Supernatural Botanicals

Do you obsess over your home’s design?  Are you constantly looking to books and magazines for great interior design ideas?  Is your DVR full of HGTV design shows?  Then you’ll love Design Sponge.   Design Sponge is one of the most popular design blogs in cyberspace, and has a celeb readership (Nate Berkus reads it regularly).   Design Sponge is packed full of great ideas to transform your home into your sanctuary.  Jump over and check out the blog here.

A big thank you to EcoBold for not only supporting eco-minded people and businesses, but for also featuring Supernatural Botanicals today.  The following article is courtsey of EcoBold.  Visit their site to learn more about the great work they are doing…then let it inspire you!

The founder of Supernatural Botanicals, Robin Feltner has a chemistry background and she just knows what ingredients should or shouldn’t be inside skincare products. This line is completely paraben-free and phthalate-free. Learn more with the interview below:

Tell us a little bit about the background and story of Supernatural Botanicals.
Supernatural Botanicals is an eco-chic bath & body company specializing in skincare that follows Green practices and principals, and formulates its products with intent and purpose.

At the inception of Supernatural Botanicals, we knew we wanted to create a company that knows its demographic. Growing increasingly disappointed with mainstream bath & body stores catering to teenagers, Supernatural Botanicals wanted to target the grown sexy woman demographic. We also wanted to focus on being Green and creating products that not only feel and smell amazing, but products that are highly beneficial for the skin.

We created products formulated without Parabens or Phthalates. Green products come from natural and organic ingredients, and that’s exactly how we formulate our products…with intent and purpose, and as natural as we can. After literally hundreds and hundreds of prototypes, we formulated perfection, bringing to you natural products that smell as incredible as they perform.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? 
I’ve always had “entrepreneur” in my genetic makeup. I was selling homemade cards to neighborhood ladies at the age of 4. I wanted to grow up and have a double major as a fashion designer and interior designer. That dream never materialized. In hindsight, I wish I would have had a mentor to help me prepare, telling me which art and business classes I should have taken.

What’s wrong with standard skincare products and why do you think such ingredients are allowed? 
I believe lack of quality ingredients poses a huge threat. Not only has quality fallen by the wayside, but we also should be concerned with the toxins in the products we are using every day. Many common ingredients have been proven by scientists to be harmful, yet manufacturers continue to use them because they are inexpensive, thus allowing for more profit.

How did you choose your ingredients and what to put in each product? 
Extensive research! Having a chemistry/pharmacy background, I’m always extremely cognizant about using quality, natural ingredients.

What’s the biggest lesson you learned while starting Supernatural Botanicals? 
I’ve literally learned a wealth of knowledge in forming my company. I’ve learned that customers sincerely do appreciate companies that are going the extra effort to keep them healthy. I, too, have learned how many mainstream companies use cheap fillers in order to make profits. 

If you could choose just one of your products, which one would it be? 
Extremely hard to narrow that down as I love all of the products. I do favor our Beach Body Spray. Not only does it smell absolutely amazing and I get numerous compliments on it every time I wear it, but it’s a multitasker. It works great in your hair, giving your hair extra volume and beautiful scent. I even use it as a linen spray on my bed sheets. It’s also our best seller.

Describe a typical day in your life.
I’m an early riser. I tend to get a tremendous amount accomplished in the early hours. I work on the business end of the business from 5-8…networking, emails, following up on orders, PR, social media, etc. From 8-6 I’m in our workshop, formulating skincare products and filling orders. The day flies by, and I’m always hungry for more hours at the end of the day. In the past, it would be very common to find me in my workshop until as late as 11 p.m. I’ve luckily learned time management, and the importance of accomplishing that task.

What’s one thing we could do to have an awesome skin, naturally? 
Check your labels. Use products that do not contain parabens. Don’t be fooled by companies that splash the name of an all natural ingredient, only to flip the label over and realize that they natural product they are promoting only has trace elements within it, and is filled with other harmful fillers. 

If there is one thing/thought/idea that you could pass on to the next generation, what would it be? 
One huge concern I have for our next generation is the condition of our planet. Global warming and eco concerns will certainly be a problem in which they inherit. My hope is that we can educate the masses enough to get everyone on board with being green and eco-responsible. 

What’s your # 1 green tip? 
Recycling is an easy way to start being green. Every human being on the planet creates waste. There’s absolutely no reason we shouldn’t be more responsible for the garbage we create. This is also something that even children can learn and be a part of. If we start them early, it will become second-nature to them.

There’s no hiding Tony Bourdain’s dislike (or disgust) for Sandra Lee.  The Semi-Homemade queen does not rank highly amongst chefs or even the foodies of the world.  A particular episode of Sandra’s that made Tony’s eye twitch was the Kwanzaa cake episode.  In fact, he was so sure we’d agree with his thoughts that he told us to go home and You Tube Sandra Lee’s Kwanzaa cake.  Watch for yourself and come to your own conclusions. 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we2iWTJqo98

Tony’s near sold-out F-bomb laiden show in Cincinnati had all of us in stitches all night.  He received as many laughs as a comedian.  Tony is an incredible story-teller and one who isn’t afraid to share his thoughts on Food Network personalities, i.e., he thinks Guy Fieri, at the age of 45, needs to take the glasses off the back of his head and thinks Giada has an abnormally large head. 

