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