Let's Talk Spiritual Health: Understanding CONTROL DRAMAS

Hola Chicas/Chicos...This is a bit different and interesting today.

Control Dramas are manipulations for energy either aggressively-forcing others to pay attention to them, or passively-playing on people's sympathy or curiosity to gain attention.

There are 4 types of control dramas:

• Interrogator: steals energy from others by judging and questioning
• Intimidator: steals energy from others by threat
• Aloof: steals energy from others by playing coy to attract attention to themselves
• Poor Me: steals energy from others by making people feel guilty and responsible for them.

These are so interesting because it can help you understand why you are the way that you are. Control dramas are formed in childhood. Understanding what control dramas your parents or guardian dealt with helps you to understand which dramas you deal with. To understand, you must reinterpret your childhood from a spiritual point of view. Interestingly enough, I have tried this exercise on myself, my husband (who taught me about it) and on a few of my friends and it is amazing what you actually reveal about yourselves. It helps me understand why I act the way that I act. It also helps me to understand and recognize control dramas in others, immediately. Most people do not know that they are dealing with control dramas; I know that I didn't, but it has helped me with how I deal with my husband and how I deal with my children. Since I now know that the control dramas develop in childhood, I am becoming more aware of how my actions affect their lifestyle. I have to remember, I am not just raising a child, but a spirit. To be free from these control dramas will require absolute honesty within yourself. And here is the even tougher challenge; asking a person that you respect (friend, spouse, parent, minister, etc.) to point out which control dramas they recognize within you. Doing this, you must be open to constructive criticism and honesty. If you have the slightest inkling that you may react defensively, then you may not be ready to hear truth.

• Interrogator: sets up dramas of asking questions and probing into another person's world with the specific purpose of finding something wrong. Once they do, they criticize this aspect of the other's life. If this strategy succeeds, the person being criticized is pulled into the drama. They find themselves becoming self conscious around the interrogator and paying attention to what the interrogator is doing and thinking about, so as not to do something wrong the interrogator would notice. Interrogators pull you off of your path and drain your energy, because you judge yourself by what they might be thinking. They slowly undermine to get energy from you. Interrogators create aloof children. Aloof parents create interrogator children. When someone continually asks you questions only to find something wrong with your answers, you must get vague and distant, to try to say things that will get their attention, but not reveal enough to get them to criticize.

• Intimidator: someone who threatens you verbally or physically. You are forced, for fear of something bad happening to you, to pay attention to them and so to give them energy.This is the most aggressive kind of energy. They tend to demean, degrade in hopes of gaining energy from you and if that doesn't work, they use physical violence. Intimidators tend to create Poor Me children, or another Intimidator. Ask, how do your children respond when you speak to them? Do they flinch as if in fear of you? Do they constantly whine or try to seek sympathy from you and others? How did you react when your parents approached you? Were they aggressive towards you, creating fear? If someone is draining your energy by threatening you with physical, mental or emotional violence, being aloof doesn't work; you can't get them to give you energy by playing coy; you are forced to be more passive, and guilt trip them about the harm that they are doing to you, therefore creating a Poor Me. If that doesn't work, then, as a child you endure until you are big enough to explode against the violence and fight aggression with aggression. The symbiotic relationship is that intimidators tend to befriend Poor Me's and Poor Me's befriend Intimidators.

• Aloof: someone who in order to get energy, withdraw and look mysterious and secretive. You hope that someone will be pulled into this drama and try to figure out what's going on with you. When someone does, you remain vague, forcing them to struggle, dig and try to discern your true feelings. The longer you can keep them interested and mystified, the more energy you receive. Aloof parents tend to create interrogator children. If you were a child and your parents either ignored you or were not there, playing aloof would not get their attention. You would have to resort to probing and prying and finally finding something wrong in these aloof people in order to force their attention.

