Donna Greene
Donna Greene

A girl’s gotta have a little pleasure

I have a saying about life…

A girl’s gotta have a little pleasure. Because if mama’s happy, everybody’s happy. On the other hand, if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.

It’s a philosophy I like to share. I want to spread the love and encourage you take the time for yourself. Nurture yourself. Love your skin. Love yourself.

I decided that after taking care of everyone else for so long, it was time to take care of me. I deserve some pampering…. some luxurious treats for my skin in addition to my well being.

 

A little back story

Being part of the baby boomer generation, I’m in a different place in my life than I’ve ever been. My kids are grown and have families of their own, I am aware of changes to my body and my health, and I find myself with time to pursue my dreams and do more of the things I love.

One thing I’ve noticed is the effects of time on my skin. My once oily and acne-ridden skin is drying out, making me glad it once was oily. The effects of stress show up in muscles being overly tight and wrinkles appearing on my skin. Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of money on beauty products in the hope of reversing the effects that the years have had on my skin. I’ve also collected soaps from far and near and had drawers full of products.

I can do better

When I first started making soap, I quickly became addicted. I used the cold process method, which is basically making soap from scratch, and it requires a curing period of 4-6 weeks. I love that it’s a combination of science, cooking and art…. soap art. By combining colors, textures and scents, I was creating something completely unique and beautiful that also cleans your skin. People are always telling me that my soap looks like edible art or baked treats. They say they want to eat it. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about calories with soap!

Before I started making my own, I had no idea how different homemade soap would be from store-bought soaps. Using other soap after that, I discovered what a huge difference there was. I even ended up throwing away soap that I bought at an outdoor market in France. Much of the soap on the market is made from detergent. Making my own, with butters, oils and natural additives to color the batter, I discovered what soap *should* feel and act like.

I also delved into beauty products and discovered right away how much better they are for my skin than over-the-counter products. My skin literally glowed and looked so much younger after I started using my handmade products. I started by studying all the best types of botanical oils and butters. In addition, I researched scores of recipes before creating ones that I absolutely love. One of my favorites that I use every night is a face and eye balm with squalane oil (sourced from olives), which is included in some of the most expensive ‘skin repair’ cosmetics on the market. I was simply not used to treating my skin with such luxurious and natural ingredients. There was no turning back. After creating a replacement for each product I used, my store-bought item would go in the trash. I was completely and utterly spoiled.

Embrace passion

And so I’ve gone back to the basics. Using natural products has made such a huge difference in my life since I’ve ditched the lotions and potions that are loaded with chemicals. There are so many wonderful ingredients in nature, and making a conscious choice to use luxurious oils, butters and other botanical ingredients has made such a difference in my skin and the way I feel about myself. I’m passionate about sharing this… getting beyond all the injections and fillers that are used these days to instead concentrate on pure and natural ingredients that feed our skin and make us feel amazing.

I feel like this is the time of life to embrace passion, whatever that means to each of us. It could be spending time with grandchildren. It might be riding a Harley across America. Playing in a band. Taking lessons for something you enjoy to get better at it. Whatever feeds your soul.

I find constant inspiration in my surroundings here in Santa Barbara that encourage me to follow my passions. Even with the recent wildfire that came very close to us and the debris flow that went right through our property, I have a burning desire to keep creating. In addition to developing my own cold process soap and natural skin care recipes, I’m excited to share other creative outlets I’ve had as well. Electric Bolo Ties are made with electric guitar parts and are a big hit with guitar players. Alcohol ink and resin jewelry is another passion, as well as photography. My photos, showing the beauty of Santa Barbara, are included on this site as greeting cards and postcards.

So I encourage you to follow your heart and do what inspires you. Whatever you feel passionate about.

Join me on my journey

If you want to stay in touch, leave your email in the area below (In the footer), I’ll try and make sure to keep you up on the latest.

And don’t forget to take some time for you! Each. and. every. day.

 

P.S. I’m so inspired to share my message, that I co-wrote a song entitled A Girl’s Gotta Have a Little Pleasure. It’s also the name of my CD.