"Live Strong my friend"

I am all for a natural holistic lifestyle, and I try my best to be health conscious as much as possible! Taking care of ourselves and our family gives us peace of mind! There are several ways to practice a healthy way of living. Ranging from eating right, exercising regularly, and maintain a healthy mental state.

Some of my favorite places to shop are Nature's Remedies, Whole Foods, Earth Fare and Trader Joe's! I purchase tasty healthy natural foods and care products from these places, and I am always satisfied!

In hopes that you, my readers, are interested & willing to try some new healthy holistic practices, I am going to list a view tasty recipes for you all to try! I will also list other healthy activities that may interest you as well!!! Enjoy!


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 Celebrate summer with a cool refreshing beverage....All Natural & Healthy!!! Drink up!!!









Strawberry Honey Lemonade

****Serves 4-6****

1 pint of fresh strawberries (washed, trimmed, & cut in half)
1 cup of fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
2/3 cup of raw honey
1/2 cup of warm water
5 cups of cold water

Directions:

1. In a blender, pl;ace strawberries and 1/4 cup of lemon juice and blend until smooth. Pour through a fine sieve and press with the back of a spoon or pour through a strainer lined with a cheese cloth to extract as much juice as possible. Discard pulp.

2. In a pitcher, mix together honey and warm water and stir until honey is dissolved. Add strawberry juice, remaining lemon juice and cold water. Mix well and serve over ice!!!






Cucumber Lemonade Chiller

****Serves 4****


3 large cucumbers
1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary (plus 4 sprigs for garnish)
1/2 cup of lemon juice
3 tablespoons of agave syrup


Directions:


1. Cut 12 thin slices of cucumbers for garnish


2. Peel and chop the rest of the cucumbers, and transfer into a food processor. Add rosemary  and puree.  Press on the solids to extract all the juice. Add water,  lemon juice and agave syrup to the cucumber juice; stir until the agave is dissolved. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish with cucumber slices and rosemary sprigs!!!


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Here is a recipe for a nice and light Pasta salad with mixed veggies! This goes great with one of the refreshing healthy beverages above!! Enjoy! 








Pasta Salad with Mixed Veggies

*****Serves 8****


12 oz of whole wheat rotini pasta
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup of low sodium chicken broth
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes (unsalted & in juice)
1 lb of mushrooms, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 medium zucchini, shredded
1/2 tablespoon of basil
1/2 tablespoon of oregano
8 romaine lettuce leaves 


Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly. Place pasta in a large serving bowl. Add the olive oil and toss. Set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the chicken broth over medium heat. Add the garlic, onions and tomatoes. Saute until the onions are transparent, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining vegetables and saute until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Stir in the basil and oregano.

3. Add the vegetable mixture to the pasta. Toss to mix evenly. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 1 hour.

4. Place lettuce leaves on individual plates. Top with the pasta salad and serve immediately.

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There are other great ways to ensure you look and feel your best! Not only can you eat right, but you can exercise your mind and body! Below are some helpful tips and places to visit for a healthier, holistic lifestyle!!! 

• Don't Smoke....Just as exercise helps everything, smoking hurts everything
• Practice stress relief...whether it is meditation, church, a hobby, or exercising
• Get at least 7 hours of sleep EVERY night
• Laugh & Smile! DO things that keep you happy....and healthy

If you are in the UPSTATE....drop on by!

Yoganize 

2105 Old Spartanburg Rd. Greenville

(864) 325-6053

www.Yoganize.com

Southernom 

1440 Woodruff Rd Greenville

(864) 329-1114

www.southernom.com

Equilibrium Zen Gym

2110 Augusta St. Greenville

(864) 419-2596

www.equilibriumzengym.com

Bridge to Wellness, LLC

607 Main st Simpsonville

(864) 963-4466

www.bridge2wellness.com

All Natural Health and Beauty Center

101 College St. Simpsonville

(864) 963-2882

www.naturalfarmacy.net

July 2, 2012

Natural Hair Types

In order to maintain healthy natural hair, one must identify his/her hair type and use the proper hair products & care techniques accordingly. Textured hair requires special care and styling depending on the curl pattern! Naturally textured hair is divided into 3 categories; 

Type 2- Wavy hair

Type 3- Curly hair

Type 4- Kinky/Coily hair

Type 2 Wavy hair :

The waves and curls in Type 2 hair forms a "S" shape and lay closely to the head. Wavy hair will not bounce, even if layered. 

*Type 2 textures include light to very wavy patterns.

*Waves benefit from mousse, gels & lotions that will enhance waves without weighing them down.

Product Recommendations

*DevaCurl One Condtioner

*MopTop Gentle shampoo

*Curl Junkie Coffee Coco Curl Cream Lite

Type 3 Curly hair:

Curly hair tends to have a lot of body, and can be easily styled in its natural curl state or straightened with a blow dryer. Hair will appear straight while wet, but the curl pattern will appear once hair begins to dry. 

*Type 3 textures include lightly curly to very curly patterns that are well defined

*Curls benefit from leave-in conditioners and dependable stylers. 

