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Showing posts from 2014

Grow Hair Naturally - Fish Oil

Considering growing your hair out during these cold dreary months?  Well here's a fast action remedy to assist you with your goal.  Fish oil is packed with just the right stuff to get your hair strands moving in the right direction, in addition to addressing other parts of the body.  Check out the link below from Naturally Curly.  Remember, this vitamin works for all hair types. http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/how-to-use-fish-oil-for-hair-growth/?utm_source=crowdignite.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=crowdignite.com

Reinventing the Ability to Focus

Like many, I struggle with staying focused on one thing.  I'm the girl that likes to start two projects, read three books, and have two opened magazines all within arms reach.  I can bounce from one thing to the next, multi-task if you will.  But perhaps, it's more like an attention disorder.  Not sure, but I figured this article would help those of you out there that struggle with similar faults.  Let me know what works for you, other than creating a list and checking it off- that's a no-go for me.  http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/09/how-to-rebuild-an-attention-span/279326/ Mediation for improving mood, and stress level http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/mindbody/a/Meditation.htm Additional tips below: http://www.bethkanter.org/distraction-focus/ http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223812 http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20480962_2,00.html

Reinventing the Little Black Dress

    Already own a little black dress?  Probably so. Well here are 50 ways to revamp your lbd look, without spending extra money.   http://wondermika.com/fashion-2/50-ways-wear-little-black-dress/

Morning Tea, For Your Locks

Okay, I know that I talk about tea, way too much!  But it really is great stuff.  So for my personal uses, I use tea to drink of course, but also for facials and body scrubs, soap bars, air freshener, and teabags for tired eyes.  Now I can honestly say, tea can be used for head to toe purposes.  I have used tea for my hair in the past to add a subtle hint of coloring/highlights.  It also work wonders in using as a hair freshener. Well here's another tip-  herbal tea hair rinse.  I typically brew the tea, let it sit overnight, and then pour the brewed tea over my entire head. Side note **** Let it sit on your hair for an hour or longer if you wish to add color  Benefits of a tea rinse: reduce shedding stimulate the scalp and hair follicles, promote hair growth thicken and strengthen hair strands exfoliate dry scalp, minimize dandruff and flakes use as a pre-poo and achieve manageability and less tangles refresh hair, and add subtle scent as well as luster

Master the Simplified Wardrobe

Every time the season begins to change, I feel the urge to shop and analyze my wardrobe.  I have this strong desire to try the newest trends, fashion colors, statement pieces- revamp my entire wardrobe for the new season.  But then reality sets in........ Is is really necessary to blow money on fashion trends every time the weather makes the switch?  Is it cost effective, and how much space do I really have for extra clothing? People have often suggested that I have a large wardrobe.  Truth is, I rarely go shopping.  I actually hate shopping for myself.  I do, however, change up my pieces (mix and match) making my outfit appear brand new.  By simply changing sandles to boots, or throwing a blazer over a dress and adding tights, you have simply reinvent. your outfit- saved yourself money.  Feel like you went shopping without spending a dime!  It's a win win! Now if you're really on a tight budget, here are some great ideas for revamping your wardrobe, for the low!!

The Minimized Wardrobe

Reduce the clutter in your life, by removing unwanted items from your closet.... http://zenhabits.net/edit-your-life-part-4-your-wardrobe/ Try building yourself a simple, classic wardrobe.  Here's an example of how.  This allows you to get the most out of your wardrobe, mix and match, and take your pieces through each season.  Save your space and create less chaos. http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/08/50-simple-pieces-for-building-a-classic-wardrobe.html

Less Is More

We certainly live in a world where more is considered better, and stuff  equals success and happiness. Ever considered what life would feel like if you had less things.  Perhaps a smaller wardrobe, fewer shoes, less accessories? This is a method I'm trying to practice for my household.  Dwindling down to the necessities  is the goal.  Personally, I get overwhelmed by stuff. Plus it just means I have more to clean, organize, and pick up. I've listed a few links below that can assist you on your journey to minimizing your life, beginning with your wardrobe. http://wondermika.com/fashion-2/edit-wardrobe-guide-lean-chic-set/ http://www.seamly.co/ http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/06/10-eco-fashion-companies-youve-never-heard-of/ http://mic.com/articles/61857/8-easy-steps-to-make-fashion-smarter-and-more-sustainable http://stylecaster.com/how-to-wear-button-down-shirt/ http://chicandchambray.com/?p=493

