Healthy Recipes || My Very Berry Smoothie

In my determination to create a berry-laden (and antioxidant-filled) smoothie, I came up with the following delicious recipe:

Organic strawberries, blueberries, blackberries (optional),
cranberry juice (or cranberries), water, and ice. 

ABOUT STRAWBERRIES: Strawberries are loaded with Vitamin C and manganese. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is beneficial for the skin, hair, and immune system. It is said to improve scalp circulation. Manganese is said to be a factor in hair growth.

ABOUT CRANBERRIES: Studies have suggested that cranberries 1) provide maximum effect on suppressing the growth of various human cancer cells, 2) may decrease the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), 3) have the most antioxidant activity, 4) help keep certain bacteria (like E. coli) from attaching to the urinary tract wall, and 5) decrease symptomatic urinary tract infections in women.

ABOUT BLUEBERRIES & BLACKBERRIES: Antioxidants galore.

Ingredients
1/2 cup of organic strawberries
1/2 cup of organic blueberries
a few organic blackberries (optional)
1-1 1/2 cup of distilled water (depending on desired consistency)
1 cup of 100% pure cranberry juice (with no added sugar)
4 ice cubes

Instructions
Blend and voila!

*Creates 1 large smoothie or 2 small smoothies.
*You can use less cranberry juice and more water or use actual cranberries in place of the juice.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF STRAWBERRIES
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CRANBERRIES

REVIEW #16: Homemade Deodorant - Baking Soda, Corn Starch, and Coconut Oil

Disclaimer: If you are pregnant or lactating, or have a health condition, please consult with your doctor before using an essential oil.

Homemade deodorant (on the right).

Purpose: The baking soda and cornstarch are intended to diminish the moist environment (created from our sweat) that becomes a breeding ground for odor-inducing bacteria.  The coconut oil is intended to aid in the application process and also combat the skin drying/irritation effects of the baking soda.  The addition of an essential oil is intended to deodorize any odor that does form.

VIDEO TUTORIAL for Homemade Deodorant

Ingredients: 

For trial #1 - This created an unscented stick deodorant.

1 part baking soda, 1 part cornstarch, 1 part coconut oil.  

For trial #2 - This created a scented creamy deodorant.

1 part baking soda, 1 part cornstarch, ~2 parts coconut oil, several drops of tea tree essential oil.  

Number of trials: Almost daily over the course of about five months.

How I used it:

Applied to armpit daily after morning shower.

_____________

THE REVIEW:

Trial #1:

My first trial of this homemade deodorant was somewhat disappointing.  As the day progressed, the unscented "stick" version of this mixture caked in my armpits and fell off in chunks, many times slipping through my sleeve and onto the ground.  Additionally, as I sweated, the moisture would mix with the deodorant and leave "oil-like" stains on the armpit areas of my shirts.  Even with these application annoyances, the homemade deodorant was not effective against my armpit odor.

Trial #2:   

I was actually very pleased with my second trial of this mixture.  The scented "cream" version of this homemade deodorant melted into my armpits and did not create the kind of application issues I experienced with the "stick" version (i.e., trial #1).  Also, the addition of tea tree oil increased the effectiveness of this mixture against armpit odor.  Compared to commercial deodorants that I have tried, I prefer this mixture largely because it does not result in a "sweat mixed with deodorant scent" smell.  In other words, it does not attempt to cover up the odor but actually combats it, if you know what I mean.  

Background: Compared to the average woman, I would rate myself as high in the armpit sweat and armpit odor departments.  (Embarrassing, but the truth.) I cannot go without using a strong antiperspirant, so I've been applying Certain Dri every 2-3 nights for a few years now.   Because antiperspirants are only intended to decrease sweat and not fight odor, I also have to use a deodorant in the morning.  Trial #2 of this mixture has become one of my staples (in addition to a commercial deodorant I alternate with so that my body does not get used to either one).  I would recommend Trial #2 to someone like me.

___________________

PROS: easy to mix; inexpensive ingredients; mainly natural ingredients;
scented version: effective against armpit odor;
cream: easy to apply

CONS: stick version: flaky, leaves shirt stains for those who sweat a lot;
unscented version: ineffective for those who sweat a lot.

RATING: Overall, I give the scented, cream version 5 out of 5 stars.  I give the unscented, stick version 1 out of 5 stars.

This product is ideal for those who:

- want an effective natural deodorant (use the trial #2 version for this)

- want an inexpensive, effective deodorant (")

Creamy consistency of the homemade deodorant.

"Soul" Food Mondays || Let Go of What You Don't Want

“The only way to get what you really want is to let go of what you don’t want.” - Iyanla Vanzant

What are you holding on to that you do not want?  An unhealthy relationship?  An extra fifteen pounds?  A stagnant career?  Damaged hair?  You must let go of these things in order to get what you really want.

Make room for what you do want.

Healthy Hair Feature: Shae

~3 years of growth.

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning?

I’m natural, kinky/coily/curly, fine, cottony with some silky in the nape.  I tried to transition but only lasted one month.  I ended up shaving it all off anyway. LoL

Big chop in June 2009.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?

