Happy Friday!

Good Morning Beautifuls!

I'm taking the day off. So much to do!
Happy Halloween to all those who celebrate it! Be safe!
Happy Friday to everyone!!
Have a wonderful weekend!

Alternatives To "The Rag"

Good Morning Beautifuls!

Yesterday a close friend of mine sent me an email regarding the use of popular pads and tampons. I had read this information before so her email reminded me about my plan to purchase/use cotton pads and tampons. I have even considered the diva cup.

My decision stems from information that I've found regarding the bleaching methods used to process commercial pads and tampons. The chemicals used during the bleaching process are believed to contain carcinogenic dioxins that can be absorbed into the body. You can find this information on the web. These chlorinated pollutants are a cause of numerous health problems including cancer, reproductive problems, endometriosis & immune system suppression.

There are alternatives like the diva cup which is latex-free, plastic-free, and hypoallergenic. There are also companies like Pandora Pads and Natracare that offer 100% cotton pads and tampons.

My purpose in sharing this information with you is not to scare you but to inform you and motivate you to do research on these products and other popular products that you consistently use in your life. Like the biblical scripture says,"..my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge..", I observe that this holds true in our society.

Helpful Tip for Smoothies!

Hello Beautifuls!

I hope that all is well in your world. I just had to drop this helpful tip that I received today.

We have a transportation coalition that is encouraging everyone to use alternative commuting resources to get to and from work and to walk to the stores/restaurants that surround our office buildings. As incentives, they give us giftcards for walking to designated spots. (Cool huh!) Anyhoo, Wednesday's incentive is a $5 Farmer's Market Voucher. All you have to do is walk to it. Which is no biggie. It isn't far plus you can't beat the exercise you get in the process.

Well, I spotted the organic farm's booth and ended buying some spinach and a bag of mixed greens. I told them how I am trying to incorporate more organic greens into my smoothies. Well, I was offered this tip. Make the smoothie as usual. Just pour whatever is leftover into an ice cube tray and freeze. This way, when you're ready for your next smoothie you can just pop the "smoothie" cubes into the blender and ..blend. Awesome ideal!! I'll be trying this one tonight!

Smooth Hold

This morning I tried something a little different as far as styling my hair. Because we are in a slight coldsnap, I'm wearing my hair in a pony-puff. I had been topping my moisturizer off w/Fantasia IC Hair Polisher Styling gel (which is alcohol free and contains aloe). I remembered reading a thread on Naturallycurly.com about using a deep conditioner instead of hair gel. I immediately thought, "Oh, I could never do that!" but wanted to give it a try anyhow.

This a.m. I decided to try my Qhemet Biologics Alma & Olive Heavy Cream mixed w/some Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm. It worked! My hair is just as laid down as it would be w/the gel. Maybe even better. I plan on purchasing a good deep conditioner since I haven't done that in awhile. (shame on me). I'm currently looking at Jessicurl's Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment as a DT.

Have you tried this method? If so, with what products?...

The Wonders of Coconut Oil

Yesterday, I mentioned that I put a tsp of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil into my smoothie. I've now made that a Tablespoon. Let me explain to you why...

The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, and so many other things that I don't have time to mention. These benefits can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid all of which have antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral properties and more. What happens is the body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing w/viruses and bacteria. Coconut oil is preferred by some athletes and body builders because it contains lesser calories than other oils. Its fat content is easily converted into energy and it does not lead to fat accumulation in the heart and arteries.

Some of the benefits of coconut oil include the following:

Hair Care - It helps in healthy growth of hair providing a shinny complexion. Is an
excellent conditioner and provides essential proteins that can nourish
damaged hair. This is the oil that I seal my hair with.

Skin Care - Is an effective moisturizer on all types of skin. I've never tried it but I have read in certain forums where people use it as a skin moisturizer.
Note that it caused acne in some ladies.

