Archives: July 2013

There are 5 posts in this month.

July 28, 2013

Sunday Staff Profiles: The People of Perelandra

One of the things that makes Perelandra so special is our wonderful staff! We are truly fortunate to have employees are from all over the world with very diverse skill sets and backgrounds, and they are instrumental in creating the “great energy” that our store is famous for. Our customers rely on our staff to answer their questions, help them find what they’re looking for, suggest products and to be a friendly face in this big city. Get to know Effie, one of Perelandra’s supplement department staff members, in this week’s staff profile.

Name: Effie

Hometown: Hunan Province, China

How long have you lived in New York City?
9 years

Length of time working at Perelandra:
1 year, 5 months

What are your favorite products at Perelandra?

Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly: “It works! I use it for skin redness as an anti-inflammatory.”
Evan Healy Rose Geranium Facial Tonic Hydrosol: “It smells really nice and it hydrates the skin when used as a toner.”
Alaffia African Black Soap, Peppermint: “It is a good brand- I like that they try to help their community. It’s also a good price, is multi-purpose and is very refreshing.”

What is your favorite thing about working at Perelandra?

“I love that I can learn about what I study in school (Effie is in a graduate program studying nutrition) and help customers with all of the knowledge I have from school and our staff trainings. Also, I like working in a friendly environment. We are like a big family here.”

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since you started working here?

“I have learned how to deal with many different personality types, and how communicate with different types of people in a way that they understand. Also, I have learned how important Vitamin D is and how deficient most people are! Many people work in offices and don’t go outside, and it is so important.”

Some things we love about Effie:

“She is a wonderful, positive force in the store- she always has a great attitude, a smile on her face and loves to learn. She is also very hardworking and outgoing.” -Allison
“She is always nice and pleasant to be around.” -Mitchel
“I like everything about Effie! She always has a positive, uplifting attitude and she shares it with everyone.”-Keith
“What don’t I like about Effie?! She is a genuinely happy, really sweet, giving person.She is also extremely intelligent, great at her job and can dress her butt off! She dresses extremely well! She has great style and fashion sense”- Saraya
“She is a very smart and genuine person. And she’s really stylish!” – Chelsea

Thank you, Effie 🙂

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July 22, 2013

Eden’s Beauty Picks for Summer!

Hi, Pals and Gals–

Your friendly in-store cosmetologist here. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far! I recently had the honor of contributing to Organic Spa Magazine’s Blog with several picks for my favorite summer beauty products. You can check out the first five items on my list on Organic Spa’s site, and keep reading below for more of my favorites. All products listed are available right here at Perelandra!

Stay cool and don’t forget that sunscreen!

Love & green juice,

Eden

6. Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner – natural based self-tanner suitable for face and body. This product builds a gradual, natural looking tan within three days and doesn’t have the heavy chemical stink of most self tanners. Bonus? Tantasia has a built in bronzer so you can see where you’ve applied it, ensuring streak free coverage. Wait at least 15-20 minutes for the bronzer to set in before getting dressed, running, or getting into bed with light colored sheets — color will transfer with body heat.

7. Love & Toast Fragrance in Pomme Poivre – Notes of vanilla orchid, White musk and notes, Ebony woods punctuate this interesting fragrance. It’s well-balanced and neither too sweet nor too musky, and doesn’t overpower the senses but does intrigue them.

8. Iwilla Remedy Bug Off Herbal Insect Repellent – I know bug spray isn’t necessarily an item you’d readily identify as a “beauty product” but really, is there anything uglier in the summer than limbs covered in red, itchy bumpy bug bites? Mosquitoes love me and I generally hate the smell of bug spray, but this natural insect repellent actually has a light citrus scent with just hints of the citronella and apple cider vinegar base coming through. I met Selima, who is the founder of Iwilla, here at Perelandra when she came in for a demo and hearing about her success with using this formula while traveling all over the world, I picked up a bottle to take on my own vacation and was wowed with the invisible bug shield it seemed to provide.

9. Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Clay Mask – I love clay masks in the summertime to keep my pores clear and breakouts at bay. Try mixing this mask with Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Toner and apply to a freshly cleansed and lightly steamed face (if you’re too lazy to steam over a sink full of hot water, just apply after a hot shower) and zap all of the impurities and extra oil away!

10. SpaRitual Vegan Nail Polish – This “Big Three Free” nail polish from Orly provides good coverage in just a single coat and dries to a nice, shiny finish that is highly chip resistant. The shorter brushes provides greater control for a neater application and the bottles are recyclable/made from up to 50% recycled materials. Expect long wear and a wide selection of colors–way to keep those tootsies flip flop ready!

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July 18, 2013

July’s Dessert Menu

Check out our awesome dessert menu schedule for July – ALL of our kitchen’s baked goods are made in house, are vegan and many of them are gluten-free and soy-free, too!

Monday

Raspberry Vanilla Cupcakes (Gluten-Free/Soy-free)
Chocolate Orange Truffles (GF)
Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies
Sandwich Cookies
Chocolate Chip Bars

Tuesday

Chocolate Almond Cupcakes (GF/SF)
Almond Fruit Tart (SF)

Fudgy Brownies (GF/SF)

Wednesday

Salted Caramel Cupcakes (GF/SF)
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mini-Bundt Cakes

Thursday

Chocolate Ginger Cupcakes (GF/SF)
Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles (GF)
Seed & Fruit Granola Bars (SF)

Friday

Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mint Frosting (GF/SF)
Lime Shortbread Cookies
Seasonal Cheesecake (GF)
Seasonal Bread Pudding

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July 14, 2013

Natural Men’s Skin Care

Real men use facial tonics: Jacob’s guide to the best in natural men’s skin care

In the past several years, many different companies have come out with men’s skin care lines, and many existing companies have extended their skin care lines to include men’s products. What’s with the seemingly new cosmetic considerations? Says the New York Times: “The reason, beauty analysts say, is a changing attitude among men, who now associate healthy-looking skin less with vanity than with professionalism.” That makes sense– everyone wants to look their best! And what could be better than looking your best using natural & organic skin care products that are better for your body AND the planet?

