Londonites and Caribbean Nationals who know one thing about the UK, know that this Bank Holiday a bit of the Caribbean is coming full force to London in the form of Nottinghill Carnival. Explosions of colours, flavours and general madness will take to the streets of Nottinghill from today until tomorrow (25-26th August), and we definitely want everyone to be prepared. Whether you are planning on joining in, or just using the Carnival as inspiration for your own Bank Holiday festivities, I was inspired to put together a great little medley of must-haves to get the feet going, and the smiles beaming. And for those of you who are using this Bank Holiday as your last hoorah before the school term recommences, then what better way to simmer down those back-to-school blues with these bright items that will put a smile on anyone's face.
On a more personal note, I am more of a monochromatic kinda gal. However, some of these items have made their way onto my wish list for the real Caribbean Carnival season next year February-March, which will see me and Mr P taking to the streets for both Guyana and Trinidad's Carnivals in the brightest, sickening, and most obnoxious colours yet. How will I survive? I plan on taking solice in the fact that these items are actually things I want to own (I already have the LaLesso shorts, and am eyeing the Kiboots Moccasins). Roll on the festivities!!!
Starting from the TOP [L-R]:
GODDESS SUNRISE NECKLACE by Tatty Devine, Made in the UK | BASTILLE BRACELET by Mata Traders, Fairtrade & Handmade | EYESHADOW by Radiant, Against Human Trafficking | SILK PRINTED KIDOGO SHORTS by LaLesso, Fairtrade, Made in Kenya, Carbon Zero | SWIRL SUNSHINE CAMI by Sara C, Made in Britain, 100% Capri | LEATHER & LINEN CLUTCH by Marketa New York Shop, Handmade in the USA | KILIM MOCCASINS by Kiboots, Handmade, Recycled Materials | LUA SANDALS by Melissa, Made in Brazil, Vegan, Recycled & Recyclable | CARNIVAL MASK by SOFFITTA, Handmade [You can also create your own, using this handy guide] | AFRICAN PRINT SKIRT by Fair + True, Made in London or Fairtrade from abroad, Sustainable and Organic Materials | CROSSBODY PURSE by MisscoGirl, Vegan | BEADED BRACELET by Shared Earth, Handmade in India, Fairtrade, Not-for-Profit | ROSELYN DRESS by Ivana Helsinki, Family Business, Made in Finland, Sustainable & Organic Materials | PAISLEY MARTINI NAIL POLISH by Scotch Naturals, Non Toxic | ICE ROSE LIPSTICK by Borlind, Natural | HOT RED HEELED BOOTS by Olsenhaus, Vegan [This is definitely not my size]
Slowly, but surely, I am working towards swapping my current Beauty Essentials for natural ones. I can't lie: the one product I doubt I will be able to find an equivalent to or better version of is my NARS Foundation. It is the only one I use (I only use foundation to cover up spots, and not something with which I cover all my precious pores), and the only one that does not cake onto my skin and matches my variation complexion just fine. However, I'm open-minded, so I am planning on taking my own advice and trying BB Creams for a start. You see, optimism is my middle name.
Of all the categories, I am excited about playing swapsies with my lipsticks. I have just bought a Korres Lip Pen with a deep plum colour that I tried on yesterday, and kept on for my entire 88 minute Abs, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and Strength Workout. Although, I wasn't all there after that workout, my lipstick sure was, and because it was natural it remained as nice and moisturised as it was when I first put it on.
So, why not try something new. Many of these can be found in your local pharmacy in the Organic Beauty Supply Section or in a health store. I've found quite a few of these in Safeway, Trade Joe's and MOM's Organics in the US, and in Holland & Barrett along with numerous boutique healthy stores in the UK. Or go online to any of the millions of organic beauty e-retailers. Its time that we not only swap our attitudes to life, but also the horrible things in them. WHO IS WITH ME?...
 |
| Mango Butter Taken from LisaLise Blog |
This easy recipe for lip balm from AWAKE MY SENSES, will turn you into a lip balming junkie--for yourself, your friends, your family and your colleagues. And this recipe is so easy that it will have you trying your own combinations of flavours and scents (coconut and vanilla anyone?).
10 grams beeswax
5 grams mango butter
20 ml pumpkin oil
10 ml carrot infused oil
20 drops sweet orange essential oil
- Using a double boiler, melt the beeswax and mango butter.
- Blend the carrot infused and pumpkin oil together and stir into the beeswax mixture.
- Remove from heat and add the sweet orange essential oil.
- Pour into lip balm tubes or small containers and allow to cool.
(makes 8 tubes)
So this is my first natural hair review--something Emma needed wanted me to do for quite some time now. I've refrained for this long as I was never keen on revealing the before or during, just the after, of my hair maintenance regime. I have been growing my hair naturally for almost a year, with numerous chops to my coif. Today, I will be reviewing Carol's Daughter Hair Milk, which includes the Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner (the main component), the Leave-In Moisturiser, & the Pudding.
What it Promises
This is a "rich moisturising cream that quickly and
easily absorbs into your curls, coils, kinks and waves to leave them
defined, glossy and frizz-free." So if you have dry curly hair, this promises to put moisture back in and get rid of any frizz. It contains hydrating elements like Cocoa and Shea Butters,
plus Soybean Oil to soften and strengthen it. There is also Agave
Nectar to ensure that your curls, coils, kinks and waves keep moisture
locked in and are extra-healthy. No Parabens, No Petroleum, No Mineral Oil, No Artificial Colors. Continue to Read my Review.