Product Recommendations

*Jane Carter Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo

*Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner

*Gleau Nourishing Oil blend

Type 4 Kinky/Coily hair: 

Tightly coiled hair that has a defined curl pattern, that is prone to shrinkage, and that will spring back when pulled. Moisturizers are extremely critical; this hair type is very delicate and easily breaks. 

*Type 4 textures include fine & thin to wiry & coarse coils with lots of densely packed strands

*Coils benefit from pomades, gels and leave-in conditioners to maintain moisture

Product Recommendations 

*MYhoneychild Twist Out Cream

*Blended Beauty Soy Cream Shampoo

*Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding

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***It is extremely important that you learn as much about your natural hair  as possible in order to keep your natural curls in order!!!!

As always, Feel free to post your ?s and/or comments below! 

Peace & LOVE

July 1, 2012

What type of men are you attracting with your natural hair?

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Now that you are sporting your beautiful natural tresses & showing off that CURLY confidence, have you noticed a change in the men that you attract? Does it seem that those men show you more respect on the approach? I must say that I have noticed a HUGE change in the type of guys that approach me, and a difference in the way they choose approach me! Maybe it is because they sense that you are confident, strong, powerful & embracing natural beauty? I am not completely sure, I guess this post calls for an interview in the future? Anyway, this is strictly my opinion (as most of my post) So hope you all agree to some degree? :) Read more below! ....

THE NATURAL BROTHAS

Perhaps the connection is an unspoken bond of embracing black culture and natural black hair!? These guys LOVE natural girls and appreciate their beauty (with all its kinks, coils, curls & locs)!!  You two can share hair secrets & tips, and attend natural hair events together! He sees an immediate thing that you both have in common!  What a natural chemistry!

THE BLIPSTERS

A cross between the words “black” and “hipster”! These guys usually have natural hair, unruly beards and embrace their skin color; listen to a lot of old school poetry hip hop and maybe even jazz! They also have a strong sense of self which is why they dig us natural chics so much!!!

THE CONSERVATIVE

Straight edged and "by the book", this type of guy may be mainstream & politically correct, but he definitely admires you being natural and elegant. Natural beauty....simple yet complex! And he loves that!!! 

THE WHITE BOY

Are you surprised? Maybe not....I notice plenty of interracial couples consist of a kinky girl (hair that is)! Personally, I get the occasional glance and/or advance by these guys; something I never noticed before....So, maybe you do not date white guys, or may so; but they make you feel super comfortable with compliments about your hair. They may not fully understand "natural" black hair, but they know that its pretty & makes you super attractive! 

Thanks for reading & (as always) Feel free to comment!

Peace&LOVE!!! 

Tuesday June 26, 2012

ALOFT Uptown Charlotte, HELLO!

On Saturday June 23, I attended the CurlyNikki meetup in Charlotte, NC! What an exciting experience! Now to begin, CurlyNikki is a popular blog that recieves about 3 million views month! She provides SO much information for all naturals & transitioning naturals! Please visit her blog @ www.curlynikki.com!!! 

Anyway, me and a friend attended the event with great expectations! The turnout was crazy! I saw so many amazing styles, the fashion was on point, and Nikki was beautiful! The event offered appetizers, music, an open bar, UR Curly & Design Essentials provided hair advice, information about their products and prize giveaways; and Nikki allowed guest to meet and take photos with her! 

Nikki & I!!!

We mingled with other curlies, enjoyed the vibes, and peeped all the hot fashion; I was truly inspired by all of the beauty in the room!

On the loft of the hotel! The setting was so relaxing! 

I rocked a blow out (a little shrinkage due to the humidity) that I pinned to one side with, YES, bobby pins! A lot of girl questioned what I used to hold all this THICK hair in place. My hair eats banana clips and combs for breakfast, so I use pins!...I also used my trusted Eco Styler gel to smooth down that one side!

What I wore was quite simple...

*Blue Leopard print dress-TJ Maxx

*Deena & Ozzy platform flats- Urban Outfitters

*Bracelet & earrings- ICING

Other Random PICS :)

The line of people waiting to see CurlyNikki & Crew! 

My Best friend & I!!! By the way, she is a transitioning natural :) 

In the mirror before we left!... Anyone seen my earrings? 

Doing the Wobble! She is going to kill me for posting this :) 

We definitely enjoyed ourselves and are looking forward to attending other events in the future!!! CurlyNikki came to Charlotte NC and shut it down! Everything was great! 

Peace, Jess

Sunday June 24, 2012

Bangin' Summer Fashion Trendz.....

So this blog is not only for natural hair, and all its glory! I want to also blog about some of the latest fashion trends! 

Some of my fav places to shop are H&M, Urban Outfitters, Free People, Forever 21 and etc!!! These stores offer the hottest fashions and current trends! Online consignment shops are the coolest; Online shopping is extra convenient if you do not have the time to travel and/or there is not a variety of shops in your hometown. Retro and vintage styles are what I look for in these stores!

Below are a few tips and pics of hot 'ish that I peeped online today!!!!...

