Ysabel's Daughter: Skincare Products Inspired By Bees

It is rare that I get invited to an event launch that miraculously aligns with my personal values. That night, I was introduced to a whole product line made entirely from 100% premium natural ingredients, absolutely no toxic chemicals. Oooh, magic words! Ysabel's Daughter hit the spot. I officially have another homegrown brand addition to my bath and body collection.

Guests sampled an assortment of bath and body goodies

Kid-friendly events are so considerate of working mommas like me!

Ysabel's full product line gorgeously displayed

Coty and Carl, business partners of Ysabel's Daughter

Having co-founded INDIGObaby with Denise in 2009, I do have experience in formulating all-natural and organic products. I took time to speak to the woman behind Ysabel's Daughter because I felt we probably have similarities in our lifestyle choices.

Coty Cruz, the founder of YD shared with me an interesting story on how her skincare brand started. When her family decided to grow bees in their urban backyard for health reasons (loved her by then!), she had a regular supply of honey that she used to experiment on soaps and scrubs. (DIY queen, like me!) After sampling her homemade creations to friends, she started selling in bazaars like the American Woman's Bazaar which was very well received. Today, YD is being sold in The Green Company in San Juan and online through Canary Cosmetics, and Beauty MNL.

Coty pointed out her logo which she personally designed. "People think is a flower but if you look closely, it actually is a... bee!"

Inspired by the age-defying powers of honey, Ysabel's Daughter gives the promise of "the fountain of youth" through antioxidants and regenerative powers of its ingredients. Coty's firm and glowing skin is clear evidence of it!

WHAT TO TRY: Post-partum moms will definitely want to try their Lemon Firming Lotion and Green Apple Slimming Lotion (which also helps prevent stretchmarks!).

Maya is as obsessed as I am with lathering lotion on skin!

Ysabel's Daughter
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A Tea Party and Handmade Soap Exhibit

One of my dear friends hosted a Tea Party themed Handmade Soap Exhibit and Bazaar in her charming home in Antipolo. Someone once told me that almost everyone in Antipolo makes their own stuff because they are so far up in the mountains that they had to learn how to be self sustaining. I mean, look at the Ifugaos and the Unesco Rice Terraces?! It is a prime example of how boredom creates genius! And such is Ana, although I would never call her bored because she tends to keep busy.

I met the creator of this special Martha Stewartish event, Ana Niguidula during an AWCP bazaar back in 2009 when I was selling for INDIGObaby with co-yummymummy, Denise. She was there with her son, Jacob (the only one back then) and was also selling for her booth, BodyFood. We ended up chatting because of common interests and became friends instantly. Over the years we get together at Sunday markets, her own home fairs or food and play dates. I always look forward to my visits to her because I am confident my son gets to do "real play" with her children in the yard (without me having to worry about TV or iPads!) It is a relief for moms when you find other people with similar parenting style and values.

Ana is the school head of HedCen (Holistic Education and Development Center) while her mother, Emma, is the school director. If my son didn't go to a Waldorf school, I would choose HedCen as a second home for him. I'm a biggie on systems that honor and nurture the soul of the child.

Below is a showcase of different variants of her soaps together with photos of her three adorable sons ;)

All of Ana's ingredients are sourced from the finest suppliers she can find. I know for a fact that she grows some of the herbs herself in her backyard. She says her products are organic because they are without use of synthetic chemicals in growing, producing or processing. Thumbs up to that!

"I call things I make BodyFood because I want people to know that these products are safe, like good food. That you do not put anything on your skin that would be dangerous to ingest in the first place. It's still our body after all", says Ana.

Who loves Tablea? I do!!!

I'm a sucker for peppermint. I bought the pure peppermint soap which is heavenly. I cannot wait for my soap to cure so I can use it already!

Ana also has a green thumb so I'm not surprised she made "Herb Garden" soap.

Look at the pop up workshop on display for guests to see the process of her lovingly made soaps. 

My kids like being out in the garden a lot plus we frequent beach trips so my family requires products like this handy bug bite balm. So very travel-friendly, too.

Soap logs being cut as people bought pieces for gifts. If you are a friend of mine, these are the kind of gifts I'd like to get ok? Handmade, homemade and organic. Seriously, what's not to love?!

