Sunday, is the beginning of the week for most folks, we go to church, prepare Sunday dinner and prepare ourselves mentally for the upcoming workweek!  Let Sunday be your deep conditioning day!  Treat your hair before the hustle and bustle of the upcoming week, when most of us have practice, homework to go over, dinner to cook, and getting kids ready for the next school day.  We do this with our eyes close and hearts open.  Now take a moment to take care of your hair!  This easy & cost affective deep conditioning recipe will provide moisture, nutrients, protein, and vital vitamins for your hair!

Avocado Deep Conditioner

Excellent for dry and damaged hair; do this once a week and you will see a huge difference in your hair!

Items needed

2 very ripe avocado –Rich in vitamins and mineral such as, Vitamin E, A, & B6 complex and potassium, beta carotene, copper and letchin; highly nutritive and softening  that contains penetrating oils for hair and skin.

1 egg yolk (room temp) an excellent source of high quality  protein, eggs contain 9 essential amino acids, Egg yolks are naturally rich in vitamin A, D, E and several vitamins of B-group. All of them are good for hair: vitamins A, D and E are especially useful to treat hair loss, besides, vitamin A increases sebum production which oils dry hair and prevents dandruff and thick scalp, Vitamin D provides hair growth, and vitamin E increases oxygen absorption. B-vitamins are mostly responsible for hemoglobin. They increase the amount of oxygen and improve blood circulation.

Another significant part of egg yolk is fatty acids which make hair shiny and manageable. In addition, fatty acids were proven to fight dandruff, hair loss, psoriasis and flaky scalp, because they improve the skin structure

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – It has a rich, full bodied flavor with a strong aroma and is golden brown in color. Has a great conditioning effect in body care recipes and can be used in almost all applications because of its stable nature.

1 tbsp macadamia nut oil – This fine oil comes from the pressed nuts of the Macadamia tree. It is a priceless delight for the skin and has proven itself to be one of the best regenerative oils available. It is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, and closely resembles sebum (the oil naturally produced by ones skin to help protect it). Macadamia oil is a fabulous, protective oil with a high absorption rate and has been successfully used as a healing oil for scars, sunburns, minor wounds and other irritations.

1 tbsp of honey – is antiseptic and emollient and moisturizing.  It helps draw out impurities out of the skin and hair. It is a great conditioning agent for hair.

Directions:

Skin and pit avocados, mash them really well with either a wooden spoon or mix at a low speed hand mixer, add egg, EVOO, macadamia nut oil and honey.  Blend well and apply to hair in sections, mainly focusing on the ends of your hair.  You will see your hair get very soft and more manageable.  Leave on for at least 30 mins, with or without heat.

Conditioners

Conditioners have positive charge and  hair has a negative charge; this helps the conditioner to cling to the hair, Conditioners help retexture hair and skin by providing a protective coating over the cells.  This lubricates the hair shaft, promoting softness & help breakage and tangles.  Ensure your conditioners have a low pH and focus on the ends of our hair; because of our curls, it is hard for moisture to reach the ends of our hair.  Apply the conditioner of your choice and wrap your head in a towel or cover with a plastic cap and let it sit for at least 30 minutes; rinse with cool water to close cuticle and provide excellent shine to hair!

Here are some photos:

I love my hair!  It’s soft and shiny!

After I rinsed out the avocado deep conditioning hair  mask  I added the Replenishing Hair Oil, Herbal Gel and Nourishing Hair and Body Butter.

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I found this article and thought it would be very relevant to all relationships!

To feel loved and nurtured, we must believe deep down that our partner is really there for us. That sounds simple, but it’s far more complicated than most couples realize. Although Sally and Gary insisted that they were being attentive, they had difficulty being empathetic. That’s significant: Marital researchers have found that couples who help each other weather stressful situations outside the marriage have stronger, happier relationships than those who can’t.

The key is empathy. Empathy isn’t the same as sympathy or pity. It means being able to put yourself in another’s position, to feel what they feel and see what they see, without losing yourself in the process. And it means you do all that even though you may disagree with a partner’s perception, opinions, or feelings. Take 30 minutes a day, at a time that works best for both of you, to empathize with the stresses and strains you are each experiencing in other areas of your life. It can make a difference between a marriage that succeeds and one that fails. Consider:

Empathy Don’ts

• Don’t stonewall (ignore what a partner is saying).
• Don’t minimize a spouse’s concerns: “What’s the big deal?” “You’re always so sensitive!”
• Don’t rush to fix the problem: “Well, if I were you I’d…” or “You should have…” Many people mistakenly believe that downplaying worries or offering advice is helpful. In fact, pat reassurances often magnify negative feelings, since they force a person to try even harder to feel acknowledged. Women especially resent a partner’s interruption with solutions, preferring instead to simply vent and know that someone is really listening.

