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The Flowering Tea Bulb

The Flowering Tea Bulb

English high noon tea.  The boston tea party.  Traditional japanese tea ceremonies.  Tea leaf reading.  Monkey-picked tea.  Iced tea.  Green tea powder.  Milk tea with pearls.

Tea is associated with many things.  It’s such a mysterious drink with many medicinal properties, but who would have imagined that tea can also be a symbol of love.

Now, a romantic gesture can be revealed through the act of brewing tea.

Simply drop a bulb in a clear glass pot filled with hot water

bloomingtea

watch a flower bouquet blossom before your very eyes

bloomingtea1

bloomingtea3

bloomingtea4

let love bloom!

you can find them here:

http://www.mightyleaf.com/loose-tea_flowering-tea/

http://www.teavana.com/

Let It Be

Let It Be

The other night after having a mind numbing conversation about money, or more appropriately put the lack there of, my boyfriend turned to me and said calmly in conclusion; “this is it”. This is “it” I thought frantically? Really, this? This right here is “it”? I wanted to scream. My mind raced trying to devise a way to get the hell away from “it.” Then after a minute, “it” settled in. Yes, this is it. This is life.

Sometimes things seem good and sometimes they seem bad. But no matter what, this is it. What is happening right now is what we know for sure, it’s the “it.” I am experimenting with being in the “it.”  It’s hard.  I try not to over think situations, to not make up stories in my head of what I think the situation is, or what I think people think, but to just let it be what it is and to be OK with “it”.  To embrace and be open to “it” and deal with whatever “it” is whether we perceive it as good or bad.  It’s very empowering when we can recognize that we are not the situation.  A particular situation is happening and we are separate from that and can react how we choose to.  Just because something may seem unfortunate, tragic, or dreadful at the moment whether it’s a broken foot, a crappy job or a pile of bills we don’t have to become that situation. We don’t have to let that manifest and take over our thoughts, words, and actions. Don’t get me wrong, it’s much easier to become the situation and I am certainly guilty of that. But I am trying to explore another way of thinking.

It’s easy to see the negative, to focus on what’s wrong, to stew in it and regurgitate it back to people. When someone asks ‘how are you?’ how many times do you hear people respond ‘hanging in there’? Suddenly one simple pleasantry opens the floodgates to a conversation about their health problems, their broken car, a sick pet, etc. Why are we just hanging in there? Why can’t we be fantastic? So what you’ve got a cold, you need a new fuel pump or the dog has fleas. We are here and we are in this moment. The cold will pass, the car will run again, and the fleas won’t be there forever.

Enjoy the day, embrace the present.

Plastic Dreams are Made of…These Shoes

Plastic Dreams are Made of…These Shoes

How can fashionistas save the world?  Let’s start deep within the “sole”, as in the soles of our feet.  Whether we realize it or not, each imprint we make has an impact on our planet.  Years ago, there were limited options for those wanting comfort and earthy style.  Remember the 90s when birkenstocks were put into high fashion spreads?  These shoes emulated the mother earth loving era of the flower children, but let’s face it, they were made of leather.  Also, the look didn’t seem complete without patchouli oil and a wave of cousin itt hair.

So what’s an eco-conscious and animal-friendly girl to do in a sea of leather flats, sandals and pumps?  Did someone say Crocs?  Yes, these foam-like shoes may be comfortable and cute on small children, but grownups?   I’ll pass for being mistaken as the gardener or a garden gnome on my morning commute to work.

Finally, along comes Melissa!  Melissa who?  Melissa is a socially responsible Brazilian company making shoes out of recycled plastics – even from last year’s leftover stock.  You must be wondering if they are jelly shoes revisited.  Not really, but they do feel and smell yummy like tutti fruitti.  These unique shoes are super comfy and come in a wide array of styles.  You’re bound to find one to suit your taste.  Check them out:

westwoodmelissastraps

Melissa Plastic Dreams

The cherry on top of this sweet news is they’ve created looks with fashion forward designers such as vivienne westwood.  My personal favorites are the ultragirl style flats and mary janes:

westwoodmelissa

I’ve had them for 8 months now and still feel like i’m walking on air.  Melissa should be crowned the willy wonka of plastic shoes!  They’ll be releasing an online shop on their official site in the near future.  Until then, you can find them here:

http://www.epauletshop.com

http://www.idontlikemondays.us

Happy responsible shopping!

