Weight Loss & Over-All Health.....

My goal in 2008 is to get back in shape....I have gained over the holidays 10 pounds which now makes me a ....120 pounds at 5 ft....Not overweight but I have favorite outfits I can't fit which is frustrating...No more dieting ..I want to lose those last 10 pounds healthy....

I have been very tired lately and no energy...I've been having headaches....and my nails are splitting down the middle..I'll be 31 in two months and I'm too young to be feeling the way I've been feeling..My bad eating habits have affected my whole body....And it stops today!!!!!

With good eating habits and supplements I hope to be feeling better soon!!! I was happy to find that the supplements I need also will help me lose weight , have healthy hair, nails , and skin....

This is what I started taking today..

• Womens Mega Multi- Vita Min

• MSM

For pain relief*Allergies*Inflammation* Promote Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails

• CLA

1. Helps promote fat loss and lean mass gain - improving fat/muscle ratio
2. Increases energy expenditure and helping fat loss has proven cancer fighting abilities
3. Studies suggest that CLA can help prevent Atherosclerosis (it's a condition of hardening of your arteries due to build up of fatty deposits along the artery walls.)
4. also plays a role in treating Diabetes
5. helps enhances and improves your immune system
6. acts as a powerful anti-oxidant (keeps the free radicals in check)
7. also helps improved cholesterol levels.

• Collagen

1. Slows down signs of aging
2. revitalizing your skin and keeping it healthy
3. reducing the occurrence of fine lines and wrinkles
4. strengthen your nails and improve the condition of your hair
5. taken before exercise or any physical activities, collagen functions at its best, increasing both energy and performance
6. maintain and replenish lean muscle mass to improve the administration of your body's fat, therefore, take part in managing weight.

• Coconut Oil( I'm so In Love w/Coconut Oil..Hair benefits..Now Health!!)
  

1. It can help you lose weight, or help maintain your perfect weight
2. Help reduce your risk of heart disease
3. Lower your cholesterol
4. 
   
5. Help with digestive complications
6. Boost metabolism and help promote healthy thyroid function
7. Rejuvenate your skin

Wish me luck with my weight-loss and other goals. I hope this helps!!!!!

HEALTHY LOCKS: IT’S ALL IN WHAT YOU EAT

Growing long, healthy locks is not child’s play. It’s a serious matter. If you take your health seriously you should have no problem growing strong, healthy, shiny hair.

You can attain hair like your favorite celebrity - without having to take out your check book or pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to a top of the line stylist to weave someone else’s hair into yours (someone who’s taken the time to grow the hair that your paying for, I might add). Why not grow the hair yourself so that it’s truly "yours" for as long as you want it to be! You won't have to worry about taking it out in a few weeks or months, that hair can be yours! And when someone says to you, "I love your hair", you won’t have to feel guilty. You’ll know that the pride, patience and care it took you to grow your luscious locks was well worth it. Here are the secrets to having beautiful hair that’s the envy of all others.

Your hair is a true confession of what you eat. If your diet mainly consists of fast-food, processed food or little or no water or vitamins, your hair will show your diet history. Your hair tells a lot about your eating habits. It’s like the DNA of your diet. Not only will your hair be dry, limp and dull, but you will also feel dull and lifeless too.

The key to amazing hair is a healthy diet. I know it may sound cliché but it’s true. Try to focus on the two most important factors which are high quality proteins like tofu, fish and legumes. Also, make sure you have enough calories daily to maintain good health.

Healthy hair also depends upon micro nutrients like vitamins A, C, zinc and B complex. Make sure that you eat a well balanced diet. Add a variety of fruits and vegetables which are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, whole grains for minerals, soy products for plant-based estrogens, nuts and seeds for minerals and vitamins, and lean protein for iron. You should also consider taking a multivitamin for assurance.

A total breakfast cereal high in fiber and nutrients will also help you get all of the other nutrients your body needs. You should also try to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day as this adds moisture to your skin and hair to give you an overall healthy glow.

Source:Curlyhairsalon.com

How much hair loss is normal ?

When hair loss is a problem, and when it's not…O's beauty director, Valerie Monroe, gets to the bottom line.
Dear Val:
How much hair loss is normal?


Response:
I have the sinking feeling you're asking because you've noticed an unusual amount of hair either in your bathroom sink or in the drain after a shampoo. Everyone loses between 40 and 120 strands a day, depending on how much hair you have and its growth cycle. Finer-haired people tend to have more strands than coarse-haired, so they generally lose more. But if you're used to losing around 40 a day and you're suddenly shedding 80 or more, or if your part seems to be getting wider or you're seeing more scalp, you've probably got a problem, according to hair and scalp specialist David Kingsley, PhD. Don't hit the panic button: Not all hair loss is permanent, says Kingsley; it's vital to find out what's causing the loss so that it can be treated. Some of the causes: seasonal shedding, usually in the fall (no pun intended); post-pregnancy hormonal changes; going on or off (but especially off) the birth control pill; losing more than 15 pounds in a month; thyroid problems; iron deficiency; and stress. Oh, and menopause, when thinning often begins. (Now my own 55-year-old blood has suddenly chilled.) Kingsley reminds us, though, that postmenopausal thinning stops at some (genetically predisposed) point, and that women's hair tends to thin diffusely, all over the scalp, rather than in the male-pattern way. Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved treatment for women, and in 60 to 70 percent of cases it improves the follicle's ability to produce hair, says Kingsley.

