Naturally Me! Natural Hair Care

It’s all about Natural Hair Care.

Let’s start out by saying that “Natural” can mean anything.  For me, natural means the elements of natural ingredients that I use in my products.  I believe that anything that contains elements of nature and the use of the earth to grow your ingredients is what Natural is all about. Keep in mind that many products that say “Natural & Organic” doesn’t necessary mean that they are.  There are a lot of naturally prepared skin care products available, but what works for one may not work for another. 

The bottom line with any skin care product one the market or handmade is that you have to decide what works best for you.  Research and read ingredients.  Take a few moments to check out what the ingredients are by using Google and find out if it works well for what you are striving to achieve.  Here are a few questions that I would ask myself.  Are you concerned with Preservative?  Are there a certain percentage of natural ingredients you are looking for in your product?  How important is fragrance?

I am a natural girl; my hair is cut short, no color, no perm, and no curly kit. Don’t get me wrong, I love when I see my “Girlfriends” with color in their hair.  It’s a personal preference.  I use to put color in my hair on a weekly basis. I know how that works cut & color.  God forbid, you are caught with new growth coming in and you don’t have your locs colored.  So again, it’s up to you.  I now just started to rock my patches of gray in my hair.  That’s the only color I need.  Let’s face it, I earned those gray hairs and why should I use bleach to get rid of what is rightfully mine?  No vanity here.

I have an exclusive line of hair care products; “Love my hair butter” is one of my favorite, which is made with African Shea Butter, Amla Oil, Jamaican Coconut Oil, Vitamin E & Pro-Vitamin B-5 and other strengthening ingredients. Let’s talk about it further with the benefits of each.  We also have a concentrated hair conditioning “Masque”; our PH balanced hair masque covers the cuticle layer which results in hair smooth and bouncy and not feeling weighed down.  This masque hydrates repairs dry and damage hair and is super thick like buttercream icing.   Also repairs breakage and split ends.  It helps with tangles and makes hair more manageable.   Our hair masque is made with Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Pro-Vitamin B5, Coconut Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Wheat Protein, Sunflower Extract, Horsetail Extract and other hair nourishing ingredients.

African Shea Butter is made from the Karite, Nku and Bambuk trees.  Shea butter is also known as Butyrospermum Parkii or Vitellana Paradoxa a common wild tree.  African Shea Butter comes in a variety of colors that range from a cream color or slightly off white to yellow or yellowish gray.  It also has a distinctive nutty scent.  The benefits of Shea butter for hair and skin are amazing.  Shea Butter contains five essential fatty acids Phytosterols, Vitamins E, D & A, Allantoin (good for healing skin irritations).  The combination of ingredients helps neutralize free radicals damage, reducing fine line and wrinkles, age spots as well as stimulating collagen production.  Shea Butter moisturizes hair and acts as a natural conditioner.  It can also repair and protect split ends and protect hair shaft against weather damage or brittleness and breakage.  Shea Butter makes hair shiny and smooth.  Excellent for dry scalp.

Jamaican raw virgin coconut oil extracted from organic coconuts. This is a different consistency than the regular Coconut Oil.  It’s thick and melts beautifully into any products that you need Coconut Oil for.  The process for this oil is labor intensive; the end product is exquisite, unlike any other coconut oils on the market.  This is one of my favorite to work with in my hair products.

The Amla (Emblica offcinalis) tree is indigenous to India and many Indian women use oil produced by the Amla fruit as a hair conditioner.  Amla Oil benefits for hair are that it has the ability to penetrate scalp and strengthen hair at the root.  Helps to prevent gray hair; has Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties; is an antioxidant that has doubled the power of Acai Berry and Pomegranate.  This product leaves hair soft to the touch.

Vitamin B-5, also called pantothenic acid, is one of eight B vitamins.  Vitamin B-5 helps the body produce energy and promotes the health of the skin, hair, eyes and liver.  Panothenic acid also helps red blood cells.  Provitamin B-5 is also called Panthenol which is a derivative of Vitamin B and is in most of the hair products; Pro-Vitamin B5 can penetrate into the hair shaft and moisturize dry and damaged hair.  It also gives luster, body and bounce, as well as repair damaged hair. 

