Hell Notes for Beauty

What's in My Bag.....

2012-02-12T18:49:00.000-05:00

I'm the type that the bigger the bag the more crap I manage to find and put in there. But lately I've been doing very well at organizing and bringing along just what I need. I got this very cute Nine West bag for Christmas. It's been my go to bag ever since. Considering all the pockets and room this bag has, I've managed to bring along just what I need.

Take a look............

Agendas: I have 3, the purple for personal lists, blog ideas and inspiration. The red is for work, meetings and appointments and the mini spiral notebook keeps tel#'s, business cards and random stuff.

My zebra print wallet which I love, my phone and 1 liter of water I challenge my self to drink everyday. I also have an umbrella, makeup bag, sunglasses, my gum and some homemade body spritz.

Pretty much it, very basic and just the bare necessities.

What's in your bag?

Essential Oils: Sweet Orange and Lemon

2012-02-11T10:27:00.000-05:00

I recently added two new fabulous oils to my essential oil collection. Initially I was not too sure how I was going to use them, I thought of incorporating them into some of my body scrub recipes or facials, but I actually found myself using them to clean around the house instead.

Since both lemon and sweet orange oil are antimicrobial, antiviral and antibacterial, they're ideal oils for simple wipe downs of surfaces which not only disinfect germs and bacteria, but also leaves a citrusy aroma especially around the bathroom and kitchen. They've also become my favorite oils to use for my homemade "febreze", instantly giving each room a refreshing boost.

Sweet Orange

Household uses: Sweet Orange is my favorite to add to floor washes, leaving my mop and floors smelling like freshly cut oranges. Depending on the mop bucket I add about 10 drops. I also like to add a few drops to my kitchen sponge and rags to help disinfect in between washes. Sweet Orange, like lemon oil can be put into a diffuser to help kill airborne bacteria as well.

Aromatherapy uses: I like to add a bit of water to my oil burner and add a few drops of sweet orange oil to help keep cooking odors at bay. Sweet orange is also a great aroma to help promote positivity, cheerfulness and relaxation. You truly can't help but feel peace when smelling the sweet scent of orange. It's scent instantly enlivens you while at the same time promotes a sense of calm. I like to use my oil burner on Saturday mornings while cleaning around the house and reach for sweet orange to help clear the air and set the mood.

Lemon Oil

Household Uses: Lemon oil is derived from the peel of the lemon. Like sweet orange, Lemon oil is also antiseptic,antibacterial and can also be used as a disinfectant. I like to use lemon oil mostly around the bathroom. Typically I take a wet rag and add about 5 drops and wipe down my sink and toilet as well as add a few drops to the toilet scrub.

I also use lemon oil to disinfect my makeup brushes. I thoroughly wash my makeup brushes with regular or clarifying shampoo. Once they are rinsed I dip them in lemon oil and water for about 2 mins, rinse with hot water and air dry.

Aromatherapy uses: Lemon is known to help improve concentration and clears the mind.

Promotes health and longevity, purification, helps attune with the moon's energy.

Essential oils are truly fascinating. I also have been using these oils in my homemade body spritz as well. Right now, I have a yummy smelling sweet orange and vanilla spritzer and I swear I smell like a creamsicle! Love it.

Deity of the Day: Kuan Yin

2012-02-05T20:55:00.000-05:00

Hello all!

First and foremost many apologies for my absence. I've been trying to get settled these past few weeks. I've also been working 9 hour shifts in front of a computer which leaves little to no desire to be in front of any computer screen during my off time. Although I've been away from typing, I've been diligently jotting down ideas and writing blog drafts periodically.

One post I've been really meaning to get to is a Deity (Bodhisattva) of the day post featuring Kuan Yin. Kuan Yin is very well known throughout Asia, especially China and venerated for many qualities particularly peace, love and compassion. Last summer at a yard sale I came across this very beautiful porcelain statue of a Chinese woman. I have a similar statue in color which I turned into a lamp, (see below)

but I was drawn to this particular all white one. Since my house is mostly Asian themed, I thought this statue would fit in perfectly.

For many months I never really put too much thought into the statue. It was actually gathering dust in a corner for sometime. All the while this seemingly unknown statue was sitting around, I was actually reading and researching Kuan Yin. Perhaps the most interesting thing was that I would alway associate my staute with Kuan Yin while reading about her. At one point I even thought about using this "unkown" statue to represent Kuan Yin since she appealed so much to me during my readings.

Then one day while surfing images of Kuan Yin I realized it was her all along! It was truly a very interesting coincidence that her energy was around me the whole time.

She is simply beautiful and I try to meditate with her every chance I get.

There are many variations of KuanYin. For example some are depicted with a variety of symbols such as dragons, seashells and gestures, each depicting her versatile powers. My Kuan Yin has several lotuses at her feet and one lotus growing from the palm of her hand.

When I see her she reminds me of peace and tranquility. Her flowing gown reminds me of the passing times which have been quick and swift, constantly reminding me to enjoy every moment. The lotus growing out of her hand kind of tells me that anything can grow out of nowhere, especially from within.

I'm glad I've come across her and will share with you the many ways I interact with Kuan Yin and the many ways her energy can benefit you.

Get to know more:

Kuan Yin: Accessing the Power of the Divine Feminine By Daniela Schenker

Kuan Yin Box: Divine Giver of Compassion By Manuela Dunn Mascetti

Mini Hair Haul+ Beauty Salon Visit

2011-12-20T09:02:00.000-05:00

I went to walmart this past weekend to pick up some stuff and decided to get a blow dryer. Can yo believe through almost entire 3 year hair journey I have not owned or used a blow dryer? Well I finally got one. I'm not much of a blow dryer kind of girl mostly because of the major heat damage it can cause. But at times after rollersetting I may use it to get rid of those indents rollers tend to leave along the roots.

So I got this ionic conair blow dryer for $20. Along with that I also got Nexxus's Heat protectant for $12. I've been doing some major heat styles this past month so I needed to amp up my heat defense.

Along with everything else I picked up these clips for $2. I tend to like these better for my hair wraps as opposed to the regular bobbi pins which ten do snag on my hair. I'll do a review on the dryer and Nexxus Heat protectant soon.

Speaking of heat defense I went to the salon this past weekend. My regimen has been mostly all natural this past year and so far my hair has thrived. I'll be reintroducing my regular favorite dominican hair products along the way since my hair seems to like either regimen.

Amethyst and Carnelian

2011-12-18T12:13:00.000-05:00

As mentioned, I've been working with stones most of this year. Not only are they fascinating to look at and display but can be used for many things be it meditative, health or spiritual.

I use my stones in various ways and for many reasons depending on my mood. Each week or so I tend to alternate stones to help familiarize myself with them a bit more.

When I first started with stones I preferred to start with direct skin contact with each stone. The best way for me is to keep them in my bra along my breast. This way I have it with me at all times throughout the day. Each week starting Mondays I pick a new stone with a specific goal/intent in mind for that week. My overall goal is to interact with each stone individually by familiarizing myself with it on a consistent basis.

~Carnelian~

Builds self esteem

Inspires Creativity

Promotes personal power

Gives Courage to take charge

Improves communication

Balances anxiety and depression

I've just recently started working with Carnelian. I'm mainly working with this stone to help enhance my social skills. My job requires me to work with lots of people mostly clients for the company so it's important I'm able to convey a professional attitude with confidence especially in meetings and presentations.

What I've come to learn about carnelian is that it promotes individual growth. Instead of trying to be as good as the next person I try to be my own best. It also encourages me to believe in my self. Ever been in class and the teacher asks a question and you have the answer but your fear of being wrong stops you from raising your hand? Well with carnelian you can use it to help you build confidence and self assurance.

Carnelian is associated with boldness and self assurance which is ideal for those who tend to be a bit shy or nervous when around new people. So if you feel you need a little boost in self esteem try carnelian and see how it vibes with you.

Amethyst

Promotes peace, serenity, tranquility

Enhances spirituality, Intuition

Heals, balances and protects against low energy

Promotes mental concentration especially during meditation

Amethyst is an oldie but a goodie. It's one of the first stones I started with several years ago. Recently I reunited myself with Amethyst mostly for it's calming and balancing properties. Sometimes when I feel my mind is scattered I hold on to amethyst and try to center myself by visualizing and calming my thoughts. I also like to use it to help me sleep and remember my dreams. I stopped meditating for sometime because I had issues trying to concentrate but I may get back into it again using amethyst as my focal point.

There are many books and sources online that can not only describe stones and their unique properties but also show how you how to care and use them. One of the main things when caring for stones is making sure you keep it clear of stagnant energy. One way I like to clear my stones is by smudging it with incense. I visualize the smoke taking all the energy the stone may be holding on to. When I first started with stones I noticed they would get lost for periods of time. When stones are overly charged they tend to get lost in an effort to renew itself among other interesting things they do.

Hopefully soon I'll have some serious R&R time and compile a list of the many ways I clear and recharge my stones in another detailed post. In the mean time check out the sources below to help you get to know more about stones.

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic", by Scott Cunningham

The Book of Stones: Who They Are & What They Teach By Robert Simmons, Naisha Ahsian, Hazel Raven

The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall (or any of Judy Hall's books on crystals!)

Darcy's Botanical Madagascar Vanilla Styling Cream....

2011-12-08T16:05:00.000-05:00

I finally got my hands on the much raved about Darcy's Botanical hair products. It's been well over two months since I first started using these two products and thought it was due for a review. To start off the Madagascar Vanilla Styling cream cost me $12. Smells divine more like rice pudding, simply fabulous! However, I was using it as a daily moisturizer which my hair did not like much. It's more of a butter consistency than a creme, so it tends to sit in my hair as opposed to absorb into my hair.

The only time my hair would react to this would be with damp hair as a sealant. Once my damp hair would dry with the styling creme in my hair, it would dry very soft, leaving me with ultra soft hair.

Although I did not have much luck with the styling creme, I did fall in love with the Deep Conditioner. It cost $20, but well worth it. So far I've gotten 7-8 Deep conditioning sessions out of it. It has a very light lemony scent and it's very thick. So a little goes a long way.

Overall I like this line. It's all natural and for the most part the products deliver. I will be repurchasing the deep conditioner, the styling creme won't be repurchased though. I also got a styling gel sample and liked it so may purchase it for my curls.

Here's the result after using the deep conditioner and styling creme.

Very soft and shiny hair.

Prosperity Offering for the New Year

2011-12-05T22:13:00.000-05:00

2011 is soon coming to an end. Usually this is the time of year when we tend to set out goals for ourselves whether be it diet, exercise, personal or work this season typically exudes a feeling for change and renewal for a lot of people.

Throughout the years I've come to know of many rather unique New Years Eve rituals such as 12 grapes at midnight, running around the block like a mad woman with luggage to travel, yellow underwear to attract luck and the list goes on. In this post I will show you a much more intimate and unique way to bring in the new year with peace and prosperity without all the hassle.

First you will need intent. Visualize in your mind what you will be doing in 2012. Not what you may be doing but what you WILL be doing. Think it. That is perhaps the most important ingredient to any goal. Believing in yourself and having a clear enough view of what exactly you want your life to be can make a world of difference.

Secondly, use the many interesting and versatile elements of nature. There are so many living things in nature that work with our spirits and truly come to life when given the opportunity to be used for it's naturally intended purposes.

Once you have clearly set your vision it's time to ignite it and set it in motion:

What you will need:

1 Red Apple

7 Bay Leaves

7 Pennies

Gold & Silver Glitter

Rice

1 White Candle

1 Round White Plate

Cloves/Clove oil (optional)

Apples represent abundance, health, love and knowledge.

Apples are associated with the goddess Venus and the element water. Apples also represents death and rebirth which is ideal if your goal for the new year is to renew and kick bad habits away. In this offering the apple will represent Love, Happiness and Abundance.

Once you have cleaned your apple put your apple in the middle of the plate and surround it with 7 bay leaves. Bay Leaves are used for protection and purifies against negativity and low energy. You can keep a bay leaf in your purse, car etc to help enhance protective energy and keep negative vibrations away.

On top of the 7 Bay Leaves, place 7 pennies on top of them. Pennies are also represented by Venus which promotes prosperity and abundance. Pennies are used in this offering to represent abundance with work, imagination and prosperity.

Next you will add a light sprinkle of gold and silver glitter onto the pennies, alternating with each coin. Silver is associated with the moon and female intuition. Gold is associated with the sun, representing longevity, abundance and happiness. Being that silver is feminine belonging to the moon and the sun masculine to me it represents balance. The coins are meant to represent copper as well as fortune.

The next ingredient is rice.

