DIY Boho Clutch

A great way to upcycle your old fabric or play around with new ones!!

DIY Whipped Shea Butter

I know there are a tons of different whipped butters to create but this is one of my favs. 

Ingredients

1/2 cup Shea butter

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp jojoba oil

1 tsp vitamin e

10 drops of essential oil of choice (for fragrance)

Directions

Whip room temp Shea butter until light and fluffy. Slowly add remainder ingredients until well combined. 

I use this all the time as a light moisturizer and/or hot oil treatment. Also great on the body after a nice shower. 

Tea Time: Cherry Tea

I am an avid tea drinker!! When I say avid I don't just limit my self to green tea or white tea, I love and try all teas!!  For the month of June I was really into Cherry Tea.

Cherry tea is deep red in color and has a wonderful intoxicating aroma of the sweet fruit.

The tea can be enjoyed hot or cold and the taste resembles a fruit punch I once drank as a child.  

  Not only is cherry tea delicious in flavor, there are so many health benefits in drinking this tea!  Cherry tea is packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals that essentially contribute to our health,  rich in antioxidants which protect our body from free radicals, thus lower the risk of cancer and various neurological diseases. 

 Cherries also contain melatonin, an antioxidant with calming effects on the brain, which helps relieve irritability, insomnia and headaches. Cherry tea also include anti-inflammatory properties and could potentially prove effective against pain caused by diseases or injuries.  

Cherries have been know to also delay the aging process!!

I love Black Cherry Berry Herbal Tea from Celestial which you can find in any Walmart.

But when I want a real treat I like to use Teavana Snow Geisha Loose-Leaf White Tea, 8oz

It's a loose tea so you will need a filter in your cup or something to steep the tea with. 

iHerb.com

So one day, a few months back,  I was searching the internet for a new store where I can purchase so herbal and organic products. That's how I came across iherb.com.

I fell in love almost immediately, it is a very straight to the point site with no flashing ads or anything like the other sites.  They carry supplements from A-Z, stuff for kids and babies, pet needs, beauty supply and even some groceries!  

Also, there is free expedites 1-5 day shipping on order over $20. Needless to say my first order was well over $20 lol. I received my things in about 3 days. Everything was packaged nicely and no leaks. I think this will be one of my many go to sites for healthy products.

Non Toxic Cleaning

MY NON-TOXIC CLEANING SHOPPING LIST:

Vinegar
Lemons
Lemon oil/ essential oils
Food grade hydrogen peroxide
Soap nuts
castile soap (I use Dr. Bronner's)
Baking soda
salt

Yummy!!

Hair Talk: Hairfinity

So I cut off like 4 inches of heat damage, dead ends, no curl hair and now I am starting new.

I decided to try Hairfinity and see what the hype is all about.

 

Hairfinity is a nutritional supplement that is transforming the hair of women all over the world. A unique natural blend of vitamins, nutrients and exclusive Capilsana™ Complex, it promotes healthy hair growth and nourishes your hair from the inside out.

I will keep in touch with the results. For those of you that are wondering I have curly hair, I call it a 3mess, the front of my head is a 3A/3B and the back half is 3B/3C yes a hot mess lol...

But non the less I love my hair and embrace my curls!! I have been natural all my life so I never had to do a big chop.  Just heat damage from constant blow drying.

I am on day 3 of these pills so far and will keep everyone posted on my results!!  I love the ingredients in these pills as well.

 Hairfinity Hair Vitamins are formulated with hair specific nutrients to nourish your hair from the INSIDE OUT and promote faster growing, longer, thicker, stronger hair, and more vibrant hair.

Biotin Biotin promotes healthy hair growth and protects against dryness. Increases the elasticity of the hair's cortex, thus preventing breakage. Helps produce keratin that prevents hair loss.

Niacin (Vitamin B3) Niacin promotes scalp circulation Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) – prevents hair loss.

Vitamin A Vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps produce healthy sebum in the scalp.

Vitamin C Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps maintain hair and skin health.

Vitamin D Vitamin D helps prevent hair shedding which is critical to a voluminous fuller head of hair.

Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 is essential to the formation of healthy red blood cells and helps transport oxygen to the scalp and follicles, which is required to sustain hair growth.

Vitamin B Complex Vitamin B Complex nourishes and supports a healthy scalp environment and healthy hair growth. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to hair thinning, hair loss, graying, and weakening of the hair structure.

Silica Due to its ability to maintain collagen, Silica helps maintain the hair's elasticity and helps keep the hair lustrous.

