Melani Chong

Detox 1-2-3's

2011-09-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

The ideaof detoxifying sounds good, given our toxin-filled environment and not to mention all that delightful wine and cheese consumed over the summer.

Great News: There’s an easy, safe, at-home way to clear toxins from the body—onethat actually feels good and is inexpensive. It’s a technique known as 'drybrushing'. There are many ways to detoxify the body through different organs,but using a dry brush to detoxify via the skin. After all, it is our biggest organ, spanning over 5ft.sq when laid out. Detoxing the skin hasmany benefits.

Know this: When you dry brush, you exfoliate dead cells andgive the body a gentle massage. This improves circulation... gives you glowingskin... and energizes you. But the most therapeutic benefit involves activatingthe lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. The light pressure ofbrushing encourages movement of lymph fluid under the skin. This fluid carriesaway impurities that then are eliminated by the body. The movement of the lymphfluid, which results in lymphatic drainage, is a major component of yourdetoxification system. Dry brushing is safe for everyone, including pregnantwomen. And it leaves you feeling invigorated!

Get it done: The best time to dry brush is before or during ashower. The water washes away dead cells exfoliated during the treatment. It’simportant that you always brush toward your heart because this is the naturaldirection of your circulation and the natural flow of lymph fluid. I recommendthat you brush your skin from your head to your heart on the upper body andfrom the hands and arms in toward your torso. Then brush from your feet up yourlegs toward your torso. Long sweeping strokes are best. Dry brushing shouldtake about five to 10 minutes daily.

Choosing your weapon: Look for a brush that has a long handle andrelatively soft bristles. (The amount of pressure you apply is more importantthan the bristles’ softness.) Most wooden-handled brushes, available everywhere, cost about $6. You can also use a loofah, which is a coarsesponge, although you may find it too rough for your skin. You will also can get a detoxeffect if you move a loofah toward your heart in the shower. Good health... great skin!

Melani Chong - ceo founder - soyaboutique.inc.

2010 Recap of Events

2010-11-20T16:51:00.000-08:00

With a Stellar Year for Events in 2010, from Fashion at the ROM with Jeanne Bekker, Cityline with Tracy Moore to hipsta school girls at Bishop Strachan, The Soya Boutique team was keeping beat with them all. We love to support great charities such as Zanaidu and visit with our hip, youngster clients at their chic private shopping events. We even caught up with Cory Monteith, Designers Franco Mirabelli, HOAX Couture, Nina Dobrev, and my toyfriend, Shawn Majunder at the Canadian Gemini Awards Luxury Lounge. We were happy to prep their skin and spread the Healing Balm love around to relax and get Canadian celebs in the mood for their red carpet moment.

Yo Canada!

2010-11-20T16:33:00.000-08:00

I love the dollar store, Italian and French imports but a recent read provoked this...

"A piece 'Avoid Dollar-Store Health Pitfalls' (RD Aug'10) suggests that the government department responsible for safety/health issues is not doing its job. Something is wrong here. Why are these products allowed to enter Canada if they don't live up to our standards? Obviously, there is more interest in purchasing from other countries, to the detriment of our own unemployed. If other countries had to adjust their ingredients, they wouldn't be so cheap and we would be better to compete.

Buy Canadian as much as possible! I shop around before buying an article made elsewhere, although it is getting more and more difficult to do so." - Nancy Molson, Dalkeith ON (Readers Digest)

- The SOYCULT

soyaboutique.com

Go Bubble Free!

2010-11-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

When we want to get things clean, bubbles definitely come to mind. The phenomena of bubbles occurs when fatty acids meet alkaline and create what is known as saponification. This was created in 2200 BC using similar ingredients as today. Bubbles in history have been used for making products fun for kids and even solving mathematical problems. But are they totally necessary to really get clean?

We love to see those suds in our bathtubs, sinks, and washing machines to ensure our precious belongings get squeaky clean - But can the same be said about our facial cleansers? Although we naturally love that bubbly feeling against our skin, is it really doing our skin justice? Bubbles are known to leave residue on skin, which congests pores, causes acne, and destroys the skin’s natural moisture, resulting in fine lines and dry skin. SoyaBoutique.com, a Toronto based natural skin care product line, offers products that clean and refresh with mild foaming action. TSB’s bubble-free facial cleansers leave no residue, effectively reduce the appearance of acne and fine lines and leave skin completely hydrated and nourished.

Go bubble-free and bubble 'lite' and experience the difference!

– Alysha Baldassarra, TSB's skin care guru

Visit us on FACEBOOK and and follow us on TWITTER for current news and updates!

Get Down and Dirtyyy

2010-11-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

Mud seems to be the newest skin care craze due to its highly effective properties and its traditional use for many historical beauties. It has literally been around forever and was known in ancient tales of Cleopatra’s own skin care regimen. Time to bring out your inner Queen! Get down and dirty with your skin care regimen and introduce a little Soy Mud into your life.

TSB offers a rare and organic Canadian Glacial Clay which draws toxins from the skin and gently exfoliates. This local natural treasure has no parallel in the world today - the crème de la crème of clays. With lavender harvested from the organic missionary soils of Los Olivos Valley, Hawaii's historically highly prized oil of Kukui nut and the healing properties of Calendula, Arnica and Rose Hip oil, this luxurious clay blend leaves skin deeply cleansed and supple, treating acne, scarring, blemishes and pre mature aging.

- Benefits of Soy Mud

- Blood circulation

- Removes dead skin cells

- Relief from acne, wrinkles and eczema

- Detoxifies and tones skin

- Decreases pore size

In Production!

2010-10-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

TSB is currently working on producing brand new promo videos! We will be releasing the 6-film collection really soon!!!

Here are some sneak peeks...

Mini Soy Facial

2010-10-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

Love indulging yourself in revitalizing facial treatments, but don’t have the budget or time to make an appointment at your local spa?

TSB has you covered! Take a few minutes of your time to treat yourself to a Mini Soy Facial, it takes only a few minutes. Done in the comfort of your own home, this treatment will have you glowing for that sexy night on the town, romantic dinner, special event or just because, within minutes.

Follow these simple steps to indulge your precious skin and give it the TLC it deserves.

You will need:

1 hand towel
Warm water
Soy Tear-free Foaming Cleanser
Soy Mud
Soy Repairing Serum

Steps:

1. Cleanse face with Soy Tear-free Foaming Cleanser to remove makeup and free skin of daily environmental pollutants

2. Immerse your hand towel in warm water then eliminate excess water. Your towel should be fairly warm, not hot; if it is too hot, please wait until the temperature lowers

3. Lay down and relax with warm hand towel over your face until the hand towel for 5 minutes.

4. Next apply Soy Mud. Use a small amount of warm water and mud to create paste, smooth all over face and skin liberally. Allow to dry (10mins), remove with warm water using gentle circular motions. Pat to dry. This removes all the toxins and dead skin cells from your skin leaving you smooth and supple.

5. Apply Soy Repairing Serum to purify, smooth texture and restore vitality

Voila - you’re done! 5 simple steps for a youthful glow and a boost of hydration! There you go - a moment of luxury in the comfort of your own home and at a fraction of the cost at the spa!

For more info on how to purchase your own soy skin care visit soyaboutique.com

For more ideas on how to feel better and boost your skin's health watch...

SHE’S A HOT GUY

2010-10-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Submit your “she’s a hot guy”!

We, at TSB, produce beautiful skin care products, design edgy and sexy graphics, and delve deep into academic research, but also have our share of fun working together. As such, we get side tracked in conversation from time to time, sometimes sparking some of our most kitschy, out of the box, most brilliant ideas!

A recent conversation about film and cinematography turned a corner, and ended up a discussion regarding female actresses, models playing male roles, and including many of our own friends actually exuding beauty and sexiness.

Androgyny has been “fashionable” for quite some time within the world of high fashion undisputedly, and over the past few years, has trickled down to mainstream societal beliefs. TSB believes all men and women, of all different colours, shapes and ages to be beautiful, simultaneously regarding out-of-the-box thinking to be refreshingly attractive.

Therefore, we have made a fun list of women we believe have the potential to play “hot guys”… We are now reaching out to all of you to help expand our list! Nominate your “she’s a hot guy” – she can be you, your friend, your sister, mother, niece, aunt, cousin, neighbor…she can be anyone!