It's freezing in DC, and I dread to think of how much colder it will be in NYC this weekend when I take a day trip to do some fabric shopping. However, to make things just a smidgen more bearable, I will be relying on some Natural Winter Essentials as I brave the elements. Seeing that Emma H.'s Hot Weather Essentials was such a hit, I hope that this list will prove just as useful.
[From Top - Bottom & Left to Right]
1. Yes to Carrots Daily Cream Facial Cleanser, $7.99 | As my favourite natural cleanser so far, it gently cleanses and nourishes the skin. 96% natural and made with organic carrots, aloe vera
and shea butter, it is the "cream" of the crop in facial cleansing
luxury.
2. Melvita Rosehip Oil, $27 | This product is brilliant as it is multifunctional. It is ideal for dry or sensitive skin and an effective treatment for
stretch marks and scars, and is 100% organic Rosehip Oil which is exceptionally rich in essential nutrients.
3. Carol's Daughter, Black Vanilla Shampoo and Smoothie Set, $30 | I use this from time to time as part of my hydrating routine. As a natural girl I need alot of moisture in the winter months, and this really does this. Better yet: No Parabens, No Petroleum, No Mineral Oil, No Artificial Colors
4. John Masters Organics Pomegranate Facial Oil, $30 | Beyond a moisturizer, this blend of
12 organic plant and essential oils instantly penetrates and nourishes
dry skin. Use alone or add to any moisturizer for extra hydration.
Perfect for facial massages and also great for hands, feet and body.
5. Ilia Lip Conditioner Balmy Days, $24 | I got this as a gift, and really consider it a lip-saver when I'm out (and in). However, because it's a little pricey, I swap between this & Burts Bees Pomegranate Oil Lip Balm which is just $3.00
6. Buddha Nose Deep Breathe Balm, $24 | So, you know how this type of weather presents us with congestion and colds? Well, this balm is great for opening up blocked airways with the presence of Peppermint and Rosemary essential oils, whilst moisturising the skin and relaxing chest and upper back muscles with the help of organic Lavender essential oil. All Natural!!
7. Weleda Skin Food, $12 | Finally, Weleda Skin Food is a tricky item for me. I love what it does, but am not the biggest fan of the scent. However, I got over that when I smeared some on. It is extremely thick and extremely moisture rich, which means your entire body is deeply hydrated, and protected from the ever horrid dry skin.
Please share with us YOUR favourite Cold Weather Essentials right now.
by Emma H.
Moving to Trinidad has meant a big readjustment to my beauty regime. I'm sweating and greasing it up like no tomorrow and my
holiday essentials have become my everyday go-tos (yeah, yeah, poor me!). So
whether you're planning a winter getaway or live in the tropics like I
do, here are my five natural beauty picks for ultimate heat wave
survival.
1. Lavera Organic Fine Loose Mineral Powder: Dust over make up or use alone to combat sweat and shine. #Can'tLiveWithout.
2. Weleda Moisture Cream for Men: Light moisture for humid days. More on this product here.
3. Kiss My Face Face Factor SPF50 UVA/UVB:
Picked this up on a recent trip to Miami and it is a brilliant
non-greasy facial sunscreen so light you can use it under makeup.
4. Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronze Concentrate: Light Bronzer that helps my face match the colour of my body (damn all that sunscreen!). Bronzing - not orange - and washes off with cleanser.
5. Hei Poa Monoi Beauty Oil in Pearlised Gold:
Traditional Tahitian Monoï Oil with golden mother of pearl shimmer.
This has been a holiday favourite of mine for years and I just got some
more for Christmas, thanks Mum!
We'll be posting a winter beauty must have list soon too!
We'll be posting a winter beauty must have list soon too!
Did you know that Vitamin A found in produce like carrots can help protect our skins against sun damage and cellulite? Or the fact that eating fish high in Vitamin D can assist in the reduction of spots and growths. Before we can take care of our skin, we must first know a bit more about it, and how it works and what it responds to. Hence, here is an Infographic showing 50 Incredible Facts About Skin you need to know.
Learn about data visualization tools.
by Emma H
I don't like to be defined by my vegetarianism but if you know someone who is particularly passionate about their dietary persuasion and never know what to get them, this gift list is for you. Sweet, ethical gifts for that pesky vegetarian in your life :-). You could also take a Meat Free Monday pledge and gift it to them in the form of a voucher - thoughtful and FREE!
Watch the video that inspired our Meat Free Monday posts here.
by Emma H
I love Christmas. Mainly because it means family time but also because I absolutely love gift giving. Selecting them, making them, buying them, wrapping them, and of course seeing them opened. Gift giving is personal, a great gift shows you've been paying attention and is never just for the sake of it. Some people are hard to buy for though and so I'll give them something I'd love to receive. With that said even though this is a list of the gifts I'd love and the gifts I'd love to give, it's really all just gifts I'd love, from some of the best ethical brands around. Enjoy!
by Emma H.
 |
| Image by Bohman + Sjostrand |
There has been much trial and error en route to cleansing my beauty regime of unnatural products and whilst I am not 100% there, facial moisturiser is the one product that I haven't had any trouble finding and sticking with. There are a few brands that I love, but Weleda is perhaps the most well known and widely available.
