Chili Oil and Rosemary Oil = Hair growth!

I thought I would share my experience with using chili pepper oil (capsicum) and rosemary essential oil to help aid with hair growth.




For a while I notice my hair was staying at one length (ex. A)

ex. A (2009)

 and it didn't seem to grow past that length for about 3 years. I believe it may have been due to poor managing or stress, who knows but I know for sure I was most certainly getting tired of it remaining that same length for so long! Now, I know black hair shrinks in it's natural state due to the tight curls but even when I straighten it to do a length check I noticed it still had not grew very much. I made sure to moisture it as much as possible, along with protein treatments but it still remained the same.
I finally search the web for remedies and suggestions and that's when I stumble upon information about protective styling and essential oils. For so long I was wetting my hair every morning (to get that "was-n-go" look lol), throwing a LITTLE moisturizer in it and heading out the door. By doing this everyday for such a long period of time I was causing my hair to dry out. Not getting regular trimmings as well added to my tight curls tangling, knotting up and splitting. So I decided I would keep my hair straight for a while so I could avoids knots and tangles and so I could stop the excessive use of water (Only when washing my hair) and keep it oil and protected between trimmings.

ex. B
(Small amount of my real hair left out in the front.)

My protective styles included keeping my hair in a bun and also braiding it back and wearing half wigs...(ex. B). By doing this there was less stress and manipulation done to my hair and it stayed moisturized and protected. At night I made sure to sleep with a satin scarf on my head. Avoiding breakage as much as possible is key (of course lol).

ex. C

Now, I took hair vitamins as well. I suggest Futurebiotics® Hair, Skin & Nails®. Hair, Skin & Nails®...(ex. C). These vitamins worked great for me. Maintaining a healthy diet and taking in the right supplements and vitamins are always good for healthy hair growth.




On to the oil....
I came up with using capsicum and rosemary oil because both I assumed these two oils would help with hair growth due to them both aiding in stimulating nerves and blood flood. 


Chili oil helps ability to improve blood circulation and it is an antioxidant which help to combat free radicals in the body.  "Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinali bps) is a wonderful smelling, multi-purpose herb; the leaves of which have been used in traditional cures for centuries. The herb stimulates hair growth and makes hair smell delightful. Rosemary is said to enhance the memory by improving blood circulation." Learn more: (http://www.naturalnews.com/032781_rosemary_hair.html#ixzz21HdzB0uj).  
" ...known to be good for the hair and scalp. Use as a rinse to condition hair and fight dandruff. Rinsing with a rosemary infusion (strong tea) on a regular basis is thought to encourage growth and may even restore color in some cases. Combine with a few drops of lavender essential oil for best results." (http://www.everygreenherb.com/rosemary2.html). 

ex. D1 (2011)

I decided to mix the two with a small amount of water into a fine tip squeeze bottle and distribute it all throughout my scalp. *Make sure to avoid rubbing your hair and eyes after use*. Once applying you will definitely feel immediate tingling or a little burning but don't worry it will soon subside.  I continued this method for a year and starting noticing more growth and length in my hair. With protective styling, along with using a little of the oil mix directly on my scalp, my hair length showed some significant changes! 
(ex.D1 - D2).

ex. D2 (2011)

PROS & CONS of Online Dating!

 I remember not to long ago a lot of people perceived online dating as "taboo" or for those who were "weirdos", "creeps" or "for losers who could not get a date in person." Times have changed and many people's mindset and feelings have changed in regards to online dating. A lot more people from all walks of life are trying it and it  is becoming quiet the norm in the world of dating. More people are a lot more accepting of this new way of meeting people to find a potential mate, friend or random hookup for you know what.

  With so much computer use going on, I think it is only natural that one might eventually stumble across an online dating site and try it out to see what it is like. Some have success and some have failure. That is why it is best for one to weigh the pros and cons of online dating before diving head first into it....

Here is a list of some the Pros & Cons:

PROS

• HELPS PULL THE WEEDS OUT

      - You can "weed out", eliminate, block those who you are not interested in based on profile picture, what is written on their profile, etc. In person it can be a bit harder to do without being rude (not that you necessarily have to be) or having the other person feel stupid, hurt or embarrassed because you turned them down right in their face.

• A LOT OF OPTIONS     

     - You can meet a significant amount of people online from the convenience of your home in little time.

• MORE ANONYMITY MORE OPEN

    - People are a little more comfortable and open when talking because they protected by the computer screen. So this helps making it a bit easier in getting to know someone better in little time.

• NOT FEELING BAD WHEN TURNED DOWN

   - Rejection doesn't bother or hurt you as much like it does in face-to-face encounters.

• NOTICE WORDS MORE THAN LOOKS

   - It can go either way. Though we are first drawn or attracted to a person based on looks first, as we talk to someone online or over the phone for a while before meeting in person helps us focus more on what they say and what they feel instead of the distraction of just focusing their physical attributes. As we get to know each other better, if the two people enjoy the conversation and feel they share the same thoughts, they will connect on a better level where the physical characteristics MAY become less important.





CONS

• MISSING THE REAL

- You may miss out on "real" dating and socializing with people in person, where you can touch, smell, and feel them in person on your first encounter.

