Meet Mark: Dragon fly and Heavenly

Left: dragon fly Right: heavenly

I don’t wear much makeup but when I do my go to color seems to always be green. These are Avon’s Meet mark eye shadows. I got these a while back when they were 4 bucks now they run for 5 each. These eyshadows are pretty good especially for those starting out with make up. They come in a range of colors that you can experiment with. I like these shadows for when I travel and such that way I dont’ have to bring along my other stuff.

So this is my look for the day. I just used used dragonfly over the entire lid, then on the lower lash line, I lined under my eyes with heavenly. This is a very simple yet colorful look. Dragonfly is not that shimmery and looks almost matte but with a nice sparkle here and there.

With this look you can go with a soft brown blush or a light red one as well. I usually use my cameo glo blush, also from meet mark, which is this very soft red pink blush. As usual I did the cat eye look with my almay liquid liner and my lash blast mascara. The colors are not super pigmented but they are not sheer either it gives you a very soft look with out looking over done.

Heavenly on lower lash line is a great light blue, not too shimmery, which makes a great pair with dragonfly which helps to also brighten and open my eyes a bit.

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Watercress and Avocado Salad

Recently I published a post showing you an avocado salad I made inspired by a lovely blog I frequent. The day I bought the ingredients for my salad I bought 3 avocados, one for the first salad, one for my deep conditioning treatment and the third made it just in time for this tasty watercress salad I made. I’m not a leaf person but when it comes to leafy greens, watercress is one of the few I like. I always as a child, would see my grandmother and mother just dig in to “berro” which to me at the time seemed so weird because I hated the stems. But little did I know how nutritious and potent this leafy green is.

As you may know Avocado is very nutritious, rich in Vitamin A, E, K and minerals such as copper, iron and many more nutrients. Watercress however is considered a super food and is actually the oldest leaf vegetable consumed by humans. Watercress tastes very light to me and besides the stem you won’t even feel it in your mouth. I paid about 3.89 for this watercress bag and was happy to see it since during the winter you seldom see them. You can add basically anything when making a watercress salad such as, almonds, onions, olive truly the possibilities are endless. This bag usually lasts me 4 days or so. Not only is watercress limited to salads, it also tastes great on any sandwich being a great substitute for lettuce. Usually I like to add watercress to my Boar’s Head salsalito turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich. Once again with this salad I dressed it with fresh squeezed lime juice, kosher salt, and Extra Virgin olive Oil and my favorite, red onions. You know my measuring skills consists of a swirl of this and a dash of that.

Loaded with vital vitamins and minerals this light leafy green can provide you with all the nutrients you need in one sitting. Watercress is known for a lot of health benefits especially for detoxifying the blood, cancer and many more just check out the link below and and take a peek at the reasons why watercress is considered a super food.

• Anti-anemic effect: Watercress is particularly helpful in treating different types of anemia due to its high content in iron. Iron is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin, and folic acid, which plays a key role in the maturation of red cells in the bone marrow. The right amount of vitamin C in watercress also makes better absorption of iron.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Watercress is rich in vitamin C, which has an anti-inflammatory action and can help prevent or relieve the symptoms of cold, flu and other types of inflammation.
• Anti-oxidant and anti-cancer effects: Just as many other herbs, watercress is rich in anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidant substances help prevent or fight the damage caused by free radicals to body tissues, thereby contributing to prevent premature aging, as well as lower the risk of developing cancer and many other chronic or degenerative diseases.
• Aphrodisiac effect: Several historical sources show that watercress has been used for its aphrodisiac effect since the age of the ancient Romans and Persians. This could be due to its high zinc and iron content.
• Blood glucose: Although not definitely proven, it seems that watercress can help control blood sugar levels and prevent or treat high blood glucose. It is probable that the hypoglycemic effect of watercress is in part due to its high content in soluble fiber, that helps reduce the absorption of carbohydrates from the intestine. This effect is particularly helpful for individuals with diabetes.
• Bone health: The right proportion of calcium, magnesium, manganese, vitamins A, C and K in watercress helps promote and maintain healthy and strong bones.