• Poor Me: someone who tells you all of the horrible things that are already happening to them, implying perhaps that you are responsible, and that, if you refuse to help, these horrible things are going to continue to happen. Someone who makes you feel guilty when you are in their presence, even though you know there is no reason to feel this way.Everything they say or do puts you in a place where you have to defend against the idea that you're not doing enough for them. A Poor Me, will reveal all of their mishaps, sometimes even to strangers, in order to gain energy. This is the most passive of all of the control dramas. They will even sometimes resort to using their looks, bodies, etc to gain the attention and sympathy from others. They are usually attracted to those who they can continuously cause to feel sympathy from; or the extreme being attracted to those who are Intimidators, who they will allow to either verbally, physically, or mentally abuse them in order to evoke the reaction of sympathy from their mistreatment. Their situation is always someone else's fault and never from choices or decisions that they made themselves.

Freedom comes when we seek wisdom from God and ask Him to reveal to us, which control dramas we may struggle from. I know that it's not always easy to hear the truth, and you may think that none of these apply to you until you ask someone you respect to reveal if you fall in any of these categories. I know I speak of myself first in saying that it was hard hearing which control dramas that I struggled with, but I am grateful that I have people that love me and can speak the truth to me without any motive or malicious intent. I am now on my path to free myself of any control dramas. I pray that you do the same. Take the challenge, pray, ask God to reveal them to you. I know that we can sometimes think we are perfect and free from negative blemish until an accountability partner reveals them to you. You will actually be amazed that when you meet people or the people that you already know, you will be able to see which control dramas they struggle with just from being around them for a few minutes or so, even when they do not.

Happy Spiritual Health

Good Eats..Instead of This..Try This CURRIED SALMON CAKES

Greetings Chicas/Chicos lets talk Good Healthy Eats Now I know that there are so many foods out there that is so good, but so bad for our insides. I'm not sure if you are totally aware, but, there is always a healthier alternative to those items that cause weight gain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gout, height disease, just to name a few. It just takes some initiative, will power and creativity. And don't we all owe it to ourselves to do right by our temple? Take care f your inside and it will show on your outside..


So, instead of this greasy fried high fat and calorie madness...
Try this Curried Salmon Cakes with a Mango Salad

Ingredients:

• Apples, 3 Eggs, Light Mayo, Scallions, Fresh Salmon, Olive Oil, Bread Crumbs, Curry, Paprika, Lemon

Enjoy....Happy Healthy Eats

Let's Talk Hair: Coconut Milk Protein Treatment

Jess of MahoganyCurls

Hola Chicas/Chicos...Here's a delightful treat for your O'Natural tresses. It's a protein treatment using Coconut Milk, and just like it sounds, it's O'So Good for your hair. So, instead of buying a high end commercial product to strengthen your hair, here's an all natural treatment that's inexpensive and easy to do. I do this treatment at least once every 2 or 3 months. If you use a lot of heat,  have color treated hair (chemically colored, not henna) other chemical treatments or other situations that has caused your hair to be highly porous, it is especially important to do this treatment at least twice per month. You can also add Coconut Milk to your deep conditioning treatments to add extra benefits, or combine it with carrier oils ( Castor, Olive, Grapeseed, Jojoba) and add a few drops of Neem Oil and Tea Tree Oil to create a stimulating scalp massage that combats dandruff or dry scalp. Now an important factor to keep in mind, the results may not be the same as using products that contain hydrolyzed proteins due to the processing method and their capability to penetrate the hair shaft. However, those type of proteins do contain MSG, so I've decided to stay away from them after recently researching the scoop on ingredients.

What You'll Need:

• 1 can of Organic Coconut Milk
• 4 TBSP of Raw Honey (remember, raw honey is the most beneficial because you get all of the raw nutrients.
• 4 TBSP of Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt 
• 1 TBSP of amla oil (optional).. Available here: Henna Sooq

Coconut Milk Protein Treatment:

• Mix ingredients and carefully pour mixture onto dry unwashed hair.
• Cover with plastic cap for a minimum of 30 minutes.
• Rinse mixture and shampoo/condition as usual.
• Final Rinse using cool water and ACV

Benefits of Protein Treatment:

• Encourages healthy hair growth
• Minimizes Breakage
• Strengthens Hair

credits: photo courteousy of www.fuckyeahcurlscurlscurls.tumblr.com

So Whats The Rave About: BEESWAX

Hola Chicas/Chicos...So whats the rave about Beeswax?? 

