Health Tip: Beware of Parabens

Jergens Lotion contains Methlparaben and Proplyparaben

 So I'll have to admit that this blog entry is a little selfish of me.  I really just wanted to do some research on parabens for myself but I'll let you in on what I found and my opinion of these chemicals :).

While I was transitioning, I came across many sites that warned me against using hair products that contained certain ingredients.  Most commonly, I was told to stay away from petroleum, mineral oil, and parabens.  I understood the first two, but I had no idea what on earth a paraben was.  So I did a little research and it turns out that parabens are chemicals used as preservatives.  The kicker is that these chemicals have been linked to breast cancer!

The first wake up call that I had was in using that "brown gel" to style my hair.  I had heard of warnings of using that gel but I didn't know the reasons.  I was really confused when my own licensed hair dresser used it on my hair.  I figured if she thought it was okay to use then it can't be that bad.  Wrong! After using nearly the whole jar and then reading about parabens, I came to realize that the "brown gel" most definitely contains them.  I was in shock and quickly made the switch to Eco-Styler gel.

My grandmother died of breast cancer so this deadly disease is already apart of me in a way.  I certainly do not want to increase my chances by using products with parabens, but when I started paying more attention to labels, I realized I've been in danger longer than I thought.  Parabens are not only found in hair products, they're in make up, lotion, toothpaste, food and much more.  Apparently, parabens are so widely used because they are inexpensive.  You can read more about the risk of parabens here.

Though there have been no "direct" links to cancer, parabens are very controversial. I most definitely do not want to play around with them, however it seems like they're everywhere.  I am a victim to using cosmetics that contain them but again, it is the affordability of these products that draws me in.  Mineral makeup and other natural products really work towards not containing these harsh chemicals but they can cost you an arm and a leg.  At the end of the day, I think it is best for everyone to limit their intake of parabens as much as possible.  Better safe than sorry.

Hair Tip: Hair Types and Controversy

Disclaimer: This is just my opinion of what makes people so upset about others asking about hair type.  I'm indifferent about the subject.  If you want to figure out what your hair type is please click here.  NaturallyCurly.com has way more info about it than I can offer.

My coils :) Type 4a/4b perhaps?

It is very easy to tell a new natural by how inquisitive they are.  Asking questions about what styles to wear during the transition period, what products to use and when to use them, what certain terms mean like TWA or BSL can really rile the nerves of more experienced naturals.  The question that really seems to top the list of annoying questions however is "what is my hair type"?  Now this question doesn't annoy me, but I do see why some people get aggravated by it.

First and foremost, if you are still transitioning, especially in the early stages of transitioning (1-5 months) you really have no reason to ask this question yet because you most certainly won't know with the majority of your hair still relaxed.  Second, if you want to know your hair type on the exact day that you BC, think again.  Your hair, even after all the relaxer is cut off, will continue to change its pattern for a few or maybe even several months.  The point being, don't be in such a rush to know what your hair type is because it is likely that it will change.

Second, taking super close up pictures of your wet or dry hair, does nothing for anyone.  I understand that when you ask this question, you want to provide a visual aid to receive an answer, but no matter the quality of the picture, you really can't tell what hair type a person has based off images alone.  Hair typing according to most, involves more than just what your curl pattern LOOKS like.  It also has to do with the density, length, porosity, width and so on.  There are just so many aspects that no one really has time to get into.  I personally don't feel like trying to understand it all either.

Thirdly, I think asking your hair type is a been there done that situation for most.  Many new naturals think that knowing their type will help them select the best products for their hair.  That's fine, but most experienced naturals could care less about hair types because they already have their staple products and regimens in place.

Finally, I'm not sure that anyone has just one hair type on their head.  Most people have a mixture of types.  Because of this, people probably have several different systems to tell them apart.  I myself would just rather categorize hair types by the number and not the letters.  In my eyes, there's really only broad groups of wavy (2), curly (3), and coily (4) hair with mixtures within those groups.  But that's just me.  So in the end, you could ask 3 different people this same question and they'll all give a different answer.

Moral of the story: Hair typing can be an anxious phase that one goes through.  Maybe you do really take this seriously and just need to know what your hair type is, but more than likely, this need will go away and you will begin to know and love your hair as it is no matter they type.  No hair type is better or worse than another.  So just relax. I promise it's not the end of the world if you don't know your hair type.