One of rice's interesting magical uses is to protect from misfortunes and accidents making it another great protective ingredient. Rice is traditionally known to be thrown at wedded couples to increase fertility. To me the rice here represents abundance with food for my family and self.

And to add your finishing touch you can add a few cloves onto each coin.

Clove oil is optional, but if you can get it, it would be a great addition. Clove attracts money and abundance. And it's also protective and promotes love as well. I used clove oil to lightly "dress" my candle with the oil. Which is lightly oiling the candle with a q-tip. This step is optional but it can certainly help enhance the offering.

In a quiet space in my living room I leave my offering to Peace, Love, Prosperity and Abundance and appreciate all of my blessings in this year and the many more to come.

I've been very busy as of late! But will be updating with more recipes soon.

Stay tuned.

Mini Haul + A Manicure

2011-11-05T19:57:00.000-04:00

Last March I received a sample of Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion with the purchase of a blush. I've dabbled into Clinique's shadows and blushes, but not so much into their skin care line. My skin these past 2 years has been going haywire. And lately I've been dealing with a lot of dryness and irritation. During my skin's moody episodes I tried this lotion and found my skin was instantly soothed.

After trying it several times and getting the same results, I decided to shell out the $25.50 for the full version. I like this moisturizer overall and it's light enough to keep my sometimes greasy skin balanced while at the same time keeping dryness at bay. Yes, at times it's oily then it'S dry! I just can't win.

I've also been on a 2 week Honey facial cleansing challenge which has dramatically improvedmy skin, more on that in another post, in the mean time clinique's moisturizer is part of my regimen day and night.

Before that I was using Olay's facial moisturizer but I noticed my skin was not liking it as much...

Although it's much thicker than clinique's moisturizer, I felt like my skin was prone to more irritations than usual.

I also included 2 Lipsticks inmy haul, one was a refill of Revlon's Black Cherry and the other Revlon's Smoked Peach.

Left Smoked Peach
Right- Black Cherry

I also got my nails did! On a whim I decided to get a deep wine red.

Yes these are my real nails! Still taking care of them with Coconut Oil and Argan at times....

The Beauty and Health Benefits of Turmeric

2011-11-05T16:35:00.001-04:00

Here is something I've been meaning to share with you guys. Turmeric caught my interest while browsing my favorite hair board Black Hair Media. I was looking for inspiration in the skin section when I came across a thread sharing a recipe for a facial, turmeric powder being the main ingredient. I was intrigued by the mention of turmeric and the feedback this spice was getting. After some research

I was curios, so I went to my natural health store and got this jar on sale for 3 bucks.

Turmeric Powder

Turmeric is a spice mainly known throughout Asia especially India.

It's usedfor a variety of uses especially to add color to some foods and it's also one of the main ingredients that makes up curry powder. Turmeric has been known for it's medicinal uses for thousands of years. Incorporating turmeric into you diet can provide a variety of health benefits thanks to it's chief component known as curcumin:

Lowers Cholesterol
Detoxifies Liver
helps prevent prostate cancer
Antioxidant
Rich In iron helping improve anemia
Strengthens the immune system
Relieves gas, gall stones, menstrual conditions
Antinflammatory/ Natural Pain killer especially treating arthritis
Stimulates metabolism helping with weight loss

How I use Turmeric Powder:

In tea of course...

While reading about the many possibilities in which you could benefit from turmeric, adding it to tea was one of the choices. I added a little turmeric to my all time favorite Oolong tea and fell in love with my tea all over again! It truly gives my tea experience an ultra smooth and almost extra sweet taste.

Adding turmeric to green tea boosts it's antioxidant levels which helps delay a variety of cancers and delays premature aging. I'm mainly focused on boosting my immune system as well as maintain clear skin.

Turmeric Facial.....

I must admit I have not been indulging in my weekly facials as I would like.

But I was able to use turmeric in a few of my most recent facials and have been truly pleased with the results.

Here are some skin uses Turmeric can be good for:

Treats Eczema
Treats Acne thanks to its Antiseptic & Antibacterial properties
Helps with pigmentation related to hormones, sun damage etc.
Lightens Stretch marks and Burn marks
Improves circulation improving skin tone
Wounds and cuts
Evens skin tone

I decided to give my self a cleansing facial using:

Turmeric

Whole Milk

Sweet Almond Oil

European Clay

I mixed all the ingredients together....

and mixed until my desired consistency.....

And applied the mask

Left it in for about 20 mins...

I was left with very soft and very bright skin. Something I don't get too much out of most of my masks. I;ve been using turmeric a lot and have noticed my skin tone is much brighter and less breakouts.

Before moisturizing I always use some toner to pick up what's left. Overall I'm simply impressed with all the benefits this spice provides. I'll also be adding it to my cauliflower salad. So far it's a win with my tea and facials!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T08:33:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween to all the witches, gouls and the unknowns!

Thrift Store Find: Outfit of the Night

2011-10-23T19:50:00.000-04:00

My first thrift store shopping experience was pretty good, I found some pretty cool accessories, along with this sweater dress and purse. The really fun part was the entire bill was $9.

What caught my eye about the sweater dress was the belt detail. And not to mention the sweater dress was in very good condition, practically new.

I was a bit hesitant because of the ruched puffy sleeves. But I was won over by the belt and price, $5!

Along with the sweater dress I got this really cute purse for $2. I can fit a lot of stuff in there and the purse goes with many of my outfits.

Late last August I stumbled upon some clearance items at my local shoe store and was able to snag these Madden Girl beauties for $10! Usually I never find any good stuff in my size so I was happy to get these. I've been meaning to get a pair of nude heels and these peep toe are just perfect with a touch of orange.

I'm also not much of an outfit of the day person mostly because my outfits are rather boring but I had to share my outfit of the night from last night.

So the boyfriend and I headed out for a night out of dancing and food. I decided to put this outfit together. I was hesitant about the stockings and peep toes, but it actually worked out. It was very chilly out last night, but the sweater dress kept me warm. I went with a high bun and purple smokey eye.

I'm thinking about pulling this outfit out for thanksgiving...unless I fall for something else of course.

Frivolous Hair Shopping for Fall..........

2011-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

I must confess I have succumb to online shopping!

Not only that but I feel the product junkie in me resurfacing!

I recently won a $100 gift card at a raffle and the majority went to my gas tank. I've been kind of bored with my hair regimen so I decided to spice it up by introducing my hair to some new products.

I did not have much left in my gift card and really wanted to try some products before buying the full versions. Major mistake as far as Qhemet's Burdock Root moisturizer. I should have bought the full version because I truly love it in my hair.

I've tried it daily for a couple of days to moisturize my regular curly hair sealing with castor oil. But my hair would soak it up quickly. I originally wanted the Amla and Honey but thought it would be too heavy. But as far as curly hair it would be the best bet to try the amla and honey cream. I find that the Burdock Root would work best for straight hair since it tends to be light. My roller set straight hair loves burdock root because it does not weigh my hair down. So definitely getting full versions of both Amla & Burdock.

So with the last 9 bucks I had left on the gift card I went for the 1oz sample of oyin's Burnt Sugar Pomade. Don't have a clue on how to use it as of yet. But so far it gives my ponytail a lot of shine mid day when looking dull and frizzy. I also read some hair bloggers mention they use it to massage their scalps when dry and itchy.

So when my scalp was acting up recently I used the pomade to moisturize my scalp and it felt really soothed and stopped the itching. It also surprisingly did not make my hair feel greasy since this can be a bit greasy if you are not careful.

This Burnt Sugar Pomade simply smells heavenly and super sweet. It can be very strong for my sinuses but nothing I can't handle.

Texture is a bit gritty but when rubbed vigorously it just melts into your hands. I may try to melt this since I've also read it can be beneficial that way too. I'll play around with it a bit. So far it's a go to for my scalp massages.

So earlier last summer while in Atlantic City I stumbled upon Lush's hair moisturizer. My cousin offered to buy it since nothing else at the Lush shop caught my attention. And since I was just about out of my Bee Mine daily moisturizer it sort of ended up being an impulse buy.

Despite the impulse buy, it ended up being rather decent. However the scent is rather difficult to tolerate and describe. It smells like the whole lush store in this darn jar.......

I've been to the Lush store several times and the scent always confuses me, so I never end up buying anything. This moisturizer is pretty decent if you can get pass the scent. My hair liked it and as usual I'd seal with castor oil. If not careful it can be a bit greasy so I had to be careful since I tend to be heavy handed.

It cost $20 and no, I will not purchase this again. On certain days my sinus can't take it. But if you are not too sensitive then perhaps this can work for you since it works very well on super dry thirsty hair.

And last but not least this gel for my edges. I've heard good things about it and although I'm staying away from most Silicones and what not, I decided to try this for my high pony tails and buns.

It holds pretty well and does not dry out my hair or flake. It providesa decent shine and when I want a nice slick bun and need my edges to cooperate I reach for this. However if you will be dancing and sweating a bit I recommend trying Eco styler.

I have a few more new things I've purchased. Still trying them out and will have a review soon.

The Magical Uses for Common Household Items

2011-10-16T11:42:00.000-04:00

These past couple of months I've been working closely with the many elements of nature. The moon, sun, rivers, sea and even gardens have become sharing friends, each one eager to teach. I've been using them as tools to empower and cleanse my Aura, ease my mind and help me appreciate and learn from all the experiences around me. Not only have I been connecting with the elements of nature found outside my home but interestingly enough with the everyday elements inside my kitchen as well.

With a clear mindset and established intent you can discover how empowering everyday items can actually be. In the following you will find some tried and tested ingredients I've been using to cleanse my aura, attract prosperity, peace, as well as create a serene ambiance for my surroundings.

Sea Salt

~Purifies, Absorbs negativity, Heals, Protects~

How I use it: I use sea salt to clear my space before meditation. I also like to sprinkle a little sea salt in all the corners of my house to help purify my home from negativity. I also sprinkle a little along my door way. This helps purify and clear your surroundings of negative and low vibrations as well as keep those types of energy from entering your home.

Sesame Seeds

~Money, Prosperity, Love~

How I use it: Ever head the term open sesame? That saying is actually associated with the sesame's ability to help open the way to secret ways and treasures. On those days I feel like my luck is not running too smoothly or I get into my "I'm feeling stuck" ruts, I take a jar of sesame seeds and leave it open in front of my door way. According to Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herb's, keeping a jar of sesame seeds open draws cash to it. I use it however to open my mind and keep me from letting my daily routine get the best out of my creativity.

This jar in particular was due for a fresh refill.....but you get the idea.

Sesame seeds are associated with Ganesha the deity that removes obstacles from your path. So I try to use things that will help keep negative and fearful thoughts away. I have a small altar for Ganesha in which I offer sesame seeds to and candy every now and then to help with my personal developments as well. Overall Sesame seeds can be used to attract all things prosperous.

Cinnamon

~Spirituality, Success, Power, Healing Protection, Love~

How I use it: Cinnamon is my favorite because of it's versatility. One of my favorite uses for cinnamon is to lightly powder my body with cinnamon to provide my Aura with a boost of protection. I do it over my pajamas to prevent staining and let the aroma linger before I head out for the day. I also use it with my oil burner, as well as an incense on charcoal to purify my area.

Bay Leaves (Hojas de Laurel)

~Purification, Strength, Protection~

How I use it: Bay leaves are very versatile and powerful. I like to add this to my floor washes around the house to help clear negativity. Bay leaves are very protective meaning they can be used to strengthen your aura as well as protect the home from questionable vibrations. When I notice a little more activity around my house, such as arguments, illnesses and lack of concentration, I grab me some bay leaves along with rosemary (another fabulous protective herb). I then add a dash of cinnamon, boil them for about an hour and once the floor wash is cool I mop my house with the water.

This is great to give your home a boost in protection as well as clear it of any vibrations others may have left behind.

Garlic

How I use it: Garlic is a well known protectant. It it said to help protect against negativity, vampires and diseases. I usually place an entire stack of garlic right above my door to keep away any negative vibrations from entering my home. I also keep one clove like the one above right under my desk at work. I work with a lot of envious and negative people so I keep a clove at bay to keep their enerhgy from influencing me and my work.

Aloe Vera

How I use it: My aloe vera plant are great for many of my cosmetic uses and well as magical. I like to keep an aloe vera plant to help prevent accidents and well as for luck. It's been known around the world to use aloe over doorways to keep evil away.Mostly used in Mexico where many tie red ribbons around the aloe plant to enhance it's protective qualities.

These are just basic items I like to use and have been researching for quite some time to help me understand the old ways in which many of our ancestors interacted with their higher selves and the natural things around them. A lot of people may find this strange but despite society calling this "new age" stuff, it's really been around for ages in which many of my ancestors found to be second nature.............