Seems that COLOR BLOCKING is a trending style this summer! And it is one that I adore personally! Pairing bold, solid color pieces is like no other!

TIP: Stick to 3 colors max to avoid a "rainbow brite" look! 

Forever 21 Colorblocked Panel dress $17.80

Click here to buy

Urban Outfitters Oh Snap Colorblock Journal $34.oo

Click here to buy

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Another trending style is BOLD PRINTS! I am loving the oversize florals and  mirror-like GEO prints!

A simple yet stylish TIP: Pair any colorful Print blazer or cardian over a super-simple black top and pants!!!

Urban Outfitters Truly Madly Deeply Slouchy printed tunic $19.99 (sale)

Click here to buy

Urban Outfitters Title Unknown Printed Mesh back tank $19.99 (sale)

Click here to buy

***

Also, lovely Pastels! What is Spring/Summer fashion without the fresh, airiness of pastel tones? Try pairing neon with Pastels; wearing pastel from head to toe can create a washed out look, so try adding something eye popping to contrast those subtle colors!

Free People Striped Burlap Tube Dress $118.00

Click to buy

POPbeauty Nail Glam $10.00

Click here to buy

There are so many hot trends to follow this year! I will definitely keep you guys posted on the latest!!

Peace, Jess! 

Friday June 22, 2012

Singing in the shower!

I am singing in the shower! Singing and rejoicing at my new method of detangling my hair!!!! I have type 4 kinky hair, so detangling is (was) my least fav thing to do! Don't get me wrong, I love love love my natural hair, with all of its kinks & coils, but I am always trying to find an easier way to manage it! 

Natural & transition hair is prone to tangles and knots. Detangling aid in the prevention of shedding and promotes growth in the long run! 

Honestly, I just began to practice good detangling habits. I felt as if it was a waste of time and I would just do twist without detangling. BIG MISTAKE. My hair began to shed profusely, and "ripped" as I would unravel my twist! It was at that moment that I realized that it was time to stop begin lazy and truly take care of my tresses! 

People have their own methods of detangling, and no two heads are alike; so I begin researching ways that would work for my hair. My hair is VERY dense with extremely tight curls! I have tried so many different ways, and none of them worked; until yesterday!!! 

***

The reason I am singing in the shower is because I have finally found a way that works for both me & my hair (yes, my hair is alive as well)! I came across an interview posted of a fellow curly girl on a popular blog. She explained her regimen, and revealed how she detangles her hair. Her trick is as follows:

1. After a light shampoo or CoWash she applied a conditioner with good "slip"
2. Detangled her hair in sections with a wide tooth comb w/conditioner still in hair
3. Once the section is detangled, she braided that section w/conditioner still in hair
4. After her entire head was completed, she rinsed (with cold water) 
5. Once out of the shower, she took the braids out, and proceed to styling as usual!!!

Now, I was kind of skeptical to try once I read that she braided her hair with conditioner still in!!! But what did I have to lose? So, I did everything as she explained. I used Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition conditioner to CoWash my hair and used a wide tooth comb to detangle each section.

TO MY SURPRISE, my hair reacted perfectly to the detangle session, and even better once I removed the braids after the cold water rinse!!! My curls were popping and my hair was extra soft! I applied Shea Moisture's Organic Raw Shea Butter Reconstructive Elixir spray, two strand twist my hair, pinned it up and allowed it to air dry! 

Today, my hair is extra soft and is still moisturized! I lightly misted with water this morning and continued with my day! 

I have been natural for 15 months, and I am still learning new things about my hair; am trying to create the best regimen for healthy hair and growth! I am super excited about this new way of managing my hair and will continue on this journey to find other great ways to care for my natural tresses! To sum it all up... 

To detangle natural & transitioning hair one must:

• Lightly wash or CoWash hair
• Apply a nice "slippery" conditioner
• Detangle hair in sections (with condish still in) using a wide tooth comb
• Twist or braid the section once it is detangled (with condish still in)
• Once entire head is completed, rinse with cold water
• Style as usual

Thank you for reading and good luck on your journey! 

Peace, Jess

Happy Father's Day!!!

Father:

1. a male parent
2. a person who founds a line or family
3. any male acting in a paternal capacity
4. a respectful term of address for an old man
5. a male ancestor
6. a man who originates, creates, or found something

Many of you can relate to the definitions above. There is no rule or criteria set for being a father; and the role of a "father" can be taken on by anyone! Today is a day of honoring and celebrating the role of fatherhood, paternal bonds and positive influences created by whomever we look up to as a "father figure". We appreciate everything that you do. So hug that person, and be sure to tell them how much you love them! I am fortunate to have a wonderful father in my life, and so do my children! They have awesome dads; and are loves of their lives! I wouldn't change a thing! The bond between father and daughter is definitely a magical one!

HAPPY FATHER' S DAY TO YOU ALL! MUCH LOVE!

Shouts out to all the "fathers" out here holding it down, taking care of business, supporting families, remaining confident and strong, encouraging the youth, influencing positivity, and making a difference! I love it!!! 

Peace, Jessica...