Send us your names and pictures illustrating why you think “She’s a hot guy”.

Yours truly,

The SOYCULT

Please visit us on FACEBOOK to submit your entries!

Btw, if you see your name on this list – take it as a compliment.

-k.d. Lang (circa 1992)

-Hilary Swank

-Demi Moore

Twatting Revisited...

2010-10-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

We used to be on the fence about twitter, and we have to say, even though we’ve learned about all the goods and bads of twatting (yup, that is our preferred past tense of the verb), we haven’t left that fence.

The to-the-second news updates on new and cool product launches are great, and even the instant celebrity gossip we receive is a true guilty pleasure, but why do people think that “two eggs for breakfast means lots of energy for the rest of the day” qualifies as a genuine news interest?

On the one hand, maybe these over sharers sometimes have something cute or funny to tweet, but had a bit of ‘twitter block’ on this particular day, but on the other hand the amount of people that seem to tweet in order to simply tweet, boggles us. Do these people just update because they feel the need to, a pseudo twitter addiction per say, or do they genuinely think this is information we are interested in?

Are we the only ones, or do you agree?

If you play the twitter game, and don’t have anything other than the weather to share right now, perhaps you could even tweet us your thoughts @SOYCULT.

Just saying!

For more information, please visit The Soya Boutique.

Check us out on FACEBOOK for upcoming new and events!

We're down with the S.E.O. - SOYCULT FAVOURS the WEBB

2010-10-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Soycult attended one of the most underground info sessions last night at the Spoke Club. Event diva, Deb Lewis along with Social Media guru, Rob Campbell, aka SMOJoe, threw a gig to find the "Best SEO in TO". SEO, being geekology for making your web entity a champ, ensures that Google robots will find your site on the web and make it popular. huh? SOYCULT's own Will Webb, President at Innate Media Group sat on the panel of innovative speakers discussed how to maximize your ROI.

Featuring:

Paul Coulter: Toronto SEO

Will Webb: Innate Media Group

Ezra Silverton: 9th Sphere SEO Company

Roman Zelvenschi: RomanZ Media Group

Mike Cloke: Wolf2 1 Internet Media

(top)Here are the boys in a rare huddle formation discussing secrets of the SEO trade and (bottom) SMOJoe (right of pic) himself enjoying the company of Paul Peic.

Videos of the panel discussion COMING SOON.

- The SOYCULT

Soy Tear Free Foaming Cleanser - Experience the Results!

2010-10-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

I'm extremely picky with my cleansers. I need a cleanser that works effectively with acne prone skin yet won't strip my natural moisture. TSB's Tear Free Foaming Cleanser has been a perfect match, love at first use! This White Tea and Ginger Foaming Cleanser is mild enough to remove makeup from my sensitive eyes, yet has the power to completely free my skin of the day's environmental pollutants. The texture of my skin after use is incredible. It's the softest it's ever felt after cleansing, and believe me, I've tried a lot of products. Not only can I feel the difference in my skin's texture, the problem area on my chin has almost cleared of its impurities in such a short period of time. I use this product morning and night and I absolutely love the results!

-Alysha

SOYCULT - Always on our Minds

2010-10-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

We, at The Soya Boutique, receive comments and e-mails daily asking for tips and product suggestions for skin care and cosmetic issues. Here's a great example from a new SoyCult member.

"Unfortunately, I need to shave my face every morning. I had this dry, flaky, itchy patch on my chin after every shave. It was uncomfortable. Alysha suggested I use this small, pod looking product on the dry patch right after I shave. It's gone and hasn't come back since. I don't know what's in this thing, but it works. I'm definitely a believer."

- Paul, 28 yrs, Lemon Clove SoySilk Healing Balm

To get your own Healing Balm in 5 soothing scents visit: SoyaBoutique.com

Send us your email comments and questions and we'll send you a gift!

Your SOYCULT Skin Care Expert,

-Alysha Baldasserra

Stone Facial Massage: relax, rejuvenate, and reenergize

2010-10-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

As the summer has drawn to a close, back to school/work has happened, and the weather is starting to get cooler and drearier, we all may need a pick-me-up. TSB suggests you try using facial massage stones, to relax, feel better physically, and help with aging

Using both warm and cold stones stimulate blood flow to your face, which helps to flush the lymph nodes, allowing facial tissue to absorb nutrients and oxygen, leaving the skin with an overall more positive and youthful appearance and glow. Warm stones help to improve circulation, cleanse lymph nodes, reduce wrinkles and induce body relaxation, whereas cold stones reduce inflammation and help to reduce pain. As such, it is beneficial to use both warm and cold stones, alternating, to increase circulation and blood flow to your face.

Start your facial massage by gently massaging your face, using a light yet viscose massage cream. Once your have stimulated your facial tissue and helped yourself relax, you can either use the warm stones alone, or alternate those with cold stones, placing them strategically upon your face. You may then choose to use the warm stones to give yourself a slightly deeper facial massage, working on the points in your face in which you carry most tension. Once you have completed the stone massage, you may want to leave your face untouched for a few moments, allowing your face to relax fully.

When you have completed the massage entirely, you can either choose to leave the massage cream on your face as an overnight deep moisturizing treatment, or cleanse, followed by your usual skin care regime.

Please consult a physician before receiving a stone facial if you are pregnant, suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or are under constant care by a clinical professional.

Please visit The Soya Boutique for more information.

For upcoming events and news check us out on FACEBOOK and follow us on TWITTER!

SOYCULT at NUIT BLANCHE 2010

2010-10-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

In the white heat of Nuit Blanche, the ART of Fashion event was brought to the public featuring 10 of Canada's top emerging designers at an elegant VIP Reception. Judges included Liz West and David Clemmer. The SOYCULT was proud to participate in a night of luxury and design delivering products to esteemed guests. The Soya Boutique is a Canadian cult brand that dares the mainstream and that supports new designers and emerging artists like those represented at the ART of Fashion's 2010 Fashion Show: La Belle Epoque where glamour was the theme.

For news on upcoming events with The Soya Boutique, visit our Facebook Fan Page.

Welcome to the SOYCULT!

Balm Power - Now I've got it!

2010-10-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

SoySilk Healing Balms are an absolute must-have in my daily skin care regimen. From the bathroom counter, right into my purse for everyday use, these tiny pods are complete heaven for my skin and lips. Small and compact, yet packed with organic healing powers, SoySilk Healing Balms act as a multipurpose product that will have you de-cluttering your makeup bags and bathroom cabinets in no time.

Ladies, when we hear the term “balm”, we normally make reference to a lip product for moisture and perhaps healing. Although SoySilk works its magic on dry, sore lips, it can ultimately be used all over the body for smoothing and healing benefits. Pat SoySilk “Pure Peppermint” just below the eyes and over the brow bone for a “pick-me-up” in the morning on puffy, tired eyes. This minty-fresh scent is also very beneficial for congested sinuses when rubbed just below the nose, as well as in its creases. Breathe easy all day and night! Feeling the mental fatigue at your workplace, school, or doing your chores around the house? Take a second to clear the mind by massaging “Orange Lavender Peppermint” or “Lemon Clove” into the temples for relaxation. Or how about rubbing “Orange Lemongrass Peppermint” onto the soles of your feet for a soothing, cooling treatment on sore dry feet? A perfect treatment after walking around in those heels all day! Last but definitely not least, one of my favourite SoySilk tricks, rubbing a small amount of “Tea Tree Bergamot Peppermint” over the brow bone after a fresh eyebrow wax or plucking. This soothes the irritated skin while getting rid of that embarrassing redness we normally hide behind our over-sized sunglasses.

The uses of these products are never ending, I could be here all day ranting and raving about these pocket-sized pleasures. Discover the unique benefits of SoySilk Healing Balms and let us know, here at TSB, what you’re using your balms for and some of your favourite tricks!

Alysha

Your Soy Girl Skin and Makeup Specialist

Soy Oil saved my mane!

2010-09-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

The other day I was sitting and taking notice of my dry, flat, lackluster head of hair – wow, I really needed a haircut! I give my hair stylist a call, to find that she was on vacation for two weeks! I booked an appointment upon her return, but NEEDED to figure out a way to bring my strands back to life until then.