Herb to Know: Ashwaghanda

2011-10-09T12:52:00.001-04:00

Even though I prefer to get most of my vitamins and minerals from the foods I eat, I also like to incorporate herbal supplements into my diet, trying out a new one every 6 months or so. When choosing a supplement I tend to gravitate toward the immune boosting types especially to help with my sinuses and maintain energy levels.

While reading an article about Ashwghanda last summer, I put it on my "to try" list and finally got the chance to buy it. I've been working long hours at my new job, my sinuses have been flaring much more than usual and my sleeping pattern has been rather sketchy. So I decided to pick Aswaghanda up to help with all the changes my body seems to be experiencing.

My research into Aswaghanda led me to adaptogens and the supplements that fall into that category. There are several different types of herbs with adaptogenic qualities, some I've been familiar with (Ginseng) and others I've never heard of like Ashwaghanda, which is why Ashawaghanda is the herb to know of the moment.

A very popular herb throughout India and the ancient medical system of Ayurveda, Ashwaghanda has many qualities essential for those of us who tend to live a rather fast paced, stress filled lifestyle.

So What Are Adptogens?

Very simply put, adaptogens are basically different types of herbs known to help the body resist and combat stress. Ashwaghanda is one of them. Just like the term Adaptogen implies it helps you adapt to changes while helping your body become balanced and healthy. Adaptogens are known to also help rejuvenate and restore the mind and body overall. Not only does it aid the body with all types of stress be it environmental, emotional or social, adaptogens also posses the ability to help protect against cancer, memory loss, cell degeneration as well as lower stress hormones.

withania somnifera

What can Ashwaghanda be used for?

Ashwaghanda is an adaptogen known to help subside the damaging effects stress has over the body and mind in general. Constant stress, malnutrition and an overall fast paced life style can take a toll on the many systems in our bodies. The immune system, nervous system are all susceptible to weakness due to the amount of stress we tend to expose ourselves to. Which leads the body into over drive trying to constantly protect the body while attempting to achieve balance.

Ashwaghanda calms and protects the nervous system benefiting those who deal with depression and anxiety all related to stress. Ashwaghanda also lowers stress hormones which suppresses the immune system especially when the body is under excessive stress. Ashwaghanda has the ability to also encourage the brain to regenerate new brain cells which makes it a great preventative treatment to help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.

Aswaghanda is also:

Antibacterial

Combats fatigue

Supports Adrenal Function

Treats reproductive issues in both men and women (infertility; impotence)

Rich in Antioxidants, protecting cells from free radical damage

Helps maintain a clear and focused mind.

My Thoughts:

As with everything, keeping track of your dosage is important. I pay a lot of attention to my body and try to take notice of any changes when trying out new supplements. On Sept 5 (when I started taking this supplement) I started with 2 capsules for 5 days for two weeks, taking a two day break on the weekends.

Then I cut down to one every other day for another 2 weeks up until Sept 30. Throughout that time I noticed I was much calm and able to concentrate throughout the day. My energy levels were adequate enough to get me through the day and falling asleep was much easier.

Unlike spirulina which gave me marathon like energy (which I liked but was not letting me sleep), Aswaghanda provided me with gradual energy. I was able to get enough energy to get through my 10 hour work day without it interfering with my sleep.

I noticed how calm I felt overall but by week 4 Sept 30 that Friday, I stopped taking Aswaghanda. The reason being that by week 3 I was getting flu like symptoms of getting a cold or getting sick but never quite did. I've read that adaptogens can give make you feel that way, which is basically the body cleansing itself. So I gave it another 3 days then stopped. I'll go back on Monday Oct 10 ending my 10 day rest. I'll be on it for the rest of the month until further notice.

Overall Aswaghanda helped me take things easier and provided me with a lot of restful nights. Before trying any supplement make sure to consult with your doctor to avoid complications. As always do you research and find what works best for you as an individual.

There are many type of brands that sell Ashwaghanda. I got mine from my local natural health store for $22.00. Organic and all natural. So make sure to purchase your from a trusted vendor.

References:

~Power of Your Metabolism By Frank Suárez

~Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief By David Winston, Steven Maimes

~http://kidsfamiliesplanet.com/2011/07/07/ashwagandha-the-amazing-adaptogenic-herb/

~The Essential Guide to More Than 125 of Nature's Most ... By Michael Castleman

~http://www.raysahelian.com/ashwagandha.html

Thrift Shopping Finds No.1 + Accessories I'm Loving

2011-09-25T18:08:00.000-04:00

I'm not too big on thrift shopping, but recently I have found myself to stumble into a few places near my new place and have been hooked. I was simply strolling around my neighborhood this weekend and spotted this little christian school with a thrift shop attached. I decided to go in since I've been looking for a mini vase for my desk, and thought I may find something.

Did not find the vase but I ended up with a purse, sweater dress and two necklaces one of them pictured above. I paid $1.00 for it and thought it would be great for my meditation sessions. I 'm looking into connecting with water deities and thought this would be a great tool to use considering it's made of sea shells very nicely paired together. Not sure yet how I will be using it exactly but that's what I have in mind. I'll do another post on the purse and sweater dress.

I also got this ankh necklace at the thrift shop, also a dollar to layer with other necklaces and charms I have. My first thrift shop experience was pretty good. As with most things I receive previously used be it furniture or whatever, I always smudge them, to rid the items of any vibrations that may not be in tune withe me etc... Yeah I'm a bit superstitious like that.. lol

In the mean time I've been on a peacock binge as far as jewelry shopping. The earrings pictured above I got at this store namde Rue 21 for $5. I love to wear them wth a high bun since they claim so much attention.

These are also a pair of peacock earrings I got at Walmart for $5.

I've also been pulling forgotten items from my stash like these enamel hoop earrings pictured above.

and decided to get this very pretty sparkly ring out of the dark too...

I also picked up this very pretty Jade bracelet last weekend on sale for $20. I've always admired Jade and thought it was about time I add a piece or two of Jade to my collection.

So these are my favorite things I've been rotating recently. I'm starting to really like Jade and hav been eyeing this very pretty green pendant, May have to pick it up soon!

Review: Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque

2011-09-24T18:00:00.000-04:00

Remember when I got this way back in January when I went strictly Cone free with my hair

regimen?

Well I have finally gotten around to it, so here goes. At the time I had already determined what ingredients I would use for my homemade deep conditioners but was looking for something I could also travel with on those days I would not be able to DC at home since I travel between states sometimes.

So while in Target I spotted this for 10 bucks and thought it was reasonably priced, especially for a product that contains all natural ingredients.

Whatt attracted me most about this DC was it's super thickness. I tend to like thicker conditioners but I don't think I've come across one as creamy and thick as this one.

The scent was very strong and the scent did linger for a day but nothing major.

At the time I was still playing around with some products which are pretty much the same I use now. I did like this Hair Masque but found that my hair liked it most for it's strengthening properties as opposed to the moisture I was expecting. So I ended up using it when I noticed my hair shed more than usual and to strengthen my hair.

To add that moisturizing and shine effect I was looking for I would add coconut oil and olive oil alternating bi weekly, if not my hair would feel stiff afterwards.

Overall I liked it but won't be purchasing again, I may give the curl enhancing product they have a try one of these days. Here are a few pics I took of my curly fro after using this hair masque.

Juicing! For Healthy Hair, Skin, Nails and Immune System

2011-09-20T23:18:00.000-04:00

I've been getting really close these past few weeks with my juicer. In my previous juicing post some had wondered what juicer I use and in truth it's a very old juicer but gets the job done (check it out here). I may get a new one this Christmas but in the mean time the one I have works just fine so no need to purchase a new one just yet.

I'm juicing mostly to strengthen my immune system and cleanse my system overall. I also juice to help limit my dependence on supplements. I've always believed that to get all the nutrition we need, it must come for the most part from fresh foods. Supplements are great, but it shouldn;t be your primary source of vitamins minerals etc. Since most vegetables don't make it into my daily diet as I would like them to ( beets, kale,carrots etc), I instead juice those veggies I'm not too fond of which I find to be a healthy compromise.

Here's what I been juicing and why:

Cucumbers:

Contains vitamin C, Potassium & Iron
Cucumbers are mostly made up of water & is a mild diuretic promoting frequent urination making it an ideal food for those seeking to gently detox and rid their bodies of heavy toxins.
Cucumbers are also rich in silica, a trace mineral essential for strong hair, skin, nails and bones.
Applying cucumbers to the skin refreshes and soothes most irritations, while consistently keeping cucumbers in your your diet helps maintain clear skin.

Strawberries:

Strawberries are my favorite and when I tend to withdraw from my sugar cravings I grab me some strawberries to help with my urges. Sometimes I dip them in honey too!

Strawberries are high in vitamin c helping maintain a strong immune system and is also known to pack free radical fighting antioxidants.
Strawberries are also anti inflammatory which benefits those who suffer with arthritis. And like cucumbers, strawberries are essential for maintaining strong connective tissues such as the skin, bones,etc

Carrots:

Carrots and I don't mingle too well, but it somehow always end up in my juices.

high in Vitamin C, helps promote health eyesight and is also
packed with antioxidants which help boost the immune system.
Although I may stop juicing them since the sugar levels can be a bit high when juiced. Nonetheless, they taste really good when paired with apples.

As well as juicing, salads as you all may know, has been a staple in at least one of my meals every day for quite sometime now. Raw onions, watercress along with this fabulous avocado makes the round for many of my salads.

I picked this avocado up at a local Caribbean market. Unlike the Haas avocado which is much smaller and creamier this one was twice the size and a bit harder but just as tasty.

Avocados are very nutritious and high in vitamin E, vitamin K, and many more nutrients essential for not only healthy skin but also helps maintain a well balanced diet providing many nutrients in one sitting.

So basically that's my food goal. To maintain a strong immune system while my hair, skin and waist line benefits!

Basics To My Sunday Spa Routine

2011-09-11T16:16:00.000-04:00

I like to treat myself to a facial at least once a week mostly on Sundays. Recently I've also incorporated steaming bi weekly, making it even more luxurious and beneficial. I use a variety of natural ingredients right from my fridge or cupboard for my facials. Pictured above have been my weekly staple ingredients that never seems to fail and always combines with many other ingredients making my weekly facials versatile for my ever changing skin.

Taking this time out for myself at least once a week is a must. It's a time where I can give myself a breather without all the fuss. Here's what I like to use.........

Honey

I can never go wrong with honey.You can combine it with virtually anything making it a great base for any facial. Not only that, but you can also reap from it's many benefits by using it alone.

Honey is antibacterial tackling bacteria caused by acne. Honey is my ultra moisturizer thanks to it's humectant properties which attracts moisture into both skin and hair.

Sugar

I use sugar mostly for my body scrubs especially right after dry brushing. Sugar can be too rough for the face so I usually opt for sugar cane syrup I find at my local market. Sugar contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid which naturally exfoliates the skin of old skin cells revealing softer glowing skin especially for my elbows and knees.

Yogurt

Another staple of mine is plain yogurt. Also another great natural exfoliant especially for sensitive skin. Yogurt contains Lactic acid an AHA as well. Yogurt also helps moisturize and soothe the skin while gently exfoliating dead skin cells off the surface of the skin.

Clay

I recently got into clays for my facials and love how clean and fresh my skin feels. Clays helps draw out dirt and oil from the skin. Which is why I like to use it since it sucks up all the excess oil from my skin, leaving it just perfect not too overly dry or oily. Clay is also a great detoxifier I gave myself late last month a full body wrap in clay to help my skin and see how it felt and it was a great treat. Messy but worth it. My skin was super soft for days.

Steaming:

Adding steam to your facial routine can instantly upgrade any facial. When looking for a deep cleanse I opt for a steam facial. Not only does it help open and cleanse my clogged pores but the steam also soothes my sinuses which have been acting up due to stress. I also add essential oils, lavender being my favorite along with rosewater and the results are instant. My skin is uber soft and I have a lasting glow for days. It's also a great way to end a long day.......

Steaming is very easy grab a bowl, add some boiling water. Let the water sit for a while to avoid the steam from burning. Then once you are sure you have the right amount of heat, place a towel over your head and let the steam circulate while you slowly breathe in for about 5 minutes, then proceed with any facial of your choice.

Essential Oils:

Soon I would like to add dried herbs to my steam facials but until then essential oils will do. I usually add 1 drop of either lavender or Ylang-Ylang.

Rose Oil: Moisturizes, aid in skin cell regeneration

Chamomile: Soothes irritated skin, Antinflammtory, Antibacterial

Lavender: Anti inflammatory, calms and soothes irritated skin

Ylang Ylang: Balances skin, antiseptic

Loofah

I've been drying brushing for a while now and glad I have. I like how buttery soft my skin is since dry brushing. I not only use it for my skin but for the health benefits you can gain from dry brushing especially the immune system.

