Glam and Green Gift Guide

 

A Gift Guide for a Glam and Green Christmas

 

 

I'm sure many of you are like me and seem to leave your Christmas shopping to the last minute every year! Well don't worry, Ive put together a few items that might make deciding what to buy everyone a bit easier!

Happy shopping!



Gifts for her…

 

1) White sugar scrub & Body oil R130 - Naturals Beauty

2) Mascara R130 - Greenlove

3) Sanctum Body Polish - R250 Harmless House

4) Soy Lites R160 - Faithful To Nature

5) Mini Starter Facial Set R340 - Balm Balm

6) Eyeshadow R130- Greenlove

7) Beach and Surf Nail polish (price still to be confirmed) - Zoya

8) Mango & Vanilla body Scrub R103 - The Victorian Garden

9) Water Bottle R160 - Faithful To Nature

 

Gifts for him…

 

1) Aftershave lotion and gel body wash R125 - Naturals Beauty

2) Sanctum Men's Essentials Pack R100 - Harmless House

3) Face Wash R125 - Just Pure

4) Rawlicious Spices and book R300 - Faithful To Nature

5) Recovery Bath and Body Oil R275 - Balm Balm

6) Water Bottle R160 - Faithful To nature

7) Men's Kit R200 - The Victorian Garden

 

Gifts for everyone…

 

1) Oil burner R95 - SOil Organics

2) Heart shaped clock R160 - Greenlove

3) Biodegradable paper lanterns R150 - Faithful To Nature

4) Natural Sunscreen R200 - Natures Colours

5) Water Jug R245 - Faithful To Nature

6) Wayfarers (price to be confirmed) - Hout Couture

7) Solar powered paving stones R99 - Faithful To Nature

8) Fragrance Free Face Balm R140 - Balm Balm

 

 

Stocking Fillers…

 

1) Lavender Oil R60 - SOil Organics

2) Sanctum Soap R50 - Harmless House

3) Men's Hemp Socks R53 - Greenlove

4) Lip Treatment (price to be confirmed) - Mioja

5) Raw Chocolate R49 - Faithful To Nature

6) Hand Cream R26 Faithful To Nature

7) Rose Geranium Lip Balm R67 - Balm Balm

8) Wild Fig and Poppy Bar Soap R21 - The Victorian Garden

9) Ladies Hemp Socks R53 - Greenlove

 

I really hope this Gift Guide has inspired you to choose some wonderful gifts that are Glam and Green for the ones you love!

 

Let me know if you choose any of this gifts that I picked out!

 

 

 

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Spring Care - Part 1

SPRING CARE

Part 1

 

 

September is one of my favourite months, because I know that spring has sprung which means my beloved summer is right around the corner!

 

Due to the popularity of my 'Autmun Care Segment' I decided to dedicate one to the best time of the year.. spring

 

 

 

Part 1 features the brilliant Tasha Saha from Miöja and the great CEO of Indie Lee Co herself, Indie Lee.

 

I hope you enjoy xXx

 

 

Tasha from Miöja

 

 

 

 

Spring-time…apple blossom, greening grass, baby animals! The world is on the move again and so it is within, as our bodies wake from the winter and begin to bloom. As the weather warms, this internal thaw can result in flu and colds, skin rashes and blemishes, congested sinuses and headaches. Inconvenient as they are, these are all signs that your body is beginning to throw off the fluids and toxins accumulated over a long winter: a healthy, positive process. This year, support your body’s innate wisdom and move in tune with nature by following these simple tips for a graceful shift into Spring.

 

spring clean- Spring is the natural time for undertaking a seasonal cleanse. Give your body the boost it needs by cutting out animal products, processed foods, sugar, alcohol and coffee for a week or longer to allow it to catch up on Winter’s cleansing backlog. Supplementing your morning juice with a teaspoon each of bentonite clay and psyllium husk will cleanse stagnant energy and matter from the digestive tract and often makes a vast contribution to looking and feeling more vibrant and alive. Twisting yoga asana assist the colon, liver and kidneys with elimination.