Let’s talk shampoo:

Most people don’t think about shampoo, in fact, many use plain soap.  Why People?  What you use on your body is not what is needed for your hair.  My husband is the offender of this.  He is also the offender of buying commercially made products.  It’s my fault, I am so busy making luxurious products for my customers that my husband is left to fend for himself.  I am a Bad wife. Ugh! I need to do better.  Thank goodness my husband has received other goodies from me.

The most important thing when you are looking for a shampoo, please make sure that it is a moisturizing shampoo.  Moisturizing shampoos gently cleanses and restores your natural moisture without adding weight to your hair.  I love using a blend of Aloe Leaf Juice, Jojoba, Meadowform and Horsetail extracts to my shampoos because it hydrates and leaves hair softer and more manageable with the addition of shine.  My shampoos are perfect for all hair types because it’s sulfate, No Parabens, Synthetic Dyes or Fragrances.

When I transitioned from permed to natural hair, I wanted to know how to do it seamlessly. Here are a few ideas that you can use to get started or continue on your path to a successful head of natural hair.  First, use products that are specifically for Natural Hair.  Natural hair products focus entirely on the natural wave or curl pattern of the hair and moisturizes the hair from root to end.  (Like our “Love my Hair Butter, Moisturizing Hair Oil and Hair “Masque”).  Second, get use to your new look, for a long time you have been applying chemicals to your hair, now is the time for you to get use to the new look without chemicals.  Some people will not like your “natural do”, oh well, but YOU make sure that you love your natural do.  It will not be easy, it takes time to transition from what use to be Your Norm to the New Normal, but it will work out in the end if you take the time to work with your new look.   Third, check out all the hair magazines, I remember when I was looking for a style to rock I would pick up several magazines to look at the braids, locs, and Fro’s.  I enjoyed Black Hair magazines because they had so many different styles.  The key is to have fun.  Don’t let one style dictate your hair outcome.  Be creative, be you.

Fourth, if you are thinking of cutting your hair off, that is a personal preference for that individual.  I would honestly suggest to anyone, research first, and find products that will work well for your hair.  Don’t purchase something that you will be stuck with.  Find products that you can get samples of and try them out.  Don’t be afraid to find businesses that sell samples. We want your business and you as a loyal customer.  Be your own hair attorney and do your due diligence. 

 A lot of women with long hair have a problem, what should I do with this if I am going Natural?  There are a lot of opportunities to be creative.  In fact, today, I was chatting with a hair newcomer and she is trying to decide how to go about transiting from perms to natural. She has a beautiful head of hair and I told her that she has so many opportunities to rock a style with her length.  I love the natural twist that a lot of women are rocking now.   I believe that she will do very well with the transition and I hope that this blog will be able to give her and others some new ideas.

Finally, ask questions.  Find someone who has been through the transition and ask them how, what, when and where. 

I believe that you will do fine with your new do.

Please visit us at http://www.naturalproductsbytmb.com to see our samples.  I believe that reading about something isn’t the same as sampling the product.  How do you know if it will work for you unless you venture out and try it?

 Hair "Masque"

Love My Hair Butter

Sulfate Free Shampoo

Naturally Me! To Powder or To Talc?

Here a little food for thought.

What is Talcum powder?

Do you believe that Talcum Powder and Baby Powder are the same?

There are actually differences between the two:

Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral containing elements of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen.  Talc Powder can be clear or opaque and translucent.  Talc also has ingredients of zinc stearate, magnesium and silicates.

Baby Powders are a milder substance because they are made with cornstarch instead of talcum powder which can be harmful to baby’s lungs when inhaled.  Most talcum powders are contaminated with asbestos fibers) Cornstarch is much less harmful when inhaled and should be a serious consideration when looking at powders not only for babies’ safety but for the entire family.

Why Cornstarch?

Cornstarch has anti-inflammatory benefits, it calms itchy skin and rashes, and burns. 

When thinking about the differences between the two there are no comparisons to which one works best, cornstarch is the winner. 

