Serving the Basic Needs of Life

A few more days in Puerto Rico and we are heading back home.  This earth was created for our enjoyment regardless of our daily struggles. It is amazing to see the ocean, forest and animals in their natural state and amazed that everything works without any help from humans.  The animals do not worry about clothing or food; and we as humans need food, shelter and clothing to survive.

Some parts of Puerto Rico has helped me  to reflect more on the need to keep on giving, to be of service, to help where I can. As mentioned on Facebook a few weeks ago.  I will be reaching out for a used and new handmade clothing drive to help those who will need it this cold weather. As long as there is shelter, food and clothing, nothing else really matters. If you are interested in this drive, please contact me.

Enjoy the rest of the week!

Embracing Colors and Culture

I am in Puerto Rico this week on our family vacation. Even though this is my 6th visit, I normally stay in the resorts or just head out to the beach. Now that I am a mother, I am realizing the different activities that one can particpate in Puerto Rico. There are so much history and culture imbedded in this little town. I am particularly interested in the museums  that feature African art and how slaves from West Africa were brought into Puerto Rico but will have to discuss this on another day.

Today, I was stuck by the colors of the exterior old buildings in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Some of these buildings were built in the 1800s and in good shape. I marvel at the bright vibrant colors of the buildings and it just seems to project energy and pride. It made me ponder the years past when my basic color used to be black, brown and grey. It was only after my husband who encouraged me to try colors such as blue, pink and orange that I realized how vibrant and fun color brings into life. I began to feel more confident wearing and using these colors and I began also to crochet in these colors as well.

Looking at these old buildings today reminded me that colors tend to energize and build confidence. I hope you will take out some time to try out a new color for your wardrobe this fall. You can check out the Fall Fashion Colors and remind yourself all colors  exist for our experiment and enjoyment.

Enjoy!

Fall Season Marathon but must Pause

It seems like everything happens especially in the fall season: the craft shows, the crochet classes, the gift- giving season and in the midst of all that, one must balance work and family.

This week, I am on vacation and spending quality time with the family and trying really hard not to think about all the projects, designs, orders, blogs, facebook, twitter and the other social networking sites such as ravelry, creatingthehive, etc that I am suppose to be working on.

I tend to be extreme but this week I must put all aside all work and hang out with the family. I have to remember that I will never get this week or this moment back so Neki Naturals will need to forgive and  pause for just 6 more days.  I am praying that my brain will cooperate with me.I actually think it is hardwork trying to mentally remove myself from work because my head is spinning in so many different places and I have to remember that my life does not just revolve aroud nekinaturals.

So today, we spent the morning at the beach and spent the evening drawing circles, squares with my two year old and in the middle of all that, we stopped to watch the Wiggles and Thomas the Train.

Now, I am off to hang out with my husband and read for the rest of the evening. Hopefully  I can catch up on the many books that have been laying on the table for many months.

Enjoy your week!

Vacation

Just wanted to let you know I am on vacation till October 5th, 2010. 

In the meantime, please enjoy past posts and check out out other sites when you have a moment.

Have a great week. 

Note: I may post a blog this week:)

Enjoy!

DIY Loving Your Hands and Face with Strawberry Cream Recipe

I love using fruits and vegetables to enhance especially skin and hair care.
According to Harriet Ayer, this strawberry cream recipe is a delicate emollient for tender hands and for the face

Ingredients:

3/4 cup sweet almond oil

1 Quart large ripe strawberries, hulled

2 oz lanolin

1 oz white wax

2 tbsp jojoba oil

2 tsp benzoin essential oil

10 drops ylang ylang essential oil

6 drops neroli essential oil

Directions:
Put sweet almond oil into the top of a set of a double boiler over simmering water. When the almond oil begins to warm up, put the strawberries in. Set the double boiler over low heat, cover the top and let the water in the outside kettle simmer for 4 to 5 hours.
Strain the mixture through clean, fine, cheese-cloth bag. Add the lanolin, wax and jojoba oil. Return to the double boiler and heat until all have melted. Then remove the top from the double boiler and beat constantly until cooled. Add the essential oils while beating the mixture.
Pour the mixture into a bottle, cork tightly and put aside for future use. To use, gently rub into hands.

Neki Naturals: Why Buy Handmade?

Neki Naturals: Why Buy Handmade?: "As a consumer,I can see most of my household items are made outside of United States. Each time I think something is made in USA, I see a ..."

Are you making Someone Smile Or Touching their Hearts?

When I started to crochet more than twenty years ago, I had an extreme introvert personality. I could not be in the limelight or in any kind of  situation where I had to speak up for myself not because I was shy but because I did not have enough self confidence in me.

As the years have passed, I began to shell those insecurities but those insecurities do tend to come back when I am trying or doing something new.  Crocheting is not new to me but as a business and showcasing it out there in the market, it is a brand new venture. Attending exhibitions and shows are one of those ventures that the thought alone can paralyze one. However remembering that what I make or create can make someone smile or touch someone and if they like it enough to buy and give it to someone else, it gives me to courage to keep going.

