good for me

View my sea kelp natural hair treatment I tried over the weekend.  It is a simple process that offers great results- shine and additional minerals that are great for the hair.  My concoction included kelp powder, aloe vera juice, and oils.  I decided to use coconut and red palm oil in my mixture, but feel free to use whatever oils work well with your hair- almond, apricot, etc.  Leave the mixture on for 2 to 4 hours.  It's easy to wash out, and the smell is minimal.  The first pic of my hair shows my texture prior to the treatment.  View the sheen and length after treatment.  This is a completely natural home remedy.  Care to learn more about kelp and how it supports hair growth, and the overall body-depending on how you use it.   Check out the link from Herb Wisdom for additional info.   http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-kelp.html

For breakfast, eggs with quinoa, garlic, turmeric powder and any additional seasonings you prefer For lunch/dinner - Small skillet with coconut or red palm oil, add in kale, cabbage, fennel, quinoa and seasoning Both take less than 10 minutes to cook

I've been on a coconut oil kick since I read about it's countless benefits a few years ago.  I use it while cooking, as well as for natural beauty products and remedies.  I keep it on hand at the house at all times.  See my post on coconut oil for more details regarding this oil.  So now I've read up on red palm oil, another great option for health and beauty concerns.  See the link below from Livestrong.  I currently use rpo for cooking everything that calls for oil.  It can also be used for oil hair treatments and applied to the skin.  The down fall is that this oil is even messier than coconut oil-  it's red and has a bit of a staining effect.  But it's still worth considering based off all of it's benefits!  Try an organic version to be sure you get a true product. http://www.livestrong.com/article/198458-what-are-the-benefits-of-palm-oil-on-hair skin/ Here is a link discussing the differences between the two oils, if you are now torn

Check this site out if you are searching for safe -good-for-you products.  All products are researched and carefully analyzed prior to being featured on the site.  Make-up, perfumes, nail polish, vitamins, etc.  The site is doing all of the leg work for you, simplifying your shopping experience. http://www.beautysage.com/categories/wellness

Looking for better hair days, try the LOC method-  this is my tried and loved process for getting my hair to finally work with my schedule. For liquid, I typically just use the moisture from the shower to work through my hair.  I then apply an oil (moroccan argan oil or Jamaican black castor oil), and complete my routine with some type of creamy moisturizer, usually Camille Rose or Jane Carter.  And this equals success on most days! http://www.curlynikki.com/2013/09/loc-method-hair-routine-every-curly.html

Is sugar really the leading cause of obesity and type II diabetes in America?  Read the article link from The Atlantic and see the answer. Maybe it's time for you to make the switch, and leave sugar in the past. http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/09/how-to-think-about-sugar/279742/

Making the most of what we've got, no matter what we're working with.  The items listed in the link below (written by CNN) show the simple updates you can make in your family habits.  And they're all free!  http://superhuman.ly/2013/08/25/habits-of-healthy-families/

These are a few of my favorite things!  I'm so sure that you were nervous when you saw this title!  But please don't worry, as the attached article link from Tree Hugger actually talks about the behind the scenes health benefits in chocolate, tea, and red wine.  Enjoy!! http://www.treehugger.com/natural-sciences/green-tea-chocolate-and-wine-inspire-anti-bacterial-coating.html

It's important to understand the ingredients we are putting on our skin, and the effects of daily exposure to chemicals. Look beyond the title of your favorite products that read "natural, green, eco-friendly, organic, non-toxic," and other misleasing terms.  Check out the fine print to help you identify how much your beauty products are REALLY costing you. Negative long term effects may be in the near future.... as we are exposing ourselves to hundreds of chemicals from the body lotion, face creams, hand soap, nail polish, mascara. That's before we even get into our day or leave the house. View two links below from  www.treehugger. com, showing why we need to toss those chemically based beauty brands/products.  Plus read how simple this process can really be!! http://www.treehugger.com/style/detox-your-make-up-kit-10-ways-to-avoid-harmful-cosmetic-chemicals-slideshow.html http://www.treehugger.com/organic-beauty/what-ive-learned-detoxifying-my-beauty-r

If I have not introduced you to my true love, it's definitely a past due experience. Find out 55 more reasons why this has been titled my true love. I talk about it all the time, the good and the great benefits of coconut oil. Wellness Mama has comprised a list of 101 reasons this is a must-have in your home, a simple solution to a host of dilemmas. Try it now!!! http://wellnessmama.com/5734/101-uses-for-coconut-oil/ 

