Rhassoul Clay Results. . .

Rhassoul Clay versus. . .

Bentonite Clay.

Hey guys,

I forgot to post the results of my Red Clay wash. I must say. I can't tell the difference. With the Rhassoul Clay (or Red Clay), my hair has more bounce. I think it's slightly shinier. The difference is very slight at this point but I do love the way my hair just kind of "hangs" now. And I did a facial mask with the Red Clay. The results of the mask just keep getting better. My skin is now even more toned! Yay!

Keep in mind if you try the Red Clay, be sure to use it in moderation. The application process is very messy. Whether you try the Red Clay or Bentonite Clay or some other luxury, be sure to do something to pamper yourself this week. Sometimes we can become so busy that we forget to take that much-needed "me" time.


Tee

My Rhassoul Clay Experience

Rhassoul Clay Profile

I'm not an expert on this so I included a link. Click on the "Rhassoul Clay Profile" link above my photo. Rhassoul clay is also called Red clay. I'm using the clay as a facial mask, shampoo, and conditioner today. I have used it before as a facial mask and my skin looked as if it was kissed by the sun. Super radiant! It had a glow to it that I just can't fully explain. It also works as a really nice toner for black skin. Anyhoo, I just wanted to show you some pics. I used Naptural85's winter wash-and-go method. You can find her link on my "Cure for Bad Hair Days" post. Okay, so I'll post the results of this red clay wash later. See ya, chicas.

Tee

It's Been a Long Week. . .

Hi guys!

This week has been super busy! When I say super, I mean SUPER! On Monday, my daughter returned to school as a 10th grader! Yay! I spent last weekend (and last week), buying clothes, school supplies, lunches, etc. I attended information day at my daughter's school. Then I kept going back to the store to purchase items on our back-to-school checklist. Whew! It's hard to believe it's all done. Anyhoo, it was a successful week back to school for my little Robyn. My daughter and I both are trying out some trendy, vintage styles (I'll post pics later). And I almost forgot that I promised pictures of the results of my clay wash and deep condition. Here is how my hair looked at the end of one night last week as I was posting a pic on Facebook (I had to show how cute my little Robyn Poo was on her first day back to school).

I finally got a chance to unwind a little today. But  I had to take a few moments to show my blog some love. I want to leave you with these few little nuggets as a little food for thought. Life is full of the chores we all have to do; for instance, back-to-school shopping, hair stuff, buying groceries, cooking, doing the laundry, opening mail, cleaning the house, etc. However, we don't have to dread any of it. We can turn everything we do into a party! Life is what you make it, and for most of us, a chunk of our time is spent doing chores. I've decided to make the most of every moment, even when I'm doing mundane everyday activities. So go ahead and liven up your chores! Put on your favorite song, do a dance, laugh out loud. . .it's okay. Have a good time! You deserve it. 

So what are you doing now? No matter what it is, be sure you are doing it with your own personal spunk. Make every moment count! I gotta run guys. See ya.

Tee

Ugghh. . .Bad Hair Days!

Hi guys,

I was in a little funk earlier so I decided to do something about my hair! I went to church today,  and my hair was a mess (I pulled it off by wearing a bun). The bad hair day was getting to me so I knew it was time for a wash day. Also, a bad hair day is the perfect time to do some experimenting. First, I followed some of my YouTube friends' advice and did a deep conditioner with mayo, egg, honey, and coconut oil. I put the conditioner in my hair after my clay hair wash.

One of my favorite natural hair/beauty vloggers is Naptural85. I decided to try her winter wash-and-go method. I know right? It's still summer! But I'm preparing for the fall guys! I got all my fall clothes this weekend and everything. I just need another leather biker jacket (it's on the way). And some cool leather boots. Anyhoo, I'll post the results of this conditioning treatment and the wash-and-go method later. See ya!

Tee

I Wash My Hair with Clay

Hi guys!

I recently washed my coils with bentonite clay! Why hasn't anyone told me about this stuff! It works. As you can see from the photos, it elongated my curls and left them soft and fluffy. Regular shampoos usually leave my hair dry, tangled, and tightly coiled. I'm never going back to regular shampoos again! This year, one of my goals is to transition from store-brought products to more organic products.

For my bentonite clay mixture, I mixed Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, aloe vera juice, Organics Carrot Tea-Tree Oil Therapy, and coconut oil.

Bentonite clay is known as "healing clay" because it can be used to treat ailments such as arthritis, acne, eczema, stomach ulcers, viral infections, and many more.