• Cough: The sulphur glycosides found in watercress have been shown to modify bronchial secretions and exert an expectorant effect, which can be used to treat many forms of chronic bronchitis.
• Digestive function: Watercress does improve digestive function, due to its high content in vitamin C and fiber, which stimulate salivary and gastric secretions and the motility of the intestinal tract respectively.
• DNA, preserve: In a laboratory test, it was found that daily consumption of watercress increase the ability of cells to resist DNA damages to lymphocytes (white blood cells)
• Eye health: The high content in phytonutrients lutein and zeaxanthin are potent anti-oxidants; together with vitamin A and zinc all in this herb help greatly improve eye health.
• Hair health: Watercress can be used topically to treat dandruff and prevent hair loss, due to its sulfur, iron, zinc and vitamin A content. The best results are obtained by rubbing the scalp and the hair with a watercress tincture.
• Hangover: A hangover happens when the liver gets overloaded with toxic alcohol. Watercress juice is so concentrated with so much cleansing goodness that it activates the detoxifying enzymes in the liver for detoxifying a hangover.
• Purifying effect: Watercress has been used for centuries for its purifying effects. It enhances the diuresis and helps give the colon a good “spring-cleaning”, thereby effectively removing toxins from the body.
• Skin health: When used topically, watercress juice can be helpful in relieving skin eczema, as well as other skin conditions. Its high content of vitamin A and C best obtained by juicing are also beneficial for healthy skin.
• Thyroid gland: The high iodine content in watercress can help prevent goitre, improve the function of the thyroid gland and relieve the symptoms of many forms of hypothyroidism.

Courtesy of : juicing-for-health.com

Watercress is also rich in history check out these interesting Historical and Health Facts concerning Watercress.

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Waist Length Challenge

agrlcanmac.com

Can you believe I still have my Sally’s Pony tail for 3.99? Yes, I used to wear fake pony tails all the time. Since I have stopped perming and damaging my hair with neglect and ignorance, I can finally say that I have my own healthy flowing ponytail.

I used to rock this pony tail just to hide all the damage I had done to my hair. I would use it mostly at night to go out. Now this ponytail motivates me to never use it again lol. One of the reasons why I even went to the salon last time was to do an official length check because I have never actually taken a photo and checked how long my hair has gotten since May 2009. I have just been paying attention to the quality of my hair vs quantity. So far my hair is very thick, and healthy now I’m trying to grow it longer to my waist.

Since I had done a length check I wanted to join a waist Length challenge on some of the hair boards I frequent such as Long Hair Care forum and black hair media but did not find one I could actually keep up with and not get lost through the comments. So after searching high and low on the hair boards to no avail , I finally found a waist length challenge I decided to join.

I guess my thoughts helped pull A girl can mac‘s blog because I have been contemplating this for weeks and she incidentally just started a waist length challenge for herself lasting 2 years may I add. This is great because there is a huge myth that black women’s hair can’t or wont grow. This woman surely demystifies that check out Traycee’s blog K.I.S.S just keep it simple sista.

Being of African, caribbean descent, I witnessed first hand, how most of the women in my family and community had horrendous hair while others had beautiful flowing hair. The only difference was that some would maintain a simple regimen while the others always had a hair dye, perm, weave glue, or some damaging method or the other being done. But other than that any kind of hair can grow beautifully it just takes time, dedication and of course research. Hair boards have saved my hair’s quality of life, so look into them and see what catches your interest.

I was hesitant because you have got to be very dedicated to something like this especially when it involves hair. But then again straighting perms, and dyes have to be maintained, so why not maintain a healthy outlook for my hair?
So basically To achieve this challenge I just have to keep doing what I have been doing. Which is Deep condition weekly with heat. Moisturize my hair with a daily moisturizer and then seal the moisture with oil, every other night or so depending on the moisturizer. Of course keeping the hair away from heat and damaging salon visits. I used to think that salon visits every week was a luxury, which it feels like, since the results are great but at the same time it can really set you back since so much heat is applied.

Nothing has changed other than this is my first official challenge I’m committing to and of course the other challengers will be expecting results. That makes it even more fun. I’m going to keep my regimen as simple as possible while also trying out natural cleansing and conditioning methods throughout. These will be the products I will be using for the next 45 days or so.