I enjoy creating my own line of products and making my own baby and adult powders is one of my favorites because I can customize it to be more absorbent to wetness and odors. I also like the fact that I know what I am using in my powders.  “If I don’t put it on my skin, I don’t sell it to my friends.”   The best part is that I love infusing my cornstarch with other natural elements such as baking soda, Kaolin and French Green Clay or any other of type clays for that matter. In addition to clays, we use Arrowroot powder which is a white powder starch that feels and looks like cornstarch; it’s extracted from the root of a tropical West Indies plant called Marantha Arundinacea that’s grown in Thailand and Brazil.

Arrowroot is used in many cosmetics to help moisturizers penetrate the skin and may be used in other products similar to cornstarch.  Natural Clays are the key to many great natural product lines.  At least it works great for me and my line.

When considering the pros and cons of your talcum powder to baby powder, consider that baby powder is not only safe for your babies but safe for adults as well.  Talcum comes with many disadvantages and can come with a few risks as well.  But the decision is yours.  Many reports suggest that talcum powder around the genital areas, armpits and cause cancer and tumors.  In women, it is linked to ovarian cancer.  I believe that regardless of talcum or baby powder, we should be careful when using these manufactured products.

The only real way to know what you are using on your skin is to investigate and research your products and find out what works best for you and your family.

We have a line of hand sifted powder visit us at naturalproductsbytmb.com

1 - Our Organic Baby Soft Powder - Powder Puff

2- Our Organic Shaker After Bath Powder for Men/Women

 

Our Blog is to inform, never to advise, we hope that you will always consult your physcian regarding any skincare issue you may be undergoing.  We love natural and we want to share what we love.  Stay Well!!

Naturally Me! Sun Protection

Naturally me! Sun Protection

How many of us walk out of our homes without sunscreen?  Is it because you say that you are not going to the beach so why worry?  Did you know that you are receiving UV-A rays even when it is overcast outside?  Did you know that your chances rise each time that you walk out of your home without sun protection? 

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a cancer that starts in a certain type of skin cell and begins in the melanocytes. Other names for this cancer include malignant melanoma and cutaneous melanoma. Because most melanoma cells still make melanin, melanoma tumors are usually brown or black. But some melanomas do not make melanin and can appear pink, tan, or even white.

Melanomas can occur anywhere on the skin, like the trunk (chest and back) is the most common site in men. The legs are the most common site in women. The neck and face are other common sites.

Melanomas can also form in other parts of your body such as the eyes, mouth, and genitals, but these are much less common than melanoma of the skin. Melanomas in these organs are discussed in our other documents.

Melanoma is much less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but it is far more dangerous. Like basal cell and squamous cell cancers, melanoma is almost always curable in its early stages. But it is much more likely than basal or squamous cell cancer to spread to other parts of the body if not caught early.

In understanding about Melanomas, let us first realize that the skin is the largest organ in your body and it functions in different ways.

The skin covers the internal organs and helps protect them from injury, it also serves as a barrier to germs such as bacterial, prevents the loss of fluids, helps control body temperature, protects the rest of the body from UVA rays and helps to make vitamin D.

Sunscreens are made to either block sunlight or absorb varying degrees of it.  Sunscreen formulas come in different protection levels, SPF 30 is recommended for fair-skinned people and will protect you a little longer in the sun than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen.  A person with a darker skin may feel like an SPF of between 8 to 12 would work better for them.  You will have to find what SFP formulas work best for your skin type.

What’s in your sunscreen?

Have you really thought about what’s in your sunscreen?  Most people don’t really think about it.  Honestly, what is most important is if I will get sunburned and as long as you are protected what does it really matter? 

There should always be concern about the type of products we use.  One of my concerns is that there are certain chemicals in sunscreens that produce free radicals.  What are free radicals?  Well, free radicals, also known as radicals, are organic molecules responsible for the wonderful aging process, tissue damage, and some diseases.  These molecules are unstable, and therefore look to hook up with other molecules to destroy their health and continue the damaging process.

There are other natural alternatives to sun protection.  I agree that we need to have protection from the sun but what are these alternatives?

