Saturday, September 28, 2013

MAKE YOUR OWN HAIR GLOSS/POLISHER WITH 4 INGREDIENTS

DYI HAIR GLOSS/POLISER

 
 
 
During the summer our hair can get dry, frizzy and dull looking due to the extreme heat, using heating tools like blow dryers, flat irons and sweating our hair out when we work out. This can be very frustrating, so we shop around for products that claims to add shine and frizz control to the hair. We buy Oil sheens, hair serums, polishers and glossers. Most of the time they don't even work and usually they are made with harsh chemicals that actually can do more damage to our hair.

I made my own hair polish and it works great! It leaves my hair shiny, soft  and less frizzy.  How about making your own hair glosser/polisher it's very easy and affordable you'll only need four ingredients.
 
 
 All the ingredients can be found at your local health food store, natural food store and online. Try this easy quick recipe it will leave your hair nourished, soft and shiny!
 
 
The four ingredients are :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vegetable Glycerin  

 Vegetable glycerin is a humectant it draws moisture into the hair, it's also promotes for hair growth, it's a great moisturizer and it's  adds luster to dry fizzy hair.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sweet Almond Oil

 Sweet Almond Oil is a very light oil It works great as a “sealant.” This means that it “locks-in” moisture. Sweet Almond Oil also nourishes hair, smooth's hair cuticles to control shedding, promotes hair growth and thickness, prevents hair loss, and boosts shine.




Jojoba Oil

Jojoba Oil might be the only one organic compound that comes close to oil our hair makes. It’s moisturizes and conditions the hair and scalp, promotes hair growth, protects and heals the scalp and adds luster to dull hair.




Rosemary Essential Oil


Rosemary Essential Oil promotes hair growth and thickness.
Rosemary oil stimulates hair follicles and helps the hair to grow longer and stronger. It also slows down premature hair loss and is excellent for balding people


To make the hair glosser/ polisher you'll add equal amounts of the oils to a spray bottle or any old bottle that you have on hand, then add 6 to 10 drops of rosemary essential oil to the mixture shake well. Spray or pour a little of the oil onto your hands then distribute the oil through your hair.

Spray or pour a dime size of the oil onto your hands then distribute the oil evenly through your hair.
 

 
 


 My hair after adding the hair glosser/polish



 
Nice shiny,none frizzy hair



Give it a try and let me know how it worked for your hair.


Tuesday, September 24, 2013

AFRICAN AMERICANS AND THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

THE TRUTH ABOUT OBAMACARE
 



 I wanted to  share information on the AFFORDABLE  CARE ACT so many of us don't have health insurance, because we simply can't afford it or your employer simple doesn't offer healthcare coverage. I worked in the healthcare field and didn't have healthcare insurance and trying to find coverage on my own I could afford was impossible.  We share information regarding taking care of our lovely natural hair and our bodies, we share what products works best for us. I want to share the product of affordable healthcare. This is a new process and I know that there will be changes to come.  I will try to keep up with the changes and provided as much information as I can. We take care of locs, braids, twistouts, blowouts let's take care of our HEALTH as well !



 Staring on October 1, 2013 the AFFORDABLE CARE ACT ....A.K.A OBAMACARE will be open to millions of Americans. We will have access to affordable healthcare for the first time. There is so much misinformation on the news and on the internet that you can get mislead very easily. We all need to be well informed of our options and not let politics play a role in you receiving adequate affordable healthcare.

 Here's some of the benefits of the AFFORDABLE CARE ACT  that I got from http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare .

I hope this answers some questions you may have about the AFFORDABLE CARE ACT.   This is just an overview I will be updating regularly to keep you informed.