Current Regimen:

Following 45 day No heat challenge simultaneously with WLC.

Shampoo:
Hair One Sulfate free
Dr bronners Castile soap (hair one can cause build up on me so I alternate with Dr. bronner’s depending on my scalp)
I will also be experimenting with Apple Cider Vinegar/ baking Soda (review soon)

Conditioner:
Mane N tail (protein),
Nacidt Olive Oil Rinse (moisture),
Hello hydration (moisture & until I run out)

Deep conditioners: 1-2x week w/heat
Miss keys 10 en 1,
La bomba w/Castor oil (until I run out)

Protein Conditioner:
Bpt Wheat Germ (bi weekly or when needed)
Silicon Mix

Leave in:
Chi Keratin Mist,
Lacio Lacio (when I roller set)

Clarify: 1x month
Nexxus Aloe rid

Protective styles 5 days a week or more depending ( buns, braids )

Daily Moisturizer:

ORS olive oil (in the jar)

Sealing:

Coconut Oil   *update*
Using castor oil once again instead of coconut oil. cocont oil seems to not agee in terms of sealing.

Treatments: pre-shampoo w/coconut oil 1x month

Coconut oil is great not only great to seal moisture and treat the hair but it’s also a great cooking oil. I like to use it but not too much because this stuff will make you “go” for days if you know what I mean. I keep my coconut oil in a little jar because I don’t want to taint my main jar which I use for cooking as well for skin care.

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I will be roller setting every other week or so followed by Dubbie wraps, ( I want to experiment that Saran wrap method too) to achieve the straight look without the use of direct heat.

My main issue is sleeping with anything satin or silk, whether it be a bonnet or a pillowcase I just can’t seem to have a good night’s sleep when I utilize them. It’s too slippery for me. Even with other hair wraps my head just can not seem to keep anything on overnight. So as a result my edges suffer and is always dried out in the front. So that is going to be a real challenge other than that I’m ready to go.

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Herbs: Rue, Ruda

(Image clovegarden.com)

Ruda, also known as rue, ruta graveolens, herb of grace, common rue, Rue 21 ( my favorite clothing store lol ) and many more names, is native to countries along the Mediterranean sea from northern Africa and throughout southern Europe. Spreading into Asia, Mexico and basically around the world ruda is a very popular herb. Aesthetically Ruda can make a great addition to any garden with it’s deep green and abundant leaves serving as a great back drop for the beautiful yellow flowers Rue produces. Not only can rue be visually appealing it also helps keep those pesky stray cats out of your garden. It is said that most cats can not tolerate Rue.

Rue has several health, culinary and esoteric uses known since ancient times. Parts of the plant, in high doses can be poisonous and may cause skin irritations on some people. Health wise Rue is known for treating digestive issues, the nervous system, joint and bone problems, parasites along with respiratory to menstrual issues as well. Ruda has a very strong and musky scent which is perhaps one of the main reasons why rue is known to be an effective insect and cat repellent as well as in magic, repelling negative vibrations and thoughts.

(Ruta pro-ecuador.com)

“Magically” Rue is a protection herb and has been said to be used by priests to sprinkle followers with holy water, to also protect against demons, negativity and the evil eye as it was known to be used in ancient Rome for this very purpose, as well as in Mexico, Brazil and throughout the Caribbean today. As a protection herb you can use Rue in baths, candles and pouches you can carry, to help empower and protect your aura, promote health, love, mental powers, concentration and many more self cultivating abilities latent within us. Rue has also been known to work well with prosperity, money and career situations. As a love and balancing herb, Rue works great with your desired intent to promote an environment free of negative thoughts and energy. Ridding you of bitter and sorrow feelings, Rue takes charge in protecting you from suffering heartaches and guilt and helping you to concentrate on positive options to overcome such emotions.

Growing up in such a versatile community (NYC) I have always seen ruda mingling with a wide variety of dried herbs in Mexican produce shops, Asian specialty shops and in African oil stands, mostly used to promote positive energy while at the same time abolishing negative vibrations that can sometimes hinder self development and progress. Ruda also grows in harsh places and where any other plant wont, symbolically representing it’s ability to withstand and thrive through difficult terrain and circumstances. Certain Swallowtail caterpillars and butterflies are actually dependant upon Rue, which makes for a great butterfly haven in your garden as well as representing renewal and transformation.