I saw TSB’s Soy Body Oil sitting on my counter and had a brilliant idea – why not treat my tresses to an overnight oil mask?!

That evening I put a few pumps of Soy Oil into my hands and started massaging it onto my scalp and through my hair. My self-indulging massage was so relaxing and regenerating, while the soft scent left me feeling completely uplifted. I tossed my hair up into a bun overnight, hoping for the best.

The next morning I washed and lightly conditioned my hair as usual and then continued with blow drying and straightening. Once I was done I examined my mane in the mirror – I was completely amazed by the results! My hair was silky and smooth and not oily at all! My scalp also felt refreshed and moisturized. To top it all off, I got quite a compliment from Melani herself, who exclaimed that my hair looked as soft as a 12 year old’s!

Needless to say, I am totally hooked to my Soy Oil, not only as a post shower moisturizer, but also as an overnight hair mask!

Nicole

A Soya Girl

Please visit The Soya Boutique for more information.

For upcoming events and news check us out on FACEBOOK and follow us on TWITTER!

The Beauty in TIFF: A Recap

2010-09-07T06:02:00.001-07:00

The Toronto International Film Festival quickly comes and goes, leaving awe struck audiences beaming with respect and admiration for those flaunting their craft (from make up artists to actors to producers) at this globally acclaimed festival. From September 9-19, the city was alive with industry insiders and A-listers pumping out the media, working the events and jumping from party to party. It's all just in a days work!

The Soya Boutique was proud to be at the front lines, arming festival goers, media personalities, celebrities (but we shant name any), and especially those behind the scenes with skin care ammunition...what really gives the Soycult purpose.

The Soya Boutique proudly partnered with topgun LA based Overture Films during TIFF and provided survival kits that kept talent, producers, PR, and media ready for the ring. Soycult's Concierge Skin Care dressed rooms with travel proficient and holistic healing skin care kits delivered to the work place (before works starts) ensuring all were looking and feeling their finest, with the help of soothing and uplifting aromatherapy healing balms, on-the-spot face lift serum (really a "facelift in a bottle"!) and so much more!!!

For more information about films visit Overture Films.

Please visit T he Soya Boutique for more information.

For upcoming events and news check us out on FACEBOOK and follow us on TWITTER!

The Soya Boutique is going BLUE!

2010-08-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

“Green” or “going green” has been coined as THE phrase regarding environmental consciousness and preservation.

Planet earth is made up of both land and water. Therefore, isn’t it unfair to seemingly disregard the 70+% of the earth’s surface, which is covered by water?

Water is the one substance that is vital for the health of every living organism on earth. It is the natural habitat for many living creatures, and is vital to survival and longevity for the remainder. As human beings, we have had a hand in essentially destroying our earth and the natural resources it has to offer, including water. Although we helped with the damage, we can also help conserve, preserve, and rebuild the environment!

We can all contribute to helping the environment one step at a time. TSB has vowed to help as much as possible…from each person doing their part as well as taking the steps as a company to be extremely environmentally conscious and concerned. TSB offers a range of products that can replace the excessive use of water as well as products that don't even require the use of water!

Additional steps we have already taken:

- Recyclable packaging

- Efficient production process

- Organic raw ingredients

- Efficient power sources and appliances in office space

- Hybrid transportation devices

- Digital marketing material – paperless

We plan to keep our footstep to a minimum and hope you can too!

Please check back for more information regarding the conservation and preservation of our water – locally, nationally, and internationally!

Please visit soyaboutique.com for more information.

For upcoming events and news check us out on facebook and follow us on twitter!

Christine Calder LOVES TSB's Vitamin C Tightening Serum!

2010-07-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

At August's 'How To Be Vain', TSB's industry insiders event, one of our Industry Experts was acclaimed make up artist Christine Calder. After receiving a range of Soya Products in her loaded swag bag, she came back at us with this awesome review...

"Hi my name is Christine Calder and I have an addiction" - to Soya Boutiques Vitamin C Serum.

I believe as women we are all trying to secure our place in line for even a small sip of the fountain of youth- hell i would like to take a bath, shower, or soak -but if a drink will still quench my youth- then hand me the straw.

To me Vitamin C Serum is the skin beverage we are all looking for. Firstly let me describe the feel. It is a liquidy gel like consistency-that has a very light almost cooling sensation when u smooth it on-(for even more refreshing fun keep it in the fridge)

After applied-you can also almost instantly start feeling a firming and tightening sensation happening-without the help of a plastic surgeon or Harry potter's wand.

Now the most amazing part is the visual results-I personally like to concentrate it on the nasal labial folds-(get your minds out of the gutter)-its the area between the nose and mouth-a.k.a my downfall, my descent to my destruction, my road to ruin-well you get the idea.

I can see that area appear softer and smoother in appearance, and look noticeably-well less noticeable! That's what I'm talkin' about!

Conclusion: I am truly impressed with this anti-aging product. It not only lives up to its claims (with obvious observable results), but is also a completely natural product, which in the long run is better for your skin.

Here's to you Soya Boutique-Thanks for the elixir of youth-without any after taste-cheers!"

A huge thanks goes out to Christine for sharing this with us!

Check us out ONLINE for information on this product as well as our extended skin care line!

For upcoming events and updates check us out on FACEBOOK and follow us on TWITTER!

HTBV revisited!

2010-07-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the pictures from our first industry insider event, "How to be Vain"!

ENJOY!!!

The entrance into the lovely Oshun day spa...

The Soya Boutique's in store boutique!

A close up of one of our speakers demoing this season's hottest make up trends.

On the edge of our seats!

Thank you again to all of our sponsors:

Two Oceans, Amarula, Bamboo Magazine, GreenBeauty.ca, Spynga, V:space Studios, Amarula, Ink/Cheval, La Bella Sole, and Jacqueline Carew.

Please visit soyaboutique.com for more information.

For upcoming events and news check us out on facebook and follow us on twitter!

'How To Be Vain" Event had everyone glowing

2010-07-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who made The Soya Boutique's very first Industry Insiders event such a success at Oshun Spa! The air was riddled with laughter, summer bouquets, clinking glasses and sheer ambiance. I was hanging on every word of both speakers who presented their inside knowledge and expertise. Christine Calder showed us Summer '10 hottest colours for lips, eyes and cheeks. Her demo had me running to the podium to get mine immediately! Many of us walked out with those praised glam tangerine lips and metallic eyes. Thank you Malina for being such a beautiful model. We all gained some gritty knowledge of the latest eco beauty products yet to hit the market and about the place for parabens in our beauty arsenal from Bamboo Magazine's Beauty Editor, Erin Carpenter.

It turned out to be more of a hands on workshop than a seminar. I loved that everyone got involved in trying the products and sharing their professional input. We weren't just radiating from the cream stick blushes, Amarula and Two Oceans had every guest glowing with their executive bottle service, thanks guys! Oshun Spa was the perfect setting for this sexy, intimate gathering of Industry Insiders. With an interior graced with bamboo and ocean deep hues, we were all inspired to relax and share.

Thank you sponsors; Two Oceans, Amarula, Bamboo Magazine, GreenBeauty.ca, Spynga for passes for free weeks of yoga, V:space Studios for personal notecards, , Amarula for lip balms, Ink/Cheval for free night club passes and CD collections, La Bella Sole for tanning passes, Jacqueline Carew for Swarovski jewels and of course everyone received Soya's latest products, Spray Toner with Green Tea and Cucumber extract, the New Hypoallergenic Surface Cleanser and Yoga Mat Spray, those trusty healing balms.

Thank you all who came to share and support!
Look out for pix of the event coming up soon and
See you all at the next "How to Be Vain"!

xM

Melani Chong a panelist for Fashion Group International!

2010-07-12T05:50:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, July 8, 2010, The Soya Boutique took part in Fashion Group International's monthly discussion panel, "Trends in Beauty". Melani was joined by other industry veterans (Arbonne's- Donna Sweetnam, Kaia Naturals'- Mary Futher, Cargo's- Annesley Broadhead and GreenBeauty.ca's Donna Bishop) on the Expert Panel, which sparked some interesting and relevant discussion covering topics such as product development, consumer interaction, preservatives in modern products, reverse engineering and patent protection, as well as marketing trends such as social marketing, and blogging.

Here is a peek into the event:

The Soya Boutique representing!

