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Showing posts with label Need to Know Info.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Need to Know Info.. Show all posts

Thursday, January 28, 2010

FOOD, INC. SALE


Hi Gorgeous!

Yesterday was quite a day for me. I did Hot Core Yoga for the first time. I'll post on the experience another day. And later on, caught Oprah's show on Food 101. For this show, Michael Pollan , among others, on talking about the food we eat. In particular, Michael Pollan was there to discuss the movie "Food, Inc." which I must say that I'm a bit ashamed & embarrassed that I hadn't seen it before now.

Never heard of the documentary "Food, Inc."? Well here's a synopsis.

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, herbicide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of E. coli—the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.

Featuring interviews with such experts as Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma, In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto) along with forward thinking social entrepreneurs like Stonyfield's Gary Hirshberg and Polyface Farms' Joel Salatin, Food, Inc. reveals surprising—and often shocking truths—about what we eat, how it's produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going from here.


This is obviously a movie which I believe every household in America should take time to watch so that you can be aware of your food choices. Ignorance is not bliss. It can actually cost you things, like your health. So educate yourself.

Fortunately, Oprah and a few others feel similiar to this because you can purchase the "Food, Inc." dvd at Amazon.com for $9.99 thru midnight this Friday. It normally retails between $26 and $35, depending on whether you are Blu-ray person or not. Either way, this is an excellent deal. I've already ordered my copy and should receive it be next Wednesday, so expect more on this.

Remember, educate yourself. Be in the know.
Much Luv,

Post Title FOOD, INC. SALE

Thursday, January 7, 2010

CAROLYN AKENS with WHAT'S IN YOUR PANTRY?....



Introducing Certified Raw Foods Nutrition Consultant, Raw Food Chef/Instructor and Raw Lifestyle Coach, Carolyn Akens. She has graciously agreed to give us monthly insight into the foods that we eat. Here's what she has to say about....

What’s In Your PANTRY?

We take the time to read an annual report, newspaper, or the current bestseller, but we don’t take the time to read the ingredients label on the food you buy especially if it processed. You have tried to change the way you eat, but find it continuously difficult to achieve that goal, and the reason is simple, the additives that are put in processed food keeps you addicted to it. That’s right ADDICTED! Various additives are in process foods to make it taste good and keep you coming back for more. The reason we consistently have these particular urges is MSG-monosodium glutamate! You will now see many labels that say msg-free or no msg, but are you aware of the many names of MSG? If not, look at this list and then check your pantry:

The many names of MSG: autolyzed yeast, calcium caseinate, gelatin glutamate, glutamic acid, hydrolyzed corn gluten, hydrolyzed protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, monopotassium glutamate, pea protein, plant protein extract, sodium caseinate, textured protein, yeast extract, yeast food, yeast nutrient.

So tell me, what’s in your pantry?

Blessings,
Carolyn


Master Raw Food Chef/Instructor - Raw Food Isn't Baby Food!
Raw Food Classes, Raw Food Chef & Raw Food Instructor Certifications, Mastering the Art of Pastry Unbaked Training

Twitter: MyRawChef
Facebook: Carolyn's Raw Foods
Web: Carolyn's Raw Foods
Email: carolyn@carolynsrawfoods.com

Post Title CAROLYN AKENS with WHAT'S IN YOUR PANTRY?....

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

HAIR + EXERCISE = SWEAT


Hi Gorgeous!

I hope that you all are having a wonderful week. Mine has been great. I've interviewed some awesome ladies for the "Heroine Entrepreneur" series, spent time with family & friends, and have been pretty consistent with working out.

Speaking of which, am I the only person who sweats from head-to-toe?! In particular, my scalp is soaking wet during and after a workout. Its part of the reason (outside of winter weather) that I've chosen to wear my hair in protective styles. These styles still don't keep my scalp from sweating but it does help to protect my hair a bit more from the salt in the sweat. Remember, the salt in sweat will dry your hair if you don't treat it.

Now, seeing as I'm not trying to manipulate my hair a lot, this does pose a slight dilemma. If I'm working out often, that means I'm sweating often. Sweat equates to salt on the scalp. Which also means that I need to cleanse my scalp from the threat of drying out. Cleans how? By washing/cleaning, however I don't want to wash my hair all the time cause that will negate the main reason for me wearing my hair in protective styles. Capiche?...

Well, here's what I've come up with. I swear I've read this somewhere. Witch hazel.

What is witch hazel?...

Witch hazel is a low growing shrub native to North America. It has a long history of use medicinally, and cultivation of the bush has spread to Europe for this purpose. Preparations of witch hazel ranging from tinctures to soothing creams are available in most drug stores, as well as specialty stores for skin care. The plant acts as an astringent, firming and tightening tissue and acting to reduce itching and irritation. Other properties have also been ascribed to witch hazel making it an excellent all-purpose addition to the medicine cabinet.


What I'm trying?.....

I used a cotton cloth and gently rub the witch hazel mixed w/distilled water throughout your scalp. I suppose you could also use a cotton ball or cotton swab. Then I moisturized my scalp. It is also suggested to cleanse your scalp once a week using witch hazel in spray bottle. Not sure if I wanna try that yet simply because it is an astringent. I certainly don't want to turn around a really dry my hair out. We'll see how my method works before graduating to the spray bottle method. If you exercise often, this cleansing method is especially suggested to do once a week.

Witch hazel can also be used on the scalp to treat dandruff, Psoriasis, oily and itchy scalp.
Here are some recipes to treat a couple of these issues:

Dandruff
Mix 2 oz. of witch hazel with 1 cup of distilled water and 3 tbsp. of lemon juice. Combine these ingredients thoroughly.