 

spring greens- Put aside the heavy, rich comfort foods and eat for life by incorporating more fresh greens into your diet. Leafy greens, particularly the bitter or sour varieties like dandelion, chicory or sorrel help to cleanse your liver for bright eyes, bushy tail and glowing skin. Try growing your own sprouts for food full of life force that packs a protein punch. More raw foods in your diet mean that your skin and your body’s other systems stay hydrated and happy, too.

 

spring skin- use skincare products with lighter, natural formulations to allow your skin’s elimination processes to function to their full. Moisturisers that include petrochemicals such as petrolatum, paraffin wax or mineral oil, can block pores and prevent toxins from being released, resulting in blemishes and blackheads. Try products that include detoxifying plant extracts to assist the process instead. Miöja’s Grapefruit and Fennel Intensive Therapy helps to draw excess fluids and toxins from your skin with a detox-specific blend of organic plant and essential oils.

 

click here for more info

 



spring blossom- use the energy and vitality of the season to initiate positive habits or start new projects. Let the kinder weather encourage you to get outdoors and get active, and love the world while you’re at it. Where Winter’s slow energies encourage us to nestle down and retreat, Spring brings fresh winds and vast potential- breathe in deep!

 

 

 

Thanks Tasha for that great information!

Indie Lee

 

 

Hey Everyone,

 

The changing seasons have been putting my body to the test this year. Hot to cold and back again really messes with my skin and body’s pH levels. As nature tries to find the right balance of temperature your skin can be as sensitive as ever before. No need to worry, I have an easy cure to leave your skin relaxed and reduce the irritation it may have suffered.

 

Two words: Calendula and oil. Calendula oil is derived from the calendula flower. The flower, which is edible, yum, begins to bloom and become pronounced each June. Beyond being beautiful and natural the plant oil provides immense relief to a multitude of ailments.

 

Did winter leave you with dry and chapped skin? Calendula acts as a natural moisturizer, soothing cracked areas and aiding the body’s natural healing process.

As an anti-inflammatory, calendula oil can greatly soothe inflamed and swollen tissue. This property allowed the oil to help with dry skin and eczema. For young children and newborns, soft skin means increased sensitivity in the first few years. Calendula oil works to balance the sensitivity of a toddler’s diaper rash by reducing the pain and irritation.

Since spring is here and summer right around the corner, all the little bugs and mites will be biting at your extremities. There is no better way to combat their nuisance with calendula oil. It prevents infections from the bites, helps heal cuts faster and soothes burners quicker.

 

Last, but not least, calendula works with the body’s natural chemicals to help raise collagen levels, making those scars less pronounced.

 

Because of calendula’s unique and helpful properties I use it in my Eye Balm, Baby Balm, and my new Body Lotion. I encourage you to all check them out!

 ~

Spring is in the air and as summer fast approaches, we start to show some skin. Here are three simple recipes that’ll keep your skin looking great and feeling refreshed. The recipes, made in minutes, are all natural and simple for someone on-the-go.

 

TANGERINE FACE CREAM

Tangerine face cream helps keep your face moisturized and smooth.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons of raw mango butter
• 3 tablespoons of sour cream
• 1 tangerine’s worth of juice
• 1 capsule of vitamin E oil

Mix the mango butter, sour cream, and vitamin E oil in a blender, then puree. While pureeing, mix the tangerine juice in. Enjoy!

 

APPLE AND HONEY ACNE TREATMENT

This paste helps clear up acne and leaves your skin looking and feeling great.

INGREDIENTS

• Honey
• Grated Apples

Mix the honey with grated apples until a paste is formed. Apply and leave on for 15-20 minutes to allow time to dry. Rinse with warm water. This can be done 2 to 3 times a week.

 

COCONUT OIL AND BROWN SUGAR BODY SCRUB

This scrub helps exfoliate your skin and leaves it smelling great!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup virgin coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Find a jar or container and put the brown sugar in. Add the coconut oil and stir it thoroughly. Then, add in the vanilla extract. Mix well. Remember to be gentle, no one wants over exfoliated skin! This should be done about once a week.