The Whiter Teeth Guide

The Whiter Teeth Guide

Hadrian Miguel, Skincare & Lifestyle Director

I believe whiter teeth is just as important as fresh breath, and there are many effective ways to achieve pearly-white teeth and a brighter smile. You can go out and buy special toothpastes and fancy whiteners already conveniently available at stores, but some of those products can be expensive, harsh, and uncomfortable.

Why not make your own brightener in the luxury of your own home using natural ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen?! It’s as simple as 1,2,3.

Here are some of the ingredients you’ll need:

Strawberries

Strawberries

Lemon Juice

Lemon Juice

Salt

Sea Salt

Baking Soda

Baking Soda

Did you know there is an enzyme in strawberries that is derived from malic acid that acts as a whitening agent?

Step 1 By rubbing some pureed strawberries onto your teeth, it is a natural way to brighten your smile.

Step 2 You’ll want to rinse with water after applying the strawberries to remove any leftover natural sugars and acids from the fruit.

Step 3 Blend a mixture of baking soda with a few drops of lemon juice and salt to make a simple paste. The baking soda, salt and lemon juice will act as a stain remover. Brush your teeth for a few minutes, and then rinse.

Note: The malic acid in strawberries combined with baking soda, salt, and lemon juice removes tooth discoloration such as red wine, coffee, and tea.

Make a fresh batch each day or prepare a small portion in advance and refrigerate, use 2-3 times per week.

Tips to Keeping Your Teeth White

Always brush your teeth immediately after eating, especially if eating or drinking foods that stain easily, such as cherries, coffee, tea, and other dark berries.

Limit your consumption of drinks that stain your teeth. A few of these include coffee, tea, red wine, and dark or artificially colored sodas. If you must drink these, I suggest drinking them though a straw to control the amount of liquid that comes into contact with your teeth.

If you follow this guide, you too can have a beautiful, bright, pearly-white smile!

suckUK New Products at NYIGF

suckUK New Products at NYIGF

We met suck UK in the NYIGF (NY Int’l Gift Fair) this week and they just had some of the funniest gifts and accessories.  A bit twisted but great nevertheless.

The English loves tea so what’s better than a terrorist tea pot.

terroristteapo2

A cool little bird house.

birdbox

Here’s a world’s one and only birdhouse ashtray.

birdhouseashtray

You can frame that great pulp fiction with this picture frame.

picturebook

Dart Hooks for your coat.

darthook2

darthooks1

Bet you never saw these before, grenade xmas ornaments.

There will be explosions at the family get together this year.

xmasbomb

Times Flies Wall Clock.

timesfliesclocks

An alarm clock that you have to turn the eyes to snooze.

alarmclock

Nice lamp to have on the floor or to hang.

bigidealamp

The suck UK booth is minimalistic and they used cardboard as tables.

suckuk1

check them out at:

http://www.suck.uk.com/

kitHaus – Tiny Homes

kitHaus – Tiny Homes

These are positively some of the coolest Tiny Homes out there.  For those of you who are not familiar, it is a movement to build houses smaller and some transportable without draining much energy or resources.

kitHaus makes different modular homes with different setups and all of them are really amazing and minimalistic.  The prices are amazing of couse.  $32,450 for the lowest modular and $75,000 plus for a deluxe version.  You can build it yourself or have a professional installtion do it for $2,000.  They work with a California alternative energy provider to install solar panels.