The bottom soap log with multiply layers, I absolutely adore! That beautiful creation is the Rose Vanilla Lavender Butter Biscuit Soap. The name itself will give you the sweetest dreams. I admit that I hardly buy anything online because I shop with my senses. I have to see, feel, smell, taste (if possible) and when my hand picked up the soap sample and something glorious oozed out from the balm layer, it just called onto me. If I didn't buy this it would haunt me forever. And so, I did!

The tea party themed soap exhibit seamlessly transitioned to a real tea party! Ana collects cute little tea sets as you can see. She must have been British in her past? :) For today's spread, she asked some of her home-baker friends to bring their cake creations to the taste test. And they were oh so delicious!

More sweets and eats over here! I had my fill and wasn't able to try the chocolate cake anymore. Never mind I'm sure to be back for more goods real soon :) 

Noelle samples the natural iced teas. The reddish-purple one is Roselle which she grows in her garden. 

I scream for healthy(er) chocolate homemade ice cream!!!!

Are you bummed to have missed this bazaar? Have no fear! Come to the next Artisan Bazaar in Antipolo on Dec 7,Sunday 10am onwards! Meet and greet some of these amazing 'creators'.  The Flow Shop will represent and I'll be giving a free Pop Up Yoga session so remember to bring your mats.

See you there!

Healing Salves and Balms

One thing that I collect (more like hoard, really) other than organic lip balms are all-natural healing balms and salves. 

I've been using the INDIGOBaby Jar of Love peppermint balm for my son since he was a baby and for myself too whenever we catch a cold, fever, flu. I'm a huge fan of peppermint pure essential oil because it helps me breathe deeply (good for pranayama) and perks me up whenever I need an energy boost. So, the Jar of Love is definitely one of my essentials in my natural apothecary at home.

Ingredients: Peppermint Pure Essential Oil, Apricot Kernel, Jojoba Oil, Pure Beeswax, Vitamin E, Triple Distilled Water 1.0 oz

To Use: Rub onto temples, chest or back body.

P415 for 1.0 oz pot, available at www.indigobabyshop.com

Not too long ago, I blogged about the Merry Hempsters muscle rubs here which I use almost on a daily basis now for body soreness. I am certain all my other colleagues and students at Beyond Yoga and FLOW will follow suit. Really, what's not to love? They got me at hemp!

Made from hemp with other natural and organic ingredients.

Ranges from P400-P500 available at www.cutieverse.com or Beyond Yoga Bonifacio High Street branch

These assorted mini pots from Sani Bear are cute, affordable and so handy! Only 5 grams each, they are lightweight and so easy to slip into your purse for travels. These are ideal for gift stuffers! Of course, I am drawn to the Peppermint Balm which reminds me of Giga's No Pain Peppermint-Ginger massage balm.

Herbal Rub ingredients: Eucalyptus essential oil in a beeswax base
Peppermint Balm ingredients: Peppermint essential oil in beeswax
Citrus All Around Salve: Lemon essential oil in beeswax

Only P65 each available at www.cutieverse.com

A friend recently sent me different glass pots of salves from MJ's Herbals to try out.

I am pleased to know that these are certified organic and handmade with love by the creator, MJ herself, a botanist/herbalist/healer from Brooklyn. And to me, that single fact makes all the difference because I know she has infused her energy into these products.

MJ is hands on! Photo from MJ's Herbal facebook page

Lavender E Salve: Since my family trip to Australia many years ago (where I was introduced to the Lavender plant by my aunt who keeps it in her home), I've been hooked on Lavender- it's aroma and healing benefits for the skin and nerves are enough to put it on top of my must have list! Because fresh lavender is not available in our country, I'll do with natural products infused with it instead. MJ's Herbal Lavender E Salve is used for healing burns and relieving headaches, stress and anxiety (very important for days when you feel like you are burning out! I use this for my restorative yoga practice). It also helps heal cuts, scrapes, rashes, irritations and blemishes while Vitamin E aids in tissue repair and helps reduce scarring.

Ingredients: Lavender flowers, vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol), Lavender essential oil in a base of olive oil and unrefined propolis beeswax.

To Use: Apply lavender E salve freely to affected area. For headaches, stress and anxiety massage into head and temples. 