...and the panel being introduced

our very own Melani Chong (far right)

Please visit soyaboutique.com for more information.

For upcoming events and news check us out on facebook and follow us on twitter!

Nicole Schwartz - Digital Projects Manager - The SoyCult

‘Tis the season to get married! - A groom's skin care tip list

2010-06-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

For most, wedding preparations are pretty standard… The soon-to-be brides becomes completely consumed with wedding arrangements (or at least her mother does!) and the soon-to-be groom does what he is told. Most of his tasks include food, booze and music, which makes sense…and most men are thrilled to be helping out, albeit not spending too much time on the tasks. The same formula holds true when dealing with their pre-wedding fitness and grooming regime – willing to do some work and put in some time, as long as it does not interfere with their regularly scheduled activities (ie. work, tv, sports, “guy’s night” in, “guy’s night” out, etc.)

The Soya Girls have put together a list of easy-to-use products we recommend for every soon-to-be groom that will prep them for their big day; make them look fresher, healthier, and perhaps even younger….and how to "fake" it too. Your bride will fall in love with you all over again and your out-of-town guests will be impressed with how marriage is making you glow!

Soy Repairing Serum:

This is a surefire winner among all products on our list, and should become part of your skin regime ASAP! This serum, jam packed with skin nourishing ingredients is an all-in-one product. It is a toner, serum and moisturizer. For men, it is the ideal (and our top selling) after-shave serum that will leave your skin feeling refreshed, hydrated and silky smooth. Simply smooth two pumps of serum all over your face an neck without rubbing it in; it will seep deep into your skin, doing the work from the inside out – air dry.

Soy Toner Spray:

The spray toner is a fine mist spray with a clean and fresh scent that is sure to freshen your skin and your mood! With one spray your face and body will get the nourishment and hydration it craves. This is perfect for freshening up and neutralizing toxins after a sweat session at the gym, and re-energize in the middle of a long work day, or to simply cool off during a hot summer day. Its antimicrobial properties make it great for your skin and the air around you - bye bye germies!

Refreshing Spray - Surface Cleanser:

Whether you are new to a fitness routine or a veteran, this new product will undoubtedly improve your routine! This surface cleanser is originally formulated for disinfecting yoga mats and fitness equipment utilizing mind clearing and uplifting lavender, tea tree, peppermint and lemon extracts. Versatile and organic, take this organic surface cleanser to your high traffic areas like bikes, computers, desk areas, strollers, car interiors for clean peace of mind.

SoySilk Healing Balms:

The healing balms, not unlike all the other recommended products, are extremely multi-purpose and functional. The balms come in five different aromatherapy scents, each useful for different purposes and ailments (ie. stress, fatigue and headaches!...not suggesting that wedding prep causes any of these….. wink wink). You can use them to sooth chapped lips and moisturize hands, cuticles, feet, elbows, and pretty much anywhere else that needs help. They can also be rubbed and massaged onto pressure points to alleviate any ailments or discomfort. These are must haves…..keep them in the car, at your sink, in your bedside table….anywhere!

Soy Lube:

This is our personal massage lotion…safe to use on the most sensitive of parts.

Originally derived as a facial massage cream, this silky lotion is ultra moisturizing and highly viscose. Give your bride-to-be a relaxing rub down and relieve her of all the pent up stress, and vice versa. If the mood calls for some more intimate “massaging”, enjoy the moment without inconvenient pauses. It may also be used with “protection”. This is the perfect product to be shared with your “better half” pre and post wedding….and perhaps even during….!

The Bonus Secret!

Vitamin C Tightening Serum:

If you are unable to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep the night before your big day and drink the prescribed 6-8 glasses or water…fake it! We know that most of you will be drinking with the boys and celebrating until the wee hours of the night with everyone else in the days leading up to your big day, which may wreak havoc on your recently rejuvenated skin! Fake it, with this miracle product, that will instantly lift and tighten, leaving you with a fresh and rested appearance, lasting all day! Simply apply two pumps all over your face after your toner. Let the serum air dry on your face, which will freshen with the cooling sensation.

Check out soyaboutique.com for a list and description of all listed products and more!

For upcoming events and news check us out on facebook and follow us on twitter!

ELEVATE TO EXHALE- June 21

2010-06-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

The first annual summer solstice event, Elevate to Exhale, took place this Monday in Yonge-Dundas square. The event was a blast!!!

A Soya Girl hard at work...in the 1pm Chakra class!

The Soya Boutique offers complimentary mat cleansing to participants!

The refreshing spray was available at the start and end of each class. Everyone LOVED the fresh aromatherapy properties that this product offers. Spray toner was also distributed throughout the classes, freshening and cooling participants while they were working through intense classes, in the sweltering sun.

Many people exercised their rights to go beyond the boundaries set in preparation for the G20. They did not get pigeon holed by the barriers, that although set for our safety, does feel a tad restrictive and constraining. They were uplifted, leaving the hustle and bustle of this hectic city at the registration desk.

A huge thanks goes out to everyone that participated and came out to support this event, and Spynga for putting it all together!!!

Give Dad the Gift of Skin Vitality!

2010-06-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

Father’s Day is fast approaching and although the hallmark holiday should be just as hyped as Mother’s Day, for some reason it doesn’t seem as though it holds the same prestige. Perhaps this is because dads are seemingly more difficult to buy gifts for, or perhaps because generally speaking, men do not love to be universally celebrated. Whatever the reason is, there are no more excuses. Lets get out and celebrate dads all over!

Commonly, men receive kitschy gifts that play on their hobbies (ie. stuffed fish, golf club thermoses, racecar cufflinks, etc), which do not usually prove to be as useful as anticipated. Why not gift dad with something that he actually needs this year?

The Soya Boutique’s unique Repairing Serum not only targets fine lines and other superficial imperfections, but also works as an extraordinary aftershave by refreshing and replenishing skin. Simply apply two pumps of serum all over face and let dry. How much simpler could it get?!

Although you may need to tutor dad on the uses and benefits of using skin care products, he will be sure to love the outcome! And hey…the tutorial can be part of the gift!

For a full list of products and descriptions visit our website!

A bride’s 60-day pre-wedding skin care regime

2010-06-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here…..and so is wedding season! Bring on the colourful flowers, light cocktails, outdoor ceremonies, and of course, summer brides!

A bride’s wedding day may be the most important day in a girl’s life, with the memories and pictures lasting forever. It is no wonder that brides-to-be go through intense treatments, diets and regimens in preparation for their special day.

Diet and exercise will make anyone look and feel better, however teaming that with a specific 60-day pre-wedding skin regime will undoubtedly improve skin tone, resulting in a fresh, radiant and unblemished complexion.

The Soya Girls have tested and certified this regimen as a shoo-in to reveal your TRUE beauty!

Morning:

1. Cleanse with Tear Free Foaming Cleanser

2. Refresh with Soy Toner

3. Apply two pumps of Tightening Serum over face and décolletage

4. Apply a dollop of Anti-Aging Moisturizer over face and neck if skin is extremely dry

Evening:

1. Cleanse with Emulsive Cleanser to gently and safely free skin of make up and other environmental pollutants

2. Apply Soy Mud all over face for 15 min or until dry (twice a week); rinse off

3. Refresh with Soy Toner

4. Apply two pumps of Repairing Serum over face and décolletage

5. Be sure to get at least 6-8 hours of SLEEP!

Body:

- Warm baths can be made more comfortable, moisturizing and nourishing for one’s skin with the use of a few sprays of Soy Oil added to the water

- Use SoySilk Healing Balms on cuticles to help hands look and feel healthy and more youthful – get your ring finger looking its best for that special moment!; can also be used on feet to help heal and relax after busy days; scent of balm can be chosen according to specific concerns

SoySilk Healing Balms:

Keep those pre-wedding jitters and planning anxieties at bay with the use of the SoySilk aromatherapy healing balms, available in five different aromatherapy scents; Pure Peppermint, Lemon Clove, Orange Lavender Peppermint, Orange Lemongrass Peppermint, Tea Tree Bergamot Peppermint

Let the wedding count down begin!

Check out soyaboutique.com for a list and description of all listed products and more!

For upcoming events and news check us out on facebook and follow us on twitter!

I'm in Paradise!

