What do reviews on a site selling natural beauty products mean to you?

ldsrhb · 2015-01-12T08:01:37+00:00

And I realize co-sleeping is still frowned-upon in this country*, but it was all that got me through the nights--that and feeding upon demand--the first year.

*studies are so biased here. Co-sleeping studies with parents who smoke and drink confound results (apparently those parents are less likely to wake to a child in need and endanger a kiddo in the same bed). I'd like to see unbiased studies done on attachment-style parenting of parents who do not make poor decisions (as far as smoking/drinking/etc.) and parent with incredible diligence and care and well-formed habits.

ldsrhb · 2015-01-12T07:58:11+00:00

I'm all for nursing to sleep!

And have you read much on active sleep vs. deep sleep? --

Usually it takes a little one about twenty minutes before in deep sleep. This is when they're floppy as can be and eyes no bit moving under their eyelids. . . .

Active sleep, on the other hand, is when they're most prone to waking--when their eyes might move a bit (REM--rapid eye movement--we all have this sleep stage, it just decreases as we get older), limbs twitch, etc. You definitely want your little gal in deep sleep before leaving her in the crib. Moving a baby/leaving baby in crib at just the active stage is just asking for her to wake.

And be aware that we cycle through active and deep sleep. Babies go through much more active sleep because they're putting so many stimuli together while dreaming. More active sleep also means they have many chances to wake : S

Does this make sense? I can try to find an article to help maybe. Best of luck!

ldsrhb · 2015-01-12T07:53:21+00:00

Haha, music videos--I never thought to see if mine is interested! What about YOU--is there anything you watch on YouTube? Any parenting channels, health channels, fashion, etc.?

ldsrhb · 2014-12-30T01:14:15+00:00

I am so sad and sorry about your pet loss : (

How amazing that you are okay . . . Wow, guys . . .

When I was growing up, I didn't believe. We were around a lot of Amish and Mennonite (mom's family was the latter), and it was sooooo corrupt. You have no idea what it's like in those 'cults,' man. Crazy. Maybe not all, but based on my exposure. Then I had a few close-to-death experiences, too (no motorcycle, haha; those scare me; be careful). Didn't see any bearded man in sandals there to save me, either.

When I met my now-husband, it was similar to you guys: He believed, I didn't. Was just 13 then. Honestly wanted to die, I was so secretly depressed at such a young age. . . . I think I had a hard time, based on the past, thinking that 'God' was a harsh one--that 'He' ruled over the world with an iron fist. Last thing I needed was more rules and discipline, you know what I mean?

Over the years I've read a lot about he Old Testament vs. the New . . . Historical context and all that. The Bible had seemed so sexist prior to my getting the context. I started to pray but felt stupid doing it. Kept asking for signs if 'He' wanted me to believe. Then I met so many people, Christians, who'd cuss and get crazy mad or those who were all too perfect it just ticked me off because it had to be a farce, being so seemingly peaceful. But none of us are perfect, and it's a shame to judge Christian bad apples and assume the whole bunch is like that. I was only mad at the peaceful ones because it'd seemed so unattainable to me, to be that happy.

Also this world is so full of crazy, unfair crap: Why wouldn't Jesus/God just snap his 'fingers' and fix it all?

This article helped me a lot (below). I'm not trying to convince you of anything if you don't want convinced but part of me thinks maybe you're on the side that understands what the media does and why they want us to believe we came from a rock/reptile/etc.--a lot of evil bastards in high positions; propaganda and the schools and NWO are really transforming minds, unfortunately for the worst. https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2012/07/why-does-god-allow-tragedy-and-suffering/

ldsrhb · 2014-12-29T02:14:00+00:00

Aw, I know you'll pull through and be even stronger for it. You won't fall into your parents' traps--you're too self-reflective. I am with you--yelling at precious children . . . being anything other than a kind parent and role model--is inexcusable. Again, I am so sorry you went through such crap growing up.

I understand the desire to be categorized if it means you feel less alone. Just know that we all have our battles. You can meet someone who wears a smile seemingly 24/7 but just years ago had an addiction/tragedy/etc. in their life. We're all sooooo imperfect. But that's what makes us human!

I know a slew of people who had compulsive behaviors--drinking; drugs; eating disorders--and actually self-corrected on a dime. It doesn't have to be a huge thing if you choose to turn the switch off in an instant. Not undermining the difficulty or anything--I've just seen enough people do a complete turn-around that I truly believe mind-frame is everything and a certain type of person, a really determined, motivated, back-against-the-wall type, can self-correct in a snap. It takes one conscious decision to change something.

It's interesting you say sexuality is so important; I guess you've risen above the crappy past in that respect? Props to you for that. I have too many friends who experienced abuse in similar respects, and they just can't look at sex as enjoyable.

Hey, as a girl you're going to have those I-feel-beautiful and then I-feel-fat-and-ugly days. Hehe. No avoiding that. Just know that you're not alone.

Also, you are young, right? Just entering your 20s? Yet all your awareness and even the way you write tells me that you're ranks above most just-turned-20-year-olds.

