Team Finds: Celebrate Women's History Month...

    By buying handmade by women from our team shops for the awesome women in your life!

See links to the shops below.

Links to shops on Etsy.

Pauletta || winkandflip || firelightjewelry || sweetolivejewelry

NakiNagiBodyScrubs || bibidibabidiboo || electrickzoo 

malathip || IlaraDesign || deborahmix 

By

Jane Odartey

Finds From the Team!

Listed shops

InIVibez | Mawusi | prestonandolivia |  bowsprite | BrooklynDIYSupply

YanaRodin | NaturallySusans | NightlyDoodles |  USBCards | littleteapot

By 

Jane Odartey

2011 Holiday Handmade Cavalcade Gift Guide for Him

Here it is, the second in our series of gift guides featuring the work of artisans participating in this year's Holiday Handmade Cavalcade (December 3 at Public Assembly in Williamsburg).

First things first:

Cerveza Con Lima Body Bar by NordeaSoaperie.

Next:

Sterling Molar Cufflinks by SaruStar.

And for outer-wear (although I suppose not necessarily exclusively):

Black Knit Cap for Men or Women by EllisDesign.

Accompanied by a few essential accouterments (one a bit saucy):

Set of Two Neon Green Hand Screened Handkerchiefs by ApertureAgog

Little Black Book, Mini, Hand Woven in Satin Ribbon by PriaVanda

Don't forget his abode! It may benefit from some styling too. A great manly choice for the wall: 

Rusty Hammer 8x10 print by AstrOdub

Come to the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade for more special gifts for the men on your list!

Until next time --

Linda

Purty Bird

Tutorial A Relaxing Bath Soak Ahhhh

Let's face it, we all have way too much stress in our lives.  Here is a relaxing bath soak, that's easy to make from our friend Megan over at Metropolis Soap.

You need:

Epsom Salt(8 oz should do)

Dried rose petals (You can use fresh but I recommend drying the petals first if you plan to store this soak. Also make sure the rose petals are free from pesticides!)

Lavender Essential Oil (If you don't have any, you can pick it up at natural food stores like Whole Foods in the Whole Body section)

Vanilla Extract (Vanillin works,too)

You'll also need: A Mason Jar and Ziploc Freezer Bag

Optional: Muslin Bag, 1/4 c. scoop

Step 1: Collect the Ingredients

Step 2: Mix Epsom salt with rose petals and oils in the freezer bag

The amount of scent you want is up to you, I recommend about 5 drops of each as a middle-of-the-road strength of scent.

Step 3: Shake shake shake!

Shake together the mixture and make sure the oils have thoroughly coated the salts. A little goes a long way!

Step 4: Pour into mason jar

Mason jars are good to use because the essential oils won't break down the glass like they might do with plastic jars, and they're durable so that if you accidentally drop it in the bathroom it won't break.

To use: Drop approx 1/4 c. of bath soak into tub while water is still running and enjoy! If you don't feel like cleaning up the rose petals after the bath, scoop mixture into a muslin bag and drop the bag in the water.

Mix it up! You can also use peppermint essential oil (extract should work) and create a soothing foot soak instead!

And if make it yourself is not your bag - just search The {NewNew} for plenty of relaxing items from PureSpa2 and NordeaSoaperie.

Enjoy!

Lorrie / Lenny Mud

Everyday Natural Oils for Health and Beauty

In honor of Earth day and recessionary times, I will highlight four readily available natural oils that serve a variety of health and beauty purposes.

Coconut Oil
Any Indian, or in my case Bangladeshi, knows that this oil promotes healthy hair and scalp. Coconut oil also helps to rid the scalp of dandruff (Natural News). Moreover, not only does this lubricant relieve dry and rough skin but it may improve psoriasis and eczema, as well as prevent liver spots and other age related blemishes. It also repairs sun burns and is a great natural tanner. Nurture your body by applying the oil at bedtime or massaging it into your skin before a bath. Possessing antiseptic qualities that help bring temporary relief to the skin, coconut oil can heal, repair and ward off skin problems and infections (Virgin Coconut Oil).