 

xoxo Indie

 

Thanks so much for this information Indie and the easy DIY beauty treatments we can all try at home!

 

For more info on Mioja and Indie Lee - click on the following links:

 

Posts including Mioja

Posts including Indie Lee

 

 

I really hope you all enjoyed Part 1 of my 'Spring Care Segment' ~ let me know your thoughts?

 

xXx

The Glam Green Girl

 



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Review - Miöja

Review of Miöja products

Last week in my post Interviewing Tasha from Mioja I noted that I would be posting a review - here it is :)

As I mentioned, the colours of the Miöja website immediately drew me in, not knowing that I would soon become hooked on the products for their elements and not just the colours. Another reason I'm a fan of this brand is because of the three key bases - Natural, Organic & Holistic. Tasha, believes that these three keys are vital to one's well-being.

I was lucky enough to be able to try 7 of the Miöja products, the complete orange range, two form the purple range and one from the green range. Tasha explained the three ranges as the following :  "Each range contains a different handmade vibrational remedy, supported by botanical, organic plant oils and essential oils that work holistically towards the same purpose. The Green Range protects and calms reactivity in the skin while supporting the corresponding qualities of resilience, courage and trust. The Orange Range energizes the skin by stimulating the circulation and helps to inspire creativity, enthusiasm and focus- revitalizing on a mental and emotional level too. The Violet Range detoxifies and brightens the skin while facilitating openness, awareness and integrity, for all over radiance. Products from different ranges work happily together, which is great, because most of us can benefit from balancing more than one of these aspects of our skin and ourselves at any given time."  - from Interviewing Tasha from Mioja.

The orange range is a range that I use daily (apart from the mask), it consists of the Yarrow and Honeybush Body Cream; Pomegranate Vitalising Day Cream; Wild Ginger Stimulating Mask; Cardamom and Orange Lip Treatment.

My favourite from this range is definitely the Lip Treatment, so great especially with this dry winter weather, and the smell reminds me of summer

From the purple range, I tried the White Clay and Chamomile Skin Polish and the Grapefruit and Fennel Intensive Therapy - both are aimed at detoxifying and to brighten the skin, and both achieve that goal!

And from the green range which is targeted towards deeply calming and restorative I tried the Palmarosa Balancing Cleanser. I end my day off with this product in m beauty routine and I love that your face doesn't feel dry after washing it as it is a gel-like cleanser. Plus it smells so fresh!

Miöja truly is what their slogan is 'deeply, naturally beautiful'

To fall in love like I did - click here to view their website.

Deeply, Naturally Beautiful Miöja is loved by The Glam Green Girl

xXx

The Glam Green Girl





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Interviewing Tasha from Miöja

The Glam Green Girl and Mioja interview:

A few weeks ago I went on the Miöja website and instantly fell in love! The eye-catching colours and the wonderful beliefs really draw you in - as soon as I went on, I knew I needed to know more about Miöja.

Next week I will post a review on the Miöja products but first I wanted to know more about the founder Tasha, and her company. Here is some information about Tasha:

Tasha Saha is the founder of Miöja: natural, organic skincare formulated with vibrational remedies to bring you back to your innate balance. Tasha is a Yoga Instructor, teaching from her studio, Maitri Yoga in the KZN Midlands, and at retreats and workshops nationwide. Committed to holistic health, Tasha has treated herself and her family with herbal and home remedies for over 15 years and is still learning

 

Tasha is so full of knowledge, I hope you enjoy reading more about Miöja and what it entails:

1.    Tasha, what inspired you to create Mioja?

I was inspired first by the natural goodness of the plants in my garden. Such precious, powerful things! Coming from London, I never had a garden of my own until I came to South Africa, and when I did, there was such a lot of learning and exploring to be done.

