CQ Nail Polish: Sienna Cream

I don’t wear polish much because of the strong polish odor (it tends to bother my sinuses) but sometimes when out and about during the weekends I like to give them a little color. My money is rarely spent on polishes, but these CQ polishes I got at my local drugstore is definitely worth the few bucks. The colors are very pretty and the formula is pretty good, not too sheer not too thick.

So this is Sienna Cream a very nice brown. This was with 2 coats, I thought the color would be lighter but it’s for sure a deep brown. I don’t usually do brown nails but this definitely stood out. I just lined it with black polish and called it a night.

 You can see another CQ Polish I swatched called Plum Baby Here.

I broke a nail trying to open my dresser drawer…… lol

The weekend is over so it’s back to basics. I get a lot of compliments on my natural nails and constantly get asked what I use. Typically I use coconut oil and a Sally Hansen strengthening clear polish on those hectic days I fear they may crack. Recently however, I have been Using Amal Oils 100% Organic Argan Oil from Morocco. I was sent a sample to not only review but giveaway as well!!! So stay tuned! Soon I will have more details as well as my nail care regimen post.

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Coming Soon: CSN Stores Sponsored Review

I was contacted by Kate from CSN Stores.com to do a sponsored review on this blog! Very excited considering this site has an amazing array of products from an end table I have been meaning to get for my living room for the longest, camping gear (for the boyfriend), to so many cool kitchen gadgets and home decor items. Here are a couple of things I have been considering….

Great to store my oils in!

Perfect for my weekly meditation sessions



Something I have been meaning to try,  Incense cones!

Not sure what to review since CSN Stores has over 200 plus stores on their website and who knows how many products. I’m loving  the stuff I have come across, let me know what you guys think or check out their website and let me know if I missed out on any other nice stuff they have.

Orange peeler (always wanted one of these!)



How cool is this incense holder? Love it!



Soon as I finally decide I will post a review. In the mean time let’s do some shopping.

CSNStores.com

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The Natural Health and Beauty Uses of Chamomile

Chamomile (manzanilla), like most herbs, can truly become a beautiful sight especially when growing them. However, many do not know or understand the great benefits herbs can provide. This is why chamomile is so popular. A fascinating and easily accessible herb used for thousands of years for a variety of health ailments and beauty treatments, it is of no wonder why chamomile is still widely used to this day.

Loose Camomile Herb found at my local market

Chamomile is great for many stomach problems. A simple tea can treat menstruation cramps, gases, constipation, nausea and indigestion. With just 5 mins of steamed inhalation, several times a day, chamomile can also help with respiratory issues such as sinusitis (sinus allergies) sore throats, and even asthma. For insomniacs, chamomile helps ease and calm the mind enabling those with trouble sleeping to relax and wind down making it an ideal tea before bed to ensure a restful night.

As a child during the dead of winter my mother would always make my sister and I chamomile tea with guava paste toast. The soothing and warm feeling a warm cup of chamomile tea can provide you with is rather simple yet amazing. Chamomile’s calming qualities allows you to release the day’s stress, tension and look forward to a rested mind and nervous system. Now that fall is here, it’s the best time to indulge in a variety of teas and chamomile can be a great start if you are not too familiar with teas.

As with every fall, this tends to be a time where most will be getting sick with the change of weather and all. Most likely you or someone around you will deal with one form of a cold or the other soon come winter. With chamomile’s immune enhancing, antibacterial and antiseptic properties chamomile can be an ideal tea for treating and preventing the cold and flu symptoms many will dread this coming winter (fever, nausea, pain). Chamomile is also known to be used as a mouth wash killing harmful bacteria existing in the mouth.

This tea however, I did not make to drink. Instead I chose to give myself a steam facial not only to benefit my skin but keep my rather bothersome sinuses at bay.

I bought a small package of loose chamomile tea at my local produce market for $1.You can also find it from many vendors online as well as most natural health stores. This facial steam can be done with regular chamomile tea bags as well. A steam facial can help open your pores and provide you with a clearer complexion. Adding chamomile to the mix can sooth irritated skin (like my nose). Chamomile is also known for dealing with eczema, skin inflammation and itchy skin conditions.

To give yourself a steam facial simply boil water and add your chamomile. Once your water has boiled let it sit for a minute or two and grab a towel. Make sure your hair is out of the way and your eyes are closed. Keep an ideal distance between you and the pot and place the towel over your head. You want to stay under the towel enjoying the steam for about five minutes. You can follow up with a face mask of your choice or simply rinse with cool water to close you pores and follow up with a moisturizer.

I made a lot of tea so I saved a little to experiment with a homemade toner I have been meaning to do. Either way chamomile has many great qualities for both your health and skin leaving you with an array of health benefits and possibilities.

