The Bella Luccè Buzz


Shop at Bella Lucce!
Discover global beauty in our webstore where shipping is always free for orders over $75.

register to win a Bella Luccè gift box!
enter your e-mail address here:
Product Spotlight
Madagascar Vanilla
Nilotica Lip Care

One of my favorite products from our new African Adventures Collection has to be our Madagascar Vanilla Nilotica Lip Care. A rich blend of organic, fair trade Nilotica shea butter form Uganda and five exotic oils from all over the African continent, it glides effortlessly across the lips to soothe, enrich and nourish. Infused with kiss of Madagascar vanilla absolute and a dash of clementine essential oil, it smells positively divine…and it’s 100% natural, too!

Latest Obsession
Paper Bead Necklaces
from Bead For Life


In July, I traveled to Kampala and had the good fortune to be mentored by a nonprofit working in Uganda to help eradicate extreme poverty. Bead For Life teaches women to roll paper beads and string them into gorgeous, colorful jewelry. They buy the beads at fair trade prices and provide literacy and business training to the beaders, with the goal of empowering women to start their own businesses when they finish the 15 month program. If you’d like to help support their valuable mission (and score some beautiful jewelry in the process!), then you can pick up their necklaces, bracelets and earrings right here. The Maadala necklaces are my personal favorites!

Monthly Poll

Two weeks and $10,000 to kill. Where to?

  • Thailand & Vietnam
    25.9% 25.9%
  • Iceland & Scandinavia
    25.1% 25.1%
  • Conqering South Africa
    10.3% 10.3%
  • Peru & Brazil
    38.6% 38.6%
Total votes: 370
Ingredient of the Month
Baobab Oil

The most famous tree in all of Africa, the baobab is nicknamed the “upside down tree” because its braches look like roots sticking up in the air. A myriad of folklore surrounds the baobab: in West Africa, natives believe that spirits inhabit the flowers and lions devour anyone foolish enough to pluck a bloom. In Zambia, it’s considered good luck to wash the seeds in a river as it wards off crocodiles. In Nigeria, the tree is revered as a symbol of fertility and couples marry beneath its branches. The seed of the baobab fruit is pressed to yield a luscious oil celebrated for its ability to quickly absorb and soften skin without clogging pores. Say it: Bow-o-bab. Native to Kenya.

Find it in: Baobab & Red Tea Naturally Nourishing Shampoo, Madagascar Vanilla Nilotica Lip Care, Argan & Acacia Rich Body Creme

Food For Thought

“The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority.”

~ Ralph W. Sockman

Home Spa Ritual
Cooling Cucumber Mask

The perfect remedy on a warm spring day, this softening mask utilizes our favorite skin treats from your pantry!

1/2 cucumber
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
1/2 tablespoon yogurt

Toss peeled and deseeded cucumber into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add honey, cream and yogurt and blend for 45 more seconds. To use: massage mask onto freshly cleansed skin. Grab a good book and relax for 10-15 minutes. Splash face with cool water to remove. Store any remaining mask in a covered container in the refrigerator and use within 4 days.

Drumroll, please...
Congratulations to:

Christine B. of Akron, Ohio. As our latest drawing winner, she’s enjoying a host of goodies from our new Asian Indulgences Collection. It’s a package worth more than $75…congratulations!

Want your chance to win? Enter here.

Search

Search our past spotlights and articles!

   
Blogroll

I highly recommend the following cozy nooks and places of interest- they represent some of my favorite stops on the web.

NY Times Travel Blog : For those days when you're trapped in your office, but dream of snorkeling expeditions to Belize or biking through Spain.

Yoga Journal : An ever-changing source of information about yoga, meditation and healthy cooking.

Women's Rights Blog : An eye-opening look at the state of women's rights around the globe.

Daily Candy : Unwrap a surprise in your email inbox every morning. It's the only site you'll ever need for the latest in travel, culture, nibbles and libations.

101 Cookbooks : Delectable new recipes every single day. Never fret over what to make for dinner again!

The Safe Cosmetics Act needs to be more in tune with science

August 25, 2010

Cosmetic Design asked me to write a comment article on the new cosmetic legislation pending in the US House of Representatives. I was honored to do so and my article was published today. If you brush your teeth, take a...