Apply the witch hazel mixture your scalp when your hair is damp and clean. Leave the mixture in rather than rinsing it out. Allow your hair to dry naturally and style it as usual.

Repeat the application of the witch hazel mixture two to three times a week. It helps to keep your dandruff under control and gives your hair a nice shine.

Add cider vinegar to witch hazel to treat dandruff. Mix witch hazel and lemon in the same proportions as described in Step 1, but instead of 1 cup distilled water, use cider vinegar. Again, ensure that you mix these ingredients thoroughly before use.

Put this second mixture on your scalp when the hair is dry. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then wash it off with a mild shampoo. You can repeat this procedure as often as needed and you can dry and style your hair as you would normally.

Oily Hair
You can help slow down oil secretion by applying a homemade astringent directly to your scalp. Apply a mixture of equal parts witch hazel and mouthwash, with cotton pads, to the scalp only. The witch hazel acts as an astringent and the mouthwash has antiseptic properties. If your scalp is very oily you can do this each time you shampoo.
Mouthwash?!.. Let me know if anyone has tried this one, eh.

And just for the road, here are plenty of other uses for witch hazel that I found on Wisebread.com.

15 USES FOR WITCH HAZEL

1. Spot and Blemish Control.
Witch hazel can reduce the inflammation on a pimple. Some people claim daily use helps with acne, and witch hazel can be found in many Over The Counter treatments. Application with a Witch Stick is the most convenient, but you can dab it on with a cotton ball. Ask your pharmacist before you do this though.

2. Soothe and Heal Diaper Rash
If your baby's rash isn't healing quick enough, apply witch hazel solution (Dickinson’s Is good) with a cotton ball and you should see immediate improvement to your baby's bottom.

3. Shrink Bags Under The Eyes
Some people say that the application of Hemorrhoid cream to those little baggies under your eyes can take them away. It’s not an old wives tale. One of the magic ingredients in a product like Preparation H is witch hazel, which helps tighten up the skin and reduce the bagginess. And that leads nicely to…

4. Soothe and Reduce External Hemorrhoids
Not only does witch hazel tighten skin, it’s also a good anti-itch remedy. By combining witch hazel with aloe, glycerin or petroleum jelly and rub it on external hemorrhoids, you will reduce itching significantly and dry up most bleeding.

5. Varicose Vein Relief
Soak wash cloths in witch hazel and lay on legs, which are propped straight out, to reduce pain and swelling from varicose veins. The witch hazel helps to tighten the veins, relieving the discomfort temporarily

6. Soothe Poison Ivy and Poison Oak
Just like acne and blemishes, the witch hazel reduces itching and relieves swelling. Something definitely worth packing on your next camping trip.

7. Treat Chicken Pox Blisters
A combination of aloe, honey, lavender and other essential oils create a spray that will vastly reduce the discomfort of Chicken Pox blisters. And it’s all-natural. Here’s what to do:
Mix together 1 tablespoon honey, 40 drops lavender essential oil, 15 drops lemon essential oil, 15 drops bergamot essential oil, 5 drops peppermint essential oil, 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil and 1/2 cup aloe vera gel.
Once completely mixed, and 1/2 cup distilled witch hazel and mix again. Pour mixture into spray bottle and use on affected areas (avoiding eyes). A more potent and less unsightly way to treat the Chicken Pox than traditional Calamine lotion.

8. Heal Your Bruises Faster
Been in a fight recently? Well, maybe not. But if you bang your leg or arm and are left with a nasty bruise, a thrice-daily dab of witch hazel can help speed up the healing time of the bruise.

9. Soothe Razor Burn (and in some instances, prevent it)
The anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel stop itchy bumps from forming up around your irritated hair follicles. Apply before or after shaving, it should certainly have an impact on your itchy red skin (and that includes ladies, too).

10. Treat and Soothe A Nasty Sunburn
Healing damaged skin is one of witch hazel’s specialties. But as sunburn is also a type of skin inflammation, witch hazel is ideal for treating this too (despite swelling not being obvious). Treating sunburn with witch hazel will lessen healing time and prevent the infamous skin peeling and flaking.

11. Treat Dry Skin
Especially useful after showering, witch hazel can lock in the moisture in your skin. By applying witch hazel immediately after showering, you are locking in the moisture that has just soaked into your skin.

12. Use to Heal and Soothe Various Cuts and Bruises
Many chemists and pharmacists refer to witch hazel as nature’s answer to Neosporin. Applying a dab of it will cleanse the cut, protects against infection, and encourage quicker healing of minor skin breaks.

13. Take The Bite Out Of Bug Bites
With it’s anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel is ideal for treating bug bites. Just dab a little on the affected area.

14. Refresh Tired Eyes
NOT by squirting witch hazel in them, but by soaking a clean rag in witch hazel and cold water and placing the cold compress over your closed eyes. After 10 minutes, your eyes should be refreshed, and any redness should be gone. If you’ve been doing a lot of crying, this can get you back to normal quickly.

15. Make Your Own Deodorant
Witch hazel is often used in deodorants due to it’s natural skin-healing and skin-care properties.


If you have similiar issues, what do you use to clean your scalp in-between washings?.. Or if you've used this or similiar methods, please share your experience with it.

Post Title HAIR + EXERCISE = SWEAT

Thursday, December 10, 2009

YOU KNOW, THERE ARE OTHER FISH IN THE SEA



Hi Sweetie!

