Time For a Change

I've been reading a lot about business lately: using social media to gain business, the importance of customer service, how to build communities, finding your target audience and so much more. After learning so much, I've come to the conclusion that I should just be myself and do what I'm passionate about, otherwise it's just not enjoyable. I know, it's common sense, but some things take quite a while to absorb into my brain ;).

I started this blog to give people information about a "crunchier" lifestyle - based on the products I offer. The problem is, I'm not terribly happy with some of my posts. Sure they're informative, but you can find that information anywhere. There are a lot of cloth diapering sites that will tell you all about caring for your diapers, what to choose and why they're so great to use. Why try to reinvent the wheel?

I've also been very careful in my wording and overly general so that I can reach as many people as possible - without offending anyone. But you know what, I don't really want to reach everyone and I don't just want to talk about cloth diapers and I'm sure some of the things I believe in offend some people. I know that lots of people think I'm crazy for having babies at home and breastfeeding them until their toddlers and using cloth diapers and chemical-free products - they tell me all the time :). I'm just so passionate about pregnancy and birth and breastfeeding; about good nutrition and herbal remedies. I'm passionate about baby wearing and creating close bonds. I believe that babies (and everyone else) deserve to use products that are not filled with harmful chemicals. And yes, all of these opinions are coming at you from a conservative Christian woman.

So what does all the "me, me, me" have to do with you? I know there are women out there like me and I want to connect with them. I know that I run an online store, but I think there should be more to it than just exchanging money for goods - you can do that anywhere. Relationships are important. Supporting each other in our "alternative" viewpoints is important.

I've been trying to go about this business the same way as everyone else and it hasn't been working for me. And I realized it's because I'm different! I'm not the same as everyone else - I'm weird. I don't have a huge inventory because I refuse to use credit cards. I like giving discounts. I really want to help you save money and I want you to use this stuff more than I want a profit. (Maybe I shouldn't be in business, after all ;)

What does all this rambling mean? It means things will be different. I'll be changing the store a bit and hopefully will be able to start offering some personal services soon. And I'll blog about things I'm passionate about - without the "super-careful, want to be all things to all people" language. If that's not ok, I apologize. If that's cool with you, great - leave comments, tell me about yourself - I want to get to know you.

Shalom,

Nina

The Unknown Rewards of the Red Raspberry Leaf

Here's a great article written by Joy Mary that outlines some of the benefits of drinking red raspberry leaf tea. Enjoy!

When most think of Raspberry, they think of only the berries themselves. Yet the nutrition found in the Red Raspberry Leaf at least equals its fruit! Rich in vitamins and minerals, it is a special source of benefit to women.

First, many feel that PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) is caused by hormonal imbalance. The rise and then sudden drop in estrogen levels through a woman's cycle can cause a variety of symptoms, including cramps. Red raspberry leaf is one of several herbs that has been used for many years to alleviate or eliminate this problem. Red Raspberry is also an aid during pregnancy and birth. It is rich in Vitamins C, E, A, and some B complex. "Increased Vitamin A intake in the form of the carotenoids of red raspberry leaf can aid the women's immune system as well as facilitate healthy skin and bone development for the baby." In addition, it is rich in minerals such as potassium and phosphorus. As a source of water-soluble calcium, Raspberry not only aids in bone development of the baby but also provides a needed source of calcium for young girls.

Red Raspberry leaf has for centuries been a valuable aid for women during and after child birth. It aids in the control of pain, the contraction of the uterus, and as a source of other vitamins and minerals- especially calcium- that help in the replacement of lost blood. During the weeks after birth Raspberry tea helps return the uterus to its normal size. Even post-menopausal women have found benefit from Raspberry tea both as an aid in improving uterine tone and as a natural source of calcium.

But Red Raspberry has health benefits beyond women's issues. The tannins in the leaf make it effective in soothing inflammation in the digestive tract and can alleviate diarrhea, especially in children. Red Raspberry may also be used orally to soothe throat or mouth irritations. Externally, its ability to constrict tissues has encouraged some to use the tea as a skin tightener or balm for irritated skin. "The leaf may also be combined with the powdered bark of slippery elm to make a poultice for application to the skin to treat wounds, burns, and scalds."

Preparation of Red Raspberry leaf tea is easy. Place one ounce of dried Raspberry leaves into a pint of boiling water (or half a pound per gallon) and simmer for ten minutes (though some recommend two to three hours to get maximum benefit from them). Drink the tea cold to soothe mouth or throat irritations.

To learn 5 more benefits of the red raspberry leaf, visit More Than Alive, a trusted source of family health information.

Thanks for reading today and I hope that you have your own supply of red raspberry leaf tea in your herbal medicine cabinet. If you haven't gotten any yet or your about to run out, be sure to check out our boxed herbs for some yummy red raspberry leaf tea and a great selection of other herbal remedies!

Shalom,

Nina

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joy_Mary http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Unknown-Rewards-Of-The-Red-Raspberry-Leaf&id=1079861