By now, all of you know of my enthusiasm for natural products, especially ones used for the skin and hair. Well folks, I have discovered another product that has captured my devotion.
I found out about this product, Bee’s Knees Avo Whip Hair Conditioner, while reading the blog Natural & Organic Body Care. The blogger, Lynn, unveiled her new creation , which consisted of avocado, coconut, olive oil, and honey. Let’s pause for a second.
Allow me to tell you a story, my hair tends to be on the dry side and it absolutely craves moisture. I have tried an at-home mixture of avocado and olive oil on my hair, which was delightful! BUT….1) it’s messy 2) pure olive oil can be pricey, and 3) oh, did I mention it was messy? Picking up little pieces of avocado from the sink is not fun. So when I saw this conditioner that has all of my favorite natural ingredients in it, it was a no-brainer. I had to try it.
I love love love this conditioner. I applied it to my damp hair, put on a shower cap (no, I didn’t leave the house with that on!) and kept the conditioner in for an hour. I combed my hair with the conditioner for an astoundingly easy detangling process–five minutes. I rinsed the conditioner out with cool water twice, to ensure that I didn’t leave any residue in my hair. I must say that my hair was unbelievably soft!
The results were amazing. When using this product, I don’t have to add any other product afterwards, I can just twist, braid, bun or let my hair flow on its own. I can truly say that this conditioner makes my hairwashing ritual a pleasurable experience.
One caveat, this conditioner does not have any preservatives, so it has a short shelf life (about three weeks), so it must be refrigerated and used quickly. I don’t mind though. This assures me that the conditioner is fresh and all natural, and gives me a good excuse to wash my hair often with this moisturizing delight. 
Nourish. Nurture. Grow.
This is the inspiring motto of Naturi Beauty Concepts. You all may remember the dazzling creator of Naturi Beauty, who was recently featured on All Day Natural. You can read her insightful interview here.
Imagine my surprise (and unrestrained delight!) when Shelley approached me about being featured as the Naturi Beauty of the Month for May. It was such an honor to be profiled on her fabulous website. Check out my feature here and stay around the site to read about Shelley’s keen adventures as chief culinary artisan and tress enhancer. 
This Mother’s Day, my sister and I decided to have a savory brunch for the women in our family. (Yes, we did let the men eat too, lol!) Our tasty menu included: garden delight salad, fruit medley, crackers with roasted red pepper hummus, chocolate mousse pie, and finally yellow rice (which was provided by my Dad aka our resident Chef. )
Here are two recipes from our gathering below. These dishes are so simple to make, for yourself or for your loved ones.
Chocolate Mousse Pie
This is one of my favorite desserts! I had to take the picture quickly, before the pie was devoured.
Crust:
1 cup almonds
1 cup dates
1/2 cup coconut
Process in food processor until a crumblike consistency. Press into pie pan to form crust. I put my crust in the refrigerator for about an hour to harden.
Filling:
4 ripe avocados
1/2 cup carob powder
1/4 cup agave syrup (add more or less depending on your preference)
Blend until well-mixed. The result should look (and taste) like chocolate pudding. Spread onto pie crust.
Add strawberries or other fruit of your choice.
Garden Delight
My creative sister put together this savory salad, which was also a big hit.
Ingredients:
Baby Spinach
Basil Leaves (shredded)
Tomatoes (diced)
Green Olives
Purple Onions (sliced)
Carrots (sliced)
Cucumbers (diced)
Together, these vegetables make a flavorful combination, so no dressing is necessary. However, if you would like an extra kick, feel free to add olive oil and vinegar dressing.
This was an easy gift idea that did not require a lot of time or money. From the looks of the empty plates, I can tell that everyone enjoyed it! Now I’m off to start planning the menu for Father’s Day…
What are your favorite healthy brunch dishes?
I received the letter below in an e-mail recently from author and health advocate, Kevin Gianni. I agree with his message wholeheartedly. It served as a reminder to me to “keep it simple.” Sometimes less is more.
For some reason or another, humans tend to think that we are superheros. That we can do anything and everything without consequence.