Today's Special: Vanilla Chocolate Chip Root Beer Floats

4 Servings

You'll Need:
1 pint (2 cups) vanilla chocolate chip ice cream
1 liter (about 4 cups) root beer
Whipped cream
Shaved chocolate

Instructions

Fill four glasses with scoops of ice cream. Pour the root beer over the ice cream. Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate. Serve with straws and long spoons.

Source:  Deen Bros Recipes

Hair Tip: Easy Ways to Spice Up your TWA

With limited style options, wearing a TWA can get very boring.  The convenience of just waking up and going is great but no one wants to be a plain Jane.  I for one am pretty bad when it comes to french braiding and flat twists.  So, here are some subtle non-styling options that can take your TWA to the next level.  These are simple solutions, but they make a world of a difference.

1. Fancy Earrings-  Notice I said fancy, not big.  Yes, big earrings are great to wear with a short hairstyle but you could wear studs that standout just as much.  Wear some earrings (big or small) that you wouldn't normally wear.  Some that stand out in color, shape, or size.

2. Eye Makeup- I'm not a person who puts on makeup everyday, so if you're like me, live a little.  You don't need a lot.  All you need is a little liner and mascara.  You can even leave out the liner.  With a TWA, your eyes become a focal point, so make them sparkle.  Also if you'd like, go ahead and arch those eyebrows!
 
3. Accessorize- A simple flower, bow, or scarf in your hair can be very appealing.  Try using hair pins/combs to pin some of your hair back or into a Mohawk.
 
4. Edge Control- This seems silly but for real, smooth those baby hairs back!  Slicking your edges down gives your hair the appearance of a very clean and tapered look.
 
5. Bold Lips- Experiment with lip stains, lipsticks, glosses and etc.  Whether it's red, purple, brown, or turquoise, be bold!  If you don't like too much color, I suggest a tinted Baby Lips by Maybelline.  Its moisturizing lip balm with a hint of color.

6. Part It- Give your TWA some character by adding a part to it.  Try a side part, use a little gel to keep it parted if needed.

Lastly, the best way to rock your TWA is with confidence!!  Even if your aren't feeling your best, walk around with your head held high, when you know you're beautiful, everyone else will know too.

Song of the Day: You

http://www.lastfm.com.br/music/Lucy+Pearl?v=moved&utm_expid=64141075-1&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lastfm.com.br%2Fmusic%2FLucy%2BPearl%2F%2Bimages%2F275281

 

 

For whatever reason, I purchased the soundtrack for "Save the Last Dance" a while back, and that is where I first heard today's song You.  This song is super funky with a catchy hook.  It's by the group Lucy Pearl but it features verses by Snoop Dogg (or lion) and Q-Tip (or abstract).  This isn't that popular of a song but it is most definitely a classic!

Twist it Out!

 

Here are some pictures from the results of my twist out!

Check it Out: Happy Endings

http://lookhereblog.com/2011/12/02/scott-mcdermotts-happy-endings-in-the-current-issue-of-entertainment-weekly/

Happy Endings is a somewhat new show on ABC.  It first premiered back in 2011, but I never really heard anything about it.  I have only watched it on Hulu.com, but let me tell you, it is hilarious!  It's about six dysfunctional friends living in Chicago, and that's about all I can say.  I really don't know the character names but I don't think that matters because every episode is beyond random.  All I know is that there's a token black guy (Damon Wayans Jr.), his wife, her sister, the sister's ex-fiance, a gay guy, and a girl who's just trying to find a man.  This show is definitely for a certain type of person with a peculiar sense of humor, and I guess that person is me.  Some will find it as funny as I do, while others just won't get it.  At any rate, please check it out.  The new season premiers this Tuesday, Oct. 23rd at 9/8c on ABC.  You can go to the official website here, and watch some older episodes.

Think About It...