Heart Diseases - The lauric acid helps to prevent various heart problems including
high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

Weight Loss - It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help to take of
excessive weight. Easy to digest and helps the thyroid to function
at it's best. And increases metabolism by removing stress on the
pancreas, thereby burning more energy.

And so many other benefits including, digestion, immunity, healing, infections, liver, kidney, diabetes, bones, dental care, etc. etc. I wish I could list them all because it almost sounds like a wonder drug. However it's not! It's all natural which is the best!

I've posted a picture of the brand of Coconut Oil that I use. I keep one in the kitchen (for my smoothies and food) and one in my bathroom (for my hair).


Have a great day, Beautiful!

Umm...Yummy!!

Good Morning Beautifuls!

This weekend I began incorporating greens into my smoothies. I'm actually trying to use up this Super Greens (organic vegan) supplement I purchased some months ago. I had stopped taking them because I would feel nauseous from the rapid detoxification. After speaking with Chef Jenya, I decided to take her up on her suggestion and slowly incorporate the greens into my diet. She, along w/a book I'm reading "12 Steps to Raw Foods" by Victoria Boutenko recommends transitioning into raw foods or simply incorporating more raw greens into your diet with smoothies (blending). The reason being that blending is similar to chewing. After being broken down in a high-speed blender, pieces of food become the perfect size for assimilation. Green smoothies are the best food to aid in a rapid restoration of the body's nutrient reserves per Victoria Boutenko. For this reason, I am incorporating blended smoothies into my diet.

My recipe is pretty simple:
1 frozen banana
5 oz of frozen strawberries
1 tsp of 100% organic Living Foods Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
organic Agave Nectar to taste
3 to 5 capsules of Super Greens supplement
distilled water to thin as desired

**You can use whatever fruits you like.

The smoothies have been great! My poor blender is handling them, however I do plan on buying a high-powered personal blender this week. The only thing I didn't anticipate is my 12 yr old enjoying them. (I wonder if she'll continue to be interested as I continue to increase the greens in them.) Not to say that I will stop making regular fruit smoothies because I won't. I'm just sayin'. Either way, my goal is to purchase a Vita-mix blender in a couple of months. They are costly but highly recommended by many raw foodists, vegans, vegetarians, and cooked foods chefs.
I'll also be purchasing a good wood cutting board and food processor.

Well, that's it so far. What are your plans to increase your fruits and vegetables in your diet?.......

Do You Chick!

Good Morning Beautifuls!

Another one of my favorite "Do You" chicks is Kelis Rogers, or simply "Kelis". A Harlem, NY native, Kelis is generally known as the queen of "alternative" R&B. To me, she's fearless. She does not compromise. She simply does herself and could care less what others may think. If you're curious, she was born to a musician and fashion designer which I'm sure played a part in her choice of career and fashion outlook.

I admire her boldness. And I love her gorgeous tattoo! It runs the length of the left side of her back and is an exquisite work of art. Because she's always changing her look you never quite know what to expect from her. She definitely believes in mixing it up! Though she's presently working a short straighter 'do (I'm still missing her big coily/curly hair!) I still have much respect for her.

Well Beautifuls... you have a happy Friday, a wonderful weekend, and do something for yourself. And as always.... Do you.

Much love,
ChocolateOrchid

I'm In Just That Kind of Mood...

I have been in a little mood of sorts for the past couple of days. I think it's because I'm love deficient (relationship wise). Either way, while riding the train into work this song played on my Ipod. Although, I've heard it a million times ('cause I'm still lovin' Alicia Keys CD) it really struck me this a.m..