Empathy Dos

• Do pay attention. Set aside the newspaper or catalog and turn off the TV when your partner is talking. An occasional uh-huh or nod of the head indicates you haven’t zoned out.
• Do validate feelings. “He gave that special assignment to the new recruit? I can see why you’re annoyed.”
• Do ask questions with genuine interest. Make sure your partner knows you heard what he or she has said. “So how did you respond to him?”
• Do respond with affection, understanding, and support: “I’m really sorry you have to put up with that.” “Oh, sweetheart, that could happen to anyone. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
• Do show support. Take your spouse’s side. “I think your boss went a little overboard, too,” is appropriate. “Well, you shouldn’t have been late in the first place” isn’t.

Excerpted from Seven Secrets of a Happy Marriage: Wisdom from the Annals of “Can This Marriage Be Saved?”

Rules for a Fair Fight

Before any couple can even begin to solve their problems, they have to learn how to use their anger constructively. How can anger be constructive? Use it to explore the underlying causes of your disagreements, and you’ll find ways to address both of your needs.

If bickering punctuates your days; if arguments escalate quickly until you’re both shouting things you later regret; or if you too often smile through gritted teeth while your stomach is roiling like an ocean in a hurricane, the following rules can help you defuse the rage and focus your energies on practical strategies for change. Make a promise to:

1. Remind yourself that it is okay to be angry, and don’t feel guilty about having those angry feelings. Women, especially, grow up believing that it is unladylike and bitchy to express any negative feelings. Better to suppress anger, they’re taught, than express it. But there are times when anger is legitimate and those occasions must be recognized and addressed. Once you do that, you’ll be in a stronger position to say how you honestly feel and find a path for change.

2. Understand that although you disagree, you are not enemies. No matter how much people love each other, differences will eventually trigger conflict. Fighting fair means you will not attack each other — physically or verbally. Name-calling, cursing, screaming, or blaming are verboten. So, is threatening separation or divorce.

3. Never use something that has been previously told to you in confidence as a weapon in an argument. When you do, you betray the trust your spouse has placed in you, and make it harder for your partner to feel emotionally safe in the marriage.

4. Never walk out of the room until you either both agree that an argument is over or have decided to table the problem and chosen a specific time to bring it up again.

5. Acknowledge each other’s feelings and perceptions, without judgment or criticism. There’s no “right” way to feel, and there will be times in every marriage that you simply will not agree. But you should always make the effort to unravel what is troubling your partner and show genuine caring for and awareness of his or her emotional experience. Phrases such as “I never thought of that” or “Tell me more about what you’re thinking” will help you break out of an anger stalemate.

Excerpted from Seven Secrets of a Happy Marriage: Wisdom from the Annals of “Can This Marriage Be Saved?”

Getting Him to Open Up

Until the counselor pointed it out, Jamie and Ben didn’t realize that the clash between her articulate, assertive style and his inability to give voice to his feelings was at the heart of many of their problems. She’s certainly not the only wife to find herself in a conversational tango when trying to get her husband to communicate. To help him express his feelings:

Understand the silences. It can be hurtful and infuriating to try to talk to a man and feel as if you’re talking to the wall. But while women often find silence uncomfortable, men find solace in it. What’s more, we often read into a partner’s silence our own desires, fears, and past experiences. If your parents endured long icy periods when they were angry and didn’t speak, you may infer that your husband’s lack of response means he’s upset with you. His silence may simply mean he really has nothing particular on his mind. Similarly, a man whose father left the office behind when he walked in the door may believe it’s inappropriate to talk about business issues or problems at home. Many men have reported that they don’t tell their wives things because they don’t want to worry them. That protectiveness, however, may be misinterpreted as lack of interest. Also, when he talks to others but not to you, it may be because he views having to make conversation and relay factual information as work. At home, he wants to relax. And that may mean sinking into his own thoughts or reverie.

Ask directly for what you need. Men and women have different definitions of the word “communication.” Men problem-solve, often silently. They proceed directly from Step 1 (“Here’s the issue”) to Step 3 (“Do this”). Of course, you believe in Step 2: bouncing suggestions and possibilities around before coming to a solution. If your man is not the bouncing type, try presenting a specific agenda: “I’d like to talk about Jake’s terrible behavior lately” or “We need to figure out how we’re going to handle Amanda’s ballet practices during the school week.”