Coverage

Costs

Care




The Affordable Care Act and African Americans
 
The Affordable Care Act –will help make health insurance coverage more affordable and accessible for millions of Americans.  For African Americans, like other racial and ethnic minorities, the law will address inequities and will increase access to quality, affordable health coverage, invest in prevention and wellness, and give individuals and families more control over their care.
African Americans suffer from obesity, heart disease, and diabetes at higher levels than the general population. For example, in 2010, 37 percent of African Americans were obese, compared to 26% of whites1. Expanding opportunities for coverage can improve health outcomes for African Americans.
Already, the Affordable Care Act has benefitted the nearly 85% of Americans who already have insurance:
  • 3.1 million young adults have gained coverage through the parents’ plans
  • 6.6 million seniors are paying less for prescription drugs
  • 105 million Americans are paying less for preventative care & no longer face lifetime coverage limits
  • 13.1 million Americans have received rebates from insurance companies
  • 17 million children with pre-existing conditions no longer denied coverage or charged extra
Beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will provide 6.8 million uninsured African Americans an opportunity to get affordable health insurance coverage. The following provides an overview of the coverage and benefits available to African Americans today and those made possible by the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Happening Now:
  • An estimated 7.3 million African Americans with private insurance now have access to expanded preventive services with no cost sharing. These services include well-child visits, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, Pap tests and mammograms for women, and flu shots for children and adults.
  • The 4.5 million elderly and disabled African Americans who receive health coverage from Medicare also have access to many preventive services with no cost-sharing, including annual wellness visits with personalized prevention plans, diabetes and colorectal cancer screening, bone mass measurement and mammograms.
  • More than 500,000 young African American adults between ages 19 and 25 who would otherwise have been uninsured now have coverage under their parent’s employer-sponsored or individually purchased health plan.
  • Major federal investments to improve quality of care are improving management of chronic diseases more prevalent among African Americans.
  • The health care workforce will be more diverse due to a near tripling of the National Health Service Corps. African American physicians make up about 17 percent of Corps physicians, a percentage that greatly exceeds their 6 percent share of the national physician workforce.
  • Investments in data collection and research will help us better understand the causes of health care disparities and develop effective programs to eliminate them.
  • Targeted interventions, such as Community Transformation Grants, will promote healthy lifestyles, lower health care costs, and reduce health disparities.
  • Increased funding available to more than 1,100 community health centers will increase the number of patients served. One of every five patients at a health center is African American.
Coming Soon:
  • 6.8 million uninsured African Americans will have new opportunities for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.  Of the 6.8 million uninsured African Americans who are eligible for coverage through the Marketplace, 56 percent are men.
  • The Marketplace is a destination where consumers can compare insurance options in simple, easy to understand language. At the Marketplace, consumers will be able to compare insurance options based on price, benefits, quality and other factors with a clear picture of premiums and cost-sharing amounts to help them choose the insurance that best fits their needs.  
  • Consumers may be eligible for free or low cost coverage, or advance premium tax credits that lower monthly premiums right away.  Individuals with higher incomes (up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level, or $94,200 for a family of four) will be eligible to purchase subsidized coverage from the Health Insurance Marketplace.
  • States have new opportunities to expand Medicaid coverage to include Americans with family incomes at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level (generally $31,322 for a family of four in 2013). This expansion includes adults without dependent children living at home, who have not previously been eligible in most states.

   Information cited from http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare

 

Monday, September 23, 2013

MAKE YOUR OWN ALL NATURAL MAKEUP

HOMEMADE FACE POWDER FOUNDATION







I love using natural mineral makeup because I want to put makeup on my skin that has natural properties and I don't like to look like I have a lot of makeup on. I believe that makeup is suppose enhance your NATURAL BEAUTY. Mineral makeup suppose to better for the skin, because it doesn't contains oils, talc, perfume, dyes, alcohol and other harsh chemicals. Mineral makeup is very light weight, leaves your skin glowing and looks very natural. Buying mineral makeups can get pricey and you can't control the ingredients, so I decided to make my own All Natural Cocoa Face Powder Foundation so that I can have control over the price and the ingredients.



Cover Queen Collection Loose Powder and Bare Mineral Mineral Veil


I have Bare Minerals Mineral Veil  and Cover Girl's Queen Collection Professional loose powder the Bare Minerals Mineral Veil is little pricey $20.00 for such a small container  however, the Cover Girl's Queen Collections Professional Loose Powder was a reasonable price $8.99 and a pretty nice size. I wanted to know the ingredients so that I can make my own for the fraction of the price. I started researching the ingredients and found that a lot of the mineral makeup's main ingredients are Corn Starch. Zincs and Magnesium- there's no telling what other hidden ingredients or chemicals are in mineral makeups. So the best way to know what you're getting is to make your own. Not only do you control the ingredients your control the price and you just might already have all the ingredients needed to make your own all natural face powder/foundation right in your kitchen especially if you have children because we will be using Unsweetened  Cocoa Powder to make our natural face powder.
 
