Celebutante Sisters

Be An Eco-Fab Wedding Guest

Kerri — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:00:00 -0400

Here comes….wedding season! From getting a gift to "hitch"ing a ride, it’s easy to celebrate our planet while you celebrate the bride and groom. Here are some tips from Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson of CelebrateGreen.net.

If you’re going to attend one of the more than two million weddings happening this year in the U.S., you may find the event is surprisingly eco-friendly. Wedding magazines and blogs are abuzz with ideas to help brides and grooms who want to take impact on the planet into consideration when planning their big day.

But whether a wedding is “green” or conventional, it’s easy to be an eco-conscious guest. No need to show up in a dress made from last year’s magazines. (While a fun idea, it would certainly grab attention from the bride, a definite no-no whether the wedding is eco-friendly or not!) Instead, simply consider each aspect of the wedding in which you’ll participate and think about how you can make greener decisions.

Giving green

Start with the gift. If the couple signs up with an eco-friendly shop registry or asks for donations to a cause they support in lieu of “stuff,” you’ve got it made.

If not, check for eco-friendlier items on their registry. For instance, they may have chosen a set of bamboo bowls or wool blankets. Look for items that are locally produced instead of made and shipped from overseas. These may not have been selected because they’re eco-friendly, but who cares? If they are greener choices, you’ll feel great picking them and the bride and groom will be happy as well!

When giving a tangible gift, avoid conventional wrapping paper. The Carnegie Mellon Green Practices initiative says that “If every American family wrapped just three presents in reused materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.”

Why buy paper from virgin trees when there are so many great alternatives—fabric made just for wrapping, silk scarves, a map from the honeymoon destination, tree-free or recycled papers, and seed embedded wrapping that can be planted once the gift is opened, to name a few.

And when it comes to ribbon, embellishments and cards, alternative choices can make your gift beautiful and guilt-free.

In many circles, it used to be considered crass to give cash for weddings, but these days, money really is green. Just be sure to offer bills or a check and not gift cards which, for the most part, are made of plastic, ultimately are tossed and never degrade. (Even if the plastic is made from PLA—theoretically compostable plastic card’s magnetic strip will stay around a lot longer than many marriages!)

Getting there the greenest way

One of the most impactful decisions you can make is whether to attend the wedding or not. Flying across the country for a day is not the most eco-friendly move you can make. But if you decide to go, you may want to purchase carbon offsets.

If you live close to the wedding venue, walk or carpool if possible. Even if you drive alone, you can volunteer to have other guests travel with you between the ceremony and reception.

Find tips on eco-chic wearables (and more) after the jump!

EXCLUSIVE Interview- Celebrity Makeup Artist Karim Orange

Kerri — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500

All natural makeup has come a long way. If you think that it’s cakey or lackluster, think again. These days, many lines are comparable to your favorite beauty bag staples.

But with brands from A to Z stocked on store shelves, how do you know what’s right for you? Now, you can get advice from the very same makeup artist that beautifies famous faces like Meredith Viera, Matt Damon, Nas and Jay-Z. The best part? Her tips are right at your fingertips!

Celebrity makeup artist and natural cosmetics expert Karim Orange is ready to help “green” beauty routines…one eye shadow at a time! Her new Web site, BetterOrganicChoice.com will offer up custom Orange makeovers.

Simply send a list of the makeup you use daily. Karim will give your products the run down, assess the ingredients and suggest “green” alternatives. She’ll even tell you where you can scoop them up. The service will cost $10 a product (with a 3 product minimum), or you can pay $100 for a 15 product assessment. Organic Orange’s “Better Organic Choice” is set to launch by year’s end, so stay tuned to Celebutante Sisters for the latest news.

When did this glam gal decide to go green? What “look” is she loving this season? Check out our EXCLUSIVE interview with celebrity makeup artist Karim Orange.

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a makeup artist?

I think the universe realized that for me. I met another celebrity makeup artist and had the wonderful chance to assist her, and I never looked back.

You are a big proponent of natural cosmetics. When was the “aha” moment that first made you decide to go green?

I went “green” (or “orange”, which is my natural state, haha) back in 2002, when I worked closely with Burt’s Bees and their organization. I realized that I could merge my lifestyle with my art.

Natural cosmetics have come a long way! In your opinion, how are the brands out there today? Will they last from day to night? How are the colors?

