Hi friends!

I recently shared with you how much I enjoy this season: the crisp autumn air, the mesmerizing beauty of the foliage…what’s not to love? Some of you may not welcome this time of year as enthusiastically, however, because fall is also known as the dreaded allergy season. That’s right, sneezing, coughing, red eyes, headaches…it’s enough to make you want to hibernate for the next few months. I can relate–for years, I was afflicted with sinus headaches anytime there were falling temperatures. I had a steady supply of over-the-counter medications on hand, but that didn’t stop the problem….or my pain. Luckily, since making positive changes in my lifestyle, these headaches have vanished, and my sanity has returned. I hope these tips can provide much needed relief to you as well.

1. Evaluate your eating habits. I know what you’re saying, “this is common sense,” right? Of course, it is, but although many of us know the connection between fresh foods and health, we don’t always incorporate it into our lives. Everything we eat either builds up our immune system or weakens it. There is no neutral ground. I realized that my headaches were rampant when I subsided on a diet of meat and potatoes, but now that I consume mainly fresh fruits and vegetables, these maladies are a distant memory. You too can prevent the wrath of sinus symptoms, by making conscious choices about what you eat.

2. Skip the meds. You may think this is easier said than done, but trust me, in the long run, it benefits you greatly. Most cold medications just suppress your symptoms without addressing the underlying issue. Sure, it’s uncomfortable to sneeze every 10 seconds and cough up the nasty stuff, but that’s your body’s way of eliminating toxins. These symptoms also caution us to stop, rest, and let our body heal itself naturally. Two or three days of stillness and rest outweighs two weeks of medication (and its inevitable adverse side effects) any day.

3. Try essential oils. There are a number of ways you can utilize these. Take a sinus blend (you can get it at any heath store or make your own essential oil mix–more on that in a later post). Make a steam inhalation by boiling a pot of water and adding a few drops of the oil to the water. Place a towel over your head, and inhale deeply through your nostrils. Instant relief! Note: Be careful with the steam….it’s powerful. You can also massage the blend into your temples, behind your ears, the chest, and even your feet to help ease sinus tension.

4. Juice your fruits and vegetables. In the book, “Heal Thyself Natural Living Cookbook”, author Diane Ciccone points out that fruit juices are helpful to detox the body and cleanse, and vegetable juices are essential in restoring the body’s nutrients and building immunity. I made this juice concoction recently for a family member, and she felt marvelous afterwards. (I must admit though, garlic is invaluable as natural antibiotic, but it can be a little strong. Be forewarned. ). Feel free to experiment with any combination that works for you.

Cold Elixir

1 cucumber

Handful of kale (you can also try parsley, spinach, or chard)

1 green apple, cored

Juice from 1/2 lemon

1 or 2 garlic cloves (depending on how daring you are, lol)

Add items to a juicer, and drink away. Alternatively, you can use a blender. Just add enough water to liquefy the mixture. This concoction will have you rejuvenated in no time.

For those of you in the Mid-South area, find out more about these tips and more at “A Winter Retreat” on Saturday, December 3rd. Holistic Health Counselor Bastet Ankh Re will present, “Heal Yourself: Natural Remedies and Prevention for Cold & Allergy Relief”. Come prepared with your questions and to learn!

What natural remedies do you use when suffering from a cold or allergy?

We all had such a great time at the Tennessee Natural Hair & Wellness Expo hosted by All Day Natural in July. Since then, I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting the next event.

I am thrilled to share this upcoming celebration with you. On Saturday, December 3rd, All Day Natural Presents, “A Winter Retreat”. This event will be held at the Broad Avenue Ballroom, 2535 Broad Avenue, from Noon to 5 p.m.

You don’t want to miss this. There will be presentations on mind and body wellness, winter hair care and protective styles, advice on fashion and more. I am very excited to bring you a vendor marketplace–just in time for your holiday shopping! The highlight of this showcase includes local vendors with handmade jewelry, bath, body and haircare products, and unique clothing designs. As always, there will be lots of other marvelous surprises in store for all guests.

You can purchase your discounted tickets in advance here. Stay tuned for more details about the event.

See you soon!

It’s been a while, and I have missed you so. In between traveling and preparing to move into new digs, I have been working, working, working day and night (c) MJ. I’m back now though and can’t wait to catch up with you all!

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.

~Stanley Horowitz

I usually countdown the days of summer wistfully, but this year, I found myself looking forward to the change of seasons. I admit while I am writing this it is 75 degrees outside, but the calendar tells me its Autumn nonetheless.

