What Absolutely Natural's Sea Turtle Awareness Month Means to Us

Several months ago, I mentioned that we had partnered with the Brevard Zoo and started donating a portion of our spa revenues to help build a much needed sea turtle rehab program. We are patrons of the zoo and one of our goals is to help finish the rehab environment in 2012.

More recently we have joined with the Sea Turtle Preservation Society to help with their good work. Headquartered in our home county of Brevard, Florida, the society’s purpose is to educate the public about marine turtles. STPS reaches thousands of people each year through public presentations, exhibits at area events, and by turtle watches during the sea turtle nesting season.

The goal is to help maintain the current sea turtle population and to prevent a potentially irreversible decline in that population and there are several programs important to that end. One of the most crucial is to reduce disturbances and harassment of nesting sea turtles by educating the public about how devastating beach lighting, habitat destruction and nighttime beach activities can be for the turtles.

The Society also has teams for rescuing distressed hatchlings and adult sea turtles and transporting them to proper rehab facilities. This is where Absolutely Natural’s work with the Brevard Zoo could help this process immensely as the closest facility is currently in St Augustine (nearly a 3 hour drive away). STPS also performs monthly beach cleanup working with Keep Brevard Beautiful, Adopt-A-Beach program.

How we're working to make a difference:

• We raised more than $2000 with our initial donations in part through sign ups on our Facebook page. We have brought this incentive back for the entire month of August. Already a fan? Great, let your friends and family know! Each new fan means we'll donate $1 extra dollar towards these great causes. Let's get those numbers up!
  
  
• We are also sponsoring STPS’s Turtle Krawl 5k Run on September 17th in Nance Park in Indialantic, Florida. It is one of their major fundraisers and some of Absolutely Natural’s personnel are going to run in the event while the rest of us will man a booth.
  
  
• For the month of August, we are offering special Sea Turtle Tote Bags for sale, both individually and with kits of our products. We will donate a percentage of the sales of these totes and kits to the Brevard Zoo and the Sea Turtle Preservation Society.
  
  
• We are also putting stickers on our mail order boxes as well as info about sea turtles on all of our new Absolutely Natural spa labels. Thousands of people a month will see the labels on these products that are distributed all over the world.

We are happy and proud to be a small part of this noble cause … to protect this majestic animal and hopefully see their population grow every year.

Best regards

Charley

Our ENVY Organics/FHTM Family Reunion

I just came back from a huge family reunion.

Great company; lively conversation; bright, enthusiastic family members; and more love than you can fit into a million square feet of convention space. Oh, and while I was not technically related to anybody at the event how else can I describe last week’s FHTM Convention in Orlando, Florida?

All of my staff feels the same way and we love coming to any FHTM event. The Orlando Convention was especially rewarding as I got to talk to hundreds of people one-on-one and was privileged to introduce the latest additions to the Envy Organics product line.

It is particularly gratifying to hear the numerous stories of success people have had with the Envy product line. One gentleman had burned his arm badly and got relief from our Pure Aloe Gel and healing from the aloe and the cream. Another man proudly showed me his new hair growth resulting from using our sulfate free shampoos!

I had glowing reports from several members who have had great improvement with their eczema and psoriasis from daily use of our incredible lotions. And, countless who swore their hair looked better than it ever had using our personal care regiment.

But overwhelmingly I heard stories about improved skin after using our Organic Crème and Organic Oil and diminished wrinkles with use of the Day Serum, Night Serum and Eye Serum. I was really impressed with the results people are getting from the facial line. Of course, not only did I “hear” the stories, I witnessed the results.

My “family” is doing well and I’ll take as much credit as you want to give me for younger looking, more healthy, vibrant skin and hair!! We put our heart and soul into the Envy products and love hearing about and seeing the results.

Now the family was really excited about our new products. My favorite product (among the 300 or so we make) is the whipped coco-lime butter. It is magnificent for really dry skin and will be especially effective in the dry, cold winters. We also had a lot of excitement about the new Menvy line and I look forward to hearing from some of our gentlemen after they use the shower gel, shave cream and after-shave splash.

I have already heard positive feedback on our new shampoos and conditioners as we now offer a color treated product and a super hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Along with the Papaya Pineapple, there is now a wider selection for different hair types. All are Sulfate and Paraben-free, of course, while the color treated benefits additionally from sun-protection.