Continue reading The Safe Cosmetics Act needs to be more in tune with science

Rain, rain…go away!

January 21, 2010

Being a buddhist, I have a fabulous spiritual teacher known as a Gesha-la. He's a tiny Tibetan man with an endearing spirit and more wisdom in his pinky than I have in my entire body. He also happen to make...

Continue reading Rain, rain…go away!

Today is World AIDS Day

December 1, 2009

The World AIDS Campaign is a global coalition of national, regional and international civil society groups united by the call for governments to honour their AIDS commitments under the slogan "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise." The campaign is governed by...

Continue reading Today is World AIDS Day

Mumbai- Inspired Summer Lemonade

May 29, 2009

A few years ago, my mother and I were traveling abroad and we discovered the world's most perfect lemonade in Mumbai, India. I've been on a quest to recreate it ever since and I've come dangerously close to succeeding. Here's...

Continue reading Mumbai- Inspired Summer Lemonade

Roasted Garlic & Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

April 23, 2009

I tweeted last night that I made the most a-m-a-z-i-n-g Roasted Garlic & Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and my friend Nicole asked for the recipe. I figured that as long as I’m typing, I might as well share it here, too!...

Continue reading Roasted Garlic & Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Celebrate Earth Day

April 22, 2009

Today is Earth Day, a celebration of all things natural and a time dedicated to understanding our environmental impact. This is one my favorite days of the year...I encourage you to do something special today to honor Mother Earth. Here...

Continue reading Celebrate Earth Day

Do you believe in miracles?

April 6, 2009

I am not even certain how to say this, but our Samadhi is alive and well. A bit of backstory, if you'll indulge me for a moment... The last weekend in March, I took my girls to Atlanta, to participate...

Continue reading Do you believe in miracles?

A life well lived…

April 1, 2009

My precious Samadhi was diagnosed with a brain tumor on March 30th and passed away the very next day. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes and dust to dust. She was my constant companion, a dear friend, a beloved member...

Continue reading A life well lived…

Yummy Corn Chowder

February 24, 2009

I posted on Twitter that I made a delicious corn chowder last night and received several requests for the recipe...your wish is my command. 3 oz. butter 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic 2 tsp. cumin 4 cups...

Continue reading Yummy Corn Chowder

Oprah wants to help you get your spa on….

February 19, 2009

Mr. Oprah Winfrey herself is helping demystify the spa...from how far to undress to how much to tip and what to do with a chatterbox technician. You can check out all the details right here....

Continue reading Oprah wants to help you get your spa on….

Now is the time!

September 18, 2008

If you have ever been moved by the mission of Women For Women but have been hesitant to donate, then I urge you to consider the opportunity once again. Zainab Salib, founder of Women For Women, has just sent out...

Continue reading Now is the time!

Easy Taco Soup

August 31, 2008

In betwixt managing two busy kids, one patient husband, the pets, the business and a home, I do manage to cook a few times per week. My two children and I are staunch vegetarians, but you wouldn’t know it by...

Continue reading Easy Taco Soup

Meditate on this…

July 15, 2008

I absolutely love the way a simple quote can be so succint and thought-provoking. I am not the most eloquent of gals, so I am somewhat of a quote collector. I came across this one today and have it taped...

Continue reading Meditate on this…

Bagels and coffee, anyone?

July 8, 2008

Donna Maria Coles-Johnson, the president of the Indie Beauty Network, author of the Indie Business Blog and respected small business advisor, is taking her show on the road. Together, we've arranged a breakfast for all sorts of indie entrepreneurs on...

Continue reading Bagels and coffee, anyone?

Gas prices got you down?

July 3, 2008

Join the club. I have traveled quite a bit in the last week and have nearly passed out from shock each time I have pulled up at the pump. They say that every cloud has a silver lining...you may have...

Continue reading Gas prices got you down?

Small beauty companies need our help!

June 27, 2008

Congressman Dingell, chairman of the Congressional Committee on Energy and Commerce, is currrently reviewing legislation designed to overhaul the federal regulations governing beauty companies. The Food And Drug Administration Globalization Act of 2008 proposes new registration fees (up to $12,000...

Continue reading Small beauty companies need our help!

How you eat really DOES make a difference!