We also tend to think that the next best thing is exactly what we need for our health.
The newest machine or tool.
The newest berry from South America.
I, of course, learned this may not be the case when I did an ill-advised raw cacao experiment a few years back that burned my adrenals thin. (I’m still recovering in some ways from this!) But, even through this lesson, it’s hard to always “get it.”
The myth of health technologies will always lead us to think we can spend money to save our health, without actually doing much. Costa Rica, so far, has just reminded me that the simple things are the most important.
The basics, as unsexy as they are, will get you great results in your health and your life. They may not be as cool and intellectual as the new stuff that comes out, but the simple things ALWAYS work. I can feel them already after just a few days of focusing on the basics.
Eating fresh fruit.
Greens.
Exercising.
Taking breaks.
Going on adventures.
Staying away from the computer.
Laughing.
Sharing.
All these things and I’m feeling better than I have in years. Notice, I’m not taking any super-antioxidant supplements, magic pills or elixirs. I don’t have any $4000 pieces of equipment. As interesting and intriguing as these things are to me and you, they’re not the things that get you the results.
The basics will give you 80-90% of your results. I can promise you that. All we have here is a modest place to stay, a bunch of fresh fruit and vegetables, plus some great company.
Could it really be that simple? If you want it to be… I’m convinced it can. The good news is that you don’t have to go to the tropics to reset your systems. You can do it at home.
As long as you follow that list of basics above, avoid the clutter and noise in the industry and take some time to relax. You’ll get there… I promise!
Live Awesome!
Kev
What are your tips for simple living?
Quick, let’s play a word association game. What’s the first thing you think of when you hear of “Arkansas”? Wal-Mart? The Clintons? Hot Springs? I’ll be the first to admit that “green living” doesn’t come to mind, but all that changed after my visit to The Green Corner Store.
My husband and I happened to find this store while passing through Little Rock on a road trip—what a pleasant discovery! The Green Corner Store brands itself as “Arkansas First Eco-Lifestyle Store”. It sells apparel, home decor, food and personal care items, with an emphasis on local wares and natural products.
While there, the owner took the time to show me around the store and share her motivations for opening the store. I looking longingly at the mineral makeup options and the array of organic foods. I purchased a natural mud facial mask (made by a local artisan), hemp towels for the home, and even a natural dog biscuits for my family’s pup!
The Green Corner Store serves as a reminder that we vote with our pocketbooks. We can choose to patronize places that support the local economy. We can choose to purchase products that promote health and sustainability. The Green Corner Store is the perfect one stop shop for all of your natural health, beauty and home needs. If you don’t have one in your area, this corner store may be worth the drive.
“You are not getting up from the table until you finish your spinach.”
How many of you heard that (or some variation) as a child? Growing up, many of our parents faced the frustration of cajoling us to eat fruits and vegetables. Some of you now encounter the same challenges with your own children, who would rather reach for the bucket of chicken nuggets than a bowl of grapes.
Is it possible to convince your kids to eat healthy without pulling your hair out or calling for backup? (Calgon, take me away!!!)
Yes, it is! These tips below will help you transform your child’s views about healthy food. Who knows, one day they may even ask for seconds on the spinach.
1. Start young. Studies show that kids taste buds and food preferences are established by the time they reach three years old. If they develop an appreciation for fresh fruits and vegetables at a young age, guess what? This desire for whole foods will continue as they get older. I know of toddlers who refuse to eat junk food, because they can discern the taste between fresh, whole foods and the overly processed stuff.
2. Find healthy substitutes for their favorite foods. For my family member’s 10th birthday, I made this Chocolate Cake. What were the main ingredients? Dates and avocados! She (and the rest of the family) thoroughly enjoyed this healthy sweet treat, with no accompanying sugar high or stomachache. Identify natural alternatives to common junk foods for your own children, like fruit sorbet for ice cream or sweet potato fries for potato chips.
3. Teach them about the origins of food. Children will develop an appreciation for healthy food when they learn where it comes from. At my local farmer markets, there are always kid-friendly demonstrations and hands-on exhibits to spark interest in eating healthy. Start a garden with your child, so that they develop a keen interest in fruits and vegetables.
