Body Under Construction

As I work on other areas of myself, I would be foolish not to work on my body as well. Recently, I have decided to incorporate weight training into my regimen. It is not that I'm unhappy with my body, but I choose to enhance what I already have. Being a nutrition student, I want to be well- rounded in all areas of health... mind, body, and soul. Anyone can agree that when you look good, you feel good. It's all about self-esteem as well. Beginning weight training is a daunting task, it's very challenging and hard work. The first day I started I was very zealous. I did more repetitions than I should have and the next day I felt it all over. There is nothing that a hot bath and epsom salt won't cure. My muscles responded delightfully to the soak. The next day, I went in a bit slower into the session and things went alot smoother. Patience is key with anything and I know I'll reach my goals one step at a time.

"Perseverence is not a long race; it is many short races one after another."
~Walter Elliott~

My Love of Hair care

I have an unusual hobby to most people, but haircare and homemade recipes are my passion. This is where my true mixtress comes into play. About 10 years ago I started looking at the health of my hair which was not bad, but could've been better. Naturally, I have a head of full , thick, wavy hair that I always didn't pay attention too. Washing, conditioning, and pulling it back into a ponytail was it. This was okay haircare, but I was looking for optimum results. So, the research and time was spent to find natural haircare recipes. As I researched, there were other women blogging about the same desires that I had, so this was really getting interesting. I joined small communities on the internet and actually came into contact with some very knowlegeable ladies with gorgeous heads of hair. From them I learned that what we eat can also affect the condition of the hair. So, from there I started to incorporate more green vegetables, fish of all kinds,sprouts,eggs,yogurt,legumes, grains, poultry, and healthy smoothies in my diet. Experimenting with different recipes that were nutrient packed became like a game for me. Not only did I enjoy them but my family members loved them as well. Almost immediately I could see the difference in my hair in the course of a month. The texture, color, shine, and health were so apparent! Gone were the days of lifeless, dull, so-so hair. I was smitten by the hair bug and haven't stopped since. Of course, it also takes time and patience for the growth of your hair if you are looking for length. The secret to retaining the length I did have was plenty of moisture, care and bunning. Bunning is keeping your hair securely in a ball out of the air. I also use a silk scarf at night as well as a silk pillow case to avoid breakage. The boon to this method is that I don't have to do much with styling, because everything is already done.

One of my favorite hair treatments is Henna. The brand that I use most often is Karishma Herbal Henna. The henna is powdery green and has an earthy smell, somewhat like hay. After pouring the henna into a bowl I add some of my favorite ingredients tailored to my liking. I usually add coconut milk, jasmine oil,Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner( I know it's not natural, but it is such a heavy conditioner and gives me great moisture.)I then proceed to stir all the ingredients together until it is of a pudding consistency. I then apply this mixture all to my hair concentrating on the ends. After the application, I cover my hair with a plastic shower cap and go about my daily routine. You may leave this mixture on as long as you like. I usually opt for about 2-3 hours, then rinse and wash out. The washout is very important because this is a natural product. I use plenty of conditioner to do this. The results of henna is fabulous as it is a natural alternative to hair dyes as well.The henna will impart a red hue to your hair if your hair color is light. So,please be aware of this if any of you may want to try this. My hair is dk.brown, so the henna turned it to a reddish brown which I love. The extra benefits to henna is that it strengthens the hair,cools the scalp,prevents hair fall,promotes hair growth,and an alternative to hair dyes. I hope everyone enjoyed my ramblings on hair care.


But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. 1Corinthians 11:15

An afternoon of cooking

This afternoon was quite hectic for me because my daughter and I prepared several meals all at once today. The reason being so, is that I actually enjoy it and she is learning with me to be a Proverbs 31 woman. That is to be efficient in all areas as a lady. Aside from this, the meals are being prepared in advance for the week for my mother because at the moment she cannot at this time do it herself. Last month, she had a very bad fall which has affected her balance and this has forced her to walk with a walker and cane. Standing for long periods of time only exacerbate the problem. So, to insure that she is having the proper nutrition, I usually take care of her meals for the week.The menu today consisted of stuffed chicken breasts filled with yellow saffron rice, feta, and spinach along with a caesar salad, and a fruit cup. Our second meal preparation was a dish of egg salad as this is one of her favorites as well as quick, easy, and simple. For variation and color we added chopped colorful peppers, black olives,mayonnnaise, relish, paprika to this easy dish. Who would not enjoy a light, delicious salad as this in the summer's heat. Paired with crackers or bread and chips, this is a delicious lunch! Let'a not forget the fresh strawberry iced tea as the capper. At the request of my daughter, we threw in a nice surprise, a pan of banana brownies another favorite! Don't you think we have spoiled her for the week? I think we have both done our jobs to do so, but what good daughter wouldn't?

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13