"The Thing About Love"

Love
Love will come find you
Just to remind you
Of who you are

Oh love
It will forsake you
Threaten to break you
Take what you got

Everybody laughs
Everybody cries
Sure it could hurt you baby
But give it a little try
See that's the thing about love

Friends
Sometimes will blind you
Sneak up behind you
You can't give enough

Then life
It will embrace you
Totally amaze you
So you don't give up

Everybody laughs
Everybody cries
Sure it could hurt you baby

But give it a little try
See that's the thing about love

Don't tell me that I'm not the only one that's going through it all
Oh sometimes I feel like I'm the only one that's going through it all
But its time
Oh its time
For me to shine
Hey
Its my time
Oh its time
For me to shine

Its my time
Said its my time
For me to shine
Its my time
Its bout time
For me to shine

Everybody laughs
Everybody cries
Sure it could hurt u baby
But give it a little try
That's the thing about love
That's the thing about love
That's the thing about
That's the thing about love

The CW's Stylista!

Good Morning Beautiful!

I have a confession to make... While some reality shows really irk me, others totally capture my attention. Typically these attention grabbers have to do with fashion or style like "Project Runway", "Design Star", "What Not To Wear", and sometimes "ANTM". But last night I must say that I was hooked from the start to the CW's "Stylista"! The first show was crazy ridiculous! From the start there was catiness and breakdowns! I was like, "Damn! Already?!". If you didn't catch it, I would liken it to "The Devil Wears Prada".

In this first episode, all contestants were challenged to prepare breakfast for Elle Magazine's Fashion News Director, Anne Slowey, a demanding but highly respected fashion icon. The each had 45 minutes to get to the deli which was 6 blocks away, get back and prepare a healthy breakfast in a good presentation for Anne. Let me tell you, Ashlee (lone black lady) got lost and found the store seems like within the last 15 minutes. She returned to the office w/about 2 minutes left and pulled it together. She ended up winning the first challenge. Go girl!

Each contestant was also judged on their attire. One fella, William did look like he was straight off the set of the movie "Clockwork Orange". It was hilarious! Either way, I definitely feel like this show is worth checking out. The grand prize is a paid editorial at Elle magazine, a paid lease on a "Manhattan" apartment, and a clothing allowance at H&M all for one year. I'll take that! I also commend Tyra Banks. As one of the executive producers of the show, I must say that she is doing her thang! Work it Tyra!!

If you watched the show, what's your take on it?...

Mama Needs Some Shoes!

I am so lovin' Solange's look! The hair. The dress. The belt.
In particular, those doggone shoes!
Mama needs some shoes and I most definitely could rock those out!!

What's your take her look?....

Steps to Going Natural-Consider Your Method

Good Morning Beautifuls!

And Happy Mid-week! Almost Friday, almost Friday.

I hope that your week is going well. If you are considering going natural another decision to make is whether you want to BC (Big Chop) which involves you cutting all of the relaxer/texturizer/perm off. Or if you want to transition, allowing your natural hair to grow out until you are comfortable with the new length while trimming the relaxed ends of your hair off.

Now I honestly cannot say which is the best method because I believe that you have to do what is comfortable for you. I tried to transition but b/c I'm not that patient of a person I went ahead and had my relaxed hair cut off. It was about 7 to 8 inches of hair. I do realize that that's a bit drastic to some but it worked for me. I did it and had no regrets.

If you choose to transition then I would recommend that you see a professional stylists to help you handle the difference between the new growth and permed portion of your hair. If you choose to do it yourself, then be sure to keep your hair moisturized. Your hair is extremely delicate where your new growth and permed hair meet. Some helpful products I would recommend are Curls Milkshake, Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream (Walmart, Target, most drugstores), Qhemet's Heavy Cream or Burdock Root Buttercreme are a few good ones to try. Also, when handling your hair learn to comb it damp or wet with conditioner/detangler (for slip) using a wide tooth comb (seamless comb's are preferable). Combing it dry is a huge no-no. It will result in breakage and much frustration. Also, when combing always comb gently from the ends of your hair to the root. This prevents snagging which leads to breakage.

Other methods of transitioning include wearing breads, weaves and wigs until you feel comfortable with the amount of natural hair that you've grown out. You still need to take care of your hair w/these methods by washing, conditioning, and moisturizing.

