My Journey to Find Essential and Pure Products in Gainesville

Everyone that knows me knows I LOVE MY HAIR! I cherish it...I keep it healthy because its my crown...

This passion leads me to search for the best products to use...its not always easy let me tell you. 

Hence...my passion to create my own! :)

Dont plan on reading any of my recipes...this is something that will be for purchase...stay tuned!

Well in order to make awesome natural products, you need awesome natural ingredients!  So I sought out on a journey to find where all the natural goodness was in Gainesville.  Now Gainesville is not a metropolis (yet....) where you can find rare goodness in cute little shops with interesting people on every corner.  Now being from metro NY, anything I could think of was just a train ride away...I digress. 

So after hours of search I found some interesting places and I mean HOURS....

When your purchasing oils....make sure you buy ESSENTIAL OILS that are in a pure form....

Best way to know if its pure....read ingredients....there should only be ONE!

Also look for terms like ESSENTIAL, PURE, 100%, ORGANIC or VIRGIN

They tend to be pricey...but you get what you pay for my friends :)

These are some places that have great products if you are like me and dont like shopping online all the time...

Ward's: This is not only a great place to buy groceries but they have an amazing natural/organic section...who knew?

We dont have Whole Foods here so Mother Earth is our next best bet....they have two locations and their staff is AWESOME! I like them....

Otter and Trout Trading....this is downtown and hard to find (its next to Reggae Shack) they have some interesting stuff most I wont mess with but they do have essential oils and butters...even wholesale size!

I hope this is a help to you...these places also specialize in organic foods and just all around healthy living.   Have fun, learn about some new stuff.....this is how you enjoy life!

You never know you may get a witty idea while you are searching...

Till Next Time....

Mixing and Enjoying My Moisture.... :)

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I Can Get Into This...Running

If there was one thing I did not want to do exercise wise...it was running (and push ups too).  It was uncomfortable and I was very self conscious of how it would look to on lookers.  Since going to the stadiums, Ive started also going to the track in the morning before work.  Ive only been once but it was almost enjoyable...

I did intervals...run the straight and walk the curve type of thing.  I was shocked at how many times I was able to go around doing that.  I have more endurance than I thought...I want to work my way up to jogging around the whole track one time without stopping.  It may take some time but I think I will get there before the Fall begins. 

One thing Ive noticed about running compared to walking is that running has instant results on my muscle layer.  It doesnt leave me sore like Id imagine it would though.  I can tell that there has been a change.  The one thing I dont like about it is that it doesnt have the slimming effects of walking.  I will do more walking than running but I will definitely add running to the mix. I feel bulkier...I dont know how I feel about that...but I am rejoicing in the process.  I am proud of myself! Im doing things Ive never done before and that was one of my goals with year.  To expand my horizons and perspectives! 

Im thinking about starting a running group...I was inspired by a great site called blackgirlsrun.com.  I may even start a fitness group with my students...I think that would be awesome for me and for them!  When I feel I am helping others...it motivates me to stay on point...ya dig?

I really want to acheive this goal and with what Ive been doing lately, I think I am definitely about to beat this weight FOR REAL this time.  I am claiming my victory! I believe God for so many things in my life but I never get Him involved in these areas of my life!  Now I am calling on Him for help! Obesity is a disease and by His stripes IM HEALED...but there are some things I need to do in the natural to acheive that....I RECEIVE MY HEALING!  How about you?

Watch out world....cause here I come!

Till Next Time...

Running for my Life...literally :)

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Something New: Vi-Shape Shakes

So I am still bouncing up and down with my weight....cant seems to shake this cycle! GRRRR! Something has to give! I am definitely doing the proper amount of exercise and I dont think I can fit anymore into my schedule.  I feel I eat well but obviously not well enough.  So I have a good friend that sells these shakes, he lost a lot of weight using it himself.  However, in my mind Im thinking its because hes a male, and we all know that all men have to do is stop drinking soda and they will lose 30 lbs in 3 days.  Im exaggerating but you all know what I mean.  He kept reminding me about the benefits and I figured I'd give it a shot.  Its sold by ViSalus and it comes in a kit or with the shake by itself.  According to the packaging you can either use it for weight maintenance or you can use it for weight loss.  It almost works like the slim fast plans.  Replace 2 meals a day and eat 1 sensible meal.  With my lifestyle (always on the go), I know my nutrition is lacking.  Since this is the year that I get every area in my life in order, I think this is a good way to start.  For 30 meals its about $50.00, which isnt so bad ($1.67/meal). Also unlike Slim-Fast....these shakes taste GOOD, Im not kidding!  I mean it doesnt taste like ice cream but it doesnt leave my mouth full of chalk either.  You can purchase add-ins for flavors to add to the sweet cream flavor.  I make my shakes with vanilla almond milk and frozen fruit (preferably strawberries and mangoes).  Since it seems as if I am missing nutrients which is probably effecting my metabolism...this will help me.  According to ViSalus one shake is the equivalent of...well just read this chart:

So I will give this a shot...I promised myself that I would not weigh myself for 5 days!  That will be a task! Its only my second day, so I wont be weighing in until Saturday...I will keep you posted on my progress :)

Till Next Time....
Shaking It Up....literally!

