It’s one thing to find an all-natural product line that nourishes and heals the skin; it’s another to find one that also nourishes the soul. Basa Body does both and the story behind the company is worth telling in their own words:

It began with a trip to Kenya where we connected with wonderful, intelligent women working hard to feed their families. We met with the women of Mombasa and visited the first small-scale coconut oil plant called Coast Coconut Farms where they produced pure organic coconut oil by hand. Determined to find a way to assist them in selling their oil and to help them grow their business, we came home and through the help of many good people, created Basa Body (named after the women of Mombasa). It is our hope that by sharing this natural healing lotion with their inspiring story, we can help lift these women of Africa out of poverty and help them become self-reliant.

Basa Body’s products are infused with organic virgin coconut oil, which nourishes, hydrates and rejuvenates the skin. The company works hard to keep their coconut body products 100% natural with no artificial ingredients, which means their great for sensitive skin. The line consists of lotion, a body stick and soaps, all made from 100% natural coconut oil and the finest natural ingredients. Basa Body products actually help the skin heal.

I received their Basa “Kiss Me” gift pack (see photo), which included the Basa Body Coconut Oil lotion, Basa Body Stick push tube, Mint Chocolate Truffle Soap and Cherry Chocolate Truffle Soap. The first thing I wanted to do when I opened the box was take a huge bite from the mint chocolate soap—it smelled that good! Plus it came in a cute candy-like paper wrapper, so can you blame me? I tested every product except the cherry chocolate soap (not a cherry fan) and the Basa Body Stick was by far my favorite. Though the soap smelled super fantastic and moisturized as I washed, once I rinsed my skin felt really grippy (i.e. squeaky clean), which is probably a good thing but I didn’t love it. And the lotion went on nicely and absorbed quickly…I only wish it smelled more like coconut!

But the stick was awesome! For an oil-based stick, it absorbed really quickly and moisturized so well! I put it in my daughter’s upper arms where she suffers from dry skin and it immediately remedied the problem. Her arms (and my hands) stayed moisturized for hours! You can actually use it to treat skin irritated by eczema or psoriasis. Plus the natural antibiotic, anti-fungal properties of the coconut oil make it great for diaper rash. They say once you try it you’ll be hooked (right, Jyl?) and I am! And get this, the Basa Body Stick has been referred to by customers as the “Love Stick” because it’s a “wonderful, natural and safe personal lubricant. Try it and say goodbye to K-Y.” I’m sold!

Basa Body products nourish the body, while the company’s story and mission nourishes the soul. By the way, Basa not only purchases all their coconut oil from Coast Coconut Farms but also donates 10% of their profits to projects in Kenya to fight poverty. How can you not love Basa Body?

Mother’s Day is around the corner. Give a gift that gives back by purchasing Basa Body’s “Kiss Me” gift pack. At less than $30 it’s the least you can do!—Emily

* Promotion! Basa Body is offering a special discount and giveaway! Use the promo code “momitforward” when ordering for 10% off your purchase and an automatic entry to win a $250 Disney gift card!

I must admit I am somewhat of a soap snob.

I don’t buy soap bars because dirt collects on the bars and the thought of numerous people sharing the bar to wash their hands—ugh! (I just really don’t want to see the collection of germs on the bar) Enough said. Soap bars are not for me.

I like soap dispensers and not just any store bought dispenser. Well-scented soaps (obviously) and the not so obvious other must—-it has got to look good! The soap is part of the décor. It sits right there beside the sink and everything else in the bathroom coordinates, so if my soap doesn’t match—it is a no go. Lately I have been a sucker for Bath and Body Works foaming soaps because it smells and looks good. However, I just discovered something better…way better…FURTHER soap.

The simplistic neutral tone dispenser doesn’t take away or compete with my good lookin’ pink tile;) and the monochromatic natural tag keeps it plain—something that could work with any style of bathroom. The luxury hand soap is made with natural ingredients including: oil, olive and exotic grass to create a clean fresh scent. I lalalalove this soap! It smells fresh—because it legitimately is pure. Not doused in perfumes and dyed with color. It really is squeaky clean! The price is a bit more at $18.50 for the 8 ounce bottle…but a little goes along way and I like to think this is one small way I’m going green…by using an all natural product:) So, look no further…get FURTHER soaps for your households and start smelling and lookin good AND because it is made with natural ingredients…you could be oh so eco-friendly too!—Amber

Soap is available online at www.furthersoap.com.