Bottom line: If you seem to be shedding more than usual, see a doctor to determine the cause. In many cases, hair loss can be reversed in three to six months.


Source: O, The Oprah Magazine.

Get more beauty advice from Valerie Monroe in the November 2005 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine.

Herbal Essence Long Term Collection Review

Well Ladies I tried it and Loved it !!!!!!!! Herbal Essence Long Term Collection was wonderful!!!
I did my usual Pre-poo and Shampooed with the Long Term Shampoo and it was wonderful..It didn't dry my hair and my hair literally felt like silk..I then applied some Long Term Conditioner and covered with a plastic while I showered , etc. After I rinsed... I used the Long Term Leave-In Split-End Protector and sealed with a little Coconut Oil...I'm lovin' my hair right now....It was salon results!!!!! Even better each bottle cost about 3 Dollars .....I don't know... It may replace my Nexxus!!!
It also has a very soft romantic smell..mmmmm

Tips I Use To Have Healthy Relaxed Hair

Relaxers (straighteners) work by changing the chemical bonds in curly hair.This causes Relaxed hair to be weak and dry. Here are tips I use to keep healthy relaxed hair....
Moisture, Moisture, Moisture!!!

Try to avoid the use of direct heat.Heat appliances such as blow-dryers or curling irons can over dry the hair.
When using heat always use a heat protector

Cotton pillow cases and sheets help in breakage, use a silk or satin scarf to wrap up your hair while sleeping. Use a satin pillow case.

Do not over process or overlap your existing straighten hair.

Always wait at least six weeks till next relaxer ( I now try to relaxer no less than every 8 weeks)

Wash primarily your scalp rather than your hair unless your hair is very oily or dirty. Prevents stripping the hair of needed moisture..

You may have to alternate between a non protein conditioner and a protein conditioner every few months or often. When hair is dry and brittle it may have too much protein. If hair is limp and stretchy, it lack protein

Use a clarifying shampoo at once a month to rid your hair of environmental pollutants and product build-up.

Deep condition regularly using a protein or moisturizing deep conditioner or use a combo conditioner with both at least once a week
Daily Moisturizing and weekly deep conditioning ( I moisturize daily and deep condition at least twice a week)

Use leave-in-conditioner. Leave-ins nourish the hair and help protect the hair from the sun and environment. It also helps protect against heat damage

Let your hair air dry whenever possible
Air Drying allows you to keep moisture in hair longer ( I air dry with a leave-in and little Coconut oil ...I air dry in four or five braided plaits)


Protect your ends with a light moisturizer. Your ends are the oldest part of your hair. It needs extra moisture. This reduces breakage and split ends.

Use wide tooth comb

Never wring your hair. When hair is wet it is particularly fragile. Twisting hair and/or stretching it when it is wet is bad for the hair fibers and will encourage splitting.

Rubber bands and Metal hair clips cause breakage

Prepoo before washing (Pre shampoo Treatment/natural oils can be used or conditioners . I mix oils in my conditioner for prepooing)
Relaxed hair require additional conditioning treatments. Prepooing also blocks any harsh cleaning agents from penetrating and drying the hair.

Natural Oils.... instead of hair grease

My favorite is Coconut Oil....It is also wonderful to use as a hair conditioner. Beauticians who are familiar with coconut swear by it. It softens the hair and conditions the scalp. Using the coconut oil as a pre-wash conditioner can rid a person of dandruff better than a medicated shampoo.
In India women have used coconut oil as a pre-wash treatment for many many years. Oil treatments are really common there. Coconut oil is the best hair oil.
Virgin Coconut Oil is one of the few oils that is scientifically proven to be able to penetrate deep inside the hair shaft and carry nourishment along with it.
Use only Virgin Coconut Oil or Unrefined Coconut Oil because it is:

* Made with coconuts from traditional palms - not hybrid varieties
* Unrefined *( need unrefined to get all the benefits)
* Unbleached *
* Non-deodorized *
* Non-hydrogenated
* Free of chemicals

What's in your make-up bag???

How many of you have that lipstick you can't find anymore and is 5 years old? It's so low u have to use you fingers to put it on. Read this....

Food isn’t the only product that needs an expiration date. Dermatoligist say your old makeup may be causing you blemishes or even worse — it could lead to a dangerous infection.


Eyelashes naturally have bacteria on them. As soon as you use a makeup brush on the eyelash or eyelid, the brush is contaminated, according to ophthalmologists at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

That mascara wand can do more than just make your lashes longer -- it can also give you an eye infection.