What do I love about this time of year? It signals that my four favorite holidays are near: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas….and my birthday! Also, the rich beauty of the landscape during Fall is undeniable. Next time you’re taking a drive through the country, take time to marvel at the magnificent array of colors. I stopped to admire the breathtaking colors of the leaves last week while I was traveling, and it really made the rest of my day. And let’s not forget, the foods of Fall: pumpkin pies, apple strudel, pear cobbler…can you tell I have a sweet tooth? LOL!

I know this can be a hectic time for a lot of you, with school, jobs and a demanding social calendar.  I hope you take the time to pause and embrace the joys of this season.

What do you like best about Autumn?

Hello friends!

I already share my favorite links on the web with those of you on Facebook and Twitter, but I wanted to extend these interesting finds to my blog family too.

I am going to highlight fellow blogs and bloggers who are entertaining, informative, enthralling (or all of the above!)  You’ll see these posts on a regular basis. I hope you enjoy exploring the blogosphere as much as I have.

Health

Natural and Organic Body Care: Discovering Healthier Alternatives

I am always entertained by this blogger, Lynn.  Reading her blog is like having lunch with a close (wise) friend. In between her insightful posts on natural health and beauty, she candidly shares her daily (often humorous) musings on life.

Oh Honey, Honey

Ironically, I was just speaking with one of my family members this weekend about the advantage of using local honey.  Not only does purchasing your honey locally help the environment and the economy, it is great for your health as well. Check out Lynn’s post to find out more.

Hair

Afrobella: All Shades of Life

Does this “godmother” of blogging really need an introduction? I am enamored with Afrobella, not only for her “girl next door” persona, but her vast knowledge (and enthusiasm!) of all things beauty.

Inspiration for Natural Hair Brides

Don’t be fooled by the title. These eye-catching styles are ideal for any formal event. I have been experimenting with a multitude of different up-dos lately, and this article from Afrobella inspires me even more.  I cannot wait until the holiday parties are in full swing so I can really show off this natural hair pizazz!

Food

Choosing Raw: The Simple Approach to a Vegan and Raw Lifestyle

I told you about this fabulous website before. I appreciate the fact that Gena’s recipes are so appetizing…and simple! Her dishes please vegans and omnivores alike.

Peach and Blackberry Skillet Cake

My close friends and family members (and you dear readers) know that I have a sweet tooth. What is better than a scrumptious, melt in your mouth, cake? A healthy one! This recipe from Gena does not disappoint.  If you all try it at home, let me know how it turns out for you.

Happy Reading!

Are you a fan of these bloggers? What do you like about them?

Hello friends!

Remember recently when I shared that grapeseed oil was the perfect elixir for the hair and skin? Well, let me introduce its essential oil counterpart: tea tree! I have tea tree oil in my supply at all times, whether its in my first-aid kit or beauty cabinet.  Because of its versatility, this oil is definitely one of my favorite healthy and beauty staples. I must share, however, although some people like it, I am not a fan of the somewhat medicinal scent.  The smell doesn’t really last long though, after it is applied.

So, what is tea tree oil good for? Absolutely everything!

It Cares For Your Hair

Many haircare companies add tea tree oil to their products for its cleansing and moisturizing properties. As any of us who have used any tea tree shampoo or conditioner can testify, this oil makes your hair and scalp feel luxurious…with that incomparable tingly sensation. Do you have dry hair or suffer from the dreaded “D” word? (Dandruff!) A few drops of tea tree oil mixed with a little jojoba oil will help to alleviate this problem. Massage your scalp every other day with this combination, and you’ll undoubtedly notice the positive impact.  (By the way, scalp massage is a wonderful relaxation technique too…so heavenly!)

Tea tree oil can also be used as an effective treatment for hair loss. (I told you this stuff is amazing!) Add 8 drops each of tea tree and rosemary oil with approximately 4 ounces of a carrier oil (olive, jojoba, grapeseed). Sweet almond oil is also ideal to use for its light consistency. For any of you who have experienced thinning around the temples, this recipe is perfect to stimulate hair growth.

It Loves The Skin You’re In

A natural alternative to harsh potions and creams, tea tree oil works wonders for skin that is need of a little TLC.  If your skin is severely dry, irritated or sunburned, add a few drops of tea tree to your favorite moisturizer to expedite the healing process. You will notice how soothing the tea tree feels as well.

Ladies, does your man suffer from razor bumps or irritated skin?  I just learned this little tidbit from the hair & skin care experts at Anago Samina. Make sure the skin is extremely clean apply a little amount of tea tree to the affected area. This is a great cure-all for those pesky little bumps. (Note: Generally, tea tree must not be applied to the skin “neat” that is, undiluted. This aftershave remedy is an exception, but as with any essential oil, test a small area on your skin first.)