Health Benefits of Camomile

Herbal Treatment of Children: Western and Ayurvedic perspectives

 By Anne McIntyre

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Still Ray

Raphael Saadiq has always been my favorite artist and this song had me at first listen….. not to mention he is fineeee as fine can be……..

” You’ll never have to beg me to come to bed…. I’ll walk you there each night….”

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Benefits of Scalp Massages, Creamed Coconut Deep Conditioner Review

 While working on my blog post Tips and links that saved my Hair, I got to the part where I was discussing  pre poos and realized I haven’t done pre poos in such a long time, and on top of that, I have never given myself a scalp massage. Last time I went to the salon I did a honey and coconut oil pre shampoo treatment (turned out great) but I barely touched my scalp. Since I don’t deal with dandruff or deal with dry scalp issues, I have never been compelled to do anything special for my scalp. But in the midst of deprivation and reminisces (and revamping my hair regimen) I decided to revisit my pre poos these last couple of weeks but with an added bonus, a scalp massage.

Benefits of Scalp Massages

Promotes hair growth

Increases circulation
 Rids scalp of junk and buildup allowing new cells to regrow

Minimizes shedding and hair loss

Adds Strength

Provides shine

Conditions and soothes itchy scalp and dry hair
Reduces dandruff

The first week I started off with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and two drops of lavender (great oil for hair loss) but realized by week two the Olive Oil was a bit too heavy for my hair (looking greasy, weighing it down). Despite the olive oil being too heavy I noticed a huge difference as far as shedding. So instead of oiling my entire hair, I strictly focused on my scalp and went for a lighter oil, sweet almond.

I have used both ylang ylang and lavender together and alone and both my scalp and hair is loving it. I find that ylang is much more moisturizing when added for my scalp massages and pre-poos, leaving my hair ultra soft and shiny. Since I have started massaging my scalp I have yet to see more than 5-10 strands when I brush my hair. A significantly vast improvement considering these past summer months. I was also having issues with my scalp being a bit itchy so massaging my scalp turned out great for that as well. I like massaging my scalp, it leaves my scalp feeling refreshed and I myself feel relaxed and at ease. So this will definitely be something I will add to my regimen bi weekly, while pre pooing once a month.

 

As you know with my last hair update, I was freaking out because I felt like my hair was way too thin and I was dealing with shedding quite a bit, so I came across this thread which basically gave me an insight into hair shedding being a natural process. Hair goes through cycles naturally reinforcing and rebuilding itself so it’s actually normal for the hair to shed especially in cycles.

This past weekend however, I skipped the oils and decided to do a creamed coconut deep conditioner.

I bought this about two weeks ago while shopping for my spices, aloe, and veggies. I paid just a $1 for it and could not figure out what to do with it exactly, I knew I wanted to do a deep conditioner with it, but did not know how or with what. So I decided to add Herbal Essence’s Hello Hydration and I instantly had my creamed coconut deep conditioner.

I let it sit out for an hour and it was not creamy, but rather soft. So I took a small steak knife and scraped out about half of the bar.

I then added Herbal Essence’s Hello Hydration….

Mixed them together….

and put it in my hair for about an hour…… 10 mins w heat.

 conditioned with Mane n Tail and Rinsed with Apple Cider Vinegar.

I lightly sprayed my hair with Chi Keratin Mist right before it got too dry. I liked how my hair felt and will add cream of coconut into other deep conditioners I have in mind and see how it turns out. This turned out great because the following days my hair felt very moisturized, my curls were not as tight and I was able to run my fingers through my curls without pulling. I’m almost done with most of the my Dominican hair products. So soon as I’m done I will get into product junkie mode and upgrade and simplify my hair regimen… Until then I will wait and see what I find out there and use up everything I have before I purchase anything.

This was my hair these past two days.. I just moisturized with ORS in the jar and sealed with sweet almond oil and braided my hair into a ponytail. Right when I was ready to head out I just let the braids out and this is how my hair has been.

Compared to the Cream of coconut deep conditioner I did back in June, I like the way the creamed coconut left my hair combined with Hello Hydration. Either way they both left me with great shine and moisture…..

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What are Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids?

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids are found in many skincare products especially for mature and acne prone skin types. AHA’s and BHA’s are naturally found most commonly in fruits, beneficial for the skin (fine lines, sun damage) and in some cases health as well. Alpha Hydroxy acids are mild exfoliants that help break the bonds that holds dead skin cells together aka dry skin, leaving you with smooth, moisturized and renewed skin.

The skin is made up of many layers but the two main layers we are most familiar with are the epidermis and dermis. Alpha Hydroxy Acids exfoliate the top layers of the skin (epidermis) helping promote the growth of healthier skin cells by way of the dermis (second main layer). The second main layer of the skin (dermis), is where most of our moisture, collagen and elastin exist.