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Take A Look At Yourself

I need to eat a bowl of self esteem every morning.  Have you ever thought you had a great sense of self until you are confronted with a situation just to find out that you may not feel so good about you?  Maybe you thought you looked awesome until you saw what someone else had on or until the guy/girl you swooned over chose someone else...why is this?

How do we survive so long in life with this false sense of self esteem?  Its amazing to me, even the most elect can fall victim to such folly.  As a believer in the Word of God namely the bible...there is a principle called renewING your mind.  The "ing" suggests that this is a continual process.  Every area in our lives must be under constant introspection including self esteem.  When we do this we will know that we know where the basis of our self esteem lies. We sometimes use scriptures as cliches and that is dangerous.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made is not a phrase; its a DECLARATION!  If we are not careful, this can just become apart of our bowl of cliches and idle words that we throw around to sound good to a crowd.

So what does  the Lord say about ME [and you too :) ]:

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Ps 139:13-14

You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.  S.S 4:7

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. I Peter 2:9

WOW! We are pretty awesome huh?  Dont you feel better? I do! A faulty self image can be a entry way for fear to sneak in the back doors of our mind.  Its subtle...but it will show up.  Why do you hesitate to get to know others?  Is it because you dont think you match up?  Are you afraid of the rejection you've played over and over in your mind? Tisk Tisk...  No worries, you are not alone.  What are you afraid of?  Are you not a child of the Most High? Not only are we his handy work but he has given us the ability to WIN!  We can face any giant....and watch them FALL!   You have what you say! FOR REAL! Fear is a giant we tend to ignore. Remember He has NOT given us a spirit of fear...but He did give us POWER and a SOUND MIND!

You may say, I see lots of flaws in me...well anything you see as an obstacle that is hindering you from being at your best is just another giant waiting to be killed!  So where are your stones David?  Get that sling and SWING! 

So you know what you have to do now right? Yeah you have to SPEAK to that very thing you are afraid of and command fear to leave!  It has no place in your life friends!  I know its not easy to open your mouth and decree it; but push yourself!  I am pulling for you!  Its amazing how fear can cripple us if we allow it to...you can be in a room all alone and you cant even speak the words just in case someone might hear.  WHO ARE YOU AFRAID OF!?!  The Lord is your light and your salvation...you dont have to fear anyone!  

Let this be your confession....

Lord, You are love and the love of my life and I will love myself like never before.  Your word says that I am altogether beautiful and there is no flaw in me. .  I know that you will protect my heart because Your word says (Ps 7:10) that You are my defense and will protect my heart in the time of trouble.  I will not be afraid of men and their faces for You are with me and will protect me (Jer 1:8).   I will rejoice in Your name because the joy of the Lord is my strength! NO MORE CONFUSION, NO MORE AGGRAVATION, NO MORE FEAR!  The enemy is under my feet, he is rebuked for my sake! Thank you Father for being true to Your word concerning me. I fear NO ONE and NOTHING! I set my heart to accomplish these things in Jesus name Amen!

Till Next Time....

Loving Me Some Me....

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Stadiums!!!!

Are you ready for some football!?!?!? These are stairs of the world famous Ben Hill Griffin Football Stadium home of the Florida Gators.  So lately my weight has been all over the place.  Up and down and around and around.  If its water I dont know.  Ive stayed inside my calorie boundaries but I am just not making head way to lower this weight the way I want to.  So a great friend of mine invited me to run the stadiums one night a week.  My first instinct was....NO! Ive done stadiums before...NO JOKE!

Though I didnt want to...I knew I needed something to break this cycle and move on to the next set of 10 pounds.  So Ive been at it for about three weeks....the cycle has not yet been broken completely but MAN IF I DONT FEEL THE IMPACT!  My quadriceps are sore...my glutes are in PAIN and my head spins.  Its a fairly simple task in theory, you start at one end of the stadium and run down a set of stairs and then run up the next set.  I try to get as far around as I can...my last time I think I did 75% of the stairs....Im working on going around one full time!  I even walked 75% up the actual stadium seats...that's when I saw the white spots.  My cue to STOP!  According to my favorite site (myfitnesspal.com), in 3o minutes you can burn around 823 calories (that info is for my weight and height)!!!! Thats amazing...

Wondering what it can do for you?