I came across this article when scrolling through the website, Zen Habits, at  http://zenhabits.net/ .  It's a great go-to site when  you need to feel motivated or inspired. Stuck in a rut, or finding it difficult to stick to a positive routine?  Read the link below to find simple ways to influence your lifestyle, and reverse those bad habits.  Good luck!! http://zenhabits.net/immerse/

If you're ready to jump on the vegetarian or vegan band wagon, here's a couple of points to keep in mind, and hopefully reference to as needed.   The link below shows signs of a poor vegetarian/vegan diet.  An unhealthy diet can lead to severe medical issues and ailments, ultimately causing the body to suffer and shut down.  View the list of various side effects often linked to poor health choices.  http://homeguides.sfgate.com/side-effects-becoming-vegetarian-79628.html The goal is to remain healthy - while living the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle.  Here is a great list to look over.  This info may assist you in maintaining a balanced diet. http://zenhabits.net/plant-fueled/

I continue to revert back to my old habits.  Jamaican black castor oil, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar- some of my favorite go-to products.   If it's not broken, why bother trying to fix it?   But his article is an oldie but a good one. It mentions great products that equal great hair. I believe there is definitely something great to be said about each of the items mentioned in the article, as I have either tried or read about them in great detail.  The linked article was taken from Black Girl Long Hair http://blackgirllonghair.com/ , a website that offers a load of significant info on hair care methods, products, and more.  Have you tried any of these products?  What were your results?  I want to hear from you- post here, via FB, or shoot me an e-mail! http://blackgirllonghair.com/2011/11/8-herbs-oils-that-promote-hair-growth/

Magnesium deficiency is common and does have a legion of devastating effects, and correcting it cost pennies a day per person--  S. Johnson, Medical Hypotheses, Elsevier Press The title alone sounds powerful.  Right?  Well if this is the first time you're hearing about magnesium chloride, I highly suggest that you add it to your "To Buy" list.    Again, like most items I refer to, magnesium chloride is all natural, surprisingly easy to find, and reasonably priced.  Magnesium plays a vital role in helping the body function properly.  Many of us lack in mc, simply because we are unable to produce it naturally, therefore causing issues with metabolism and the ability to absorb nutrients.   According to an article from Ancient Minerals (Magnesium Chloride), the three following issue have been linked to mc deficiency, amongst many others:  1.  mal-absorption of vitamins and minerals 2.  failure in proper digestion 3.  increased susceptibility to

Red clay is one of my recent discoveries.  I came across the name numerous times while surfing the Internet, and only read great reviews.  I decided to make a purchase a few months back, and finally put this clay to use. Most of you know that I have tried several clays, and have been satisfied with each one.  I try to keep them on hand and tend to use them more for my hair than for my face or body.  My favorite clays are Indian clay and Kaolin clay.  Simply add water, aloe vera juice, and/or apple cider vinegar, and you've created an instant paste.  The amount of liquid used will of course be based on what you're creating; facial, hair conditioner, foot application, etc. Red clay can also be used on the body, head to toe.  It has been used for centuries- across the world.   Tackle blemishes or create cleaner and clearer skin.  Alleviate acne, discoloration and create youthful skin.  If you are suffering from any of the mentioned issues, consider red clay as a

Witch hazel comes from the witch hazel plant.  It is %100 natural, and super cheap.  It is typically used to address blemishes and other skin issues, but has been used for centuries to tackle countless problems unrelated to the skin.  ***Fight off a bacteria growth, slow down or stop bleeding on a wound, calm a sting or bite, prevent swelling or bruises from forming, and more.  WH is cheap, easy to find in any drug store, and has great shelf life.  You just can't lose.  Learn more about witch hazel-  view the following links for additional tidbits! http://www.wisebread.com/15-wonderful-uses-for-witch-hazel http://www.moneycrashers.com/what-is-witch-hazel-uses-benefits/

Do you keep epsom salt around the house?  Yes, me too!  But did you know just how many uses there are for this salt?  I typically use es when I'm aching, itchy, or swollen.  Check out the link below from Wellness Mama,  http://wellnessmama.com/ , and I think you'll be surprised.  Be sure to purchase es the next time you're out, if you haven't already done so.  It's fairly cheap, easy to find, and completely natural.  http://wellnessmama.com/8509/21-uses-for-epsom-salt/

Colorful carrots, cabbage, brown rice, garlic cloves, scallions, and seasoning.   Toss ingredients in a skillet/wok with oil and lightly brown. So simple and meatless.

