Beauty Out of Africa

The Kindness of a Stranger

Have you ever been approached by a stranger asking for money after a long drawn out tale of woe? Most of the time you suspect they are just looking for a couple of bucks to support a bad habit right?
Well this past Saturday, I experienced what it was like being in a position of need and having to depend on the kindness of strangers. Due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, my purse and car key got locked in Car #1.

After a couple of hours in the hot sun, a friend dropped me off at home to get a spare key and drive Car #2 back to Car #1. As I am driving Car #2, I notice that my gas tank is empty. I have barely enough gas to get to the gas station. Somehow I manage to get to gas station and realize that I have no way of getting gas because my purse is locked in Car # 1,  Aaaagh! I go into the gas station and try to explain my situation to the gas attendant, I promise that if he gives me 1/2 of a gallon of gas so I can drive to my other car, I will come back and pay him. From the look on his face I could tell he was not buying my story.

I was getting a little desperate because I knew I couldn't leave without getting some gas. Imagine getting stuck on the side of the road in 90 degree weather without gas, cell phone or a wallet? I couldn't call my husband to help because he was waiting for me  to pick him up and I obviously was not in a position to call him. I turned to the other customers in the station, hoping someone would show some mercy but every one avoided my gaze and another lady told me she couldn't help.

I went back out to my car wondering what I was going to do. I notice a young man pumping gas and I walked up to him and asked if he would help. I tried to briefly explain what had happened and I don't know if I was making much sense.This young man was so gracious. After he was done pumping gas in his car, he swiped his credit card and pumped not 1 but 2 gallons of gas into my tank. I don't know how much diesel fuel costs in your neck of the woods, but it's close to $5.00 a gallon here in Baltimore.
I was so touched and all I could say was a heartfelt God Bless you. he didn't want me to pay him back and I didn't want to insult him by insisting. If you ever run into a wonderful Cape Verdean by the name of Adylson, thank him again for me.

Lesson Learned: If anyone approaches me needing help, regardless of how improbable their story is, I will do what I can to help. You just never know when you will be in the same situation, at the mercy of the kindness of strangers.

Living with Less

The price of food is up, the housing market is in a slump and oil prices continue to rise.Things don't look like they are going to get better anytime soon. I am finding that living in economically challenging times forces us to be less wasteful and more resourceful. As a family we have been pressed into evaluating our lifestyle to find ways to save and create alternatives.

Here are a few things we have done:

• Plant a garden of herbs and veggies that we tend to buy on a regular basis from the grocery store like tomatoes, peppers and eggplant
• Use public transportation for our daily commute
• Pack a lunch for work instead of buying
• Take advantage of free cultural event in the community

Living with less is helping us recognize that we really don't need that much to be happy and content. It's actually a blessing in disguise

Stop the FDA Globalization Act of 2008

Shea Radiance, along with thousands of other small business owners that manufacture cosmetics and personal  care products, are steadfastly against the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 for the following reasons:

• This legislation will put thousands of small businesses out of business by forcing them to pay outrageous registration fees and comply with burdensome paperwork.
• If passed, this law would drive consumers back to the days when they could only choose between a few huge, faceless, nameless big box stores and brands for their cosmetics and personal care products.
• Fewer consumer choices always leads to higher prices.

To find out how you can take a stand and make your voice heard  check out Indie Beauty Blog and read what other small business have to say on this issue

 

Indie Beauty In Washington DC

Spent some time with Donna Maris Coles, founder of the Indie Beauty Network and other Indie business owners. We got to share very insightful business information and some funny stories about making our handcrafted products.

I got to hang out and have breakfast with a bunch of wonderful ladies. we all belong to the indie beauty Network and some are customers of Shea Radiance Supplies.

Shea Radiance Supplies Customers - Michelle Rose, Jamilla White of J. Blossom and Linda of Zosimos Botanicals

Summer Recipes - Pasta with Seasonal Greens

This is a versatile recipe that can be prepared with many different seasonal vegetables found in the Farmers Market, many different kinds of pasta, and many varieties of cheese. Quantities can also be varied to taste.

Cooking Demo at my Local Farmers Market

Ingredients

•     12 ounces dried pasta – long (spaghetti, linguine) or short (penne, rigatoni)
•     4 bulbs green garlic or 1 head regular garlic (or to taste), chopped or about 6 garlic tops, cut into ½ inch lengths
•     ¼ lb. pancetta or Canadian bacon, chopped, or sausage, sliced
•     1 lb. summer squash (sliced), fresh green peas, a bunch of arugula (roughly chopped), or whatever looks good at market
•     1 tablespoon olive oil
•     Juice of one lemon or lime
•     Salt and pepper to taste
•     Grated Parmesan or other cheese (ricotta, goat), to taste

Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save ½ cup of the cooking water.

While pasta cooks, heat oil in a large skillet and sauté garlic and meat until meat is crispy. Add greens/vegetables and cook a few minutes; just until greens are wilted or vegetables are barely cooked.

Drain pasta and add to sauté skillet along with lemon or lime juice. Toss until everything is mixed together; pour into serving bowl. Add reserved pasta water to skillet. If using fresh cheese, add it now. Scrape up any browned bits from bottom of pan; pour sauce over pasta. Season to taste. Serve with grated cheese.

Fresh Locally Grown Produce every week

Craft Show

How Does My Garden Grow?

Red Peppers, Tomatoes, Egg Plant

Rosemary, Basil & Thyme

Tolu rests after an afternoon of hardwork:)

Cynirje - Extra Ordinary Jewelry

One of the great things about working a craft show is meeting other vendors. I met Nakia Fisher, the owner of Cynirje Jewelry at a recent show. Not only was she a wonderful person to talk to, she is a truly talented soul.  Her one of a kind designs were really impressive.  Nakia draws her inspiration from the beauty of designs derived from all cultures, but has a real passion for African Adinkra symbols, which are usually incorporated in the jewelry and home décor designs found throughout the site. Many of her products are derived from the combination of historical cultural symbolism and contemporary design.For more information check out her site cynirje

Our Vegetable Garden Part 1

The rising cost of gas and food definitely added to my motivation to start a vegetable garden this Spring. Hubby and I have always done a few tomato plants every summer, but this year we decided to build a raised bed and really grow some serious veggies. The kids joined in on the fun this weekend. I am looking forward to a bumper crop of tomatoes, peppers, egg plants and lots of herbs this Summer

 

Put my 10 year old to work :)

He did a pretty good job too!

We're gonna have fun watching our food grow

Visit Shea Radiance at The Olney Farmers Market

It's Spring Time and The Olney Farmers market  is in full bloom. The main fare at this time of the year is lots of fresh greens, herbs and tomato seedlings ready for planting for the summer harvest. We spend part of our Sunday afternoon between church and the Olney Farmers market. We have vending booth were we sell our products and educate our customers on the benefits of unrefined Shea  butter. We do most of our sales on line, but nothing beats being able to meet customers face to face. You get to watch them sniff and sample the products and it really helps you understand what customers are looking for in a products

In addition to having live music, you can get fresh coffee from Southern Skies Coffee or try the wonderfully crusty artisan breads from Bonaparte or Atwaters Bakery. There are lots of other food vendors for the food lovers from ribs to omelette's. You absolutely have to check out this market. It's a great outing for the entire family. For more info go to Olney Farmers Market Site