Hello friends!

I couldn’t wait to share this “hometown”  (Memphis by way of Miami) treasure with you: Liz and Gil of Mi-Me Handmade Body Products.  I first had the opportunity to meet the duo behind this unique product line at Beale Street Chic and All Day Natural’s “Beauty, Blogging, and Beyond” celebration this past spring.  There was a noticeable buzz about these handmade goodies at the event, so I just had to find out more about Mi-Me and its creators….

1. You two seem to form a dynamic, balanced partnership. How did you decide to collaborate and bring Mi-Me to fruition?

Our partnership works because we are friends first, so we can be critical of each other and laugh about it.

We’ve collaborated on other businesses in the past and with Mi-Me we wanted to create a product that we were passionate about and not lose creative control of.  We are able to put our creativity into every aspect of the company, be it the colorful labels or the scents that spark memories of our youth.

2. I applaud your commitment to use natural ingredients in your product line. Why was this important to you, and how does this impact your creations?

We decided to keep it simple and not fool around with any chemicals that could potentially have adverse reactions.  Using natural ingredients was personally important to us because we hated purchasing products and not knowing or understanding what 90% of the ingredients were or what they did.

We think that natural ingredients make our products better, because our customers aren’t getting fillers that don’t benefit them in any shape or form.  Every ingredient used in Mi-Me products was chosen with a specific beneficial purpose in mind.

3. The readers are stranded on a deserted island with (insert fantasy person here) and only one Mi-Me product. What must-have item would you recommend?

No doubt, the Fascin8ing Hair Elixir!  Every ingredient in it is healing, cleansing, or nourishing.  The Butters, shea, mango, avocado and coconut oil will create a barrier against the elements. While the bergamot, rosemary, and lavender are three of the most healing essential oils, period. And don’t get me started on the honey!  That means, you can use the Elixir to keep your hair looking capital-A, Amazing or to heal any scrapes you get from building a hut, and provide relief for mosquito bites.

4. Summer has arrived, which means it’s swimsuit and sundress season! What tips do you have for readers who want to achieve and showcase natural, beautiful skin? (Or “sheen-y” skin as you describe on your site…)

Sheen-y (adj)

1. the way light bounces off of skin that is healthy and moisturized.

2. effect of using Mi-Me scrubs to exfoliate and natural butters to moisturize.

The best way to achieve beautiful skin is to first protect the skin you have.  A great first step is using a sunscreen with SPF 60 or above, that has UVA/UVB protection.  That being said exfoliating with a Mi-Me Sugar or Salt Scrub is a surefire way to be sheen-y.   When the sun begins dipping I’d tell the readers to use a light moisturizer like Avocado butter which contains SPF properties to continue to protect, moisturize, and help repair damaged skin cells.  Lastly, drink tons and tons of water!

You can find out more about Mi-Me Handmade on their Etsy site and Facebook page. They can also be contacted at ilovemime@gmail.com or (901)-213-MiMe (6463).

Have you used Mi-Me Handmade Body Products before? What are your favorite ones?

The creator’s story is very inspiring. It is reassuring to know that the company is committed to health-conscious, eco-friendly products. You apply Salubritas differently than other deodorants. You actually take a small amount and massage it onto your body. I had the Orange Lavender balm, an interesting combination, yet very pleasant scent. The balm comes in a plethora of other scents too.

I must say, Salubritas is the most consistently effective deodorant I have used thus far–perfect for everyday use. (Trust me, I wouldn’t send you out into the world, shall we say, “unprotected”? ).  I haven’t applied this deodorant for intense workouts yet, but the website says the balm has been “mountain-bike tested”. It’s definitely worth a try!

Have you tried Salubritas Deodorant Balm? What natural deodorant has worked best for you?

I don’t know if it’s the diverse array of people, dizzying excitement from the streets or the overwhelming abundance of food choices, but New York City has always captivated my soul, from the first time I stepped on its soil. I recently visited one of my favorite cities and want to share with you my adventures and finds.

Ohhh, the Food!

I would say that I have come back from my trip twenty pounds bigger, but since I trekked all around Manhattan, maybe I walked it all off. (Let’s hope!)

Of course I had to find my fix of ethiopian food. First stop: Zoma Restaurant in Harlem. My friend and I dined with Sheena LaShay of Sociology of Sheena (Check out her dynamic writings). We had a lovely time connecting like old friends and savoring the magnificent meal.