I hope I didn’t break your heart too much to learn about (dare I say the name), Sugar. I just didn’t want to see you get hurt any further. I know it was a bit harsh but the truth is always a good thing.

Listen. I know you may think this is too soon but I do believe in moving on. There. I said it. And yes, I know you’ve heard this before but there really are more and better fish out there.
So let’s get to fishin’.

Allow me to introduce you to a few of them:

Agave Nectar – this unprocessed, low glycemic index sweetener is a wonderful flavor enhancer.
Carob Powder – A sweet, calcium rich, chocolate-like powder produced from the pods of the carob tree.
Coconut Palm Sugar - Although this item is not raw, it is one of the most nutritious sweeteners available. Great for making raw chocolate.
Lucuma Powder – The powder of an exotic Peruvian fruit, this low sugar sweetener has a flavor similar to maple syrup.
Mesquite Powder – A staple food of the Native American peoples of the southwest, this nutrient-rich sweetener has a molasses-like flavor with a hint of caramel.
Really Raw Honey – An anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, highly-nutritious sweetener.
Stevia Concentrate – A potent sugar substitute which actually helps to moderate blood sugar levels.
Vanilla Agave Nectar – a synergistic combination of vanilla powder and agave nectar.
Yacon Root Syrup – The healthiest sweetener in the world. Yacon feeds your friendly bacteria and doesn’t create blood sugar spikes.
Yacon Root Powder – a mildly sweet prebiotic (food for your friendly intestinal bacteria).
Brown Rice Syrup - This is not a raw food item however is great for other diets. Basically to get this syrup, manufacturers will take brown rice and boil it until most of the moisture has evaporated. What is left is a wheat-free and gluten free sweetener that can be used in almost anything.

I’ve also read of people using dried fruit, pureed bananas and applesauce.
Hope this helps to ease your heartache.

And as always, moderation along with how your body responds to it, is very important. Even with the healthier alternatives.

Luv,
CO

Post Title YOU KNOW, THERE ARE OTHER FISH IN THE SEA

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

HON'.. WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT YOUR SUGAR

Sugar is one of the most addictive substances of all. It qualifies as an addictive substance for two reasons. First, eating even a small amount creates a desire for more and second, suddenly quitting causes withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, mood swings, cravings and fatigue.

Without being aware of it, sugar is something you probably consume on a daily basis. Most products in the standard American diet contain highly refined sugar, although it is sometimes hidden in the forms of sucrose (table sugar), dextrose (corn sugar), and high-fructose corn syrup. Like heroin, cocaine and caffeine, sugar is an addictive and destructive drug yet we consume it daily in everything from cigarettes to bread. Many foods we eat on a regular basis are loaded with sugar. You will find sugar in everything from cereals to soups all the way to condiments like ketchup. You’re not able to taste the sugar but its still there. It could be under the form of high fructose corn syrup, sucrose or dextrose or maltose. Even flue-cured tobacco can contain as much as 20% sugar by weight. So be mindful and aware.

Here are some names that sugar can go by on labels:
• corn syrup
• corn syrup solids
• dextran
• dextrose
• diatase
• diastatic malt
• ethyl maltol
• fructose
• fruit juice
• fruit juice concentrate
• glucose
• glucose solids
• golden sugar
• golden syrup
• grape sugar
• high-fructose corn syrup
• invert sugar
• lactose
• malt syrup
• maltodextrin
• maltose
• mannitol
• refiner's syrup
• sorbitol
• sorghum syrup
• sucrose


15 REASONS TO PUT THAT SUGAR INTAKE IN CHECK
1. Sugar can suppress the immune system.
2. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children.
3. Sugar contributes to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection (infectious diseases).
4. Sugar causes a loss of tissue elasticity and function, the more sugar you eat the more elasticity and function you loose.
5. Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
6. Sugar may make eyes more vulnerable to age-related macular degeneration.
7. Sugar can cause premature aging.
8. Sugar contributes to obesity
9. Sugar greatly assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans (yeast infections).
10. Sugar can cause hemorrhoids.
11. Sugar can lower the amount of Vitamin E (alpha-Tocopherol) in the blood.
12. Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein.
13. Sugar causes food allergies.
14. Sugar can exacerbate PMS.
15. Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance; some hormones become under active and others become overactive.

Post Title HON'.. WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT YOUR SUGAR

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

100 FOLLOWERS!!!


OH SNAP!!!

It's official!! I'm big time!!(giggles)
I have 100 followers!!

Lynn from Natural & Organic Body Care holds this prestigious honor, and place in my heart. {{HUGS}}

I heart each and every one of you. It really moves me that you all are actually interested in what I have to say and share. Every last one of you beautiful people keep me going. I hope that I can continue to add to you as you do to me.

Much Luv,
ChocolateOrchid

Post Title 100 FOLLOWERS!!!

COMING SOON IN 2010.....



SHOW DATES
April 10-11, 2010

Georgia International Convention Center,
2000 Convention Center Concourse
College Park, GA 30337

For information on tickets, exhibitor space, sponsorship packages
Contact:mitziebatchan@naturalhair.org
770-716-9056 or toll free if outside of Georgia 877-480-9328





I had such a wonderful time at this event, last spring. I'm definitely going back in 2010.


Post Title COMING SOON IN 2010.....

Sunday, December 6, 2009

FOR YOU, BEAUTIFUL.


Happy Monday, Gorgeous!!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend! I know that we are in the dead heat of the holiday season so I wanted to share these tidbits with you. As I was surfing the web for "good news" I came across this blog which lead to this site, both of which are about just that--good, positive news.