In those days, I suffered from chronic eczema, so it was a natural progression to look to the herbs in my garden for a solution. None of the commercial skincare products I had tried helped, and some of them made my skin feel much worse. I started to understand that I needed to treat the underlying causes of the eczema, not just the symptoms, and began to make creams that included herbs and oils for physical healing and essential oils and flower remedies to balance the bio energetic field, and in turn mind, emotions, spirit.

2.    I love the three elements you emphasise on your webpage – natural, organic & holistic, why do you feel these are so important in skin care?

Our bodies are incredibly finely tuned organisms capable of  protecting, healing and renewing themselves in the most extraordinary ways. The chemicals in conventional skincare can interfere not only with the functionality of the skin, but also with other, deeper body systems. Artificial ingredients are often not properly tested and their effects on our health are as yet unknown. Some have been strongly linked to allergies, hormone disruption and cancer. The natural ingredients in Miöja Skincare have been employed safely and effectively for thousands of years; I trust them to heal rather than harm.

We use organic ingredients (and are currently in the process of becoming Certified Organic with Ecocert) not only to ensure the purity of our products, but also because we feel a responsibility towards our world. Our health is inextricably linked to the health of our environment and the choices we make as individuals always have an impact on the wider world. As a small business, our impact is wider still- I want it to be a positive one.

Our products are holistic because they work to heal and balance both the skin and deeper aspects of the self, too. The health and radiance of our skin is dependant on the products we put on it, but also our food choices, how much sleep we get and how we feel emotionally. The vibrational remedies in our products (similar to Bach Flower Remedies or Rescue Remedy) help to bring more of these variables back to a state of balance, for the well being of the whole person.

3.    Mioja has a green range, orange range and a violet range – what are the differences between the ranges?

Each range contains a different handmade vibrational remedy, supported by botanical, organic plant oils and essential oils that work holistically towards the same purpose. The Green Range protects and calms reactivity in the skin while supporting the corresponding qualities of resilience, courage and trust. The Orange Range energizes the skin by stimulating the circulation and helps to inspire creativity, enthusiasm and focus- revitalizing on a mental and emotional level too. The Violet Range detoxifies and brightens the skin while facilitating openness, awareness and integrity, for all over radiance.

Products from different ranges work happily together, which is great, because most of us can benefit from balancing more than one of these aspects of our skin and ourselves at any given time.

4.    What is your favourite ingredient to use and why?

There are so many, but I love Elderflower- it’s heady scent, its creamy blossoms, its brightness, its magic. I love chamomile too- such purity and sweet ingenuousness. Working with herbs over many years, their qualities have come together to form distinct personalities. It’s fascinating.

5.    What advice do you have for those who are switching over to ‘greener’ products?

Do your research! Skin Deep (http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/) is a good resource if you want to decipher the ingredients lists on products and find out exactly how green they are. Research brands too, and support those with a green ethos that goes deeper than their marketing campaign. Look at the whole picture- Do their products have recycled/ recyclable packaging? Are the ingredients organic, non GMO and ecologically sound? Do they safeguard your health and the health of the people involved in the manufacturing process? Do they test on animals? It sometimes seems like an effort to unearth the one product in 20 that meets all these criteria, but once you have, the work is done!

6.    Any advice you have for my readers to help them in their journey to become more Glam and Green?

Remember that your efforts are always worth it, no matter how insignificant they may seem sometimes. When we live conscious, more compassionate lives, the effects are far reaching, beyond measure. The more ways we can find to be kinder to ourselves, to each other, to the world, the easier we make it for others to do and be the same.

The three different ranges

I hope you found that interesting and that you are looking forward to learning even more when I post my review?

Im such a fan of this brand - and even more exciting, Mioja is also sponsoring a prize for The Glam Green Girl's Birthday Competition

Thanks for the great information Tasha xXx

xXx

The Glam Green Girl

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A Few Simple Tips

A few simple tips on how to be Glam and Green

Small changes, its what I'm always going on about. But its true, small changes can really help! Here are a few tips on how to become more Glam and Green - easy tips that will help the environment but wont make a drastic change to your routine.



