Elle of Beale Street Chic and I are looking forward to seeing you all this Saturday, September 10th at “The Beauty Exchange”. 

Bring your “gently used” hair and body care products to share and exchange with fellow naturalistas.

The Beauty Exchange

Saturday, September 10th, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Caritas Village, 2509 Harvard Ave, Memphis, TN

All remaining items will be donated to a local shelter. We are appreciative to the dynamic Caritas Village  for sharing their space with us.

In addition to the wonderful goodies you will take home, the first five attendees will receive a very special gift, compliments of All Day Natural & Beale Street Chic.

See you there!

Hello friends!

Remember recently when I shared that grapeseed oil was the perfect elixir for the hair and skin? Well, let me introduce its essential oil counterpart: tea tree! I have tea tree oil in my supply at all times, whether its in my first-aid kit or beauty cabinet.  Because of its versatility, this oil is definitely one of my favorite healthy and beauty staples. I must share, however, although some people like it, I am not a fan of the somewhat medicinal scent.  The smell doesn’t really last long though, after it is applied.

So, what is tea tree oil good for? Absolutely everything!

It Cares For Your Hair

Many haircare companies add tea tree oil to their products for its cleansing and moisturizing properties. As any of us who have used any tea tree shampoo or conditioner can testify, this oil makes your hair and scalp feel luxurious…with that incomparable tingly sensation. Do you have dry hair or suffer from the dreaded “D” word? (Dandruff!) A few drops of tea tree oil mixed with a little jojoba oil will help to alleviate this problem. Massage your scalp every other day with this combination, and you’ll undoubtedly notice the positive impact.  (By the way, scalp massage is a wonderful relaxation technique too…so heavenly!)

Tea tree oil can also be used as an effective treatment for hair loss. (I told you this stuff is amazing!) Add 8 drops each of tea tree and rosemary oil with approximately 4 ounces of a carrier oil (olive, jojoba, grapeseed). Sweet almond oil is also ideal to use for its light consistency. For any of you who have experienced thinning around the temples, this recipe is perfect to stimulate hair growth.

It Loves The Skin You’re In

A natural alternative to harsh potions and creams, tea tree oil works wonders for skin that is need of a little TLC.  If your skin is severely dry, irritated or sunburned, add a few drops of tea tree to your favorite moisturizer to expedite the healing process. You will notice how soothing the tea tree feels as well.

Ladies, does your man suffer from razor bumps or irritated skin?  I just learned this little tidbit from the hair & skin care experts at Anago Samina. Make sure the skin is extremely clean apply a little amount of tea tree to the affected area. This is a great cure-all for those pesky little bumps. (Note: Generally, tea tree must not be applied to the skin “neat” that is, undiluted. This aftershave remedy is an exception, but as with any essential oil, test a small area on your skin first.)

There’s More to Adore

In addition to its myriad of uses above, tea tree is also renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Here are a few other ways you can incorporate it into your routine:

• Dental Care:  Add a few drops to your mouthwash, or alternatively, make your own! Mix a couple of drops of tea tree and peppermint oil with distilled water and shake well. You’re done! You have your own natural mouthwash…without the painful afterburn.
• Foot Treatment: Several drops of tea tree oil added to neem oil is an extraordinarily effective treatment for athlete’s foot. You can also add the same amount of tea tree oil to a foot bath, to relieve itching and irritation.
• Sinus: In the past, when I suffered from sinus headaches and congestion, I found tea tree oil to work wonders in helping to clear the congestion. I would add a few drops to a steaming bowl of water and inhale. Also, applying the tea tree (with a carrier oil) to the chest definitely helped me breath easier.

There are so many more remedies and uses for tea tree oil, but I have given you enough to start with.

Are you a fan of tea tree oil? How do you use it in your routine?

Friends, am I the only one who gets lost in the blogosphere? Nowadays, so many talented writers offer valuable information on a myriad of topics, which can be satisfying (okay, sometimes overwhelming, lol) for someone with 1,001 interests like me. And I am still discovering new gems every day! I want to help you navigate the world of natural beauty, nutrition and wholistic health out there in the virtual world, by sharing a few of my favorites.

Crunchy Betty

I love love love this blog! (Can you tell my enthusiasm? ) The tagline to the blog is: You Have Food on Your Face. I must admit, that is what initially draw my attention to the site. Crunchy Betty shares tons of natural beauty recipes made from basic ingredients you can find in your kitchen. Strawberry-Kiwi Face Polish anyone? This blog offers wealth of information to purify your hair, skin, home…and soul. A must read!

Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day

I really enjoy experimenting with tantalizing recipes, and if I can sample new dishes on a shoestring budget….even better! That’s why this site was such a pleasant discovery. Vegetarian chef and photographer Melody shares her simple, creative recipes, using whole, fresh ingredients, like this delightful Pesto Pasta Salad. Oh, and did I mention Melody shows you how to assemble these meals on a budget of around $3.00 daily? Phenomenal! This blog proves you don’t have to break the bank to put together a healthy, delicious meal.

Holistic Locs

I have been meaning to share with you all this blog for the longest. This blog first caught my attention for its breathtaking photos of natural hair, but I later become captivated by the blogger’s musings on spirituality, wholistic health and life in general. Visiting her blog is akin to going to a mini-sanctuary: enlightening quotes, meditative music and inspiring affirmations, like this one, “I Deserve”. I hope this blog encourages and rejuvenates you.

Have you read any of these blogs? Which ones are your favorites?

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?

Gather round and pay attention, friends.  For those who don’t already know, I just HAD to share with you the perfect elixir for all of your natural beauty needs.  No, it’s not some expensive cream or rare potion from the rainforest. You can find this at your local grocery store: grapeseed oil!

Where do I begin? I use grapeseed oil as my go-to gem for my skin and hair. Like other natural oils I have featured before, it has a multitude of uses.

• Beat the Heat. Grapeseed oil is absolutely ideal as a heat protectant for those of you who blow-dry or flat iron your hair. It moisturizes well, without being too greasy and helps to protect the ends from heat damage. Daphne from the informative natural hair blog, Une Autre Naturelle, shared the impressive results of using grapeseed oil on her daughter’s gorgeous hair.

• Maximum Moisture. As I have shared before, my hair tends to be dryyyyy. Incorporating grapeseed oil into my hair treatments always makes my hair oh-so-soft! Before washing my hair, I sometimes apply a small amount of grapeseed oil and massage it into my tresses. I then rinse and deep condition. My hair is instantly detangled.

• Let It Shine. For my everyday styling, I like to add a little bit of grapeseed oil to my hair butters and creams. It creates a softer consistency, making it easier to apply and absorb into my hair. Best of all, it creates a remarkable shine. Kiss your dull strands goodbye! The dynamic maven behind the blog AGrlCanMac is also a dedicated advocate of grapeseed oil. She always has a plethora of creative mixes.

• Take It Off. This is my favorite use for grapeseed oil…as a makeup remover!  I actually discovered it by accident. No longer do you have to use the expensive (sometimes toxic) cleansers and removers. Just dab a bit of grapeseed oil on a tissue and swipe. It works wonders for eyeshadow and eyeliner. Of course, be careful not to get any oil in your eye!

• Skin Soother. Like olive oil, you can use grapeseed oil as a great year-round moisturizer on your skin. It’s heavy enough for cold weather days, but light enough for the sweltering heat. Best of all, it’s not greasy either. Just like with the hair mixes, you can add grapeseed oil to your lotions and creams for maximum potential. It also helps to alleviate skin irritation after shaving.

• Pucker Up. You can even use grapeseed oil on your lips! Curly Nikki has an excellent, very simple recipe for dry lips. The blog Healthy Hair and Body also has a recipe for a lip balm using grapeseed oil.

Hope you enjoy experimenting with this optimal elixir!

Have you used grapeseed oil before? How do you incorporate it into your beauty routine?

1. You are a woman of many amazing talents: Esthetician, Salsa Dancer and Makeup Arist. How have you been able to successfully merge these passions?

Thank you, Alycia!  Great question!  It has not always been easy and in the beginning, I really wasn’t sure how to bring it all together because each has so much to focus on.  Luckily though, they really all can go hand in hand.  I’ve found that the dancing world is in need of good skin care!  Often times, dancers wear harsh, heavy makeup that really takes a toll on their skin.  They may not be the best educated about how to make sure their skin doesn’t suffer from this or even what alternatives are out there so that their skin doesn’t have to be subject to it at all.  This is where my esthetics training fits perfectly.  I’m often educating my fellow dancers on what they need to do to make sure their skin stays clear and healthy.  Once I move to Austin, most of my clientele will be dancers because I know their needs intimately because they are my own needs .  The makeup artistry falls right in line with this because it’s all about skin.  I love the creative outlet that makeup artistry gives me and with Etniq, I’m able to show my customers that they can have all the benefits of lines like MAC without the negative effects of clogged pores and constant breakouts.  Mineral makeup is so good for the skin, lets the skin breathe, and can even calm down breakouts and redness.  Etniq’s colors are super highly pigmented and have wonderful staying power as well.  It’s a win-win for everyone.