Arnica is famous within the homeopathy circles. Santi's pediatrician, Dr. Cricket Palanca-Chen highly recommends Arnica in the home since children always get into mini accidents (eg. falling off the bed or bumping their head on counters). Arnica is considered a super herb for bruises, overworked, sore muscles, tendon injuries and sprains. MJ's Herbals Arnica Salve quickly brings relief, promotes circulation and hastens the disappearance of discoloration from bruising while the potent clove oil helps relieve pain. Good thing Santi is a gentle little one, or else I'd probably stock up on this! Best for me to keep this at the yoga studio for over exertion of muscles like during Beyond Sculpt by Pau or Flying Fitness class by Niknok!

To Use: Massage the salve gently into sore areas.  Caution: Do not use on broken skin.

Ingredients: Arnica Flowers and essential oil of clove in a base of olive oil and unrefined propolis beeswax.

Calendula or Marigold flowers is something I used to grow in Palawan. Just outside my kitchen window, we scattered dried buds to grow for bug repellent purposes. I knew that you could make a healing salve out of the flowers but just never had the chance to. MJ's Herbals Calendula Salve is an effective remedy for inflamed skin, slow healing wounds, dry skin, and irritations. Safe to use for pregnant mamas or baby skin care needs. I love it's versatility: gentle moisturizer for the face, lips, under eye area, nails, etc. They say that a small dab on cotton is a non irritating, soothing and safe eye makeup remover which moisturizes the delicate under eye area and eyelids. Will do this when I travel or I run out of VCO (virgin coconut oil)

Ingredients: Calendula Blossoms, vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) in a base of olive oil and unrefined propolis beeswax.

To Use: Apply calendula salve freely to affected area.

MJ’s Herbals First Aid Salve is a potent and powerful blend of antiseptic, antibacterial and wound healing herbs that help speed healing and prevent infection in cuts, scrapes, cuticles, cracked lips, cracked heels, blemishes and rashes, eczema and psoriasis. Been using this to combat all the bites I've been getting and yes, it seems to be working quite well!

Ingredients: Comfrey root, Oregon grape root, calendula blossoms, white oak bark, marshmallow root, vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) and tea tree oil in a base of olive oil and unrefined propolis beeswax.

Directions: Apply freely to affected area. Clean wound first if possible. Caution: not for deep or puncture wounds.

MJ's Herbals Salves are P650 and available at Beyond Yoga Bonifacio High Street. 

Pass the Hemp Rub, Please!

What does a Yoga teacher keep in his/her bag everyday?

A muscle rub, of course! Practicing and teaching yoga daily can definitely make your whole body sore. This is everyday salvation, if you ask me (and almost all the yogis of the world!) Aside from lathering onto my own aching body parts like my neck, shoulders and lower back, I also apply it on my students and treat them to a short massage at the very end of the class during Savasana...if they're lucky enough to be in a manageable class size, time-wise!

Enter the Merry Hempsters. These two little fellas as currently a craze among my co-teachers and students at the studio!

So, what's so the big fuss about these Merry Hempsters Muscle Rub Tubes?

- Size is super handy, they fit in my make up kit
- Because of its unique packaging (like a bigger lipbalm), hygiene is no longer an issue

- Made from Organic Hemp Seed Oil with is high in essential fatty acids and contains anti-inflammatory properties  

- It's all natural, containing organic ingredients and vegan as well!

The Merry Hempsters website recommends that you use the organic tube as a therapeutic rub for sore muscles, overexertion, inflamed joints and congestion. I like the minty sensation from this tube. The cooling effect is definitely soothing after a work out!

INGREDIENTS
Apis mellifera (Bees) Wax, Organic Cannabis sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Organic Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Oil), Mentha arvensis (Menthol) Crystals ,(Essential Oils of: Eucalyptus globules (Eucalyptus), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Leaf, Mentha viridis (Spearmint), , Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen), Eugenia caryophyllus (Clove), and Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Non-GMO d-alpha Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Extract

The Merry Hempsters have a special HOT blend which combines organic hemp seed oil with the heating agent cassia for an analgesic effect. Camphor and organic menthol crystals offer immediate relief for aching muscles and joints. May also be used for reducing pain and inflammation associated with sore muscles, strains, overexertion, inflamed joints, and congestion. I would use this  after a more serious work out... like a powerful Vinyasa class or Beyond Sculpt!