I first encountered ruda not as the herb but as a candle. I was browsing my local produce shop one day and came across this ruda candle. This candle caught my eye in particular because it was the first time I have come across an herb based candle. Usually I always see deity candles, solid colors but never have I seen an herb based candle. The candle is as deep green as the ruda plant leaves themselves and has at first a very strong scent which when lit, lingers for about a day or so. On the label you see a couple and the herb rue. This candle can be used for a variety of purposes so long as your intent is defined. Many use it to work with their heart chakra, for money, prosperity and to just simply create a quiet soothing vibration in your home, business,work area, study area, meditation room, etc.

 Despite Ruda being known for it’s bitter strong smell this ruda candle actually has a light sweet scent but at the same time very strong. The first time I lit it, my room had this very soft evergreen aroma lingering for a day or two. Which helped enforce my intent every time I would smell it. Below is a photo of a vase I like to fill up with water halfway and place my candle in.

This is not only to enhance the water element but also to prevent fires. These candles are seven day candles (they last 5 days really), most people leave them on for that length of time so it is always best to use precaution when using candles. so I always place it in water just in case. You should try to have a space for you and your candles, free of noise, frequent movement, loose clothing, drapery etc.

Candle in vase with water

This is great because not only can you use it as a safety measure but you can always add essential oils to the water like petals, honey, anything you desire to help enhance your intent. Candles can be a great form of meditation, helping you focus and center your thoughts and intentions.

For more info on Ruda you can check out these very interesting books:

-Essential Herbal Wisdom: A Complete Exploration of 50 Remarkable Herbs By Nancy Arrowsmith

-Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs By Scott Cunningham

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Eye Candy: Pink and Purple

As many may know I have a thing for Wet n Wild especially these mega eyeshadow trios. I think I have all the colors that came out and perhaps I keep buying wet n wild in hopes to discover another great product as these eye shadows turned out to be.

Again these colors are vibrant very pigmented smooth and easy to apply wih great color payoff.

 

I have no other drugstore pink shadow or palette that shows it’s true pink colors like these do. Usually drugstore pink shadows looks very chalky on me and just plain weird.  I’ll be wearing this look for the day with black liner on water line and almay liquid liner for the cat eye effect. So if you have these from a few years back don’t sleep on them bring them back out and put them to use.

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Beauty salon damage, Home repair…

Last weekend I decided to go to the salon since I wanted to complete my no heat challenge inspired by a post from Black Hair Media, a forum dedicated to hair care. It was called “45 Day No Heat Challenge” and it required you to abstain from direct heat such as flat irons, blow dryers and the only form of heat allowed was indirect heat from a hooded dryer with rollersets. This was required for 45 days and shampoo was forbidden, only natural forms of cleansing the scalp with apple cider vinegar or baking soda were allowed. I haven’t come across a recipe for an apple cider vinegar and baking soda sclap cleanse that I’m comfortable with yet, but I have been alternating between my sulfate free shampoo, Hair one and Dr bronners peppermint Castile Soap.

Although it was for 45 days I extended it to almost 4 months starting New Years Eve. Betweeen Jan and mid Feb I just air dried my hair and did weekly deep conditioning treatments. Then since around mid February I have been rollersetting and wrapping my hair. April 4th I decided to flat iron ending the no heat challenge Results here. Since I had used heat  I wanted to head out to the salon and do an official length check.

Despite the great results I get from the salon, this last visit to the salon was one of the main reasons why I try to minimize my visits. To start I hate going to the beauty salon, because of the time one can spend at the salon, depending on the day and where you go, you can spend anywhere from 2- 5 hours just getting your hair done. But lately since I have become involved in my hair care I have noticed that hair dressers not all, but the ones I have experienced at the Dominican salons, especially during my last visit can be straight up damaging. Yes the results can be bone straight hair but the process can be a set back to all the work you may have been putting into your hair care.