Most natural sunscreens are hypoallergenic and contain organic ingredients that help the skin. These organic ingredients provide the same benefits as harsher, synthetic chemicals. Green tea is an antioxidant that prevents damage caused by free radicals. Aloe Vera restores moisture and soothes burns. Chamomile promotes cell regeneration and has anti-inflammatory properties. Marigold calms irritated skin. Grape seed oil is a natural antioxidant that also moisturizes the skin and is anti-aging.  Red Raspberry Seed Oil is full of Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids and gives natural glow and radiance; Vitamin E fights fine lines, repairs and conditions, Red Raspberry Seed provides broad-spectrum UV-A and UV-B protection.  It has shown an SPF of between 28 and 50 and thus is a valuable ingredient in natural sunblock and sunscreens.  It has a long shelf life because of its high phospholipid content, and may increase the stability of other carrier oils when blended with them.

We have our Red Raspberry Broad Spectrum Moisturizer that is made with natural sun protection ingredients.

Red Raspberry Seed Oil - SPF 28-50
Hemp Seed Oil – SPF 6
Macadamia Oil – SPF 6
Sesame Seed Oil SPF 4
Shea Butter – SPF 4
Jojoba Oil – SPF 4
Coconut Oil – SPF 2

Our formula is non-greasy and super absorbent.  Use as your daily moisturizer without the fear of it interfering with your other products such as perfumes or body sprays.

You can always order a sample from our website for $3.00.

Is going natural really worth it?

I think so.  Stay Sun Protected!!

 Red Raspberry Broad Spectrum Moisturizer.

 

 http://www.naturalproductsbytmb.com

 

Naturally Me! All things male.

This blog is all things male.

 We tend to concentrate on providing products for women and that’s understandable, we are Diva’s.  We need, want and desire better products.  You know what?  Some men are Diva’s too.  Yes, I said it.  Many of you have a man in your life that loves the idea of having a regular mani and pedi. Or better yet, a mirror hog.  Hey, why not, I love a man who is well groomed.  There is nothing like seeing a man who will take the time to make sure he looks good at all time.

 Is there something wrong with a man being high-maintenance? 

No, why should there be?  Women love pampering, men love great grooming.  I believe that a man should love and take care of himself.  Most women appreciate a well groomed man.  Most of the time, woman are the ones who pick out the colognes and body washes.  The most appealing scents for me are the ones that are woodsy, citrus or clean fragrances. 

We have an exclusive line of products just for our men.  Our products are produced to benefit all skin types.  We find with male skin types many suffer from ingrown hairs from shaving.  A lot of men don’t realize that beards are hair and they need the same treatment as hair on your head.  They need to be oiled or and conditioned depending on the length of your beard. 

What is Beard Oil?  Beard oil is a type of conditioner that assists with growing and maintaining all types of beards.  Beard oil contains natural ingredients, such as sesame seed oil, which is considered easily absorbed by the skin and hair.  Beard oil may also contain nutrients that are helpful for keeping beards looking healthy in appearance. 

Our natural beard oil is formulated to smooth the hair on your face, it works and you will see immediate results.  We use natural oils such as jojoba, sesame seed, rice bran and grape seed oils which are considered easily absorbed by the skin and hair.  The oils used often have anti-inflammatory properties, which can assist in cutting down on the irritation and itching that occurs with beards.

Most of my male clients love the Sandalwoods, Citrus & Basil or Fresh Green scents. Every now and again, I have some that want the out of bound scents.

In addition to the beard oil, what about his facial care? He needs scrubs, cleansers and moisturizers.  Just for him.

Don’t worry, we got you covered.

Our products are handmade in small batches from natural ingredients; it is free of parabens and sulfates.

 

Beard Oil - 1oz

Ingredients:  Sesame Seed, Rice Bran, Grapeseed, Rosemary, Sweetgrass & Cedar and Vitamin E

KUGA Men's Moisturizer- 16 oz

Ingredients:  African Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Vitamin E & B-5, Emulsfying Wax, Vegetable Glycerin & Fragrance

African Black Soap 3 in 1 Cleanser - 8 oz

Hair, Face & Body

 

 

NaturallyMe! Sending out an SOS!!

Natural Products By TMB creates products not only for the humans but for the canines and felines.  We have to keep them natural and pesticide free as well.

In saying this, I am sending out a please help this organization SOS!  Chloe's Paw Organization helps families who are unable to pay 100% of the veternarian expenses.  How are they able to do this great work?