INGREDIENTS
Organic Cannabis sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Euphorbia cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Organic Olea europaea (Olive) or Organic Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Oil), (Essential Oils of : Melaleuca minor (Cajeput), Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia), Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Betula nigra (Sweet Birch), Eugenia caryophyllus (Clove ), Thymus vulgaris (Thyme), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)), Mentha arvensis (Menthol) Crystals, Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor) Crystals, Non-GMO d-alpha Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Extract

Both available at Beyond Yoga Bonifacio High Street or online at www.cutieverse.com

Natural Skincare Loot for a Weekend Away

Last weekend's new loot for the farm trip to Quezon was composed of Brown Belly's all natural coconut shampoo, Alba Botanica's natural very emollient facial sunscreen SPF 30, Dr. Woods Pure Black Soap, Neolia's Body Soap and Ilog Maria's feminine soap. Read my reviews per product below.

Brown Belly's island coconut shampoo (P150) feels like coconuts were personally bottled for your hair. Lathers quite well and the scent is just marvelous for anyone that loves the beach as much as I do! I even tried using this as a body wash and for emergency purposes (let's say you forget your liquid soap), you can definitely use this as well! To order, email brownbelly@gmail.com

Alba Botanica's natural very emollient facial sunscreen SPF 30 (P300+) is 100% vegetarian, has "powerful antioxidant rich Green Tea, Grape Seed Oil and Vitamin E nourish skin while Aloe Vera, Lavender and Chamomile moisturize and smooth" I've been an Alba Botanicals fan since I've used their Lavender Sunscreen for the body. Available at Healthy Options Bonifacio High Street branch.

Dr. Woods Shea Vision Pure Black Soap (P200+) is 100% natural and vegan. "The Black Soap formula is a gentle, daily exfoliant for all skin types. It contain gamma tocopherol, botanical extracts and organic shea butter to neutralize free radicals, heal blemishes and regenerate skin cells." I rarely wash my face because I feel it dries my skin BUT after a full day of errands, teaching yoga, being out in the polluted city - I feel that my face deserves some cleansing. So, here is my addition to my skincare ritual. The Shea Butter is what drawn me to buy it because it has moisturizing powers. I wash my face before/after hitting the shower with this product and moisturize with cold-pressed VCO (virgin coconut oil) at night or facial sunscreen above if during the day. Available at Healthy Options Bonifacio High Street branch.

Neolia's Body Soap (P120)  is made from Organic Extra Virgin Italian Olive Oil and Aloe Vera. I like how the bar lathers on my skin and gives that soft sheath after bathing. And who doesn't love the smell of olive on the body? Just not too sure if this is 100% natural because it doesn't list ALL ingredients in the box nor in their website. Available at Rustan's or Shopwise groceries.

Ilog Maria's Feminine Soap (P49.50) is a must have for every woman! It has peppermint oil for a cooling effect but the key ingredient here is the bee propolis extract which has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Pure sampaguita oil is also added as a natural fragance. It is recommended for women to use if they want to feel clean and fresh all day long, naturally :)\

When I got home from the trip, I was pleased to see these Hurraw lipbalms (P250 - P350 each) come in from the mail. The Washington post calls them the holy trinity of lip balm!

Plus points for being all natural, organic, raw and vegan! For someone like me who's constantly under the sun, I need extra sun protection (I can already hear my mother's voice nagging me for it) and it's so awesome that Hurraw has a lipbalm with SPF15

"Non-nano zinc oxide that lends a broad spectrum, clear, completely natural sunscreen base to Hurraw! Antioxidant busters pomegranate seed and sea buckthorn oils protect and nourish. Red raspberry seed oil gives an even more protective punch! Juicy Tangerine and calming Roman Chamomile extract make it delish for your lips! " 

And yes it does taste good enough to eat! I'm going to have to stop myself from licking my own lips...

Too bad these lipbalms didn't make it before I left but can't wait to start using them especially during my FLOW weekend retreats! Oh my! I just checked their international website and saw that they have Ayurveda-inspired: Pitta, Kapha and Vata lipbalms! The yogini in me wants these too!

All Hurraw lipbalms with assorted flavors are locally available at Cutieverse.