Local Beauty: Sipps Organics

Welcome to our new “Locals Blog” feature, where Hudson County experts share their insight and expertise. Today we’re starting off with Kathleen Callahan, our Local Beauty expert.

BY KATHLEEN CALLAHAN

Since becoming a licensed Esthetician a few years ago I’ve become obsessed with the ingredients that are in our skincare products. I’m always on the lookout for lines that offer botanicals and natural ingredients and are made in small batches, so I thought what better place to look than my local farmers market. I decided to take a walk over to the Riverview Park Farmer’s Market recently to see what I could find. My expectations were fairly low, as this particular farmer’s market is still relatively small, but I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon SIPPS Organic Skincare.

Sol, the creator and owner, was at her table with her mom (I love a family affair), and I struck up a conversation with her about her homemade, organic, natural skincare, as well as the journey that led her to this place. Three years ago Sol made a bold move and left her career in the Hedge Fund industry to pursue a different direction. As she told me, her priorities changed after losing her father and she was looking for something more fulfilling that gave her a sense of helping people. She had suffered from skin conditions the majority of her life and was constantly on steroids from her dermatologist. An avid researcher and lover of knowledge, she wanted to get the root of the problem and come up with a more natural solution-- SIPPs was born! All of her products are made in her kitchen right here in my hood (JC Heights). Sol is impressively knowledgeable about ingredients and I’d like to add that what she’s doing is working-- her skin is beautiful.

Her products include body butters that contain beeswax, a great natural moisturizer and has
been shown to help with skin conditions such as dermatitis. Her line also includes aroma rollers infused with lavender, a botanical water mist with rose, grapefruit seed extract (a great antioxidant) and geranium essential oil (I bought this product and am loving it so far). I also bought her facial serum/oil infused with rose and chamomile. Chamomile possess powerful skin properties including being anti-inflammatory and has been proven to help with eczema. Additionally, she has great body and hair oils that contain tea tree oil which is a wonderful ingredient for anyone suffering from thinning hair or dry scalp. Even though I would have been entirely happy with just going home with the few products that I bought, the best part was that Sol will custom make products for you! Of course as an Esthetician I was all ears! I’ve already requested a honey mask because I love all the wonderful effects that honey has on multiple skin concerns, including acne, dry and mature skin.

If you are looking for some real quality (and surprisingly affordable) natural skin and haircare
products that are locally produced, head over to SIPPs Instagram here or the website here. If you have questions about your skin or any skincare related concerns or just want to book an appointment for a custom facial follow me here. I’m pretty confident that I’ll be using many of her products in my upcoming facials!

Kathleen Callahan is a NJ native, having left New Jersey to attend college at the University of North Carolina where she obtained her bachelors in Communications. She now resides in the heights section of Jersey City. After spending a twenty year career in the Ad Tech industry working in NYC, Kathleen decided to follow her true passion, skincare. She attended Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics and obtained her Esthetics License. After working at several spas in NYC including Deify Beauty, Laser Lounge and Massage Envy she decided to start her own practice in New Jersey where she could focus on a more personal touch catering to her clients’ specific needs and preferences.

You can reach Kathleen through her Instagram or Facebook.

Jersey City Business: Gringo's Tacos

I had been to Gringo’s Tacos once before when a couple of friends came over from Queens to visit us. I remember really enjoying the place and thought this would be a great place to feature in the future. The restaurant itself is settled on a little offshoot street in Downtown Jersey City that makes it feel like it’s in its own little private area. When you walk in the vibe is all FUN. There are piñatas on the wall, neon signs and sombreros hanging. Not to mention the long bar that feels like a great place to party with friends.

All three owners are there, Darren Conway, Chef Rick and John Polkowski, Beverage Director, and all are ready to get down to business. First, we speak with Darren about the restaurant and the upcoming Gringo’s Block Party on September 29th, that will benefit the Liberty Human Society and will feature food, drinks, music, a pumpkin patch and even a moon bounce. Did you know that on Tuesday’s $25 will buy you all the tacos you can eat???