Since I have been paying attention to my hair I have noticed that hair can be very fragile and delicate especially when wet. Can you believe my hair at the salon was untangled with a tooth comb while wet?? Do you know how thick my hair has gotten since using Castor oil? Using a fine tooth comb on thick wet hair is very scary. Then while roller setting she would just rip right through my tangles with the fine tooth comb with no regards. After the rollers came out it looked like my hair was crying for mercy that’s how dried out it turned out. Then as she would blow dry my hair, as she would get to my ends, she would twist the brush causing my hair to get caught up in tangles and just viciously rip my hair. At one point I was getting paranoid and thought she was doing this on purpose. But I kept my cool and realized how aware I have gotten in terms of how others treat my hair and hair in general. My hair looks very nice and all but the process can be grueling. This was the first time I actually watched the hairdresser instead of reading a magazine or dozing off. It was an eye opener and I have to find a better hair dresser.

(I only use the end when roller setting never to untangle the hair)

Besides that I took a picture of my length and I believe I may do a waist length challenge. I’ll decide sometime this week. Besides that taking care of your hair requires you to pay attention not only to the products you use but the overall care of your hair as well. Now I feel guilty with all the heat and roughness my hair has been through so now I’m going to spoil my hair with moisturizers, co washes, deep conditioners and no heat at all for a while.

This weekend I did an Avocado and Castor oil treatment followed by hello hydration, Chi Keratin mist and air dried my hair. I’m just going to simply maintain protective styles throughout the week. I wanted to do natural hair recipes starting June but my hair is in much needed moisture and repair.

Ready for my deep conditioner, an over ripe avocado is best.

I just mixed the avocado with Castor oil and a little aloe mixed together and left it in my hair for about 2 hours with out heat and 20 mins under the dryer. I air dried my hair, moisturized with ORS in the jar and sealed the moisture with Coconut oil. Since I air dried my hair as opposed to roller setting I will be doing braids, braid – outs and ponytails hiding my ends most of the week.

This is how my hair came out the next day after the avocado deep conditioner. Very soft, shiny and moisturized. Overall I have noticed that I can do just as good of a job with simply rollersetting and wrapping my hair at home. The process of me doing my own hair is very rewarding and I know exactly what is being used and of course I treat my hair with delicate hands. So I won’t be heading to the salon unless it’s for a very special occasion or perhaps in 4 months when I do my next length check.

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Hungry? Avocado Salad

Spring is here and what better way to celebrate than with a fresh hearty salad? My salad was inspired by a very fun and tasty blog I like to frequent.

Platanos, Mangoes and Me

Platanos, mangoes and me has beautiful pictures of food she makes herself. I was inspired by an avocado and tomato salad she featured recently. One thing that irritates me about some recipe books is that most don’t provide you with pictures. Everyone knows that hungry people like myself are very visual and truthfully the pictures on platanos, mangoes and me had me visualizing the salad in my head all week.

So I couldn’t resist and went to my local supermarket and picked up 3 plum tomatoes $.98, 3 Hass avocados (one for the salad, one for my hair, and one for the next salad) @1.00 each and the rest I had at home like the red onions, olive oil, vinegar, Kosher salt and cucumber. The post where I got inspired to do this salad did not have cucumbers but since I had a little piece left in the fridge I just added it to the salad.

This was accompanied by my favorite yet simple rice, a “Locrio de chuleta”, basically a mixed rice with pork chops. This was such a tasty and satisfying salad. I’m not much of a leaf person so this felt very hearty to me, the creamy avocado, crunchy cucumbers and juicy tomatoes… it was simply divine. Even the picture looks great the colors just call out to me.

The ingredients are rather simple just vinegar or fresh lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. I just put a capful of this and a swirl of that and I’m good to go. Trying to incorporate at least one fresh uncooked meal or dish a day can be simple. My taste buds are very picky but I’m trying to adjust them to fresh natural foods on a regular basis. Now that the weather is warmer this is a great light dish, but at the same time very satisfying so you are not left hungry either. Even with pizza this salad would have been great. Point is incorporating something very healthy with something you love. That way you can help your taste buds adjust without depriving yourself at the same time.