2010-06-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

I am sitting still at the water’s edge, staring out at the waves… No, I am not talking about Lake Ontario. I am on Paradise Island! Yup, like the real thing, Paradise Island, Bahamas. When most think about the island, the grand Atlantis resort comes to mind, although just a 2 min. walk down the beach reveals true serene paradise, the Sivananda Yoga Retreat.

Two hours of meditation and chanting followed by a two-hour yoga class definitely called for some Soy freshening spray…on my face, in the ever-heating air and on my matt! The strictly veggie abundant brunch offering followed by some “karma” dishwashing rounded out the morning quite nicely. An afternoon lounging and reading on the beach was definitely a welcomed escape from urban life and reality. Although the sun was scorching and slightly draining,

some SoySilk healing peppermint balm on my temples and below my nose did the trick to uplift my energy right in time for yet another two-hour yoga session. Dinner was another indulgent veggie offering followed by some more “karma” chores. Meditation, chanting and an educational workshop was the evening’s entertainment, followed by a short and dragging walk to my overnight accommodations.

A cleansing session followed by some repairing serum (in an attempt to avoid my skin damaging practices…!) is really all I am looking forward to now….I am exhausted! Some SoySilk Orange Lavender Peppermint healing balm is the only thing that could make this day any more relaxing and energizing at the same time.

Ahhhhhhh. Looking forward to four more days of this!!!

Namaste,

Nicole

A Soya Girl

The Soya Boutique at Spynga’s first annual mass yoga event, Elevate to Exhale!

2010-06-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

On June 21^st The Soya Boutique will co-partner Spynga’s first annual Elevate to Exhale event to celebrate summer’s arrival! Inspired by Mind Over Madness, a similar event held annually in New York City’s Times Square, Toronto will be given the chance to break the conventional mindset of yoga, and bring it to the streets! Taking place in Yonge-Dundas Square, one of the city’s most bustling centres, the pulse of the city will surely be racing.

Yoga instructors from all over the GTA have been invited to participate and teach throughout the day, providing participants with diversity in teaching and practise styles. Yogis of all levels of experience, INCLUDING first-time rookies, will be inspired and challenged!!!

Come out and become part of Toronto’s enthused and innovative yoga community, and visit The Soya Boutique’s pop-up shop!

Stay tuned for more event information.

For current events through The Soya Boutique check us out on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @SOYCULT!

2010-05-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

Are we the only ones, or do you agree?

If you play the twitter game, and don’t have anything other than the weather to share right now, perhaps you could even tweet us your thoughts @SOYCULT.

Just saying!

Les Nuits Presents The Soya Boutique at Brassaii Restaurant & Lounge

2010-05-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

Wednesday evening, The Soya Boutique co-hosted Les Nuits Presents The Soya Boutique at Brassaii Restaurant & Lounge. The event was hugely successful, bringing out some of Toronto’s most sexy.

Music was playing, drinks were flowing, and of course the Soya girls were right there in the action, introducing The Soya Boutique's extended skin care line.

Our new video reel, featuring Pastel Supernova, was also sensational, streaming on all the plasma screens throughout the night.

Check out the gallery of pics!!!

Thanks goes out to Brasaii Restaurant & Lounge and Kleen Media for helping us make this event such a HUGE success!

THANK YOU to everyone who came out!!!

Check out SOYCULT on facebook for additional pics and info!

Tweet us! @SOYCULT

Brassaii on "hump day" Wednesday...!

2010-05-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

For everyone who loves looking sexy, feeling good and having fun, we have big news! On Wednesday, May 12, The Soya Boutique will team up with Kleen Media to bring you this week’s Les Nuits party at Brassaii Restaurant & Lounge.

Expect lots of pretty people and too many cocktails, oh and of course, a plethora of Soya swag! We’ll be introducing our new vanity kits, which will be in the lavatories, so make sure you take advantage!

Click Here for the official Facebook invitation:

Make sure you check out our brand new short and sexy Soya video loop featuring Pastel Supernova...it will be streaming on the plasma screens all night!

See you all on hump day!

Spoil Your Mama has crowned a winner!

2010-05-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

v:space studio @vspacestudio along with The Soya Boutique @SOYCULT and our other promotional partners: Winks Eyelash Boutique, Bettykiss Style Inc. @Bettykiss, Rainflower Company @rainflowerco, Damn Heels @damnheels, and Josie Tecson conducted a Twitter based Mother’s Day contest…. Spoil Your Mama!

We asked twitter enthusiasts to tell us why they want to spoil their mamas. After receiving a huge number of fantastic entries, a winner has finally been crowned.

Here is the winning tweet:

Sophie Alvarado @Sophie1_0_1 I wanna #spoilmymama because she is the pillar of courage that we all look up to. For her kids, she's strength and love.

A huge congratulations goes out to @Sophie1_0_1…you’ve just “Spoiled Your Mama”!

Follow The Soya Boutique on twitter @SOYCULT!

Active Face - Massaging for Longevity

2010-05-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

Facial Massage: An Necessary Part of Skin Care

Your face has muscles too. Keeping them active, keeps them younger and releasing tension in those muscles can relieve wrinkles, keep skin firmer and tighter. Facial massage is a very popular Western beauty treatment to slow down the aging process and achieve younger-looking, healthier skin and longevity. It is also used to relieve stress, migraine headache, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and sinus congestion.

Facial massage is prevalent in Eastern therapies where it is part of a full-body treatment in which pressure points on the face and neck are stimulated in order to release blockages in the flow of “qi”, or vital energy.

Regardless of geographical region, facial massage is a

necessary part of cosmetic skin care. It promotes  improved circulation of blood and normalizes metabolism. It also helps stimulate the expulsion of toxins, thus facial massage helps skin breathe by preventing blood stagnation, strengthens muscle tissue and  preserves skin from getting flabby and flaccid.

Massage Technique:

Take some cold water from the bowl, and apply it to your face as well. You could start from the neck.
Lift your chin up and massage your neck using upward strokes.   Then massage the area just under your chin, using firm strokes.
Start from the center, move your hands under your jaw, outwards to the ear. Do this around 20 times or more, depending on your timing, and then using small upward strokes, work the entire under-chin area from side to side.  
Massage the rest of your face; along the jaw line, under cheekbones, spine of nose, and around nostrils using upward and outward strokes, as well as circular motions.
Make sure to reapplying water and cream as necessary to maintain viscosity.
Circle your eyes, pressing down on the temples.   
You can also use upward and outward strokes on your forehead.
Use quick, sharp slapping strokes on your cheeks. 'Slap' yourself for at least 2-3 minutes.   This will get your circulation pumping.

Remember to maintain upward and outward strokes throughout your massage. Never stretch or pull skin. Use a facial massage cream for best results. Always be sure to massage the skin on your face in an upward direction, as the constant struggle is to fight gravity.  Once the facial massage is completed, wash your face with cool water.

Remember that smiling is the best exercise to maintain that fresh faced feeling after your massage!

A Fresh Face

2010-05-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

Natural Beauty at it's Best

We would like to formally introduce you all to The Soya Boutique's 2010 Cover Model…meet Pastel Supernova!

Pastel is featured on our website as well as posters. Unlike most of the “face of”s, Pastel is a real woman, with real curves and unique features, which makes her extraordinarily beautiful and the perfect person to represent our brand. She arrived to the website photo shoot with no make-up on at all. After a couple test shots, her natural beauty and authenticity was so apparent in that state, that it was decided to conduct the shoot status quo; with Pastel not wearing a stitch of make-up!

Pastel is not just a pretty face, but rather a true jack of all trades. She is famed for being a notable fashionista and part of the “electro-dance club-kid loving band Fritz Helder & The Phantoms and dancing star of MTV's movie showcase "Turn The Beat Around". Most recently, she is working on solo material that captures her definitive exotic aura. She is an acclaimed dancer, previously dancing back-up for Nelly Furtado. Obvious in all her work, whether it be singing, dancing, acting, writing or just being fabulous, is her natural beauty, from the inside out.

That's our girl!