So these are some of my basic tools for my weekly Spa Ritual. As the weather changes I'll incoroprate more richer ingredients............until then what's your ideal spa ingredients for winter?

Stone Smudge

2011-09-03T18:32:00.000-04:00

I haven't mentioned my stone collection since my last post here...But despite the lack of mention on the blog, my crystals, gems and stones have made their way into my daily life since first discovering the potential many stones and crystals posses.

These pictured above are some of my main staples, but recently I've acquired a few new stones I'll be sharing with you in an up and coming post. In this post I will show you how I smudge my stones to help clear them of any vibrations and also show you how I recharge them as well.

It's very simple really, I just set a charcoal with incense of my choice. In this case I used frank and myrrh to help rid the stone of any energy it may have accumulated. I 've come to intuitively decipher each stone and find that each stone truly has it's own unique way of working with me. I've been doing a lot of public speaking and just like any other person, I may look like I have it under control, but inside I'm a nervous wreck. So for my fear of public speaking I've been carrying both carnelian and citrine to help me become a more efficient speaker.

So I decided to give my collection a fresh new cleanse for this new month considering I have many new things in the works.

Although citrine is the only stone that does not require cleansing, since citrine cleanses itself of any negative or low vibrations, that can not be said about my other stones and crystals.

I like to use smoke because it helps me visualize the intent I'm trying to manifest throughout the stone. The clearer and more defined my thoughts and intent are the better I'm able to feel the subtle energy the various stones I work with posses.

Amethyst is an all time favorite and my favorite stone to meditate with. I haven't been using my red jasper since it disappeared on me for quite some time. Hinting it was to time to let it go since I was so attached to it.

Stones tend to disappear when they are too charged or have simply played their role in your life. So it was time to let go and start discovering new stones.

3 Things......

2011-08-23T11:17:00.000-04:00

3 things will be a mini series of random stuff I'm currently loving, experimenting with or craving. Here's 3 things I've been into this summer.....

Delezhen

via google images

Gold and turqoise jewelry. Locally it's hard to find unique items like the pieces above. Luckily etsy has a wide varierty.

To go along with my gold and turqoise acessories crave has also been white jeans...........I've bought a few pairs earlier this summer and have been rocking them with belly tops like the one shown below.

weheartit.com

This pair up here I got at walmart for $12.00. Boot Cut fit and very comfy.

I also got these white jeggings from rue 21 for $15.00. I like to pair these with sky high sandals for a casual weekend night out with a flowy top or slouchy belly top.

Juicing fruits and veggies has been in heavy rotation too.....

I like to juice stuff I don't usually eat in my meals. Some how everything tastes better when juiced.

I've been thinking about juice fasting for a day or two before summer's gone....We shall see, in the mean time these were my favorite things this summer as far as the mundane goes...

My Aloe Vera Plant

2011-08-13T15:49:00.000-04:00

I was out the other day and spotted this aloe plant for 3 bucks. I used to have 2 baby aloe plants but they never seemed to grow and sadly they suddenly died this summer. I love aloe and use it for many of my facial masks and routine. I usually buy the leaf by itself and have always wanted a full grown aloe plant, so I was pleased to see this plant and keep it in my home.

Aloe has many medicinal uses both externally and internally. When taken as a juice aloe helps lower cholesterol, deals with ulcers, heartburn, constipation, helps cleanse your blood as well as provide the body with essential vitamins and nutrients.

Aloe also treats burns, infections, inflammation, moisturizes and heals dry skin. It also helps regenerate new skin cells providing you with a smooth and clear complexion. I use aloe Vera mostly for facials and such, it also works wonders for my black heads.

Aloe Vera, according to folklore, is used to prevent accidents and negativity. In fact aloe Vera is known to be used throughout Mexico for the same reasons. It's known to draw in positive vibrations into your surroundings. So if you see a Aloe Vera around think about all it's versatile uses and pick one up. Make sure the plant is green and plump, signs of a healthy plant.

Natural Hair Notes: This past weekend's routine

2011-08-10T23:08:00.000-04:00

The weekend before last I went to the salon and considering all the heat, tugging and pulling my hair went through, I gave my hair a little extra pampering this past Sunday. I first started off with a scalp massage consisting of my usual avocado oil and lavender essential oil. I have to say since giving myself scalp massages weekly, my hair has stopped shedding and is back to normal. So I'll be doing scalp massages bi weekly instead.

Mayo, Molasses & Castor Oil

After the scalp massage I shampooed my hair with Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta shampoo, then I whipped up the above Strengthening treatment. The pictures above included mayonnaise and black strap molasses with a bit of Castor oil. Left it in for an hour.......

and this was my hair... it was so soft and shiny before I even followed up with the moisturizing conditioner below.........

Which consisted of baby banana food, honey, little bit of argan oil and avocado oil. I left this concoction in for 1 hour in which 15 minutes of that hour was under the dryer. I then rinsed and followed up with aubrey organics honey suckle rose conditioner. I used my beloved Aloe vera and rosewater as my leave in. I then with my hair slightly damp braided my hair into a bun and went to bed......

The next day my hair was very soft and shiny but a bit dry towrds the front. I'll continue to do protective style mostly because I don't have time to do anything else with my hair.

While in protective styles I mostly do slick back buns. My edges have not been cooperating lately so I have been experimenting with aloe Vera gel which seems to work. So far my hair is loving being cone free. However I have a few new products I'm going to try both natural and commercial as far as styling products are concerned. As I sit here I have my hair in twists hoping to achieve a nice twist out tomorrow morning, we shall see what I end up with.

Herb to Know: Golden Seal

2011-08-06T20:02:00.000-04:00

I started taking golden seal sometime around mid past December. I was dealing with more colds and runny nose than usual so I thought I'd get something to help boost my immune system. Golden seal has been around for quite sometime and was mainly used by Native Americans for a variety of health uses.

Here are some benefits to Golden Seal:

Treats all types for skin ailments from acne, eczema psoriasis and rashes.

Golden Seal helps boost the immune system and helps ease sinus issues.

Golden Seal is antimicrobial and treats a variety Of infections such as yeast infections, Sore throats, fungus.

Also known for being a natural antibiotic, golden seal is efficient is dealing with bacteria.

Golden Seal is also known to help treat diabetes.

There are not many side effects other than nausea and diarrhea can occur if taken excessively. I started of with one tablet daily for one week, then fell off the next week and have been on and off every other week. Soon as fall gets here I will get another bottle along with echinacea to help strengthen my immune system and curb my sinuses from acting up.

Nuance by Salma Hayek Blush Trio and Lip Gloss

2011-08-03T11:46:00.000-04:00

Last weekend right after I left the salon, I stopped by cvs for some dish washing liquid and came across Salma Hayek's Cosmetic line named Nuance. I was impressed with the line since it has everything from tinted moisturizers, concealers and more.

Since there was a buy one get one 50% off I decided to get a blush and matching gloss.

I got the cheek trio in Mauve and love how well the mauve color combines with the brown. I'm not a big fan of the lighter highlighter color in this trio since it tends to be too shimmery and I dealt with a bit of fall out. However the brown and pinkish color combine beautifully and lasted me all day.

I was going to grab a lipstick from the line but since I have so many and have not worn lip gloss as of late, I decided on the ultra shine lip gloss in Berry.

The color is actually very pretty and pigmented, but a little goes a long way since this gloss tends to seep into my mouth if I apply too much.

The scent is rather sweet but light. I paid $12.50 for the blush and $3.60 for the gloss after the 50% discount. Overall I like this line. I was curious about the concealer of course and tinted moisturizer, so I may try them out on my next visit.

Beauty Salon Visit

2011-07-31T21:09:00.000-04:00

(Side Note)

I still can't comment on some blogs...Ladies make sure you set your comment setting to "pop up" or have it revert to a new page to comment. If your comment box is embedded on yourpage commenting is not possible for most.

I went to the beauty salon super early today (pic to the right) trying to beat the heat and of course crowd. This is my first visit to the salon since my move and I was a bit nervous but felt comfortable with the lady who did my hair today so that was a plus. It's always nerve wracking to have someone new deal with my hair....

The picture to the left was taken exactly a year ago right before a wedding, and one year later (right) I have to say my hair has grown quite a bit and is just as healthy. Earlier this summer I was dealing with major shedding so I started to massage my scalp with either grape seed oil or avocado oil mixed with lavender oil every week until I noticed my hair shed less with each passing week.

Before I got to the salon I did a quick scalp massage with grape seed oil, then I shampooed with my Aubrey organics Rosa mosqueta shampoo. I then deep conditioned with a mix of coconut milk, honey and Castor oil. Left that in for about and hour then rinsed. I then followed up with Aubrey Organics honey suckle rose conditioner and left it in my hair, put my hair in a bun and rinsed it out at the salon. I brought my little rosewater aloe spritzer and asked her to use it as a leave in and off to the dungeon (hair dryer) I went.

I then styled my hair with Amal Oil Organic Argan Oil I reviewed a while ago. I love argan oil, it provides my hair with super shine and fights frizz too.

I've been keeping my regimen very simple, lately I've been protective styling and co washing, which my hair has been liking. Deep conditioning has been kind of routine so I want to start experimenting with new stuff not sure with what yet but I'll think of something.

Equate Eye Cream

2011-07-29T19:12:00.001-04:00

Recently my eyes have been itching a lot mostly because my job has me in front of a computer screen for 9 hours of my day. I also have been neglecting to incorporate an under eye cream into my daily facial routine. So I have been dealing with dried out eye balls and eye lids.

Eye creams are known to be a bit pricey and claim to perform many miracles, but this Equate brand eye cream I picked up at walmart not too long ago, turned out to be not only a great product but great deal as well. I have not tried any high end eye cream brands to compare, but so far I don't feel that dry irritated feeling I was dealing with under and around my eyes nor is this eye cream greasy like others I've come across.

The texture is very creamy and thick enough to help you feel it's moisturizing and light enough to wear under makeup. I tend to use it at night but on those nights I do forget to use it, I use it the next morning under my concealer with no creasing or fading at all.

Over all this turned out to be a great find however I would have preferred a tube as opposed to using a q-tip or fingers .
So for the $7 I dished out for this eye cream, I say it was a great buy!

Deity of the Day: Laxmi

2011-07-28T22:31:00.000-04:00

I've always been intrigued by Hindu gods and goddesses mainly because the images of many Hindu deities are rather elaborate and very interesting to look at. As a child the multiple eyes, legs and with all due respect, but even the freakish tongues would keep me wondering. It wasn't until my teens did I start to further inquire about these interesting images.

Laxmi is the Hindu goddess associated with prosperity, wealth, love and success among many things. She helps bring positive things into your life, essential for a comfortable existence in the material plane and spiritual. Just as laxmi can bring many material successes, she can also bring immense spiritual fortune.

Despite all of her common sought after attributes one thing laxmi is also associated with is sovereignty. I found this to be very interesting since I have not read of many goddesses be associated with self authority like laxmi is. Sovereignty is a word most notably used throughout politics and government but seldom do people apply sovereignty to themselves. Being a self sovereign in the sense that you are in full control and ownership of your ideas, life and existence can be a very liberating experience laxmi can help accomplish.

Self government warrants many things and can turn into a daunting task. So what Lakshmi teaches is to become an independent individual. She helps you meditate on self realization and helps you see clearly what it is you wish to accomplish. Above all Laxmi helps you take ownership over your existence, life and thoughts.

Although Laxmi is mostly known to endow her followers with riches and most material aspects, she is most notably revered to help enhance spirituality within as well. I find that I prefer to meditate to Hindu deities because most of the images are buried in symbols and each one can be perceived differently by everyone. It also helps your mind focus on the colors, images and what focus on what the symbols mean to you personally.

Throughout my readings I also found out laxmi and Ganesha complement each other, which makes a lot of sense since Ganesha removes obstacles from our path leading way for laxmi to help bring fortune by way of our very own dreams and desires.

Summer Foods To Love

2011-07-10T22:33:00.001-04:00

I've been indulging in the following foods for most of this past winter/spring. But they have easily transitioned into summer. I usually rotate them while transitioning into other foods and have to say I've been maintaining a rather consistent healthy diet for the past year or so.

I can be a rather picky eater and typically would have never gravitated toward vegetables, but lately I have been trying my best to maintain many fresh fruits and vegetables in my diet and for the most part it has been working. My tip is to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables without depriving yourself. I still eat what I like even though most of the time it's not good for me. But I always keep in mind that balance is key.