I did save some room on my palate for an appetizing dish the next day at The Organic Grill, in the East Village. I stared at the menu for the longest trying to figure out what to get (too many choices!) I settled on the herbivore version of the Philly Cheese Steak: the Grilled Seitan Burger. Dee-lish! Afterwards, I sat by the dessert counter and ogled the coconut cream pie, apple berry crisp and lemon cheesecake (all vegan).  (You all KNOW I have a sweet tooth!) My friend delighted in the rich Chocolate Mocha Torte.

Later that evening, I stopped by Loving Hut. The veggie burger was pretty good, but I was most impressed by the carrot-ginger dressing on the house salad. Simple, yet appetizing…I am going to experiment with this recipe soon….

Beauty Extravaganza

While in the city, I wandered into Rain, a quaint shop in Rockefeller Plaza. Rain carries bath and body products with natural ingredients from Africa. It has an area where you can try each of the products: body cream, bath salts, handmade soaps. (You can even make your own custom scrubs and soaps.) The sales clerk was very knowledgeable and patient while I asked a billion questions about each of the products. I went home with a handful of samples and the Vanilla Rooibos Cream. I haven’t decided if I am actually going to use it or just marvel in the exquisite scent forever…

On my last day, I stopped by the Green Flea Market, I must say, I saved the best for last. In addition to a number of handmade jewelry finds, I discovered a trove of natural beauty treasures.

Inside the market, I encountered the nicest vendor from U.C.A.N. Enterprises, which sells natural skin care products.  All of the products are handmade (by her Mother, how sweet), and  you can tell a lot of thoughtfulness and care goes into them. The 3-in-1 (soap, shampoo and body wash) was extremely moisturizing. You can find this product (and others) here.

During my trek, I met the most adorable lady, Liz Santiago, founder of the eco-friendly skin care company, CeleBritAy.   Liz shared how her own health-conscious lifestyle influenced the ingredients she chose for her products.  I love her enthusiasm for the products, which was contagious. She even shared some samples with me, and I cannot wait to order my next batch. Check CeleBritAy out online or for you all that are lucky enough to be in the area, stop by the Brooklyn store.

I was certainly impressed.  I only wish I had more time to devote to explore the finds…and more room in my suitcase! What a glorious weekend!

Have you been to any of these places in NYC? What are your favorite healthy spots and vendors in the city?

Friends,  I could not wait to share this feature with you. A few weeks ago, I was reading the natural beauty blog The Glam Organic Goddess when I stumbled upon this innovative find.  Eco-Emi, a subscription service in which you get samples of  “chic, eco-friendly” products delivered to your doorstep each month.

I rejoiced when I saw this…what a glorious idea (especially for a sample lover like me!) I ordered from Eco-Emi right away and received my box of natural goodies a few days later.  Like a child on Christmas morning, I shrieked with delight at the surprises in the package: food (remarkably tasty herbed rice), beauty (Winterberry Lip Gloss–I am wearing it today!) and home (a sinfully sweet vanilla candle which burns in my bedroom).

I wanted to find out more about the creator of this innovative idea. I present to you, Christine, founder of Eco-Emi:

The only thing you can do to live every day is eat and drink. This is the number one source of nutrition and health. Unless you are eating and drinking organic and or wild harvested products, you are continuously putting loads of foreign chemicals, fillers, preservatives, hormones and other nasty poisons into your body….On top of this, when you use [toxic] lotion, makeup, and if you breathe in candles with lead wicks and chemicals and so much more, its endless and disgusting.  You do have control over your own body, and at home you should be shopping cleaner to give your body what it needs to stay healthy. You can spend a tiny bit more on healthy, clean food, or you can spend loads more on medical bills and toxic medicines-its your choice.

My advice is to read and learn as much as you can… I think you need to just research everything. If you pick up a shampoo bottle and cannot read the ingredients, why the heck would you use it?  If you a stranger handed you some shampoo bottle with no label, would you use it? Probably not, but for some reason is having the label that has a bunch of bizarre things you can’t understand any better? No! This goes with your food, drinks, everything.

It is your right to understand what those ingredients are and what they do. So research everything you can and if you look for the organic symbol a lot of the work has already been done for you.

If you want to live a better life, then please look at what you are using every single day. Start to take those first small steps towards a greener, animal friendly, earth friendly life and take care of your body.  You only get one shot with it.

Thanks for sharing your inspiring story, Christine!

What steps are you taking towards living a cleaner, healthier life?

What “green” products have you wanted to try?

Meet a few of the fabulous people I encountered:

Some of the show attendees…aren’t they the cutest?

eKlektik eKhos

The exquisite designs of this artist caught my attention, as well her undeniably fly style. She is the creator of eKlektik eKhos, “urban/funky/ethnic/handmade” jewelry. Learn more about her art here.