Natural Products By TMB donates 100% of proceeds from the Purely Pets Collection.  See Pet Blog.  We make all of our pet care products from shampoos, conditioner, spritzes, beds, bandanas, collars, gluten-free pet treats without any reservations.  It's because we love animals.

It's all about "Helping one paw at a time".  They are looking for donations to help  yourcompanion animals receive low cost shots through the mobile pet vans that visit the local communities around the on the area.  Volusia County.

We are asking for $1.00 from everyone that reads or visits our site donated, that would add up to a few animals getting shots and heartworm tested.  If you could give $2.00 we could throw in some Flea & Tick medicine for at least a month.

If you want to purchase some of our pet care products, 100% of the order goes to Chloe's Paw.

Nothing in life is free.  If you want to feel like you are getting something, you are.  You are saving a life and you get a HUGE THANK YOU FROM US!!!.

Visit Chloe's Paw
http://www.chloes-paw.org

They are a registered 501 c3 and your donations are tax deductible.

This is Chloe.  She was an amazing animal and therefore, this organization is her way of helping her friends get the treatment they need.

Naturally Me! Shave Cream

Naturally Me!  Shaving Cream

I have come to the realization that I will never stop creating products.  I am always thinking of better ingredients to add into my product line.  I love being the tester of my products, I am not ashamed.  It’s the only way to know if something will work.  I test 100% of my product line. 

 Even down to the dog products.  Just call me Fido!  At least I don't have Fleas....

So last night, while filling my customer orders, I realized that I needed to make some shaving cream for myself.  A Girl’s gotta shave.  It’s too hot in Florida.  So I proceeded to whip up a batch of my Vanilla Moisturizing Shave Cream. It smells yummy.  It smells like a Vanilla Cookie.  After you use it your legs feel sexy and smooth. No need for stockings ladies.  Flaunt those sexy legs of yours.

I use all natural ingredients of Jamaican raw virgin coconut oil extracted from organic coconuts. To mean this is a different consistency than the regular Coconut Oil.  It’s thick and melts beautifully into any products that you need Coconut Oil for.  The process for this oil is labor intensive; the end product is exquisite, unlike any other coconut oils on the market.  We also include Sweet Almond oil which is Softening, nourishing, protecting, nurturing, and is 100% pure botanical ingredient with natural vitamin E not tested on animals, no synthetic preservatives, colors or fragrances. 

Rice Bran Oil is one of my favorites because it contains “squalane,” which is a natural organic compound that helps with the synthesis of cholesterol and vitamin D in the human body, and is also a natural fat produced by human skin cells.

Another of my favorite ingredients is Monoi Butter it is a velvety butter containing the essence of the tropical Tiare flower which is famous for its aromatherapy benefits.  Monoi Butter is also an excellent moisturizer.  What better way to give your legs a deep massage. 

Shea Butter is always my go to product because of its richness in unsaturated fats, essential fatty acids, phytosterols, vitamin E and D, provitamins A and allantoin and this makes this butter perfect for hair and skin.

Vitamin E helps the healing process for the skin and is absorbed by the epidermis layer of the skin and can also help with sunburns.

My process is simple but an effective way to shave your legs naturally.  The feeling the next day is amazing.  Plus, you don’t have to worry about using a product that includes harsh ingredients and putting that on your legs.

 

We also have a shaving cream for Men.

 

Visit us at naturalproductsbytmb.com and like us on Facebook.

 

 

 

Naturally Me! Facial Care

Let me just say thank you to all who have the opportunity to read my daily blogs.  I want to single out two women who have been super supportive my daily readers Rosalind and Lisa you ladies ROCK!! and I appreciate you both.

Now, let’s talk face.

I have the opportunity to look at a lot of faces each day.  I love to skin watch.  I get a lot of inspiration from people.  Let’s face it, if you can’t see the problem, how are you going to fix it?  Most people that I speak with say that they stopped trying to find solutions to their skin care problems.  PEOPLE NEVER GIVE UP!  There are always solutions to any problems.  You just have to tackle it in the correct manner.

I get a lot of people who ask what I do for my skin.  It’s simple; I keep it clean, hydrated and moisturized.  I remember from an earlier age that if I don’t take care of my skin, my skin will not take care of me.  Each morning, I do my three step process.  1- Cleanse, 2-Hydrate, 3- Moisturize.  I repeat the process at bedtime.  We all know that the body repairs itself while we sleep and following a routine at night will help the skin replenish the damages of the day’s activities. 