Not only are fruits and vegetables very nutritious but also refreshing especially during these summer months and essential for a variety of beauty and health purposes.

Cucumbers are my favorite. Eating cucumbers can help keep your nails and hair strong thanks to the variety of minerals cucumbers contain, in particular silica. Cucumbers can also improve your complexion as well as maintain bone strength. It's also high in fiber helping promote a healthy digestive function. It's also a great complement to many foods mostly due to it's refreshing taste and feel.

Avocados are also very nutritious and tasty. High in vitamin e and antioxidants, avocados help maintain healthy skin and immune system.

It's also a great addition to many of my homemade deep conditioners.

I enjoy avocados the most with red onions and hint of salt and vinegar. Adding a bit of cucumbers in the mix never hurts either. I cannever get enough of avocados and so I keep it in heavy rotation year round.

I have never been a fan of tomatoes, but being the adventurous eater I have become, I tried some plum tomatoes and loved them. What really would put me off about tomatoes would be the slimy insides....always puts me off, but the plum tomatoes are not as bad as the bigger ones. These tend to be very small and sweet.

Tomatoes are known to pack a lot of nutritional value fighting off a variety of cancers due to tomatoes lycopene content. Lycopene is essential for the eyes, helping maintain a stronger vision. Tomatoes are also antioxidant, protecting cells from damaging free radicals.

I like to add some avocados and watercress into my Plum Tomato Heaven.

Strawberries have always been my summer favorite and for many reasons. Beauty wise strawberries naturally contain salicylic acid making it an ideal ingredient if you are looking for a gentle mask to lift away dead skin. It also helps keep your teeth clean and also known to whiten teeth.

Strawberries are also very nutritious helping fight cancer and arthritis thanks to it's anti inflammatory properties. Strawberries are also high in vitamin C essential for a strong immune system.

Although not too healthy, it is my guilty pleasure and in season....The Sweet Plaintain! Who doesn't love a freshly fried sweet plantain??? My highlight all summer!

Some Images Via

Tumblr

Beauty in Everthing

My own

Hello, I'm back.....

2011-07-10T21:18:00.000-04:00

with rants and complaints! Well first off just wanted to say I've moved, started a new job and have experienced so many changes it's insane. That's the reason why I've been away for so long. But I'm settling in slowly but surely and hope to resume to regular postings soon.

I have not done much with my hair, for now just co washing w/ Aubrey organics and DC every other week along with protective styles until I whip out the curly fro routine I've been hoping to get to.. Time has not been my friend so taking time out for anything has been problematic including hair. In the midst of it all I'm also meditating more, as well as in the process of setting up an altar.... but all that is still in the works. I don't even have time for inspiration and with summer being here weekends are full of BBQ's, beaches etc....

My biggest complain however..........What is up with blogger not letting me comment on my favorite blogs??? I'm so frustrated because I usually don't have time to blog but I do keep up with all of your blogs, just that I can't comment. Anyone knows what I'm doing wrong? Please advise and let a girl know....!!!

Anyway I also have a photo session planned with the lovely Maddy of Mad Hearts Photography... I just need to finally settle on a date for once! I love her work and would like to gift myself some photos of me since I'm in the prime of my youth! But between work and moving I just have not got around to it. But if you would like a nice photo session at a super reasonable price contact Maddy she has a great eye for her work!

But just to keep you all in the loop while I'm away here are a few blogs have been keeping up with just not able to comment on. (hint hint):

She's been working on some really good Homemade deep conditioners, love her!
http://missesspi.blogspot.com/

Always on the go but super creative with her tricks Tiffany has been on a blogging roll:
http://thecurlworld.blogspot.com/

My beloved platanos mango and me blog and friend Norma is still cooking things up in the kitchen:
http://platanosmangoes.com/

Another great photographer's work I love is Samidee, always so versatile with her shoots........
http://www.samanthadietz.com/

Keeping me up to date with her natural nail progress and lip swatches you never go wrong here:
http://www.dolcevanity.com/feeds/posts/default

And truly so many other favorite blogs of mine I've been keeping an eye on just not able to comment and so many more..... I'll be back with more updates until then enjoy my blog roll!

Amor Keys always keeps me inspired.........
http://www.amorkeys.com/search?updated-max=2011-07-06T12%3A34%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=2

MAC Gingerly Sheer tone Blush, MAC Prolongwear Concealer + Revlon Photo Ready Concealer

2011-06-15T15:44:00.000-04:00

Back in December I stopped by MAC and picked up a concealer I was not too happy with. It was the select moisture concealer which I thought was perfect for me but turned out too orange.

Recently I finally returned it and picked up their Pro Long wear concealer in NW30. I'm very glad I did because it's just perfect for me in terms of color and coverage. Unlike the select moisture concealer which was a bit too sheer for me, this concealer is not too thick and provides a lot of coverage and not to mention a great match.

I have the most horrendous dark under eyes and as usual I'm always on the hunt for the next best thing. For now I like this concealer only problem is that the pump lets out way too much product usually wasting most of it. Other than that it stays on all day and gives me the coverage I need.

Of course being the concealer whore I can be (excuse the language but it's true) I can surely get around when it comes to concealers. I just can't help myself. Anyway while out and about the drugstore aisle I came across revlon's photo ready concealer and have to say I'm sooo pleased. When ever I'm not in the mood to waste my MAC pro long wear concealer I wipe this baby under my eyes and voila the perfct match and half the price......

Revlon Photo Ready Concealer (Medium)

I also got a blush since I was at MAC and originally wanted to get Blunt but as my luck would usually have it they were sold out so I settled on Gingerly. Gingerly has this peachy brown tone to it which I find a bit difficult to love on me. I 've seen several bloggers do many beautiful looks with gingerly and it looks fabulous. But on me I don't know..... I guess I need to work with it a little more so I can start loving it.

I may head out to MAC again to pick up Show Orchid, a lipstick I been wanting and of course hopefully Blunt is available too.

Magical Store Haul

2011-06-13T08:15:00.001-04:00

Hello all! I've been slacking on my blog lately. Mostly because of work and I recently finally moved considering it's been in the works for the past year or so. I'm just starting to settle in and me being a creature of habit it's truly been a hectic change.

I've been traveling back and forth to my new place for quite some time, so I did not have to give it an extensive space clearing as I typically would if I were to have moved into a whole new place. So I did my usual incense burning to help liven up the space and give my place a new and permanent welcome.

Incense and I have been bonding quite a bit these past few months and burning it has become one of my favorite spiritual tools and hobby. It can be very useful to help re freshen, lighten and clear up any space. I've been doing several incense space clearings for relatives and friends and coupled with their intention for prosperity, peace and health it seems to be working and evoking positivity into their spaces.

While out shopping for more incense recently, I came across a new place to get my usual stuff as well as new interesting stuff I've never tried before.

I usually get my incense from local street vendors in NYC, as well as charcoal, Shea butter and a variety of things. But I decided to venture into what many know as a "Botanica" known throughout many Hispanic/Latin communities throughout the U.S especially large cities like NYC. A botanica, known mostly throughout Caribbean communities, is the go to store for all things spiritual, religious etc.These Botanicas cater mostly to African and Afro- Caribbean beliefs although there are many Native American spiritual tools as well as Hindu and a variety of other spiritual and religious items.

Botanica translates to botany, where you would find a variety of fresh herbs although typically at these places (depending on where you go) you don't find them fresh per se, but workable nonetheless. It's truly an interesting place to visit.You will find candles of all kinds, oils, incense, charms, statues books and the list goes on. I was even offered to have my fortune read although I refused. I prefer to keep my destiny a surprise, spontaneous. And besides most of the psychic readings require some form of follow up which ends of costing lots of money in follow up products from the same botanica that is giving you the reading.

Which is fine if you are curious as to what a fortune reading may be like, but when it comes to spiritiuality I feel like it's something that is cultivated and experienced from within and much more complex and personal to each person. I prefer to venture into my own spirituality as opposed to paying someone else. So that is what I did, I quickly picked up what I needed and went along my merry way.....

After I picked up my usual, my attention was drawn to this bag. As you all may know from my essential oil post I do not like Patchouli at all. But when I opened this bag of dried patchouli herb I was truly converted. The scent is not so overbearing like the essential oil. It has this very warm and soft scent that truly caught my attention.

I decided to buy this dried pack for a Aura bath I have planned for my cousin and myself. Patchouli is known to help increase luck, protect against negativity and low vibrations. Patchouli helps ground your mind and thoughts as well as promote peace within yourself and surroundings. Patchouli also purifies against negativity from within and from our enviornments.

I also got 2 new incenses, Jasmin and Copal. Sandalwood of course is my favorite.

Jasmine is used to help attract prosperity, positivity, love and money. Jasmine has this very soft flowery scent, not as aromatic as sandalwood but pleasing at the least.

I also got a sample bag of incense, this time I went with Copal. I've been using it mostly for purification purposes. Copal is very popular throughout Mexico. The Mayas burned copal for a variety of purificatory and ceremonial purposes and it is still used today for the same purpose.

Of course I stocked up on charcoal....

One other interesting thing I picked up at the botanica was this herbal spiritual bath pack. The name of the pack is called La Negra Curandera (The Black Shaman Healer). A friend of mine had mentioned she was dealing with some health issues and wanted to improve her aura. So I thought I'd pick this up and see what I end up making.

Inside the envelope werw a variety of dried herbs such as pine, bay leaves and a few other herbs in a clear plastic bag. Soon as I get settled and a chance I will make a small Aura Bath batch and see what works out.

So this is my small little venture out into the "magic" store. A few things I will be using to help enhance my aura and meditation sessions these next coming weeks.

Natural Hair Notes: Regimen Update

2011-05-28T22:10:00.000-04:00

Back in January I decided to keep my hair regimen as natural as possible eliminating a majority of my commercial hair products specifically avoiding silicones, mineral oils etc. Since then it's been about 5 months and I'm very glad I made the change.

I've been slacking on my hair updates mostly because not much has been going on considering how simple I've managed to maintain my regimen. Since January I have managed to keep a simple regimen and the best part of this whole change has been concocting different types of deep conditioners and treatments.

My main protein strengthening treatment has been mayo. Depending on how my hair feels I sometimes add an egg to give it an even more strengthening boost. I also usually just add oils such as almond oil or coconut oil. The avocado oil is kind of new to me. I initially got it for my salads but it has found it's way around my hair cabinet. I treat my hair with this mayo and egg treatment once a month (or every 3 weeks depending on my hair).

The rule to any protein strengthening treatment is to follow up with a deep conditioner. This has been the most versatile part of this whole regimen change. I have been sticking with mostly baby banana food, avocados, coconut cream and coconut milk, oils, and essential oils, honey etc. These past 3 weeks I've been a bit on a coconut binge and have been sticking with coconut milk and coconut cream along with Aubrey Organics honey suckle rose conditioner and honey. Every other week I have been alternating oils such as argan, grape seed, avocado oil and this time I added Ylang Ylang.

Adding to the coconut milk goodness I added a little bit of coconut cream I had in a bar.

I scraped and scraped..........

and added the coconut milk to the scraped coconut flakes....

then added about a tablespoon of honey........

I also added enough aubrey organics honey suckle rose conditioner to thicken things up.

and whipped everything together.

I kept this deep conditioner in my hair for about 2 hours while I did things around the house, nap etc.

after that I washed it out and conditioned with Aubrey Organics.

My hair has been some what cooperative until recently. Seems like my annual shedding cycle is in full effect. Usually around this time of year my hair tends to shed more than usual so I have been dealing with a lot of that. To help curb the shedding I'll be incorporating some scalp massages into my routine. Summer is right around so I'm looking forward to leaving my curls out more often. Just need to figure out what exactly my hair is going to need to survive the summer heat. Other than that here is What my regimen has been looking like these past months:

Shampoo (1x week) -Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta

Clarify (1x month) -Apple Cider Vinegar

Conditioners (1x week)- Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose, Vo5 Strawberries and cream (protein, cone free).

---Treatments---

Protein/Strengthening (1-2x month) - Mayo, eggs, oils, Black Strap Molasses

Moisture (1x week) - Avocado, Coconut cream, Coconut milk, Honey, Bananas (baby food)

Hot Oil (1x Week) : Coconut Oil

Leave In: Rose: Water & Aloe Vera Spritz
Daily Moisturizer: Bee Mine Balancing Cream
Seal: Castor Oil

I'm going to start using plain yogurt as my strengthening treatment and I will also start incorporating scalp massages more often to help curb my shedding. I'm also shopping around for a daily moisturizer, I'm just about out of Bee Mine.......
The only non natural product I have been reaching for is Vo5 conditioner only because I had a full bottle left, but it'scone free so it made the cut. As far as saving money I can say that it is somewhat cheaper. Uusually while I grocery shop I shop for my hair too. However recently since I have been on a time crunch It is kind of hard finding time to whip up these DC's so I will be shopping aorund for and all natural DC for these on the go summer days.....

