Review: Darcy's Botanicals Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Our hand whipped Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme is an all natural hair butter cream for moisturizing, styling and conditioning your natural coils.

It absorbs instantly into hair to replenish much needed moisture, provide softness, sheen & encourages health hair growth.

This highly moisturizing creme is very thick & concentrated so a little goes a long way. It is perfect for type 3-4 naturals:)

It has a very thick concentrated buttercream consistency with the sweet smell of gently infused African Madagascar Vanilla that is truly heavenly! Our customers love the scent. Many say it smells like vanilla ice cream, some say it smells like a sweet bourbon vanilla, depending upon how long we infuse the vanilla:)

Once you try it, you'll be hooked!

PRODUCT INFORMATION
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HOW DOES THIS WORK?
Our Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme is a luscious blend of all natural oils that will provide healthy conditioning, add sheen, softness & moisture to your naturally curly hair.

WHAT'S IN IT?
Organic Palm Oil, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Madagascar Vanilla, Vegetable Emulsifying Wax, Candelilla Wax, Organic Castor Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil and Potassium Sorbate.

HOW DO I USE IT?
*Use it as a hair moisturizer to naturally condition dry curls, locs & waves.
*Use as a styling butter for twists, braids, afros, and locs.
*Use to promote healthy hair growth
*Many of our customers also use it as a body butter!!! Works great as a multi-purpose hair & body butter:)

REVIEW
If you are a fan of hair butters, you will probably love this product because it is the texture of a thick creamy butter.

The product has a very pleasant fragrance that is rich but subtle. It had great hold for a two-strand twist setting but my hair requires a bit more moisture. I had already used a natural leave-in conditioner under the product. I probably could have gotten better results if I had used a creamy moisture on top of the leave-in.In addition, I'm not a fan of waxes so I could have passed on the Emulsifying and Candelilla waxes.

If you are fan of butters, I ask that you give the product a try for yourself because we all know that different heads of hair thrive on different things.

Natural Hair Community Entrepreneur, Sonya of Epiphany Frostings

I first met Sonya on Nappturality. She is another one of my online friends whom I quickly to a liking to as she often came to my fotki hair album to leave the nicest comments.

Sonya radiates a warm spirit in addition to be funny and very personable. She has developed a fabulous line of natural products called Epiphany Frostings that can be used from the top of your head to the tip of your toes.



Current offerings include:
Aloe Butter Frosting, Mango Butter Frosting, and Muscle Rub. Cocoa Butter Frosting will be offered in the very near future.

You can request a choice of essentials oils in a scented/unscented base.

All products are made using 100% organic ingredients.

Products are currently available in a 2 oz. sample or 4 oz. 8 oz. jars are coming soon and I can't wait.

Be sure to stop by Sonya's Blog A day in the Life of a Bored Nappy. You can also visit her hair album at http://www.fotki.com/diman99.

On to the interview!
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What would you like the natural hair community to know about Sonya?

I am one of the coolest, laid back people you could ever meet! I'm a single mother of 1 awesome 10 year old boy. I work full time as a debt collector, and part time as a skiptracer & repo woman. I dont really meet any strangers. Some years back I started saying hello to each and every person I met (because I was really shy), after that I would stop at least 1 person a day to compliment them (ya know, just pay it forward). Since then I think I've become a bit more outgoing and extroverted. I love to see people smile, so I do my best everyday to make that happen!

What motivated you to start your own online retail store?

Well, I went natural August 21, 2007. From that point I became a lot more mindful of how I took care of myself. I frequented several hair boards each and every day for tips and pointers. Everyone was looking for their own "holy grail" product lists, so I would buy as much as I could afford to get perfect hair & skin. I tallied up my receipts and realized that I had spent hundreds of dollars on products and the great majority did NOT meet my expectations. Everything was so expensive. My hair and skin was becoming high maintenance & I didn't like that. I started by trial & error making my own "concoctions" that would double as hair & skin moisturizer (just to try and save some money). I started giving jars away to my mom & best friend and they loved it. One morning, while playing kitchentian, I just felt a sense of peace & I felt so excited all of a sudden. I just felt the phrase, "if it's meant to be, everything else will fall into place." I called my mama and she said, "I think it's time to start your company." What I had was my "Epiphany" and what she gave was my "Confirmation." I started giving out more samples and I got really good reviews, and "Epiphany Frostings" was born.