Phrase your questions to provoke responses. “How was your day?” won’t jump-start a conversation. He may just say “fine” or “terrible.” “Tell me about your presentation to that new client” might engage him more fully.

Learn to argue constructively. Many men are afraid to say anything because past experience has taught them that they’ll be criticized or blamed for past crimes and misdemeanors.

Give him the floor. He may have learned to disengage as soon as you start talking, which makes you talk even more. Someone has to break the cycle; try counting to yourself if he’s silent, or give him a friendly look to encourage him to respond.

Appreciate the silences. More likely than not, your spouse will never be as loquacious as your best friend. And you probably don’t want him to be, either. So learn to listen to the silence. When he takes you in his arms for a long hug, shares in a joyful whoop with you when your son scores his first hockey goal, or reaches for your hand as you ride in the car, he may be saying a great deal.

Pick the right moment. You prefer talking when you get into bed because it’s the first time all day you can relax; your husband falls asleep the minute his head hits the pillow. You like chatting over morning coffee, his brain doesn’t get in gear until an hour later. Men often feel ambushed and tend to clam up unless they have a say in the timing of talks. They may also feel cornered when the whole agenda of your conversation is “the problem.” If you try raising issues while doing an activity (playing backgammon, cooking a special dinner, or gardening), the talk will flow more easily. Another tactic: Ask him to come to you when he’s ready to talk. You might try saying: “We don’t have to discuss this right now, but I really want to understand what you’re thinking about our moving to a bigger house. Talk to me when you’re ready.”

Excerpted from Seven Secrets of a Happy Marriage: Wisdom from the Annals of “Can This Marriage Be Saved?”

Secrets of Sexy Marriages

In every relationship, levels of sexual desire for both partners fluctuate. Some stages are predictable: when you first marry, after you have a child, when the kids leave home, when job pressures persist. These are all times when sexual moods and patterns of lovemaking may shift. Knowing this, and being confident enough to talk about it, strengthens intimacy. Couples with the sexiest marriages:

1. Remember that sex problems are sometimes red herrings. Understanding that impotence is a common problem at every stage of marriage is the first, and highest, hurdle most couples have to clear. Talking about the problem can be reassuring and often lessens the anxiety for both partners. In fact, the more both partners worry about the problem, the more intractable it becomes. However, wise couples recognize that impotence can also be a wake-up call, a signal of stress somewhere in the relationship. Instead of banishing feelings of frustration, unhappiness, or emotional overload — at work, at home, with your kids or other family members — ask yourselves if something is bothering one or both of you. Sit down and talk about issues in a nonconfrontational, nonjudgmental, and unhurried way. Once Cindy and Dan found the courage to talk, the episodes of sexual stage fright disappeared.

2. Don’t save affection for the bedroom only. Couples whose sex lives bring them the most happiness eroticize their lives — that is, they give affection physically and verbally through the day in different ways. They touch. Whether it’s reassuring or frantically passionate, touch makes the difference between making love and having sex. Touch is a reflection of what you feel inside: You can convey desire, appreciation, delight, a sense of safety as well as boredom, resentment, or anger.

3. Make time for love. Sexy wives know that lovemaking is a habit: The more you do it, the more you like it, and the more you like it, the more you do it. They make lovemaking a top priority, and if that means scheduling sex, so be it. It won’t be any less exciting just because it’s planned. Sexual excitement feeds on itself. Just do it.

4. Talk every day. Even if it’s just 10 minutes in the morning and 10 at night, voice your love. Call each other pet names, remember to say goodbye and good night. Be sure that you don’t fall into the mind-reader trap of assuming your partner knows or should know what you’re thinking and feeling simply “because he loves me.” Those in a healthy, sexy marriage make a point of expressing their feelings and their attraction to each other on a regular basis.

5. Kiss often. We’re not talking a perfunctory peck on the cheek but a deep, sensual, teasing kiss. Many longtime couples rarely kiss at all, going straight to intercourse when they have sex. Don’t you remember the backseat? The cool, dark movie theater and the thrill of making out? Steal a kiss!

6. Have adventures. Instead of sex behind a locked bedroom door, these couples make love at the beach, in the car, in the shower, on the living room floor. They keep their eyes open during sex — and sometimes leave the lights on — because they know that watching their partner’s eroticism makes sex easier.