Jojoba Oil
This is a great hair conditioner, especially for protection against dry split ends. Jojoba oil is an ideal beauty product as it is similar to the skin’s natural sebum and therefore readily absorbed (Vitamin Stuff). Use it as an eye make-up remover and eye lash conditioner, and to regularly moisturize dry lips and cuticles(ILoveIndia.com). Jojoba oil also treats acne, both by reducing sebum production and by protecting the skin from harmful bacteria. Try it as a body or massage oil, or apply before shaving for a smooth shave and to prevent razor burn (Acne.org). Jojoba is great for sensitive skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema (Pioneer Thinking).

Rosemary
Frequently used in aromatherapy and massage to reduce stress, rosemary oil is also excellent for the hair. It prevents premature graying, dandruff and hair loss, softens hair texture, and even thwarts and treats head lice (Green Herbal Remedies). In addition, this non-sticky oil can be used on the face and body for moisturizing as well as for reducing muscle and arthritic joint pains. It also has the ability to heal wounds and regenerate the skin ( The Raw Divas Blog).

Citronella Oil
When on vacation, citronella oil is my bed time non-toxic protection from insects for body and face, as it is safe for all including children and sensitive skin types. Additionally, it may be used as an astringent to help correct oily skin areas. Apply a couple of drops of the oil to a cotton pad and gently wipe off excess oil from the skin before proceeding to your regular facial routine (Citronella-oil.blogspot.com). If this fragrant oil is diluted into a base oil (like Jojoba!) it can provide physical and mental benefits such as alleviating muscle and joint pain, calming nerves, and reducing pressure from migraines and headaches (Suite101.com).

Points to Note:
Oily and sensitive skin types should cautiously consider these tips and everyone should take a spot test. Apply oil on the skin of the inner forearm to safeguard against irritation. Always consult an aromatherapist if in doubt about the use of essential oils.

Home treatments lack the finesse of the spa products from the Etsy NewNewTeam, so if you have no patience for dealing with oily messes, remember to visit our stores.

I’m looking forward to shiny healthy hair, strong nails and seasons of moisturized and bug bite free skin on a beauty budget.

Talita
fairywallah.etsy.com

How to Ease Stress with the {NewNew}

...or your home spa day- {NewNew} style!

by Lorina/ The Original Beadscarf

So... troubles with the economy, bah! Fussing with the in-laws, double bah! General everyday significant other, work and other stresses....you guessed it, BAH!!!

Here's how to deal with it all, with a taylored home spa day from your friends in the {NewNew} Team:

Start with a soothing shower using Nordea Soaperie's Spa Bar

Next, gently towel off and and indulge in the refreshing scent of Sweet Madarine Lime Whipped Body Butter, also from Nordea's collection

Your pucker needs some soothing too! My favorite flavor is Chocolate Mint, like lucious peppermint patties. Peppermint is known to have calming effects while stimulating brain function. For the perfect combination, try Ayelet's Lip Balm.

End your home spa session with your favorite chill out tunes, and fill a small draw-string pouch with a generous scoop of dried lavender from Glass House Supplies. Place the calming scented sachet on your forhead while relaxing on your bed or couch, breathing slowly and deeply and envision all your stresses melting away...Aaaahhhhh....

Super Easy Brown Sugar/Lavender Scrub!

I cook the same way I sew... Recipes and patterns are really just a guideline! This would explain why I am not a chef OR a seamstress ;) I did a lot of research on homemade scrubs a while back when i was thinking of fun bridesmaids gifts. This is the concoction that I came up with. It is so easy to make. I used all organic ingredients where I could, but most of the needed things are already in your kitchen. Your skin will be very smooth and smell like lavender.. ahhhh!


Brown Sugar/Lavender Scrub Ingredients

2 cups brown sugar (I used organic.. it is a bit chunkier)
1 cup sea salt
1/2 cup oil (You can mix olive and canola if you'd like. I used all olive oil and it can smell a bit "salad-y")
1 Tbsp Vitamin E oil
1 Tbsp Lavender essential oil

•••••

mixing bowl
spatula
container for finished scrub. (I used a re-sealable mason jar. It is nice to use for a gift... you can tie a ribbon around it, or design a label for the top if you're feeling ambitious!)

••••••••••••••••••••

1. Combine the brown sugar and sea salt in a bowl.




2. Once these are combined nicely, add the oil. Once those are all mixed together add the Vitamin E oil and Lavender oil.





3. Put your finished scrub into your container and enjoy!







Be careful in the shower because the oil can make the tub a bit slippery.