What will one find at Epiphany Frosting?

I feel that each and every person who tries "Epiphany Frostings" will find something they can appreciate in it. You will find a product that looks like whipped frosting, but feels like silk against your skin. It doubles as both a hair and skin moisturizer. Most of the women that I meet are looking for something to give the perfect amount of moisture and shine but doesn't cost an arm and a leg.. No one likes cluttered closets, so with this product you get everything you're looking for all in one jar. It's something the whole family can use. I'm also offering a muscle and joint rub that may not cure your pain, but it will help to lessen the pain. The ingredients are all natural and I will add scent based on the individual's specifications, so you won't have to walk out of the house smelling like a medicine cabinet. I'll also offer a Total Body Care Oil again that can be used from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet. This oil can be used as a massage oil, bath oil, moisturizer and in hot oil treatments.

Where do you hope to see the store a year from now?

A year from now, my goal is that "Epiphany Frostings" will be a household name. I want to know that people everywhere are using my product and their skin and hair is thriving because of it. I would love to be able to focus my attention full-time to the creation and preparation of new products. I plan to also expand my product line to offer all natural hair & body shampoos and conditioners and to also offer bath salts and soaps.

Anything else you’d like the readers to know?

No tree nuts will be harmed in the making of these products! lol I am severly allergic to nuts as well as so many others in the population. It can be daunting to find a product that doesn't include nut oils or butters. Because I want everyone to love this product as much as I do, each batch is made just the way you want it. This is like my baby. Everything I do is by hand, no mass production, so if you have a specific allergy and you express that to me, I will definitely take that into consideration when you place your order.

My review!
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For me, a true test of a fabulous moisturizer is one that it not greasy and that you can still feel at least three days later. The aloe butter frosting that I tried was all that and more. I had Sonya blushing when I told her that the whipped texture very much reminded me of Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Cream. Of course, Sonya found that statement to be quite flattering.

When I first received my sample, I quickly opened it and the energizing smell of mint flooded the air. I was so tempted to dig in to the product for use on my old twists but waited until the weekend to use it on a fresh set of twists over alba leave-in conditioner and castor oil to seal in my moisture. I air dried and later used my homemad spritz to moisten and the fabulous frosting to twists. A moisture test for me is to squeeze my twist and see if I feel and see moisture on my fingers. With Sonya's frosting, I was still able to feel and see the moisture on day three, which was wonderful.

Ten things about me!

I forgot to add a very important point. I was tagged by the fabulous NaturallyYanTan at http://naturallyyantan.blogspot.com

1. I'm a single mother to a nine-year old son.

2. I'm a dual homeowner. Condo at the age of 23 and house at the age of 28.

3. I have two degrees.

4. I've never been married (broke my engagement and bought the condo).

5. I terrified of snakes to the point of being phobic.

6. I worked in the same field, Information Technology, for 20 years.

7. I am 40 years old.

8. I'm obsessive in my research when it comes to things I'm passionate about.

9. I have very few friends and keep a small social circle.

10. I prefer to date younger men.

My Ten tags are:

afroqueenshae @ Afroniquely You

allegna @ N2aWoman

Kcurly @ Newly Natural

knaps @ Knaps I Love Being Me

Marsha @ Wild Haired Woman

Natural Leslie at Naturally Leslie

Onyxcabelo @ Curls Defined

Sonya @ A Day in the Life of a Bored Nappy

Wes @ Honey Brown Sugar

Z @ Leave in the Kinks

zainab1

Stop through and check out my girl zainab1's fabulous and EXTENSIVE post "How to Oil Your Hair Properly". Be sure to visit her blog Au Naturale again soon! You will not regret the visit.