Underneath It All- The alternative to deodorant

Yes, I agree that smelling like lemons or flowers for a full day is a bonus.  Avoidance of sweat stains and musty b.o. is even further up on my list. The dilemma we run into when trying to maintain that fresh smell, is we quickly reach for the deodorants that are easy to find and low in price.  They are however packed with all sorts of chemicals our brain can't even begin to pronounce or fathom what the ingredients possibly consist off. Well, I'm writing this post to offer you "simpler" solutions to your "smell good, feel good, chemically packed deodorant fix."  In the long run, you could be saving your life, or just maybe preventing a horrid cancer from settling in your body.  Read on for fast action remedies to sweat and odor. Keep in mind that you'll need to allow time for your body to adjust to these alternatives.  Also, if you have serious body odor, consider the foods that you're eating.   The foods that we eat come through our sweat

Natural Air Freshner

Consider these options for maintaining a fresh and clean home, car, office space, and so forth.  We often overlook the fact that the exact items we use to make our home smell good, actually wreak of chemicals and toxins.  The two links below list several alternatives to freshening up your space.  Most of them are extremely simple, quick, and cheap!     http://greencleaning.about.com/od/DIYGreenCleaningRecipes/tp/Top-12-Green-Diy-Air-Fresheners.htm http://www.homemadehomeideas.com/21-diy-natural-air-fresheners/

Save Your Face, Save Your Hair- Why you need these in your life!!

I use black soap to cleanse my face daily.  Yes, daily!  This soap removes all the bad stuff, prevents pimples, acne, discoloration, and more. To ensure that I'm getting the good stuff, I get the soap made in Ghana.   This soap can be used for the entire body, but I personally use it to cleanse my face.   You may find it drying at first.  Be sure to follow up the facial cleanse with a natural serum, butter, or mist-: depending on the weather and skin type.  I use an oil/mist in hotter months, and thicker butters during cold months. View link below for the top benefits of black soap. http://multiculturalbeauty.about.com/od/Skincare/fl/8-Top-Skin-Care-Benefits-of-African-Black-Soap.htm I give credit to this oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, for thickening and lengthening my hair.   This is great for dry scalp, balding edges, thinning hair, and more.  It can also heal dry skin and rough patches.   I believe the darker the oil, the better.   I only use extra dark!!

Neem, a Natural Healer

  Okay,  the smell is a bit odd, but this powerful oil is considered to be the best kept beauty secret of ancient India.  Neem is a one-stop shop when it comes to treating infections (cold sores, foot and nail fungus, scalp, ring worms) to name a few.  The odd smell may may no longer be a factor once you understanding just how many ailments and issues this oil can address.     Here is a great link below from Stylecraze,  http://www.stylecraze.com/ .  The article discusses neem in depth, and mentions benefits and uses.  Also, take a look at the attached images below from Raw for Beauty, http://rawforbeauty.com/blog/    -listing additional benefits and uses for neem.      http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-neem-oil-for-skin-and-hair/    Raw for Beauty            Raw for Beauty

Introducing the Kiwi

So, the kiwi originated in China, but is now grown in the US, in addition to a few select countries.  Here in America, the kiwi is pretty easy to find, and also reasonable in price.  Believe it or not, this sweet fruit is jammed pack with vitamin C - even more than that of an orange!  Also contains vitamin E, low in fat, and no cholesterol The two main claims floating around about the kiwi: 1. It's a natural energy booster! 2. It can effectively reduce asthma symptoms, and respiratory problems in general. It reduces heart problems and increases lung function. It has been suggested that a child suffering with asthma conditions can eat one to five kiwis weekly to reduce symptoms. I have personally embraced the kiwi because of the taste, plus it's a convenient snack.  But, now my love for the kiwi has been placed on a higher level.  Okay, that's a little extreme!  But seriously,  it's a fruit to consider trying, and if possible,  introducing into your daily die