I think makeup should not really be based on if they will last from day until night. I think that’s an indicator that whatever ingredients are in the product act almost like paint. (Again, that’s my personal opinion.) I think women should allow a moment in the day to freshen up and do “the girl thing.” We spend so many hours doing everything for everyone else, but we think 10 minutes to apply a fresh face is too much time. I really enjoy colors from lines such as nvey, Gabriel ZuZu and, of course, Bare Escentuals.

What are some of your favorite natural/organic brands right now? What would you recommend to a client?

My favorite brands that I recommend are Bare Escentuals, nvey, ZuZu and Suki.

We love that you help “point women in the right direction” when it comes to finding natural/organic makeup. Can you tell us about that process?

You can read the full process at TheOrganicOrange.com.

OK. But what if you just can’t live without that Dior lipstick…or MAC shadow?

Keep the MAC shadow. Trash anything on your lips that you can’t eat, especially if it has known cancer causing agents.

(Celebutante Sisters Sidenote: Karim once tried a lipstick that left her with angry welts. That experience led her to research many of the ingredients used in cosmetics today, as well as the potential side effects that certain chemicals and additives can potentially have on our health.)

What “look” is in this Fall and how can our readers easily achieve it?

This fall we are seeing the revamping of neutral colors, but with a bit of shimmer. For eyes, we like Orgasm blush by Nars as a highlight on cheeks and across eye lids. (Yes, in this economy we like products that can “multi-task.”)

Bronzy is still on for Fall. We love Givenchy all over face powder in Sunny. For a more natural, less shimmer look try Cargo Bronzer in Medium-Matte or Benfit Hoola Bronzing Powder.

We also like eye colors in brown, taupe and light grey. Make sure to pop the lid with a little shimmer.We love (it never fails) Dior 5-colour eyeshadow # 705: Beige Massai. (Great for all skin tones and contains browns, taupes, light peach and a neutral beige for lids.) For the very fair try #030: Incognito. For darker skin or a night time, smoky look try #790: Night Dusk (contains rich browns and champagne.) We also love Dior Jazz Club eyeshadow, exclusively for Fall, with all the hot colors.

Want real excitement? Try lipstick in Confession by Urban Decay, or Neglige Pink by Dior. Great drama for most skin tones!

If you want to go “green glam,” try ZuZu shadows in gem, espresso, eternity, Egyptian gold and chameleon, all this season’s most popular shades. Available at Whole Foods. For that leftover summer bronze look, try Luster Bronzer or Sparkle Bronzer by Mineral Fusion, also available at Whole Foods. Try lip shades by nvey Organics. We eat our lipstick, so if nothing else, let’s make this organic.

We just have to ask! Who are some of your favorite celebrities to work with?

I love Mary J. Blige, The Dixie Chicks, Diddy and Suze Orman.

Orange you glad we introduced you to Karim Orange? Learn more about the beauty maven by logging on to TheOrganicOrange.com.

It's Easy Being Green

Kerri — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -0400

It’s easy being green! This season, get all lacquered up with shades of pine, mint and olive on your fingernails. Celebrities like AnnaLynne McCord, Rachel Bilson and Rihanna have already been “pointed out” as trendsetters. Nail down the look with pretty polishes like these:

Jessica Custom Nail Color in Divine Pine

Price: $7.50 on JessicaCosmetics.com

OPI Green-wich Village

Price: $7.99 on Amazon.com

Sally Hansen INSTA DRI Fast Dry Nail Color in Jumpin Jade

Price: $4.99 on Walgreens.com

Orly Nail Polish in Enchanted Forest

Price: $4.59 on Amazon.com

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Jade

Price: Hand it to Chanel to come up with the “haute-ist” color of the season. This polish costs $25, but is already sold out online! We found it on eBay for over $40 a bottle!

Let Your Hair Down At The Hair Loft

Kerri — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:00:00 -0400

Here’s an idea. Why not add some green to your hair routine? You don’t need to ditch your gorgeous highlights or put weird herbal mixtures on your face to be planet friendly! All it takes is a few simple tweaks. An organic shampoo here. Recycling a bottle of conditioner there.

Need some advice? Clay Patane is a celebrity colorist/stylist and owner of The Loft Hair Lounge and Green Spa in Los Angeles. This “green getaway” was designed with the planet in mind…everything from the all-natural products used to the recycling of the leftover hair trimmings. (Wait until you hear what happens to them!)

Want to know his favorite eco-friendly products? How will his latest hair technique help “extend” your budget? Check out our exclusive interview with celebrity colorist/stylist Clay Patane.