Feeding your Skin

2010-04-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

Allergies: Ingestion is Vastly Different than the Topical use of Soy

Soy allergies are common and are often a concern to those who want to use soy skincare. Although, a soy allergy is a hypersensitivity to dietary substances from soy causing an overreaction of the immune system, which can lead to severe physical symptoms. It is usually treated with an exclusion diet and vigilant avoidance of foods that may contain soy ingredients. This common allergy usually refers to an intolerance to soy, as a food, and therefore requires one to actually ingest soy to arouse symptoms. Topical applications of soy can be successful in results without the consequences of allergic symptoms for those without dietary allergies to soy. The ingestion of soy is vastly different to the topical use of soy.

Although individuals with a known allergy to topical soy are urged to refrain from using products with soy ingredients, those not faced with such an allergy may discover the safe and extreme benefits of soy skin care. Recent research has shown that soy possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on skin. The component in soy that is responsible for these effects are isoflavones, a class of plant compounds abundant in soybeans. Isoflavones have been shown to work in two important ways in regards to skin:

1. stimulate collagen – which helps to increase the skin’s supporting structure, thereby increasing its thickness and elasticity 

2. inhibit matrix metallo-proteinases, enzymes that break down the network of protein that make up the skin’s support layer.

Numerous studies have also shown that Soy has the
reputation for improving hyper-pigmentation, elasticity and moisture in the skin due to estrogen-type and antioxidant effects of its metabolites: genistein and daidzein. They are phytoestrogens with a weak estrogenic effect. Genistein significantly inhibits carcinogen-induced reactive oxygen species and oxidative DNA damage. Postmenopausal women have measurably thinner skin and less collagen as compared to younger women. Topical application of estrogen (derived from soy) diminishes the thinning of skin and collagen loss significantly.

visit The Soya Boutique for your Concierge Skin Care delivery: http://soyaboutique.com

Happy Earth Day!

The Soya Boutique Team

At Face Value

2010-04-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

Facial Massage can firm, smooth, sculpt and cleanse.

A great and easy way to address longevity and stay looking younger is facial massage. It's roots are in Traditional Chinese Medicine and have been practiced for over 1000 years to promote health and beauty. The face is often a neglected area for tender touch, but facila massage is a very effective beauty treatment to slow the aging process, achieving younger looking and healthier skin. It also relieves stress, migraine headaches, PMS, sinusitis and stimulates cell regeneration in the brain. Facial massage also alleviate sagging, frown lines and and the effects of fatigue on your image.

One can prevent wrinkles by relaxing the muscles by using smooth and linear strokes on the face that follow the contours of the face muscles and shape, gently applying pressure and moving the skin of the face and down the neck, nape and decollatage, it increases blood flow which brings oxygen and nutrients to the area. The lymph flow away form the skin and toward the heart and is essentially, decongesting the skin. By NOT touching the skin you your face, you actually leave it stagnant, dehydrated and dull.

Massage should be a part of your daily cleansing routine. The Soya Boutique makes a specialized cream designed to use after cleansing that allows you glide over skin without stretching or pulling skin. To implement facial massage into to your new simplified skin care routine and to immediately experience the benefits, try the Personal Massage Cream at Soyaboutique.com.

mc2

SoyaBoutique does CITYLINE with Lingerie Models!!!

2010-02-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

As you may know, SoyaBoutique.com launched the 2010 website in December with The Artist Group in Toronto and CITYTV's Cityline was there to capture everyone at their best. The room was filled with raw creative energy, fashionable food, fashion yummy enough to eat, and a stellar showcase of artists. TAG Artists like Spazz, Stu Dead, and Tami Noa Levy lit up the room with their breathtaking art pieces. Guests in attendance included our 2010 Cover Model Pastel Supernova, UK Musician Adrian Eccleston, Film Producer/Director Bradley Walsh, top agents, Kris Lyon, Matti Gidilevich, Cynthia Cully and Jarret Plyley, globe trotting photographers Ivan Otis (Playboy Magazine), Mario Miotti (LouLou Magazine) and Craig Samuel (S1 Studios) and Canadian Supermodel Rose Francella.

If you want to see yourself on TV, get the latest scoop on the the newest and most advanced skin care products to hit the market, watch Ruth get an instant facelift and catch all the beauty editors getting product demos - watch Cityline on Feb 12th.

Maybe you'd like to have a little sneak peek at what is coming up for this week's Valentine's Fashion Show. Tracey Moore looks simply stunning in her love inspired sheath dress. Make sure you tune in to this week's hot show!!

A sneak peek at the outfits for this week Valentine's Special, and the ever classy Lisa Rodgers:

La Senza models Amber Wignall and Sabrina Greer, Cityline models Caroline, Ruth and Susan:

How many models can you fit into a 5' x 8' change room?...

We proved that you can fit 8

(plus 2 dressers, one camera guy and a lighting tech).

Glamourous!!

Watch CityTV 9am and 5pm on Feb 12... or you can go to their website www.cityline.ca and see the whole show there!!

Melani

The Longevity Movement

2010-02-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

Everyone's interest in enhancement when it comes to our features, beauty, intelligence and skill has become a hot subject. In a culture where braces for teeth, laser surgery for eyes, cosmetic surgery for augmentation, tattoos for make up, is the norm, soon we will look to further enhance ourselves to live longer, age slower and become smarter starting on the cellular level. The Longevity Movement provides solutions for restorative, regenerative, performance enhancing and life-extending practices for those who seek to enhance their health and maintain their youth with holistic practices.

The industry is listening to the demands of the hungry consumer who are eager to improve the way they look and feel and to improve their productivity and appearance by using natural and scientifically developed products. Developing new products that present a new approach to skin’s enhancement on the cellular level is where the future is heading. Facelifts and Botox will be replaced by nutrient rich serums that are designed to penetrate the stratum corneum to improve skin’s strength from the inside making skin immune to wrinkling and the effects of environmental exposure. This is where nature embraces science and the answer to successful longevity.

The seeds of this trend are in place today. Developments in biotech, nanotech and genomics will quickly make its way to the marketplace. The Soya Boutique has engineered skin care that can slow the signs of aging by providing products that are restorative, regenerative, protective, and can enhance your performance on a cellular level. Start to improve your appearance and reverse the signs of aging and environmental exposure by capturing your youth now. This is the beginning of the Longevity Movement and it will change everything.

World meets SoyaBoutique.com

2009-12-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here is the first SoyaBoutique.com advertorial in the 14th issue of Cheekmagazine.com, the world's foremost online lifestyle publication.

World meet SoyaBoutique.com

Taking care of each other - Virtual Skin Consultations

2009-12-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

If we laid our skin out flat, an adult's would measure about 10sq.ft. That is a lot of area to take care of, seeing as though skin is the primary barrier between dirt, chemicals and disease-causing microorganisms and a stimulus to the immune system. And it is up to us as living together as communities to care of our well being and stay educated and well informed on preventative care and personal responsibility to ourselves.

Skin disorders are responsible for over 4 million sick days taken from work a year. Although, skin reactions are typically one symptom and the most obvious within a constellation of symptoms that accompany the presence of a more serious illness. It is possible to create healthy building tools to our optimum health starting with our skin.

The SoyaBoutique.com has started a new service to clients - virtual skin care consultations which you can receive online. The service is a part of the new 2010 virtual campaign that provides a complete service that is convenient. The service is designed to help customers chose the right combination of skin care products for their skin type and regime (or lack thereof). Then the products come right to you whether you are at the office, home, filming at the studio or heading to an exotic locale.

When getting a consultation you must:
1. be specific (skin type, skin concern, budget), the service gives you 142 characters to get it all in. There may be questions required for you to further answer before outcome.
2. provide a high quality photo of skin area (helpful, but not 100% necessary - 'bacne' is the acception)
3. be aware that this advice does not replace the advice and recommendation of a licensed doctor or medical professional.

Get consultation now - click here

In the future, SoyaBoutique.com will be adding more technology to aid in the virtual skin consultations to clients for which we are very excited about sharing.

Wrapping it up for 2009 & an Exclusive Product Launch

2009-12-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

There was a infectious energy in the room at 847 Adelaide West last Thursday afternoon (dec 10/09). TAG Artists, Agents and Media Partners were a blaze with spirit as they welcomed Fashion & Beauty Industry, Media members and Social Media gurus to meet The Soya Boutique's newest web platform and celebrate an interesting year. I now consider social media bloggers the au currant, uber intelligent celebrity endorsers.

