As an avid tea drinker, I’ve been called a ‘tea addict,’ ‘tea-aholic’ and ‘tea obsessed.’ My friends know that when they come to my house, they will be offered a cup of tea, then a choice of tea from my cupboard full of various types and brands of teas. From locally made loose leaf, to the tried and true Celestial Seasonings, I’ve accumulated a good size collection, which I am constantly adding to. That being said, I enjoy tea, and even more, I love to try new teas and learn about different companies and their unique ‘tea practices.’ When I had the opportunity to try Denver based Teatulía, how could I say no? I’m glad that I didn’t.

Teatulía is named for the region where the tea is grown in Northern Bangladesh. Grown from a single garden in an organic cooperative, Teatulía plants are cultivated by hand, and nurtured by Mother Nature. The garden is located in a pristine environment, nestled against the Himalayas to the North and the Brahmaputra and Ganges Rivers to the South, which offers the perfect climate and location for the plants to thrive. Teatulía is grown 100% organically without the use of pesticides or artificial fertilizers, and the taste of the tea reflects the love and care given to the gardens.

Teatulía offers a line of 9 organic teas, each unique and delicately tasting in its own way. From the smooth, subtle flavor of Black Tea, refreshing White Tea, Spicy Ginger, floral Earl of Bengal, herbal infused Tulsi, energizing Peppermint, earthy Green Tea and more, Teatulía teas are exceptionally high quality, and outshine any of the other teas in my personal collection. Although I enjoyed trying all of Teatulía’s flavors, I have to say that my two favorite were the White Tea and Green Tea, both offering a subtle, smooth flavor that lasts and lasts.

As a self-proclaimed green tea addict, I was naturally drawn to Teatulía’s Green Tea, which has a pure, delicate taste. The green tea world is vast, and within it are many different types of green tea, but from my experience trying various green teas, I’d say that Teatulía’s falls at the perfect medium of ‘not too grassy’ and ‘not strong enough.’ It’s subtle, yet very flavorful, and the tea bag lasts for at least 2 full cups of tea. I will definitely be buying this one!

Teatulía’s White Tea is equally delicious in its own right, and offers a very distinct white tea flavor. Some white teas have the tendency to be weak, or have a more floral taste, but Teatulía’s White Tea is very smooth, yet crisp tasting. At first glance, it doesn’t look so much like a white tea, and is almost brown. However, once you get a taste of its magic, you won’t want any other!

In addition to the company’s delicious, organically grown teas, there’s more. As a company, Teatulía is dedicated to sustainable business practices, and social responsibility is engrained in their DNA. When it comes to environmental integrity, all of Teatulía’s packages are handcrafted and made from biodegradable materials, and each Teatulía tea bag is made from corn silk, which is also biodegradable. In addition, the Teatulía Cooperative creates sustainable prosperity for Bangladeshi women, men and children through education, entrepreneurship, health and cattle-lending programs. Who knew that one tea company could make such a difference in the world?

Whether you are a tea connoisseur, or tea novice, I highly recommend trying Teatulía. In my opinion, there are only a few others out there that can even compare to the high quality offered by this company, in addition to the environmental integrity and social responsibility they stand for. On that note, I’m going to pour myself another cup! Cheers, and as Teatulía says, “To Health. To Life. To Tea.”

We have a winner! Of the SpaBuzz Buzzworthy Brand Contest, that is. Throughout 2010 we collected contest submissions from spa brand lovers around the country. Entrants of the contest not only provided samples of their brand’s products, but answered a series of questions about the brand, how it came to be, how it is different from others, and why it is “buzzworthy.” Companies that entered were taking their chance at winning a $2,500 Spa Buzz sponsorship at a 2011 SpaBuzz event, which will garner buzzworthy brand exposure among the leading spa industry professionals. After careful deliberation by the SpaBuzz expert team, has been chosen a winner - OSEA Skincare, an innovative marine-based skincare line that brings together vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids derived from the earth and sea.

OSEA provides luxury skincare products to improve and maintain a person’s skin. Developed with the highest quality USDA organic certified seaweed, OSEA’s products offer the many natural benefits of the plant, including rich vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, high amounts of trace elements, enhanced blood and lymph circulation, skim firming and softening. OSEA’s line of cleansers, hydrators, moisturizers, masks, serums, eye and lip care and body care restore skin to its highest level of health.

While there were many wonderful brands that participate in the Buzzworthy Brand Competition, the OSEA products stood out from the rest in packaging, performance and sustainable business initiatives.  The SpaBuzz expert team had the opportunity to use OSEA’s Ocean Cleanser and Atmosphere Protection Cream, and within a couple of weeks of use, the team experienced a noticeable difference in skin firmness, appearance and moisture levels.  

The OSEA Ocean Cleanser is a gentle marine-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and impurities while hydrating and re-mineralizing the skin. What stood out about this cleanser is that it easily removed a day’s makeup, and did not leave the skin feeling tight or dry afterward. Made from 100% natural ingredients, including a mineral rich variety of marine algae which is extremely high in vitamins, mineral salts and amino acids, the cleanser is free of any artificial ingredients, and offers the utmost cleansing power compared to other natural cleansers we have tried.