The audience in Cincinnati was filled with some of our most prominent chefs, foodies, bloggers and all-around interesting people in Cincinnati.  Tony opened the floor to questions, and it was amazing to see so many well-traveled Cincinnatians all in one place. 

Tony is welcome to our city any day…even if he made fun of our cinnamon-laced chili.  I have a feeling Cincinnatian’s would welcome him with open arms and another sold out venue.

If you’re not checking out Food52′s food blog, you should be.  If you are a foodie, or simply want to get some ideas to impress others in kitchen, this is the place to be.  Check out their website to find gems like this recipe below.  So perfectly simple, yet bursting with flavor.  Start channeling your inner gourmet cook and make something delicious today!

Tad’s Roasted Potatoes

Serves 4

• 1 pound old white potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• Olive oil
• 8 sprigs herbs (any combination of thyme, sage and rosemary)
• 3 garlic cloves, lightly smashed (leave the skins on)
• Coarse salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Spread the potatoes in a well-seasoned cast iron pan — they should fit comfortably in one layer. Douse with olive oil, like you’re marinating them. Add the herbs and garlic, and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss the potatoes a few times to mix in the herbs and seasoning.

2. Roast in the oven, scraping up and turning the potatoes every 10 minutes or so, until the potatoes are well caramelized and tender, about 40 minutes.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LljoH54N4k0

Cincinnati Women Bloggers was extended the fab opportunity to have our monthly meeting at the Cincinnati Ballet.  Our meeting covered topics of blogging conferences and shared experiences at the recent blogging conference in Chicago, BlogHer.  (Sadly, the only one who enjoyed BlogHer was our Mommy-blogger.  Tech, creative, and business bloggers, etc., had a much different experience.)  …BlogHer is far too expensive to not take something away from the conference. 

 It will be interesting to see the attendance rates for BlogHer 2010.  BlogHer is a great idea, but the overall consensus is, BlogHer needs to be better planned for next year.  We are optimistic to see the changes for 2010 as BlogHer is a great idea at the core.

Back to the Ballet.  Terry Honebrink with the Cincinnati Ballet gave us a behind-the-scenes look at this incredible facility.  The costume rooms are amazing.  Her beautiful daughter even performed for us.  You can experience the Cincinnati Ballet at an upcoming FREE event called Ballet and Beer on September 3rd.  Highly recommended.  You’ll have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and mingle with Ballet performers.  Click here for more information.  Reservations are recommended at 513-621-5219.

This is an example of the hilarity that’s going on over at Cake Wreck Blog.  A blog where professional cakes go horribly, hilariously wrong.  Take a look for yourself. 

   My friend Debba is a girl about town.  She’s in the know of everything, from networking, social media, blogging, pod casting, fashion, business, all things Cincinnati, and of course, the founder/creator of Girlfriendology and Cincinnati Women Bloggers.   Girlfriendology is a great website that celebrates friendships of girlfriends.  Debba just went to LA and hung out with Brooke Burke, selected by Frito Lay to help launch A Woman’s World.  Check out her home page for pictures and details.  You’ll love Girlfriendology.  There’s something for everyone there.  

     And from the drop-dead-gorgeous files, we have the Tuscany Bramasole bed.  (think Bramasole villa in Under The Tuscan Sun.)  This is luxury bedding at its finest (a favorite indulgence of mine.)    How could you leave this room?  Ever?  Gorgeousness!  A total sanctuary. 

I mean, it’s completely unattainable to recreate.  Unless you are sharing your room with a really great carpenter, you are probably not going to achieve ceilings this high or columns and wall architecture this intricate.  I think I could do my best DIY project and recreate this room somewhat, but that ceiling height is untouchable.   I’m loving those argyle columns at the top.  Very chic.

It’s a great look to steal.  Rich, buttery hues of golds and yellows against the deep dark finish of the bed…perfection.  The khaki bedding works well with the overall hues, as opposed to fighting them with patterns or opposing color combinations.  I’m against the rug, however.  Upon first glance, I see Santa Fe.  I need something more Italian and less New Mexico.  The colors work, the pattern does not, in my opinion.  I’d like to see a longer fibered, softer, more luxurious rug.  Bedrooms need a soft place for your feet, espeically if you have hardwood or tile as the main flooring.  A rug is also a great way to update a room and make it feel completely different in one step.   

If you adore interior design and houses, you’ll love my friend, Julia’s, blog, Hooked on Houses.  Such a great blog.  Check out her Dali Wall Decals today. 

    I was recently pleasantly surprised to see I was honored to make the list of 101 Women Bloggers To Watch in 2009 by WE Magazine for Women.   Thanks so much, WE Magazine, I truly appreciate your recognition!