Avocados are very healthy with a variety of health benefits such as helping lower cholesterol, prostate, and heart issues. Avocados are rich in Vitamin E, K, A, B complexes as well as minerals such as copper, iron, zinc and many more. Tomatoes also contain zinc, copper, and like avocados, are high in potassium and also vitamins C, E, K amongst other beneficial vitamins that are vital for the immune system, nervous system, anemia and many other dis-eases. Red onions raw, are truly my favorite and are also very beneficial for your health and are known to aid against bacteria and respiratory problems.

This was very simple to make and just simply refreshing and enjoyable. Most of the time we consume over cooked, boxed, processed foods and forget how fresh a simple salad can taste. I’m surely heading back to that blog and see what other pictures end up lingering in my mind….

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Eye Candy: Clinique Sparkling Sage

This is Clinique’s Sparkling Sage, a super shimmer colour surge single eyeshadow. I’ve had this eyeshadow for a while now and love to wear it during the summer with black liner to intensify the look. Although it’s a super shimmer it’s not all that shimmery when applied and I don’t get fallout either. It’s a very light kind of mint green and looks fabulous with a tan and even with my milani bronzer during the winter it kind of glows with my skin tone. That is why I like to wear it during the summer because it just looks so beautiful with a sun kissed tan.

I usually pair it with my Maybelline Mocha Velvet blush, a light brown blush, which helps create a deeper bronze look for my skin tone. I also line my eyes with black liner, my l’oreal voluminous carbon black mascara and a nude or brown gloss. I also created the cat eye look with my Almay liquid liner. You can actually wear this look day or night. It’s a very simple look in which you can always play it up or down.

I like Clinique’s eye shadows especially for work since the colors are not so in your face. You can always use as much as you need without feeling like you have too much eyeshadow on. They provide enough color payoff without out feeling too sheer either.

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Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a very popular and widely used plant pretty much available anywhere nowadays. Originally from Africa Aloe has an extensive and rich history. Stemming all the way from ancient times to modern times, Aloe has proven to be very versatile and useful. Aloe Vera has been known to be used for mummification purposes, health care, skin care, beauty, hair care and just simply as a very pleasing and peculiar plant to have and look at.

I have been using Aloe leaves since about September but in the past 2 months or so I have been using it religiously everyday as part of my skin care regimen. I use up about a whole leaf every 3 weeks or so depending on how much I need and how juicy or succulent the leaf is. I usually get these very big, succulent (love that word) leaves for about $2 at my local fruit and vegetable shop. There’s usually a whole bunch of leaves in a box and you are able to sift through all of them and pick the one that looks the healthiest and greenest. I try to avoid the ones with brown spots or dark marks, the greener and plumper the better.

Aloe is most popularly known for it’s great uses for treating all types of skin ailments. From Sunburns, wounds, and many other skin issues such as psoriasis and eczema, Aloe has been known to assist with healing them. One of my most favorite uses for Aloe is spot treating pimples and blackheads.

For years my nose has been plagued with a huge population of black and white heads. Mostly because I have always dealt with sinus issues and everyone knows what happens when you constantly have a stuffy, runny clogged nose. You are constantly rubbing, blowing your nose and most of the time you are rubbing your nose in anger and frustration as those with sinus “allergies” may know. So the damage done to your nose’s skin and the surrounding areas as the result of so much rubbing, can be very frustrating and sometimes the damage can be irreversible.

So I have been applying pure Aloe gel from the plant directly on my face and incorporating them into my facials. One of the main things I started using it for were for pimples. I hardly get breakouts but when I do one of the first things I do is apply Aloe. What the Aloe does to these pimples is amazing. Aloe gradually kind of dries them out. Not too dried out but just enough to make that pimple’s top layer of skin peel. This then reveals a new layer of skin much lighter than what I just peeled. Which is fascinating because most pimples have been leaving dark marks on my skin lately so this layer picks up the dark layer and reveals a new lighter layer of skin. So that actually reduces scarring a whole lot.

As you can see in the picture below I use a little jar and squeeze all the Aloe I will need for the day and with a q tip I apply throughout the entire day depending how busy I may be. Since the Aloe dries clear in less than 5 minutes you will not notice anything. Many people don’t like dealing with Aloe Vera pure because it can be slimy at times but for me it’s not an issue it dries clear and no flakes or anything it just seamlessly blends with your skin.

