Meditation, Not Just for Relaxation, But Also Pain Relief

Today I was reminded of why I started offering my “Meditation for Relaxation” classes.

A customer popped in to say hello and reiterate that she appreciated the meditations we do at our Wednesday night classes. For her, they were a reminder of how to chill out without drugs or alcohol. Meditating, along with seeing a chiropractor, using certain herbs externally, and developing a better outlook on life, has allowed her to stop taking prescription pain medications.

What’s wonderful is that these changes have made a difference in how she feels about herself. She feels terrific. It’s not that she doesn’t experience pain, but she has the coping mechanisms to deal with it without resorting to overusing pain meds.

Other folks have discovered that meditation gives them a quiet space away from the stresses of work and family. While it is nice to have a guided meditation at the shop, they have remembered how it felt, and meditate on their own at home.

Customers report to me they are sleeping better at night, feeling calmer and more relaxed after our meditations on Wednesday nights.

News, News and More News

It’s been nothing but exciting times for us at Beads N Botanicals these last couple of weeks.

As you already know, the News Gazette in Lafayette, IN ran a little blurb about our shop’s anniversary that was this past Saturday. Then the Commercial News in Danville, IL also ran a bit in their business section.

On top of that, our local weekly paper, The Chronicle, ran a story about our anniversary celebration.

But probably the “big” news was our appearance on the ABC affiliate station, Channel 15, out of Champaign, IL.

Justin and I appeared on the Sunrise This Morning show, on Thursday, November 16, EARLY in the morning. We talked about the upcoming anniversary celebration at the shop. Justin did a little origami demonstration. The folks were real nice at the station (although I think the Thanksgiving turkey tips got a bit more air time than us!).

Thank you to the local friends who taped the show for us.

Today a photographer from the Commercial News took some pictures and I talked with Dana about our shop. The story should appear in this Saturday’s paper.

Thank goodness we have off tomorrow for Thanksgiving. It’s been a whirlwind adventure here in Hoopeston.

The News Gazette in Lafayette, IN, which is about an hour away from us, posted a little blurb about Beads N Botanicals' first anniversary celebration on Saturday, November 18.

News Gazette Blurb about Beads N Botanicals’ Anniversary

Basic Wire Working: Earrings

I've had a few people ask me, why do you consider making earrings to be a "basic" wire working class?

The answer is simple, you bend and twist wire to make dangle earrings!

This class is a great intro to some simple, but very important wire working techniques. It is an opportunity to get your feet wet, so to speak, without a major investment in materials (all classes INCLUDE materials in the fee).

Once you learn the simple wire working techniques for making earrings, you can apply them to making pendants for necklaces, or simple beaded bracelets.

Not only do you learn wire working, you also walk away with TWO pairs of earrings, perfect for yourself, or as gifts for family and friends.

Plus, making earrings is fun.

Can a Simple Herbal Oil Actually Banish Pain????

In my experience, the answer is yes. About six weeks ago, I was moving a LOT of wall paper from one storage site to another. The minor backache I had turned into MAJOR sciatica.

Now, it is probably no surprise to anyone who knows me that I tend to stay away from OTC (over-the-counter) drugs, never mind any other kinds! So, for me to take ibuprofen, even three times in three weeks is a lot.

Well, I decided to use some of my Extra Strength PLUS Banish Pain Oil on my back, my left hip and my left calve, all areas in pain. I discovered that, when I used this oil, within about 15 minutes, the pain subsided.

Gradually, with stretching, being a bit careful and having the oil sooth the inflammation, I was pain-free.

Clients and customers who deal with chronic pain, such as knee problems, arthritic knuckles, carpal tunnel and other repetive stress injuries have reported noticing relief within about 10 minutes of using the oil on the affected area.

If you are interested in possibly ordering some of this oil to try for yourself, you can go to our webstore at Extra Strength Banish Pain Oil

BTW. I am making NO medical claims whatsoever for these products (regular, extra strength and extra strength PLUS) and am only relating my experience and that of local folks who have also used them.

"Scents able" Marketing

This is a National Public Radio, Marketplace report.
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/10/25/PM200610255.html

Basically, this radio report (the link takes you to the transcript and you can listen to it also) details advertising/marketing's use of scent to draw in consumers and keep them looking at products longer, so they will be most likely to buy them.

Hey, I've been doing that one for years! You know, burning incense at festivals. Anyone who stops in my shop notices the scent, usually favorably.

And, real estate people have known for years that the smell of fresh baked bread, or a cinnamon simmering potpourri makes a house more attractive (on an unconscious level) to potential buyers.

Beads N Botanicals One Year Anniversary

Hey, it's hard to believe, but Beads N Botanicals will be a year old in less than a month!

We'll be hosting a First Year Anniversary Holiday Gifts & Open House on Saturday, November 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mulled cider, special discounts and craft demonstrations will be featured.

Stop by, get a spicy apple cider drink and hang out. Bring your beading crafts to show off.

Beads N Botanicals First Anniversary