Also, drink water regularly. It is your friend. It is the moisturizer, inside and out. Eat healthy and do exercise and get a proper amount of rest. All of these things benefit your hair, skin and body. I've also heard of people taking vitamins specifically for hair growth. I do not do this but I'm not against it. As I stated earlier, you have to do what's comfortable for you.

Hope this has been helpful for anyone considering going natural. If you're already natural, what did you do? Big chop or transition? If you did transition, how long?..

The Importance of Eating Right

Good Morning Beautiful!

This past weekend I went to a Raw Foods potluck and met some pretty interesting people. One person in particular talked about how she had suffered from tumors for some time. She decided to change her diet to improve her health. No, she didn't do a raw foods diet. She committed to Jordin Rubin's "The Maker's Diet" and saw a drastic improvement in her health. Drastic to the point that her tumors went away.

I wanted to share this info. because "The Maker's Diet" is not a raw foods diet. It is a 40-day program divided into three two-week phases. You can eat any fish as long as it has fins and scales but should avoid any without them. You can also eat any meat that chews the cud as long as it has a cloven or split hoof. This excludes the pig. "The Maker's Diet" is designed to attach the three I's - insulin, infection, and inflammation. No junk food, fast food, or prepackaged foods prepared in microwave ovens. The recipes and meal plans are full of healthy meats, fruits, vegetables and grains.

I felt it important to share this with you because it's an example of how much what you put into your body affects your health. She did not use medicine. She did not have surgery. She did not do chemotherapy. She simply changed her eating habits cutting out sugar and all other processed foods and her body was able to heal itself of those tumors.

I hope that this has in some way enlighten you about the importance of a healthy diet. Have a wonderful day!!

And In Political News....

Good Morning Beautifuls!


I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! Mine was very busy yet still good. Today is the first day of my commuting to work on the transit system. Trying to save a dollar, auto wear-n-tear, and reduce my carbon footprint all at the same time.

Did you all catch Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama?! Wow!! I was surprised! (In a good way, of course.) I'm glad he went into detail about his choice. I'm hoping that this will enlighten alot of people. I must admit w/only a couple of weeks left, I'm starting to get nervous. How did you feel when you heard about Powell's endorsement?....

QHEMET'S HERE

As sleepy as I am right now, I was surfing the web and was checking on Qhemet's site and lo and behold, I saw the announcement that her products are definitely coming to ATL's Return to Eden Organic Market. (I was just there last night!) Return to Eden is located at 2335 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atl. GA. 30324.

For all ATLiens and surrounding areas, Qhemet products should be on shelf either today or tomorrow.

My Health and Wellness Journey

Good Morning Beautifuls!

Happy Friday!! I hope that your week has been a good one! I just had to share my experience with raw foods Chef Jenya. Every month Chef Jenya has an open raw foods tour at Return to Eden Organic Grocery Store in Atlanta and Life Grocery in Marietta. I went to the one at Return to Eden and it was very informative.

As we walked through the store, Jenya was very knowledgeable and answered every question and was not "super deep" about her diet lifestyle. I appreciate that she is not the type to shove something down your throat nor does she come off w/the "elitist" vibe as if something's wrong w/you for not being a 100% raw foodists. On the contrary, she let us know that we should be comfortable wherever we are at in our journey. At the beginning of the tour after we all had introduced ourselves and stated if we were raw and our reasons for being there she genuinely told us, "You have to do what works for you. Whether you're raw or not ,just curious, or thinking about it.". She also let us know that she is only 100% raw in the summer and that only a few folks are indeed 100%. That made me feel more comfortable with her 'cause I hate to deal with pushy people.

She did say that they best way to transition or simply eat more healthy would be to buy organic and eat more produce. Pretty simple. She showed us different supplements like "Buried Treasure B Complete Vitamin" which is great for Vegetarians and "Garden of Life Vitamin Code Supplements" which are raw. Also, to help save money, instead of buying probiotics (digestive health and support) purchase Kim-Chi or sauerkraut which are full of helpful probiotics. And of course, she mentioned smoothies as one of the best way to transition making sure to add greens (as much as you can handle) to them. Which led to us asking her about Wheatgrass juice.