As far as blackheads I apply Aloe Vera to my nose then I moisturize with my regular moisturizer or just leave the Aloe on my nose alone overnight and rinse the following morning. Since I have been doing this, the colony of blackheads on my nose are not so apparent. AlsoI noticed the skin around my nose is less red and dried out. So Aloe has been actually repairing my skin and even the wrinkles I had along the side of my nose are almost gone. I have been very pleased with how aloe has been helping my skin repair itself.

* ***When squeezing out aloe make sure you get the clear substance free of any yellow or green by products from the leaves. This yellow and green byproduct from the outer leaf, is actually an irritant known as Aloin. So if you are especially consuming Aloe Vera in juice form it is very important to carefully avoid any green or yellow by products. Also make sure that you are not also applying it on your face either. Make sure you are getting the all clear stuff if you choose to extract the aloe juice directly from the plant. Most store bought aloe gel are free of Aloin.****

I like to use aloe in many of my natural homemade facials and can also be used in many hair concoctions as well. It works well with most fruits, honey, aspirin basically whatever face mask you desire to come up with I’m sure Aloe would be a great addition.

Not only is Aloe limited to just beauty and skin care but Aloe also has it’s myths and beliefs surrounding it.

According to Scott Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical herbs:

Gender: feminine /Planet: moon/ Element: Water

“The aloe a popular house plant, is also protective. it guards against evil influences and prevents household accidents. in Africa aloe is hung over houses and doorways to drive away evil and draw in good luck. in Mexico, large wreaths made of whole garlic bulbs strung on wire are festooned with pictures of saints, packets of magical herbs,rocks,sat,as well as clumps of freshly cut aloe. These are used for protection, luck etc.”

So overall Aloe has many benefits. Health wise Aloe is also vital for the immune system, collagen production digestive issues as well. I can’t compare store bough Aloe gel, both natural or processed, since I have never tried them. I’m sure if it’s pure it should provide the same benefits although to me it’s never the same like the real thing. There are many youtube videos showing you different techniques for extracting the juice for me I just simply squeeze it out or cut a piece of the leaf and squeeze the juice out from both ends.

For more information on Aloe check out 10 Health benefits of drinking Aloe.

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Silicon Mix and La Bomba

The past month or so I have been using Nacidt olive oil as my deep conditioner treatment exclusively. Usually every other week I’ll alternate protein treatments followed by a deep moisturizing conditioner. Lately I have been using “organics” hair mayo I guess it’s a knock off of ORS mayo. It’s been kind of drying my hair out and wanted to switch it up.Then I noticed that I have another great  treatment around called Silicon Mix, a Dominican protein conditioner, according to the  label it’s an intensive keratin, silicon, ceramide treatment.

I have used Silicon Mix a few times including in this review here and the results are usually always great. The reason why I don’t reach so much for Silicon Mix is because the scent is so strong that my sensitive sinuses can’t handle it at times. The scent even lingers after I wash and roller set which annoys me but not as much as when I first apply it. Thankfully after a day or so the scent fades. Silicon mix has this very creamy feel when applied to the hair and actually feels very moisturizing in the hair as well. It is recommended you leave in the hair for 2-3 minutes.

Other than the scent issue this is a great protein conditioner. Everytime I use Silicon Mix I always notice my hair is much stronger and notice a lot less shedding and breakage. My hair  feels very strong, tough and if you are not careful can even make your hair feel hard, as with most protein conditioners. For me it doesn’t feel too hard though, just this very thick and healthy overall feel. I would recommend using this twice a month at the most of course depending on your hair since it seems to be a little strong on the protein side. Of course with any protein treatment it is advisable you follow up with a deep moisturizing conditioner. No, I did not use Nacidt Olive oil, instead I used La Bomba With “cream of avocado”.  More pictures below 

To start I can give you mixed reviews about La Bomba avocado because truthfully this is the first time that La Bomba avocado has actually cooperated with me. Unless I just want to attribute all the credit to Silicon Mix, THIS time La Bomba actually came through for me somewhat. I got La Bomba back in November and when I first tried it I was not all that amazed. It felt kind of watery and I just felt that it did not penetrate enough or leave me with that everlasting moisture like nacidt olive oil does. So I used it a couple of times with heat for 15 mins mixed with castor oil and got just about the same old blah results. In the Dominican hair community many rave about La Bomba but with the few times I have used it I did not see what all the fuss was about. When I bought this product I thought that because it had avocado in it that it would be even better than the original which comes in a black jar I believe.