I just love looking at these.  Check out the gallery

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The Cleanser Chronicles

The Cleanser Chronicles

by Chantal Moore, Beauty Editor
I am a believer that skin care is the very first step in the Makeup application and so I always talk to my client’s about what they are using to keep their skin in balance. Likewise, if they aren’t using a product they believe in, I can make some suggestions. I have my own personal “tried and true” cleansers on rotation. I switch it up sometimes based on the condition of my skin. I also like to have more than one to refer to clients and if you are getting to know me, you’ll begin to notice it’s about price point too.  I know too much to falsely believe you have to pay a lot for quality and you shouldn’t have to. It’s about what works- for you. Easy accessability at the local health food store or drugstore is a plus, too. Here are a few of my personal cleansing favorites, as well as ones most often referred to by my clients:
Exfoliation is the key to clear, smooth skin and this creamy, concentrated cleanser with  cotton muslin cloth makes cleansing and clarifying easy. The Eucalyptus smell makes you feel like you’re at a spa.
Jurlique has a variety of cleansers for virtually every skin type with wholesome ingredients that come right from their own farm.
With an impressive ingredient list and a solid, trusted reputation for quality, I find Dr. Hauschka’s cleansers are great for dry and sensitive skin types.
I recently discovered Nelson’s and I am so grateful that I did. This cleanser leaves my skin feeling clean, balanced and refreshed.
Alba’ has a cleanser for every skin type and is a tremendous value for the quality.
So, now you have a few natural, cruelty free cleansing options for virtually every skin type and every price point to explore and try for yourself. Explore and find one that suits your skin type and personal needs.

Tangerine Living Music Buzz

Tangerine Living Music Buzz

The Best In Music for Summer & Fall 2009
Hadrian, LifeStyle & Skincare Director

hadrianavatarAt Tangerine Living, we’re buzzing with excitement with a list that is loaded up with artists who have made a big splash on the other side of the pond…But, we’re hoping their brilliance will move & inspire you do great things, as well as, make them big household names here in the U.S.

Here’s the top 5 music must-haves for Summer & Fall 2009!

Gossip2009 Gossip
Music For Men

Sony Music
www.gossipyouth.com
www.myspace.com/gossipband

What It Is:    Amazing Glam Pop & Stadium Rock
What We Give It:   5 Tangerines
What’s In It:    Giant rock and pop vocals
Why It’s Good:  Ready for her close-up Beth Ditto
Why We Really Love It:    Portland, Oregon-based indie Gossip is hugely popular overseas, but with strong production by Rick Rubin, they are gunning for the mainstream & the heart with their big label debut.  Gossip shines like never before on standout hits like Pop Goes The World, Heavy Cross, Love Long Distance, and Men In Love.

LaRoux2009 La Roux
La Roux
Polydor Records
www.laroux.co.uk
www.myspace.com/larouxuk

What It Is:    Sassy, fun, electro, synth-pop
What We Give It: 5 Tangerines
What’s In It:   Electro, retro-dance
Why It’s Good:  Elly Jackson and their music videos
Why We Really Love It:  Magnificent 80’s/New Wave-inspired synthesizers, melodies, and lyrics never miss a beat!

Standout tracks includes In For The Kill, Bulletproof, Quicksand, and Fascination.

LittleBoots2009 Little Boots
Hands

Atlantic Records
www.littlebootsmusic.co.uk
www.myspace.com/littlebootsmusic

What It Is:    Solid electro-pop from start to finish
What We Give It4 Tangerines
What’s In It:    Polished electro, pop, and ballads
Why It’s Good:  Victoria Hesketh & her Kylie-esque pop stylings
Why We Really Love It: Dance-pop & synth  sensations at its best are showcased on tracks like   New In Town, Stuck On Repeat, Click, Hearts Collide, and Tune Into My Heart. These songs will have you thinking and dancing; moving you from night into day and vice versa.

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The Evolution of Mascara

The Evolution of Mascara

by Chantal Moore, Beauty Editor

masc_12One of the questions I am asked most is “ what is your favorite mascara?” For me, not only does mascara have to perform, but it also needs to be cruelty free and I’d like it to be non toxic, too. Sadly, a lot of the best loved mascara brands on the market- still insist upon tesing on animals. Until these Companies “Wake Up”….I wouldn’t spend my money on them if I were you. Today, you have a choice. Luckily, there are more and more options for “evolved” mascaras out there. I am always talking to women about this and so I decided to present some mascaras that come up most frequently in conversations. I believe I have put together a pretty good sampling of some of the best non toxic, cruelty free mascaras that are on the market at every price point. I have pointed out the ones that are Vegan.

Dr Hauschka Volumizing ( Vegan)

Client’s report a notable difference in volume- thickens the lash naturally.