Today's Special: Herbed Rib Roast

Prep. Time: 20mins.; Cook Time: 80mins.; Serves 12

You'll Need:
4 pound(s) uncooked lean whole beef rib(s), trimmed of visible fat  
1 1/2 tsp table salt  

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced
1/4 cup(s) Dijon mustard

2 Tbsp reduced-calorie mayonnaise

1 1/2 tsp horseradish sauce
1/4 cup(s) fresh parsley, chopped

2 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

2 Tbsp dill, fresh, chopped

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Season roast with salt and pepper.
  
• In a small bowl, combine garlic, mustard, mayonnaise and horseradish. In another small bowl, combine parsley, thyme, dill and 1 tablespoon of mustard mixture.
  
• Place meat, rib-bone down, in a roasting pan; coat top with remaining mustard mixture and cook meat until an instant-read thermometer inserted in center of roast registers 110°F. Coat roast with remaining mustard mixture and press herb mixture onto mustard with your hands.
  
• Continue cooking roast until a thermometer inserted in center of meat registers 140°F for medium, or longer until desired degree of doneness. Cover loosely with foil and then let stand 20 to 30 minutes before carving into 12 thick slices. Yields 1 slice per serving. 

Source: Weight Watchers

Just Thinkin': Is Natural Hair a Trend?

The question of whether natural hair or the decision to go natural is a trend or not has been popping up a lot lately.  Here's my opinion: it most certainly IS a trend, at least for the last 2 or so years.  Of course no one will admit to the fact that they are following a trend because no one ever wants to be deemed a follower, but in reality following trends can happen so unexpectedly without your knowing that you wouldn't even realize you were following one.

Whenever I think about this topic, the marketing student in me always seems to come out.  Trends are very real and companies and businesses know this all too well.  Why do you think different hair product lines are now emerging with new lines of hair care specifically for natural hair.  Stores like Walmart have even gone as far as to divide the "ethnic" hair section into relaxed hair products and natural hair products. Curls Unleashed, Cantu for Natural Hair, and Dr. Miracle's Curl Care are just a few line extensions that I can think of.  All of these new products are a part of a line that once never had a focus on naturally wavy/curly/kinky/coily hair.  But because of this explosive trend of people wearing their natural hair, these companies and other companies have found a new niche in the market.  The market for natural hair is back in business and becoming larger every day.  These companies are not about to miss out on an opportunity to make a profit off "product junkies".

The trend of natural hair is so prominent now that if you look at commercials, I guarantee you the majority of black women in the commercials will be rocking natural hair (or at least a curly weave).  Going back to real life, look around you, how many women do you see with their natural hair, or a protective style mimicking natural hair? A lot more than you would have seen a few of years ago.

After saying all of that,  please don't mistake what I am really trying to say. I am NOT saying that the reason WHY women are going natural is to be apart of a trend (some might be).  That most definitely isn't my reasoning.  However, I am saying that we have now entered  into an era where it isn't shameful, tacky, or unpopular to be natural.  Therefore the act of going natural is an easier choice for women to make.  If you disagree with me that's fine, but then I have to ask you, what made you choose now as your reason for going natural as opposed to 10 years ago?  Why all of a sudden did you have the epiphany to wear your natural hair?  To be honest, I didn't have the courage nor did I even realize it was possible to "go natural" until my sister did about 4 years ago.  But it's every day people like my sister and celebrities like Solange that make you realize "hey, maybe I can do it too".

To sum this up, yes I do think that natural hair is trending right now, however it isn't a bad trend to follow.  Like all trends, this one will come to an end sooner or later just like it did in the 70's, but I hope that more people will hop on the bandwagon and realize the real beauty and confidence in rocking your natural tresses. 

Song of the Day: Sending my Love

http://madamenoire.com/tag/zhane

This song by the 90's duo Zhané is such a classic.  I honestly had never heard it until about a year ago, which makes sense because I was only 2 when it came out in 1994.  Their harmonies are so crisp and pure.  These women were bold, bald, and beautiful, and that is something I can admire and respect..  

My First Two-Strand Twists

My first attempt at two-strand twists came out nice.  I did them all by myself, with a little coaching from my veteran big sister.  I co-washed with moisturizing VO5 conditioner and detangled my hair while the conditioner was in.  Then, after I rinsed the conditioner out I sprayed my hair with a little Aloe Vera/water mixture and picked my hair to get full length.  I didn't want wet hair before I started twisting so I sat under a hooded dryer until my hair was mostly dry.