Winning is Always Good.....

2011-05-23T08:50:00.000-04:00

I was the fortunate winner of these amazing cowrie shell hair pins courtesy of The Good Hair Blog. I was excited to win considering how much I love cowrie shells. I wear it in my hair all the time especially with side buns. Definitely a great treat.

Alexandra is not only creative with her awesome hair and blog but she is the owner of (and makes) her own hair products which she sells over at Safi Natural Hair. I've been curious about a few hair butters, hopefully I can get to them on time next batch around since they seem to be sold out within days.....

How to Recognize Organic Food Vs. Genetically Modified Foods

2011-05-22T09:32:00.001-04:00

GM (genetically modified) foods can be the subject of a lot of controversy. Many are concerned with scientists tampering with the genes of our foods, while others argue that GM foods are beneficial to the human race helping prevent famine associated with food shortages. Whether or not GM foods have any negative health or ecological effects has yet to be determined.

So how can you tell if you are purchasing Genetically modified, conventional or organic foods? PLU codes or Price look up codes are designed to help you tell them apart.

Organic:

Typically most organic produce are labeled Organic.

Organic produce has a five digit code and the number starts with a 9 for example:

Conventionally Grown Produce:

Conventional produce has a 4 digit PLU number that begins with the number 4. Conventionally grown produce are treated with chemical based pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. As opposed to organic produce which are treated with natural and eco friendlier methods.

Genetically Modified Produce:

Genetically Modified produce codes begin with the number 8. The genes of these fruits are manipulated to help achieve several aspects of the fruit such as a longer shelf life and enhance flavor and or texture.

Some however argue that these numerical labels have no meaning, but either way it's always good to be aware of what's out there as far as the foods we consume are concerned.

My Makeup Storage

2011-05-11T19:43:00.000-04:00

A while back I was struggling and running out space for all of my makeup and body products I've accumulated along the way........So while browsing walmart's organization area I came across this shoe rack and instantly thought it was perfect for the product junkie in me.

I tend to be an out of sight out of mind kind of person, so it's great to have the clear pockets that way I can see things and remember to use them.

Lip glosses, jewelry, my loofah, hair products and the endless amounts of receipts.

This turned out perfect and just in time for spring cleaning too!What do you use to store your stuff?

And the winner is.........

2011-05-09T19:54:00.000-04:00

Thank you all for entering!

MoneyPain43 you have won these beautiful ankh earrings Courtesy of Pieore Acessories!

Please contact me at hellnotesforbeauty@yahoo.com within the next 3 days. If I do not hear from you by then, another winner will be chosen.

European Clay Mask

2011-05-05T21:45:00.000-04:00

I finally got my hands on some clay! Between my love/hate relationship with online shopping and my local natural health food store slacking, I never got around to trying it out until now. Well finally my health food store came through. I noticed they stocked up on European Clay by Now Foods for $5.99 for a 6 oz jar which I found to be a great price so of course I got it.

Clay has been in use for a variety of purposes since ancient times. Not only have clays been in use for beauty, skin, hair and therapeutic purposes but suprisingly enough as medicine too, treating a variety of health ailments.

What is Clay?

Google Images

"Clay is basically inert super charged minerals, and it gets its negative electromagnetic energy charge from the thermo dynamic heat and volcanic action that created it. When activated by water the clay awakens with a strength that radiates throughout the body, stimulating energy for the rebuilding and revitalization of latent cells, and starts a healing process. The body needs this energy to restore harmonic balance essential to healthy maintenance. In addition, this super power has the ability to absorb harmful, toxic substances from within the body, tightly bind them within the molecule, and carry them out of the body." -SOURCE

In a nutshell clay is volcanic ash packed with a variety of minerals and nutrients beneficial for beautiful skin and internal health. Clays can be highly absorbent making it an efficient detoxifier and cleanser when taken internally (as a drink). It's able to attach itself onto harmful toxins and eliminate them from the body while at the same time provide essential nutrients. Clays that can be taken internally have been known to treat many ailments such as parasites, ulcers, diabetes, digestive disorders, immune support and also help balance acidity among many other health uses.

Clay can also do wonders for the skin. Thanks to Clay's absorbent nature it can be an ideal addition for many skin types especially oily skin types like myself. Not only are clays able to absorb toxins internally, but it's also able to attach itself onto dirt and oil on the skin's surface. Clays are also antibacterial and antiseptic treating acne, wounds and skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Clay gently exfoliates removing dead skin cells and also promotes circulation.

There are a variety of colors and types of clays, check out which is more suitable for your skin type here.

The clay I got is montmorillonite also known as french green clay. Clays come in a variety of colors and are sourced from a variety of places throughout the world.

What I like about this clay (or any for that matter) is that you can add virtually anything to it. I first started off with water since I have oily skin. But if you deal with dry skin adding oils (or coconut milk like I did this past weekend) or basically anything that will provide moisture would be a great addition.

For this mask I simply added a little water and grapeseed oil.

And this is what it looked like.... I like how soft, refreshed and clean my face feels after trying this mask. Recently I added coconut milk and Ylang Ylang essential oil and loved how silky my skin felt. I don't deal with as much oiliness after the mask which is a huge plus. My skin has been rather sensitive lately so I was pleased to see I did not break out after using it.

I want to soon give myself a full clay body wrap, to help with circulation as well as detox. Until then check out the following sources and links for more interesting facts about clay.

Healing Properties of Clay

Wild Crafted

Live Strong

Mountain Rose Herbs

Reminder: Pieore Giveaway

2011-05-05T09:18:00.000-04:00

Don't Forget! Pieore's Accessories giveaway ends tomorrow Friday May 6th. Go here for a chance to win these beautiful Ankh Earrings.....

Nail Finishes

2011-05-01T23:46:00.000-04:00

I don't wear too much nail polish but when I do I like to lean more towards plain old neutrals and of course stick to the same old finishes. Well recently I stumbled upon this link which details all the different types of nail finishes so I thought I'd share for all the nail fanatics out there. I was really surprised to know there were so many varieties.

There are many more check them out here: And the Finish is....... over at edge of insanity.

I'm really liking the holographic and jelly finish, what finish are you into lately?

Fresh Air Fund

2011-04-30T20:19:00.000-04:00

Sara Wilson of The Fresh Air Fund contacted me to announce the fund's annual volunteer host family program.

Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences in the country to more than 1.7 million New York City children from disadvantaged communities. Each year, thousands of children visit volunteer host families in 13 states and Canada through the Friendly Town Program or attend one of five Fresh Air Fund camps.

In addition to the Friendly Town program, The Fund has five camps in upstate New York where 3,000 inner-city children enjoy free vacations each summer. The Fresh Air Fund also runs year-round programs to help New York City youngsters.

So if you are looking to volunteer this summer and live along the northeastern states (Virginia, Maine, Connecticut up state new york and even Canada, you can do your share, volunteer and become a host.

Host Families

Want to sign up your child this summer where they can experience all sort of activities? Head on over here Friendly Town Program.

Call at 1-800-367-0003

A Collective Haul

2011-04-24T14:35:00.000-04:00

I've been doing a little shopping lately and have accumulated a few stuff, some are from the natural health store, the makeup aisle at the local drugstore.......you know shopping! Even though it's mostly restocking on the usual, such as tea and conditioners, I still managed to pick up a few new things along the way...........

What I got at the Natural Health Food Store:

1. European Clay- A new addition to my DIY family. I finally (after many months on my wishlist) got my hands on some cosmetic clay for my facials. I've been using this clay for most of this month for my weekly facials and love it, this clay deep cleanses, does not irritate and leaves my skin very soft and clear, a post on my review and recipes soon.

2. Rosewater- It's a bit pricey but very versatile in which both my hair and skin takes advantage of rosewater's moisturizing benefits. I use it as a moisturizing leave in (along with aloe vera juice) for both curly and rollerset hair with amazing results, so it's definitely a must for me. I also use it as a toner in my skin care routine and in my facials too.

3. Organic Chamomile- As you all may know my new found love has been tea. My newest tea crave besides Oolong has been chamomile. When in need of some peace and relaxation I grab me a cup of chamomile tea to to help soothe my mind, very helpful and indulging indeed, so I grabbed me a box.

Golden Seal Capsules

4. Golden Seal: Since I was dealing with a bad cold for the first start of April I thought I add some Golden Seal into my routine to help boost my immune system. I first started off with two capsules everyday for one week then stopped completely for one week and picked up again every other day for one week, so far so good, I'll have a post on Golden Seal soon.

5. Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Sulfate Free Shampoo and Honey Suckle Rose Conditioner

I've fallen in love with Aubrey Organics conditioners so I thought I'd stock up and pick up a shampoo from the line as well, since Castile soap and I are not really feeling each other as of late (drying out my hair a bit and my scalp was misbehaving), I switched to Rosa Mosqueta's sulfate free shampoo and love how clean and moisturized this shampoo leaves my hair, no streaky or dried out feeling at all. The formula is also rich and thick providing me with more than enough lather, so that's a plus.

I use the Honey Suckle Rose conditioner as a base for many of my Homemade Deep Conditioners, as well as on those days I co-wash.

I also picked up this soap. I like how clean and soft it makes my skin feel, but the only problem is that the exfoliating beads scratches my skin a little too much so I don't reach for it too often.

At the Supermarket I picked up..............

.....some deep conditioning essentials for my hair.

Baby Banana food- Which I use 2x a month for my baby banana food Deep Conditioner

Coconut Milk- I use coconut milk for most of the Deep Conditioners I've been experimenting with. One of my recent favorites is to simply add Aubrey's Honey suckle Rose Conditioner with some ylang ylang essential oil and Honey for another fabulous Deep Conditioner.

Honey- Another versatile ingredient, like rosewater, I use honey for both my hair and skin. It's the ultimate for my hair when it comes to shine and softness. It's also a staple in my facials since it softens and moisturizes the skin as well.

***I'm thinking about adding Coconut milk to my next baby banana food Deep Conditioner and see how it works out.... we shall see. I'm still playing with my regimen but pretty much things are staying the same adding a few elements along the way.....

What I got at the Drugstore:

Another Lipstick!

I've been hearing a lot about this lipstick, so when I saw Mocha Mish Mash swatch it on her blog I had to get it. The only orange lipsticks I have is rimmel's Kasbah and a loreal gloss I have, so I'm not too afraid of rocking orange lips so I thought I'd give Siren a try. I'm glad I did because I truly love it and I'm sure when I get my fabulous bronze glow this summer I'll be able to pull it off even better. It can scare you off at first but it worked well for me.

I like to pair it with maybelline's apricot flush blush I've had for sometime now which is this orange/coral blush and they match beautifully.

I also picked up this liner which Beverly of Fully Beatable mentioned she uses and never fails. But nothing seems to work for me as far as liners go....It's been pulling through but my oily lids won't budge on some days.

And last but not least the impulse shopper in me picked up one of wet n wild's trio called I'm getting Sunburned...... Swatches...

I tend to use the dark brown when doing brown smokey eyes. Great palette for the 2 bucks though! So that's basically all the shopping I have been up to these past few weeks. We'll see what else I end up with by month's end, lol.

Giveaway! Pieore Accessories (Closed)

2011-04-22T13:06:00.001-04:00

Recently I was fortunate enough to have Brooke, the brilliant mind behind Pieore Accessories and more, contact me to host a fabulous giveaway. I've always been intrigued by astrology, ancient cultures and was truly delighted when I got the chance to head over to the shop and find my long time interests in jewelry form! I really don't come across much ankh pieces, either I have to make them on my own or find them at tucked away in a corner shops locally, so it's always nice to come across unique and hard to find creators such as Pieore.

I'm truly loving the zodiac sign earrings (Capricorn here!), but what really caught my eyes were the ankh earrings. I've always been fascinated by the ankh....for whatever reason the symbol always seems to intrigue my energy. The ankh's meaning can vary to many, but primarily the ankh has always been associated with the balance of flowing life, birth and renewal.

Being the perpetual list maker that I can be sometimes, I actually had a pair of ankh earrings on my spring wish list since forever but never seemed to come across the right one. Well, the universe was listening because once Pieore contacted me about these beautiful pieces I finally found my perfect ankh earrings, they are just insanely beautiful and I get many compliments on them too.

I typically like to wear my Ankh earrings while sporting a high bun, I'm able to elegantly display my earrings every other evening, beautifully and comfortably.

But not only will I be loving these earrings this coming summer, but 1 Lucky reader will also be able to feel like an Egyptian goddess with a pair of their own..........