Tarte Lash Hugger Eco-Friendly Mascara

Good stuff, performs well, and the packaging is made of post consumer recycled aluminum.

Logona ( Vegan)

I’ve heard great things about this mascara. I haven’t tried it myself but have heard rave reviews from models I have worked with. One girl called it simply, “lash conditioner”.

Suncoat Natural Sugar Based( Vegan)

Reviews are very good. Wears well.Doesn’t smudge, lengthens

Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara

Recyclable brush, doesn’t smudge or flake. Good stuff available at the local drugstore.

Beauty products are evolving and you have a lot of choices out there now. These mascaras mentioned above have revolutionized, while at the same time, simplified and purified their ingredients. Become an ingredient label reader. Educate yourself about what’s in the products you put into and onto your body. It takes less effort than you think. As always, reports differ from individual to individual. For some, a mascara may be smudge proof all day, but for those with oilier skin or hooded eyelids…..it might still smudge. Do your own research and find the mascara that best suits your needs.

VIDEO: Katie Visits the Uptown Birds NYC

VIDEO: Katie Visits the Uptown Birds NYC

katiethumb

Katie goes to the Birds – The Uptown Birds

Our home living and lifestyle correspondent Katie Librie is on assignment at the Uptown Birds Exotic pet store.  The store is full of beautiful birds and great organic pet food.  Now Katie is afraid of birds so this will be very interesting.  Make sure you watch the end cause there is a very special surprise so don’t miss it.  Check out the video:

If you are in NYC, stop by

uptownbirds

522-526 Amsterdam Avenue

New York, NY 10024

212-877-BIRD (2473)

5 Things to Eat and Get Glowing Skin

5 Things to Eat and Get Glowing Skin

Beauty from the Inside Out:  Five Things to Eat and Get Great, Glowing Skin

Hadrian Miguel for Tangerine LivingHadrian Miguel, Tangerine Living Skincare & LifeStyle Director

So, the next time you’re at the market, you should think about loading up your basket with some power-packed foods that will help to keep you looking fresh, vibrant, and young.

My shopping list for the store often includes quality and delicious foods to improve my skin because certain nutrients have been shown from research to have skin-hydrating, sun-protecting, and even wrinkle-preventing properties.

Dark & Green Leafy Veggies

Dark & Green Leafy Veggies

1. Get Some Dark & Green Leafy Veggies

Spinach, broccoli, and many other dark, green leafy veggies are rich in minerals and vitamin A, which combats dryness and wrinkles.  Whether it’s fresh, raw, frozen or steamed, green vegetables really deliver on vitamin A, a skin-essential vitamin, antioxidant and wrinkle-fighter all wrapped in one!

2. Go for Brilliant Red & Bright Orange Fruits and Veggies

Eating richly-pigmented fruits of bright orange and brilliant red can help to replenish antioxidant levels in your skin. By doing so, you can help fight free radical damage that contributes to the signs of aging: from dryness to fine lines and crinkles. Great antioxidant-rich fruits include, but are not limited to, pomegranates, mangoes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe.

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Meet Ziggy

Meet Ziggy

Meet Ziggy!  Ziggy is a 3 year old Chihuahua mix and he is the friendliest little dog in the world.  I adoped him about a year and a half ago and he is the constant joy in my life.   It would be unbearable for me to be without him at this point.  We found each other on PetFinder.com during the winter months and I cannot imagine what a 12 pound dog was doing outside in New York City in the middle of winter.  There was no chip or collar on him when he was found wondering through Washington Heights near W. 176th St. in Manhattan.   His history is unclear to me but what I do know is that he has been around people and pretty well socialized with other dogs.  Ziggy has moved on since he started his new life with me which is an incredible lesson we can learn from dogs  that they move on and concentrate on the present, not the past, not the future.