Now I can’t speak on the original La Bomba which comes in a black jar because I have never tried it. But I have noticed a theme with my hair which is that most products claiming to be infused with avocado don’t seem to agree with my hair. But anyway long story short I believe that La Bomba worked OK as a deep conditioning treatment after Silicon Mix somewhat. I say somewhat, because my hair felt kind of on the hard side when I rinsed La Bomba out. So I reached for Nacidt olive oil rinse and left it in my hair for the remaining of my shower and rinsed and my hair felt a little better.

After that I put Chi keratin mist then Lacio Lacio and started to rollerset. This is my hair a week after my last treatment with Nacidt olive oil deep conditioner and rinse. Throughout the week I would just moisturize every other night with ORS moisturizer in the jar, sealing with castor oil and protective styles like braids and buns.

(Before wash)

(After with la bomba, silicon mix)

(My rollerset game is almost on point)

This is how my hair loooked after I took the rollers out. My rolleset set game is trying to improve but it is not easy reaching and roller setting the back of your hair. Roller setting is very time consuming but the results are so well worth it. As you can see my hair is very shiny, smooth and moisturized. After this what I did was moisturize with ORS moisturizer in the jar, just little along my edges, brushed my hair especially my roots and wrapped my hair into a dubbie wrap .

Now the next day my hair was gorgeous, smooth and bouncy, however my roots were very wavy as a result of me not perfecting the roller set quite right but the wrap tamed the roots down a bit. I have been on a no direct heat challenge since new years eve. Since new years eve my hair has not seen a blow dryer, flat iron or any direct heat other than the indirect heat from the hair dryer. So I decided to flat iron on mild heat, just to see my length and see how well my hair has turned out since I began that no heat challenge. So these were the next day’s results.

I have to tell you I’m actually shocked to see the results of my hair in pictures . You have no idea the mess of hair I had before I began paying attention to my hair and learning the basic principles to maintaining it. It’s truly not an easy task but basic attention is really what you need. Going to the beauty salon is great and results are guaranteed but most of the time you dont’ know what’s really being used in your hair and how attentive your hair dresser is to your unique hair type. Surely you can bring in your own products with you but then there is the treatment of your hair, some people have rough hands and just don’t have the best interest in your overall hair’s health and progress.

I still like going to the beauty salon especially for special occasions and usually bring my own products or just walk in with my own treatment. But truthfully I can do it all pretty much myself. It takes time and patience and dedication. Once I  head out to the salon this weekend I will go back on my no heat challenge again for another 2 months or so. It is very beneficial for my hair and with just roller setting and wrapping I get decent results with no intense heat required.

This was my pony tail 4 day later (thurs) Still shiny moisturized so I guess La Bomba came through……

SUNDAY’S REGIMEN 4/4

Dr. bronners castile soap peppermint (shampoo)

Silicon mix (5 MINS)

La Bomba Avocado 1 hour w/o heat (15mins in heat hair dryer ) 1.5 hour total time in hair

Nacidt Olive oil Rinse

Chi keratin mist

Lacio Lacio

Chi iron guard (sprayed over rollers heat protectant)

So overall I can say that Silicon mix is a great product to have I really like it and will purchase it again to have for the winter because I will be using mostly all natural treatments for my hair soon come summer. So I’m trying to use up all of my hair products so once June comes around 100% natural hair treatments all summer long.  I like to keep my kinky curls active as well and natural treatments really help keep them alive. For now I’ll just keep using what I have so I can determine what is working for me or not. La bomba may not be a repurchase unless I’m tempted to buy the original one in the black jar but it did not do such a bad job this time around. Next review may be about BPT wheat germ protein conditioner followed by 10 and 1 deep conditioner. we’ll see how my hair behaves until then.

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