4. Experiment. Not every child will enjoy brussel sprouts. (Shocking, I know!) If your child does not seem to like “healthy” foods, try different ones to whet their appetite. They may not like bananas, but what about mangoes? Asparagus may not be high on their list of favorites, but avocados are sure to delight. Who knows? You may discover a food that you like too in the process.
5. Don’t use food as a reward. It may be tempting to treat your child to a hamburger for getting all As on the report card. (My school used to give out pizzas to the students on honor roll.) However, your child can associate unhealthy foods with treats, which can be a difficult cycle to break in the long run. Conversely, don’t use food to punish (i.e. “You can’t go outside to play because you didn’t eat your carrots.”)
6. Include them in meal planning and preparation. I had an EasyBake Oven growing up. (Remember those?) Looking back, the faux cakes that I prepared were probably not meant for human consumption, but they were the best-tasting cakes in the world to me. Why? Because I made them! Children like to take pride in their work. If kids feel like they are a part of planning the menu and making the meal (even if it is just stirring the sauce), they will be more likely to be excited about what they are going to eat.
7. Enjoy! As author Kim Caldwell pointed out in her recent interview on this site,”Food should not be stressful.” If you are constantly battling with your kids over what they eat, step back and reevaluate your approach. Positive energy is contagious. Get excited about eating healthy, and your child will embrace your excitement too!
How do you encourage your kids to eat healthy?
One of the things I appreciate about the blogsphere is the congenial atmosphere among fellow bloggers and the amazing naturalistas I encounter.
I had the pleasure of interacting with one such lady-Ms. V from the blog My Natural Me. On this site, she discusses her natural hair journey and features the experiences of others. She also delves into the joys of makeup and skincare. What more could a girl want?
I had the pleasure of being a guest blogger at My Natural Me recently, talking about natural ingredients to use for health care.
Check it out:
http://mynaturalme.blogspot.com/2010/04/first-guest-blogger.html
Much love to My Natural Me!
Thinking about growing out your natural hair? First, congratulations on taking such a big step!
I frequently encounter people who would like to “go natural,” but don’t know where to start. If your hair is relaxed and you are interested in returning to your natural hair, you basically have two options.
1) You can do what is affectionately known as the “Big Chop,” which is cutting all of your relaxed hair at one time and sporting a short cut. If you decide to take that route, here are some excellent tips from the blog natural belle.
2) You can also transition over a longer period of time, and cut your relaxed hair gradually. When I went natural, I transitioned for a year, cutting a few inches every so often. This is an ideal option for those who aren’t ready to take the big step all at once, but it does require patience.
For those of you who choose to transition, here are a few words of advice to help you along the way:
Transition Styles
Roller/Strawsets: This was my favorite style during my transition. You can set your hair using plastic rollers, straws, or perm rods (see below). A roller set is a perfect style for transitioning, as it blends the relaxed hair with the new growth.
Braids/Twists: You can wear these with or without extensions. Of course, you can get these done professionally. These are easy, low-maintenance styles. Be sure to keep your hair well-moisturized and conditioned while it is in these protective styles.
Scarves/Headbands/Hats: Okay, so this is not actually a style. It is great to have these accessories on hand, however, for the days when you don’t know what to do with your hair. I have a bevy of cool hats and wraps from my transitioning days which can be a lifesaver for those lazy days (like my doo-wop hat below. )
Tips to Remember
1. Treat your hair delicately. Your hair will be fragile during the transition, especially at the demarcation line (between the relaxed and natural hair). Try to avoid manipulating your hair excessively or putting too much direct heat on it.
2. Get to know your hair. Remember that your hair will evolve as you transition, and the texture of your new growth may even change. This is the perfect opportunity to rediscover your hair. Here is a great Q & A on natural hair from The Natural Haven. During my year of transition, I learned how to condition, cut and style my own hair. It was so empowering!
3. Find a support system. I think this is the most important thing to remember. As you transition, people (even those who have the best of intentions) may question you about your choice. You may even second-guess your decision at times. Surround yourself with those will encourage you during your journey and remind you of your natural beauty.
