Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Putting This Out to the Universe


This year has just dawned, so let's start it out well.
I have mentioned that I have a couple side projects brewing. I am not really ready to announce them, but in the spirit of timing I am going to force them out into the world and see what y'all think.

The first project is this. I want to write and publish a book in 2011.

I have been toying with the idea and even written several pages within the last few months. The book that I wanted to write has changed dramatically from a cookbook to a 'how to' real foods book, all of which has been done before, probably better than I could do it. But in thinking about why it is that you folks, who don't know me, come back to my site every day to read what is essentially my diary, it struck me. I want to write a book about this, my blog. I have come a long way in the last 9 months, not just with what I eat and how I shop, but with who I am and how I define myself. The experience has been bigger than "eat grass fed meat". I have repaired my once dysfunctional relationship with food. And the road there has been interesting, at least I think so.

I have told myself a hundred times that no one wants to read a book about me. But between my Blogger followers, Facebook friends and RSS subscribers, I believe there are 150-200 people already reading my book. Sometimes we must remind ourselves what is on the other side of the mountain, rather than focusing on the mountain.

I took off last week from posting because I am working on a Book Proposal. But I got less done than I wanted to. Mostly because I spent most of the week working on this next project.

I have for a long time been appalled by the amount of additives that are in foods. But one can find additive free food if one is so motivated. I recently discovered how many additives are in skin care, lotions, shampoos, soaps, etc. But I have been hard pressed to find any products that even come close to representing my ideals. What I have found are alot of chemical detergents, petroleum byproducts, and a bunch of other stuff I can't even identify. So I have started to make my own body lotions and shampoos out of nothing more complicated than high quality oils and castile soap (which is also made from just oil and a little sodium or potassium hydroxide). The more I read about making soap at home, the more I realize that our commercial skin care products have been just as adulterated as our food system. And skin care is just the same as food, our body absorbs it and so it should be simple and nourishing. I am also convinced that some of the fillers used set up a lousy cycle. They dry skin just enough that you have to keep buying their products. I am also frustrated the the products in line with my ideals are so expensive that they are more "gift-y" than something you would buy for yourself or your family for every day use.

So my second big project for 2011, start a skin care company that focuses on botanical oils, essential oils and uses no preservatives. In my spare time. Because remember, I do have a full time job (that I really like--have I mentioned that before??)

I wasn't going to say anything for the first couple of weeks of 2011. I was going to keep thinking and rolling things over in my head. But then I got this email from the universe....and I decided that in order to be successful, I had to put it out there.

So I have a few questions for you. Do you think I am crazy? Would you be willing to try my products once I have more recipes? I have a couple good ones so far, but I need to work on creating a whole line of items. Does anyone think that there is or isn't a market for additive free skin care? Is there someone already doing this? Does anyone have suggestions for where to sell? I cannot sell in the Union Square Farmer's Market because they do not allow non-food or non-local items to be sold there (duh), but I am not sure about other NYC markets. Does anyone have any recommendations?

In terms of a book, would you read it? Does anyone know any publishers that might be interested in a food literature book? Does anyone have any suggestions? Have I lost my mind? Should I delete this post and get back to writing about my Things? Please tell me what you really think.
Please

7 comments:

  1. Maybe instead of making products, or maybe in addtion to, you could teach classes on how to make your own stuff. Or a second book with recipes for making skin care products, etc. Just a thought. And as long as you're willing to ship to MD you know I'd be your biggest and best customer. :)

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  2. I love it. Except I do love my Dove bar too...worried about what is in that thing now. I think I could maybe change my shampoo and body wash stuff, but a girl needs her retinA! My face stuff will have to stay for now.
    I love the book idea because sometimes I go searching through your old stuff to find something. Would be nice to have it all together. Hugs to you!

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  3. I say go for it! You've gone through an incredible process to get here and I think there are a lot of people out there who would love to read about it. As for the second venture, the problem (as you mentioned) with additive free products is the cost. If you could find a way to do it without it costing an arm and a leg, I think you could find a market to sell it. Being in California, I think I'm a bit far, but there are a lot of people in NYC :).

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  4. I used to help people write book proposals professionally. I know we've been talking about grabbing coffee -- we should do it and I can download what I know. Writing a book has been in the back of my mind, too. I commend you for coming out publicly with your ideas!

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  5. Go for it & good luck!! Can't wait to see it. As for the skin care business, you really need to read this blog first. Karley used to have a skin care line and closed it because she needed more time with her family. Anyway, she talks a lot about chemicals and safe cosmetics and lots of other info on that subject. She's a great resource and I'm sure she'd answer some of your questions if you ask her. And she reviews products all the time, so you could find out if there are any already out there like you want to make.

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  6. First let me say thank you to everyone!! All your kinds words have really resonated with me! They are giving me the energy to conitnue working on my projects! Hooray!

    @caliban's--let's def get together! I have so many questions for you.

    @Raven--Thank you so much for your link. I went to her great site immediately and alot of her DIY recipes are exactly what I have in mind. I will definitely be reaching out to her.

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  7. I've heard that there are some pretty cool Blog to Book thinks out there. You could try that first? As for the products, go for it. Try a few. Have a party with a few samples and then ask people to buy them or host another party. Find a boutique that wants local natural stuff. The best time to do any of it is when you have a full-time job.

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