What is important to me is that adoption should be the first option when considering owning a pet whether it’s a dog, a cat or an exotic animal your local animal shelter or PetFinder.com have just about every type of breed that you are looking for.  There are also breed-specific rescue groups that have pure breed dogs and cats for adoption.  Most of these groups are run by people who are passionate about saving animals such as Sugar Mutts who I adopted Ziggy from through PetFinders.com.  Your local shelter is a great option as well because most of the poor dogs will be euthanize within 2 weeks, sometimes less if it’s crowded,  so you will be literally saving a life right then and there.

ziggyinbed

Let's Be Friends

There are some great senior pets that are fantastic companions and much calmer than younger dogs.  A lot of older dogs and cats are very people friendly and just looking for a forever home.  The cat will already be trained to use a litter box, the dog already house broken and very well behaved so there are plenty of pluses to adopting a senior animal.  More and more animals are dropped off at local animal shelters when people cannot financially take care of their animals and for those who wants to get a cat or a dog, it is such a perfect match so please think twice, thrice or more before you buy a dog.  Most dogs from pet stores are all dogs from puppy mills which is a horrible process of breeding dogs with no conscious whatsoever, the dogs are kept in cages for the duration of their life and never gets to live a normal life.  Oprah did a show on that a few years ago and hopefully some of the people changed their mind about buying a dog from a pet store.  The pet stored purchased dog usually have plenty of medical problem stemming from their mom’s poor health and living environment.

So please consider adopting before buying.  The process of adoption is not very complicated.  If you plan on adopting from a shelter you should bring the entire family to meet the dog and I guarantee you that the dog will find you.  So save a life, you will have a best friend in return.

Come back to Tangerine Living to read Ziggy’s blog.  (He told me he’s writing something, but he’s keeping it a secret)

helpful links to pet adoption:

PetFinder.com

The Humane Society’s Information on Adoption

ASPCA

Making Beauty Cruelty Free

Making Beauty Cruelty Free

by Chantal Moore, Beauty Editor

Chantal for Tangerine Living

Making Beauty Cruelty Free:  Awakening to the need for cruelty free cosmetics

As a  Professional Makeup Artist, it is my responsibility to make sure that the products I use are of a quality to withhold the standards set within my industry by the top Makeup Artists in the world.  Whatever we use on our client’s has to perform and we seek out companies that have the best performing products for our client’s needs. As a conscious human being, I also feel a responsibility to not contribute to the suffering of animals for Beauty’s sake. There is just need for it. We as a society should be beyond this. No animal should have to endure the tortures of cosmetic testing. So, I began the process of taking my Makeup Kit (my professional tools and products for my work) to cruelty free a few years ago and I am here to tell you that if a Professional Makeup Artist can do it, you can easily do it, too. It is simple to do and you can do it without spending a lot of money.

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Backstage: Scherer-González Fashion Show/Berlin

Backstage: Scherer-González Fashion Show/Berlin

Our European lifestyle editor Miriam Alston was backstage at the Scherer Gonzales Fashion show during Berlin’s Fashion Week Spring Summer 2010.  She took some fabulous behind-the-scene photos and had some fabulous champagne.  Producer and DJ Eric D. Clark was live at the turntables during the show.

bERLIN fASHION wEEKCIMG9988FASHION018FASHION006

view more photos in the gallery

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Hadrian S. Miguel, Life & Style Director

Hadrian S. Miguel, Life & Style Director

Let’s introduce you to our Life & Style Director, Hadrian Miguel.

Our style guy, Hadrian has studied and worked as an apparel and interior designer, visual merchandiser, artist, and stylist. The ultimate jack of many trades and an avid music head, Hadrian’s contributions to Tangerine Living covers many modalities from beauty, music, culture, and lifestyle tips to skincare segments, recipes, articles, and interviews.

His extensive training in beauty includes research and product development in skincare, makeup, food, and nutritional supplements, men’s health and grooming, facial massage, microdermabrasion, reflexology, speed waxing, advance face massage, galvanic and high frequency treatments, product formulation, and advances in skincare ingredients.

Inspired by the women who raised him, he is also a licensed Esthetician and makeup artist for 15 years, and his life in beauty really began at age 6 with a daily ritual of dipping his hands into his grandmother’s Ponds cold cream to help her remove makeup, and watching his mom go through her many transformations in style.

A three-step skincare routine and a clotheshorse since he was 13, aesthetics has been his lifelong journey ever since.

You can email him at: Hadrian@tangerineliving.com

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