It was a blast introducing the other new products and your excitement was contagious. Our new insect repellant will be a great addition for you as will our coco-lime refreshing aloe mist. I keep one in my car as every year it seems I can drive less and less until I get “highway paralysis”. A nice blast of the mist brings me right back around.

On a personal note, I enjoyed the breakout sessions; you really know how to make someone feel welcome and I was energized after each of the presentations. And, I want to thank all of the FHTM corporate for making us part of the family and for building such a positive company.

This was a great family reunion; the only thing missing was my crazy Uncle Skeeter! We are looking forward to the next one.

We're proud to present our newest oil … pure, wild crafted Kukui Nut

The Kukui Tree was brought to the islands by early Polynesian settlers and has been used for generations in traditional Hawaiian healing. It is rich in Vitamins A and E as well as Oleic Acid (Omega 9), Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) and Alpha Lionlenic Acid (Omega 3). In addition, it is a powerful anti-oxidant.

It has the ability to deeply penetrate the skin while still allowing it to breath. Kukui Nut Oil will not clog the pores of the skin, but is excellent for moisture retention.

The benefits are numerous and it has been traditionally used for sunburn, windburn and dry skin. Hawaiian women have used it for years to enhance their tans and moisturize their skin. It is superb as massage oil and our wild crafted Kukui Nut Oil is superior to cosmetic grade quality.

Centuries ago Hawaiian men and women used the oil in their hair to give it sheen and today it is frequently used as an occasional super hydrating treatment for the hair. Heat the oil slightly and work it through the hair starting at the roots; leave on for at least 10 minutes or longer before washing and rinsing hair. The oil can also be used sparingly as a leave in conditioner.

It is believed that rubbing Kukui Nut Oil vigorously into the scalp can promote hair growth, but one glance at my picture proves I cannot attest to that claim!

Hawaiians have traditionally used Kukui Nut Oil as a treatment for acne and it works well reducing the appearance of acne scars.

Other uses for our wild crafted Kukui Nut Oil:

• Can be used on babies with cradle cap
• Add to a bath for additional hydration and nourishment
  
• Help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
• Also helps lighten stretch marks for those already suffering with them
• Put a few drops into your favorite shampoo or conditioner to treat over-processed, dry hair
  

Our oil is unscented but can be enhanced with one of our exclusive essential oil blends.

I look forward to your feedback on this exciting new product.

http://www.absolutely-natural.com/collections/bath-body-oils/products/organic-body-oils

Best regards

Charley

We want to welcome a new employee to our ranks....

... Lindsey Barber will be joining us on June 6th.

This is a bit tongue in cheek as Lindsey has been with us for six years, but when she reports to work on the above mentioned date, it will be her first day as Mrs. Brian Barber. Lindsey was married on May 28th and my wife and I were honored to be among the attendees.

A lot of you know Lindsey well and you have quite possibly talked to her. She has been the backbone of our customer service department since 2005 starting out as a 17 year old high school senior in the mail order department. In the years that followed, she excelled at that position all the while attending college full time and earning her AA.

In 2008, she was promoted and took over the bookkeeping duties as well as many other functions. She still supervised the mail order room and was instrumental in new product development as well. And, she worked on her bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida which she attained in December of 2010.

Lindsey is now the Vice President for Absolutely Natural, Inc. and has been a key player in the growth AN has realized since 2008. Typical of Lindsey, a full time, very demanding job is not enough of a challenge for her and she is entering a master’s program this fall.

Actually, many of you have seen her and may not have known it. Lindsey graces the cover of our facials brochure and is also featured on collateral material at our stores in Kauai.

All of us at Absolutely Natural want to congratulate Lindsey and Brian and wish them health, happiness and prosperity during a long and fruitful marriage.

Best regards,

Charley

May is National Skin Cancer Month

Absolutely Natural is doing its part in promoting “safe sun.” For every order more than $50.00 we are giving away a 2oz SPF 15, which is one of our maximum sunscreens.

One would think that with the heightened use of sunscreens over the past 10-15 years and a supposedly more educated population that skin cancer would be on the decline. Unfortunately, it is not. It is estimated there are 2,000,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed every year; it is the most common form of cancer for humans.

Three Kinds of Cancer:
The two most common forms are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. They are referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer. The most dangerous form is melanoma that tends to metastasize throughout the body and can cause death. There are almost 70,000 new cases of melanoma every year.