Beeswax is a colorless liquid is produced from glands in the abdomen of bees. After the wax is chewed and processed, the bees attach it to the walls of the honeycomb. While Beeswax has no benefits when consumed, this colorless liquid is full of nutrients that is beneficial to improving skin conditions and it is completely nontoxic. Now, I know there are some misconceptions about Beeswax, such that it clogs pores. This is untrue, in fact, when used properly, Beeswax will not promote the formation of acne and pimples. Now, I would take more precaution of hair products with Beeswax because it is thick and can cause buildup on the hair and usually simple water nor co-washing alone does not remove it. So, if you do use products with Beeswax, be sure to follow up with frequent shampooing or a natural clarifying cleanse (I love the Bentonite Clay Treatment)to properly remove it (see my post on Do You Clarify) as it can be difficult to remove. So, lets just see what the rave is about..Beeswax.

The Benefits of Beeswax for the SKIN:

• Ooo La La Lips: Because Beeswax has natural moisturizers, it makes an excellent additive for lip balms. It locks in moisture and helps to keep the skin firm and plump. I actually use Beeswax and Shea Butter as my main base for my homemade natural lip balm. Not to be biased, but I have tested many natural lip balms and my lip balm is by far the longest lasting and is extremely moisturizing. And more importantly, it doesn't make my lips peel the next morning. As a matter of fact, it is recommended to use a lip balm containing Beeswax especially for winter months to prevent chapped lips.
• Skin Ailments: Beeswax mixed with carrier oils like Coconut, Olive or Castor Oil and honey to make homemade lotions and balms is beneficial for combating skin ailments such as eczema and psoriasis.
• Skin Allergies: Beeswax has non-allergenic properties that makes it a useful skin protectant against airborne allergies.
• Skin Healer: Beeswax offers anti inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral benefits, making it beneficial for minor skin irritations.
• Skin Softener: When added to skin care products, Beeswax acts as an emollient and a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin and sealing it in. Because Beeswax contains Vitamin A, it helps to soften and rehydrate dry skin.
• Antibacterial: When combined with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and honey, Beeswax inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungus, making it beneficial in the treatment of diaper rash and other bacterial skin infections.

Happy Healthy Skin!

Let's Talk Spiritual Health: Alone But Not LONELY

Some women secretly carry guilt that they have misappropriated as daughters, thinking it was their fault that their fathers didn't stay with their mothers. Or they didn't receive enough attention or affection from their fathers/mothers. If you're one of those women, usually, you are always trying to prove yourself. Growing up is hard work. It is even tougher when today's woman is wrestling with yesterday's little girl. Somewhere deep beneath the painted smiles and polished nails is a longing, an aching, a void. Somewhere beneath the symbols of success lurks a feeling of incompleteness.

The emptiness taints yours successes and taunts your accomplishments. You are either distrustful of men as a whole or you idealize a man's attention as the epitome of success and fulfillment. You may be afraid to be alone. You may feel as if you have been alone all of your life, and you fight the feeling by adding people in your life. Sometimes the enemy of loneliness can be so overwhelming that it can cause you to add the wrong people into your life, or go about it in the wrong way of adding people into your life. If you are wise, you would know that having people in your life, in your house, or even in your bed doesn't ensure that you will not be lonely. When we really come to know God, we can be alone and still not be lonely. It is when you understand the gift of being alone that you will really be ready to share your companionship with someone else.