I absolutely fell in love with her creations, marveling at their uniqueness. I bought a pair of dazzling red and gold earrings for my sister, but I will be borrowing them soon.

SPOSH

First, can I just tell you how I much I love this name?  The owner, Karla, explained that is is a combination of Spa + Posh. I talked to Karla at length about her inspiration for founding the company and creating all-natural products. I could not decide which of her products to try–I eyed the sugar scrubs for a while–but I finally settled on the juniper soy candle. It is burning in front of me as I type this…great choice! For more on Karla and SPOSH Scents, click here.

Virtuous Creations

This designer, Vanessa, had a variety of eyecatching hair accessories and jewelry. Find more about her product line here. I picked up a cool headwrap. I’ll share the pics with you all when I rock it this summer.

Bayou Soap Company

Exploring the aisles of the show, I stopped in my tracks. These hypnotizing scents caught my attention: Lavender, Gardenia, Ethiopian Tea. I had to find this stuff!

The maker of Bayou Soaps proudly exhibited his herbal elixirs (which are vegan, by the way!). The faithful customers at the table raved about his products, which judging by their reactions, were obviously addictive. I went home with the Mango-Beta Carotene Soap–no words to describe this heavenly scents. Explore them for yourself here.

Suna Accessories

My friend and I both had to stop and stare at these unique designs. The lovely lady above, Suna, creates these novel threads and other bold accessories too. Love it! If you’re in the Atlanta area, you can check her shop out at the Mall at West End.

My friend and I had a fabulous time. I may be coming to a city near you soon!

Did you attend the Gulf Coast Natural Hair Care Expo?

Hello beautiful friends, I have yet another natural find that I am thrilled to share with you.

I have been a fan of the Beija-Flor Naturals product line since I ordered for the first time last year. I am extremely pleased with the purity and quality of the ingredients (which are all vegan/vegetarian by the way–love it!). Having indulged in a few Beija-Flor products such as Acai Mango Lotion and Whipped Organic Shea Butter, I could hardly decide which one to share with you all. My favorite of the bunch, however, is the Cocoa Mango Buttercream.

Like all of its other products, Beija-Flor Naturals’ Cocoa Mango Buttercream is handmade. It is designed for the hair or body, but it worked best for my skin.  I apply the Buttercream when my skin is slightly damp to retain moisture. It has a perfect consistency for my sometimes dry skin–very hydrating without feeling too heavy.

Guess what else I love…you can choose your own fragrance! You all know how much I adore scents, and there are an abundance of choices available. From Blackberry Sage to Ylang Ginger, even Pineapple Paprika, you can select your own unique signature scent and revel in the luxury. I like to use this Buttercream when my skin deserves a special treat. It’s cheaper than a spa treatment, but feels just as great.

Have you tried Beija-Flor Naturals Products? How did they work for you?

I have been a fan of Oyin Handmade since I transitioned years ago. The scents of the products are enchanting, and the quality is excellent. Moreover, every package comes with a greeting, “Hello Beautiful!”  That salutation would put a smile on anyone’s face.

On to the Burnt Sugar Pomade…I usually associate hair pomades with smoothing edges and afro puffs. I did not anticipate that this product would be moisturizing, but I was pleasantly surprised! I twisted my hair with the pomade one evening and three days later, my hair was still soft and had sheen. I used the Oyin’s Honey Hemp Conditioner as a leave-in before twisting my hair, and I found this conditioner and the pomade to be an ideal combination.

I must tell you though, that the scent of the Burnt Sugar Pomade is intense, reminiscent of a vanilla-caramel mix. The first evening I had it in my hair, I dreamed of cookies and other sweet treats the entire night, lol. The scent did subside over time though, so I didn’t mind. I am so glad that I discovered this gem and will use it when my hair needs a little TLC.

Have you tried the Burnt Sugar Pomade? What do you think?

A few months ago, while out of town, a friend and I were exploring the neighborhood and came upon a LUSH Cosmetics retail store. I had heard about the company before, specifically their novelty bath bombs and shower fizzes. I did not however, know what to expect upon walking into the store.

Immediately, the stimulating scents of the soaps, butters and scrubs captivated my senses.  I wanted to sample everything in the store, but finally decided to take home the R & B (which stands for Revive & Balance) Hair Moisturizer. I must say, I gushed over LUSH!  The creamy, buttery texture of R & B absorbed easily into my sometimes “fickle” hair. The base ingredients, coconut, olive and avocado oils, provided substantial moisture to my parched tresses.  The jasmine-citrusy scent can be a little intense for some, but I found it to be pleasant.