Although, the economy has left many of us in a position where we're not able to stress about what to get for whom because we just can't. I do realize that, regardless of economic status, some of us are still going to get caught up in the commercial mania. Stay away from the light, Carol Ann! Getting caught up in the mass retailers snare can only lead to stress on your mind, body and sometimes loved ones.

Here are some great tips to take note of and put into practice...

1. Avoid over-scheduling yourself. Use an agenda to keep track of your holiday commitments so that you can physically see what you are committing yourself to. Along with your commitments to others make sure to include some downtime for yourself - even if it is half an hour here and there. Knowing that you have some personal time will help you to stay positive.

2. Lower your expectations don’t strive for perfection, good enough is okay. Don’t expect your family to be perfect during the holidays. Be realistic about who they are and what your relationship is like with them all year around. That is especially true of step-families.

3. Make a budget and stick to it. The price of the gift is not equal to how much you love them. Focus on the people that you care about instead of the stuff that really doesn’t matter. Beware of the joy-to-stuff ratio: more stuff does not equal more joy.

4. Spread your socializing in the months after the holidays. Don’t try to pack a year’s worth of socializing into a few weeks. Start a new tradition with friends and make a date with friends for mid January or early February.

5. Get as much sleep as you can. Schedule one or two pyjama days for yourself or for the whole family - stay in your pj's and stay home and give yourself permission to rest and enjoy some time together without rushing about.
I so love this suggestion.

**Above tips are from Lucy MacDonald, Canadian Certified Counsellor and author. conferences across the country on practice building.**

Peace,
CO


Post Title FOR YOU, BEAUTIFUL.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

WORLD AIDS DAY


vALuE yOurSelF
EnoUgH
2 pRotEct iT

lOvE yOuRsElF
eNoUgH
2 gEt TestEd


LuV,
CO

Post Title WORLD AIDS DAY

Monday, November 30, 2009

SPECIALS!! SPECIALS!! EVERYWHERE!!


Hola Beautifuls!

I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. If you don't observe Thanksgiving, I hope that you had a wonderful weekend.

I've been coming across so many specials (as usual per this time of year), that I just have to share. This one really sparked my interest. I figure with so many mixtresses, almost mixtresses, every-once-in-awhile mixtresses & thinking-about-it mixtresses out there that it might spark your, too.

Mountain Rose Herbs is having a youtube video contest that could win you $1000. I repeat. $1000. Check out their vid! And while you're at it, subscribe. Always great information.



Wish you the best!
CO

Post Title SPECIALS!! SPECIALS!! EVERYWHERE!!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

SLOW MONEY???........



As I was perusing the web for some "good news", I ran across an article that mentioned the term "slow money". I thought how familiar it sounded to the "slow food" movement and knew I needed to read on this. Is is really about sustainability? Replenishing the soil? Supporting your local food system? Community? If so, that's some great news!

Here’s the story behind slow money and the person who is backing it.


What if the money you invested stayed within 50 miles of where you currently live and was committed to local merchants and growers who put at least 50 percent of their profits back into the community? "What if, instead of making a double-digit return on a fast-money transaction that exploited Third World villagers and pumped up corporate profits artificially, you could get a steady 2 percent to 3 percent return on money that dramatically improved the quality of life in your own neighborhood? This is where the concept of "slow money" comes in. Coined by Woody Tasch, a former venture capitalist "slow money" — gives to his philosophy that combines a passion for social enterprise with the benefits of locally grown food.

Tasch is spearheading a national campaign to persuade at least 1 million Americans to donate between $25 and $1,000 each to help create a grassroots, nonprofit seed fund to support and grow local food businesses and family farms. He wants to build and test the concept of something he calls "nurture capital" — a healthier and more sustainable alternative to venture capital for funding new businesses. It's time, he says, to shorten the distance between investors and their investments. It's also time, he says, to create new economic models that deliver a return but that also put community, soil fertility and the environment at the bottom line.

But it’s not just about providing and supplying healthier food he is traveling the country warning that money moves way too quickly. Billions and trillions of dollars zip around the globe, he says, as if disembodied from the people who invest it. "Investors don't know anymore where their money goes and more and more, they want to see an impact for what they give in their own lives and own communities," Tasch recently told a capacity crowd at New York University
.


Just who is this Tasch guy?....
Woody Tasch is chairman emeritus of Investors' Circle, the nonprofit network of angel investors, venture capitalists, foundations and family offices that since 1992 has facilitated the flow of $130 million to 200 early-stage social enterprises dedicated to sustainability. Before that, he was the treasurer of the Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation.

Tasch's slow money movement, which was officially kicked off in September during a conference in Santa Fe, N.M., is an extension of that work. "Right now, it's hard to believe that the Whole Foods Market down the street is still able to exist, given the damage we're doing to our soils, and it's hard to believe something bad is going to happen," Tasch told NYU students. "But [our food production system] isn't sustainable. It's time to slow down and start looking up close at what we are doing not just with industrial agriculture but what we're doing to ourselves on the planet in the name of sustaining our standard of living."

With slow money, Tasch is taking a page from the slow food movement, the 20-year-old movement that calls on consumers to treat the act of eating less as a hurried distraction and more like a family ritual that celebrates community and takes time out to reflect upon the labor involved in growing the food that we eat. "Money should move the same way," says Tasch. "This isn't just about finance but the relationship of finance to culture." If investment decisions start to take into account what's best for local communities, he says — when small businesses borrow or get investment directly from their customers — communities become stronger and societies become more humane. "There is accountability in places where now there is none," Tasch says.