More Resources
The naturalistas on the blogroll to the right have a ton of helpful information on natural hair. Also, be sure to explore the resources below for more helpful tips and advice.
Books:
Good Hair: For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Weaves When the Chemicals Became Too Ruff
Textured Tresses: The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling Natural Hair
Thank God I’m Natural–The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair
Websites:
Black Girl Long Hair
www.bglhonline.com
Leave In The Kinks
www.litk.com
Nappturality
www.nappturality.com
What tips do you have for transitioners? What books and/or websites helped you during the transition?
Ahhh, pesto. I remember the first time I tasted this appetizing sauce. I was dining on an eggplant sandwich and my taste buds came alive with the succulent flavor of it. Every since then, I have loved to experiment with pesto.
Pesto has its origins in Italy, where it was made with crushed herbs and olive oil using a mortar and pestle. A versatile sauce, pesto can be made with an array of ingredients and used in many different dishes.
Here are a few recipes and meal ideas. For all the recipes below, just add the ingredients to a blender and process. It’s that easy! Feel free to adjust the measurements of the ingredients to your own taste and consistency preference.
Pine Nut Pesto
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic
1 cup basil leaves
Dash of sea salt
This is perfect as an accompaniment to any sandwich. I add this to Ezekiel Bread with slices of avocado, tomato and spinach for a tasty lunch.
Hemp Seed Pesto
1/2 cup hemp seeds, hulled
1 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic
1 cup basil leaves
1 tsp lemon juice
Dash of sea salt
Use this pesto as a dip for veggies or tortilla chips, or as a spread for crackers.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
1 cup organic sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup walnuts
1 cup olive oil
1 cup basil leaves
Dash of sea salt
Ideal for use in pasta. I make zucchini noodles using a spiralizer. The noodles are very simple to make (even easier than boiling for my kitchen-challenged friends!). You can find a spiralizer here
You can add freshly ground pepper, oregano, thyme or parsley for an extra dose of flavor.
What are your favorite pesto recipes? What dishes do you like to use it in?
Can the secret to good health be found in….green smoothies? The answer is a resounding “yes” according to Kim Caldwell, author of How Green Smoothies Saved My Life: A Guide for Using Green Smoothies, Uplifted Thinking, and Live Food to Enhance Your Life . In this book, Kim shares her intriguing life story and integrates it with powerful lessons from leaders in alternative health. I had the wonderful pleasure of speaking with Kim recently about her inspiring and empowering message of health.
What motivated you to change your lifestyle?
After I had my children, the doctors put me on pain pills and antidepressants, and I felt depleted. I wanted to do something to get off the medication and improve my life. I just wanted to feel better. I loved junk food. When I started eating healthier, I no longer possesed the urge to eat heavy, salty food. I also lost weight–four dress sizes! I attribute it not only to my diet, but to a change in my mental outlook. I became stronger by learning how to handle my emotions and stress.
What are your thoughts on the mind-body connection in the context of health?
Years ago, I used to think that everything was related to food. If my children came home from school with a stomachache, I assumed it was caused by something they ate. Then I observed that if they came home from school worried and upset, their stomach would hurt. I started to realize that your thoughts affect your body. You have to speak health. The key is stress reduction. A clean diet does not help if you are under stress.
What was your inspiration to write this book?
I have always liked to help people who have problems. I used to write down my smoothie recipes for people and then I thought, “Why not put them in a book?” I also wanted to share some of my inspirations, Dr. Norman Walker, Paul Bragg, Victoria Boutenkos, and Louise Hay (author of You Can Heal Your Life), to name a few.
In your book, you discuss the 80/20 rule for people transitioning to a healthy lifestyle. Can you elaborate on this?
As you are transitioning, if you strive to have at least 80% of your diet consisting of healthy foods, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t eat so well the other 20% of the time. Food should not be stressful. This principle also applies to having a positive mindset. You can never hold on to the same emotion forever. If you have negative, heavy emotions, it’s okay to feel them and let them go, to make room for the healthy stuff.
You can order Kim’s book here