Whenever someone is involved with you, they become a part of what was going on in you before they came around. For some men, that is traumatic because if the woman isn't full of joy and content with who she is, she will soon be unhappy with him around. She will go from madly in love to distant and frustrated because she expected him to be all that she hasn't gotten out of life. At first, she is excited. Later, she is disappointed because she realizes that she is still involved with a wound from her past. It is a void that only God can fill.
Most Christians are seated so high on their perch of self righteousness that they often fail to minister to the pain behind the sin. They often are concerned about the habits of sin. But they don't see to understand that removing the act doesn't free the heart. It just represses a problem that manifests in cynicism and frustration. People are teachable when they are not in pain. It is like telling a child not to scratch a rash. They will do it even if they do it in their sleep because of the discomfort felt. But if you can apply a soothing ointment, the habit is easily broken.

I am sorry that we live in a world filled with pain and rashes, with imperfections and scars. But,in all of my searching, the only thing I have found that will soothe the itching for affection and the bleeding from scars is God. It is not fair, nor is it possible to put that type of pressure and expectation onto another person,then that would be putting your faith in man, and he is not capable. A friend, your child, your parents, your spouse, your companion cannot heal open wounds, past afflictions, unresolved hurt, only God can and He will, just go to Him. He will never leave nor forsake you.

Happy Spiritual Health!

What I Love About Being O'Natural..I Can Actually Scratch My HEAD!!

Greetings Chicas/Chicos..Ok, so if you have ever worn a weave or seen a woman wear a weave, you can agree with me when I say, 'Her scalp must itch cause she is patting the heck outta her head.' Yes..the infamous weave head pat..so infamous, in fact, that Beyonce added a verse mentioning it in her song 'pat yo weaves, ladies..pat, pat, pat your weaves ladies'. This head pat goes for those who relax their hair as well. I mean, remember when you couldn't scratch your head right before you were about to get a realxer in the days coming? Oh my, agony! Well, you could scratch it, but then when you did get the relaxer your head would be on FIYAHHH! Along with a couple of scabby sores to go with it.

Well, take a breather because the lifestyle of a naturalista/naturalisto has saved you from the abusive 'head pat'. And besides, now you no longer have to have a stare off with people of other races who totally don't understand 'why you are patting your head'. Or the silence breaker of the continuous 'tap, tap, tap' that's just loud enough to make people turn around and ask, 'what is that noise'. Now, if your head itches, go ahead and scratch it..it's ok. I mean, don't go 'Planet of the Apes' on your head, but go ahead..indulge.

This is one of the wonderful reasons that I love being O'Natural...now, pat yourself on the back.

What do you love about being O'Natural??

Sexy Morning HAIR..Really??

Greetings Chicas/Chicos..Now that you've journeyed into 'natural-hood' how do you wake up looking in the morning? I mean for me, I'm definitely not not thinking of how sexy I am in the morning. But I must say, there has been some mornings, recently, that my hubby has said that I have 'sexy' hair...hmmm, well, I have been sleeping on nothing but my satin pillow lately minus the satin 'Mama's Family' bonnet. I can say, it's kinda nice to wake to a head full of slightly cascading twist out ringlets that have become fuller as the days have went by since my last co wash. Sooo..what does that mean? My scarf and satin bonnet action weren't sexy?? Hmmm...not even with the shiny lip gloss that I made to doll up my look?? Okk.

So yeah, I used to wear bonnets and scarves to bed, but with the bonnets I would find my twists sticking up every which way..and with the scarf, my twists would lay too flat..soooo, what did I do to protect my hair?? I invested into some satin pillow cases. The results..my twists still stick up every which way, but when I have my hair in my twist out, it's slightly bushy with defined curls and all I have to do is ruffle my fingers through it a bit and I must say, it's (O) mazing! And moisturized. So, that's what I call my 'sexy morning hair'.

What's your sexy morning hair?? Do Tell..

Happy Sexy Hair!!

source of pictures: www.fuckyeahcurlscurlscurls.tumblr.com

Let's Talk Spiritual Health: Have You Exercised Your Mind Today??

excerpt from 'Do You' by Russell Simmons

It seems that whenever we turn on the TV, listen to the radio, or pick up a magazine, we're bombarded with the message that our life will improve once we get our body in shape. And while it's fine to get your body in shape, I would suggest it's more helpful to get your mind toned first. A six-pack on your stomach won't really make you happy unless you're also keeping your mind in shape through prayer, reflection and self study. How you look on the outside doesn't really matter if you don't have your spiritual self in shape first.