Now let me tell you, I've tried drinking a greens juice..... It did not go well for me. Let's just leave it at that. I asked her about that and she told me that wheatgrass juice in particular has the closest composition to our blood and is high in oxygen. This makes it an excellent detoxifier. Too much of it at one time can lead to rapid detoxification that can be overwhelming to the body. So it's not strange to feel nauseated. She recommended that I drink it in small amounts (like shots w/lemon wedges) until my body becomes accustomed to it. Good to know information!

All in all, I'm very pleased w/my experience and I will definitely be in touch with her. The session was very informative. If you want more info. about the tour just email me. I did take notes. If you're interested or just curious, check out her website at www/essentialenergycuisine.com. She offers classes and does coaching. She's very helpful and down to earth.

Have a wonderful weekend!! Be sure to do something for yourself.
And most importantly, "Do You".

Smooches.....

The Final Debate

Good Morning Beautifuls!

I hope all is well in your world. I truthfully did not watch the debate in its entirety but the parts that I did peep in on were a bit intense. At times, I was laughing at McCain's attempt to rattle Obama.

How did you all see the debate? Who do you think "took it"? And was it just me or did I hear John McCain at one time say that he was against the Iraq war? (Please clarify that for me.) And lastly, do you think they could have mentioned Joe the plummer a little more?...

My Quest for Optimal Health

I am so excited about my quest to go raw! As I've mentioned before, I have no desire to be a diabetic (as is my mother and her mother and grandmother were) so I am seeking to be as healthy as I possibly can. In my opinion and research a raw foods diet is the best choice for me.

What is a raw food diet?... A raw foods diet is the consumption of organic, whole plant-based foods that are uncooked. They are considered raw and alive. These live foods contain a wide range of vital life force nutrients (i.e. vitamins, minerals, amino acids, oxygen) and live enzymes a lot of which is said to be lost in our usual cooking process (once cooked food can lose up to 85% of its nutritional value). Their nutritional properties are essential to the proper maintenance of our bodily functions. A raw foodists diet is usually at least 75% raw, though some have diets that consists of 100% raw foods. My goal is to eat somewhere between 80 - 90% raw foods.

Followers of a raw diet cite numerous health benefits, including:
increased energy levels
improved appearance of skin (who doesn't want that)
improved digestion
weight loss
reduced risk of heart disease
improved immune system
alleviation of many illnesses and allergies
etc., etc.

Tonight, I'm meeting w/a raw food chef and health coach to learn more about becoming a raw foodist. Can't wait to post about it!

What about you? What's your plan for a healthy lifestyle?...

Steps To Going Natural

Good Morning Beautifuls!

People often inquire about my hair and going natural. I honestly can say that it was not an overnight decision. I had toiled with the idea for almost 5 years prior to cutting my relaxed locks off. (I did my BC in August '07.) I was so concerned about not knowing what to do w/it, not knowing what it would look like, and thinking that people would hate it. In retrospect, all of those concerns are kind of funny to me because I love my hair, I don't care what people think of it, and I'm open to learning how to maintain and style my hair. My viewpoint is totally different.

If you are at the point where you are considering going natural, my first suggestion would be to do a lot of research. There are tons of websites and blogs concerning natural hair, two of which I highly recommend. They are www.motowngirl.com and www.nappturality.com. Motowngirl really breaks it down. She shares her journey and offers insight into the process of going natural among a wealth of other info. that includes product reviews and hair how-to's. Her sight was the first one that really caught my attention and helped me. Nappturality is an excellent sight also. They have a thread dedicated to those who are in the process of going natural. This site also has an abundance of info. regarding hair health, how to maintain it, and so much more. Not to mention, the ladies (and gents) on there have some great input from personal experience that can assist you.