• BEING LOOKED AT HAS STRANGE

  - Even though many people have got hip to online dating, many of those who are not computer savvy or into new ways of dating (Your traditional people), like some friends or relatives, my criticize you for it. Be ready to hear some negative responses when you tell someone that you met a person ONLINE! They'll say you are desperate, dumb, crazy and everything else because they refuse to accept people meeting online.
What they fail to realize is...You can meet crazy people in person too, not just on the internet!

• LIARS, POSERS, AND EXAGGERATION 

   - A person can be whoever they what to be online. The picture they post may not be of them-fake profile or using an old picture of themselves when they surely don't look like that anymore.Lying about themselves and what they have or making it seem they have this great life and they truly what you to be apart of it. Saying they are single when they are not and saying they want a relationship but actually they are just looking for a quick hookup for sex.

• ADDICTION AND WASTING TIME 

- You can become so wrapped up and addicted to meeting people online that you forget about other important matters in your life. Sitting on the computer all day and forgetting to go out and socialize in person and having time for friends and family instead of looking at profiles all day hoping to find "The One".

•  RELOCATION COST

- This depends on if you are not only looking for someone locally. If you live in Iowa and the person you hit it off with and are serious about lives in Texas, are you willing to put in the time and money to go and visit or live with that person? Would you be able to make changes in your life and relocate for "love?".

• SPENDING ON LOVE

    - Some dating website require you to pay a monthly fee in order to use them because they are trying help you find your best match (Who may turn out not to be when you meet them). Now, are you go to spend money like that hoping that the site will do it's best matching you with the all these potentials who could possibly be "The One" and it turning into a disaster? No! Who wants to waste money like that and never find their match after all that money spent. You could have used it to go out to meet people instead. (Tip: Always try the free sites first. If it doesn't work THEN head over to the ones that charge to help give more in depth matchmaking).




- Jamie

   

Floating free as a feather....

Letting go of past hurt or feelings that caused us so much grief and sorrow (like lose of a loved one) may be hard but if you hold on to them you will remain stuck and never moving forward. Simply trapped. We must set ourselves free from   these bad feelings. Making better progress in life starts with setting our minds on starting something new, new goals that we know will help in the future. Remaining in the past with negative thoughts causes you to miss out on your blessing that will bring you happiness in the present and in the near future.

The freedom of letting go.

Let go, free your mind, and be at peace.Focus on tomorrow, you only have one life and it is precious. Enjoy the good things and those to come. The past is over look at now and what's to come. 

  No worries.

Verbal Abuse

    I enjoyed Spring break with the kids, relaxed and chilled in the nice Cali weather. Now back to business!

Never let another's negative words affect
how you feel about yourself.

   This post is about dealing with verbal abuse and negativity.

    All of us at sometime in our lives or throughout our lives have endured the pains of abuse. Whether it be from a co-worker, friend, relative or a complete stranger, no matter what it always has some kind of affect on us. It will mess with your self-esteem, confidence, fears and/or future relationship with others if you try to ignore it or just "brush it under the rug", it sticks! 


    Though constructive criticism may be useful sometimes when trying to help someone better themselves,  it must be done with tact. It is not what you say but how you go about saying...If I say, "Your dress makes you look fat and boxy!", it is going to get a negative reaction from the individual that I am saying it to. Now, if I say, "You know you have great figure and that dress is really covering it up! I think you would look good in a more figure flattering dress best for your nice shape", then I might proceed to help the person look for some clothing that will look better and more complimentary to their body. See the difference! It is all about how you say it. Not everyone will be tactful like that though so you have to have tough skin.

    
      Some people may just be more blunt than others and say stuff right off the top of their head and may not think things through but their intentions may have not been coming from a negative place. This is when we must differentiate whether this pure negativity, coming from a hateful and spiteful place or just honest constructive criticism used to be helpful. 


     Many of us are subject to verbal abuse and are unaware, feeling it is just "harmless mean words" (which would be an oxymoron) thinking it is OK to deal with day to day when it should NOT be! If you are constantly dealing with this from a person all the time then most likely they are being verbally abusive. Some people have to endure this so much that it becomes the norm for them, almost believing they deserve it-when they don't. Here are some signs that you are dealing with a verbal/emotional abuser:

• Name calling
• Ridicule over self expression
• Jealousy over friends or family
• Belittling your concerns or needs
• Berates your self confidence
• Says, "You're Too Sensitive"
• Gives you the silent treatment for unclear reasons
• Making impossible demands
• Outbursts of rage for no clear reason
• Frequent criticism or humiliation
• Makes fun of you in front of others

(A person may even do these above in a joking manner but it is still WRONG. Verbal abusers seek control, and not just your actions but your emotions as well.)


   Remember to never put up with such abuse, life is to short to feel miserable because another person is unhappy with themselves and wants you to feel like crap too. Never give them power, it will eventually weaken and drain you!