All stretched out

I applied this to every twist

At first, I was very systematic about parting my hair in the front, but once I got to the right side in the front and most definitely the back, all that parting went out the window.  So, on the left side in the front, the twists are more spaced out.   I am very pleased with my results.  I wasn't necessarily going to wear the twists out in public, but they're pretty presentable.  I hope my twist out comes out nice as well.  Here are some pics!

Today's Special: Tomato and Pepper Lasagna

Prep. Time: 20mins.; Cook Time: 65mins.; Serves: 8

You'll Need:
24 oz store-bought marinara sauce
1 cup(s) canned diced tomatoes, fire-roasted, drained
1 cup(s) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup(s) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 cup(s) shredded Parmesan cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano suggested
1/4 cup(s) fat-free egg substitute
1/4 tsp table salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp dried oregano

6 item(s) uncooked lasagna noodles, regular or whole-wheat
1/2 cup(s) roasted red peppers (packed in water), water-packed, cut into thin strips

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350ºF.
  
• In a small pot, combine marinara sauce and tomatoes; set over low heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
  
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; stir to combine. Stir in egg substitute, salt, pepper and oregano.
  
• Spoon 1 cup of sauce in bottom of an 11- X 7-inch glass baking dish. Arrange 2 lasagna noodles over sauce, down center of dish. Spread half of cheese mixture (about 1 cup) over noodles; top with pepper strips. Place 2 more noodles on top; spread with remaining cheese mixture. Top with 1 cup of marinara sauce; place remaining 2 lasagna noodles on top. Spoon remaining sauce over top and gently press down on lasagna.
  
• Cover dish loosely with aluminum foil; bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil; bake until sauce is lightly browned and noodles are tender when tested with a knife, about 10 to 15 minutes more. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes to firm up slightly. Slice into 8 pieces and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving. 

Tips:  If you're short on time, skip simmering the marinara sauce with the diced tomatoes.  Vary the color and flavor of this recipe by adding a layer of tender baby spinach leaves or spicy arugula leaves with the pepper strips.

Source: Weight Watchers

My Weightloss Journey

Usually around this time, I would be in the heart of volleyball season and I would be about 10-15lbs lighter.  However, with me transferring schools and not playing volleyball for the first time in 10 years, I am left to my own devices to stay in shape.  I have never not been active so this is going to be a tough one, especially since I'm living off campus and have the ability to go to the refrigerator whenever.  So here's the deal.

First of all, I tip my hat to those of you who post your before swimsuit pictures for the world to see, but I am not so bold.  Instead, the picture above is of a recent dressing room failure of mine. You may not be able to tell, but that belt was holding on for dear life.  The dress was a size 6Petite and it was tight in all the wrong places.  Can't have that! I am way too short to weigh as much as I do, not to mention diabetes and high blood pressure run in my family.  Its about time I make some changes.  I plan to do weekly updates on my progress, but here's my starting points and my goal.

Height: 4'11

Starting Weight: 150lbs.

Current Waist: 33.5 in.

Goal: Lose 30lbs by my birthday in February

Song of the Day: Like a Tattoo

http://blogs.suntimes.com/music/sade080111.jpg

First and foremost, the lead singer of the British band Sade is the baddest woman in the music industry; "she wins with her hands down" as she so elegantly put it in Jezebel.  I could go on and on about why she and her band are the best, but I won't.  I could have picked any of their timeless songs for today but I chose Like a Tattoo.  This song came out the year I was born in 1992 on the Love Deluxe album.  It gives me chills...

Fitness: Slim in 6

A few years ago, my mom gave into an infomercial and purchased Debbie Siebers' Slim in 6 workout DVD.  Slim in 6 is all about burning fat while toning and reshaping your body.  I really like this workout and it comes with two bonus workouts that I will be doing beyond the six weeks.  The workouts are simple yet effective and they will not take that much time out of your day.  You can check it out here >> BeachBody.com.