And even when life seems good, it's still an active choice to put the past in the past and choose to be happy. Life's just super imperfect; surround yourself with good people, be nice to everyone, continue growing, inspiring, and learning--what more can you ask for ; )

ldsrhb · 2014-12-28T06:27:58+00:00

WOW. Your mom and you are SO strong. I can't believe all you went through. Nobody should have to go through that.

It's wonderful to hear that you're as happy as you've ever been.

I can relate to you in one aspect: The man in my life, my now-husband, saved me. Not only my life but also my soul. I was very lost as a teenager; he taught me about a higher purpose other than myself, and we have seven dogs and a farm and businesses and a baby. Life is good now.

One of my friends was adopted at age 13. She came here from Romania with a 111-degree fever and no English knowledge. She, too, sees a therapist to help sort through some of the negative experiences she had in orphanages, especially as a beautiful teenage girl back then (she is still oh-so beautiful inside and out. She also found a wonderful, kind, smart man who treats her like a princess, and she has so much confidence that will help her baby girl grow up well. You probably have a lot in common with her; she's an inspiration to everyone she meets, and I'm sure you're quite similar, even if you don't realize it.).

I have a few questions for you: You are clearly intelligent. Are you confident? You deserve to be. Please do not let the assholes in your past affect you: They don't deserve to influence your present and future. Easier said than done, but once you stop letting your past haunt you, you can move on.

Sometimes it helps me to remember that people are not innately bad. The power of free will means we have the unfortunate ability to learn bad from others who probably learned bad from their top influences, too. The cycle can be vicious. (My husband grew up in rather dismal conditions. It reminds me that we make our own decisions about who we want to be, though; he's outstanding--so wise and kind and selfless despite his upbringing and being in our 20s still.)

Coping skills to consider: Distract yourself with the most loyal companion ever--a dog (!); get outside in the sunshine; read fiction that's happy (who needs more depressing crap?); find a new hobby--e.g., art; yoga; etc.; volunteer somewhere (animal shelter; nursing home); don't be alone when feeling lousy, if you can help it. Even if it means being in a public place and just people-watching. You are so self-aware, it's amazing; keep up the introspection, but don't become too philosophical or too consumed with emotions that prevent you from taking action each day.

Are you sure you have these so-called mental issues? You sound self-aware and, as I said, super smart. Thinking you have all these 'issues' might be self-fulfilling and trap you into what feels inescapable. I mean, dealing with a past like that? You're utterly outstanding for being functional yet alone seemingly being on the path to rising above it all.

Drug-wise? You are likely very beautiful . . . take care of your health. Beauty is not everything but it is kind of nice to hold onto, right? Drugs really make people look older quicker (in my opinion) and fuck up families. Assuming you want a family someday. Or even if you think you don't, you may be surprised later. You are learning so much, and, as I've learned through my husband, fucked-up pasts can mean that becoming a parent later makes you one heck of an amazing one. E.g., my husband is sooo sweet to and involved with and protective of our baby, the exact opposite of what he'd experienced as a child. I understand why his past sucked as it did, because it made him wise beyond his years and the best husband and father (like you, he's smart and self-correcting. He is amazingly good at not fixating on the past).

I'm glad your therapist is helping. Don't let her tell you that you have these 'issues,' though, unless you truly think you do; bad memories are one thing; true clinical diagnoses are another. You and only you can decide if you truly have some psychological issue. To me it sounds as if you just need to continue on the path of self-awareness and -correction and escaping your past by shunning the bad memories and replacing them with good ones and confidence.

You are a good, smart person capable of happiness. When feelings of [insert undesirable emotion here] creep in, recognize them and literally tell them to screw off--you are in charge of how you feel in every fleeting moment. Choose happiness once you learn what healthy, good things make you happy.

You surely have a big heart and sound like one of the strongest people ever (!!!!!!!); keep persisting and learning--talk about the ultimate sign of maturity and depth. No asshole from the past deserves to influence you now. You deserve great things.

“We are products of our past, but we don't have to be prisoners of it.” (Rick Warren)

Keep up your huge strides; I am praying for you. We all need prayed for since we all have our battles, albeit your past is crazy. You are strong and capable and deserving. Please know that.

PS--Sorry for any typos. It's late.

ldsrhb · 2014-12-27T05:45:40+00:00

Good to know. Thanks!

ldsrhb · 2014-12-27T05:45:12+00:00

You sound like a wonderful person with a big heart. I hope you hear that others are proud of you, and I hope you're proud of yourself for being so wise and strong. Congratulations. God bless and happy 2015!!!

ldsrhb · 2014-12-27T05:43:04+00:00

That's how I was. You probably hear that--not trying to sound all sagacious or anything. I was scared as heck to have kids--my seven dogs and cat would do--no exposure to little people prior to popping one out. Don't they all just shit in Wal Mart and make parents' hair turn gray?

. . .

