Monthly Archives: July 2011

Summer of Smoothies: Wild Blueberry Sweet-Tart

By Meli | Published: July 28, 2011

Blueberries are so awesome: packed with antioxidants and delicious served so many ways, pretty much everyone loves them. Wild blueberries are even more so: smaller, denser, and more flavorful than their cultivated cousins, they also contain more antioxidants per ounce, especially the superhero “purple” antioxidant anthocyanin.

I was lucky enough to come across a field of wild blueberries while hiking in the country, but you can also find these little treasures at gourmet markets starting in late July or …

Posted in Summer of Smoothies | Tagged Blueberry, Cooking, Fruit, Pomegranate juice, Smoothie, Vegan, Wild Blueberries | Comments closed

Camilla Barungi: A New Model of Economics

By Meli | Published: July 25, 2011

In the fashion business, there’s no shortage of models turned beauty entrepreneurs. The pressure to always look good – plus countless hours spent in hair and makeup – assure a comfortable expertise with what works and what doesn’t. Add some name-recognition and voilà: an opportunity for a successful product line. But Elite model (and Project Runway favorite) Camilla Barungi is putting a new twist on the theme: inspired by the interplay of beauty, nature and economics, she has found a …

Posted in Beautiful People, Beauty and Culture | Tagged Africa, African Moringa, beauty, Business and Economy, Camilla Barungi, Meli Pennington, Moringa, Project Runway, Sustainable agriculture, Uganda | Comments closed

Summer of Smoothies: Full-Color Papaya

By Meli | Published: July 21, 2011

There is a certain hot dog chain in New York City, known for its cheap two-dog specials and something called a “papaya drink.” Most New Yorkers have eaten there, or at one of its many copycats, whether we admit it or not. Ok, I’ll admit it: I like the “papaya drink.” Its mildly tropical sweetness is a really good hot dog complement, and it’s way better than the other drinks on the menu. But the metallic undertone of the original …

Posted in Summer of Smoothies | Tagged Cooking, Enzymes, Fruit, Hot dogs, Papaya, Pineapple, Smoothie, Vegan | Comments closed

Summer of Smoothies: Mint Magic

By Meli | Published: July 14, 2011

This week’s smoothie is a light, refreshing, treat, sure to beat the midsummer heat. Its base of honeydew melon provides hydration, vitamin C and potassium, and the mint refreshes with its vitamins A and C. Add the lime and grapes and you have a healthy version of a mojito – and this cocktail can be enjoyed by everyone!

Mint is historically said to have magical properties related to happy travels and money, which is perfect for right about now: …

Posted in Summer of Smoothies | Tagged Healthy, Honeydew, Lime, Magic, Mint, Mojito, Money, Smoothie, Travel, Vegan | Comments closed

Summer of Smoothies: Mango Custard

By Meli | Published: July 7, 2011

Every now and then something we make turns out so quickly, so perfectly, and so sublimely it makes us gasp. The Mango Custard smoothie is one of those things. Of course, it starts with mangoes – sweet and smooth, there’s no going wrong there. But this smoothie goes further than that: it’s sweet, luscious, and creme brûlée smooth. While it veers away from smoothie-ness, its custardy texture and sweet, tropical taste combine to make one of the most transcendent desserts …

Posted in Summer of Smoothies | Tagged Coconut, Lime, Mango, Vegan | Comments closed

Product Review: Molton Brown Ultrasmooth Coco de Mer Body Lotion

By Meli | Published: July 6, 2011

The Coco de Mer is a giant palm tree found only in the island nation of Seychelles. Before the 18th century, the palm was known only by its seeds, which used to float from the then uninhabited region to the Maldives. These seeds were known by various racy names, including the “bum seed,” a name given by sailors because their double shape reminded them of a woman’s rear end.

When Victorian explorers discovered the palms in the Seychelles, they were …

Posted in Product Reviews | Tagged Coco de Mer, Garden of Eden, Lotion, Molton Brown, Saks Fifth Avenue, Seychelles | Comments closed

Other People’s Makeup: Deborah Buck

By Meli | Published: July 5, 2011

“I’m a painter, and that inspires my sense of color,” says Deborah Buck, an artist whose paintings have been translated into fabric designs, and the owner of Buck House, a home furnishings and jewelry store on New York’s Upper East Side.

“This is my little bag I carry with me everywhere, it’s got my favorite brushes in it as well. I like a mix of high-end and drugstore brands. Sometimes the best things are at the corner drugstore. I …