But the real dividend of slow money? Diversity — social, economic, and biological. In an era of industrial agriculture, when millions of acres are planted with the same variety of corn and when millions of pigs are bred for their yield, small local farms are "the ultimate hedge fund," he says
.


It’s really great to know that there are people out there fighting to change our current standards not only in food production but how we do business within our own communities.

Want to know/read more, then check out these links:

Slow Money Alliance

Article from Time.com

Article from Chronogram.com

Happy Monday,
CO

Post Title SLOW MONEY???........

Saturday, November 14, 2009

COMING SOON......




HEROINE.
- 1. A woman noted for courage and daring action.
- 2. A woman noted for special achievement in a particular field. (from freedictionary.com)

According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary:
- 1 a: a mythological or legendary woman having the qualities of a hero b: a woman admired and emulated for her achievements and qualities

According to YourDictionary.com:
- a girl or woman of outstanding courage, nobility, etc., or of heroic achievements



All of these definitions encompass the women that will be featured in this future blog series. I chose the title "heroine" because I kept seeing the term "courage" in its definition. Courage, in my opinion, is an important piece of the puzzle to putting your passion to work. Courage is a part of what it takes to do what you love as your business. In lieu of this, I'll be interviewing/featuring women entrepreneurs who have done what some may look at as impossible or wonder ,"How can I do that?" or even, "Oh God, what've I gotten myself into? How can I go on?"

Now, of course, this will tie into the overall theme of this blog which loves all things natural, natural hair, organic, green, good for the environment, health, healthy eating...well, I think you get the idea. ;)

It is my hope and desire for this series to encourage, inspire and/or motivate every woman (myself included) who is seeking to break out of her box, move on her desires and make things happen. So if you have a yearning to do what you love as your business and/or need some encouragement to do so, look out for this blog post beginning this Wednesday.

Not sure whether I'll be doing this feature once a month or bi-monthly but I do know that it will be on Wednesdays beginning this Wednesday, the 18th. Hope you'll come join me.

Peace and blessings,
CO

Post Title COMING SOON......

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

ATLANTA CHARITY EVENT


Hi Gorgeous!

I hope that all is well on this Hump-Day for you. I just wanted to drop in and let you all know about an important charity event going on for some pretty important people.

From November 12 through 14, Star 94 listeners will meet some of the biggest “stars” of all – the patients at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta – during the seventh annual Star 94 Cares for Kids Radiothon, presented by Foresters. Between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on November 12 and 13 and between 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on November 14, listeners will hear not only the voices of Star 94’s personalities, but also the courageous voices of the children and families whose lives have been touched by Children’s.

For more information on this and the opportunity to donate, click here.

Smooches,
CO

Post Title ATLANTA CHARITY EVENT

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

HAIR TYPING




I know some folks want me to talk about my hair steamer results but I want to use it a few more times before I give an official review on it. Please give me another week-ish so that I can get a few more steam treatments under my belt before I speak on it.

Today I want to focus on what really matters when it comes to deciding what products to use and/or try on your hair. Going by the standard hair typing system (which was formulated by Andre Walker), my hair would be classified as 4a/4bish, I think. You can see his typing here. It’s so doggone confusing to me that I really don’t know. And I’m not even going to try with the LOIS method which you can read about here.

Here’s one of the major reasons: I’ve purchased products based on my hair type only to have my use of them result in an epic fail. Then have purchased & used some products that would be categorized for type 3’s or 2’s and it works on my hair just fine. Just spend enough money on a product only to have it do nothing and you will feel my pain.

So I’ve decided to check out another professional’s advice on how to pick products for your particular hair. Tiffany Anderson is that person whose perspective, research and findings make a whole lot more sense to me. Also known as Struttswife on NaturallyCurly.com, she is a hair stylist and curly hair expert. You can also catch her at her blog Live Curly, Live Free. She has two great posts dedicated to, in my opinion, true hair-typing. You can find them here and here.

Here are a few excerpts from each:
Hair texture is the thickness or diameter of the individual hair strand. Your hair texture plays one of the most important roles in how you should care for your curls, not only through daily maintenance, but also when considering any chemical services such as haircolor or texturizing. Even how your hair is cut needs to be adapted to the texture of your hair.

There are three different textures: fine, medium and coarse. Not everyone has the same uniform texture over their entire head, however; for example, you can be fine at the nape and coarse at the hairline (especially if those pesky grays are starting to pop up). The hair textures are:

Fine Hair
Fine hair can appear very limp or flyaway and does not hold a style well. It frequently seems dry, when in fact it is quite often over-moisturized. It is very easy to over-process and is quickly damaged by chemical services if great care is not taken. Products with a lot of humectants and emollients should be avoided in favor of those with protein.

Medium Hair
Medium hair is what is considered “normal” hair, meaning it has a mid-range texture. It does not require any special considerations for chemical services and usually processes normally. Undamaged hair with a medium texture can generally support products with a wide range of ingredients.

Coarse Hair
Coarse hair is much thicker and stronger than fine or medium hair, but typically does not bend and cannot hold a style well. It is also often dry and brittle, due to an overabundance of protein. Coarse hair is much harder to process and is often very resistant to chemical services. Products with a lot of protein should be avoided in favor of those with humectants and emollients.

Hair texture is key to establishing the best routine for your hair
.


And on hair porosity...

Porosity is, simply put, the hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. Porosity is a critically important factor in determining one's curly hair care. Since moisture is what defines and shapes our curls, the inability to keep moisture within the hair shaft will defeat the most valiant efforts to maximize curl potential.