Basal cell accounts for 90% of new skin cancers and usually begins as a small dome shaped bump. They can appear very dark and are usually irregular shaped. Squamous begins in the squamous cells which are flat, scale-like cells that form the surface of the skin, the hollow organs of the body and the respiratory and digestive tracts. So, squamous can form in any of these tissues. It most frequently appears on the skin as rough, red bumps on the scalp, face, ears and backs of the hands. It can take 10 years for the cancer to invade deeply into the skin and become fully developed squamous cell carcinoma.

The risks for developing any of these cancers include age, UV exposure in tanning beds, therapeutic radiation and most prominently exposure to the sun.

HIGH SPF & Skin Cancer:
So, why aren’t the SPF 50’s, 75’s and 100’s of the suncare industry eliminating these cancers? Why aren’t the 12 hour waterproof products reducing the amount of skin cancer? Well, any of you that have read my blogs in the past know that I think these modern day chemical “wonders” are the culprit, not the cure.

My theory is that people are duped into thinking they are protected all day long by an application of these super high SPF’s. So they stay out in the sun longer and actually get more harmful exposure than if they would reapply, using a more sensible SPF instead.

Skin Caner Screening:
Although you should be diligent in checking yourself out for irregular shaped, dark bumps (especially if they are larger than a pencil eraser) for basal cell and rough red bumps for squamous, the only way to truly get diagnosed is with regular trips to the dermatologist. Skin cancer, if caught in the early stages, usually is easily taken care of while melanoma, left unchecked, can kill you as it does 12,000 people every year. Totally preventable with proper protection in the sun and regular screening with your doctor. Be safe.

Best regards

Charley

The Strongest Person I know

Who comes to mind when you think of one of the strongest persons you know? Mine happens to be my Mother. Mother’s around the world share common attributes and I am certain that strength is one of them. My Mom is a Mother of four and Grandmother to five. She has persevered through 34 years of raising children and still to this day is continuing her love for her children and grand children.

The love of a Mother never dies nor does the strength of a Mother. She has learned to stick it out when things get tough and to cherish the times of joy. Growing up with such a big family, my Mom had to give up most if not all of her time to be a Mother. And, played several other roles as well; wife, sister, coworker, and friend. Looking back, I think what a big sacrifice she made for all of us.

Mother’s across the world juggle so many roles in their lives and this Mother’s Day we should all recognize that. Take the time to appreciate Moms all over the world, whether it is your own Mother, a friend’s Mother, or if you’re a Mother yourself. It’s important to see the role they play in the life of their family.

To this day, I am not sure where or who I would be without my Mother. She has been and still is a big part of my life today. My Mom has given me strength and wisdom to conquer life’s biggest challenges and I look forward to the moments of being a Mother in the future.

To all of the Mothers out there, thank you for your everlasting love and support!

Love always,
Lindsey

Saying a Special Thank You to Mom...

We are no different than the rest of the world here at Absolutely Natural when it comes to Mother’s Day. Every year we attempt to put together a basket of products or a special gift to honor the women of the world who have the toughest job ever and every year, I always feel inadequate.

How can you properly “reward” someone who gave you life, nurtured you through childhood, sacrificed for your benefit and no matter how old you are, supports you through thick and thin? My Mom turns 86 this year and she is still the dynamo she was 60 years ago. Working hard, is nothing to her. Some days she'll tell me, “Oh, I have had such a lazy day. I cleaned the ceiling fans, washed the curtains and mopped the kitchen, but I haven’t got much else done.” She's busy morning, noon and night and she is definitely the one who gave me my work ethic. (Except for the whole washing curtains thing!)

She works on her home every day except on weekends when she goes to her job selling antiques at a little shop near her home in West Virginia. Mom was always a great sales person and I contend that if she had grown up in a different era and didn’t have the responsibility of rearing four kids while working full time, she would have had a great career and been heralded in the sales world. But, she instead dedicated her life to her kids and family and I certainly appreciate everything she did for me.

My wife is a great mom as well and she was willing to stay home and provide phenomenal opportunities for our children. I know they appreciate it and understand that she provided for them on a level that a lot of kids didn’t get … trips, work in schools, home cooked meals, arts and craft projects, sports, library visits, etc. And, even now that she has her own career (going to school for years and years and getting a Masters degree and LCSW!), she is still always there for them with sage advice, unconditional love and yes, home cooked meals.

So, we try to honor the fantastic Mom’s of the world by giving them something special on Mother’s Day. For those of you looking for something unique, I hope you take advantage of one or more of our four kits so your Mom can have not only a great Mother’s Day, but weeks of pampering afterwards.

Best regards,

Charley