Yesterday was my second craft show but I will really say it was my first because the first craft show in April rained out. It was a beautiful sunny day and it was fun. It was a total family affair and everyone had a great time. Friends came, hung out  and shopped and I had an opportunity to meet new people.   Some of the pictures I posted on our Facebook Fan Photo Album.

I have come along where and this is to let you know that we are all trying to grow into our own. So if there is anything that you are terrified of doing, have confidence in yourself that you can and will be able to conquer that fear and  step into all that has been destined for you. When you do so, you make yourself or someone else smile and even touch some one's heart when you do all that you can do.

Have a great day! 

Interview with International Renowned Milliner - Nena Kalu Ogba

With Social Networking, it is easier and quicker to met so many new people. One of the new people that I met is Nena Kalu Ogba. She is an International Milliner based in Lagos, Nigeria with a genuine spirit.  A Milliner is a person who designs, trims and sells hats. Her hats are one of a kind and you cannot help but be noticed if you are wearing one of her designs.  She has been featured in several magazines such as Royal Ascot and Vogue. She is currently featured in the Vogue October Edition.  Apart from her designs,  I admire her friendly spirit and her ability to convene kindness through her social network.  Please enjoy my inspiring interview with Nena Kalu Ogba, International Renowned Milliner.


When and Why did you become a Hat Designer?
Nena Kalu Ogba -  I decided to become a milliner out of curiosity. Even after graduating from fashion school, I still found hats a puzzle. I could hardly see any stitches or joins and it just made me wonder how they were made so I started to look for a teacher. The teacher I found happened to be well known - she was the official Royal milliner to the Late Queen Mother of England.I didn't learn millinery with the intention to make hats for others. I just wanted to be able to make some crazy ideas I had in my head come to reality so I could wear some stunning creations to events.But when I returned to Nigeria, a family friend was getting married and my dad asked me to make a hat and accompany him to the wedding since my mum was on holiday in the UK. I made a simple, striking hat which I wore to the wedding and noticed people walking up to me and asking where I got my hat from. Each time I gladly mentioned that I made it myself, they were amazed and asked me for my number.
That's how my hat business was born and spread mostly by word of mouth before I had my first major exhibition and the media fell in love  with my designs.

Where did you study fashion and design?
Nena Kalu Ogba - I studied fashion at De Montfort University, Leicester , UK. I specialized in contour fashion which incorporates evening and bridal wear, lingerie design, children's wear, sportswear, swimwear. I later took short courses privately and also at Central Saint Martins College, London learning how to make handbags.

Where do you get your inspiration?
Nena Kalu Ogba -  I get inspired by anything really - lines, shapes, nature, animals, birds, flowers, sometimes it could even be a plate design or tea cup design.


How have you been able to be successful in this industry?
Nena Kalu Ogba - By creating unique and original products, strongly believing in myself and in God, determination to get to the top no matter what and constantly marketing myself through different media outlets.

What advice can you give someone who is interested in a designing career?
Nena Kalu Ogba -  A career in design is not a ride on a roller coaster. You need to be focused, believe in yourself, be well grounded and super strong inside of you, determined to get to the top. No Matter What happens, work round the clock developing your imagination and creativity, pray a lot for design revelations, must deeply love design and be clear about the reason you want to be a designer, be sure you have the talent and strength to rise above your competitors, be original and not a copy cat and ready to persevere. Finally, you must have a strong marketing team.

Where can people find your products?

Nena Kalu Ogba - My products are sold on my website - www.NenaKalHunter.com.
I have independent marketers and wholesale buyers who own shops or boutiques who purchase from me too. My hats are purchased from customers all over the world and we ship to almost all countries.

What are your next goals for you and your company?
Nena Kalu Ogba-  I am hoping to set up my full clothing line which was what I originally intended to do. This would be a line that would incorporate all aspects of clothing and accessories for men and women and sold in stores worldwide.




Nnenna Pastor - Thank you Ms. Nena Kalu Ogba.


See her inspiring breathtaking designs at http://www.NenaKalHunter.com


Enjoy!

What do you do when you lack a skill?

I am the greatest photographer! NOT even a chance!  I cannot even say that I am good at it but I love crocheting and try to take pictures of my precious goodies. I know that because my pictures does not reflect the beauty of the things I make but  I am getting better at it by reading, looking at other people's pictures and trying for hours and it still needs work. Here is a preview of some of my fall collection and I have uploaded some of them on facebook.

Bath Set  - Blue

 Toddler sweater

What do you think?

Love your hands Almond Meal Recipe

From Harriet Ayer Book:

Ingredients:

2 cups almonds, blanched and ground to meal
5 oz cuttlefish bone, powdered
2.5 oz soap flakes
2.5oz pure Castile soap, air-dried, powdered
3 tbsp orris root, powdered

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Pour the mixture into a bottle, cork tightly and put aside for future used. Use this when giving yourself the Perfect Manicure.

Enjoy!