If you don't know your hair's porosity, you won't be able to make the best product and maintenance routine choices to maximize the amount of moisture your curls retain. The existing "curl classification systems" never, ever mention porosity in their classification process. Since lack of moisture is one of the biggest causes of frizz, I personally find that odd in the extreme. Just one more reason I don't find those systems very helpful or informative.

Your degree of porosity is directly related to the condition of your cuticle layer. Healthy hair with a compact cuticle layer is naturally resistant to penetration. Porous hair has a raised cuticle layer that easily absorbs water, but is quick to lose moisture as well. The texture of your hair is not an indication of its porosity. Different degrees of porosity can be found in all hair textures. For example, although coarse hair normally has a low porosity and is resistant to chemical services, coarse hair can also have high porosity as the result of damage or previous chemical services.


Tiffany aka Struttswife, has some really detailed and most helpful information that is beneficial to all curly girls. She makes me wanna book an appointment and go down to Florida for her hair services. You can read more of her findings on curly hair basics at LiveCurlyLiveFree.com.

Post Title HAIR TYPING

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

THE DIRTY DOZEN



Hola Beautiful Ones!

I don't think that I've posted on this before, but I've decided to given the economy and the fact that we're all trying to hold onto as much of our "duckies" as possible. We all understand that there is a slightly higher cost to organic foods. That's nothing new. And because of that, many people tend to choose to buy conventional produce. However, there are foods that you want to absolutely avoid purchasing conventional and buy organic due to the high amount of pesticide residue in them.

Here's a quick list:


*from the Environmental Working Group*


You can find the full list here to help guide you in your purchases.

Happy Healthy Shopping,
CO

Post Title THE DIRTY DOZEN

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

CHIA {REVISITED}


Hola Beautiful Ones!

I just had to share this part of my journey with you all. You may find this interesting.

Earlier this week, I had some juice which I added chia seeds to. About 30 minutes later, I had to take my daughter somewhere. While she was tending to her work, I sat in the lobby w/the other parents. It was very quiet. Well, until my intestines started talking. I was so embarrased! Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle. I ended up waiting outside because the gurgling was crazy loud. I figured it had to do w/the chia seeds which I hadn't had in a while.

Well, here's one of the attributes of chia seeds that I had forgotten.

Intestinal Broom:
Chia seeds bulk up, then work like an incredible digestive broom, sweeping through your intestinal tract, helping to dislodge and eliminate old accumulated waste in the intestines. Many people find their stools also become more regular once they eat chia.
*info from Chia Cheat Sheet from www.TheRawFoodWorld.com*

Needless to say, this has reminded me that its good to include chia in my diet on a daily basis.

If you've never read my original post on Chia then click here. I also winged a couple of smoothie recipes with them that you can see here.

Places You Can Find Organic Chia Seeds:
Organic/Health food stores
Whole Foods markets
ShopRawFoods
VivaRaw
TheRawFoodWorld

Post Title CHIA {REVISITED}

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

HEAVENS TO MURGATROID!!! MY PEE IS PINK!!



Hi Beautifuls!

A couple of weeks ago, I tried a delicious and naturally sweet juice Here’s the recipe:
2 medium carrots, trimmed
4 oranges, peeled
3 medium beets, trimmed


It was wonderful! And I knew it was super healthy for my body. What I didn’t know or expect was that it would turn my pee pink...ish. You can only imagine my thoughts when I first saw this. Especially, since I’m normally a “clear”…... pee'er. Anyhoo, after I calmed down and dismissed any and all wild thoughts about UTI’s or internal bleeding, I knew it had to do something with the beets. So I hit up the internet and sure enough it was there in abundance.


Beets can turn your pee pink! This does not occur in everyone. I REPEAT: THIS DOES NOT OCCUR IN EVERYONE. It happens in about 1 to 8 people. This occurrence has been coined as “Beeturia” and can indicate an iron defiency. This is not surprising to me because I was told years ago that my iron level is low. As a matter of fact, when I was pregnant w/my daughter that was the first thing the doc recommended me to begin taking. You can read more about “Beeturia” here.

So you know what this means... I’ll be incorporating more green smoothies and juices in my diet and including bee pollen and b12. Definitely making a high raw/living foods intake my lifestyle.

Just so you know.
Smooches,
CO

Post Title HEAVENS TO MURGATROID!!! MY PEE IS PINK!!

Monday, September 28, 2009

THANK GOD I'M NATURAL REVIEW


I can remember more than 2 yrs ago deciding that I was finally going to go “natural”. I had spent soooooo many years wanting to. Secretly envying (and admiring) other woman who had gone thru with their decision before me. I distinctly remember finally getting the um….gonads to go for it and doing it. I also vividly remember not knowing what the hell to do after I got it done. I was clueless. So I bought a book by a well known hair stylist regarding natural hair. I was really happy with my purchase until I got home - disappointed by its content. It really didn’t help me as I expected it would. Now looking back, I realize that it was not necessarily a book for the newbie. However, “Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair” by Chris-Tia E. Donaldson is that book and so much more.

When Chris-Tia contacted me about reading and reviewing her book, I honestly thought, “Oh God. Not another hair book.” But after visiting her site I was convinced that I should give it a try. After reading and thoroughly enjoying this book, I regard “Thank God I’m Natural” as an encyclopedia, maybe even bible for natural hair newbies, for those considering going natural, those transitioning, and even for those who have been natural for awhile. This is a book that should definitely be in your library.

I loved the fact that Chris-Tia shares her personal journey to natural hair. That really made me feel connected. This is definitely a book written by someone who knows the experience- ups and downs, very well. Which in turn, makes it easily readable, enjoyable, understandable and relatable.