Here's How to Enter:

All you have to do is leave 1 comment stating what the Ankh represents to you.

Pieore will choose the comment with the best answer.

1 entry per contestant

Open to US Participants Only

Giveaway Ends Friday May 6, 2011

Good Luck!

Make sure you catch up with Pieore's amazing creations, Blog Updates and Shop Sales at the following Sites:

Pieore's Accessories

Twitter

Facebook

Pieore on Blogger

Tutorial: How to make Lentils (Lentejas)

2011-04-16T14:24:00.001-04:00

A fellow Blogger, Kesi from A little Black Pen, requested I do a tutorial on how I make lentils. Knowing she is a student on a budget I tried to keep it as simple as possible. It's taken me a while but I have had it in the works ever since Girl!

Lentils like most legumes are very nutritious packing in healthy amounts of protein, iron, vitamins and minerals. Lentil's are also high in fiber helping keep cholesterol levels low as well as help those who may deal with digestive issues such as constipation etc.

Lentils are very easy to make and as I have come to learn a little bit goes a very long way.

Keep in mind the measurements are for 2 people but you can double it if you need more:

Here's what I used:

1 cup of Lentils

2 cups of water

1/2 red onion

1/2 green pepper

4 garlic cloves

1tsp salt or 1 bouillon cube or Adobo

2 tablespoons of goya tomato sauce

You can also add (optional)

Celery

cilantro

Oregano

I don't remember much of the stuff my mother used to add but I tried to keep it very simple and tried it my way. Some prefer to season (or rather saute) the lentils in a sauce pan before hand and then add water, but I preferred to let it boil first, then add the ingredients.

So you want to bring your 2 cups of water to a full boil.

Then add your cup of lentils

Let the lentils boil on medium for about 20 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. One thing I love about this part is the aroma the lentils spreads throughout the house... it's fabulous.

Google images

after about 20 minutes you want to add your 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce, since lentils tends to absorb all the flavors don't add too much.....you want to still retain the lentils taste.

Once that's boiling you want to start chopping.....

Garlic, Onions, Green Peppers......

And add you onions, garlic and green pepper into the mix........

Now this is really optional you can either add your salt, adobo or bouillon to give it taste. Once again not too much since you don't want it to end up too salty. You want the salt to complement and bring out the lentil's soft taste....not overpower it.

I chose a bouillon, it tends to give my lentils that extra touch without ending up too salty. However depending on how much water you add, you may have to adjust the salt. You don't want it to end up too bland either unless you are watching your salt intake then it should be just fine considering lentils love to suck up all the flavors.....

Once the bouillon and everything else was added I let it boil for another 10-15 minutes on low-med (depending on your stove) until you start seeing a thick consistency. Depending on how thick you may or may not like your lentils, you can add a little bit of water along the way until you get the desired texture... some prefer it watery I on the other hand like my lentils on the thick side.

While that's working itself out I've got my white rice waiting on the side lines.... I love rice so most of my dishes are accompanied by it. But in truth you can either have these lentils alone, with bread or whatever your imagination comes up with really.....

So after about 45 minutes to an hour I'm feeling hungry and find that it's just right in terms of taste and consistency. Not too thick or watery just right.....

and after all that..... this is what I ended up with.

The entire dish took me about an hour and 15 minutes. While the lentils were cooking I seasoned my pork chops and worked on my rice. I tend to multi task when I cook so by the time the lentils are done everything else was ready to go.

A little bit of lentils goes a very long way like I mentioned. This stuff multiplies itself by the time you are done. So keep in mind less is more.

Natural Hair Notes Review: Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturizer Natural and Organic

2011-04-15T17:58:00.000-04:00

This review is so long over due so finally I'm here to share my thoughts. I purchased this in mid December right before I overhauled my regimen to all natural products. I was a bit hesitant about purchasing this considering the price. I've never spent over $10 on any hair product from what I can remember, but since finding a mineral oil free/petroleum oil free, all natural organic moisturizer for under 10 bucks seemed virtually impossible, I gave in. I was given a few extra bucks for Christmas from a few family members so I gave in and shelled out the $20 plus for it.

Price: Originally $18.00 (currently priced at $18.97)

Total price with shipping: $23.15

Review: To start I have to admit it was worth every penny. Since getting this product I have not had anything but love for it. It's creamy, smooth and leaves my hair ultra soft and moisturized. The scent is a bit lemony, nothing out of the ordinary nor does it interfere with my ultra sensitive sinuses. It's called a balanced cream because it contains both protein and moisturizing properties helping keep the moisture/protein balance in check which is crucial to most hair types especially my overly dry, curly, kinky hair.

A little goes a very long way and since using it everyday since January this is how much I still have left (picure below)..... So it's worth the price considering I have been using it almost daily for 3 months. I used to love ORS olive oil because it was so rich and creamy and this compares to it very well minus all the questionable ingredients. However by month's end I would see myself buying a new jar of ORS for 7 bucks. Bee Mine's moisturizer on the other hand is still holding on after many months.

However this past month I have been noticing a bit of breakage and shedding. I'm suspecting it's protein overload. This does contain protein so I may switch up to something that contains no protein at all. Even though my hair loves protein, too much can at times put my hair out of wack. So I use it every other day or every 2 days or so and seal with grapeseed oil or Castor oil. I personally prefer castor oil for some reason I like the way my hair feels when I seal with castor oil. This is what I would use right after rollersetting and then I would wrap my hair and it's truly amazing how soft and moisturized my hair would feel for days.

Ingredients: Distilled water, Hydrogenated Persea gratissima (Avocado) Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (and) Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Emulsifying wax, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Paraben & Formaldehyde Free Preservative & Fragrance (island mango).

Silicone free/SLS free/Paraben Free

Would I purchase this again? Yes! it lasts quite a while but since I need something with no protein I may not repurchase it this spring. I however like Bee Mine's products and may end up getting a Deep Conditioner I have been eyeing from the line, of course budget permitting. But as far as a daily moisturizer I'm shopping around to see what else I find. Something a bit cheaper and no protein.

So if you are looking for an all organic moisturizer I would recommend it despite the price, in the long run it's worth it considering how little you need.

The Neti Pot and Your Sinuses

2011-04-13T19:27:00.001-04:00

I've been MIA these past days since I have been dealing with a horrendous cold for the past 8 days or so. I have not had a cold/flu dilemma since 2007, so I can't complain. I'm not invincible and I was due for one considering how long since the last time I have been sick like this. So no hair washing, nail painting or researching for the old blog....but today I feel 90% better so hopefully back to normal finally, I have so many backed up posts it's not even funny. But I'll get to them in no time.

So in this post I will mention something I have been using to help me get better.

Although my sinus has not been the problem with this darn cold I have been fighting, for some however the pollen/allergy season is soon approaching and if you're like me who has suffered greatly with seasonal allergies you must be dreading the coming season.

Pictured above is a neti pot. I used this for many years to help treat my chronic and very annoying sinus problems. It wasn't until I turned 25 years old (last year) that I noticed my health and sinus problems improve drastically. I also gave up milk and most dairy products completely around that time too, helping significantly improve my sinus issues. I was constantly dealing with itchy eyes and a stuffy, runny nose, even at the beach in the middle of July I was sneezing and dealing with a runny and itchy nose. It was truly the worst stages of my life.

So in my desperation and hesitation to meds, I researched everything I could about treating sinusitis naturally and came across not only information on eliminating dairy products but also the neti pot. The neti pot has been traditionally used for ages by those who practice yoga and the Indian concept of medicine known as Ayurveda. It's mainly used by yogi's to help clear not only their nasal passages, throat and even eyes of any debris, polyps and mucus but to also help clear their minds to help them meditate more efficiently. The neti pot is just one of the many cleansing and purifying techniques used by yogi's to achieve a balanced physical and spiritual existence.

Using a Neti Pot can be very simple once you get the hang of it. All you need is a neti pot of course, water and salt to make your saline solution. The idea is to get the saline solution from one nostril to the other. Depending on how stuffed up with mucus your nasal passages may be the first few tries may not be too simple. For me it took several tries to finally get a flowing stream from one nostril to the other that's how bad my sinuses were. But once I got the hang of it, the technique seemed like second nature and it was truly amazing and liberating how it made me feel. I had less headaches and had a heightened sense of smell. And for once I was able to breathe out of both nostrils which was not a very common feeling. It was either both or one nostril stuffed with mucus, bacteria and who knows what else.

Kosher Salt

I haven't used the neti pot since last spring which usually around this time of the year with the change of weather and all I tend to deal with a stuffy head and runny nose. You don't necessarily have to deal with sinus issues to use a neti pot. If you simply want to give yourself a thorough cleansing be it your throat or to clear your mind the neti pot can help with that.

It's very simple but it takes several tries in order for you to master the technique of cleansing out your nasal passages. When I first started I began with several YouTube videos. At first it was kind of weird and hard to wrap the technique around my head but for the sake of finally feeling normal and not sounding so nasally I went ahead and tried it. I always use it in the shower it's much easier for me and since I typically take very warm showers, the steam helps get things loosened up.

Here are some benefits to using a neti pot:

Helps with sinus headaches

Clears nasal passages of excess mucus

Minimizes cold and flu symptoms

Helps treat sinus infections

Minimizes snoring and soothes dried out nasal passages

You can purchase your neti pot at most natural health stores. I got mine at whole foods almost 5 years ago and there are many different kinds. You can get the porcelain type like the one I have as well as plastic, copper and stainless steel types. I typically use bottled distilled water. I warm the water in my tea pot and let the water sit until I find it to be perfect. You can purchase the saline solution that is made specifically for the neti pot or like I use, Kosher salt. DO NOT use regular table salt since you don't want to irritate your nasal passages and make sure the water is at an adequate temperature as well. Recently I have been using it every other day but it's safe enough to use daily if desired. Below is the video I watched over and over because it was just incredible to watch. But in truth it's really not all that bad......

Please make sure you consult with your medical doctor before attempting to use this method.

Check the video out below or the link here

Tutorial: Make Your Own Homemade Body Butter

2011-04-06T12:01:00.001-04:00

As promised here is my homemade body butter tutorial I did a while back. The first two batches I made did not come out too great but my third body butter attempt came out just right. Let's take a look:

What you will need and why:

Shea Butter

Restores elasticity to skin, protects against sun and wind, reduces blemishes and scarring, great daily moisturizer for dry skin, eczema and psoriasis prone skin types, minimizes bumps after shaving.

Coconut Oil

Very moisturizing and contains anti fungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Also effective for eczema and psoriasis. Moisturizes and softens skin.

Vanilla Oil

Vanilla oil contains antioxidant properties chasing away free radicals. It's aroma is also very relaxing and considered an aphrodisiac.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil serves many purposes, one being it's ability to help preserve this mix. It's mainly known for it's antioxidant properties helping protect cells from free radicals, as well as a great moisturizer. Vitamin E oil helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, and protects against sun damage.

Fork- to help whip up your mix

Double Boiler

You don't need a fancy double boiler, any pot in which you usually boil water along with a heat resistant bowl will do.

Just grab any pot, fill it with water

Grab a heat resistant sterilized bowl (I used rubbing alcohol)

Place it on top of your boiling water and voila you got your double boiler ready to go.........

You will also need:

1 empty sterilized, sanitized container to keep your mix in. I sterilized with regular rubbing alcohol. Now off to the good stuff.

I started off with 1/2 cup of sheabutter.....

Added the shea butter on to my double boiler.......

while the shea butter was melting I went ahead and scooped up 1/4 cup of coconut oil

(Shea butter still melting...........)

and added the coconut oil on to my already melted shea butter......

Once they were melted and looked like this.......

I added 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla oil and about a tablespoon of Vitamin E oil.

The vitamin E oil hopefully was enough to help preserve this batch......

Then I wiped down my empty container with rubbing alcohol

And added my melted body butter mix to the container.....

I then put my mix into the freezer (along with my pastel en hojas in the background lol), for about 10 minutes

Now this is what it looked liked after 10 minutes in the freezer. My first two batches stayed like this but it was not that creamy consistency I was looking for, so this time around......

I whipped it with a fork for a good 15-20 minutes by hand....(the boyfriend helped too) at first it was super difficult to whip up but thankfully the boyfriend was strong and kind enough to help. However you can use a hand mixer for this part, since I could not find my hand mixer (too lazy to look through the boxes it was in) I just did it by hand. And finally this is what it looked like after all that whipping.....

The whole process took about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes and after all that this is what I ended up with. I was pleased with this batch very smooth and creamy and not greasy at all.

I like to use this for my hands and cuticles, so I added a little bit to a small container I had and keep it in my purse.