And, she posted the image below of my NEW HAIR IDOL. OMG! I'm in LOVE, AGAIN. LOL

Natural Hair Community Entrepreneur, Ekua of AyurNatural Beauty

I met the beautiful and elegant Ekua on Naturallycurly.com's Curltalk Hair forum and we immediately became online friends.

Ekua has a beautiful spirit that shines through from a far and I'm privileged to have the honor of debuting her new oline Ayurvedic market, AyurNatural Beauty.



AyurNatural Beauty is a beauty and health boutique carrying Ayurvedic herbal essentials for the hair, face, skin, & overall health. Product offerings range from Ayurvedic remedies for hair loss, hair growth, anti-aging, clear skin, digestion, weight loss, and others.

Some of the products you will find at AyurNatural Beauty are:

Hesh Pharma Herbals including Amla, Brahmi, Neem, Shikakai and many others.
Mehandi Henna
Herbal Hair Care
Herbal Skin Care
Herbal Supplements
Herbal Hair Loss

I myself have often went to online Indian stores to order an Ayurvedic product after reading the rave reviews on many of the popular hair boards, but have quickly backed out my order due to outrageous shipping prices. Often times, the shipping is as much or more than the actual product so I'm excited to find a supplier that will meet the needs of us all. INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING IS ALSO AVAILABLE!

Now, on the the interview...
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What is it that the online Natural Hair community should know about you?
Hi, I’m Ekua, pronounced (eh-kwee-ah) even though most people say (eh-koo-ah). It’s an Akan (Ghana) name for a Wednesday born female. Now that the name curiosity is out of the way... lol….

In general, I’m just a woman trying to navigate through this thing called life and have fun in the process. I’ve been described as that cool sister that people would like to have. I think that comes from a combination of things, like my humor, my loyalty, my insight and keen intuition, and my protective ways. For me, I just like helping people and if I’m not helping, then I don’t feel like I’m serving my life’s purpose. I want people to be better from having known me. That’s how I operate my life.

I’ve been natural for over a year now. It’s been an interesting experience of personal rediscovery. Learning your natural hair truly is a journey, sometimes sweet, sometimes frustratinG. Although I have a ways to go, I already know that I’m committed to my natural hair for life. I really have come to love my hair and in that, I’m loving myself even more.
Oh yeah, I’m also married, mother of one handsome son, and I own a smart, but crazy Jack Russell terrier… she’s barking at a neighbor right now… lol

What motivated you to start your own online retail store?
The experiences and stories of women on various hair boards.

I’ve only been on hair boards since late last year. I lurked a lot at first before becoming active. From then until now, no matter what hair board I visit, there’s this common reoccurrence of women who would love to try ayurvedic and herbal products from India for their hair and skin, but they don’t have local access to a store that sells them. Many of these women report that most online alternatives have been either unaffordable, didn’t have all of the products they were looking for, or just had poor customer service -- sometimes a combo of things. I felt really lucky to be able to find what I needed locally, but once I experienced how beneficial ayurvedic herbs were to my hair and skin, I started selling a little of my personal stash on the side, just so they could share in the benefits too. The thing is, there is only so much you can get at the Indian stores on ground, and only so many offerings per store, so I knew I wasn’t going to really make a difference.

It’s funny how divine ordinance works. When your intentions are really true, the solution does come. Not even a few days later, I was out trying to refill my own stash after just having sold all that I had to a nice sister online. It was that day I met the person who could give me access to much of what I was looking for. From there I went to work with a partner, doing research, building the store, competitive analysis, and all the other necessary tasks that need to take place before doing business.

Thus AyurNatural Beauty was born. It’s my hope that AyurNatural Beauty will bridge that gap to provide the access, for great prices, with great customer service. It’s really just that simple.

What will one find at AyurNatural Beauty?
You will find popular health and beauty herbal products directly manufactured in India where Ayurveda has been a way of life for thousands of years. We carry all Hesh brand powders for hair and skin, ranging from alma to brahmi to rose petal powder to manjishta to kalpi tone to kapoor kachli and so forth. You’ll find a number of hair oils by Dabur. We also have a private label Rajasthani mehndi henna in a fine and even finer premium sift for great prices! You’ll also find interesting offerings that are lesser known, such as Vicco Tumeric Skin cream which is great for skin irritations including eczema. We have a new hair fall solution by Parachute, Kalonji Oil (black seed oil), a number of herbal supplements and more!