MSM The sulfur provided by MSM is required for healthy collagen and keratin, which are essential to healthy hair growth.

EXCLUSIVE CAPILSANA™ COMPLEX delivers a unique blend of Hydrolyzed Collagen, MSM, and Silica provides 18 Amino Acids, which are the building blocks of the protein that gives hair it's strength. The exclusive complex also provides sulfur required for healthy collagen and keratin, which are essential to healthy hair growth.

Ready to step up your beauty game? Click here to find out how.

3 All-Natural Remedies For Thinning Edges | HeyFranHey (NaturallyCurly.com)

 BY: NATURALLYCURLY 6.26.14

Written by Fran of HeyFranHey.com

As healthy-haired naturals, there are various things we have to stay on top of: moisture levels, minimizing breakage, protective styling and healthy ends, just to name a few.

While most of these regimens and techniques cater to our new growth, it’s important to take note of the state of our hair health, overall, to avoid continuing any detrimental habits. One of the biggest concerns we face would have to be the thinning of our fragile edges. Unfortunately, there’s no over-the-counter cream or regimen that will repair damage that has already been done. The most we can do is avoid common pitfalls, such as styles that are too tight and stressful on the edges, products loaded with breakage-inducing alcohols and too much heat styling.

Once we’ve gotten those habits out of the way, the next thing to reflect on is diet, of course! A well-balanced meal full of fibers, nutrients and proteins will ensure hair follicles are properly stimulated and vibrant. Don’t forget to fit in some exercising to improve the scalp’s circulation, as well! Also, make sure to check with your doctor in case your hair thinning is due to an underlying illness. Here are three all-natural remedies for thinning edges. Remember, they won’t serve as a quick fix! They will, however, stimulate hair growth and help you take better care of it as it comes in.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

JBCO is the unrefined version of Castor Oil. This means the full health benefits and nutrients were not lost during processing. A daily or weekly (depending on the severity) deep temple massage will greatly improve circulation and stimulation of the hair follicle. JBCO is scientifically proven to remove toxins and impurities from the scalp. This will allow your natural oils to function properly, creating a healthy environment and nourishment for new growth.

Peppermint Oil & Jojoba Oil

Similarly to Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil is an antibacterial, known for removing impurities causing growth obstructions. Its cooling effect also relaxes the follicle, promoting healthy hair growth. Since Jojoba is the oil closest to that of our own natural oils, it is the best choice for a carrier oil. A soothing carrier oil is needed with Peppermint Oil because of how potent it can be. I usually add equal parts. Another great all-natural and effective mixture is Basil Oil and Jojoba. Consistent and weekly pre-poo (before cleansing) scalp massages with either mixture will improve hair growth with major results within the first three months.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera contains more than 20 vitamins and minerals essential for hair growth. It’s almost rare to find a product without it as an ingredient. The anti-bacterial properties of Aloe help you maintain a build-up-free scalp. While unclogging, it also balances and restores the pH, aiding in hair growth, shine and overall health. If you suffer from Alopecia, aloe is commonly suggested as the best natural remedy in preventing further hair loss. Using it as a sealant over your moisturizers and leave-ins or simply including it in your regimen overall will greatly improve your hair’s growth cycle. Focus on your edges (apply more) during application.

3 All-Natural Remedies For Thinning Edges | HeyFranHey

Empties: Nature's Gate Biotin Strengthening Conditioner

Hello everyone, well this is my first empties to blog and I am super excited!!

In my journey to change my lifestyle to a more natural and organic one, I stumbled across this conditioner that I used a co-wash.  Nature's Gate Biotin Strengthening Conditioner.

Just a brief run down of what it does:

Exclusive healthy hair blend includes Panthenol, Soy Proteins, Vegetable Proteins, Jojoba Oil, Borage Flower Seed Oil, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

- B Vitamins Biotin, Folic Acid and Niacin are well known for their important role in hair health

- Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Soy Proteins help fortify hair

- Vegetable Proteins condition and moisturize, helping to diminish the appearance of split ends

- Jojoba Oil helps restore the natural moisture level of hair

Nature’s Gate Biotin Conditioner helps condition and smooth weak hair. Utilizing Biotin, an array of fortifying amino acids and our nurturing 7 Healthy Hair Nutrients, this conditioner helps revitalize and fortify thinning hair. Hair looks and feels stronger, vibrant and full of life.