Suffering from chapped skin, odor, rashes, or perhaps foot or nail fungus?  As always, I will say that some symptoms call for medical attention and are possibly signs for underlying illnesses or ailments.  But, if your symptoms appear to be payback for ignoring your feet for a period of time, the remedies/recipes mentioned may assist in getting your 'baby' feet back.  Cconsider these easy tricks to avoid the shame in showing of your toes this Summer:  Foot Polish - *great for dry skin Mix brown sugar with coconut oil, and massage concoction into feet.  Pay close attention to cracks in heels.  Wrap feet in plastic wrap for 30-45 minutes. Foot Scrub- *address odor and cracks in feet Mix cornstarch with aloe vera juice to form a mud-like paste.  Rub small batch of mixture over feet.  Cleanse with warm water once the product has set and completely dried out.  Foot Milk Bath- *soothe aches and pain for disgruntle toes Mix warm milk and blueberries in a small tub/bucket

Is there even such a thing as beauty when cleaning your house?  Probably just the aftermath-  the effects of cleaning a home without chemicals and creating a safer home for you and your family.  That's a bonus to having a clean home.  Below are two of my home-made multipurpose cleaners- the first bottle has floating flower petals while the other is filled with rosemary herbs.  Cleaning the house does not have to  involve over-powering chemicals to be effective- it's a myth that we were taught long ago.  Consider purchasing chemical-free products, or consider creating your own at home.

Another simple dish- meatless chili.  Your choice of beans (I used three kinds), scallions, green onions, cheese, and sour cream. 

7 weeks, 2 days with no meat! It has been easier than I thought.  I'll start posting my favorite vegetarian dishes.  This is a super simple and fast creation.  Just throw whatever you like on your crust, and toss it in the oven for 20 minutes or so!  I must say that I feel noticeably different- increase in energy level and a cease in stomach issues which included bloating, discomfort, and constipation. Too much information, I know.  Just being open in case you too have been contemplating making the switch.  Please share your experiences and thoughts.  

Natural beauty, hair, and household cleaning products

Teeth whitening solutions can be expensive, in addition to being packed with chemicals and unrecognizable ingredients.  To avoid consuming chemicals, and spending big bucks on achieving pearly white teeth, consider these cheap and simple solutions. Keep in mind that if you have teeth sensitivity, damaged enamel, or any type of mouth disease or infections, it is recommended that you and consult a doctor prior to attempting these remedies.  Some symptoms require professional attention and may be an indicator that something serious is going on.  If you suffer from minor conditions; yellow or brown staining derived from foods, coffee, alcohol, cigarettes, or maybe due to lack of care over the years, than the remedies below might be your long awaited answers.  Oil Pulling:  http://goodformepfm.blogspot.com/2012/11/oil-pulling-simple-detox.html Pure baking soda and hydrogen peroxide- Mix ingredients into a paste and apply to teeth.  This concoction helps break away stains ri

Ever wonder why you never feel caught up on sleep, how your mood can be altered within a few moments, or why you're never content with the food you eat.  Searching for an explanation, answers to the questions?   Could your hormones be playing a drastic role in your daily life?  Controlling how you think and feel.  Read this in depth article from Wellness Mama.  This could possibly be life changing for some of you.  A must read!!!    Discover simple mistakes you may be making. Remedy major problems with small changes. Take the test, and see your hormone results: http://www.johnleemd.com/store/resource_hormonetest.html Wellness Mama provides 9 tips on getting your hormones under control in the article shown below.  I was suprised to read several of the facts mentioned.  Wellness Mama site: http://wellnessmama.com/ Article: http://wellnessmama.com/5425/balance-hormones/

So what really ages our appearance? According to the Mayo Clinic staff, dark circles under our eyes.  Yes, even more so than wrinkles and gray hair!! But what causes the under-eye circles? There is a long list of possibilities; everything from allergies, chronic nasal congestion, eczema, genetics, an imbalance of pigmentation or melanin, lifestyle factors (chronic stress, alcohol, smoking, etc.).  In some cases, the dark circles can be a sign that medical attention is needed. The skin around the eye is extremely thin, delicate and should be treated as if fragile and sensitive.  Constant pulling and tugging to that area can cause the skin to thin over time.  As we age, the skin can darken and/or appear swollen, puffy, or possibly sunken.  Like most areas of the body, with a little patience and tlc, this area can revert to a healthier color and appearance. View the links below for simple, natural remedies! http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-17/be