Why did you decide to open your fab, planet-friendly hair salon? The Celebutante Sisters love the idea behind it.

The Genesis of our planet-friendly salon is my adopted son Braeden. Along with caring for a child whom is given away by his birthmother comes an urge to help take care of the world that he lives in and will inherit. He was 6 months old when the idea came to open up The Loft Hair Lounge as an all green salon,and Braeden was present for much of the development. Needless to say, I wanted to have a safe clean environment for him to hang out in and the rest fell in place after that. I believed this would be something that would be healthy for my son and would it be healthy for pregnant mothers and health conscious people, too.

Your salon offers organic and natural products from head to toe and even to toenail! What are some of your favorites?

Our 100% vegan line for mani/pedi, Spa-ritual is a favorite. It’s just
comforting to know that fewer harmful chemicals are used.

Our skincare line is from Hungary and is created from all vegetables and fruits. Eminence is all natural and organic and is a superior natural alternative to facial chemicals. My favorite in the Eminence line is the stone-crop products.

Stone-crop is an aloe-like plant that evens skin tone and moisturizes. I use the mist daily and my skin has never been better.

We heard the hair color line you use is yogurt based. Can you tell us about it?

The cherry on top is our yogurt based hair color Yo, by Kemora, that has amazing gray coverage and smells delicious. They took out the ammonia and the color develops on the outside of the hair shaft instead of flaring and damaging the hair to get the color inside. Our mothers-to-be can get their color done within the first trimester now. The funny thing is that our clients continue even after baby because why shouldn’t they. Even if baby has nothing to do with it, health/earth conscious people love the product too.

What happens to all those leftover hair clippings on the floor of The Hair Loft?

They are made into oil spill mats. The idea behind it is if you think of where the oil goes to after an oil spill or pollution it is on the hair, feather and fur of the animals around it. These mats of hair, (as we know hair is made to hold oil, that is its purpose, ) do the dirty work and we have an endless supply of it. Brilliant! We sweep up the hair clippings every day and send them to an organization that weaves the hair clippings into mats which are used to mop up the oil spills.(The organization is Matteroftrust.org)

What’s your favorite “green” spa treatment?

I personally love the chocolate and cherry facial treatment! You want to lick your own face.

Your latest hair innovation is highlighting with extensions. It’s even planet-friendly! How does it work?

Putting in highlights with extensions prevents danage and is much healthier for your hair, too. There are no chemicals used and it can even make the hair fuller! The extensions last 4-6 months and can be reused a second time. Great for pregnant women who don’t want to use chemicals, but still want to look good. They are bonded with a protein polymer that doesn’t break, damage, or pull out your hair. You can get beautiful, light highlights, or even do the same method for adding darker pieces too.

How can it help “extend” someone’s budget?

Extensions “extend” your budget because you’ll have beautiful highlights that don’t fade or change color and last two to three times longer than when using foil for highlights (which can damage the hair.) Less expensive conditioning treatments are needed and your hair is built up instead of torn down. What could be better?

We just have to ask. Can you give our readers a sizzling hot hairstyle to try out this season?

Try the beach wave with UNITE BOING Curling Cream.

The whole line is paraben and sulfate free, which means healthier less itchy scalp and hair. Any cut with layers will work with BOING and you can save on electricity with no blow drying.

About Clay Patane

Now recognized as one of the top colorists/stylists in Los Angeles, Patané established his credentials after training for color with Kim Vo at Prive and then with Stuart Gavert at Umberto. In 2007, After five years of television appearances on “Extreme Makeover”, “How do I Look?” and “Before and Afternoon Makeover” while working at Kim Vo’s, B2V Salon, Patané took his burgeoning celebrity clientele and opened his own salon in Eagle Rock, The Loft Hair Lounge, which was quickly awarded the “Greenopia Award” as one of the most eco-friendly businesses in LA. His dedication to saving hair, skin and the planet continues. The Loft Hair Lounge is located at 5112 Townsend Avenue, Eagle Rock, CA. Learn more about The Loft Hair Lounge and Green Spa by clicking here.

WOODstock

Kerri — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:30:00 -0400

Need a new pair of shades? Pass on the plastic and metal this season and try something planet friendly…wood! The Celebutante Sisters suggest protecting your peepers with some fashion forward sunglasses by iWood. These fab face framers are carved from sustainable-growth woods like zebrawood, bamboo, bubinga, and Makassar ebony. Each pair is hand-cut and hand sanded right here in the U-S of A and the lenses offer 100% UVA/UVB protection.