From my research, I've discovered that the clay is made from volcanic ash, which is known for its detoxifying effects on just about anything it touches (but metal weakens the clay's elements. Do not use metal utensils when mixing). The clay has many uses. For instance, you can also use the clay as a facial mask or take it as a supplement (Be sure to check with your doctor first).

I used the clay as a facial mask and I looked years younger. I noticed it really tightened my skin. Any lines that were there before seemed to vanish. My face looked like a new-born baby's skin. So the clay gets a thumbs up from this natural chica. Before you go out and buy some, do your research first. There are different brands and some are mixed with other minerals. Hope this helps!

For more information about bentonite clay and other clays, I found a Web site that seems to be the most credible on the subject. See below. Gotta run. Have a fabulous hair day!

http://www.naturalnews.com/index.html

Tee

Mmmmmm. . .good!

One cool, fun, and productive thing you can do with your teen is to have a cook-a-thon! That's right! All those veggies in your frig can be put to good use (instead of rotting because you forgot they were there).

Last night, we got a little creative. Since Crock pot dishes are so awesome and easy, I put together some broccoli, potatoes, onions, mushrooms, vegetable broth, a can of cream of mushroom soup, and dried basil, and created a soup. Perfect for these rainy days. I seasoned the dish with seasoning salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning.

 Also, we made a sweet potato/oatmeal soufflé.

In addition, we sautéed a chicken veggie dish. This time I used frozen peppers and onions (from Whole Foods) mushrooms, potatoes, tomatoes, Goya ham seasoning, Creole seasoning, dried basil, a pinch of cayenne pepper and seasoning salt. We cooked it all last night and it's almost gone tonight! Goody! Goody! (licking lips).

Tee

A Spanish Summer

Hey guys,



I just wanted to introduce you to one of the hottest teen artist of today! She’s on the rise, and she’s smoking! She’s unique and fresh. I am sooooo in love with this chic’s work! It’s sensational! Okay so I'm a little bias. This is the work of the great Robyn Freeman (my daughter). While looking at her work, I’m thinking, "Here is one of God’s greatest masterpieces of all—Ms. Robyn Dionne." Selah. She’s got the skills and the perky personality to match . . . a masterpiece indeed. (Don't tell her I said that. She might get the big head). You think? LOL!



Good work Ms. Robyn Dionne. May your artistic gifts inspire the nations. Love ya!



Your number one fan,

Tee

Vacation Reflections

My daughter Robyn (directly above) turned 16 in May. To celebrate we flew to D.C. to visit my cousin Dionne and her son Colin (both pictured above in the MLK photo).

We had a great, relaxing, and educational experience! I'm looking forward to the next trip!

On another note, I have so much respect for all the fabulous single mamas out there doing their thang. However, my lil' cousin gets the Single Mama of the Year award! Her 8-year-old son, who is already a computer whiz, is plannng to be the futuristic YouTube sensation. Translation: she's got her work cut out for her! PLUS she's a lawyer, and she has just started a non-proft organization that encourages young ladies to keep their "cookies" on lock down! It's called Cookies In The Jar. Check out her Web site at http://www.cookiesinthejar.org/.

Tee

Cool New Summer Updo for Naturals

Okay so I am really trying to get this style right on my hair! I have my own version of it. Hee. Hee. Alicia James is one of the natural hair vloggers I follow on YouTube because her mini-twist updos are just perfect for the summer. I'll keep trying to achieve this look. Sometimes your hair just will not flow exactly like someone else's but that's cool. You'll still have a cute, quick, and easy updo. Also, this is a great style for post work-out hair (after a co-wash). Oh, AND it could be a great date night style too. I love it. You know me. I'm always on the go so I gotta run. Don't forget to check out some of Alicia's other styles on YouTube.

Tee

Cure for Lazy, Summer Days

Summer is upon us! The temps are rising, and with this humid heat soaking us up, it's so easy to stay in our cocoon with the AC blowing cold. However, whether you need a date night activity or something to do with the kids, there are some fun things you can do in Atlanta this summer. It's what you make it. Just go out when the sun is going down, and use your imagination (preaching to the choir here). Here's a list of some cool places and activities to check out around Hotlanta.