• I like to keep two boxes in my bathroom, one for paper and one for plastic. My recycling bins are downstairs in the courtyard so sometimes I'll leave an empty shampoo bottle on my bathroom counter with the intention of taking it down to the recycling bin later but when I go fetch it, unfortunately its already been thrown away in the trash bin. So by having these two boxes, I can rather fill them up and take it all down to the recycling bins. There is a lot in your bathroom that can be recycled - products that have finished for eg: a body cream (plastic); toilet paper - toilet roll equals to paper; You get new products that are first packaged in paper; I always cut the tags off new clothing in my bathroom equalling to plastic and paper. You'll be surprised how much you'll actually be able to recycle! Those boxes will be full in no time!

• Are you like me and obsessed with making lists? I know you are! Unfortunately this means using lots of paper, which means cutting down trees. If you like to write it all down, use up every free space of the paper and then when you're finished recycle it! Otherwise your phones, iPads, laptops all have apps that allow you to write notes and memos - use them!

• Choose organic beauty products - but dont throw out all your products so you can go green - that defeats the point, you will just be causing waste. Rather 'convert' slowly, only buying when neccessary. Look out for reviews soon from Naturals Beauty, Mioja and Soil!

• Working on your laptop/computer all day? Rather switch it off at the end of the day instead of allowing it to 'sleep' - save electricity

• When doing laundry, rather use cold temperatures. 90% of electricity goes into heating water, and most loads dont need hot water. Save water and electricity

• Use matches instead of lighters - lighters just end up in landfills

• Choose organic food - better for you and for the environment

• Swap your magazines with your friends - instead of all buying the same magazine, make a list and each friend buys one - and then recycle it, or use it as wrapping paper like in this post

Simple and easy hey? Even if you just manage a few of these, you'll be helping! High five to you ;)

What are your simple green tips?

xXx

The Glam Green Girl

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Glam and Green Autumn Care - Part 3

Part 3, the final part, on Autumn Care

 

So here we are, the final part of Glam and Green Autumn Care.. This part's contributors are Chantelle from SOil Organic Aromatherapy and Body Care and Tasha Saha from Miöja. Both Chantelle and Tasha will focus a bit more on the body - such great information!

Enjoy my Glam and Green darlings

Chantelle from SOil:

Chantelle believes that the most common winter skin complaint is dry skin and that you should start changing your skin care routine as of now. She suggests the following products (pictures to follow below)

•  For your body : Shea Butter - it helps nourish and protect dry skin. Shea butter is a natural moisturiser. It also helps improve skin conditions such as fading scars, eczema, psoriasis, burns, rashes, acne and stretch marks.
• For your face: An organic beauty balm. Made from Cape chamomile and Rosemary to decongest and tone the skin as well as Shea butter and lavender oil which helps regenerate cells and prevent wrinkles.
• For your health: Vaporising the following oils in oil burners or using them in steam inhalations can greatly reduce the risk of common winter colds (5 drops can also be added to a bath/dropped on the shower floor) which will protect skin and act as a steam inhalation. Chantelle suggests Tea Tree Oil and Eucalyptus Oil.

From previous post you'd know I'm fan of essential oils, tea tree oil & eucalyptus are among my favourites. Thanks for the information Chantelle, I never thought of using the oils on the shower floor!

Check out SOil's website for more great products - click here
PS: look out for a review on SOil products coming soon

Lastly, we have Tasha from Miöja

Tasha who is the founder of Miöja is also a yoga instructor so listen up yoga lovers ;)

Be Well This Winter

It’s a normal part of being in rhythm with the natural world to feel yourself slowing down as temperatures start to cool and winter approaches. When the days become shorter, it’s delicious to stay in by the fire with a trashy novel, drinking cocoa and sleeping in late whenever possible. During the colder months, we often become far less active, mummifying ourselves in layers of clothing and enjoying richer, stodgier foods.