One of the best ways to get your mind in shape is through the practice of meditation. While physical exercise makes you stronger by building things up like muscle or stamina, the mental workout you get through meditation makes you stronger by clearing things away. It clears away the distractions of the world and gives you the clarity to see and the focus to pursue the God-given visions that will be the foundation to your success. No matter how many weights you lift, eventually your body will sag. No matter how much money you make, eventually it will lose its value and appeal. But a clear and focused mind will last a lifetime.

Even though we are born with a pureness inside of us, we also have to struggle with the world outside of us. And in that struggle, our pureness gets dirty pretty quickly. The first way is through physical impurities, as the world teaches our body to accept things that aren't actually good for it. Everywhere you look you see little kids, toddlers even, drinking cow's milk (which is bad for them, no matter what any doctor tells you), eating French Fries, and gulping down sodas filled with sugar and high fructose corn syrup. That's not what our bodies really want, in fact, most children spit out cow's milk the first time they taste it! Kids are supposed to eat fruits and vegetables and natural juices. Nevertheless, they eventually learn to accept what they instinctively rejected as harmful. They start drinking the milk, eating the French fries and chugging sodas, not because it's what they want, but because it's what society tells them is desirable. And it keeps happening over the course of our lives.

When we are teenagers, we take a puff of a cigarette and cough. But instead of acknowledging that smoke doesn't belong in our lungs, we keep smoking, because that's what the world says is cool. Just like when we drink too much alcohol and get sick, we get up the next day and do it all over again. Not because it's good for us, but because it's what we see the world is doing around us.

Just like we pollute our bodies, similarly, we pollute the purity of our minds. Emotionally, we are taught to act in ways that are harmful to ourselves. We're taught to have egos, to be envious, to be selfish, to be insecure. Soon, that beautiful blank sheet we're born with is filled up with the physical and emotional vices that the world pushes on us. It's an inevitable part of our being. And the end result is usually an adult who's totally lost touch with his inner self, who feels lost in the world and keeps making the wrong choices. We're born and then we are seperated from God. The beauty of meditation is that it brings us back.

Greetings Chicas/Chicos..Whew..I thought this was an amazing piece and I wanted to share that with you. I find it absolutely amazing how the world has so many convinced that natural world is a fad, is trendy, is 'un-natural'. The enemy has many so convinced that the chemical based pharmeceuticals that man makes (mainly for profit) is better than what God has put on this earth to heal us, cleanse us, feed us, naturally. in a world that has been so corrupted by so many things that are negative, even to the degree of deeming them 'normal' or 'acceptable' it's a great tool that HE has given us in the gift of meditation. Like the book of Phillipians says in chapter 4, verse 8..'Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.'

Remove the distractions of the world, the TV, the radio, the internet, your book, etc and take you a few clicks to be still, be silent and exercise your spiritual mind in a quiet place..It may be easier to understand your vision and your purpose if you sit back, be silent and listen.

Psalm 119:97-99 'Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.'

Happy Spiritual Health

Fro Fashion Week: Cupcake and Cocktails at the Livingston..FUN!!

Hola Chicas/Chicos..ok, I must say my little daughter and I had a smashing good time at the Natural Hair Meet and Greet at the Livingston Bar and Restaurant hosted by Nikki of http://www.curlynikki.com..you/ can also view a picture of me and my little mini me on Nikki's website. She's so beautiful, by the way, and she had little G-Baby (her baby girl, Gia) with her. This was excellent because she made it clear that we could bring little ones..so who did I bring, little, N-baby, my little Naomi..and I must say, she was an absolute HIT! We heard so many ooo's and ahhhh's that the positive energy just really started the night off right. I also must say that my 4 day old twist out was a huge HIT! It felt great to answer questions about what products do I use, my hair care regimen, how I got my hair this way...it was AWESOME! There were free products given away and chances to meet and talk with the owners of the popular hair care lines. I met some of the most beautiful and positive people..and to think, I had to be convinced by my hubby to go. I really wanted him there, but our 2 year old caught the same tummy virus that we had two days before..soooo, no go for daddy. But he was extremely supportive and offered to stay home at watch our little man.