I have applied this moisturizer right after washing my hair, which was okay, but have yielded the best results on dry hair. Lately, I have used it to twist my hair. R & B not only leaves the strands in place, it makes my hair very soft and well-moisturized when I take the twists down.

There is one caveat–this product is a little more expensive than other natural hair products. A little goes a long way, however, for my jar lasted exactly two months. This is not a product that I use on a daily basis, but I have added it to my weekly routine. And it’s nice to splurge on my hair every once in a while.

Have you tried LUSH products? Which one is your favorite?

When I walked into the Convention Center, I remarked to my friend that I had never been in the company of so many beautiful natural-haired people in one place. Breathtaking! I couldn’t wait to share some pics and stories of the mesmerizing people I encountered….

Tomoka’s Twists

This pretty lady makes hair accessories and jewelry. I recognized Mimi from her previous features on a myriad of natural hair blogs. What a joy to meet this talented woman! She brought so many dazzling creations to the Expo, making it a daunting task to decide which one to choose. (I finally choose the DNatural hair twist made from dark wood beads.) I love it!

Check out Tomoka’s Twists website here.

Pretty Natural Divas

I am a huge fan of these natural beauties’ website…and their awesome shirt collection! With such proclamations as, “Natural Beauty and Brains” and “Go Natural. Go You.”, these ladies represent the natural landscape with unabashed pride. (I am in the middle–the real divas are to my left and right–the ones with the dynamic tees!)

You can read more about them and peruse their shop here.

Koils by Nature

I am always excited about sampling natural products (and supporting small businesses), so I was thrilled to meet Pamela, Owner and Co-Creator of Koils By Nature, an all natural hair and skin care company. Pamela shared her philosophy for her product line, to create products with pure ingredients that were affordable. Natural hair care products that don’t break the bank? Yes, I’m an instant fan! Although all of the Koils By Nature products looked (and smelled!) enticing, I decided to try the Herbal Soothing Lavender & Eucalyptus Gel. (I will post a review for you all soon.)

You can see other offerings from Koils By Nature here.

Nyenzo Bath & Body

If you’re in the Triangle area, be sure to check out Dionne of Nyenzo Bath & Body Boutique. I enjoyed talking with Dionne, who was full of energy and a vast knowledge of natural products. I purchased some unrefined shea butter from Nyenzo, imported from Ghana. You can see her collection of soaps, lotions, and other goodies at her online store here.

All in all, I had a blast at the show. Thanks to Malaika and Martone for their extraordinary efforts. Can’t wait for the next show at a city near you!

Did you make it to the North Carolina Natural Hair Expo? What natural hair shows do you have in your area?

Sandal season! Time to unveil your beautifully pedicured toes to the world.  I love to revel in the range of dazzling nail polishes with colors to match my mood, outfit and occasion.  I make sure, however, that my devotion to beauty does not come at a sacrifice to my health, and armed with the proper knowledge, you can too.

Have you ever walked into a nail salon and become overwhelmed by the strong smell? The excitement of getting your nails done can be tempered by these harsh chemical odors. As you may have suspected, not only do these odors offend your olfactory senses, but they are harmful to the rest of your body as well.

Most conventional nail polishes and removers consist of substances that have an extremely adverse impact on your health:

• Toluene:  Added to preserve the color of the polish, toluene has potential toxic effects on the nervous system, kidneys and liver.

• Formaldehyde: Yes, this is the same noxious substance that you used in high school chemistry class.  Formaldehyde is used as a hardener in many nail polishes, in spite of the fact that it is a known carcinogen. Have you ever gotten watery eyes or a headache while at the nail salon? Formaldehyde, linked to allergies, is probably the culprit.

• Phthalates: These have been in the news a lot recently, especially their use in plastics. Dibutyl phthalates are present in many nail polishes in the United States, even though the European Union has banned its use in personal care products. Phthalates are damaging to the reproductive system, having been linked to infertility and birth defects in developing fetuses. Many medical professionals advise pregnant women and children from wearing nail polish with these substances.

So what can you do? I am not sentencing you to a lifetime of neutral nails (although those are beautiful too!) I encourage you to research and find less caustic alternatives for your nails. These are just a few companies that offer nontoxic polishes, although this list is by no means exhaustive.

Acquarella Water Color

Honeybee Gardens Water Colors Polish

Polished Mama Nail Care

Suncoat Water-Based Nail Polish

Zoya Nail Polish

Coming soon…more tips for achieving and preserving the natural beauty of your nails.

Have you ever used these or other nontoxic brand of nail polishes? What has worked for you?