June 16, 2008

A few years ago, I decided to radically change the way my family eats. In search of a healthier body, kinder karma and a better planet, my children and I transitioned to a strictly vegetarian diet. Despite whispers from family...

Continue reading How you eat really DOES make a difference!

Remembering September 11th

September 11, 2007

This is always such a difficult day, isn’t it? For the last six years, September 11th has been a consistently blue day for me…I am still so terribly saddened by the historic events that changed our country on this day...

Continue reading Remembering September 11th

Ladies Who Launch is coming to a city near you!

August 17, 2007

Nothing has been more empowering to me as a woman than owning my own business. While entrepreneurship is certainly not for everyone, there's a unique slice of the population that it's perfectly suited to. Whether you're a woman who's starting...

Continue reading Ladies Who Launch is coming to a city near you!

Happy Earth Day! (& new product launch)

April 22, 2007

Hoping your Earth Day is blessed and that we all take time to smell the roses and do something kind for the planet. I spent this weekend at the New Jersey shore with Tina & Beth Ann (we're working on...

Continue reading Happy Earth Day! (& new product launch)

Good Stuff on TV this evening

February 26, 2007

I have long been a fan of Oprah Winfrey and I fell in love with her all over again when I learned she was opening a school for girls in South Africa. Tune in to ABC tonight at 10/9 central...

Continue reading Good Stuff on TV this evening

Washington DC in pictures

February 1, 2007

As soon as we got off the plane, it began to snow pretty hard. My girls were ecstatic as we rarely ever see snow in our native South Carolina. This is the babes trying to catch snowflakes on their...

Continue reading Washington DC in pictures

This kid is so neat…

January 24, 2007

Completely off topic and a tad more personal than is the norm for me, but I have to tell you how proud I am of this kid. That’s Chloe, my 9 year old daughter (and her pal Ash) . For...

Continue reading This kid is so neat…

Happy MLK Day

January 15, 2007

For those of us in the states, today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day...a time to remember a man of incredible stature and vision. I try to read a bit more about MLK each year and spend at least a...

Continue reading Happy MLK Day

My favorite reading this season

December 11, 2006

I love both giving and receiving awesome books. Though I love to read, I tend to do it in spurts, consuming a dozen books in the span of a month or two and then not picking up another book for...

Continue reading My favorite reading this season

Let’s say “thanks” to our troops this holiday

December 6, 2006

My dear friend Stacy (hi Stacy!) sent me a fabulous website that I wanted to share with you. Xerox is sponsoring an amazing program designed to show America's gratitude to those troops stationed overseas this holiday season. By visiting their...

Continue reading Let’s say “thanks” to our troops this holiday

Please help bring James Kim home…

December 5, 2006

As you may have heard from the national media, a harrowing search for one California family has had a remarkable twist: Kati Kim and her two children, missing in the Oregon wildnerness for 9 days, have been found safely. Her...

Continue reading Please help bring James Kim home…

Today’s Top Ten

December 4, 2006

Top Ten Reasons to Attend the CRAVE Holiday Shopping Party 10. Get your Holiday Shopping done..."All in one night, All in one place!" 9. Spend quality shopping time with your GAL-PALS 8. Make a wish list for what YOU want...

Continue reading Today’s Top Ten

Your daily stop for inspiration

November 13, 2006

Daryn Kagan, CNN News Anchor veteran, has just unveiled her latest project: DarynKagan.com. Launching today, the website is designed to promote good in the world by "showing the world what's possible." I've already been there this morning and it's a...

Continue reading Your daily stop for inspiration

Tomorrow is election day

November 6, 2006

Tomorrow is an important date for all Americans: it’s time to vote. And I want to take a moment to plead for your vote…not for a specific candidate, but for the candidate who most embodies your ideals. It seems that...

Continue reading Tomorrow is election day

Get involved to beautify your local community…

September 22, 2006

I was unaware of this event until just recently, but someone enlightened me about National Public Lands Day and I think it's a phenomenal idea. From their website: National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to...

Continue reading Get involved to beautify your local community…

Remembering 9.11.01

September 11, 2006

Hug your babies today and take a minute to remember those who aren't with us anymore. May we foster peace and seek to change the current climate so that our country never has to endure that horror again... "You must...