My Review:

It has a pleasant smell, minty with a hint of rosemary.  It tingles on the scalp a nice refreshing feel (especially after a long day) and has a good slip for detangling.  I have been a natural all my life so I can't say whether or not it works as well for those who are transitioning.  But I can feel the difference in my hair, it feels stronger after the first use and so shiny. 

After all said and done I can say that I did enjoy this product and will repurchase!

You can purchase this conditioner and more from The Good Stuff!

Check Out Hairfinity

How To Properly Store Fruits & Vegetables

Healthy & Delicious Breakfast

What to Eat to Fuel Your Workout

Healthy Foods for Healthy Skin + Our Skin Care Routine

Wendy's Black Soap

Coconut Oil

Dry Brushing 101

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How does dry brushing work?
The exfoliation part is easy to understand. “Gentle dry brushing will slough off dead, dry skin, improving its appearance and allowing it to hydrate more efficiently when moisturizer is applied afterward,” says Francesca Fusco, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City.

As for detoxifying, dry brushing is similar to massage. “The light pressure against your skin and the direction in which you brush helps move lymph fluid into the lymph nodes so this waste can then be eliminated,” says Robin Jones, spa director at Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, TX. Your body naturally does this, but dry brushing speeds up the process and at the same time boosts circulation, delivering oxygenated blood to the skin and other organs, which helps them do their jobs better.

So how do you dry brush? 
First you need a proper brush, which you can purchase at most health food stores. Look for firm bristles—typically cactus- or vegetable-derived—or else the process won’t work, King says. A long handle is also handy to help you access hard-to-reach areas such as your back. Try Bernard Jensen Skin Brush Natural Bristles Long Handle ($11; vitaminshoppe.com).

Because dry brushing energizes and stimulates the body, most pros suggest doing it in the morning before you shower, but you can do it any time of day you prefer. Using long, upward strokes, start brushing your skin at your feet and work up your legs one at a time. Then move up your mid-section (front and back) and across your chest. Finish by brushing up your arms toward your armpits.

Now it’s shower time, with an added bonus: “You’ve just opened up your pores, so any of body treatments you apply in the shower and afterward will penetrate better,” Jones says.

DIY Beauty | Acne Scar Treatment | Beauty How To

Getting over a breakout can be a huge relief, but not so much when you realize there are leftover marks and dark spots taking over your complexion. Whether you're dealing with sun spots, acne scars, or dark marks of any kind, head to your kitchen! An easy, one-step DIY will lighten up your spots over time.

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2 DIY Face Masks || for GLOWING Skin!

Chicken Sriracha Spring Rolls

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Ingredients:

1 pound of chicken tenderloins

2 garlic cloves minced

2 shallots minced

1 ½ tbsp. of oyster sauce or soy sauce

2 tbsp. of Sriracha

2 tsp. of paprika

Juice of half a lemon

A dash of salt and black pepper

Ingredients for Spring Rolls:


Rice Paper

Sliced Cucumber

Sliced Avocado

Cilantro

Green Onions

Directions:

Add all the ingredients in large bowl and mix. Heat pan to medium high heat and spray with coconut oil. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Add the whole green onions and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Allow 15 minutes for chicken and green onions to cool. Cut chicken tenderloin pieces in half if too large for spring roll.

Rinse rice paper under cold water and place on dry plate or cutting board. Place your cucumber, avocado, green onion, cilantro and chicken at the low center of rice paper. Leaving about to inches below. Grab bottom of rice paper and fold over your ingredients and try to tuck in as you roll. Fold the sides and roll the rest.

Dipping Sauce:

1 tsp. Sriracha

1 tsp. Vinegar

1 tbsp. Soy Sauce

1 tsp. Honey

1 tsp. minced garlic

NaturallyBubbly's #NaturallyCurly Guru Tag

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Watch my Winter Care Tips for Curly Hair:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X6Qc...

Watch my Organic DIY Mask for Curly Hair Hydration:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQJth...

Watch How to Do an Olive Oil Moisture Mask to Your Hair Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGXr1...

Watch My Current Daily Hair Routine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd9pj...

Watch My Night Routine Video Tutorial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHYH1...

Valerie's Hairdrenalin "Potion 16oz"

Homemade Black Castor Oil on STEROIDS. Unbelievable hair growth!! Nearly 4 INCHES in 7 weeks!!