7. Break the rules. Ask yourself: What ruts have we fallen into and how can we get out of them? Explore changes, even small ones, with which you both feel comfortable. Don’t nix ideas automatically; instead, be willing to experiment with videos, sex toys, and magazines.

8. Learn what pleases. Know what you like and don’t like in bed — and make sure your partner knows, too.

Excerpted from Seven Secrets of a Happy Marriage: Wisdom from the Annals of “Can This Marriage Be Saved?”

Real Men Can Do Housework…

…But in the real world, they often don’t. While studies from the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan confirm that this generation of couples does half the amount of housework their parents did, most of those chores are still shouldered by women. Is there a way to prevent everyday skirmishes over home front responsibilities from escalating into full-scale wars — and still get him to put the dishes in the dishwasher? Let’s look at both sides of the problem.

Her side

• “I’m tired of doing all of it all the time.”
• “It’s the psychic energy that’s so draining. I have to be responsible for things even if I’m not in charge of them.”
• “How come he can fix a car engine but can’t figure out how to put the toilet paper on the roll?”

His side

• “When I do the grocery shopping, she says I buy the wrong tomato sauce.”
• “She’ll find one spot of food on a pot and yell, ‘Is this what you call clean?’”
• “The fact that I can’t remember to put my socks in the hamper is not a personal attack against her. I just…forget.”

Even the best counselors don’t have a foolproof recipe for success on this one. But here are a few suggestions. Try them; you never know…

Figure out exactly what needs to be done and who’s doing it. Keep a log of everything for a week down to the minute details: Who walked the dog, who did the laundry, who folded, who took the car in for repair, and so on. It could well be that a spouse is doing more than you gave him or her credit for. In that case, make a point of appreciating each other’s efforts. By not taking the chores, large or small, for granted, you create a spiral of appreciation that, in time, can erase resentment.

Talk about how things were done when you were growing up and what role models you had for sharing the work at home. If Mom did all the cooking, you may both hold the expectation that planning and cooking meals is only a woman’s job. Some women also feel that if their husbands earn more than they do, they don’t have a right to ask for help at home, even if they work, too. But as gender roles shift, and more women as well as men move in and out of the workforce, those expectations must change, as well. Talking about what you each expect and want is essential to balancing the scales.

Consider various plans for a fair division of labor. Maybe you go with a scenario based on expertise: Who excelled in math? Put that person in charge of the checkbook. Depersonalize the process, as if you’re tackling something with a colleague. What’s one way to solve the problem? What are five other possibilities? Who else could help with this problem? Perhaps hiring a neighborhood teenager to handle some chores, errands, or childcare would lighten the load for both of you.

Let go. Sometimes, when it comes to housework and children, women are their own worst enemies. You asked Daddy to dress the baby and the kid comes out with a top and bottom that don’t match? So what? You wanted him to do the shopping? Then let him do it his way. The principle here is simple: If you give up responsibility for a chore, you have to give up control over it, too. Besides, some things just aren’t worth quibbling about.

When all else fails, go on strike. It has been duly noted that some women have simply stopped doing domestic duty to make a point. Laundry? Wash and dry only yours. Kids need something bought or signed? Tell them to ask their dad. As long as things keep getting done, he may not realize how much, and in what detail, you actually do. Only when you stop will he get the hint.

Train your kids. Instead of fostering helplessness in the next generation, make sure your children, boys as well as girls, grow up believing that sharing the physical as well as the emotional chores at home is just what considerate people do.

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Is Your Hair Dry???

African American Hair is the MOST fragile out of all the races because of our lovely curls, so it must be handled with the utmost care! Our Koily hair is very dry, porous and brittle, mainly because the natural oils have a hard time reaching the ends. The more curls the more fragile and the only thing that can combat dry hair is moisture!  Moisture also stops the hair from breaking.  Our hair thrives on moisture; our Koils will only flourish when they are well moisturized.  African American hair produces more sebum as other hair types.  Sebum is the natural oils that hair produces naturally to protect and lubricate our Koils.  Almost anything can disturb the moisture balance of your Koils and draw all the moisture out.  Extreme weather conditions, Synthetic products, and heat can upset the balance of the hair and make hair very dry, which will lead to breakage!

I am asked by many women, how to combat dry hair???  When I am asked this question, I always ask them the following questions:

1. How often do you wash your hair?
2. Does your shampoo contain sulfates?
3. How often do you DC (deep condition) your hair?
4. Does your conditioner contain proteins?
5. Do you spray your hair with water?

Everything listed above can lead to dry hair!