I think another no. 1 thing that I would say to anyone considering or wanting to go natural is to accept your hair for what it is. Don't expect anything more. It hurts my heart to hear people say that they won't go natural b/c their hair is nappy. What?!...As if there's something wrong with that! There is absolutely nothing wrong w/nappy,kinky,coily,curly, and wavy hair! Absolutely nothing! We have been conditioned to think that there is something wrong and ugly w/our hair (and our overall physical appearance - but that's another post). Goodness!! Then we get caught up in categorizing what we may think "good hair" is. Why do we continue to participate in dividing ourselves?! Sometimes I think that we need to sit down and have some therapy sessions to deal with this issue which affects our self-esteem. And ain't nothin' wrong w/therapy! (That's another post.) Hell, maybe that should've been included w/the "40 acres and a mule" reparation. Do you all realize that we are all made in the image of God? And I know God is beautiful so of course so are we! All of us! No matter the texture of your hair or your skintone for that matter. We are all beautiful. You are beautiful.

And please hear me on this.. good hair equals healthy hair and vice versa. No more. No less. So please keep this in mind if you are on this journey or are contemplating it. Hair texture is irrelavant to having healthy hair. Embrace that that makes you the individual you are. And do you! Love you for you. For how God made you. Not how you think you should be based on some airbrushed model you may see on tv or a magazine. Love you for you because you most definitely are beautiful!

What's In Your Bag?

Hey Lovelies!

I hope that all is well in your world! The PJ in me just had to write about some hair products. Now, I've already ranted and raved about Qhemet products being my staple, however when it comes to styling I tend to branch out. I definitely still use Curls products. Their conditioners are great for washes. Curls Whipped Cream is my favorite for twist-outs! I also have love for Kinky-Curly's Knot Today Leave-In Detangler. I use this as my leave-in after I rinse my hair in the morning. Every once in a while I'll use their Curling Custard for my puffs - depending on how I'm feeling. Now here's where you see the true PJ in me. Get this....I am strongly considering giving Miss Jessie's products a try... again. What can I say?.. Can't help myself. Since I have to order some more Kinky-Curly Knot Today (from Curlmart who has the fastest turn around I've experienced to this day), I was thinking about ordering Miss Jessie's travel pak too. Although I believe I may wait until they (Miss Jessie's) have their annual sale. Not sure if it's a buy one, get one free or just half off. (If anyone knows for sure , do tell!) I think the Miss Jessie's sale happens around Christmas but again I'm not sure. Holla back if you know!!

Anyhoo, that's enough about some of the styling products I like. Please believe I do have others that I've tried. I just mentioned my favorite ones to use. What about you? What's in your bag?.....

A Reality Show of Substance

Good Morning Beautifuls!
I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! I certainly did! (Hope you did something for yourselves.)

Given the fact that we are constantly being bombarded by reality shows, the majority of which truly disappoint me b/c of the lack of character of the participants, I'm really moved when I happen upon one that is actually not demeaning, degrading or downright embarrassing to women and/or minorities. One that has really touched my heart is Food Network's "Chef Jeff Project".

Chef Jeff (aka Jeff Henderson) is an award-winning chef, best-selling author and public speaker who also happens to be an ex-con (serving almost a decade in prison for running a $35,000-a-week cocaine operation). In this show, he takes six at-risk young adults (all of which either sold drugs or had a drug habit) and gives them the opportunity to turn their lives around by putting them to work for his catering company, Posh Urban Cuisine. He gives them a second chance. Another shot at life. And he earnestly believes in them. At times even driven to tears because he's been where they have been. He connects with them. And you can tell that his heart is truly into helping them.

I can't lie. There were a couple of times when I was dropping crocodile tears because these kids were touched that he gave them this opportunity and actually believes that they can do something good with their lives. And get this, if they make it through his program they don't win a car or money or something material but what they get is so much greater and bigger than that...An education....A free education! They get a two year culinary scholarship. Something that will benefit and last them for the rest of their lives.