So needless to say, again, I met some amazing women: Mae with http://www.naturalchica.com/, Cassidie with http://www.naturalselectionblog.com/, Heather from Youtube ItsMsHeatherNicole, Lauren Daniels with http://www.bylaurendaniels.com/, the owner of Jessicurl, Shea Moisture and Organic Root Stimulator, Inga with http://www.tryharderlivebetter.com/ and so many others...it was over 250 people in a beautiful restaurant in the historic Georgian Terrace Hotel downtown Atlanta enjoying fabulous cupcakes and cocktails..


The Pics:

Me and My beautiful little Naomi

The beautiful Cassadie of http://www.naturalselectionblog.com/

Mae of naturalchica.com, me and little Naomi

Beautiful Inga of http://www.tryharderlivebetter.com/

Jess and Michelle of Jessicurl

The infamous host, Nikki and beautiful little Gia (G-baby)

Happy Healthy Hair

some photos courteousy of Nikki from www.curlynikki.com



Let's Talk Skin: Combating Scaly Dry SKIN The O'Natural Way

Hola Chicas/Chicos..ok, here is a subject that I thought was good to touch upon. Dry skin...Most times when we think or speak about skin, we normally hear about oily acne prone skin and all of the wonderful natural treatments for oily or combination skin. So..today, it's all about dry scaly skin..and how to combat it the O'Natural Way.

The Method:

• Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Mango Butter: These are some excellent butters that are deeply hydrating. Combining all three to make a facial mixture is definitely a treat for dry skin because they provide necessary moisture to dry scaly skin. The best place to find these butters are at natural herb shops or natural grocery stores. Be sure to read the ingredients..Shea Butter should read 100% raw unrefined shea butter. Cocoa Butter should have very few ingredients and cocoa butter should be the first ingredient listed. The same should go for Mango Butter. I order my butters from http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/.
• Exfoliate..Exfoliate..Exfoliate: Be sure to exfoliate your skin. Dry scaly skin often feels rough and often features dry dead skin cells on its surface. You can remove these dead cells and stimulate new cell production with regular exfoliation. Use a homemade natural facial or body scrub at least 2 to 3 times per week. For info on a homemade honey/sugar scrub, check out my post on Brown Sugar/Honey Srcub. Another great solution is to create a homemade facial mask using oatmeal.
• Olive Oil: Use Olive Oil on your scaly skin. This natural remedy is very rich leaving skin smooth and soft. This should be the base if you are using The Oil Cleansing Method (check out my post on The Oil Cleansing Method). Be sure to add the gel of a Vitamin E capsule to your cleansing method. An Oil Cleanser using 50% Olive Oil, 20% Castor Oil and 30% Jojoba Oil would be a great blend to combat dry scaly skin. Be sure that your Olive Oil is Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
• Nutrition: Be sure to eat a healthy balanced diet. Improper diet is one of the number one culprits of dry scaly skin.Talk to your dermatologist or homeopath to find what foods trigger your dry scaly skin.
• Water..H2O: Drink plenty of water. To keep skin moisturized, you must keep moisturize your inside and out. Try to consume 1/2 your body weight in water...Good Stuff!
• Not too Hot: Wash your skin with lukewarm water. Water that is too hot leaches moisture from skin and worsens scaly skin. So remember, lukewarm water.
• Sunscreen: Wear sunscreen daily. The sun's rays damage scaly skin, making it dryer. A great natural oil that has natural sunscreening properties is Grapeseed Oil (see my post for The Oil Cleansing Method)

Carrier Oils That Are Good For Dry Skin:

• Jojoba
• Avocado
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Sweet Almond
• Borage Seed
• Evening Primrose
• Kukui Oil (http://www.fromnaturewithlove/)

Where to find carrier oils and essential oils: Any local health food store (Earthfare, Greenlife, Whole foods or you can order from http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/)

This info is in no way proclaiming to be absolute. If condition persists or worsens, please seek professional medical advice.