1. How often do you wash your hair?  Washing your hair too often with a sulfate shampoo will dry out, damage hair, causing breakage.  Sodium lauryl sulfates  or laureth sulfates  are found in dish washing liquid and its main purpose is to cut grease; that is will do to your hair…..cut and remove all the natural oils & amino acids your hair needs to stay moisturized; the results are dull dry hair!
2. Deep Conditioning is a formula designed to improve the health of your hair.  Deep Conditioning really penetrates the hair shaft restoring vital vitamins and minerals to the hair.  Either by putting a plastic cap on your hair and/or sitting under a hooded dryer.  If you do not deep condition at least once a month, please start by deep conditioning 2x a month until you see your hair retaining moisture; once you see a difference in you hair you can cut back to once a month! Deep Conditioning is essential for retaining moisture!

Simple Deep Conditioning Recipes:

Old Skool DC

1 Cup of Mayo

1 Egg (excellent protein treatment)

1 tsp of Olive Oil

1 tsp of Macadamia Nut oil (or grapeseed, almond, jojoba)

1 tbsp of honey

Easy Hair Conditioning Mask

1 very ripe Avocado pitted

1 Egg (excellent protein treatment)

1 tsp of Olive Oil

1 tsp of Macadamia Nut oil (or grapeseed, almond, jojoba, evoo)

1 tbsp of honey

Leave on hair for 30 minutes or longer with a plastic cap or a hooded dryer.

4.  Since hair is protein, a diet that is too low in protein may cause some thinning in hair or retardation in the growth cycle.  Some conditioners contain proteins; when too much protein is put on the hair, either every week or every two weeks it can leave the hair very hard and brittle.  Try to limited protein to the hair at least once a month.  Especially if your diet is rich in proteins!

5.  Having a Spray bottles is essential of natural hair!  It is beneficial to add water to your hair before styling.  Water (moisture) keeps your hair flexible for styling and it will not break easily and hair can reach it’s maximum length.

Simple Spritz Recipe

1 – 6-8 oz spray bottle

4 – 6 oz of distilled or purified water (please do not use tap water)

¼ cup of aloe vera juice or gel

1 tbsp of your favorite oil (grapeseed, almond, jojoba, evoo, Macadamia Nut oil)

5-10 – drops of essential oil of your choice

(if your hair like glycerin you can also add it)

Oils Excellent for Moisturizing Hair

Extra Virgin Olive Oil this rich green moderately heavy base oil with a strong aroma is derived from the first pressing of the ripe olives and is high beneficial vitamins and minerals.  Olive oil is excellent condition oil for dry hair.

Macadamia Nut Oil light medium textured, penatrating oil is high in monosaturated fatty acids; excellent for Kinky Koily Hair.  The chemical makeup closely resembles the sebum produces naturally by the scalp and will penetrate the hair shaft adding great moisture to your hair and skin.

Grapeseed oil is popular because it is odorless and full of minerals and vitamins that help strengthen your hair.  It is odorless oil, and can help add shine and moisture to your hair.  Grapeseed oil is known for having a high content of linoleic acid, is an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that supports cell health.  Grapeseed oil is also excellent for protecting the hair against high heat!

Avocado oil light green based oil is derived from the fatty pulp and seed of the fruit; that is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, D & E that especially helpful to fry, dull skin and hair.

Sweet Almond oil is treasures of some essential minerals such as magnesium and calcium.  Almonds have high contents of fatty acids.  Excellent for hair and skin!

Koils by Nature Products that Combats Dry Hair Are the Following:

Hydrating Shealoe Creamy Conditioner

Hydrating Shealoe Creamy Conditioner is excellent for hard to manage and dry hair that needs extra moisture. The emulsifiers and emollients condition the hair while the Pantheon and shea butter provide extra moisture so that the hair feels soft and smooth again and provide softness, manageability and shine to your hair.  Restoring all the Vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy hair.  This conditioner is excellent for co-washing.

Moisturizing Shealoe Leave-In Conditioner

Moisturizing Shealoe Leave-In Conditioner is an excellent creamy herbal infused creamy conditioner and detangler intended to smooth the cuticle and remove knots, snarls, and tangles from thick kinky textured hair.

Nourishing Hair & Body Butters

Nourishing Hair & Body Butter are made from the best butters & oils nature provides, it will moisturize, revitalize, soften, heal, and protect your hair and skin.

I will be adding to this blog as I find more information!!

