Roseann DiBona has lived in Eastchester for the past decade, and loves the schools, the location, and the parks. She also loves her business, Majestic Soaps, which sells handmade body butters, whipped soaps, bubble baths, and more. 

She started the company from her home after one of her sons suffered from very dry skin as a baby. After trying a variety of mass-produced soaps, she did some research and began making her own at home, and a business blossomed.

We caught up with Roseann the other day via email. 

About Town:  First off, help! This winter weather is miserable and not getting better anytime soon—any advice for winter skin care? 

Roseann DiBona: Between the dry air from indoor heat and the cold wind, faces take quite a beating. Most people suffer from flaky patches on their face and the best way to take care of this is to first use a gentle scrub. Look for one where the abrasive is gentle, like white granulated sugar as found in Majestic Soaps' scrubs. Then use a light moisturizer in the morning and night. Moisturizers with jojoba and avocado oils work fantastic as they are loaded with vitamins and they don't clog pores. I make a face serum with these oils and I also add pure Vitamin E to give more natural healing power. It leaves the skin matte looking and makeup if applied will go on very smooth. For the body I would recommend a gentle soap that also has natural oils in it such as jojoba, avocado, grape seed, olive or almond in them. These types of soaps are super moisturizing, which is perfect for people that don't have time to moisturize after every shower or bath.

AT: We have time, we just always forget. You sell at The Fashion Plate Boutique—where else can we find your products?

RD: I receive many orders on line and I create [customers’] products when the orders come in to ensure freshness. When I receive an order it takes about two days to either deliver it—free for lower Westchester residents—or to mail it out.

AT: When you’re not making soaps at home, what local businesses are favorites? 

RD:  SPAH: Spa Parties at Home run by Julie Sullivan, Mrs. Green's Natural Market, The Fashion Plate Boutique, Aspire Boutique, Burrito Poblano and Louis De Chiarro Salon & Spa . I am going to miss Friendly's. That was such a huge staple here in town and I have many memories of going there as a child.

AT: Any other thoughts on living in Eastchester? You mentioned the schools are great.

RD: Knowing that Greenvale received a Blue Ribbon in Education is very exciting and comforting to know that they are receiving an excellent education. Eastchester's snow removal was excellent this year and you always see a dump truck hauling away snow or a plow making lanes a little wider. Their recreation department is outstanding. The parks are clean and well cared for. Once I called to say there was graffiti on a gazebo and the next day they had sanded it all off. Amazing.

There’s still time to pick up Majestic’s gift set of Body Butter and a Shea Butter Scrub in sweet Cucumber Melon or relaxing Lavender as a Valentine’s gift. And while you’re at it, pick us up some of Roseann’s men’s products, would ya?

Onn's Time

As we predicted, Onn's Chinese Cuisine opened this week at 26 Palmer Ave., in the space most recently occupied by Lemon Tree Asian Bistro. 

Most locals remember the spot as Calvin's, the stellar Chinese which was much missed when it closed in 2009.

You can take a look at Onn's takeout menu online, which offers standards like scallion pancakes and mooshu beef, along with some potentially nice variations, like lobster lettuce wraps and Beef Rendang. 

Like Calvin's, the seafood menu is fairly extensive, with scallops, flounder, tilapia, and snapper among the offerings.

Entrees are mostly in the $10-20 range, and there's the requisite Lunch Special on weekdays for about $8.

Let us know if you've tried the place yet, and we'll do the same.