Gosh! Do you know of any reality shows that are benefiting people or the community? Any reality shows of substance?.. Do tell b/c I don't believe I can count them on one hand....

Have I Mentioned.......

Have I mentioned that I'm going to Maxwell's concert next month?! If I haven't, please let me tell you now that I am and I am SO excited! I love me some Maxwell! I've been waiting on his new album and had almost given up hope until his recent appearance on a BET awards show! My God that man did it for me all over again! He's definitely still got it! Sans the hair. Which I must admit that I miss. That was part of his sex appeal for me. Don't get me wrong, he's still sexy. I'm just missing that hair!

How do you feel about his new look?....

What Are You Waiting For........

Good Morning Beauties!

Yesterday, I left work early for a dentist appt.. I was a couple hours early for my appt. so I thought about killing some time. I thought about stopping by a beauty supply place to look for a cute wig (that's another post) but it hit me that I was being a bit of a hypocrite. After emailing many of my friends about early voting places, I had failed to take advantage of it myself. So I turned my car in the direction of the nearest voting facility. When I arrived there I was very surprised to see so many people there. It had to be a steady hundred. I was even more surprised at how quickly we all were moving. Big ups to the poll volunteers! They truly handled everything efficiently and professionally!

Well, what about you? Have you cast your vote yet? If not, what are you waiting for?..

"Do You" Chick - Eve

Good Morning Lovelies!

Just had to drop a post on E-V-E, one of my favorite "Do You!" women. I call her a "Do You!" woman because that it was she does - herself. I respect and admire women who are bold and confident enough to be themselves. Especially in this society w/it's media pressures to blend in and/or try to look like someone outside of your genetic makeup. Go Eve! Do ya thang!

How are you feeling her look this go round? Are you lovin' it or not? I think it rocks!! What about you?.....

The Fail-Safe Trench

Good Morning Beautiful!

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! I certainly did. Nothing out of the ordinary. I just embraced the beauty of life and the gorgeous weather.

On Saturday, I decided to drop into Target and peruse the Women's Section. While there, I happened upon a slammin' trench coat! It was a Merona Corduroy Trench Coat in green. Caught my eye immediately b/c I love me some color. On top of that it retails for $39.99 (perfect for the diva on a budget!). I tried to get a copy of the coat to post to this blog but b/c I am clueless about such things I am substituting pic.'s of other colorful trenches, some in different textures from the classic trench.

Has anything in the stores caught your eye lately?

The Game on the CW

Tonight will be the season premiere of the CW's "The Game".
I'm a big fan of this show! Why they changed it's schedule to Friday's is beyond me. Either way, I will be watching.

I'm eager to see how the Melanie/Derwin situation will pan out. I equally interested in Kelly and Jason's relationship. And just as much w/Tasha's (loves her character) new found love. I believe this will be an interesting season for the show.

"The Game" airs on the CW network tonight, and every Friday at 8:30pm.

HAPPY FRIDAY BEAUTIFULS!!

TGIF!!

I hope that all is well in your world. I'm still up (helping my child w/a school assignment) so I decided to go ahead and send my shoutout to you all. Cause I know it will be highly likely that I'll be dragging in the early work hours as a result of this late night.

But anyway, it seems lately that I've been asked often how I get my hair the way it is. (I'll try post a pic. later 'cause it just ain't gonna happen right now--my apologies). I honestly have been super lazy w/my hair for the past couple of months. Just wearing a "wash-n-go". It's a shame b/c I would love to rock something different (www.Urbancurlz.blogspot.com has some great "How-To's), at least a "twist-out" but by the time I get home, give my daughter attention, give the cat attention, give the home attention --it just doesn't happen.
But back to my hairstyle, in the morning when I'm in the shower, I first allow the water to get my hair soaking wet. Making sure that I'm smoothing my hair from root to tip. I basically do this and some finger detangling. Then I may or may not "conditioner-wash". Again, washing my hair w/the same motion- root to tip smoothing. Then I apply my leave-in condish (usually Kinky-Curly's Knot Today Detangler). I also apply this with the same motion--root to tip. When I'm out of the shower (hair is still wet), I apply my moisturizer (usually Qhemet's Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm). Again, I use the same motion to apply. Root to tip smoothing. I first learned about this method from www.biracialhair.org. But it did not hit home w/me until I was on Youtube watching a "Quick Curls" video by Ms.Buttahfly. Check them out sometime. I'm sure you'll find some if not all the information useful. And don't be afraid to try different products, it's part of the process of learning what does and doesn't work for your hair. In the meantime, I will try and post a picture of my hair before I go into protective-style mode.

