiness! Here’s an old-school word for you! Thriftness: – finding  and doing things of value for cheap and saving money! 

    Everyone likes saving money, or at least I do. Surprisinly I found out that there are more ways than just than the piggy bank method. I have come to find out, there are simple hundreds of ways to save money if you simple do it yourself! Or if it’s time you  need,simply asking a friend to do it or help or trading services with them might simply do the trick! 

    What about certain things however like “Date Nights? So on the topic todays recommended reading is called “Be Thrifty: How to Live Better for Less” by Pia Catton and Caifia Suntree. In their book they cover a variety of topics from saving on haircuts- to college funds, grocery shopping, to making your wardrobe look great with only a few dollars. I highly recommend this book to anyone desiring to save money. And just so your not spending extra money on a book scout it out at your local library or find it cheap at Amazon.com” – (Find it CHEAP on Amazon here..or scout it out at a library for even less mula). 

    With their book and some other ideas at hand, this edition of Thriftness will be a fun one- being Thrifty on dates. So to all the dating couples, married couples or even just friends, looking to do something fun while not letting your wallet starve here’s a list of fun and cheap ideas to cultivate that relationship and have a great time. 

Even more importantly before that, I’ve got to gush a little and post a picture of my boyfriend and I on a  very Thrifty date! 

“US”- my boyfriend and I recently went to Maitland’s Art Under the Stars Art Show near Lake LIly, Winter Park – Free to get in, and look around (we even landed free parking). Though I do have to say we did spend a little cash on some super loaded cheesy sweet potatoes! 

Seasonal Fun: 

:Churches and communities often host seasonal activites such as pumpkin picking/carving, trunk or treats, hayrides and fall festivals. Check your local newspaper and community paper for these days- usually the cost of admission is free or minimum with the option of buying food or tickets.

:String popcorn or make an ornament together

:Bake cookies 

:Dye colored eggs together

:Plant a garden together

Weather Appropriate: :

:Homemade packed picnic lunch at a park, watching the clouds or being mesmerized by the stars 

(another post in this series will cover budget-worthy picnic meal ideas) 

:Visits to the Farmers Markets

:Spontaneous nature walks (or scavender hunt nature walks)

:Run/jog/bike/skate etc..

:Walk on the beach or visit a light house 

He took me to the beach for a picnic for my birthday 

In-side activities: 

:Game-nights (for two) 

    20 questions

    War (card game) 

    Draw silly pictures or cartoons together

    Teach each other new card games 

    Mindpuzzles, jokes or riddles 

: Visit a library (for just books) or often they have free (or very cheap) workshops, classes

: Read a book together 

: Babysit other people’s kids or teach a class

: Attend a free workshop or class of subject you want to learn (see churches and libraries)

: Learn a language together 

With Others: 

: Scavneger hunts 

: Ministry times 

Misc: 

: Give blood. Some blood donors give prizes – my boyfriend just landed 2 movie tickets and a $25 steak dinner for 2 by giving blood 2x in a 2 month period 

http://www.oneblood.com 

Resturants often have discounts or free give aways just by dressing up or on special days: 

: Chipotle- Halloween Dress Up – Dress like a burrito, win a free burrito 

: Chickfila- Free Breakfast day, Dress like a Cow Day (win a free sandwhich or meal) 

: Krispy Kreme- Pirate Day – Free DOZEN DOUGHNUTS!

: 7-11 Free  Mini Slurpees  on 7/11  

: Jeremiah’s Italian Ice – Halloween dress up- Come in with your costume and get a free Italian ice/gelati 

 

Pirate Day at Krispy Kreme- earning 2 dozen glazed doughnuts

Long Distances:   

: Write letters 

: Face-Time/Skype Dates

Discounts:

: Groupon.com, halfoffdepot.com, entertainment book

: Email lists from Resturants (you can find these by visiting their webpages). 

: Resturant Surveys 

Creative date nights can come from anywhere! With a little practice and some creative thinking you can find some great date nights without comprimising your checkbook!