Whether you’re crazy about the cat-eye look or are all about aviators, iWood’s styles will have you looking eco-cool in the hot summer sun.

Item # 312

Item # 315W

Item # 304

Item # 520SW

Talk about being a natural beauty! Each pair costs $370 on iWoodEcoDesign.com.

Feelin' Good

Kerri — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0400

Looking to put some spring in your step? Try some Feelgoodz on for size. These green flip flops come in a rainbow of colors and will have you steppin’ easy. That’s because they’re made from 100% natural rubber and mold to the shape of your foot as you strut your stuff. They’re also recyclable, biodegradable and made from all natural, non-toxic dyes.

OK. They’re eco-friendly. But here is what’s really tres chic about these flops. Wearing Feelgoodz will actually have you feelin’ good. That’s because the company’s founder, Kyle Berner, is all about givin’ back. Here’s how. The all natural rubber used in his flip flops is from Thailand, where he traveled and taught English for a year. This trek changed his life and is where the idea for Feelgoodz was born. Now, 3% of the company’s revenues go to fair trade organizations, environmental organizations, and micro-lending institutions in Thailand.

Want to step into a pair? You can purchase them on Feelgoodz.com for $19.99 a pair, or you can stock up on them at Whole Foods.

Nothing Says Summer Like Red, White and Green

Kerri — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0400

For most Americans, July 4th marks the official start of summer and that means family and friends gathering together enjoying each other at picnics and barbecues. But all this celebrating can take a toll on the Earth (and cost a lot of green as well), so why not consider some alternatives to the ways we’ve traditionally celebrated summer. Here are just a few ideas:

Serve filtered tap water

It’s so easy to hit one of the big box stores and pick up cartons of water if you’re hosting a picnic or barbecue, but you can save money and the planet when you choose to drink and serve filtered tap water instead. Knowing that bottled water (even by the case), is 240 to 10,000 times more expensive than tap water and that 40% of bottled water should be labeled tap water because that’s what it is, you may decide that the “convenience” is simply not worth the cost. Instead, set out pitchers of iced tap water (print out this tongue-in-cheek label if you like). Ask a willing helper to keep the pitchers full.

Substitute reusables for disposables when possible

Picnics and barbecues have become synonymous with throw aways—plates, cups, napkins, tablecloths and decor. While there are more choices for disposables made from recycled and biodegradable materials, using what you already own and remains a more earth-friendly (and budget-conscious) choice. If you don’t own enough plates and glasses,why not:

• Borrow. Friends and neighbors are usually happy to contribute

• Ask everyone to bring their own place settings. That’s what people used to do B.P.P. (before paper plates).

• Hit your local thrift store. You’ll likely be able to pick up dozens of plates very inexpensively and when you’re done, you can donate them back.

When it comes to napkins, tablecloths and decor, think outside the paper box by decorating with items you already own, like sheets. Supply guests with red, white and blue fabric markers and set them loose. You’ll end up with a unique tablecovering that you can use over and over again. Washcloths make great napkins and if they’re stained with barbecue sauce, use them for rags.

No need to buy paper or plastic decor items when you scour your home (and ask your guests to if you like), for objects in your preferred color scheme and integrate them into the decor. If you’ve got scrap paper your colors, wrap it around empty cans and fill them with flowers (cans pictured, while made for the 4th, could be used all summer). Tie napkins with bits of ribbon and stick a flower, feather or leaves under the bow. If you’re in crafting mode, make banners from old pairs of blue jeans, or flatware caddies from towels like the one pictured (make extras for guests who might want to take these home—sans your silverware!—so they’ll always have their flatware at the ready).

Pinwheels are fun, easy-to-make and decorative and here are instructions for making the recycled Christmas bulb candleholder shown below.

Clean up

You’re probably shaking your head, “Well, of course we’ll clean up, duh!” If you’re partying at your home, this is no doubt true, but be sure to provide bins for trash and recyclables as well as for items that can be composted, assuming these services are available in your community. Place signs on each container indicating what should be tossed in which bin and encourage everyone to use them.

And if you’re watching the town parade or or enjoying an outdoor movie at a local park where recycling bins are not provided, why not carry a bag so you can bring your trash home and dispose of it properly. This includes packaging from food items, cans and paper goods. While you’re at it, how about taking a bag to pick up a bit of trash left by thoughtless individuals? After all, not everyone is as conscientious as you!