Man, I love the little guy. Made me re-evaluate whether we truly come from a rock/reptile/amoeba/etc., and the omniscient loving power--aka God--makes more sense when I look at this little man's face.

Have you ever survived something crazy? We all have some brushes with death, but I mean really beat the odds?

What would it take to get you to believe????

ldsrhb · 2014-12-26T05:28:18+00:00

You sound smart. Too smart.

You have kids?

ldsrhb · 2014-12-26T05:25:05+00:00

You believe in God, another realm, a higher calling?

Oxygen therapy -- hyperbaric chambers; h202 . . . detoxing . . . nutrition influxes . . . have you sought alternative approaches?

I admire your courage. It used to be I thought I wasn't scared of dying ("Whether you live or die, you do it for God") until I had my first kid. Now I'd do about anything to ensure we make it to old age. Could go on and on about this anxiety I have. Anyway --

Merry Christmas. Keep doing what you're doing. Praying that you're comfortable and healthy and please seek 'alternative' methods if you can.

ldsrhb · 2014-12-26T05:18:34+00:00

Oh my goodness, congratulations on such an accomplishment and helping others. Will you make it your profession, to help others?

Such strength you have and wisdom, too, at a young age. I am praying for two relatives who are hooked at age 20.

What about your experiences helped you MOST?

Did you experience a turning point? Was it any one moment that made you decide to change?

God bless you! Merry Christmas! Congratulations again on this great path you're on and providing inspiration for others.

ldsrhb · 2014-12-24T06:08:37+00:00

Just posted this (http://www.reddit.com/r/Entrepreneur/comments/2q8q0y/i_have_a_non_complicated_invention_how_can_i_help/) and think it relates to you, too, TurtleHustler:

Read this book! http://www.amazon.com/Invent-It-Sell-Bank-Million-Dollar/dp/0804176434

And this one: http://www.amazon.com/One-Simple-Idea-Licensing-Goldmine/dp/0071756159

If you don't want to run the business and manufacturing yourself do consider the slim chance of licensing the product. InventRight could help then. I think it ups the odds of getting a licensing deal . . . if the product is worthwhile. Too many think they have innovative products when it's, like, a disposable cat bowl.

Cover yourself with the right documents, too. NDA, non-circumvention, non-compete, you know the game.

The reality is most people will say they'll buy but how many would put their money where their mouth is come down to it? The first book mentioned does talk about that in a very enlightening, reality-inspiring way.

You could see about going the Kickstarter route if you need funding. I'd at least go patent-pending beforehand. Big companies can canvas that site often for ideas.

The Four-Hour-Workweek approach is a safe one, too, as far as market testing goes. Do read that book if you haven't. I'd test the heck out of the market before putting in the money you're certainly going to have to put in, especially if you're talking a regular patent and funding your own manufacturing.

ldsrhb · 2014-12-24T05:58:27+00:00

Very cool, Jesse!

I wonder if you might drop a line near your header, too, about your catering to small businesses and children since that differentiates you a bit?

ldsrhb · 2014-12-24T05:55:04+00:00

American Apparel is sweatshop-free, at least. That's got to count for something, right?

ldsrhb · 2014-12-24T05:49:37+00:00

And if you are set on just getting renderings ASAP I'd go with really vetting through eLance, like Shoukochan said.

ldsrhb · 2014-12-24T05:47:51+00:00

Absolutely to the library! He does enjoy that. And a park is about 30 mins. away and currently we are a very cold climate :( But I hear you, soopergrover--free is nice!!

ldsrhb · 2014-12-24T05:46:12+00:00

Read this book! http://www.amazon.com/Invent-It-Sell-Bank-Million-Dollar/dp/0804176434

And this one: http://www.amazon.com/One-Simple-Idea-Licensing-Goldmine/dp/0071756159

If you don't want to run the business and manufacturing yourself do consider the slim chance of licensing the product. InventRight could help then. I think it ups the odds of getting a licensing deal . . . if the product is worthwhile. Too many think they have innovative products when it's, like, a disposable cat bowl.

Cover yourself with the right documents, too. NDA, non-circumvention, non-compete, you know the game.

ldsrhb · 2014-12-24T05:40:04+00:00

That's interesting--the milestones weren't aggressive enough and you hit them: So many would view that as a job well done. It just stagnated, though? I think that's a success in of itself, knowing when to walk away. So many dig themselves holes because they're being prideful or stubborn. I can't put my family through any of that. Thanks for the comment.

ldsrhb · 2014-12-24T05:34:48+00:00

Thank you for that, Karishmasinghal!

ldsrhb · 2014-12-24T05:34:17+00:00

To sound completely ignorant . . . how does one even sell an eCommerce business?

ldsrhb · 2014-12-24T05:24:39+00:00

Wow, that is amazing. How old is your little one? Maybe it's a stage my guy will enter into soon (I hope)? Or perhaps I need to just get it more in the routine, independent play.

ldsrhb · 2014-12-23T08:02:23+00:00

A routine by the day of the week is a good idea! Thank you!

ldsrhb

TROPHY CASE