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)
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.
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!
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"!
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.
For upcoming events and news check us out on facebook and follow us on twitter!
Nicole Schwartz - Digital Projects Manager - The SoyCult
Monday, May 17, 2010
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.
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!
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
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