Continue reading Remembering 9.11.01

Facing The Facts

September 8, 2006

I am not especially gifted at cooking. I rarely have the time and, when I finally commit to a meal, it’s usually one of 12 I have in perpetual rotation. Same dinner, different day…we typically do takeout or frozen dinners...

Continue reading Facing The Facts

The neatest thing since sliced bread…

July 26, 2006

Last time I was in Indy, I noticed a new industry emerging- a small avalanche of shops destined to make dinnertime a whole lot easier for mommies everywhere. These shops plan a dozen meals each day, post the recipe, slice...

Continue reading The neatest thing since sliced bread…

Pray for Mumbai…

July 11, 2006

Mumbai was hit with an unconscionable terrorist attack today. The target was the local train system and more than 100 people are feared dead. Mom and I were just there last month and I know those trains were full of...

Continue reading Pray for Mumbai…

Soda Pop & Ice Cream: Waxing Philosophical About
Business Ethics

July 6, 2006

I stumbled upon a fascinating story yesterday while perusing CNN.com and its details occupied a large portion of my thoughts last evening. I read the story several times and it proved fertile ground for an intriguing discussion with my husband....

Continue reading
Soda Pop & Ice Cream: Waxing Philosophical About
Business Ethics


Today is World Refugee Day

June 20, 2006

There are currently more than 19 million refuges in the world. Stew on that number for a minute…19 million. Not sure what a refugee is? Start here; it's not an easy read, but it is an incredibly valuable one. The...

Continue reading Today is World Refugee Day

Happy Father’s Day!

June 18, 2006

Today will be a blur of grilling and baking in honor of Father's Day. I'm making all my husband's favorites and thought I'd share the recipes. Keep in mind that this is not exactly light fare, just good ole' Southern...

Continue reading Happy Father’s Day!

Reason #8,674 to love the Dave Matthews Band

May 4, 2006

Not that I really needed another one, but…DMB has just pledged $1.5 million for new home construction in Katrina-battered New Orleans. The funds are the result of a recent benefit concert in Denver, CO aimed at raising funds for the...

Continue reading Reason #8,674 to love the Dave Matthews Band

I *heart* Von Maur

April 21, 2006

I was in Indianapolis earlier this week visiting some of my favorite people on the planet. While there, I did some shopping for my upcoming trip and found myself in Von Maur. I am a stickler for incredible customer service...

Continue reading I *heart* Von Maur

Trickle Up offers a field update…

March 16, 2006

The following is an update provided to Bella Luccè from Ezra Simon, the Program Officer for Africa via Trickle Up. Bella Luccè has partnered with Trickle Up for the 2006 calendar year, specifically supporting their Mali program. Mr. Simon has...

Continue reading Trickle Up offers a field update…

World AIDS Day 2005

December 1, 2005

Today marks an in incredibly important today- World AIDS Day 2005. Please take a moment to consider these sobering statistics: There are 40.3 MILLION people around the world living with HIV/AIDS today There will be an estimated 4.9 MILLION people...

Continue reading World AIDS Day 2005

Our thoughts are with you…

August 31, 2005

I am absolutely stunned by the footage beginning to trickle out of the Southeast US, showing the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. My thoughts are certainly with those affected by this tragedy. Please consider what you can do to help…the...

Continue reading Our thoughts are with you…

Have you signed the pledge?

June 22, 2005

Driven by a virtual powerhouse of stars (including Bono of U2, Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, and a host of others), the ONE Campaign seeks to rally Americans to action in an effort to step up the fight against global poverty...

Continue reading Have you signed the pledge?

Proof positive that chocolate really IS good for you!

June 20, 2005

The NY Times ran a wonderful article last Thursday about the benefits of chocolate in skincare. Quoting from that article: What researchers do know is that cocoa's antioxidant potential compares favorably to that of green tea. The antioxidant potential of...

Continue reading Proof positive that chocolate really IS good for you!

Questions, comments, feedback? Write me at thebuzz@bellalucce.com, or browse my Mission Statement.

©2005-2008 Bella Luccè   All Rights Reserved
Site Design by Ryan Design Studio

Syndicate The Buzz [ Atom - RSD - RSS 1.0 - RSS 2.0 ]