Every year, many women end up with eye infections from cosmetics. In rare cases, women have been temporarily or permanently blinded by an eye cosmetic, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Ladies its time to clean out the make-up bag and containers:

Those old makeup containers may be full of more than just powder, they peri-oral dermatitis from using some old, expired makeup that might irritate the skin and cause little red bumps that look like acne, could be harboring dangerous bacteria. So how do you know when to throw them out?

Concealer
Up to 12 months.

Eye liner
Should be sharpened regularly. Will last up to 3 years.

Eyeshadow
Will also last up to 3 years if it is powdered form

Foundation
Check the ingredients. Water-based foundation will last up to 12 months, oil-based will last up to 18 months.

Lip liner
Up to 2/3 years.

Lipstick
Up to 4 years, but if it smells rancid, throw it out, it’s spoiled

Mascara
Throw out after 3 months

Nail Polish
Up to 12 months, depending on the quality

3 Years
Face powder.


SAFETY TIPS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) outlines these cosmetic safety tips to reduce contamination (www.fda.gov):

1. Keep makeup containers closed tight when not in use.

2. Keep makeup out of the sunlight to avoid destroying the preservatives.

3. Don't use eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), and throw away any makeup you were using when you first discovered the infection.

4. Never add any liquid to a product unless the instructions tell you to.

5. Throw away any makeup if the color changes or an odor develops. Preservatives can degrade over time and may not be able to fight bacteria.

Lots of people use the testers at makeup counters. Testers can have lots of germs. Products you keep in your home are less likely to have germs. Do you want to test a product at the counter anyway? If so, use a new sponge or cotton swab.

6. Never share make-up especially Eye Make-up.

Hair Regimen

I'm relaxed 4a/b hair type..I have very thick hair

My Hair Care Regimen:

Wash hair with shampoo 1x a week
Prepoo overnight 2x to 3x a week b4 every wash or co-wash
co wash 1x to 2x a week
Deep condition under heating cap after every wash or co-wash
Air Dry
Protein when needed
Clarify 1x a month
Moisturize and seal ends every night
Wear protective styles( Buns and French Rolls)
I love braid-outs
Relax every 8 to 10 weeks

Products:
Nexxus Therappe, Aloe Rid , Headress, Humectress
Neutrogena Triple Moisture(deep recovery hair mask)
ORS Hair Mayonnaise
Suave Humectant conditioner( co-washes)
Victoria Secret SO SEXY conditioner for dry hair (co-washes)
Unrefined Pure Coconut Oil ( mix w/conditioner for prepoo & used for moisture) I also Mix Peppermint oil, and Rosemary oil with Coconut oil and conditioner for prepoo
Profectiv Healthy Ends ( Moisturize ends- Seal ends w/Coconut oil or olive oil)
Just for me (no lye relaxer)
Satin/Silk Pillow Case/ silk bonnets

What is Co- Washes??

Co-Washes are Conditioner washes...Instead of using shampoo I use conditioner in place of shampoo...I use the conditioner and rub scalp etc just like shampoo. My hair actually comes out clean and refreshed...This allow me to clean often and not strip the hair.....The key to caring for black hair is Moisture...even more so if you are relaxed...This helps me keep moisture in the hair

What is Prepoo?

Prepoo is a pre shampoo treatment . You can use oils, conditioner, or mix both . It adds moisture and conditions the hair to prevent stripping when shampooing. It can be done for a few minutes, hours or the night before shampoo? I personally prefer to prepoo on dry hair cover with plastic and leave on overnight..and wash early in the morning.

What is Deep Conditioning?

Combat the damage of chemical treatments, coloring, heat styling and environmental pollution by deep-conditioning your hair on a regular basis. This will help replenish lost moisture and keep locks shiny and resilient. You should deep condition at least once a week. I deep condition with these conditioners under dryer or heating cap for a least 20 minutes :

Neutrogena Triple Moisture(deep recovery hair mask)
Nexxus ORS Hair Mayonnaise
For a quick deep-conditioning in the shower, gently squeeze any excess water from your hair and distribute the conditioner evenly throughout your hair and put a plastic cap or shower cap. Shave your legs or suds your body to give the conditioner time to work.

For a spa-like experience, light a candle and draw a bath prior to the application of conditioner. Clip your hair up or tuck it under a shower cap and relax in the tub for 20 minutes.


What is Clarifying Shampoo?
Glossary
Definition: A clarifying shampoo has one job and that is to remove buildup of gels, mousses, pomades and other products that weigh down your hair with regular use. It differs from a regular shampoo because of the elevated acid content of the product and because of this, it should be used about once a month.

I clarify once a month or when needed to remove build-up...

K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Sista)

I want to share my Beauty Tips, Hair Tips, Fitness and Health Tips ....My life with all of you!!! I will also share my journey to be Fit and to grow long hair......I'm sharing the good the bad and the ugly...So many women hide they're secrets but I'll be sharing it all. I believe women should take care of themselves but , I also believe it should be simple...Hold on to your seats because we are going on a fun, and emotional Roller Coaster !!! I hope you enjoy!!!