Post cleansing, the team regularly applied OSEA’s Atmosphere Protection Cream, which is a wonderful lightweight moisturizer that leaves the skin feeling soft, without greasiness or a heavy feeling. What’s great about this moisturizer is that it both hydrates the skin and protects from environmental elements and pollution. In today’s world, we cannot always control the environments in which we are, however, this vitamin-rich cream heals skin exposed to the elements, including sun, wind and stress, offering a sense of assurance every time you step outside. The best part? This moisturizer absorbs quickly and easily, allowing for smooth make-up application.

In addition to the company’s diverse line of luxury skincare products, OSEA is dedicated to practicing conscious business aligned with nature, and participates in numerous environmental and sustainability initiatives. Not only does the company use recyclable glass bottles for all if its packaging, OSEA was the first company to sign The Compact for Global Production of Safe Health and Beauty Products in 2002, which is a pledge to phase out the use of toxic chemicals in all beauty products. In addition, OSEA products are 100% free of synthetic fragrances, genetically modified ingredients, petrochemicals, parabens, and sulfates. All products are certified vegan and biodegradable. The company’s founder, Jenefer Palmer, is a sought-after natural beauty expert and advocate for safe, healthy, environmentally friendly cosmetic ingredients. In her words,"Safe cosmetics are a consumer's right and our earth's rightful due."

At SpaBuzz, we are constantly searching for effective, natural skincare and spa brands that are not only effective, but incorporate a mission of environmental stewardship and respect for nature into their business practices. OSEA is an exemplary company that goes above and beyond performance and sustainability, and because of that, we are honored to feature OSEA as the 2011 SpaBuzz Buzzworthy Brand Contest winner!

When it comes to fashion, I’m torn. On one hand, I enjoy a good bargain, and frequently find myself in inexpensive stores, trying to find one-of-a-kind pieces at discount prices. On the other hand, I work in the green industry and I know that choosing inexpensive garments, made overseas, is not the most eco-conscious or socially responsible choice. So what is a girl to do? How do I merry my passion for the environment and social responsibility with my bank account? Luckily there is a solution out there, where unique fashion accessories and social action collide, providing conscious consumers a choice, and the opportunity to look super chic without breaking the bank. That solution is Annie O. Boutique.

Based in Boulder, CO, Annie O. Boutique designs and sources beautifully hand crafted women’s accessories, working directly with female artisan cooperatives around the world. The company creates stunning handbags, embroidered belts, scarves and other accessories using local materials, blending ancient techniques and contemporary design. What is amazing about Annie O., is that through the company’s work with female artisan cooperatives, many women that live in impoverishment and are often victims of domestic violence are provided an opportunity to showcase their artistic skills, make a living and have an improved quality of life. If you ask me, that is an amazing impact, created by one woman (Annie O.) with a passion for design and vision of a better world.

Not only are Annie O. accessories socially conscious, they are uniquely hand-crafted and intricately made.  I guarantee that you will not find as unique pieces as Annie O.’s belts, handbags, scarves and other accessories in your local shopping mall. I personally had the opportunity to wear one of Annie O.’s hand-made belts and use one of her handbags , and I have to say, never before have I received so many compliments!

The Annie O. belt I have worn many times now, is a powder blue, delicately embroidered with vibrant images of floral and detailed bird designs. Hand woven, the belt is made using wool thread and is complimented with a sustainably sourced horn buckle. This belt is not only beautiful, but is extremely versatile and can be worn over long shirts, with jeans, skirts and dresses. I love to wear it with a simple dress, adding a flair of color, or with an oversized shirt and jeans. No matter how I wear it, my outfit is always improved and I leave the house feeling confident and cool. 

The Yuli Clutch is the Annie O. Bag that I have been using on an almost daily basis. A black bag, it is embroidered with vibrant and colorful floral and bird images, and is so bright that you hardly notice the dark background behind the artwork. It’s the perfect size for keys, a small wallet, cell phone and lip gloss – a woman’s necessary items. The bag is as versatile as the belt, dressing up any formal ensemble, or pairing perfectly with any everyday outfit. The best part? Knowing that I am supporting women in need around the world by using, and promoting, this beautiful handbag and amazing company.

What I’ve learned through the discovery of Annie O. Boutique and wearing Annie’s beautiful and socially conscious accessories, is that when it comes to fashion, you don’t have to choose. Before, I was always looking for a bargain, not really thinking about the social impact of the way I was spending my fashion dollars. While I can’t promise that I will never again seek out a deal, I will definitely be more conscious about what I’m buying, where it came from, and how my purchase is helping to make the world a better place. Thanks to Annie O. Boutique, I know that there is fashion out there that I can feel good about, and that by purchasing it I am helping to create positive social change, one handbag at a time.