Cook it green

When it comes to the environment, barbecues of all kinds are problematic. The best way to cook outside in an eco-friendly way? A solar oven. You can purchase one, but to save money, gather a bunch of kids and make your own. Choose from among dozens of configurations using everything from tires to pizza boxes to a windshield shade. Yes, cooking with solar takes more time, but hey, it’s summer! And if you’re only ready for baby steps, start by cooking part of the meal via solar. Pick up some veggies at the local farmer’s market and grill them up. Once you see how easy it is and how yummy and fresh everything tastes, you may wave good bye to charcoal altogether.

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and the co-authors of Celebrate Green! Visit them at their website, www.CelebrateGreen.net For more ideas to celebrate green that can be adapted for all your girlfriend gatherings, check out their book, Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family. Purchase from this link and they will give you $2.00 off when you insert the coupon code: CELEBRATE GIRLFRIENDS in the space provided for message to seller.

Foxy Lady

Kerri — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:00:00 -0400

Talk about going green from head to toe! If you’re looking for some foxy under garments that are also eco-friendly, try on Urban Fox for size. The Midwestern-based lingerie company creates undies, sexy tops and robes that are flirty, colorful and fun. We love the styles with sweet ruffles and stripes!

Each sexy piece is hand made and hand dyed with TLC and the fabric used is 67% bamboo, 30% organic cotton and 3% spandex. The bamboo element makes these underthings naturally antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and moisture wicking.

The fab founders, Meghan Power and Lizzie Cook, are costume designers who met on the set of a movie. They bonded over realizing they couldn’t find a wonderful pair of planet-friendly undies.

The designing duo tells Celebutante Sisters that they are very excited about their “greenest” lingerie sets yet: Circus, Superhero, Green Machine and Plaid. These sets have stretch linen in place of most elastic and an organic cotton lace embellishment. You can check them out by clicking here.

Log onto UrbanFoxEco.com to check out more designs and scoop up some lingerie sets and undies of your own.

Josie Maran Cosmetics Giveaway

Kerri — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0400

If you’re a faithful CS Reader, you caught our exclusive interview with supermodel and cosmetics guru Josie Maran. (If not, we forgive you. Click here to check it out.)

We were lucky enough to sample some of Maran’s latest and greatest cosmetic creations. Check out our reviews and then enter our latest giveaway: FREE Josie Maran makeup! You know you’re dying to add it to your makeup collection! You can purchase all of Josie Maran’s makeup on her Web site or at Sephora.

The Packaging

Let’s just say that the makeup’s packaging is paparazzi worthy. It’s recyclable and/or biodegradable, chic and metallic, making us feel like total rock stars whenever we pull it out to re-apply Compacts are made of a corn based plastic, lipstick and concealers are housed in aluminum and the outer boxes are made from 30% recycled stock and soy ink. The best part? All of Josie’s products are perfectly sized for your handbag, beach bag or clutch.

Lipstick

We tried the lipstick in Luscious, a peachy rose. The color is uber moisturizing and slides on smoothly. It feels creamy on your lips and deposits a sheer, but beautiful, peachy-rose color. It contains lip conditioners like Jojoba Seed Oil and Coconut Cream to keep lips comfy all day long.

Price: $18

Lip Liner

We don’t typically use lip liner. We’re scared it will give us ring-around-the-lips. But this product may have changed our minds. We tested the color Natural. It’s light and blends seamlessly into any lip color. You can’t even tell it’s there! Plus, it’s housed in wood from sustainable forests and promises to help color stay put. We think it gets the job done!

Price: $16

Lip Gloss

This lip gloss tastes good enough to eat and has a delicious aroma that kept us smacking out lips all day long. The color was rich and the formula stayed put, without being sticky and goopy. Colors are meant to highlight your natural lip color with just a hint of shimmer.

Price: $18

Cream Bronzer

We have to admit, the thought of Cream Bronzer scared us. What if it’s streaky? What if we apply too much? But Josie Maran Cream Blush couldn’t make it easier to apply the perfect amount of color. We suggest swiping it on with a makeup sponge. Lightly run the sponge through the color and stipple on cheeks, down the bridge of the nose, and across the forehead. Then, use the other side of the sponge to blend into skin. The resulting color is beachy-bronze. We found there’s really no way to overdo it with this product. Plus, it contains moisturizers like coconut oil, olive oil, cocoa butter and shea butter.