There’s More to Adore

In addition to its myriad of uses above, tea tree is also renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Here are a few other ways you can incorporate it into your routine:

• Dental Care:  Add a few drops to your mouthwash, or alternatively, make your own! Mix a couple of drops of tea tree and peppermint oil with distilled water and shake well. You’re done! You have your own natural mouthwash…without the painful afterburn.
• Foot Treatment: Several drops of tea tree oil added to neem oil is an extraordinarily effective treatment for athlete’s foot. You can also add the same amount of tea tree oil to a foot bath, to relieve itching and irritation.
• Sinus: In the past, when I suffered from sinus headaches and congestion, I found tea tree oil to work wonders in helping to clear the congestion. I would add a few drops to a steaming bowl of water and inhale. Also, applying the tea tree (with a carrier oil) to the chest definitely helped me breath easier.

There are so many more remedies and uses for tea tree oil, but I have given you enough to start with.

Are you a fan of tea tree oil? How do you use it in your routine?

As a reminder, the event details are below:

Saturday, July 16th, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Memphis Airport Hotel & Conference Center

2240 Democrat Road, Memphis, Tennessee

You can also find an updated list of classes and the schedule for the Expo here.  Come prepared to shop, be pampered, and most importantly, learn something. Be sure to come and introduce yourself on Saturday. Can’t wait to see you lovelies there!

P.S. For my readers who aren’t in the Memphis area, I still love you too! What natural hair events are happening in your city?

Hello Friends! The first annual Tennessee Natural Hair & Wellness Expo is almost here–two weeks–and we have an all-star line-up for you. Calling all ladies (guys, you’re welcome too  of course;-)) of the Mid-South: come experience a day of all things natural hair care, beauty, and wellness.

Saturday, July 16th, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Memphis Airport Hotel & Conference Center

2240 Democrat Road, Memphis, Tennessee

I am TOO excited for you to meet some of our amazing vendors, including:

• Quality, handmade natural products from Anago Samina
• Very Prissy’s unique jewelry designs
• The creative stylings of natural hair salon Afrik Trends
• Nakia Amour’s comprehensive natural hair care line

These are just a few of the awesome entrepreneurs and artisans you’ll encounter.

We also want you to come expand your mind and nourish your spirit. There will be an array of classes and workshops to inform, educate, and entertain!

• Do you know anyone who is considering transitioning to natural hair? Takeisha Berry-Brooks, owner of A Natural Hair Beauty Lounge, will share how-tos and tips on making the transition to chemical-free hair.
• Want to learn about more styling options for natural hair? Be sure to attend Malaika Cooper’s workshop, “I’m Natural, Now What?”
• Pearl “The Hair Deva” Walker, stylist and owner of Legacy, Locks, Braids & Natural Styles is going to take us beyond the surface to explore the politics and philosophy of natural hair.

But wait, there’s more!

• Remember Leah, the fascinating creator of Etniq Minerals Cosmetics? She is going to share her expertise of wholistic beauty and skincare.
• Terri of the popular blog BrownGirl Speaks will teach a a class on “green” home living (this lady KNOWS her stuff, ya’ll!).
• Last, but not least, yours truly will conduct a workshop, “Restoring Mind, Body and Spirit through Meditation”. I look forward to meeting each of you!

In anticipation of this event, one of our dynamic vendors, Urban Chocolate, is sponsoring a giveaway! All handcrafted, the innovative accessory designs of Urban Chocolate are nothing less than extraordinary. Enter for a chance to win these beautiful earrings from Urban Chocolate (pictured below):

You can be eligible by one of three ways:

1. Share this post on your Facebook or Twitter page.

2. “Like” the TN Natural Hair & Wellness page on Facebook. If you are already a fan, you can note in the comments below.

3. “Like” the Urban Chocolate fanpage on Facebook.

Leave a comment for each entry. The winner will be announced Saturday, July 9th.

*Update*: Congratulations to Ollie, who was randomly selected as the giveaway winner! Hope you enjoy these beautiful earrings!

Let’s make this premier natural hair event a success! See you there!

Friends, am I the only one who gets lost in the blogosphere? Nowadays, so many talented writers offer valuable information on a myriad of topics, which can be satisfying (okay, sometimes overwhelming, lol) for someone with 1,001 interests like me. And I am still discovering new gems every day! I want to help you navigate the world of natural beauty, nutrition and wholistic health out there in the virtual world, by sharing a few of my favorites.

Crunchy Betty

I love love love this blog! (Can you tell my enthusiasm? ) The tagline to the blog is: You Have Food on Your Face. I must admit, that is what initially draw my attention to the site. Crunchy Betty shares tons of natural beauty recipes made from basic ingredients you can find in your kitchen. Strawberry-Kiwi Face Polish anyone? This blog offers wealth of information to purify your hair, skin, home…and soul. A must read!

Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day

I really enjoy experimenting with tantalizing recipes, and if I can sample new dishes on a shoestring budget….even better! That’s why this site was such a pleasant discovery. Vegetarian chef and photographer Melody shares her simple, creative recipes, using whole, fresh ingredients, like this delightful Pesto Pasta Salad. Oh, and did I mention Melody shows you how to assemble these meals on a budget of around $3.00 daily? Phenomenal! This blog proves you don’t have to break the bank to put together a healthy, delicious meal.

Holistic Locs

I have been meaning to share with you all this blog for the longest. This blog first caught my attention for its breathtaking photos of natural hair, but I later become captivated by the blogger’s musings on spirituality, wholistic health and life in general. Visiting her blog is akin to going to a mini-sanctuary: enlightening quotes, meditative music and inspiring affirmations, like this one, “I Deserve”. I hope this blog encourages and rejuvenates you.

Have you read any of these blogs? Which ones are your favorites?

The time is rapidly approaching for this event, and  I am SO excited! The 2011 Tennessee Natural Hair Care and Wellness Expo, to be held in Memphis, Tennessee on Saturday, July 16, 2011. The event will be at the Memphis Airport Hotel & Conference Center, 2240 Democrat Road from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This Expo is co-sponsored by All Day Natural and Malaika Cooper, founder of the renowned Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo. She has also hosted previous expos in New Orleans and North Carolina. (They were a blast!)

Now, it’s Tennessee (and the South’s) turn to represent in the natural hair world! We are excited about having vendors, presenters, and attendees from all over the region. Whatever your interests, this Expo will have something to appeal to you. Vendors will offer natural hair and skin care products, clothing, accessories, and items related to wholistic health. What I eagerly anticipate the most are the classes and workshops! We want you to come to the Expo to be enriched physically, spiritually, and mentally.

For my natural hair mavens (or those who are considering making the journey), some of the classes include:

• Natural Hair Styling Options
• Making the Transition to Natural Hair
• Caring for Your Natural Hair/Herbal Hair Care
• The Politics/Philosophy of Natural Hair

In the area of wellness, our talented experts have a lot of valuable information to offer, with classes on:

• Vegetarianism/Vegan Living
• Introduction to Yoga
• Natural Beauty/Skincare
• Becoming Fibroid-Free

Spread the word, and tell your friends! You can’t miss this event! For more information, check out the Tennessee Natural Hair Care Expo’s website, and be sure to friend us on Facebook! (We will have special giveaways on the blog and the Facebook page in the countdown to the Expo!) For our out-of-town guests, special discounts are available at the event hotel (details on the website).

I cannot wait to see you there! This will be an event to remember!!

Will you be attending the Tennessee Natural Hair & Wellness Expo? What natural hair events are happening in your area this summer?

~Edward Giobbi

Springtime is almost here. The breathtaking array of color from nascent flower gardens and forest green hues from the blades of glass signify Mother Nature’s constant evolution. What a perfect time of the year for us to make beautiful changes in our own lives too!

What changes have been weighing on your mind? We are evolving beings. There is always room for us to grow, whether spiritually, emotionally or physically.  Our excuses for not making positive changes often outweigh our motives for doing so. Sometimes you need some motivation to push you in the right direction. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Just Do It. What are you waiting for to make the change? Too often, we put off big decisions (and small ones) to some indeterminate time in the future. “When you earn more money. When your child gets older. When you get a new relationship….”  Often the longer we procrastinate about a decision, the more unappealing and seemingly unattainable it seems.

I have been contemplating embarking on a strength training program for a long time. Not particularly fond of intense exercise, I delayed the decision. One day, I woke up and just decided to join the local gym on a whim. Now, I actually look forward to my workouts!

2. Create a support system. I have shared with you the value of having a support system before. Cultivating this support is often vital to your success. You want to have a circle of people who encourage, support and surround you with positive energy. Do not entertain those who question your decisions or even worse, judge you for them. You want to have family members and friends around you who will nurture your spirit during your journey. Who knows? You may be the support they need to make similar positive changes one day.

3. Visualize where you want to be. Whether you write down your goals or create images in your mind, always stay focused on what you want to achieve.  This will help you remain motivated on the days you are feeling anxious, tempted or frustrated. Place notes on your mirror or desktop or take time for your visualizations a few minutes each day.

This weekend, when completing an exhausting class at the gym, I wondered, “Why am I submitting myself through this when I could be at home surfing through my Netflix queue?” Then, I remembered my goal: killer abs and arms (Watch out, Venus Williams!). That gave me the stamina to complete the workout and actually pushed me to work harder.

Here’s to welcome changes!

What positive changes do you want to make in your life?