Essential Oils and Herbs Properties

[Source: Search Google Images for Essential Oils]

What are Essential Oils?                                                                                                           
     

    Truly natures gift, essential oils are pure natural concentrated liquids extracted from roots, grasses, flowers, trees, leaves, and fruits. Many are active in ingredients in medicines and cosmetics. Essential oil are so powerful and potent, that they must be diluted in carrier oils.

• Carrier Oils (Base Oils) come from vegetables, seeds, and nuts. These are rich in vitamins, proteins, nutrients, and therapeutic properties. Essential oils must be diluted in them (4-6 drops of essential oil per 1tbsp. of carrier oils)
• Olive oil: Great for dry damaged hair. Softens, shines and conditions
• Avocado Oil: Light oil packed with protein and vitamins A, E,D, and potassium
• Castor Oil: Great for dry, damaged hair, and scalp. Natural emollient promotes growth
• Jojoba Oil: Great for dry hair. Moisturizes, conditions, and heal scalp
• Almond Oil: All purpose oil. Light, nourishing, rich in fatty acids. Gives hair shine
• Essential Oils:
• Lavender: Relieves itchiness, dandruff, and hair loss
• Rosemary: Relieves dandruff and hair loss. Stimulates growth
• Cedar wood: Relieves dandruff and hair loss. Promotes growth. Balances dry and oily hair
• Tea Tree: Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Great for all hair conditions
• Chamomile Oil: Conditions and add shine
• Thyme: Increases blood flow. Relieves dandruff and hair loss
• Eucalyptus: Antiseptic to control relieves dandruff. Stimulates blood flow
• Basil: Adds luster. Promotes growth
• Grapefruit: Astringent relieves oily scalp. Promotes growth
• Peppermint: Anti-bacterial, invigorates scalp, and promotes growth
• Geranium: Astringent and tonic. Balances natural oil production
• Ylang Ylang: Antiseptic. Nourishes scalp and stimulates growth
• There are many more Essential and Carrier oils. Check out Mountain Rose Herbs for a huge selection

Don't Forget This When You Head Out the Door...

[Source: Google Sunscreen]

       Sunscreen is much needed now at a time when the sun seems to be hotter than ever. And yes by that I mean the summer time but also the winter. Sunscreen should be used all year round and even on days when the sun is hiding. I myself have dark spots and I have struggled with them since my first pimple came about. I researched ways for me to get rid of them without the harsh chemicals involved and the only product that will work to prevent dark spots from darkening is sunscreen. Since I love to use homemade treatments to fade dark marks, the sunscreen acts as a barrier to prevent further darkening when I go outside.

       The sunscreen I use is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+ and I use this SPF just to have a extra protection for my face. I apply this before I put on moisturizer because I find that the sunscreen leaves a whitish tint on my face when applied after moisturizer. I was using it in the summer time every single day along with some homemade mask and treatments I was making on the regular. The combination of those plus my Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 made my dark spots lighten significantly over the course of a few months. When school started again I did not keep up with my regimen and did not put sunscreen on like I should so newer dark spots remain the same pigment. I plan to get back on track so that my spots will have disappeared by the time summer rolls around. I will keep you guys updated with my daily regimens and homemade treatments as well as progress of my skin.

      

My First Mini Twist :)

August 2011: So these are how my mini twist first came out. I was pleased with the results and I need to find a way to make  them last longer than a week or so.

How I achieved this look: 

I started on an old twist out and parted it into four sections. From there I parted each small section with a comb to the desired size of my twist. To each small section I applied a little bit of Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie which added sheen and softness to my hair.

I did this throughout my whole head and this was the result. I am very pleased with the product in conjunction with doing my hair in mini twist. I have not found another way to use the product just yet but will be experimenting with it. One thing that I noticed about my hair is that it curls up when twisted too which I found very interesting. I would love to have mini twist where the hair would stay straight and twisted but I guess that it what my hair will always do. My goal for the next time I do them is to make them last for 3 weeks or so. When it gets longer I will try Naptural85's method for Maintaining Mini Twist

If you guys have any suggestions or question, please don't hesitate to leave a comment or just get in contact with me :)

Egg Mask

Why Eggs?.....                                                                                         

  As a college naturale, I want to cater to my skin  but on a college budget. After months of researching and experimenting, I have came to love using eggs externally as much as I do internally. I have had a problem with minor acne and dark spots on my face for years. After trying product after product nothing has really helped fade my dark spots away. I tried the egg mask and when paired with daily use of sunscreen, I saw improvements with my skin. My dark marks where significantly lighter and my skin felt tighter.

  Egg Mask are very beneficial for your skin because of the abundance amount of protein they hold. When I use the Egg mask  I have clean and tighten pores, even skin tone, fade blemishes, prevent acne, and honestly a brighter complexion.

 
What you will need:                                                                              
        ~ 1 Egg

        ~ Two bowls

        ~ Fork or whisk

  Separate the egg white from the yolk and put them in the two separate bowls. Whip the egg white until the mixture contains a little bit of froth and apply it to a clean face. Let it dry for about 20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Next, whip the yolk and apply it to your face and let that dry for 20 minutes also. Rinse the dried egg yolk off your face with cold water and pat the face dry.
                                                                                                                                                                     
Eggs Benefits:                                                                                             
         Contain Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin A, and Zinc.

• Vitamin B2 is a stress alleviator. Stress is a big contributor to acne.
• Vitamin B3 helps with circulation, which can help skin look brighter and healthier.
• Vitamin A helps with scarring
• Zinc boost the immune system which will help with the healing of acne and the prevention of future breakouts     
• Egg White: Lightens skin providing a healthy brighter complexion, tighten pores. Can be used by itself for Oily skin. It is great for controlling oil.
• Egg Yolk: Is very nourishing for Dry skin

        [Picture Source: Search Google for Egg]

Don't Listen to What People Say....

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    When I Big Chopped in November 2010, I had it stored in the back of my mind that I will deal with people who will speak negative about my natural hair. I soon realized that the very people who call you their friend, or even family members, will voice negative opinions about you. I was so nervous and shy to show off my hair after I BC'd because I cared what people would say or think about me. A person I know would come in my room while I am styling my hair and say "Oooo girl! You got that dread lock hair!...I see dreads in your future..." or they would say to a colleague while I am right next to them "See now, you got that good hair, not that kinky stuff...". I found that ironic considering that she natural! It is comments like those that made me realize how ignorant and inconsiderate people can be. Besides being upset at them, I actually feel bad for the simple fact that fellow African Americans bash each other for something that is inside all of us. Before we add a Texturizer or Relaxer to our hair, the root of our kinky curliness is there, but we have the choice to either embrace it or change it. Now I am not saying it is wrong to do Relaxers or what not, but I do believe it is wrong to show insensitivity to those who want to wear their hair natural no matter what the hair texture is.

     

     Over time I learned not to care what other thought about me and my hair. For those out there who are dealing with a similar situation like this, Don't Listen to What People Say....You are beautiful from your toes to every kink, nap, curl, wave, knot, or whatever on top of your head. Go and live your life and embrace it!

New to the Blogging World :/

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So when I say I am behind socially on a social network aspect, I mean I am behind. I still have not hopped on my Twitter game (sad I know). My purpose for starting this blog is for me to have documentation of my life and also capture the little things in life the average person will look over everyday. Through this process of me growing and learning more about myself, I hope this blog can help others out there who are also in the same boat.

My goals for this blog: I want to do videos that reveal me embarking on challenges and goals. One of which maybe skin care and also me learning more about my natural hair (cause lawd is this a journey lol, but I love it).

So welcome to my blog and feel free to browse around!