Price: $30

Eye Shadow

We tried the Eye Shadow in Sweetheart, a creamy beige. This is perfect to swipe across your entire lid before creating a smoky eye. It’s also a great color to wear alone on a hot summer day, just to give eyes an extra punch of shimmer. The actual shadow feels velvety on your finger and blends seamlessly on the eye. Apply it wet for a more intense shade. You can find a variety of colors, including Valentine (pearly pink), Mist (yellowish gold), and Chianti (reddish plum).

Price: $18

Ready for the giveaway? One lucky CS reader will receive:

(1) Tinted Moisturizer in Crème ($32): A lightweight moisturizer, sheer foundation and powerful SPF all rolled into one!

(1) Cream Blush in Sunrise (Pink) ($20): This weightless cream blush gives cheeks a sheer wash of color with a velvety, airbrush finish. Contains things like olive oil, cocoa butter and shea butter.

Please leave a comment to enter. One comment per person. Open to residents of the United States and Canada. Winner will be announced on Monday, June 22nd. Good luck!

Strike A Yoga Pose With Lotuspad

Kerri — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:00:00 -0400

When Katy Downey’s toddler started creating poses of her own on a yoga mat, the Boston native got to thinking. What exactly are those mats made of? Katy did some research and found that many conventional yoga mats are manufactured with PVC, a potentially hazardous plastic.

To solve the problem, Katy created her own line of mats under the brand name Lotuspad. They’re earth-friendly, biodegradable and come in a variety of sizes and colors.

We wanted to get the scoop on this “green” line from the fabulous yogi herself. Check out our exclusive interview with Lotuspad owner Katy Downey. Then, head to her Web site to check out the offerings. You can also follow Katy on Twitter @lotuspad. How Zen!

What first drew you to yoga?

I had been trying different yoga classes since college – hatha, iyengar, kundalini, but none of them really resonated with me. Then I tried a class at Baptiste power yoga in Cambridge when I was about 30, and that was IT! There was something about the heat and the flow that really spoke to me, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The best way I can describe the feeling that yoga brings me is a wave of cool, clear water flowing through my body. Once you have that, it’s very difficult to live without it!

What was it about the yoga mats on the market that inspired you to create your own line?

Like most people, I never thought twice about what my yoga mat was made of. I went through a bunch of those cheap blue yoga mats that you can get at Wholefoods or anywhere else before I learned what made them so cheap. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is one of the most widespread and toxic consumer products available. Its use has been banned in Europe and phased out in companies such as Ikea, but most companies are still using it in yoga mats! It’s scary that the manufacturing, using, and disposing of PVC is a hazordous to human health, and here these big yoga “lifestyle” companies are still using it in yoga mats. I was inspired to start my own line when my daughter started crawling, and decided she loved to crawl and play on my yoga mat. I started researching yoga mat material and decided to create a kids eco yoga mat, the first to the market. I had so many parents request their own mats that soon I decided to introduce a dedicated adult eco yoga mat, and the response has been phenomenal.

What are yogis going to love about your mats? What makes them unique?

Yogis are going to love the quality and beauty of the mats. What makes them unique is the love and quality imbued in each one. There’s a big difference between my mats and the mass produced mats available other places, and you can tell right away that this is a very special place to practice. One of the first things that people say when they feel one of my mats is – “this is so much nicer than any other mat I’ve tried!”

Another thing that makes them unique is my careful attention to color and patterns. Each mat has a unique dual-sided color and pattern combination that makes them different from any other mat on the market. My colorful carry straps are also completely unique, and let yogis not only carry their mats with ease, but also dress up their yoga mats with fun mix and match styles. My mat makes me happy every time I unroll it, and I hope that others feel the same way.

OK. We know you make fab adult yoga mats…What other products do you carry?

I make the only stylish, US-made yoga mat carry straps in a ton of fun colors and patterns, and I am slowly introducing other eco-fab products as well. I also make a great eco hemp practice strap crafted with the same high attention to detail as my carry straps. And of course I also carry the Little Lotuspad, a lightweight eco-friendly kids yoga mat.

Any plans for the future you can tell us about? New products? Designs? Colors?

I’m very excited to announce the Lotuspad Laya Yoga Bag, a stylish and streamlined yoga mat cargo bag that will be customizable with customer’s choice of detailing. The bag is subperbly crafted from a gorgeous blend of hemp/organic cotton suede – I can’t tell you how excited I am to introduce it later this June! We are always adding and subtracting yoga mat colors, and have a few new styles up our sleeves for later this year.