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Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

According to Steven R. Convey, the seven habits of highly effective people are as followed:

1. Be Proactive.  Use the responsible free will to act, as you desire with integrity.
2. Begin with the end in mind.  Have clearly defined values, cultivate a sense of purpose and mission, and visualize the results ahead of time.
3. Put first things first.  Be able to distinguish core values from lesser values and act with integrity towards the deeper ones (with discipline and sacrifice as necessary)
4. Think win/win.  Aim for mutual acceptance and empowerment; strive for connectedness; and build on integrity, maturity, and abundance mentally.
5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Use caring love and acceptance and sense of connectedness when dealing with others.
6. Synergize. Accept, and even appreciate difference; try creative cooperation and connectedness; work from common sense of mission and purpose; and have a positive expectation.
7. Renew yourself. Experience a send of purpose and mission (commitment); continued growth, and meditative reflection and visualizations.

Source: Stephen R. Convey, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (New York: Fireside-Simon & Schuster, 1989).

Personally I have incorporate these habits in my life and they are working!  Remember it takes 30 days to make or break a habit!!

Give it a try……it cannot hurt you

God Bless!

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Koils by Nature will be vending at

Cleveland Natural Hair Expo

The Cleveland Natural Hair Care Expo is a unique cultural, spiritual and educational experience with the purpose of fulfilling the holistic needs of its followers. Here, one will gain the educational resources of natural trends, transitioning, alternative daily living solutions and the opportunity to share knowledge with fellow entrepreneurs and people. With an emphasis on green living, the Cleveland Natural Hair Care Expo is a haven for natural daily remedies, as well as, an entertaining experience for the families and individuals alike to take a break from the norm. Visit www.clevelandnaturalhaircareexpo.com to learn more about the events leading up to the Expo www.kinkycurlystraight.com Facebook.com/kinkycurlystraight Cleveland’s Natural Hair Care Expo October 9th & 10th, 2010!! Moore Conference Center 22639 Euclid Ave. Cleveland (Euclid), OH 44117

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Coily Encounters Presents Greenville's Premier Natural Hair Event

Koils by Nature is a proud sponsor of: Coily Encounters Presents Greenville’s Premier Natural Hair Event

September 11 · 2:00pm – 6:00pm Motowne on Main 516 Main Street Mauldin, SC

Admission is $5. Tickets may be purchased:*email coilyencounters@gmail.com*through eventbrite.. http://coilyencounters.eventbrite.com/ *at the door on the day of the event Hope to see you there! Regards, Marci

*Most attendees will receive a natural hair sampler gift. *Each ticket holder is automatically entered into COILY ENCOUNTER raffle*valued over $40.

Please check out the Coily Encounters FanPage on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=126470927372244

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Detoxification – Removal of a poisonous (toxic) substance from a person’s body (liver & colon), or neutralization or mitigation of its effects.

When Do You Need Internal Cleansing?

If this is the first time you’ve been exposed to this life-changing colon cleanse information, you’ve probably never considered this simple question: Are you clean inside? Of course you take care of the outside: You shower, brush your teeth and wash your hair on a regular basis, but do you clean yourself inside? In this modern, toxic world it’s becoming a simple fact of life that our colon (the ‘sewer system’ of the body), liver and other organs also require regular cleaning. Just like a car requires an oil change periodically.

How do you know when it’s time to free your body of accumulated toxins and other waste materials with an all-natural colon cleanse? If you experience one or more of the following, then it’s time to detoxify: * Frequent tiredness and low energy * Flatulence, gas & bloating * Impaired digestion * Irritability, mood swings * Bad breath & foul-smelling stools * Occasional constipation * Protruding belly (“pooch”) * Powerful food cravings * Skin problems * Metallic taste in mouth

Now that we know why it is crucial to cleanse and detoxify our body regularly, we have to know how to do a colon cleanse properly and thoroughly. Here is a quick overview:

1. First you cleanse your colon with specific herbs to clean out all the toxic plaque and debris

2. While cleansing the colon, you have to replenish the good bacteria that protects the flora balance, which in turn protects you as it is part of your immune system

3. Then as a final step, using detoxifying herbs, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, to assist you to detox your liver, blood, tissues, basically your whole body

* Cleanse the colon of accumulated toxic build-up and prevent the formation of new build-up through the use of herbal dietary fiber

* Cleanse the liver and purify the colon by keeping harmful organisms at bay

* Help normal bowel function and promote regularity.

* Remove heavy metals, including lead and mercury, as well as other toxins

* Detoxify the liver, kidneys and other organs

* Replenish friendly bacteria with a top-of-the-line probiotic supplement, and

* Recharge the immune system through powerful antioxidant support.