Let's Talk Hair: Do You HENNA..Gloss That Is??

Greetings Ladies/Gents..sorry for my MIA for the past couple of days. I was battling a tummy virus and was completely out of it.

For those of you not familiar with a henna gloss, it is a great tool when you want 'subtle' color change with a deep conditioning effect. For those of us who have used henna, we know how difficult it can be to wash out. I mean..really time consuming! Well, with a henna gloss, it makes it easier to rinse out due to the slip of adding a conditioner. Another benefit of adding the conditioner is that it makes the hair smooth and soft as opposed to hard and straw like. On those of us with black hair, you will see a slight reddish highlight, but you usually have to be in open sunlight to notice it.

On my first henna experience, I did a straight henna and I thought I was going to swear off henna forever. But...after my second time, I did the henna gloss and, oh my, what a difference. So now that I've spoke about my henna experience, let me tell ya what I use for my henna gloss recipe. Of course, you can modify your mixture to what works for you.

What You'll Need:

At least 100mg of BAQ (Body Art Quality)Jamila Henna ..this type of henna is very good and easier to rinse out. For those with longer hair, 200mg may be sufficient.

A Good protein free conditioner. For my henna gloss, I used Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner or Natty Moist Conditioner

2-3 bags of Green Tea allowed to steep for at least 5-10 minutes.

A pair of plastic gloves..Trust me, this stuff is messy and it does stain, so protect those hands.

My Henna Process:

• Add the Henna to a plastic bowl.
• Measure  1 cup of Natty Moist or Giovanni Smooth As Silk Conditioner and set aside.
• Add 1 cup of the warm green tea to the mixture.
• Add your  1 cup of conditioners to the mixture.
• Mix until you have the consistency of cake batter.
• Apply to slightly damp detangled hair.
• Be sure to thoroughly work it through hair from root to ends.
• Cover with a plastic bag or plastic cap and leave on for 3-4 hours. If you want a deeper conditioning effect, you can leave the henna on overnight. This way, you get the full benefits. Just be sure to protect your pillows.
• Fill up your tub or sink with water and dunk your head to allow the henna to break up and release. Do not manipulate the hair too much when rinsing out the henna.
• After you have rinsed the henna, shampoo hair.
• Deep condition, using a heat cap, after you shampoo for at least 45 minutes.
• Style as usual.

Henna Gloss Benefits:

• Imparts Shine
• Prevents Breakage
• Helps to loosen curl pattern
• Strengthens hair
  

  • Aids in ridding scalp of dandruff

My Results:

Where to buy BAQ Jamila Henna: www.mehandi.com , Henna Sooq or your local Indian Grocery Store

Happy Healthy Hair 



Have You Had Your Shot Today..WHEATGRASS That Is??

Hola Chicas/Chicos..have you had your Wheatgrass shot today? Ok, I know, I know, for those not familiar with Wheatgrass, you're probably asking, 'what is that green pukey looking concoction?' But trust me, it may not look the most appetizing, but it packs a POWERFUL punch of overall goodness. And..although it may look a bit unusual, the taste is not bad at all. One of the best things about Wheatgrass juice is that it is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream and gives you immediate energy. It's best to have freshly squeezed Wheatgrass over bottled juice, due to the juice loosing some of its benefits within the first 10 minutes of being juiced. So, here are the wonderful benefits of Wheatgrass..enjoy!

