Guess What's Going on in Nashville?

That's Lovely 2 on the left.

Most of you know that Lovely #2 is living and loving life in Nashville. When the family went to visit in June last year (remember when DrummerBoy's band played at the Ryman???) I easily understood why she loves Nashville so much. The food. Was. Awesome. Well, that and the people. I don't think I've ever been in a town or city with nicer more welcoming folks in my life. Apparently, this hospitality and support trickles down from the top.

Nashville has an amazing mayor. Yes, their mayor is amazing (we have a female mayor too. She's nothing like the one in Nashville. Just don't get me started.) My favorite thing about her right now is her support of local women owned start-up businesses. And not just because Lovely #2 fits right into this category but also because I believe in causes such as this--I mean, I am a woman, I have 4 daughters and 1 granddaughter so...

Through iFundWomen Nashville Marketplace and the office of Mayor Megan Barry, the enterprising women of Nashville will receive recognition and, hopefully, the funding they need to further their businesses many of whom support local charities as well.

Lovely 2 and her sweet partner not only have a little business of their own but they also made the cut for the project! Their super cute video would be right here had Blogger allowed me to upload it. Since Blogger is being a stinker, please CLICK HERE or on any of the pictures below to see the video.

So, how does Lovely 2 fit into the iFundWomen Nashville?

She and partner Haylee both work full-time jobs so Twigs + Roots is their passion project/side hustle. They are truly passionate about the products they make, but it costs a lot in time and personal funds to keep it going. They have BIG plans for Twigs + Roots (re-branding, new website, product expansion, wholesale expansion), but, with baby Young on the way (!!!), and DrummerBoy and Lovely 2 buying their first home (!!!), they don't have the means to continue financing everything themselves. No donation is too small, every dollar helps!!!

Why should you consider donating?

These two young women are passionate about educating the public on the negative effects of harmful chemicals and toxins in commercial body care products as well as being a part of the solution. This campaign will serve as a platform for them to do just that – educate and present the public with healthy, natural alternatives to commercial body products.  It will also allow them to continue offering products at prices that are easily accessible to all and assist them in making their products more conveniently available by expanding the wholesale business to local Nashville shops. AND they will finally be able to revamp their packaging, website, and overall brand to reflect the quality of their products!

What if I don't want to donate right now?

Share, share, share! Take a moment to share this post and/or share the link to their iFundWomen page on your personal social media accounts, tell your friends about it! 

From Haylee and Claudia:

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you in advance for your love and support of us and our little business. We can't wait to see where this adventure takes us!

There are only 14 days left to donate. If you can't, please share this with everyone you know! Thanks, y'all!

Twigs and Roots!

Today begins a new month and NaBloPoMo for November. Why in the world did I sign up for this, again? That's the $64,000 question, isn't it? I already have a habit of posting three days each week and that has been manageable so far. But to post EVERY day for one month? I'm not sure even I have that much to say. Ha!

The nice thing is when you can't think of a single thing to say, the lovely folks at Blogher give you daily prompts. Which may or may not prove to be helpful. Sometimes when I use a prompt I feel like I'm BSing. You know, like I did in college on essay questions or those tests that you had to answer in the dreaded blue books. I can't tell y'all how many of those blue horrors I filled with BS. And still received an A. Perhaps I only thought it was BS. After all, most of those tests were in Philosophy.

Anyway, I won't be using a prompt today. Instead, I will be introducing y'all to Deanie's (Lovely2) new business! Yes, she still has her day job but she and a good friend bought a nice little business and the launch of their revamping is today!

This beautiful photo was taken by the talented, Alysse Gafkjen. 

Aren't they just as cute as they can be? Do we ever stop calling our kids cute? That's my Deanie girl on the left and H on the right. Adorable AND smart? Innovative and willing to take risks? Loving life and keeping it real? Young entrepreneurs? Yep! All that and more! Love these girls!

So, what is this business? It's called, Twigs and Roots and offers natural, handmade products such as deodorant, tooth powder, baby balm and baby powder, sinus steam, and vapor rub. And YES! I've used the products and I do love them! Not just because they're sold by my lovely daughter and her sweet friend but because I believe in this type of product.

MY STORY: I've used regular, chemical laden products most of my life- up until about 7 years ago. I had no idea how much difference not using products containing chemicals made until I was washing my hair one day (this was years ago) and realized I was out of conditioner. I had some of the old stuff (I was about a month and a half into the natural, organic products) and used it. IMMEDIATELY, my scalp began itching as did my face as the conditioner ran down my face. My face and shoulders had turned red and splotchy and I was so itchy! That, friends, was the last time I use any product containing chemicals on my body from my head to my toes. And that's why I'm not only glad but quite supportive of Deanie's new venture! AND- you can see this story on Twigs and Roots blog post, Sweating is FUN! :)

Actually, I would be supportive anyway but, y'all know what I mean :)

None of the Twigs and Roots products contain chemicals. All ingredients are natural and/or organic!

Please head over to Twigs and Roots and check it out. There is a tab for their BLOG posts and I know they'd love to hear a shout-out or two of support from y'all! Deanie knows all about Mom's wonderful blogging friends. :)

Thanks, y'all. Have a wonderful week!