Today's Special: Skillet Roasted Apple Stuffed Chicken and Herbed Carrots

Prep. Time: 20mins.; Cook Time: 1hr.; Serves: 4

You'll Need:
1 4-5 lb. Fresh Chicken, giblets removed, cleaned and patted dry (if the chicken is not dry it will steam rather than roast)
3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
Kosher salt
Pepper, freshly ground
1 garlic head, cut in half
3 Red Delicious apples, 1 cut in half and 2 cored and sliced
2 sprigs of rosemary
4 carrots, peeled and slice
2 sprigs of thyme

Instructions 

Place chicken in a large cast iron skillet. Truss legs together. Rub entire outside of chicken with butter. Liberally sprinkle with salt and pepper (on the outside of the bird and the cavity). Stuff cavity with garlic, apple halves and rosemary.

Place in oven.

Halfway through the cooking time, add the carrots, apples and thyme and continue cooking an additional 30 minutes.

Allow to rest 10-15 minutes before serving.

Serve with Apple Gravy  

Source: Deen Bros

Rock The Vote!

http://cdn.eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/romneyobama2012-med-wide.jpg

Who do you plan to vote for this election year?  I'm not here to tell you who you should choose to be our President, but I am here to help you let your voice be heard.  I registered earlier this year via RocktheVote.com and I want to give you the opportunity to do the same! It's so simple, just click the registration banner below and get started, don't delay!

 

Today's Special: Southern-Style Corned Beef and Cabbage

Serves 8

You'll Need:
1 4-pound corned beef brisket
3 cloves garlic
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce
4 slices bacon
1 head green cabbage, cut into 8 wedges
4 potatoes (1 1/2 pounds), peeled and halved lengthwise
Mustard

Instructions

Rinse the corned beef under cold running water and place in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the garlic, bay leaves, hot sauce, and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer about 4 hours or until beef is tender.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, retaining the fat in the skillet. Add the cabbage wedges and potatoes in batches; cook over medium-high heat until brown but not tender.

When the beef is very tender, transfer it to a warm serving platter and cover with aluminum foil, retaining the cooking liquid. Add the potatoes to the simmering liquid; cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until they begin to soften. Add the cabbage; simmer about 15 minutes more or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Discard bay leaves. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to the serving platter and crumble the bacon over all. Serve with mustard.

Source: Deen Bros. taken from the Y'all Come Eat cookbook

Song of the Day: My Mine

http://singersroom.com/content/2012-07-26/Jhene-Aiko-For-My-Brother/

Jhené Aiko is yet another artist who is highly underrated.  I've known about her for a long while now (since the B2K days) but I never bothered to listen until now.  Her style is often compared to Cassie, but Jhené is most definitely cut from a different cloth.  She writes her own work, and the lyrics are always incredibly deep.  She recently lost her older brother Miyagi to cancer and she wrote the song For my Brother.  It never fails to make me cry like a newborn.  She is a young and determined mother trying to pave her way in the music industry.  This song, My Mine, is a gem from her mixtape Sailing Souls.  Sailing Souls is available for FREE on her website JheneAiko.com.  I've literally had it on repeat for 2 days straight.  Find out why...

  

Scarf it Up!

So fall is finally here and for all my people in the cooler climates that want to keep fashionably warm, I suggest you watch this video.  I first saw this a year ago, and I most definitely put some of these to use (European Loop, Magic Trick, Turtle Neck).  I plan to invest in some longer more colorful scarves this season, and try out some other styles like the Mira and whatnot.  Anyways, Check it out!

Today's Special: Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan Cheese

Prep. Time: 7mins.; Cook Time: 15mins.; Serves: 6

You'll Need:
6 cup(s) uncooked cauliflower, florets, fresh (about 1 head), or frozen and thawed

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1/4 cup(s) grated Parmesan cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano suggested

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 450ºF.
  
• In a large bowl, combine cauliflower, oil, salt and pepper; toss to combine. Transfer cauliflower to a large baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Roast until cauliflower is golden brown, tossing occasionally, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven, place in serving bowl and sprinkle with cheese; toss to mix. Yields about 3/4 cup per serving.

Tip:  When you want variety, use shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan.  Try the same recipe with broccoli, baby carrots and asparagus, too.

Source: Weight Watchers

It's BowTime!

I decided to add a bow (random ribbon I found on the floor) to my hair, I liked the results so much that I had to strike some poses. Enjoy!