I had to share this b/c I was in Wally's (for those of you who don't know - WalMart) earlier and a woman asked me what I do for my hair. She had a head full of, looked like 7 to 8 inches of beautiful natural hair. She was complaining about dryness and keeping her hair moisturized (something most of us struggle with). I feel kinda bad b/c I was really tired and was struggling to get my thoughts together. I was able to give her the correct web address for Qhemet products but for this blog I gave her everything except for the ".blogspot.com" on the end. I tell ya... I hope she still finds it and can catch this post.

Well, my daughter is done and so am I. I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend! And be sure to do something for you!

Be beautiful! Be blessed!

Exercise your right to vote b/c you do matter....
and so does your vote!

What Are You Doing To Prepare for Flu Season?...

Good Morning Beautifuls!

Since the weather has turned slightly cooler, I've realized that I aside from the change in clothes I have to make I also need to change some things to protect my insides. I don't know about you but I don't have the time to be ill and that's definitely not in my budget. So to prepare for Flu season I've began taking supplements. I'm currently taking Cayenne & Garlic capsules.

Garlic helps fight colds by strengthening our immune system. Studies show that it also helps to fight some cancers, heart disease, infection (b/c of it's anti-bacterial properties), impotence, and also is beneficial in pregnancies. Now Cayenne also boasts an impressive resume. It helps the circulatory system, regulates blood flow, is useful in alleviating allergies and so much more. Try googling them both and look at their long list of health benefits. It's awesome! And these herbs are readily available at most markets/grocery stores!

I'm also trying a probiotic by Essential Formula's (Dr. Ohhira's Probiotics 12 Plus). I've read some really great reviews of this product so I'm giving it a try. If you don't know, probiotics put the good, beneficial bacteria back into our intestines and help them to function as they should (to absorb the necessary nutrients from the foods we eat to feed our bodies). They benefit our gastro intestinal health, help protect against infection, and enhance our immunity.

Of course, aside from those things its just as beneficial maybe even more to eat right, get plenty of rest, and exercise. I'm trying to do it all!

What about you? Are you taking any supplements? Are you doing something different to keep sickness's at bay? or What helps you to stay in tip-top condition?.......

The One and Only--Qhemet Biologics!

Good Morning!

I hope that all things are well w/you! I just got some news that I'm really excited to hear! My staple hair product line -- Qhemet (pronounced KIM MET) Biologics will possibly be expanding to a centrally located health food store in the metro Atlanta area. Now, let me tell you I admit to being a PJ (product junkie) when it comes to my hair, however I always go back to Qhemet. They use all natural products that are free of mineral oil, lanolin, and silicones among other things. Also, their containers are Bisphenol-A free! The oils used help to promote healthy hair and growth. When you get a moment, check out the site at http://www.qhemetbiologics.com!

If you already know about Qhemet, love the products and live in the metro Atlanta area, give Return to Eden Organic Market (2335 Cheshire Bridge Rd.) a call. Ask to speak to Asaiah (pronounced EYE Sigh Yah) to request that they carry Qhemet products. And/or if you're interested in trying the line go to the website and order the "Soften and Hydrate" sampler. Great products!! My hair is natural (meaning no relaxer or texturizer) but I do believe that her products would be beneficial to those who have any type relaxer or chemicals in their hair.