Jacob has been working in Perelandra’s supplement and body care department since last October, and in that time you can bet he’s become an expert on all things supplement and skin related. He recently agreed to share some insights on his favorite shaving and skin care products.

John Masters Organics Men’s Eucalytpus & Agave 2-in-1 Face Wash and Shave Foam

As a facial hair connoisseur and bearding fan there’s nothing that I appreciate more than great facial care. I’m a simple man and anything that’s multipurpose means less space, more efficiency and more business. If you ask me, the John Master’s 2 in 1 Face Wash and Shaving Foam is actually 3 in 1. I first used this product as a beard wash prior to using it as a shaving foam or face wash. For my fellow beard fans out there eucalyptus, one of the main ingredients in this formula, supports hair growth and kills bacteria – which is good especially for those dense beards that may accumulate dirt throughout the day. As a shaving foam it’s lighter than your traditional creams or gels and I find myself having to use it pretty liberally when I shave. However, it’s one of the most refreshing shaving products I’ve used and I appreciate its simplicity. Agave, another ingredient found in this formula, can provide acne relief and has been known to have some anti-aging properties as well. Beard or no beard the John Master’s 2 in 1 delivers it all! (Editors note: My husband uses this, and I steal it from him to wash my face because it feels so nice! – Allison)

Tierra Mia Shaving Soap For Men

If the John Master’s 2 in 1 is out of your budget, I would recommend Tierra Mia’s Shaving Soap For Men. This is a relatively new product in the store and I couldn’t wait to try it out. This is a raw, organic goat milk based soap that is a great option for men who have sensitive skin or are usually prone to shaving bumps. Raw goat milk is moisturizing, removes dead skin cells, repairs damaged cells, and, as a natural source of selenium, might protect the skin from further damage. You might be wondering how a bar soap magically transforms into something used for shaving. It might seem like a primitive approach but I found that with a little bit of warm water and some lathering you’re set for a great shave! In fact, I think that Tierra Mia’s Shaving Soap provides a thicker consistency than the John Master’s 2 in 1 but does require more lathering time – which might be worth it for men with thicker stubble. Those who are willing to venture out and try Tierra Mia’s Shaving Soap will be rewarded immensely. It will leave your skin feeling healthy and just might change your shaving experience!

Evan Healy Rose Geranium Facial Tonic Hydrosol

And let’s be honest: between the city pollution and summer festivities we could use some extra support. While some men might be hesitant or resistant to the concept of toners and hydrosols, I highly recommend Evan Healy’s Rose Geranium Facial Tonic. Here’s why: hydrosols, in addition to being great antioxdants, are unique in that during the distillation process they capture all of the plant’s essence- meaning that the plant doesn’t lose the water that it carried. This allows for optimal skin hydration. Since our bodies are mostly water you can imagine how much easier a hydrosol would be absorbed into the skin than, for example, an oil or cream. This particular artisan facial tonic from Evan Healy is made specifically for combination skin (oily and dry) and according to Healy’s website “relaxes facial muscles, promotes cell repair, maintains soft and smooth skin and significantly increases hydration.” Summer doesn’t strictly call for sun protection. We need to stay hydrated too! Don’t be afraid of the pink and brown packaging or word “rose.” The scent is mild, not particularly feminine, and it’s easy to use. Just a couple of sprays and you’re good to go!

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July 7, 2013

Sunday Staff Profiles: The People of Perelandra

One of the things that makes Perelandra so special is our wonderful staff! We are truly fortunate to have employees are from all over the world with very diverse skill sets and backgrounds, and they are instrumental in creating the “great energy” that our store is famous for. Our customers rely on our staff to answer their questions, help them find what they’re looking for, suggest products and to be a friendly face in this big city. Get to know Hannia, one of Perelandra’s assistant managers in this week’s staff profile.

Hannia in Rome, Italy this past March

Name: Hannia

Hometown: Dominican Republic

How long have you lived in New York City?
23 years

Length of time working at Perelandra:
1 year, 1 month

What are your favorite products at Perelandra?

E3 Live: “It works wonders. I feel so much better when I take it.”
Dr. Bronner’s Coconut Oil: “I use it on my hair. It’s really moisturizing without a smell or build up.”
Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly: “I use it at night instead of a moisturizer, it’s really good for the skin”.

What is your favorite thing about working at Perelandra?

“I love organic foods and am very health oriented, so I love being surrounded by them. I also really like talking to people, and I get to do it all day here. It’s weird because I am a shy person, but I really enjoy talking to people here.”

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since you started working here?

“That you can be on a budget and still afford healthy food. Also, a co-worker taught me about being vegan and the Elimination Diet, and it really affects the way you feel. My skin cleared up and I feel better. It’s not all hype!”

Some things we love about Hannia:

“She is so sweet, incredibly hard working, reliable and has a very kind demeanor.” -Allison
“Her sense of calm. She is so reliable and trusting.” -Nicole
“I love how she is very focused and can translate for spanish speakers. She is very responsible, hard working, never complains and is sassy!” -Effie
“She’s really funny and cool.” -Myles
“She has a great sense of humor and is very hardworking.” -Brittaney
“She’s easy to talk to and very level headed.” -Corey
“She’s direct, really funny and intelligent, and pretty sassy.” -Colin

Hannia contributes so much to our store! Thank you Hannia 🙂

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