I can’t say that there was any favorite point of the book for me because I appreciated it in its entirety. So here are some of the particulars that I enjoyed.
Chapter on “A Brush With History” – A must read is all I can say.

Chapter on “Color Me Natural” – Great information seeing as I’ve been strongly considering getting my coils & curls colored. I appreciate the honesty of the personal experience in which it was written.

Chapter on “The Perfect Blow Out” – After reading this chapter, I think I just may have the nerve to swing this on my own.

Chapter on “Making Products at Home”- Okay, I am so into this right now. There are some great, simple recipes in this chapter. Now I have a more reasons to get in the kitchen.


Overall this is an awesome reference book that all naturals can benefit from. There’s even a natural hair glossary in the back. Also, those with beautiful locks have a chapter dedicated to them!

Bottom line: If you’re thinking about going natural, transitioning or if you’re already natural (newbie, old-head or somewhere in between), you should have this book in your library. It’s totally relatable and has a wealth of useful and practical information in it that is written with genuine perspective and intent. This would also make a great gift!


You can purchase "Thank God I'm Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair" on Amazon here.
Or visit Thank God I'm Natural for the website and entrance to Chris-Tia's blog.

To the author:
Thank you Chris-Tia for sending me a copy of your book and allowing me to do this review. I am honored and grateful that you considered me and my blog for this. I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Thank God I’m Natural” and consider it an asset in my personal library. I wish you great success!!

ChocolateOrchid

Post Title THANK GOD I'M NATURAL REVIEW

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

SLOOOOOOOOOW FOOOOOOOOD



On last Wednesday, I spent the day at my daughter’s school. It was “Bring a Parent to School Day”. Let me say, I had sooooo much fun. I did some class work and actually got some homework. I was so stoked! Seriously!! The only disappointing thing was lunch.

There was not a green piece of anything in sight. At least nothing edible. A pitifully wilted salad and old fruit, all of which looked fit for compost. Fried chicken, peas, rice and a roll. Not good at all.

Which brings me to my point of this post:

The Slow Food Movement

Slow Food is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.

Their Mission:
Slow Food USA seeks to create dramatic and lasting change in the food system. We reconnect Americans with the people, traditions, plants, animals, fertile soils and waters that produce our food. We seek to inspire a transformation in food policy, production practices and market forces so that they ensure equity, sustainability and pleasure in the food we eat

Their Vision
Food is a common language and a universal right. Slow Food USA envisions a world in which all people can eat food that is good for them, good for the people who grow it and good for the planet.

Good:
The word good can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. For Slow Food, the idea of good means enjoying delicious food created with care from healthy plants and animals. The pleasures of good food can also help to build community and celebrate culture and regional diversity.

Clean:
When we talk about clean food, we are talking about nutritious food that is as good for the planet as it is for our bodies. It is grown and harvested with methods that have a positive impact on our local ecosystems and promotes biodiversity.

Fair:
We believe that food is a universal right. Food that is fair should be accessible to all, regardless of income, and produced by people who are treated with dignity and justly compensated for their labor.


Every 4 to 5 years Congress reviews federal law, called the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act. This law sets the standards for the food eaten by nearly 30 million children every school day. It is scheduled for review this fall.

Slow Food has developed a plan detailing five actions legislators need to take to make the Child Nutrition Act work for our kids. They are the following:
1) Invest in children’s health. Increase school lunch funding by one dollar a day per child.
2) Protect against food that puts children at risk. Establish strong standards for all food sold at school, including food from vending machines and school fast food.
3) Teach children healthy habits that will last through life. Fund grants for innovative farm-to-school programs and school gardens.
4) Give schools the incentive to buy local, and organic. Establish subsidies to encourage schools to buy food from local farms.
5) Create green jobs with a School Lunch Corps. Train underemployed Americans to be the teachers, farmers, cooks and administrators our school cafeterias need.


You can review and sign Slow Food’s petition at www.slowfoodusa.org/timeforlunch.

*Article from Co-Options by Judith Winfrey of Slow food Atlanta.

Post Title SLOOOOOOOOOW FOOOOOOOOD

Thursday, September 3, 2009

JUST JUICE



Many people are enjoying the health benefits of consuming raw juices. These powerful elixirs have the ability to strengthen and heal weak cells, increase your oxygen levels, and electron activity through their enzymes, and importantly, saturate your body with needed nutrients. When people are ill, they sometimes have difficulty digesting food. Juice is typically a food that anyone can digest no matter how impaired their anatomy is. Keep in mind that disease states are not the only areas helped by consuming raw juice. Athletes and people who aren't ill use these powerful liquids to prevent free radical damage through the wide spectrum of antioxidants that they provide.

Speaking of which, I have been juicing it up with my Breville Juice Fountain. My current fav juice is a Watermelon/Lemon juice. Very easy and delicious. Tastes like punch.

There are many healthy benefits that you get from watermelons and lemons. The following is a listing of these:

Benefits of Lemon:
1. Lemon act as blood purifier and improves the body’s ability to get rid of toxins.

2. Lemon fruit is excellent in fighting disease that's related to infection.


3. Buy lemon to get rid of certain insects. It’s mother nature’s version of insecticides and will help to repel mosquitoes and flies

4. Some people love antiseptics and would apply it to their skin whenever they have the smallest cut. The good news is you can use lemon on cuts too since it's nature's antiseptics. Not only that, because of its styptics property, it is said that lemon could be applied on cuts to stop bleeding.