 
 

Benefits of Cocoa Powder
 
 
The benefit for using Cocoa Powder is that it's inexpensive and you can find it in your local grocery stores. Make sure that you purchase Unsweetened Cocoa Powder the only ingredient on the label should be Cocoa Powder.
 
Cocoa Powder is rich in antioxidants. It's loaded with iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium you'll find these same ingredients in the name brand mineral powders you'll find in top department stores 
 
Cocoa Powder rejuvenates the skin by leaving it glowing, soft and supple and it's also natural sun skin it protects the skin from sunburn. It's safe for all skin types.
 



Cornstarch, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder and Arrowroot Powder


I found a few recipes that used Unsweetened  Cocoa Powder and Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder. I had all these ingredients in my kitchen so I gave it a try. I love that I only have to use two ingredients they are all natural and very budget friendly.The cornstarch was about $1.00 the Cocoa Powder was about $2.00 and the Arrowroot powder was $4.99 for a 16 oz bag from Nature's Garden Whole Sale Candles and Soap Supplies. So that's a total of $8.00 for all the ingredients. The cost will be even cheaper because you don't have to use the Arrowroot Powder and the Cornstarch unless you want to test the two to find out which one works best for you.


 

 
 
TIME TO MAKE YOUR OWN NATURAL FACE POWDER
 
  This is a comparison of the Queen Collection press mineral powder and the Cocoa face powder I made. I really couldn't tell the difference the color looks the same and the texture is the same.  



                                This is the All Natural Cocoa Face Powder I made
 
    I made my own natural face powder foundation and I absolutely love it.  I will not buy mineral makeup from a department or drug store again. My homemade face powder compared to the store brands was unbelievable! The feel of my homemade face powder felt better on my skin, the face powder felt light and smooth and was very easy to blend. My face had a natural glow I didn't look like I had makeup on. The aroma of the face powder is delicious ( just like hot cocoa) the smell wasn't overpowering and I didn't smell like hot cocoa all day.  

  This was so easy to make I just mixed 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder ( you can use cornstarch) and 2 tablespoons of Cocoa powder, mix together in a container and you're all done. You will have to adjust the amount of Cocoa Powder and the starch you use to find the perfect match for your skin tone. If you are fair complexioned add more starch if you're more deep complexioned add more Cocoa Powder.  

Here's a video showing how to make a Natural Face Powder I found on YouTube




Give it a try and let me know how your All Natural Face Powder/ Foundation turned out. I really LOVE beauty on a budget this recipe will save you so much money and the added bonus is it's all natural !

Sunday, September 8, 2013

TWIST OUT WITH ELASTA QP DESIGN FOAM AND SHEA BUTTER







I just wanted to share the wavy curl definition achieved after I took down my twist out. I have failed may times doing a twist out. My curls sometimes were not defined. My hair looked like a big DRY bush ! However, Practice makes perfect! So after I Co- washed my hair last night with one of my favorite conditioners which is Elasta QP  Soy Oil Proteins and Vitamins ULTRA HYRDRATION ANTI BREAKAGE MOISTURE - RICH CONDITIONER.  I decided to give a twist out another shot.


My hair is soft naturally, so my twists always seems to unravel, after using the Elasta QP conditioner my hair gets even softer but very manageable. This time I decided to do the twist out and close the ends of the twists with Bobby pins and foam rollers to keep the twists from unraveling. It worked GREAT ! I'm a happy camper today. After Co- Washing I used a homemade Shea Butter mixture with Shea butter, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Castor Oil and Glycerin to help keep the twist from unraveling and to help seal my hair. I also used Elasta QP Feels Like Silk Design Foam. I LOVE THIS FOAM ! I use it for my wash and go's and for my blow out's. The Design foam really gives my curls great definition and for my blow out's it makes my hair so straight, silky and bouncy. My twist out turned out Great! My curls are wavy and defined. I have to style my hair.now I'm sure I can find a cute hairstyle to do.
Tell me what you think.  