I have not yet tried using this in my hair although I may start using it for my hair and see how it turns out. For the most part my skin is loving this and the vanilla scent is just so addictive and sweet but not too overbearing. I use my body butter every day or so especially after shaving. I find that after I shave my underarms and use this to moisturize, I don't deal with any razor bumps at all. I also use it for my bikini line and deal with no razor burns or bumps at all either.

While shopping with my sister the other weekend I noticed the prices of some of these body butters and most can run you well into $20- $30 range which is fine if you got the dough like that, but in reality for the same price I can make myself body butters for the entire year. And not to mention it's all natural with no chemicals at all!

This was very simple and there endless videos on YouTube in which you can watch and get an idea as to the many different techniques out there.

The Aura: How to Enhance and Protect your Energy

2011-04-04T16:00:00.002-04:00

The human aura is believed to be an energy field that surrounds us emanating in various colors and layers. The way we think, feel and co-exist in this world ultimately shapes our aura. It's more or less described as an energy field in which like a magnet, is able to repel and attract things into our existence.

It's also connected to the 7 chakras in terms of colors, corresponding organs etc (more on that in another post). There are people who can supposedly see other people's aura while kirlian photography is able to capture the human aura and it's varied colors. You don't really have to be "psychic" or gifted to get a glimpse of someone's aura. Most of the time certain people's personality and the way they make you feel when around them can more or less give you a clue as to what type of energy they are vibrating with.

When it comes to thinking of ourselves we often tend to think about our physical aspects and most of the time forget that we are beings full of energy. Some know it as the aura, others call it the the human electromagnetic field, chi, prana etc. No matter what it's called we are made of immense infinite energy that exists and affects our lives in so many ways.

It is believed that everything and everyone has an aura be it animals, plants or objects, all imbued with immense amounts of energy which is constantly shifting and changing. Depression, illness and overall negativity can be a sign of a weakened aura.

So how can we enhance and protect our aura?

There are many ways in which you can strengthen your aura. You can visualize it, meditate on it or simply cultivate a more positive and calm mind.

As of late to help protect and enhance my aura I've been meditating. (I work around a lot of negative people and find that at times it can affect me.) Meditating helps me visualize my aura and also helps keep my thoughts in check. Although I have to admit it's not my favorite method. Lately it's been really hard for me to keep still for a long time and my mind is constantly on the go, making it hard for me to concentrate on one thought. So I decided to try aura baths. Just like you would bathe your physical body, an auric bath can be done to cleanse your energy, spirit, soul.

The concept of using water to cleanse not only your physical self but spiritual self as well has been around for ages. Rivers, the ocean and waterfalls were deemed to be sacred places where one can go to renew and refresh one's being. Unfortunately for the majority of us we don't have access to such places on a regular basis so making your own spiritual bath can be second best.

I used to be the type of girl who would detest getting flowers as gifts. I would find it to be a waste of money since they typically would die in a matter of days. But I have found that as I get older, I appreciate them and look forward to having them. Something about a flower's aura (and plants) instantly changes your mood. Lately I have been buying myself roses. They are so pretty and every time I look at them they make me smile......

So right before they die, I like to use them for spiritual/auric baths.

Colors are very influential and each color carries it's own vibration becoming very useful for a variety of purposes. White for example is associated with peace, Pink with love, sensitivity, yellow promotes happiness and stamina, while red typically is associated with passion and courage.

No matter what the color, you can never go wrong with roses.....

For centuries and throughout many cultures, water and the profound connection we have with it connects us to our spiritual selves.

A spiritual bath is just a way for you to focus your intent. Intent is what makes anything possible in my eyes. Knowing what it is you want to accomplish with clear intentions is key to anything, I believe.

So this past weekend I decided to use pink roses. Pink is associated with love, serenity. I chose this color because I've been a bit on the pessimistic side and doubting myself with certain changes going on in my life. So I decided to open myself to self love and see what comes about.

How to give yourself an aura bath.....

***Keep in mind that this is in no way to claim that it will cure you of any physical, mental or emotional ailments. If you are suffering with any disease or mental problems please consult your licensed/certified medical doctor. I'm just a girl on a quest for spiritual balance sharing her experiences.***

Obviously what you will need first is water. I tend to use distilled water. However tap water is just as good as well as holy water from church. If you would like you can say a little prayer over your tap water of your choice to help change it's vibration. I tend to do this with my distilled water. I sit with the gallon of water and meditate with it for a bit enforcing it with my intentions and either put it away for future use or just use it once I'm ready.

Now this is where the fun part starts....what you decide to add to the water is all up to you. I have started with roses, but any type of flower, herb, spice and oil can be a great addition to any spiritual bath.

For this particular bath I plucked several roses added them to my bowl and started adding several ingredients. I started off with cinnamon, avocado oil, ylang ylang essential oil, Vanilla oil and topped it off with some honey. Each ingredient has a specific purpose for example vanilla & avocado oil is known to attract love, while ylang ylang is also good for all types of loving energy and cinnamon is used to help attract good luck.

Once I finished mixing everything together all the while focusing on the bath's intention I hopped in the shower and showered normally with my soap etc.

Once I got done with my usual shower I poured the spiritual bath over me. Do not rinse! You want to just pour it over you as a final rinse and simply dry yourself normally. This was truly one of the best, the aroma it left lingering in my hair and body was simply amazing.

While I poured the bath over me I visualized my aura being cleansed. For some reason while meditating I find that I always see my aura as being blue. So I just visualized my blue aura intensifying.

Once you are done you want to pick up the rose petals and simply throw them in the garbage.

So if you tend to find your self a bit depressed, or dealing with a streak of bad luck or simply feel like you can use some energy boost don't hesitate on trying different methods to help you cope with whatever you are dealing with. Remember that you are the world and the world is a reflection of you and it can always be a better place if you put your intentions in motion.

I've been trying several different concoctions and have also made a few baths for some family and friends. In a future post I will share with you some more recipes.

Sources and Helpful Links

Lillian Too's 168 Feng Shui Ways to Declutter Your Home By Lillian To

Reiki source

Images via: Google Images & Tumblr

Happy Belated Birthday to the Old Blog +Versatile Blogger Award

2011-04-02T11:10:00.000-04:00

Via Tumblr

This blog really turned 1 sometime in February but being the attentive blogger that I am it totally passed me by. Not to sound vain but when I started this blog I knew I would have some followers just not as much as I have managed to keep. I want to welcome all of my new followers as well as appreciate those who have stuck with me since day 1. This is where I keep all of my weird interests alive as well as give my mind a break when I have so many ideas running through my head. So once again I thank all of you ladies (and some fellas too) for making every post possible!

This was awarded to me this past January by the beautiful beauty Blogger EV over at Mozarella and Makeup. I want to thank her for thinking about the old blog and considering me a versatile gal! I appreciate it.

The rules are to share 7 random things about myself so here goes.....

World Map in my home office.....

1. I'm fascinated by world maps and globes. I have a huge world map in my small home office, just need a cute globe to go with it.

2. I read and collect dictionaries as if they were story books. I just like to lounge around and read the meaning of common words as well as come across new ones.

3. I make lists like nobody's business, life's list, food list, bills list, to do today, tomorrow and forever lists and really the list goes on.

4. I can sing.... I got a little diva voice in me.

Via Tumblr

5. I know how to read the tarot cards.

6. I eat really heavy for breakfast. Rice beans, basically a feast. It keeps me from eating so much throughout the day......For example:

via remolacha.net

Mangu- mashed plantains with boiled eggs.

Pastel en hoja

This is mashed root vegetables with meat fillings......

7. My favorite foods in the whole world is Ecuadorian food. Ceviches, encebollados, cazulea de pescado uyyy the list goes on. If you are in NYC and happen to be in Brooklyn you must go to Barzola's Ecuadorian restaurant.

So there is so much more to me but that is just the surface...... I will resume to regular posting this week. March was a very busy month for me. I have several hair product reviews (long over due), a lentil side dish tutorial as well as many more so stay tuned!

Rollersetting and Baby Banana Food Deep Conditioner

2011-03-26T22:43:00.000-04:00

I have been loving banana baby food for my hair lately. It has been a favorite among many of my readers as well. When the lovely Miss Esspi (check out her blog here) asked if I would get fabulous results with rollersets I wondered and decided to give it a try. I had been using this deep conditioner bi weekly for the past couple of weeks and decided to try it out with rollersets recently.

So I did my usual, I used the same ingredients I did on my last banana baby food DC post, but this time I added a little castor oil (about a tablespoon). I used my rosewater/ aloe vera juice mix as a leave in and these were the results........

I have to say I LOVEEE this Deep Conditioner. I used to be a silicon mix freak, but since giving up silicones and many other commercial hair products I have not been rollersetting much, up until now.

So this was my hair hot off the rollers. Very shiny and soft hair. I was very impressed with how well my hair turned out. This deep conditioner put many of my beloved commercial DC to SHAME......

So I combed through the rollerset curls.....

and wrapped my hair in what many call a "Dubbie Wrap". This helps with the waves at the roots and also gives my hair the straight look without having to use a flat iron.

After a couple of hours I let my hair out. I went out for the evening and wrapped my hair again that night.

The following day and that week I kept my hair in protective styles for the most part.

This is what I have been working with. I still can't get over how healthy my hair is. I had amazing shine and not to mention softness for days. I have been roller setting more often, of course using this DC as my holy grail and love it.

So once again Baby Banana food has saved my pockets and has left me with amazing hair too. No matter if air drying or with heat styles this Deep Conditioner definitely has come through for my hair, all the while strengthening and moisturizing my hair at the same time. So there goes, not much to say other than this will be my staple DC for months to come.

Inspired Nail of These Days.....Plus a Journal

2011-03-20T09:06:00.000-04:00

I'm not a nail polish kind of girl mostly because the smell of nail polish lingers for way too long driving my sinuses insane.

So I usually just leave my nails bare with clear polish. But I have been getting bored with the same old same old, so I decided to trim my nails a bit and give them some color. While going through my many favorite beauty blogs I came across Glam doll Lumi's Nail art of the week. Here it is:

Via glam doll Lumi

She is so talented, My gosh! I instantly fell in love with the design and had to recreate it.

So I went out and got the nude polish which is gorgeous by itself. It's wet n wild's Private Viewing. This is my inspired nail.....

I gave my self a trim and a mini manicure....

and this is how they came out. I was complimented all week on my nails and just love how simple it came out. For the cheetah print I just did semi circles and filled it in with the gold.. Very easy. Thanks Lumi you are fabulous!

For those who know me, know that I just loveeeee journals, notebooks, anything with a blank piece of paper really. While shopping for polishes I came across this amazing journal for 3 bucks.

I love to write and needed something to keep my recipes in so this turned out great.

Homemade Facials: Strawberry and Honey + A Banana and Molasses Facial

2011-03-18T21:55:00.000-04:00

A few years back when I first got into homemade beauty and skin care my first ever facial was a strawberry and honey facial. It was my go to for face masks and it always left my skin feeling ultra soft and clear. Now that strawberries are in season I decided to revisit my favorite face mask. It's been a while since I have done a strawberry/honey facial so I decided last weekend to give myself a treat.

Strawberries are not only delicious when in season, but it's very beneficial for those with oily skin thanks to it's natural astringent qualities. Strawberries also contains Salicylic Acid (one of the AHA's/BHA mentioned here) which naturally exfoliates the skin of dead skin cells leaving you with soft and glowing skin.

Strawberries and Your Skin

Combats excess oil

Helps ligthen skin

Helps clear acne

Tightens pores

although not skin related.....Strawberries also helps whiten teeth naturally.

Honey of course is a natural moisturizer and a natural antiseptic keeping pimples and blemishes at bay. Which is why I like to use this facial when I have pimples. So now that they are in season put them strawberries to use.

I also discovered a new snack, honey dipped strawberries, ultra satisfying for my hard to manage sweet tooth........

Banana, Honey and Blackstrap Molasses facial

So I had a half eaten Banana lying around the other day which I saved for a facial. I love Banana facials because it gives my skin this amazing glow and ultra soft feel.

So I took it out of the peel and it was perfect for a facial.

You can just add the honey for it's rich moisturizing benefits.....

But I decided to add Molasses too.

Molasses contains Glycolic Acid which is also a natural AHA. It naturally exfoliates your skin allowing for new healthier skin cells to take over.

I just mixed the honey, molasses and banana together and left it in for about 15 mins. I rinsed and was left with soft glowing skin.

I tend to do one or the other facial once or twice a week, especially before a big night out since it tends to make my makeup look 10 times better. You can easily try these facials as well as add a wide variety of ingredients, like yogurt, milk,essential oils or whatever your skin may need.