Ready for the winter sports season.

Posted on October 11, 2010 by zzyng

Since March 6, I’ve ridden 4,354 miles outside.

After a cold spring, all those hard training rides, the weekend races, the high-tempo paceline rides and the hill & sprint combos that took me all the way through summer and into fall, I’m finally forced to take time off the bike. A second break to my collarbone will keep me from logging any October & November miles.

But, I’m getting ready for nordic ski season, and if you’re anything like me – and you thought the sun was harsh this summer, just wait for the winter. Strong, blistering winds and cold temperatures are a couple more elements that’ll destroy exposed skin. This is exactly why we developed the new zzyng balms, to withstand these tough conditions.

About 12 months ago to the day, we decided, together with our chemist and a team of brave R&D atheletes, to make an SPF 15 Lemon Bergamot Cardamom lip balm. We knew it needed to be hydrating, nourishing, vitamin-enriched and paraben-free. So, with that in mind, we made a natural lip balm with a deliciously sweet citrus flavor, using stevia, that protects lips from the elements we’re all about to face this fall/winter season.

So, while I’ll be recovering indoors for a few weeks, I’ve got plenty of time to send out a handful of Lemon Bergamot Cardamom samples to the first of you who are interested in checking them out. Send me an email.

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Natural Lip Moisturization

Posted on October 10, 2010 by zzyng

We get asked a lot about how to keep lips from getting chapped, especially this time of year, when we’re outside, sweating, and the air is dryer than in the summer.

First, you should know that licking your lips is bad. You might think wetting them is adding moisture, but it’s not. Our lips don’t have a strong protective outer layer of skin, so they’re particularly vulnerable to moisture loss and the dry, chapped lips that results.

Also, you’ve probably noticed that saliva evaporates quickly. That’s because your saliva is a key component of your digestive system, so it’s packed with water and enzymes that work to break down foods, not keep the outside of your mouth or lips protected.

For keeping you lips moisturized, jojoba oil is a softening and nourishing liquid wax. It helps lock in moisture while the wax layer acts as an extra lip protectant. Jojoba has no odor or taste, so it won’t conflict with other essential oils used for flavor.

Sweat and dehydration during activity will certainly add to getting drier, chapped lips, so especially during sporting activities – protect your lips first.

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A Favorite Ingredient: Cardamom

Posted on September 30, 2010 by zzyng

Cardamom. Some people don’t even know how to say the word. In fact, some of our best friends just say: “cardaYUM.”

This popular spice is probably best known for the delicious distinction it brings to Indian dishes, where it’s native to the regions of the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia.

We researched, we toiled, we formulated, and the drawing board saw us more than it would have liked. We needed the perfect blend of sass and punch… and ultimately, cardamom was the only true consideration.

Fittingly, the class of one of our favorite main ingredients in our formulation is uncannily similar to our company name…so, it was clearly meant to have a starring role in our newest balm!

cardamom lip balm

The new Lemon+Bergamot+Cardamom Lip Balm

From the class zingiberaceae (get it…zzyng?) cardamom has been stimulating the senses for thousands of years.  A close sister to ginger, cardamom is one of the world’s ancient spices.  It’s been used as teeth cleaner, in perfumes, as medicinal aids, in spice trades, and as an ingredient to Scandinavian desserts, Russian liqueurs, and of course, sweet Indian dishes. The ancient Romans, crafty Egyptians and forward-thinking Swedes all certainly knew what they were doing in the spices category. We’re not going to compare our product with these great ancient civilizations, but in a way, our lemon bergamot cardamom zzyng lip balm is a reflection of their brilliance and an expression of their mastery of the keen human senses.

It’s also fitting that cardamom is a stimulant and a carminative. Cardamom has carminative properties that will help to slow the rate of stomach muscle cramping. As a stimulant, cardamom can bring mental clarity while it can help to cool the body in extreme heat while it calms the digestive system. Cardamom is also said to have decongestant properties to clear up nasal and bronchial congestion, as its scent is not only pleasant but penetrating and lively.

We could go on, but we think cardamom is about to see its popularity stay on the rise. For now, explore it for yourself and get it here.


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For what you’re into: Cyclocross 2010

Posted on September 15, 2010 by zzyng

Well, it’s that time of year again. When the road bike gets pushed into the corner, hung up on the wall, or clamped or onto the trainer, only to make way to its knobby-tired cousin: the cyclocross bike.

Here in the Midwest, the cyclocross season is just getting started. So check out the Chicago Cross Cup, the Wisconsin Cycling Association Cyclocross season, or find a cyclocross race is your area.

Isn’t it always better to wake up early on a weekend to the crisp, damp autumn air and go twist handlebars while your lungs heave and legs burn? I mean, as opposed to the couch-nacho-football combination.

If you’ve never tried cyclocross, make it happen this fall.

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The Mount Snow Triathlon adds a little zzyng.

Posted on July 23, 2010 by zzyng

The Mount Snow Triathlon is a beginner-friendly event that will feature a half-mile swim in Snow Lake, a 12-mile bike ride on Handle Rd and a 3-mile run through the beautiful Mount Snow property. This uniquely-Vermont Triathlon was designed for anyone who loves what scenic Mount Snow has to offer.

As an event sponsor, zzyng will provide all competing triathletes with our new Lemon Bergamot Cardamom lip balm. Specially formulated to give you a lip-refreshing boost, and with added SPF protection, there’s no excuse for not having a great time at this event!

Learn more at mountsnow.com or register here.

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Welcome to the zzyng blog.

Posted on July 22, 2010 by zzyng

We believe experiences are meant to be shared.

From our meager start to wherever we might go, we’ll do it together. We started with a simple idea: to make some of the best natural products for better modern living. Using the zzyng blog, we’ll keep you up to date on new products, new experiences and new stories that beg to be shared.

Thanks! – the zzyng team

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