     Elasta QP Design Foam and Ultra Hydration Condition
  Homemade Shea butter 

Twists

Taking Down My Twists

Wavy Curls 

                                               

                                            Another close up the curly wave pattern


                                              
                                        Final look after all the twists are taken down

Monday, September 2, 2013

7 Great Oils For Natural and Relaxed Hair


You don’t always have to buy expensive name brand products for your Natural Hair or Relaxed Hair. You can find some of the best products in your kitchen, flea markets and on online at wholesale Soap making and Cosmetics supplies stores that carry natural carrier oils.  From my experience you can get the best deals online for natural oils.  I have natural hair and I love using Natural Oils on my hair. I’ve used Natural Oils for years on my natural hair. My hair is colored and it tends to get dry and frizzy. My hair needs a little more attention to combat the dryness and fizziness . I’ve notice the  Natural Oils I use leaves my hair shiny, softer, stronger and less frizzy. I also used Natural Oils on my hair when it was relaxed. It helped keep my hair straighter a little longer.  That’s the great thing about using Natural Oils, they are wonderful for all hair types, you just to find the Natural Oils that works best for your type of hair. I've  listed my top 7 Natural Oils below. I've used all the Natural Oils listed and I love all of them.  Give them a try !

 

 

Here’s A List Of My Top 7 favorite Natural Oils



 

Avocado Oil

Avocado Oil is great for Natural and Relaxed hair. It’s a light oil that won't weigh the hair down. It’s loaded with amino acids, essential fatty acids, as well as vitamins A, B, D, and E. And it’s excellent for moisturizing, deep conditioning, improving hair strength,  promoting hair growth and boosting shine. It’s also great for thinning hair and relieving dandruff.

 

Castor Oil
 

Castor Oil is particularly great for Natural hair. It’s a thick heavy oil, it may be too heavy for relaxed hair. If you want to try it on relaxed hair, use a dime sized amount. It’s loaded with amino acids, essential fatty acids, as well as vitamins A, B, D, and E. And it’s excellent for moisturizing, deep conditioning, strengthening hair, thickens hair, helps manage split ends and promotes hair growth

 

 

Coconut Oil

 

Coconut Oil  is great for Natural hair and Relaxed hair. Coconut Oil is a light oil that won’t weigh your hair down. It’s a solid oil that turns liquid when it’s hot outside. It’s prevents dandruff, promotes hair growth, great conditioner, moisturizing, strengthens hair, thickens hair, and boost scalp health and repairs damaged hair.

 

Jojoba Oil

                                                                                                                                                                                          

Jojoba Oil is great for Natural and Relaxed hair. Jojoba oil is a light oil, it won't weigh your hair down.  Jojoba oil might be the only one organic compound that comes close to human skin oil. It’s moisturizes and conditions, promotes hair growth, protects and heals the scalp and adds luster to dull hair.

 
 

Olive Oil ( Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

 


Olive Oil



Olive Oil is great for Natural and Relaxed hair. Olive Oil is a light oil that won’t add weight to your hair. Olive Oil is rich in nutrients, adds moisture, restores damaged hair, smooth's flyway's, adds shine, makes hair manageable, deep conditioning,  strengthens hair, eliminates dandruff, and also has powerful antioxidants that can help fight hair loss


 

Rice Bran Oil

 

Rice Bran Oil is great for Natural and Relaxed hair. Rice Bran Oil is an light oil that   won’t weigh down your hair. Rice Bran Oil is rich in Vitamin E and Omega Fatty 3 acid in which is great for dry and premature graying hair. Great for heat damaged hair, split ends, fizzing and it’s a natural sunscreen for the hair.

 

Sweet Almond Oil
 

Sweet Almond Oil is great for Natural and Relaxed Hair. Sweet Almond Oil is very light, it won’t weight the hair down. It works great as a “sealant.” This means that it “locks-in” moisture. Sweet Almond Oil also nourishes hair, smooth's hair cuticles to control shedding, promotes hair growth and thickness, prevents hair loss, and boosts shine.




Which of these do you use? Do you have a favorite?