5. Drinking lemon juice is useful for people with heart problem - because of its high potassium content

The use of Lemon:
1. Drink fresh lemon juice to cleanse your system

2. Use pure lemon juice on wasp and bee stings to relieve pain

3. Lemon juice mixed with olive oil may help to dissolve gallstones

4. It is believed that regular intake of fresh lemons may be useful in treating cases of kidney stones

And the list goes on for watermelon so I'll try to make this as to the point as possible...

Benefits of Watermelon - Watermelon Nutrients
Watermelon is 92% water, 8% sugar, and high in electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium), making it a wonderful "energy drink" to hydrate the body.

Watermelon is a good source of vitamin A and beta carotene. Eating watermelon is actually better for your eyes than eating carrots in preventing age-related vision loss (such as macular degeneration and cataracts).

Other watermelon nutrients include vitamin C, thiamin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B1.

Benefits of Watermelon Nutrients - Antioxidants
Besides including the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin A, and beta carotene, research has recently discovered watermelon is rich in lycopene (a phytochemical). On average, watermelons have about 40% more lycopene than raw tomatoes.
Antioxidants protect cells against free radicals (damaging molecules that play a role in cancer, heart disease, and other diseases). Lycopene is said to be particularly effective in preventing prostate cancer.

Benefits of Watermelon Nutrients - Citrulline
Watermelon is high in citrulline, a non-essential amino acid our bodies use to make arginine, an essential amino acid. Benefits of these amino acids include:
• removing ammonia from the body
• lowering blood pressure
• promoting energy
• strengthening the immune system
• stimulating the pancreas to release insulin
• maintaining acid base balance.

*According to scientists at the Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, citrulline found in watermelon acts similar to sildenafil citrate (better known as Viagra).


You may be wondering what is that stuff at the top of CO's watermelon-lemon juice. Well, I decided to add some Chia seeds to it. Remember my Chia seed post. I just soaked about 1.5 Tablespoons of Chia seeds in distilled water for 30 minutes. After I juiced the melon and lemon, I added the seeds to it.

Oh, here's the recipe which I mostly wing.

WATERMELON PUNCH
1/4 to 1/2 of a small watermelon
1 lemon
I simply juice it, drink and enjoy.

Also, here's a list of issues and some juices that you can drink to address them.

**from : THE JUICING BOOK – Steven Blauer

Acidosis papaya, pineapple
Anemia alfalfa sprouts, asparagus, bean sprouts, beet, beet greens, buckwheat greens dandelion greens, endive, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, parsley, purslane, spinach, string beans, swiss chard, turnip, turnip greens, watercress, wheatgrass, cherry, grape, lemon, lime, orange, prune
Asthma cabbage, cabbage sprout, carrot, celery, kale, kohlrabi, parsnip, radish, radish sprout, scallion, sunflower greens, turnip, turnip greens, wheatgrass, cranberry
Bladder Disorders beet, beet greens, carrot, cabbage, cabbage sprout, kohlrabi, parsley, parsnip, purslane, sunflower green, summer squash, tomato (fresh), turnip, turnip greens, watercress, wheatgrass, cranberry, melon, pear, watermelon
Blood Pressure Beet, beet greens, cabbage, cabbage sprouts, cucumber, spinach, wheatgrass
High Blood Pressure orange
Cancer asparagus, bean sprout, beet greens, carrot, kale, kohlrabi, parsley, parsnip, spinach, sunflower greens, swiss chard, turnip, turnip greens, wheatgrass, grape
Constipation cabbage, cabbage sprout, celery. Dandelion greens, endive, lettuce, purslane, spinach, wheatgrass, cherry, grape, lemon, lime, melon, papaya, peach, pear, prune, strawberry, watermelon
Fever cucumber, cranberry, grape, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, strawberry
Fluid Retention bean sprout, cucumber, fenugreek sprout, cranberry, strawberry, watermelon
Hay Fever carrot, kale, parsnip, wheatgrass
Heart Disease beet, beet greens, buckwheat greens, dandelion greens, endive, fenugreek sprouts, kohlrabi, parsley, pepper, purslane, scallion, spinach, sunflower greens, turnip greens, orange, papaya
Kidney Disorders alfalfa sprouts, asparagus, beet, beet greens, cabbage, cabbage sprouts, celery, cucumber, lamb’s quarters, apple, cranberry, grape, melon, papaya, strawberry, watermelon
Liver Disorders Alfalfa sprouts, beet, beet greens, carrot, celery, dandelion greens, endive, kale, kohlrabi, lamb’s quarters, lettuce, parsnip, purslane, spinach, sunflower, tomato (fresh), turnip, turnip greens, watercress, wheatgrass, apple, grapefruit, grape, lemon, lime, orange, papaya, pear
Prostate Disorders asparagus, parsley, cherry, pear, strawberry, watermelon
Pregnancy & Delivery alfalfa sprouts, bean sprouts, beet, beet greens, carrot, kale, lamb’s quarter, parsnip, swiss chard, greapfruit, peach, watermelon
Rheumatism asparagus, apple, cherry, grape, lemon, lime, orange, strawberry
Skin Disorders asparagus, beet, beet greens, carrot, dandelion greens, endive, fenugreek sprout, kohlrabi, parsley, parsnip, pepper, purslane, radish sprout, scallion, spinach, string bean, sunflower greens, swiss chard, tomato (fresh), turnip, turnip green, watercress, wheatgrass, cranberry, grape, grapefruit, melon, lime, orange, watermelon
Ulcers cabbage, cabbage sprouts, carrot, kale, parsnip, spinach, wheatgrass, papaya


Happy Juicing,
CO

P.S. Next week I'll feature another juice I've tried.

Post Title JUST JUICE