Where do you hope to see the store a year from now?
Well, this first year will be about establishment of relationships with my customers as well as with other vendors and suppliers. A year from now, I’m hoping to expand AyurNatural Beauty’s offerings to not just include brand names, but also ingredients as well. I’ve already received a few requests to get in more ayurvedic and herbal oils and additional botanical powders and believe me, I am working on it! Eventually, I’d like to provide offerings from Africa, and not just shea butter and cocoa butter, but also lesser known herbs that have great beauty and health benefits. Still that may be a while coming. Ultimately, I hope to be a one stop shop, offering access to ayurvedic and herbal product brands as well as herbal ingredients that aren’t widely available, while keeping it all relatively affordable.

Anything else you’d like the readers to know?
Hmmm…

I’m working on a blog that will provide news on store updates, specials, and more information about the products that are carried in the store. One of the features that I will have is an Ayurvedic Herb Spotlight, where I will focus on one herb, such as amla or brahmi, provide information, and share experiences and allow for readers to share their experiences as well.
From time to time, I may add something random, but the blog will be primarily an extension of AyurNatural Beauty – The Store.

For those who like to add cassia and indigo to their henna mixtures, we will have cassia and indigo powders to offer very shortly!

Also, there will be a One Day Sale sometime in late August! More details will come soon, so stay tuned!

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A giveway from AyurNatural Beauty will be announced in the near future so, STAY TUNED!

Special thanks to you Ekua!

I wish you much success with this endeavor.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is know to promote healthy, strong, thick hair. It is rich in amino acids, proteins, and vitamin A, B1, B2, D, E, and Beta carotene. It is one of the few oils that act as a humectant so it adds moisture to the hair.

It is commonly used as a lubricant in both cosmetics and hair products due to it's moisturizing and regenerative properties. It feels light and is an excellent emollient. It is comprised mainly of linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid. It also contains several other fatty acids.
It can be used on both dry and wet hair. Based on my research, many people find it to be better for dry hair.

You can also use it to infuse herbs resulting in a rich conditioner. You can also use it to treat scalp problems because it penetrates to nourish the scalp. It also encourage healthy hair growth and women overseas have relied on it for years.

Yes To Carrots Pampering Hair Mud Conditioner

On the manufacturer web site:
Feel glamorous everyday with C is for Conditioner, ideal for smoothing and taming even the most wayward hair.

Our C is for Conditioner combines Dead Sea Mud, organic carrot, organic pumpkin, organic sweet potato, organic melon and organic orange – simply delicious.

On the bottle:
Why we C?
Hair should be touchable, like a big plate of yummy carrots. C is for Conditioner because C is ideal for smoothing and taming even the most wayward hair. C is for Conditioner will nourish, condition and soften, inspiring tangle free and healthy hair. Excellent for soothing dry scalp.

How to C?
Directions: After shampooing, apply conditioner generously to your hair and massage onto the scalp for 2 minutes while thinking about your next vacation. Leave for 2-3 minutes. Wash thoroughly and comb while wet.

Now you C!
Yes to Carrots is a new concept in skin and hair care that combines vitamins and minerals with juices from the “orange color” product group and Dead Sea Mud. Dead Sea Mud has world renowned detoxifying properties including 26 minerals which cleanse, detoxify and mineralize the hair and skin naturally. Orange fruits and vegetables are rich in Beta-Carotene, well known for its anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties. Contains no animal ingredients. Paraben Free.

Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Dead Sea Water (Maris Aqua), Silt (Maris Limus), Magnesium Chloride, Chamomila Recutita (Chamomile) Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Calendula Officinalis Oil, Daucus Carota (Carrot) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota (Carrot) Juice, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Juice, Ipomoera Batatas (Sweet Potato) Extract, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Honey (Mel) Extract, Fragrance (Parfum), Dimethicone, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ) Oil, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Cetrimonium Chloride, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Peel Extract.