We then move on to Chef Rick, who handles (obviously) the food portion of this show. We start with my favorite: Nachos. The crispy tortilla chips are smothered in homemade queso, some more chips and queso (layering is key with nachos, people!), followed by some shredded cheese and then thrown in the broiler. They’re then topped with green onions, jalapeños pickled on premises, sour cream, and guac (DUHH). It resulted in the most camera un-friendly bite I’ve ever taken, but 100% delicious. We move on to the “Chicken n’ Waffle” taco— a thin taco shell, filled with a juicy fried chicken tender, spooned on chili honey butter and topped with burnt maple butter. I’m going to be bold and tell you that I don’t really love chicken and waffles. I don’t really feel that sweet and savory have a place in my mouth together, but these tacos proved me wrong. The mixture of sweet and savory, with the crunch of the waffle taco shell was perfect. Lastly, Chef Rick made the “We Found Nemo”, a lightly battered white fish, on a freshly homemade corn tortilla, topped with a slaw, house-made salsa, and the piece de resistance: chili-lime mayo. It was one of the most perfectly made fish tacos I’ve had.

Lastly, we visit with John Polkowski, Beverage Director, and start tasting the happy juice, as I call it. We start with the “El Chapo”, a jalapeño infused tequila, blood orange juice and lime— this is my ideal adult beverage. It’s a little spicy, but light and citrusy, all served in a beautiful skull cup. Up next I try out the cocktail flight of 3, perfect for the person who wants to try multiple drinks, but just can’t commit (did I mention it’s $15???). We go with a flight made up of the “Mex on the Beach”, the “Summer in Mexico” and their signature Frozen Margarita with Hibiscus floater. Each is light, refreshing and strong but well balanced. All cocktails are made fresh daily, and then put on tap to be easily poured, which results in… GETTING YOUR DRINK QUICKER. Side bar: they have a $6 Tecate beer and shot combo. I mean C’mon.

Gringo’s is a great place for a party, dinner with friends, or just a fun, affordable date night. For more info on Gringo’s Tacos, check out their Instagram here, or their website here. Whatever you do, try it out and have some fun.

Jersey City Business: Another Man's Treasure Vintage

My day at AMT Vintage was basically a fashion fantasy. I think it may be as close to that episode of Sex and the City where Carrie gets to try on clothes in the Vogue closest as I'll ever get. A staple in Jersey City for 12 years, and having been at 2 previous locations, AMT Vintage is one of the best known Jersey City businesses. It's no wonder why, either. Owner Meika Franz has spent years making relationships with collections, owners and attends vintage trade shows regularly. 

The store is a huge 2 story space, that's beautifully organized, making finding the perfect vintage piece easy. They sell mens, womens and children's clothing, along with records and accessories (cufflinks, glasses, patches, scarves, cigarette holders, etc.). There are Victorian lace dresses, 1940's gowns, 1950's rompers, leather bombers, and even 1990's Levi's. 

When you meet Meika, a woman who's whole life is about vintage clothing, I expect to meet a cheeky, Bette Page pinup looking vintage aficionado. Instead, it's clear that she wears vintage, but in a classic and everyday way. I immediately knew that I was going to the right person to learn how to incorporate vintage into my everyday look. I myself, have been wearing vintage t-shirts for years, and also went through a phase in high school where I wore a lot of 50's cocktail dresses. But I wanted to expand my horizons. I tried on a gorgeous 1980's silk Chanel blouse, a pair of high waisted Chloe slacks, and a men's Hawaiian print button-down-- all things I would HAPPILY wear in my everyday life.

But for our next episode I really lived my dreams. With Meika's help, we pulled all kinds of fashion fantasies. The kinds of pieces that make you wish you lived in certain time periods. I tried on a pristine The Who t-shirt, a red 1960's cocktail dress that may have been made for me, and a 1950's prom dress. But the piece that has long been a dream was an ivory robe with feather trim-- a piece I have long fantasized about wearing as an older woman living in a 1930's Manhattan penthouse, with lots of perfectly groomed poodles, all sitting with me on a velvet chaise lounge, as I eat bon-bons and drink vodka martinis. Too specifc?

AMT Vintage has pieces for whatever you're looking for. They'll have whatever you need for a costume party, an AMAZING selection of vintage wedding dresses for the bride looking for something a little different, but don't forget all the amazing pieces you can wear everyday!

Make sure to follow along with their Instagram, as they post new pieces weekly. Plus they's offering 10% off of purchases for HudsonCounty60 viewers.

Happy shopping!