But by giving in too entirely to the slow, heavy energies of the season we can compromise our internal balance. Our immunity can become weakened, making us more susceptible to colds and flu. We may put on weight, feel lethargic and have skin that looks dull and depleted. A few easy adjustments to your daily routine can help you to stay balanced this winter. Here are six natural ways to protect, nourish and invigorate your skin and keep your inner fire stoked, so that you stay warm and bright from the inside out.

Dry Skin Brushing for five minutes a day every morning gets your circulation jump-started; boosting your immunity, oxygenating skin cells and helping your body to throw off toxins. Expect smoother, brighter, more even skin and a spring in your step as you start the day. Click here for more detailed info and instructions. A gentle, natural exfoliator provides similar benefits to facial skin.

Moisture Within and Without can be supported by choosing a natural facial moisturiser and body cream with a richer formulation. Creams with plant oil bases are often high in valuable Essential Fatty Acids, which nourish and strengthen the skin against the elements. Even oily skins will benefit in the winter months, as applying cream after bathing helps to lock in moisture and keeps skin plump and gorgeous for longer. A good, natural clay mask can help to cleanse sluggish skin and blocked pores while providing intensive hydration. All-natural lip treatments protect and truly nourish delicate skin where petroleum-based formulas can inhibit production of the skins own lipids. Most importantly, remember to drink plenty of water on cold days as heaters and fires indoors can be even more dehydrating than the summer sun.

Warming Spices help to support and stimulate the circulation and make your digestive processes more efficient, counteracting that heavy, lethargic feeling. Eat foods spiced with Ayurvedic winter favorites ginger, cinnamon and cardamom, or drink spice infused tea. Massage oils and facial treatments containing these same warming plant extracts keep the skin and the senses awake and alive.

Temperature Control keeps your skin from suffering excessive dryness, and the rashes and bumps caused by overheating. Layer up with natural, breathable fabrics instead of artificial fibres, and make sure your sleepwear is light and natural too. Hot baths and showers can be profoundly drying to the skin so keep them cooler if you can.

Clear Congestion by using a Neti Pot at the first sign of the sniffles (or every morning as a preventative if you can!). Flushing the sinuses with warm salt water keeps the upper respiratory tract cleansed and prevents it from becoming a breeding ground for germs. Read more here Yogic breathing practices like Kaphalabhati cleanse every part of the respiratory system, oxygenate the cells for glowing skin and a wide-awake mind, and stimulate the digestion, preventing toxic build up in the body. Avoiding dairy, sugar, and yeasty or fried foods will also help to keep congestion to a minimum.

Keep Moving in a steady, sustained way with daily yoga to keep your body systems active and balanced without depleting your energy when it is at a natural ebb. Practicing Surya Namaskar/ Sun Salutes as you start your day can boost circulation to every part of the body and keep it from becoming inflexible in cold weather (making other forms of activity far more appealing!). Be sure to start very slowly and mindfully to allow your body to warm up before asking it to move at a more vigorous pace. Inversions, (poses where the head is lower than the hips) and standing balances are great cold weather poses too.

This winter, avoid ill health, depleted skin and the winter blues by working to balance the tendency towards lack of movement and holding on that the colder season brings. Internally, the correct food and fluid intake, gentle exercise and simple cleansing practices help to keep body and mind active and healthy. Externally, adapting to the winter environment by controlling skin temperature and using nourishing natural skincare keeps you looking and feeling vibrant and beautiful.

 Wishing you a warm and wonderful winter!

The suggestions given here are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a Medical or Alternative Health practitioner. Please seek out a qualified Yoga Instructor for training in yogic breathing practices and asana.

Thanks so much for that valuable info Tasha! In a couple of weeks I will be doing a review on a few of Mioja's products and will explain the brands views a bit more. A lot of you will be happy to know that Mioja is not only focused on being organic, but holistic too!

I really hope you've all enjoyed the 3 Autumn Care sections and learnt something new? Let me know what bit of information you found most interesting?

In case you missed the previous parts - here are the links Part 1 & Part 2

Seasons change, and so do we. So do our bodies, our skins, our lifestyles, our goals etc ~ embrace change

xXx

The Glam Green Girl

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