Robin Feltner, Founder/CEO, Supernatural Botanicals, www.SupernaturalBotanicals.com

 101 Women Bloggers to Watch for 2009

Here’s the entire list of all 101 Women Bloggers To Watch in 2009

Pink Heels with Jennifer Moore

Pathway To Presence Blog with Gina Rafkind

Women Xplore with Bela

Say Yes Institute with Carrie Stack, M.Ed. 

Prosperity is Now with Donna McAlister

Financial blog with Tawra

Freedom Blogging with Jan Norman
Writer’s Eye Advisory Service with Lael Johnson
Vanilla Sage with Eleisia Whitney
Conventional Wisdom Institute with Rebecca Staton-Reinstein
Advantage Virtual Assistant with April Jones

Poder Interior with Norma Cruz

Almost Smart Cookie with Dr. LeslieBeth Wish

Marcom Interactive with Linda Zimmer

Smart Woman Guides with Vicki Flaugher  

Women’s Work with Susan

Bari J with Bari J Ackerman

Arizona Home Talk with Becky Wyatt

Tech Coach for Coaches with Sandra DeFreitas

Belle Vivir with Julie

Rain’s Authentic Blog

Virtual Book Tour with Nikki Leigh

Isaac Business Services with Cheryl Isaac

Andrea Dean’s Blog 

Diane Kennedy’s Tax Loopholes

That Crazy Mom with April
Orange Soda with Janet Meiners Thaeler
Women Entrepreneurs – The First Year with Jo Anne Cohn

Becoming Something with Natasha

Fast Wonder Blog with Dawn Foster

Great Adaptations with Suzanna
The Get Smart Blog with Bridget Ayers
Julie Yack’s Blog
Tammy Tailor Nails

The Best of Marbella with Maria Petrak

Denise Mabilog Photography

Madalyn’s Music Biz Blog

The Chronicle of Coaching with Linda Ballew

Communication Bridges with Mary Schnack

Supernatural Botanicals with Robin Feltner

The RebelWoman Show with Jann Taber

Wealth, Success and Women with Heather Juma

Women Entrepreneurs Secrets with Deb Bailey

Dawn at Your Service with Dawn Lawson

Success in Bloom with Colleen Johnston

Girls Getaway Guide with Casey Wohl

Mommy Revenue with Rhonda White

Savvy Doula with Darlene MacAuley

SheEO Blog with Jennifer Dalitz

The Productivity Queen with Lorraine Pirihi

The Bulletin Board with Eydie Stumpf

Quick Moments with Gayna

Rachel’s Place with Rachel

Women Wise with Kelly Watson

Tax Tips Blog with Gina Gwordz

WorldChangingBusiness with Coco Fossland 

Not Just Pretty with Erin Ferree

NextSteph with Stephanie M. Cockerl 

The T-Shirt Lady with Sandi Myers

PKS Miami with Jane Zucker

Cherie’s Profit Blog with Cherie Ang

Online Business Woman with Roxanne

Technical Projects with Sara Isenberg

Viva Visibility with Nancy Marmolejo 

Your Design Biz Blog with Mary Larsen

Yielding Wealth with Miranda Marquit

Work From Home Momma with Laura Spencer

Workerette with Melonie Murray

Words of a Broken Mirror with Alina Popescu 

Wise Women Investor with Lisa Moren Bromma

The Next Women with Simone Brummelhuis
Startup Spark with Shannon Cherry

Speak Schmeak with Lisa Braithwaite

Small Business Boomers with Jean Murray

Sisters In Biz with Monica Flores

Real Thinking with Patricia Hewitt

Randa Clay Design with Randa Clay

Pajama Professional with Sara Christensen

Origin of Brands with Laura Ries

Mingle with Beth Brodovsky

Leader Notes with Bridget Wright

Leader Networks with Vanessa DiMauro

Interview Chatter with Darlene McDaniel

Help Desk Notes with Linda Marie

Greener Assets with Allison Boyer

Green Gigs with Lori Stewart

Funny Business with Elana Centor

Everyday Networker with Jennifer Gniadecki

Customers Are Always with Maria Palma

Corporate PR with Elizabeth Albrycht

Chiefette with Fiona Powell

Behind The Buzz with Rachel Clarke

I live in Dallas with Jennifer

Advergirl with Leigh Householder

Chicas Emprendedoras with Paola Cristina Diaz

Tulips Talk with Heidi Richards Mooney

Melissa Seymour with Melissa Seymour

Media Relations with Jeri Cartwright

Making Strategic Sense with Patti Dragland

Let’s Get Down to Business with Pam Wolf
Betsy Aoki’s Blog

   I just attended a great class today on social networking at LPK Brand Innovation Center in Cincinnati.   Speakers were Adriane Broili, Brain Meyers, Jackie Reau, and Kevin Dugan.  (Google him and read his blog….super cool!)   

Get to know us in different social networking circles.  Follow Supernatural Botanicals on Twitter www.twitter.com/Supernatural10.  Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com, search Supernatural Botanicals.   Follow us on Myspace www.myspace.com/SupernaturalBotanicals.com.  

You can follow me on Linked In www.LinkedIn.com/RobinFeltner.