Collagen is what helps structure the skin while elastin helps the skin stretch and take form. Naturally derived AHA and BHA’S, as well as synthetic types that professionals use in higher concentrations (such as chemical peels), are ideal for treating wrinkles, fine lines, dryness, acne, sunspots and helps even out your skin tone.

However, you can make your own natural and mild exfoliants using Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids by simply using natural products you can easily find in your house and local food market.

*Please make sure that you are not sensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned. Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids can cause sun sensitivity and irritation, especially in higher concentrations.*

There are five types of

 Alpha Hydroxy Acids:

1.Glycolic Acid:

Glycolic acid is one of the most familiar acids. It’s derived from sugarcane and naturally exfoliates the skin. Ideal for mature skin and fine lines, scars and hyperpigmentation.

2.Lactic Acid

Found in milk, yogurt, tomato juice. Like glycoic acid, lactic acid naturally exfoliates the skin while also soothing sensitive skin types. Lactic acid also lightens dark spots left over from acne or scars in general. Yogurt is also astringent ideal for those with oily skin while also moisturizing at the same time.

3.Malic Acid

Bananas, apples, nectarines, pears all contain malic acid which is an antioxidant helping reduce wrinkles and allows the skin to retain moisture while clarifying. Malic acid is great for not only the skin but overall health as well. It’s essential for energy production in the body and is said to be beneficial for those who suffer with fibromyalgia, helping maximize energy levels while reducing pain.

4.Citric Acid

Pineapple, oranges and lemon juices, helps lighten and brighten the skin getting rid of old dead skin cells, also astringent.

5.Tartaric Acid

Found in grapes, apples, pears, tamarind. Improves wrinkles, evens skin tone and sun damaged skin.

Beta Hydroxy Acids (Salicylic acid)

There are several types of Beta Hydroxy Acids but in skin care only salicylic is known to be used which is a very familiar ingredient for those who deal with acne and oily skin as well. Salicylic Acid, the only Beta Hydroxy acid used in dermatology, is known to get deeper into the pores and is found mainly in willow bark and aspirin. Unlike the Alpha Hydroxy acids, Salicylic acid penetrates through the skin’s natural oils (sebum), thoroughly cleaning out clogged pores that causes blackheads and breakouts.

Here I will make a simple facial using yogurt (Lactic Acid)

Read More so you can see how it’s made…

Even though summer is nearly drawing to a close some have to deal with oily skin year round. So I usually do this quick and easy homemade face mask which always does the trick for me.

Yogurt (lactic acid) naturally cleanses and exfoliates the skin ridding it of old dead skin cells, it’s also a mild astringent (controls oil, closes pores), and antibacterial, ideal for keeping pimples and blemishes at bay. Oatmeal also tackles dryness and it’s known for dealing with eczema, sunburn, and soothes the skin while also cleansing the skin of oils and dirt.

For this facial you just need 2 basic ingredients:

Regular plain oatmeal and regular plain yogurt, no sugars or flavors

(If you can get Organic Greek yogurt, go for it )

Yogurt usually has a bit of water on the top, use this “juice” to moisten your mask to your liking. To thicken it just add more oatmeal. Leave the mask on for 10-15 mins or until it dries completely.

 Honey is naturally antibacterial and moisturizing making this facial an even more fabulous hydrating facial.

I ‘ve been using essential oils in my facials lately and it has become a very interesting and welcoming addition to my regimen. I like to add 1 drop of lavender oil or 1 drop of ylang ylang to this very facial. Lavender oil helps heal the skin while providing you with antibacterial properties ideal for pimples and acne prone skin, which oily skin types deal with on a regular basis. Ylang Ylang is great to help balance any skin type great for oily or dry skin as well.

This Face mask leaves my skin glowing and helps minimize my pores. I can truly see how great the results are when I apply my makeup. You can make this mask with just the yogurt and oatmeal or just add any ingredient ideal for your skin type. Strawberries are also astringent great for oily skin types while a banana can give you an extra boost in moisture.

Sources:
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beautiful Skin By Marsha Gordon, Alice E. Fugate
Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice By Leslie Baumann

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Garden Musings

 Visiting family this summer led me to some very pretty gardens. I took a few pictures of my boyfriend’s Aun’ts garden and ended the afternoon with a Morir Sonando (die dreaming), basically a milk and orange juice shake….. This is what life is about….

This was her cabbage, green, pepper and tomatoe garden earlier this summer… they are gone by now, they  were so delicious and crisp…..

The book I have been reading most of the summer….

Fruits do have an amazing history! Fruit Hunters by Adam Leith Gollner

I hope Summer was great to all of you!

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