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Ingredients

• 45 cut tea bags
• 1/2 large bottle of Cayenne Pepper
• 30 Biotin pills (blended or powder form)
• 2-4 drops onion seed oil
• 1-2 drop garlic seed oil
• 2:1 ratio of onion seed oil to garlic seed oil
• *I have heard of ladies substituting this for the powders. Do not use fresh onion or garlic, as those contain water, leading to a moldy batch

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Directions

Mix all ingredients together but save the onion and garlic oil or powder at the end. 
2. infuse the mixture in the oven for about 5 hours. 
3. Set aside to cool down and stir occasionally 
4. Once cooled, pour the oil into a container with a cheesecloth to separate the tea from the oil. 
5. add the onion and garlic oil (or powder) 
Keep out of the sunlight. 

OhValerieMonCherie

Yumm...

Brussels Sprout Chips.. the yummiest thing ever

here is a delicious recipe for Brussels Sprout chips!! A fun alternative to kale chips :) 

You will become addicted to brussels sprouts after trying these!! ENJOY!!

Tell me: Do you like brussels sprouts? and if so, how do you like to eat them?

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Tea Time

Almond Oil For Dark Circles

Dark circles are a cause of worry for all those who are conscious of their looks as these are darkened skin patches encircling the eyes. They tend to make an individual appear old and unattractive. Instead of resorting to surgeries or expensive skin enhancing treatments that are loaded with chemicals, one can turn to simpler remedies like using almond oil to get rid of the dark circles. This article is an eye opener wherein it highlights the benefits of using almond oil as it is one of the simplest for remedy eliminating the darkened patches surrounding the eyes.

Reason for Dark Circles:

There are several reasons behind the occurrence of dark circles like sleep deprivation, sensitive skin, fatigue, over exposure to chemical based make up products like eyeliner, mascara, and so on. Treatments like application of almond oil should be based on the reason behind the dark circles.

Role of Almond oil in removing Dark Circles:

Almond oil is an emollient that nourishes and moisturizes the skin around the eyes. This oil possesses vitamin K and vitamin E that are highly effective in erasing the blemishes and subduing the puffiness around the eyes. Sometimes dark circles occur due to dehydration of the skin. Applying almond oil helps in rectifying this imbalance and prevents the area (encircling the eyes) from getting dull. Massaging this oil helps in enhancing the texture and lightens the skin under the eyes, making the skin taut and even prevents premature aging of the skin near the eyes.
Ways of applying almond oil for preventing dark circles

1. Simply massaging with almond oil:

The ideal way of applying this oil is by first washing the area around the eyes with water and pat dry with a towel. Next take a few drops of this oil on the tips of the finger massage it on to the area surrounding the eyes. This will enhance the blood circulation which in turn reduces the dark circles.

2. Almond oil with aromatic oil:

Another way to use it is in the form of carrier oil and combines it with aromatic oils to lighten the dark circles. This method should be used daily for best results.

3. Almond oil with honey:

A paste can be prepared by combining almond oil with honey in equal proportions and mixed well. This paste can be then dabbed on to the area surrounding the eyes, leave it on through the night and rinse off in the morning.

4. Almond oil with milk powder:

Another way of applying almond oil is by combining it with milk powder again in equal proportions. Ensure that the consistency of the paste is thick and apply it under the eyes. Leave it on for 10 minutes. This procedure is easy to follow and gives prompt results.

Precautions taken while using almond oil for dark circles:

Care should be taken to apply the oil carefully so as to prevent it from entering the eyes. People who are allergic to nuts should avoid the oil applications altogether. Oil extracted from rancid almonds can have adverse effects therefore one should select the almonds carefully. The eyes should be closed while massaging the oil on to the dark circles. Care should be taken to use the tips of the fingers gently so as to avoid hurting the eyes.

There are several brands that endorse almond oils however the purest form can be available by crushing the almonds and extracting the oil by one’s own self at home. However it can be a tedious process therefore it is advisable to buy almond oil from general stores itself. Dark circles will surely go away if one uses the almond oil diligently using one of the methods discussed in this article.

- See more at: http://stylesatlife.com/articles/almond-oil-for-dark-circles/#sthash.8JMXRW5d.dpuf

Healing Herbs

Detox Water

Strawberry Kiwi

You can’t go wrong with the classic combination of strawberries and kiwi! This is the perfect summer drink, and has a light sweetness to it.

Detoxifying Qualities:

• Kiwi is a superfood and is packed with vitamins A and E which help prevent free radicals as well as certain types of cancer. Kiwis also helps flush out toxins from the colon, which improves your overall health and well being.
• Strawberries help fight carcinogens and contains anti-aging properties such as biotin and the antioxidant ellagic acid, which helps prevent sagging skin.
• Ingredients:
• 2 strawberries
• 2 kiwis