    Here are some articles that are helpful when trying to overcome hurt and pain of dealing with negativity:

• http://www.life-with-confidence.com/people-who-put-you-down.html
• http://www.calmdownmind.com/the-pain-of-emotional-hurt/
• http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-negative-people-or-difficult-people/
• http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art39146.asp

Hope it will be of great use to you :-)


Have a blessed day.

Macarons!

Coconut Macaroons

I was watching some of Michelle Phan's vids and I was inspired to write a post on Macarons (The spelling is correct, don't confusion them with your coconut macaroons). If you don't know what they are, macarons are french pastries filled with butter cream or jam filling sandwiched between two cookies. It has been argued that macarons originated in Italy but that's an issue I'll leave alone lol.

Now! If you are interested in making these tasty treats, then here is the recipe for you, enjoy!:

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups plus 1 teaspoon confectioners sugar
• 1 cup (4 ounces) finely ground sliced, blanched almonds
• 6 tablespoons fresh egg whites (from about 3 extra-large eggs)
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Macaron Filling

              Directions

1. To make the macarons: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar and ground almonds. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip egg whites with salt on medium speed until foamy. Increase speed to high and gradually add granulated sugar. Continue to whip until stiff glossy peaks form. With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the confectioners' sugar mixture until completely incorporated.
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. Fit a pastry bag with a 3/8-inch #4 round tip, and fill with batter. Pipe 1-inch disks onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies. The batter will spread a little. Let stand at room temperature until dry, and a soft skin forms on the tops of the macarons and the shiny surface turns dull, about 15 minutes.
3. Bake, with the door of the oven slightly ajar, until the surface of the macarons is completely dry, about 15 minutes. Remove baking sheet to a wire rack and let the macarons cool completely on the baking sheet. Gently peel off the parchment. Their tops are easily crushed, so take care when removing the macarons from the parchment. Use immediately or store in an airtight container, refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
4. To fill the macarons: Fill a pastry bag with the filling. Turn macarons so their flat bottoms face up. On half of them, pipe about 1 teaspoon filling. Sandwich these with the remaining macarons, flat-side down, pressing slightly to spread the filling to the edges. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
5. Variations: To make coffee-flavored macarons: In step 1, add 2 drops brown food coloring to the egg whites after they are whipped. In step 4, blend 1/2 cup macaron filling with 1 1/2 teaspoons espresso powder dissolved in 1/2 teaspoon warm water for the filling. To make cassis-flavored macarons: In step 1, add 2 drops purple food coloring to the egg whites after they are whipped. In step 4, use 1/3 cup good-quality cassis jam for the filling. To make pistachio-flavored macarons: In step 1, add 2 drops green food coloring to the egg whites after they are whipped. In step 4, combine 1/2 cup macaron filling with 1 tablespoon pistachio paste for the filling.

• http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2007/10/how-to-make-macarons-recipe.html
• http://www.marthastewart.com/319525/parisian-macaroons

Black History Month

Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as "Negro History Week" and later as "Black History Month." What you might not know is that black history had barely begun to be studied-or even documented-when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America at least as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a respectable presence in the history books.

Blacks Absent from History Books We owe the celebration of Black History Month, and more importantly, the study of black history, to Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Born to parents who were former slaves, he spent his childhood working in the Kentucky coal mines and enrolled in high school at age twenty. He graduated within two years and later went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. The scholar was disturbed to find in his studies that history books largely ignored the black American population-and when blacks did figure into the picture, it was generally in ways that reflected the inferior social position they were assigned at the time.

Established Journal of Negro History Woodson, always one to act on his ambitions, decided to take on the challenge of writing black Americans into the nation's history. He established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now called the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History) in 1915, and a year later founded the widely respected Journal of Negro History. In 1926, he launched Negro History Week as an initiative to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history.
Woodson chose the second week of February for Negro History Week because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the black American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. However, February has much more than Douglass and Lincoln to show for its significance in black American history. For example:

• February 23, 1868:

• W. E. B. DuBois

, important civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, was born.

• February 3, 1870:

• The 15th Amendment was passed, granting blacks the right to vote.

• February 25, 1870:

• The first black U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels (1822-1901), took his oath of office.

• February 12, 1909:

• The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded by a group of concerned black and white citizens in New York City.

• February 1, 1960:

• In what would become a civil-rights movement milestone, a group of black Greensboro, N.C., college students began a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter.

• February 21, 1965:

• Malcolm X

, the militant leader who promoted Black Nationalism, was shot to death by three Black Muslims.

• More from the Black History Timeline

Read more: The History of Black History Month (Famous People, Women, Facts, Leaders, Events) — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bhmintro1.html#ixzz1lZcVL8XD 

Valentine's Day History....

The Legend of St. Valentine

The history of Valentine's Day--and the story of its patron saint--is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite. 

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl--possibly his jailor's daughter--who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and--most importantly--romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.
                         

Origins of Valentine's Day: A Pagan Festival in February

While some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial--which probably occurred around A.D. 270--others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to "Christianize" the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. 

To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the goat's hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city's bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage.

                           Valentine's Day: A Day of Romance

Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity and but was outlawed—as it was deemed “un-Christian”--at the end of the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day. It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine's Day should be a day for romance.Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine's didn't begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

Source: http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day