2. I appreciate your holistic approach to healthy skin care and beauty. Can you elaborate more on this philosophy and how you incorporate it into your makeup line?

My philosophy on holistic skin care and beauty is really simple.  I am a true believer that your internal ‘environment’ is reflected through your external environment.  This is broad ranging, and of course easily applies to life too.  Within skin care though, what I mean is that your state of healthfulness will be reflected in your skin’s external condition.  There’s just not a way for this not to happen.  Eventually, however your insides are feeling will start to show up on your outsides. .  Because of this truth, I approach everything holistically.  I don’t want my clients to use quick fixes and produce temporary results.  I want them to learn how to guide their bodies back towards optimal healthfulness so that state starts to show up in their skin.  I want them to realize that what they eat, what they use, how they think – all these things affect the state of their skin – not just whether they’ve had a chemical peel this year.  I want them to realize that all their choices make a difference and that learning to choose better across the board is the key to reducing the toxins and issues they find themselves subject to.  Even a choice like using a mineral makeup line such as Etniq is a major choice towards one’s overall healthfulness.  This is my goal for all my clients and customers.

3. What makes Etniq Minerals distinctive from other cosmetic brands on the market?

The major distinction is that it’s created by me .  What I mean by this is that I have an extensive background in chemistry (I graduated with my bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering), herbal medicine (I completed a year-long apprenticeship with herbalist Robin Rose Bennett), Dance (I’ve been dancing professionally for over 8 years), and holistic health (I’ve been studying various subjects in holistic health for over 11 years).  Admittedly tooting my own horn a bit, not too many people have this combination of experience!  All these worlds are brought together in my makeup line.  I’ve formulated a line that performs phenomenally well on stage in that it is long wearing and doesn’t run or melt away.  It has that pop of color that is needed for performance as well.  Yet it is gentle, non-reactive and light as a feather. It performs just as well for the everyday woman and is even healing to the skin.  Its ingredients are good for the skin and promote its healthfulness. I’ve also made sure (and continue to work on this) that women like me (of color specifically) have a full range of options unlike so many other mineral makeup lines out there not formulated with us in mind. Also I customize and I love to do it!  If you can’t find your foundation match, let me know and I’ll create one especially for you.  If you have a costume or outfit that needs a particular eyeshadow to match, let me know and I’ll make that too.  This is one of the many fun parts of making makeup:).

4. Your products are remarkably creative from Pinky Roulette Eyeshadow to Caramel Mocha Lipgloss (mmm….). Where do you get the inspiration for your creations?

Inspiration comes from all around me!  Pinky Roulette was inspired by one of my younger sister’s stage name.  She is an upcoming lyricist and goes by Piinky (two Is) Roulette.  She’s a feisty young woman and that name describes her and that color to a tee.  Caramel Mocha is my favorite coffee drink.  The color of this gloss came out to be similar to that drink when I make it at home and so there came the inspiration.  One day soon, I might experiment with adding some flavor to this gloss to really make the name fit .

5. What advice would you give to readers who are considering transitioning to an all-natural skin care routine?

First off, I say go for it!  Your whole body will love you for it!

When you are just starting out, it may be daunting to ditch everything you have, so I say start replacing what you have with natural alternatives as it runs out.  I’m an advocate of simple.  If you are a tinkerer (like myself), try your hand at making your own simple cleansers and scrubs first.

For a cleanser, start with a base of unscented castile soap and add a few drops of lavender and tea tree essential oils.  For every 2 oz., add about 5 drops of the essential oils each.  For a scrub, start with a tablespoon or so of brown sugar.  Mix this up with enough olive oil to create a paste and use this to scrub your face.  If you have an airtight container, you can save this for a while as long as you don’t get any water in it.  Water will turn the scrub too hard to work with.  For a toner, witch hazel works really well – just be sure it is from a natural source.  Your local health food store is a good resource for finding everything you need.