We tend to forget those steps because we are either too busy or we don’t know what products to use.  Cleansing is an important step to healthy skin, by cleansing you have the opportunity to remove dirt and the days grime from your face.  Think about what I am about to say and you will agree.  Each day, we are in constant contact to someone in your space (face).  There you have an important reason for wanting to keep your face clean.

Another question that I also receive a lot is about eczema and acne and what natural skin care products I make to assist with these conditions.  I have several products that I use and continue to use for myself and now for my customers.   It is my opinion and I mean my opinion that you should constantly change products.  I constantly rotate my products for my face because after a while I believe that your skin becomes accustom to what you are using and after a while you will experience the resurfacing of certain problems again. I also find that when I change up products every few months my skin feels renewed.

My three step process consists of me never going to bed without cleaning my face.   It’s important to keep in mind that your skin is an organ that will absorb whatever you choose to put on it.  Also, keep in mind that if you choose to say skip a day/night that your pores can get clogged and that will get you to the land of acne, blackheads and breakout.  That’s one land that I don’t want to ever visit again.  The price for Admission is expensive.

Cleansing your face is not hard, get into a routine.  Before you go to bed, use only natural cleansers and I can tell you we have a great line of natural cleansers available at http://www.naturalproductsbytmb.com  hydrating the skin is also important; I use either a Rose, Lavender or Orange facial mist after I use my facial cleanser. My favorite is the Rose because it is an uplifting scent for me.  Finally, I end it all with my Argan Oil Night Cream.  Love it.  In the morning my face is absolutely soft and ready to begin another day. 

Don’t worry, eczema sufferers, we have you covered.  We have a thicker formula that helps with these problem areas as well.  

Pictures are: Lavender & Rose Facial Toner, Sea Buckthorn Berry Facial Cleanser, Manuka Honey Facial Cleanser, Argan Oil Night/Day Facial Moisturizer.

 

 

Naturally Me! Purely Pets

Naturally Me!

Purely Pets

I adore anything to do with animals.  I consider myself an advocate for our four-legged companions.  In fact, Natural Products By TMB supports Chloe’s Paw a non-profit organization that helps families who are unable to provide 100% veterinarian care for their beloved pets. 

Natural Products By TMB has an exclusive line of products called The Purely Pets Collection.  Our line of products consists of sulfate-free pet shampoos & conditioners, dog and cat flea and tick sprays, pet deodorizers, hand sewn pet beds, bandanas, collars and tee shirts.  We also bake gluten-free pet treats. 

At Chloe’s Paw.Org, it’s all about helping one paw at a time.  In doing so, we donate 100% of the proceeds from the Purely Pets Collection to Chloe’s Paw.

The Purely Pets Collection is special to us because we not only help this deserving charity raise money but we also get to create products that work well for animals with sensitive skin and their families who want to use products that are naturally made.  

We NEVER test our products on animals!  I am the sole tester of all of my products.  Yes, I enjoy my dog treats.  They are delicious and healthy for you.  I also use my dog shampoos as well, they are made with natural ingredients and if I can’t use it, my pets won’t either.

Here is a little bit about my two rescue babies.  Fred was rescued from our local Humane Society.  He actually found me and after we danced around a bit he let me know that I was the one to take him home.  I gladly accepted.  Nikki was another story, she was handed to us as a foster; she was badly abused by some hateful individuals.  They used her as a bait dog and believe me she is still working through it all. But she is an amazing and loving animal.  She just wants you to let her give you kisses.  She isn’t too trusting, but she warms up quickly. We decided to keep.  We are happy that she is part of our pack. 

Plus, Fred absolutely adores her.

If you are interested in making a donation, please purchase any of our Purely Pets Collection products by visiting chloes-paw.org or naturalproductsbytmb.com. Or just donate; they would be grateful for any donations received.

Pictures are of our Flea & Tick Spray, Shampoo Bars, Liquid Shampoo & Conditioner, Gluten Free treats of sweet potato, doggie donuts and pup ice cream.  Our tee-shirts and pet beds.  Finally our stars, Fred & Nikki.