I think the biggest mistake I’ve made has been comparing my growth to other ladies with Chia hair.  You know those ladies -- they have SL hair in May and WL hair by August.  Yup, I was setting myself up for failure by comparing my growth to theirs. Once I began to think positively about my growth and even visualize myself pulling my hair down to my goal at the end of the year, I started to see more results.

December 2010.

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?

My routine varies by the season. But overall I describe it as: 1) Low manipulation, 2) Low cones/sulfates, 3) Ayurveda and 4) PS 95% of the time.

 In warmer months, I tend to rock mini braids and water rinse or cowash them daily.  I seal in the moisture with either grapeseed oil or a cone condish. I cleanse and DC (protein followed by moisture) once per week. 

In the winter, I cornrow my hair on Saturday, cleanse and DC on Sunday, rock the cornrows under wigs or headwraps M-F and rock big hair for Friday date night :) I tend to water rinse or cowash the cornrows every other day, rub in some condish and seal with EVOO. 

Every now and then I’ll throw in some extension twists or braids for about 3-4 weeks and then go back to whatever style it is for the season. 

I primarily finger detangle (about 90%-95% of the time).  I keep my coily hair stretched at all times; never allowing it to be wet and loose at the same time (I do everything in braids/cornrows).  I M&S daily.  I cleanse and condition with Ayurveda mixes. And I rock a men’s satin skull cap under my wigs/headwraps and around the house to keep my strands protected.

August 2012.

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?

Uh, I plead the Fifth! LoL

But really, this year I’ve doubled my water intake and am doing more exercising by way of dancing.  It’s all about baby steps right?

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?

Start with the basics:

-Find a good cleanser, conditioner and moisturizer.  You can add on goodies from there.

-Keep your hair clean and moisturized. .

-Baby those ends (keep them tucked away and extra moisturized) and treat your hair like fine silk.

-Take pictures every 3-6 months to track your progress.  It really helps!

-Lastly, have fun! :)

6) Where can we find you (blog, youtube, tumblr, etc.)?

http://public.fotki.com/MzSwift/

Black Hair Media Forum (in the Natural and Growth Sections)

Long Hair Care Forum

Oldies, But Goodies

1. Healthy Skin Tips for the Year
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo for Dandruff
3. Household Makeup Removers
4. Fitness || Truth About YOUR Belly
5. Nutritious Bartending || The Healthier Mimosa

Hair Diary || Caring For My Braid Extensions

I self-installed box braid extensions to be worn for the first two months of the 1in3 challenge.  It took 5 packs of hair and about 9 hours for the install.  Prior to braiding, I washed, conditioned, moisturized, and air dried my hair as usual.  During these two months, my box braid care routine will be: 

-Weekly: Spritz hair with a mixture of water, glycerin, grapeseed oil, and grapefruit essential oil.
-Weekly: Spritz scalp with tea tree essential mixed with water (to keep scalp fresh).

-Every two to three weeks: Prepoo with coconut oil, Wash with diluted shampoo, Condition with diluted Suave, and seal with my shea mixture.

Depending on how well I maintain the braids, I might wear it for longer (i.e., three months).  We will see.  Other than the basic routine above, I will continue to sleep with a satin bonnet to protect my hair and keep the braids from frizzing.  I also plan to plait my braids prior to washing in order to keep the frizzies to a minimum.

Here are some sites to check out for braid or braid extension care:
Box braids only: http://minibraidmethod.com/
Braid extensions: http://www.growafrohairlong.com/braidreg.html

Here are two youtube videos with amazing braid extensions styles that I plan to try:

And here are a few more photos of my self-install, the packs of hair that I used, and the final look ...

100% Kanekalon.  Color: 4.  Each pack was about $2.

Braiding my hair.

Finito.  The braids are about hip-length / tailbone-length.

Healthy Recipes || My Mango Smoothie

I've been on a smoothie kick for some time given that it is an easy way to absorb multiple nutrients (especially via fruits and veggies) at once.  My staples are green smoothies and banana smoothies, but lately I've been wanting to experiment with other fruits -- like the mango.

Mangos are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and vitamin B6.

After playing around with various ingredients and having a few failed attempts, I've finally created a mango smoothie that I find tasty while being nutritious.  It contains mango (vitamins and fiber), peanut butter (protein), almond milk (calcium), ice, and a little honey (optional sweetener).  A banana can be thrown in for extra nutrients and/or in place of honey for added flavoring.

Ingredients
1 cup mango
1-1 1/4 cup vanilla-flavored almond milk (amount depends on your desired consistency)
2 tbsp natural peanut butter
4-5 ice cubes
1/2 tsp honey (optional, depending on your palate)
OR 1 banana (in place of the honey)

My smoothie regimen: one every morning, whether mango, banana, or green.

Smoothie suggestion: If you want to incorporate berries (antioxidants), I'd suggest blueberries and blackberries.  Stay away from raspberries because they tend to give the smoothie a sour taste (unless, of course, your palate does not mind).  Some strawberries can also do the same but not as intense.  If you do use raspberries or strawberries, I suggest sweetening their flavor a bit with the addition of a banana in your smoothie.

My green smoothie.  Contains kale, banana, almond milk, peanut butter, ice, and sometimes blueberries or blackberries.  (I no longer use soy milk.)