Moisturizers take a little more effort to make but it is possible to use certain oils as excellent moisturizers.  Camelilia oil, for instance, is an excellent skin moisturizer.  Another one that is easier to find is almond oil.  Almond oil has a full range of nutrients your skin loves and isn’t too heavy either.  You can also enhance it with a few drops of essential oils to increase its therapeutic benefits.  The same mix of lavender and tea tree oil from above is a good starting point.

It’s important to follow a routine day and night.  Wash your face, scrub (only 1x a week if your skin is normal to dry or sensitive), tone, and then moisturize.

If you aren’t a tinkerer and want something already made for you, I’d suggest going to your local natural market and asking for advice within their body/skin care department.  There are so many brilliant brands these days that pretty much any recommendation they make would probably be a good starting place.  From this point, you can start experimenting with what works best for you.  Swap in new products/new formulations one at a time and give each one a month to see its effect.  New skin cells surface approximately every 28 days; hopefully your next 28 days will produce happier, healthier skin!

My dear readers, Leah has graciously offered a discount to friends of All Day Natural. For a first time order from Etniq Minerals, use ALLDAY as a google discount code for 20% off. Check out the website here. Thanks, Leah!

Have you ever tried Etniq Minerals? What are your favorite products?

Have you ever had one of those days in which your outfit was stunning, skin was glistening, your hair  just perfect, but oh no….where did those raccoon eyes come from?  Oh yes, as much as we adore the little critters of the wild kingdom, we don’t want to model our look after them. Exactly how do you banish those unwanted puffy eyes? Well, forget what Madison Avenue tells you, you don’t have to spend your mortgage payment on a “magic” cream. You have the tools to get rid of this dark circles on your own with these simple tips.

1. Rest, My Dear! I know, this seems amazingly simple, right? The truth is, however, many of us, caught in the the hectic routine of our lives, forget this basic principle. If you are not getting the adequate rest you need, the consequences will reflect in your appearance over time. Look at sleep as an investment. Not only is it vital to your physical and mental health, it has a dramatic impact on your aesthetics as well.

2. How About a Slice of Cucumber? The old wives’ tale is right. Cucumbers are ideal in restoring vitality to the eyes.  Make sure they are cold, as this amplifies the soothing effect. This coolness reduces the blood vessels around your eyes, decreasing the puffiness.  Cucumber juices have also shown to lighten the dark circles under the eyes in some cases.

3. Take a Cool Sip of Water.  The ultimate hydrator, water not only nourishes you internally, but also helps to replenish your skin. Often, under-eye circles are a sign of dehydration. Therefore, it doesn’t matter how many expensive topical creams you apply, if your body is parched, all of your efforts will be futile. So fill your glass and drink as much water as you can. I promise, you’ll see the results in your radiant skin. (Here are some tips on increasing your water intake.)

4. It’s Time for Tea. Are you an avid tea-drinker? Don’t throw the bag away! Make sure the tea bags have cooled (of course), and apply them to your eyes for a few minutes. The most effective tea bags for this remedy contain tannin, which constrict skin tissue (read: tighten up your baggy circles). Tannin is actually used in a number of health and beauty aids. Like the cucumbers, you will find this treatment very relaxing and effective.

Who knew that eliminating these pesky puffs was so easy? Try these techniques at home, and let me know how they work for you.

What are your tips for getting rid of puffy eyes and under-eye circles?

Friends, my inner mixtress has resurfaced. I am ready to get back into the lab (well, actually my kitchen, lol) and start creating some magic.  The best part is…I want to share this with you!

I am hosting a gathering in which we can get together to experiment, invent and assemble our very own products. These do-it-yourself treats make excellent gifts for your loved ones. Or, alternatively, keep them all for yourself. (Hey, you deserve it! ).

So mark your calendars and come join me and my friends for an evening of  enjoyment and creative energy.

DIY-Palooza!

Learn how to create and mix your own:

• Bath Salts and Body Scrubs

• Facial Mists and Masks

• Hair Care Products

• Aromatherapy Blends

When: Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.

Where: Memphis, TN (specific location TBA)

Cost: $7.00 (includes supplies and of course, your take-home goodies!)

If you are planning to attend, please RSVP at misslycia@alldaynatural.com.

Come prepared to play, be creative, and most importantly, have fun! Can’t wait to see you there!

What are your favorite DIY creations?

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?