Benefits of Wheatgrass:

• Energizer: As I stated earlier, Wheatgrass is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream. Just 2 oz. of fresh juice equals 3 pounds of organic veggies in vitamins and minerals, or the equivalent of two cups of coffee, minus the caffeine. So all you need to feel amazing is 2 little ounces..I think you can handle that.
• Nutritious: Wheatgrass juice contains most of the vitamins and minerals needed for human maintenance. It's a whole meal and complete protein with about 30 enzymes ans approximately 70% crude chlorophyll. Wheatgrass is an excellent source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur, cobalt and zinc.
• Body Builder: Chlorophyll is an important body builder and Wheatgrass contains 70% chlorophyll. Wheatgrass juice has been proven to build red blood cells quickly after ingestion. It normalizes high blood pressure and stimulates healthy tissue cell growth.
• Body Cleanser: The many detergent factors of wheatgrass juice will drain the lymph system, which carries away many toxins from body cells. When an imbalance exists--sore tendons and joints, degenerative disease, etc--there is a natural build-up of mucous in the lymph in that area. Wheatgrass juice will break down the mucous and allow it to drain. Wheatgrass is a powerful cleanser and may start an immediate reaction with toxins and mucus in the stomach and thus may cause nausea. Chlorophyll will bring toxins stored away in cells or fatty tissues into the bloodstream. Start with a 1-ounce serving and work up. Drink on an empty stomach. Keep refrigerated and drink the same day.
• Weight Control: The starch of the wheat berry is stored energy which when converted to simpler sugars is a quick energy source. It is especially good for athletes because it is a juice and assimilated in 20 minutes. Wheatgrass picks up 92 of the 102 minerals in the soil and contains all vitamins science has isolated. Because one ounce of juice equals two pounds of produce nutritionally, it naturally shuts off the appestat in the brain. It helps in weight control. The nutritional value of wheatgrass Juice is so high that many people don't feel those "cravings" that lead to overeating.
• Body/Breathe Odor: Wheatgrass is effective in neutralizing odors in the mouth from food, beverages, tobacco, and metabolic changes (halitosis). It also effectively neutralized odors from perspiration due to physical exercise, nervousness, menstrual odors, etc.
• Sinuses: Chlorophyll packs inserted into the sinuses had a drying effect, clearing up congestion, and gave immediate relief. Congested head colds were cleared up within 24 hours. Regularly drinking Wheatgrass juice can help eliminate and fight off colds!
• Anemia: Benefits of the chlorophyll in Wheatgrass, aids in fighting blood sugar problems and anemia. It also neutralizes toxins and assists in purifying the liver.

There are so many documented benefits of Wheatgrass, all of which lead to improved health, strength and endurance. Many health food stores, such as Whole Foods, Green Life, EarthFare, Arden's Garden have readily available fresh Wheatgrass at their juice bar. If you prefer, you can invest in a Wheatgrass juicer and juice your own Wheatgrass..excellent idea. Some may cost around $180.00 or you can bargan shop on Amazon or Ebay....but it is a great investment to your health, and isn't it about time we invest in our health? Remember, all you need is 1-2 oz per day to benefit from this green goodness.

My Experience..

I must say that when I was consistently taking Wheatgrass shots, I experienced energy boosts (similar to an energy boost that cayenne pepper gives or 5 hr energy drink), calmer nerves, better sleep, less appetite cravings, and I was accomplishing more daily without feeling sluggish.

So..now that you've read on the benefits of Wheatgrass, have you had your shot today??

Happy Health

The Masculinity of O'Natural: Men Who Rock Natural Hair

Greetings, Chicas/Chicos, I pray all is well. Ok, since so much about health and beauty is geared towards women, I felt it necessary to focus this one for our O'Natural men. Now, of course the remedies and treatments are helpful for men, but most images of natural hair care and skin care are most times marketed towards women. But as I am finding out, there are a plethora of men who know about co-washing, deep conditioning, TWAs, moisturizing, twisting, braiding, detangling, etc. A plethora of men who rock curls, waves, kinks, coils, fros, dreads and braids. In our society, it can be so easy to fall in with the trend and fit in with the crowd, but to stand out on your own as an individual and not succumb to society's ideas of what beauty or masculinity is, is an amazing way to DO YOU..BE YOU. So, here's a shout out to you, beautiful natural MEN!

O'Natural Men:





Happy Healthy Hair