SoyaBoutique.com takes all the highest technology from the web and funnels into a resourceful tool for attaining a healthy lifestyle and the leanest soy skin care products that compliment and define it. The website is run from 100% green energy.

I was also excited about dropping a huge announcement, that TSB will be introducing a new Repairing Serum formulation that is a purifying, longevity product that will also deliver botox-inspired activity to the skin. Everyone at the event received an limited edition Soy Serum sample. This Repairing Serum II becomes available to the public January 2010 at Soyaboutique.com as a part of a creatively and scientifically dynamic campaign focusing on inner youth and Longevity.

When I looked around the room to see people touching their skin and smiling, I knew it was a success.

Healing Balms were the BOMB!

2009-12-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

The winner of the night at the 2010 SoyaCult Launch was the healing balms - everyone sang its praises into the wee hours of the night. And still were able to have a great night sleep after experiencing its benefits.

Skin Deep - The Real Deal on Dermal Absorption

2009-11-09T18:23:00.000-08:00

There is a growing population of skin care consumers out there that are ready to take the power back. Health concerns raised in the media are a powerful phenomenon that educate, inspire, motivate and frighten consumers. Especially when it comes to our health and the well being of our families. Many are resentful of the fear factor presented by the media as it is harmful, insensitive and more often misinformed (we have all learned from the latest H1N1 updates). Some are lead to believe that pretty much everything we are exposed to is going to result in cancer from every “expert’s” perspective. We all know that our bodies are genetically pre-dispositioned to proliferate cellular degeneration throughout the naturally occurring processes of aging (and, from the time of birth, we are all aging). Taking charge, are the masses of consumers who are tired of fear mongers who cry wolf and produce no qualitative evidence. I love the feel good campaigns, the ones that celebrate the intelligence and productivity of our species!

When it comes to our skin, it is time to take the power back. Be confident that skin is physiologically extraordinary and superior. Covering our body is the largest organ, your skin. We have 2.5 million sweat glands on our bodies; one square inch has 650 sweat glands, 65 hair follicles, 234 feet of nerves, 1250 pain receptors, 57 feet of capillaries, 19,000 sensory cells, 94 sebaceous (oil) glands, 13 cold and 78 heat receptors, plus immune (Langerhans) cells. Skin is adapted to protect us from environmental assault, but it is also designed to let things in as well. And this is a positive receptor that grants many health benefits.

Particularly, dermal absorption is an area of skin function that is sometimes misunderstood and misrepresented. Skin represents both an important physical barrier to absorption of toxic matter and simultaneously a significant portal of entry for healthful applications. It is a locus for the biotransformation and photochemical transformation processes that reduce the toxicity of substances. Yes, be aware of the substances you apply and limit exposure to the effects of the sun, but do not be over reactive or underestimate the capacity of the body’s largest organ.

Dermal absorption is a route of exposure to the healthy benefits of anti aging substances such as antioxidants and essential amino acids. Skin and its associated structures - hair, nails, sweat or sloughed cells are also a route of excretion of toxicants or their by-products. It is crucial to free skin of relatively harmless but useless environmental pollutants, slough dead skin cells, and provide the necessary nourishment and protection in order to maintain skins ability to rejuvenate because that is what it is designed to do.

Oxidative stress to the skin is a major cause of aging. The environment, as determined by the industrial age, UV light, air pollution even oxygen, cigarette smoke, and the effects of normal internal cell activity can cause a build up of destructive cells called free radicals. Healthy nutrients and antioxidants found in products rich in soy are central to maintaining cellular function as we age (and, from the time of birth, we are all aging). If they become damaged, they have difficulty protecting their interior structures, as well as letting the right substances in and keeping other substances out of cellular components. Using nutrient rich products containing anti-carcinogenic phytoestrogens and antioxidants found in soy and utilizing the effects of percutaneous absorption is a mode to reversing oxidative stress and strengthening the body’s immunofunction.

The body does produce its own antioxidants that help keep free radicals in check but the level of oxidative stress in which we live is beyond what the body can regulate. Therefore, we must treat our skin to create an external balance. Left untreated, the result of accumulated free radical damage results in accelerated aging. And I’m not talking wicked witch of the west skin melting but those perfectly acceptable but annoying premature wrinkles, allergic reactions, uneven skin tone, and the loss of skin elasticity. Let’s not overlook the genetic predisposition with which we were born either. With a positive attitude, healthful practices, your skin will not only look as healthy as you treat it (notice how I didn’t say “younger” – no false promises here) but your body will also be physiologically responsive like a well-oiled machine.

Melani

Fetal Cells in Skin Cream create anti-abortion fury

2009-11-09T13:31:00.000-08:00

"a bit weird" says Toronto dermatologist

Are you a self proclaimed skin care junkie? Will you try anything for a fix? Is your taste for new cutting edge products a budget buster? Here's an skin care innovation certain to burst your bubble...

A Swiss company names NeoCutis uses aborted fetal cells in its skin cream. It claims that the scientific rationale is an attempt to replicate the extraordinary healing properties that fetuses have shown in prenatal surgery.

The cultures used in making NeoCutis's products containing fetal cells are cloned in a lab from the original donated cells from the parents of the aborted fetus and were previously used in research. A spokesperson from NeoCutis claims "there are no continuous donations". According to Dr. Shotnicki-Grant, a Toronto based dermatologist, "Cultured cell lines have been around since the 1960's. These lines are expensive and this is the line they (NeoCutis) bought".

Debi Vinnege, from God for Life, a Tennessee anti-abortion group that initiated a boycott campaign against these NeoCutis products says, "There's just no excuse for using aborted babies in skin care products". When asked about their effectiveness, Dr Jason Rivers, BC based dermatologist, claimed, "I don't think there is enough clinical data to decide."

Depending how experimental one wants to be in their quest for beauty, sounds like a product with a radical approach and according to some observers, a high price to pay. A 50 ml tube of Neo-Cutis Restorative Skin Cream with Processed Skin Proteins is available online in Canada for a cost of $160 and possibly many sleepless nights.

Eeeeww!

Melani

The Soybean

2009-11-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

Elements of the Bean

Soy Protein

The protein in the soybean contains all of the essential amino acids necessary for humans and can sustain health at all stages of development.

Soy Oil

Soybeans, in comparison to other beans, grains and cereals, comtain a high amount of fat. Fortunately, the fat found naturally in the soybean, and that which ends up in soy by products can be categorized as a healthy fat.

Approximately 50 percent of the fat in soybeans is linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fat and an essential nutrient. In addition, soy oil can contain as much as 8 percent alphs-linoleic acid which is an omega-3 fatty acid, the type found in fish which is bellieved to be beneficial in lowering risk of diseases. Extensive research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function.

Vitamins and Minerals

The major mineral components of soybeans are potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and phosphorus. Mineral content can wu=idely cary due to both to the type of soil and growing conditions of the soybean. Soybeans contribute to over all nutritional well being.

The water soluble vitamins in soybeans are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pnatothenic acid, biotin, folic acis, inositol and choline. Fat-soluble vitamins present in the soybean are vitamions A and E. Vitamin A exists as provitamin beta carotine and is present in higher levels of hte immature green vegetable soybean, than in the mature or dry soybean. Tocopherols are an important constituent of soy oil due both to the vitamin E supplied for human nutrition and the antioxidant properties of tocopherol that protect the oil.

Isoflavones

Soy isoflavones are not only special because of the effect they are believed to have on health, but also because for all the most potential to prevent or treat certain cancers. Isoflavones are also sometimes referred to as phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) because of their similar chemical make up to estrogen (although the estrogenic effect of isoflavones is weaker than the natural hormone).

In Soy...

There are lipid soluble antioxidants which target lipid rich (fat-containing) parts of cells such as the cell membrane.
There are aqueous or water-soluble antioxidants which protect the water containing interior portions of cells.
There are intrinsic antioxidants which can be applied or ingested
And there are intrinsic antioxidants which are present inside cells.

Soy Rocks.

Melani

The House That Soy Built

2009-06-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

The House That Soy Built

Associated Press -- BROOKINGS, S.D. -- May 31, 2009 -- Munjal Patel, polyol research manager at Volga-based Urethane Soy Systems, spends all day in a lab trying to develop soybean oil into polyurethane applications.The company's research is making big strides, using soy-based polyols to create biorenewable products such as foam for insulation, packaging and cushioning, truck bed liners, and more. Now Patel is taking his work home with him - literally.