Review:

Yes to Carrots was thick and rich, which was a pleasant surprise. It also had a very pleasant light but fragrant smell.

I love thick conditioners so it felt great going into my hair. I deep conditioned with it for about an hour using a store bought conditioning cap.

This was the first time I've use a conditioner with cones since going natural.

It was probably psychological but my hair felt coated after rinsing with my bands in. So, I removed my bands and re-rinsed section by section.

My hair was very soft and manageable after the final rinse. I immediately applied Beauty Without Cruelty leave-in.

Will I use again? Heck yeah, I have a full bottle. lol. But seriously, it was a great conditioner and a little goes a long way. Bonus, you get 16 ounces for $7.99 and, it's available at select Target, Walgreens and Walmart stores and various others.

Sound the Trumpets...We have a Winner!

The Winner of the 100-Follower Giveaway is Shoshoni aka imadime_peace. Shoshoni is the creator of the blog, Sho-Fly...Natural Hair Flyness.

Shoni, Please send your mailing address to me at rcarson@triad.rr.com so that I can get your package in the mail. Also, please come back and provide us with a review of your winnings.

Thanks to all who participated.

~Kinky Rhonnie

The image, The Watchman’s Trumpet, was provided by yarsyn's photostream on Flickr.

Don't Forget the Giveaway!

Someone is going to be a winner, why not you?

Details of the giveaway can be viewed "here".

Remember, the deadline for entry is Sunday July 12th at midnight.

100 Follower Giveaway

The lucky winner will receive:
1-Ivory 100% Silk Pretty Wrap compliments of Ali at Pretty Wrap and
1-4 oz. Natural Coils Curling Jelly compliments of Lysandra at Darcy's Botanicals

The lucky winner will be the 18th person who emails me at rcarson@triad.rr.com a suggested feature that you would like to see added to the blog. If the idea is product related, it MUST be related to Organic, Natural, and Vegan products ONLY.

Rules:
You must be a blog follower to enter (Please include your blogger id for verification).
Only one submission per person.
This idea MUST be something that you haven't seen on any other blog that you follow.

The email must be received Sunday, July 12 midnight. The subject line SHOULD read Giveaway.

BLOG COMMENTS ON THE SITE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS AN ENTRY.

Let's get the party started...

Aryurvedic Hair Care Remedies

* Henna: conditions and strenghtens.

* Shikakai:
promotes hair growth

* Neem:
relieves dry, itchy scalp
widely used in ayurvedic hair oils
Used to treat scalp disorders and psoriasis
gives you shiny, silky, stronger hair
encourages growth.

* Amla:
promotes hair growth
thickens hair
prevents premature graying.

* Methi (fenugreek):
Reduces hair loss, and thinning
Treats dandruff.

* Bhringraj:
improves the condition of the hair
improves quality of hair color
promotes healthy scalp and hair

* Brahmi:
Improves hair growth
Memory enhancer

* Nagarmotha:
Stimulates hair root
Treats scalp disorders

* Ginger:
Increases blood circulation to your scalp
Promotes faster hair growth

* Hibiscus:
Astringent for oily hair
Soothes eczema
Treats dry scalp conditions

Information obtained from http://hennablogspot.com/

Time to Celebrate AGAIN!

Hey everybody,

We celebrated 50 users on May 1, 2009 and today we celebrate 101 followers.

As promised, a celebration give-a-way will be forthcoming VERY SOON!

Stay tuned as I work out the details.

Special thanks to everyone that has decided to follow the blog!

~Kinky Rhonnie

Pretty Wrap is Having a Sale!!!

The ivory and strawberry ice wraps are both on sale for $9.99 for a limited time.

Pretty Wrap is a 100% silk bonnet that covers your entire head but looks like a typical head scarf. Nonabsorbent fabrics like silk, are highly recommended for protecting your hair at night because they help with moisture retention and prevent dryness by allowing your hair's protective oils and moisture to remain in tact...

The company also offers a variety of 100% silk headbands at VERY affordable prices.

Click "here" to read my complete review.