Oregano Widely used in Italian food, this herb has an abundant of quercitin (an antioxidant) and farnesol (a phytochemical). Quercitin has been shown in test tube research to possess an ability to prevent the growth and increase of breast cancer cells. Mammary tumor growth in our body is also shown to be delayed in its proliferation. Farnesol works to prevent skin cancer growth.

Ginger Root This is one with powerful anti-cancer properties. It contains a phytochemical known as gingerol that gives ginger its pungent smell. The benefit of gingerol is its ability to fight cancer and promote cancer cell apoptosis (cell death). Some people have added into their juice fasting regime to access this spice more frequently. Relatively the Asian population consumes more ginger within their diet as part of the spices added in their dishes.

Parsley This too often the herb used as decoration in dishes and left uneaten by most patrons. The reason is its taste which most people do not have a preference for. However, it is this taste that represents parsley’s phytochemical, known as polyacetylenes, that reacts strongly against carcinogens. It has also fantastic inhibition against the carcinogens found within tobacco smoke. It helps to regulate our body’s production of prostaglandin and hence controls tumor growth. It is advisable to consume this herb on a regular basis and focus more on its benefits rather than its taste alone.

Rosemary Needle-like leaves and smells like pine is what this herb resembles. It has a powerful phytochemical called carnasol. What is great about it is its ability to detox cancer causing substances. It has been shown to prevent skin and lung cancer as well. Usually we will find people adding Rosemary in their soups, vegetable dishes and rice.

* Nettle: Rich in vitamin A, C, D, and K. Also has good amounts of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and sulfur. Helps to clear our lungs, relieve stress, reduce water retention and fatigue.

* Red Root: It contains a good phytochemical called tannin. It is used to clear liver and lung blockages. It is also used to treat throat infection like tonsillitis.

* Elecampagne (Wild Sunflower): It has anti-septic properties and helps detox the lungs. It is known for its ability to improve poor digestions and clear our gut mucosal buildup.

* Cleavers: A helpful herb that detoxify our lymph and liver. Commonly found infections in our lymph node can be reduced through the consumption of cleavers. It has been shown to possess as a blood cleanser and kidney detoxifier as well.

*Ligustrum : Booster for our immune system. Purge out phlegms, clear our lung blockages, and powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

* Burdock (Gobo Root): Detox our lymph and liver. It uses anti-microbial activities to cleanse our blood. It improves kidney function and also regulates our blood sugar level. It also has strong cleansing and healing power against cancer cells. * Chickweed: Curbs inflammation and also relieves dermal problems. It has been shown to purge out fatty substances from our body and builds up our immune system.

* Red Clover: Widely used herb for centuries. It is a useful blood cleanser with anti-septic and anti-biotic properties. It helps to clear out toxins from our body through the excretion of urine. Its anti-cancer substance is known as genistein.

Here are some health benefits you can attain by drinking purified water:

Minimize Exposure to Physical and Chemical Toxins

Federal regulations allow municipal water systems to carry trace amounts of physical toxins like bacteria, fungi, and v…iruses without being declared unsafe. Small amounts of inorganic chemicals like asbestos, and even farm and garden contaminates like herbicides and pesticides have also been found in tap water tests. Drinking purified water minimizes accidental exposure to these toxins.

Flush Out Mineral Build-Ups

Studies have shown that purified water helps your body eliminate mineral deposits that can build up in cells and joints. This helps reduce the possibility of painful gallstones or arthritis. Purified water also decreases the stress load on your kidneys and liver, letting your body process nutrients more efficiently.

Remove the Taste Barrier

You’ll never drink the water you need on a daily basis if even your safe water tastes gritty, mineral-y, or just plain off. Purified water cleanses water of soil and sand particles, which offers a cleaner taste and makes it easier to get your recommended 8-10 glasses daily. Purified water can also enhance the taste of many nutrition-rich foods, like soups, pasta, rice, and vegetables, which are good for you and your family.

Lemon juice, when taken regularly in the morning, acts as a tonic to the liver and stimulates it to produce bile making it ready to digest the day’s food. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones. Because of its high vitamin C content…, it is thought to help prevent and treat many infections, hasten wound healing and temper down high fever. Lemon juice also relieves symptoms of asthma, tonsillitis and sore throat.

Lemon is also a diuretic. This means it is good for people with urinary tract infections and high uric acid problems, such as those with arthritis or rheumatism because it helps flush out all the toxins and bad bacteria.