The researcher and his wife, Vaishali, are building an energy efficient home in Brookings, and they want their contractors to use as many soy-based products as possible, such as soy-based spray foam insulation, carpet padding and a countertop material product based on - you guessed it - soy materials. Besides spray foam insulation, the couple will install other efficient products, like doors, appliances and windows, and then plan to test the efficiency of the soy-based products and their home overall.

Patel, a five-year employee of Urethane Soy Systems, "With our technology, we can convert soybean oil into a polyol that could be used for any of those applications," he said. "Soy-based spray foam works the same way as standard polyurethane. At the end of the day it does give you an advantage, because now you are using soy-based material, and you know the amount of energy going in to grow the soybeans, crush the beans, make the oil and convert it into polyol, versus taking the crude oil out of the ground, convert it and make polyol. There's a good advantage there."

Soy-based polyol products are every bit as good as petroleum based products, and even better when you consider that they're more environmentally friendly. Some products, such as the spray-foam insulation, actually cost less than their competitors.

On the Net: http://www.soyol.com

Global Organic Market In Decline

2009-06-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

Organic Market In Decline; Companies Add Broader Sustainability Strategies to Retain and Attract Consumers

Press Release -- LONDON -- June 2, 2009 -- Global organic food sales have been increasing by over US $5 billion a year, exceeding US $50 billion in 2008. However, single digit-growth could occur for the first time this year because the global economic slowdown is impacting organic product sales.

Organic food sales are being affected by the reduction in consumer spending power. Consumers are curbing expenditure on food products because of rising price sensitivity. Organic Monitor (www.organicmonitor.com) finds another factor affecting market growth is increasing consumer sophistication. Consumers are demanding more from organic food products; they are increasingly looking at ethical sourcing, traceability, the carbon footprint, sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Thus, the organic production method only partially meets rising consumer expectations.

Recognising the change in consumer behaviour, leading organic food companies are adopting ‘Organic Plus’ strategies. Such companies are going beyond organic and adopting highly ethical, ecological and sustainable business practices. Increasingly, these companies are marketing their organic products on these values.

Bioelectricity Promises More 'Miles Per Acre' Than Ethanol

2009-06-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

Bioelectricity Promises More 'Miles Per Acre' Than Ethanol

Press Release -- Stanford, CA -- June 4, 2009 -- Biofuels such as ethanol offer an alternative to petroleum for powering our cars, but growing energy crops to produce them can compete with food crops for farmland, and clearing forests to expand farmland will aggravate the climate change problem. How can we maximize our "miles per acre" from biomass? Researchers writing in the online edition of the May 7 Science magazine say the best bet is to convert the biomass to electricity, rather than ethanol. They calculate that, compared to ethanol used for internal combustion engines, bioelectricity used for battery-powered vehicles would deliver an average of 80% more miles of transportation per acre of crops, while also providing double the greenhouse gas offsets to mitigate climate change.

Saving our souls with Soy.

2009-03-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

Today, more than 963 million people are undernourished in the world. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the current financial and economic crises could tip even more people into hunger and poverty. UNICEF reports that undernutrition, including protein deficiency, is a major contributor to more than one-third of all deaths of children under age five. Hunger manifests itself in many ways other than starvation and famine. Long-term impacts of protein deficiencies include stunting in children and heightened susceptibility to illness of children and adults. The Soya Boutique supports the World Soy Foundation in a commitment to overcome world hunger.

Founded by North American soybean farmers, the World Soy Foundation (WSF) is a 501c3 organization that works collaboratively with humanitarian organizations, corporations, public and private foundations, international organizations, governments and individuals to deliver soy protein and nutrition education to people in developing nations. The WSF touches lives around the world with nutrition and health education. They focus on worldwide humanitarian efforts to feed, educate and measure the effects of soy in communities around the world offering support, soy products, funding and other resources to groups.

The Soya Boutique joins in efforts to bring innovative solutions to those who benefit most from our country's bountiful resources by spreading the word. Canada is world renowned for developing and implementing agricultural technologies, it's natural resource management and for it's thriving and profitable agricultural sector (50% of which consists of soy crops). So, The Soya Boutique wants to help relieve famine in key global areas with the nutrient rich and sustainable soy bean food source and esteems to put Canada on the map by joining forces with the major players who have the expertise and the corporate philosophies that can make a powerful impact on defeating world hunger. For more information and to donate to the cause click HERE.

Thank you for supporting the SOYCULT.

Melani

Outside the wire

2009-03-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

It was sweetly gratifying to be sitting in the comfortably dark audience of a fashion show for me, new idea. Not because of the materialistic rage of it all, but for the chance to absorb and enjoy fashion as form, as an art. Art merged with character. Its the people that bring it to life and create living entertainment.

As a model, I would sit, sometimes begrudgingly, backstage being poked and prodded for long periods of time in prep for a show. This is where the model grit comes out - it is NOT as glamourous as one idealizes, not even closely. Surrounded by airborn hairspray, make up dust, clothes you cant touch or breathe on (but somehow wear elegantly hours later- get that??), bad food, booze and shallow banter, it was hard to truly appreciate what was going on in the big picture. There was a mystery on the other side of the curtain, people laughing, glasses clinking, some unknown fashion happiness was being spread unbeknownst to us models.

In that position, we models, are very isolated and left to our own devices. It can sometimes get to be like locker room talk backstage. chicks are as, if not more, dirty mouthed, creatively so. Not to say that it wasn't a great experience, for which I'm endlessly grateful. I have the privalege to work with fantastically creative people, the best artists in the world and most of all, friends, good people. The truth is, a show production is a well oiled machine that when when kicked into gear can set your heart arace; from the backstage persepctive and from the audience perspective alike. Like when you see that first long leg step out from behind that ominous curtain, you can't tell me you don't lose your breath just for a micro-second. And similarily, when you first step out in your teetering heels from behind that even greater sheath of death, you take a deep breathe, if you're controlled enough, you can let it out slowly...the rest is a big blurrrrrrrr.

Now, as a spectator, now...it's a whole different picture! Now, it's a wonderful, relaxing and entertaining forum of traveling emotion and candid moments energized with fashion. I much enjoyed being a patron of LGFW 2009, and I was equally energized by what I saw the rest of the week.

Erica Larva is the smoothest show event producer with 24 karat charm, LG is the brand that brings you fridges with freakin high-speed, Rob Dittmer, of Ev3nts, lays a slick set design, Lundstrom made it to the millenium, Glen Baxter kicks a fitted suit, Marilyn Dennis needed no runway lessons (she schooled us all), F-list throws a party that keeps you on your toes and Chantale Nadeau brings us the top models that rocked us all. These were the players of the day and they will keep you coming back for another chuckle. I think we should live with themed weeks more often, forevermore! Happy post-show week!

Melani

SOYCULT Definition:

2009-03-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

Soycult: n. a supportive group of individuals that share the philosophy that skin care should be multi-functioning, successful in results and sustainable.

WELCOME TO THE SOYCULT!

join us on:
blogger: <http://melanimc2.blogspot.com>
twitter: <http://twitter.com/SoyCult>

for...LG Fashion Week shows, after-party, designer and celebrity tweets!!

Little Secrets with Huge Results

2009-03-07T16:02:00.000-08:00

I have to give you my latest little secret. I have been holding on to it for awhile. I needed to double check the truth, and needed another divine opportunity to do so. Diaper Rash has to be one of the most uncomfortable, unfair conditions to suffer. Although I usually resort to traditional zinc creams, I find them so insistently messy. So, last time my baby had diaper rash, I gave him one fine spray with (The Soya Boutique's) Soy Spray (toner $12/2oz) over the affected area. I was sure it would give him relief, the versatile and medicinal properties of the spray are skin calming, healing, anti fungal, astringent, antibacterial, antiseptic, restructuring and regenerative. So, the next time I opened his diaper in the morning I was pleased to see the rash had disappeared, and comfort for my precious one and myself was gratifying. But I needed to prove it a second time to believe it.

Well, yesterday he had an ugly rash, poor baby. I did the same thing with the spray, waited patiently for the call of nature. When the cake was done...voila! No more rash. So, I encourage you to try it for yourself and hopefully it will work for you two!

Melani