The Coffee vs Tea Battle

   Is coffee really the best route to go for your daily morning routine?  Or perhaps a nice cup of tea during an afternoon rut?   I personally love to drink both, but have often questioned if one is better over the other, as far as pros and health benefits. Here are two links below from CBN and YouBeauty, that have done a true comparison.  Looks like a tie to me.  Check them out and see if you're willing to give up one, or the other. I just can't! -two of my favorite things!!!! http://www.cbn.com/health/nutrition/reinke_coffeetea.aspx http://www.youbeauty.com/nutrition/coffee-vs-tea-3

Inhale, Exhale- Clean Air

Mother Nature Network, http://www.mnn.com/ , shares info on plants of choice when it comes to cleaning the indoor air in your home: http://www.mnn.com/health/healthy-spaces/photos/15-houseplants-for-improving-indoor-air-quality/a-breath-of-fresh-air Here's a cool list of plants with the benefits broken out - may be helpful when choosing a plant appropriate for your home:

Tea Tree Oil, Heals All?

Tea tree oil is taken from the leaves of the tea tree.  This oil does wonders in healing the body, inside and out.  It can serves as an antiseptic for various bodily injuries, and can also cure several infections; vaginal, sore throat, and recurrent herpes to name a few.  I have placed a resourceful link below from Activist Post, http://www.activistpost.com/ , which lists 80 uses for this amazing oil!!!  http://www.activistpost.com/2013/05/the-miracle-of-tea-tree-oil-80-amazing.html#!bwCD1z

The Minimized Life

The first, and probably only ingredient to organizing life, from The Minimalists, http://www.theminimalists.com/ : http://www.theminimalists.com/junk/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theminimalists%2FHztx+%28The+Minimalists%29  

Lemon Balm, Fresh Herb to Try

I use this fresh green herb in cleaning and beauty products.  It's packed with antioxidant properties that can relieve everything from a head cold to indigestion.  This green herb has a beautiful subtle fragrance that can be served in a beverage, mixed into a food dish, and of course brewed for an herbal tea.  For the home; try tossing a few leaves in the toilet, or creating a combo of other flowers and herbs for potpourri or bath sachets to add a zing of freshness to the bathroom.  This herb can also be mixed into a shampoo or conditioner, facial cleanser, or body spray.  Another option is to just toss a few sprigs into the bath water for an herbal body cleanse. Consider growing your own lemon balm in your outdoor (or indoor) garden), or purchase dry lemon balm from the store.  It's reasonably priced, so it will be well worth the little money with all of the uses you will find.  Check out the following link from DIY Natural, for additional lemon balm uses!! http

Chew Your Food

See why it's a must to chew your food- and learn how properly chewing effects your weight, amongst so many other concerns!  I located a great article regarding this topic at Mercola,  http://www.mercola.com/ . View the link below for the specifics on this topic: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/07/31/chewing-foods.aspx

Coconut Oil- Lucy Bee

Visit Lucy Bee to learn new and impressive facts regarding one of my all time favorite products, coconut oil.  Find out why this should be on your must have list!  Click link below. http://www.lucybee.co/news/coconut-oil-definitive-guide/

The Pumkin Seed - One of the world's heatlhiest snacks!

The pumpkin seed is a natural treat that's packed with nutrients and vitamins!  It's a quick go to snack since it stays fresh for an extended period of time, and doesn't require refrigeration nor cooking.  I tend to throw a little seasoning on mine, and then toss in the oven for a few minutes until lightly roasted.  This seed is also a healthier alternative to croutons when eating salads.  Try incorporating the pumpkin seed into your weekly diet for an easy dose of great vitamins and an energy boost. Want more info on the pumpkin seed?  View the linked article from Mercola.  Happy snacking! http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/09/30/pumpkin-seed-benefits.aspx

Roses Are Red - Oil and Water

I have been told once, maybe twice, when selling products that the smell of roses doesn't sit quite well with some.  I, on the other hand, find it to be a satisfying and soothing scent.  Because I loved the scent and the many benefits of the rose, I did not hestitate to create natural home made products using rose oil and rose water as one of the main ingredients.  One of my favorite concoctions is a rosewater hydration facial.  The roses simply add moisture back into the skin.  I loved the results so much, that I soon began dousing my entire body, in place of my thick body butters.  It surprisingly works just as well during the cold winter months, even though is feels like nothing more than water. Considering trying rose oil or rose water?  View the linked article from  http://www.organicauthority.com/ . http://www.organicauthority.com/from-rose-oil-to-rose-water-the-skincare-benefits-of-roses/