Cayenne is also great for the stomach and the intestinal tract. It stimulates the peristaltic motion of the intestines and aids in assimilation and elimination.

Grade B Maple Syrup Maple syrup is sweet – and we’re not just talking flavor. Maple syrup, as an excellent source of manganese and a good source of zinc, can also be sweet for your health. The trace mineral manganese is an essential cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses. For example, the key oxidative enzyme superoxide dismutase, which disarms free radicals produced within the mitochondria (the energy production factories within our cells), requires manganese. One ounce of maple syrup supplies 22.0% of the daily value for this very important trace mineral.

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Here are 7 Tips to Healthy Hair, there is more of course, but this is a great start!

1. Stress Free Life – excess stress and worry can cause hair loss.  Exercising, meditation/praying and taking a long walks can all help relieve stress!
2. Rinse with Cool Water – Always rinse conditioner with cool or cold water.  The cool/cold water will tighten the cuticle & pores and enhance shine of your curly locks.
3. Get A Trim – Split ends will only split more if left untreated.  Make sure you get a trim every 8 -12 weeks; regular trims will prevent frizz, split and frayed ends.
4. Cover Up – wear a hat to protect your hair from the drying, color altering sunlight!  Make sure your hair products contain Vitamin E, a natural sunscreen.
5. Minimize High Heat – Blow-drying hair at high temperatures will literally fry your hair.  If you must blow dry your hair, ensure your blow dryer is set at low heat, or cool setting.Keep curling irons & flat iron of the hair to a minimum. Heat ruins the health of the cuticle.
6. STOP Shampooing Your Hair – Most shampoo contain sulfates and sulfates are in dish washing liquids to CUT GREASE, so it will do the same for your hair; it will strip all the precious oils from your hair leaving it dry and brittle.  Shampooing is dehydrating for our curly locs and it is NOT necessary for cleansing our hair.  Washing your hair with a hydrating conditioner, or Co-Washing is excellent for our hair; it will get rid of excess sweat and sebum.  Co-washing will become your best friend!
7. Balanced Diet – What you put in your body will show in your hair & skin!  Make sure you drink lots of water and include protein and biotin in your diet, iron, iodine , vitamin b12 and omega-3 fatty acids are all excellent from healthy skin and hair!

Peace & Blessings

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My awesome weekend with Vicki Irvin Superwomen Networking Extravaganza and Sporty Girl Fitness!

Vicki Irvin is an amazing woman, like most of us she’s a mother, wife and a SUPERWOMAN!  Viki is very successful in marketing and shared her knowledge, for FREE with us this weekend!  I was among other Women Entrepreneurs, some veterans, some like me brand new and others, have not taken the step but they’re almost there!  I learned about marketing my company through social media, but especially through blogging!  This is my very first time blogging so here we go!!!

Saturday morning I finally get to meet Mrs. Vicki Irvin!

Vicki Irvin formerly a human resources employee, quit her 9-5 job to become a real estate investor. She created a multi-million dollar coaching business in 12 months by applying marketing strategies and techniques that many have never even heard of. After being asked by women nationally how she managed to build and juggle several successful businesses, tend to her family and stay in such great shape, she decided to teach her blueprint for business success, beauty and balance to other women through Superwoman Lifestyle. To learn more about Vicki, visit: http://www.vickiirvin.com

Great stuff I learned from her and I will be attending the Extreme Women Entrepreneurs Event July 9th-11th. Three (3) jam-packed days of marketing systems to attract clients. Three (3) dynamic top-notch sought after and in demand speakers who can show you how to increase your business profits. A nurturing environment of all women there to support each other as we make our mark on the world! http://www.vickiirvin.com

After getting my mind worked out!  I worked out my body with Vicki Irvin and the Sporty Girl Fitness Crew led by Celebrity Fitness Trainer Basheerah Ahmad.

Basheerah Is Flew In To Help The Superwomen Of The DC Metropolitan Area! That’s right, fitness trainer and advisor to Vivica Fox, Steve Harvey, Chante Moore, Terry Ellis of EnVogue, Vicki Irvin, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Jordin Sparks and many more is coming to help YOU make 2010 the year you get healthy and serious about taking your fitness to new levels, regardless of what shape you are currently in.  http://sportygirlfitness.com/ for more info!!

After the vigorous workout we were all fed by Chef Bell!!!

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What products are you currently using and why??

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Please Check Out The Latest Product Review for Koils by Nature! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiRVQBV7AWs

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What products are you currently using in your hair??   What product do you want to try but not sure about??

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