Alliance Theatre

Atlanta Motor Sports

Atlanta History Center

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta Braves and Turner Field

Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome

The Georgia Aquarium

Jimmy Carter Library and Museum

High Museum of Art

Georgia State Capitol

Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta

Piedmont Park

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site & Sweet Auburn District

Little Five Points

Millennium Gate

Underground Atlanta

Stone Mountain Park

Woodruff Arts Center

World of Coca-Cola

Zoo Atlanta

Yellow River Game Ranch and Kangaroo Conservation Center

Margaret Mitchell House

William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum

Six Flags Over Georgia & Six Flags White Water

Medieval Times

Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers and Atlanta Dream at Philips Arena

The Fox Theatre

Golf in Atlanta

Walking Tours (The Atlanta Preservation Center)

Georgia State Capitol

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Chastain Park Amphitheatre

Centennial Olympic Park

City Segway Tours

Air Atlanta Helicopters (See Atlanta from Above)

Chattahoochee River Fun

Center for Puppetry Arts

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Atlantic Station

Atlanta University Center and Historic West End

Atlanta Opera and the Atlanta Ballet



Just a few things to get you started. Don't fall into the trap of thinking there is nothing to do around town. Grab your family, friends, and pets and start some summer memories. Hey if you find any other cool events around town, inbox me on Facebook. See ya around town!



Tee

 

Here is a quick, easy, and healthy meal I served up today. My daughter agreed that it was quite tasty! I am trying to stay away from complex carbs, processed and fast foods. This dish was so easy to cook because I didn't have to stand over the stove to watch it.




Below are the items you will need:



Perdue fresh boneless chicken breast Italian style

Goya seasoning (ham flavor)

A bag of matchstick carrots

A bag of frozen bell peppers, onions, and celery mix (10 oz, From Publix)

A bag of frozen broccoli (10 oz, From Publix)

Basil, canola oil, Zatarain's Creole seasoning

Non-stick skillet



Cooking instructions:



Place chicken in the skillet. Pile on all the veggies.Top it all off with two packs of Goya seasoning, a pinch of Zatarain's Creole seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper. Allow to cook on medium heat. If the chicken starts to cook too fast, turn the heat down just a bit. Cook for one hour. Once the chicken is tender, begin to pull the the pieces apart. Stir the veggies and chicken together. Then allow to cook or simmer for another 30 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly. Serve and enjoy!

Hi guys,

I love natural hair videos!  No, this blog is not only about natural hair! LOL! It's all about inspiration and information. So for the chicas who are transitioning from relaxed to natural, I wanted to show you this video to let you know that you do not have to do the big chop. Laila's video (above) can be seen on YouTube under her vlog name fusionofcultures. She transitioned for 24 months! She also has some really good tips on transitioning so check out her channel. As a side note, I didn't even know about this song by India Arie! It was perfect for this video. At any rate, I've been doing a little research on transition styles, and so far I've found the following to be the best no-heat styles:

• Roller sets
• Twist and curl roller sets
• Bantu knot outs
• Updos

Remember, keep your hair well moisturized and conditioned. Get your ends trimmed regularly, and be sure to style gently. The hair is the most vulnerable during the transition process, and you can easily snap off your ends if you're not careful. Also, keep a good attitude about your hair texture. Have fun with your transition. A good attitude is critical to your success. You are learning your hair, and it may seem difficult at first, but once your hair grows healthy and strong, you will love it! So hang in there!

Here's a little something I am discovering about my natural hair during the summer months. It gets super dry (I have 4a hair). By the end of the day, it needs so much moisture. Last week, my bantu knot out was moisturized and full. This week my hair is dry, and my curls are tighter and less cooperative. I washed and deep conditioned on Saturday. For some reason, I haven't been able to achieve this moisturized affect this week. But you know what? Last week, I didn't wash my hair with shampoo. I used a conditioner (Pantene for Relaxed and Natural hair). I work out a lot so I have to either wash or co-wash (conditioner wash) during the week. I'm doing some experimenting to combat this summer dryness. I am going to try an organic wash. If anyone has tried the organic washes let me know. I'm also going to try a homemade deep conditioner (mayo, egg, olive oil, and honey). I think organic shampoos and conditioners will work best for my hair type. I'll post the results.

Father's Day In Macon, GA

Fun times with my folks! Even if these people weren't related to me, I would think they were pretty awesome. I hung out with my granddad yesterday for Father's Day! (far right) He is standing strong and looking great at 88!SMH! He preached for 55 minutes on love Sunday morning. I want to be like him when I grow up ya'll. Speaking of growing up, being at your childhood home, makes you feel like a kid again. I guess I never appreciated the fact that I have the best aunties and uncles a girl could have for sure. I know I got the best granddad. He's got soooo much spunk for his age! Absolutely the best! I miss them all already. Gotta love 'em (Tears).