Looked up some benefits of running stadiums:

1. It works your cardiovascular system
• When you run up those stairs your heart leaps into the target zone in a short amount of time...its a great way to train you body to endure exercise.  Remember cardio = calorie burn = fat loss = NEW CLOTHES (at least for me)
2. Gets Legs and Butt in Shape
• Your legs are the biggest muscles in your body and when you build muscle you it will help your body burn fat more efficiently.  Plus muscle just makes everything look better.  Running up stairs also lifts and shapes your behind.  Most of us women want that.  Some of us are born with this gift but others need some help. Ive noticed that gaining weight has caused parts of my body to just get warped out of shape.  I want that old thing back!
3. It increases hormones in your body that promote fat burn
• Everyone who is working out wants to either prevent or lose fat and if we can get help from our good friend the Endocrine System then why not!  When you force your body to ramp up the heart rate it automatically sends signals to your brain to produce certain hormones so your body can use energy effectively.   These hormones will dig into your fat stores...this is what you want!

These are just a few benefits that stood out to me, I would encourage you to look up some for yourself.  Know what youre doing and how its helping you!  It encourages me to keep going, hope it does the same for you! I would love to hear from you about how your workouts are going.  What new things have you tried?  Whats working? Whats not?   Its good to switch things up so your muscle dont adapt and hit that dreaded plateau.

Till Next Time...
Running the calories off

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Christian Yoga?

Since working out, Ive noticed something.  That Yoga has infiltrated EVERYTHING...from the The Biggest Loser workouts, Taebo and even Wii Fit! Its everywhere!  And quite frankly it works....not so much for burning lots of calories but it trims you up and makes you appear thinner.  Its also difficult! I can barely complete the movements but it leaves me sore...very sore! I'm sore RIGHT NOW!  But there is some controversy about Yoga and its origins.  It is said to be deeply rooted in Hinduism.  So rooted that they two cannot be separated.  According to some sources Ive been reading, each pose represents a god and the longer you can be in said pose, they more that god is willingly to accept you.  Its supposed to be relaxing that is why they advise you to clear you mind.  Now as a Christian that presents a problem. A serious one.  Our minds are supposed to be focused on God and His word at all times...so it should never be empty, right?

Most routines involve yoga without the meditation and accompanying chanting; but should Christian really participate?  We are cautioned actually commanded not to give honor in any way to false gods.  Yet and still it cause you to wonder, its just poses right?  If I don't empty my mind and chant....I should be good right?  Its almost impossible to do any routines without ending up in a downward dog or a sun salutation.  Its so intertwined into the fitness world that you would have to just stick to a walk/run regimen to be safe.

Ive even seen sites for Christian Yoga...but is that an oxymoron?  Its not like you can be a Christian Hindu. 

What are your thoughts on this? Can Christians do yoga without being in violation? Let me know...

Till Next Time...

Contemplating the Boat Pose

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Do Something With Your Hair!

Ive experienced many great moments in life...from financial gain to educational pursuits. So many accomplishments but to be honest one of my favorite moments in life was the day I decided to go natural.  Seriously.  Whats the big deal?  Its just hair...nappy hair at that.  Well when I went natural a few things happened.  I saved money (LOL!), I did what I wanted to do and most importantly I was set apart from everyone else.  It caused me to stand out...something I have always wanted to do.  It made me different and though it isn't the only thing that defines me as the awesome woman I am, its a big part of who I am.  I made the statement that "I create my own trends and I wont be bottled into society' s beauty standard" #POW!  Now I look around and I am not so alone...everyone and their mama is natural...I love it! Finally, others have caught on!

The best thing to me about hair and especially natural hair is that it is VERSATILE! Now that isnt a message that has caught on just yet.  I wanna encourage you natural girls to DO SOMETHING WITH YOUR HAIR! That puff is not enough....

Do you know there is more to natural hair than an afro...

Switch it up sometimes....I love to see girls wear up-dos, twist outs, fro-hawks, rod sets or a simple bun.  YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL! Its your world! Lets show the rest of the world that our natural can not only be trendy but professional as well.  Depending on your profession....your huge fro may not be appropriate...dont give natural a wack name :).

Here's some of my favorites....

Is she natural? YES!  Flat irons can be our friends....

A simple up-do....super cute! One of my favorite styles!

Basic Fro...hair was stretched with a twist out :)

I dont know who this woman is...but this style is HOT!  I am so tempted to cut my hair for this :)

Dont know her either...but this is a MUST HAVE! This is super hot!

 Im not saying dont wear a puff ever again...Im just saying switch it up sometimes...have fun with it!  

Dont really know what to do....its OK!  Natural hair stylists are becoming more popular everyday! If you are one determined to be a home stylist like myself....check out youtube...it is a paradise for how to videos.  Just type in "natural hair" and you will be occupied all night long....literally.  I may even post some....you never know.  Also check out the links on my home page under natural hair....some really useful links!

Hope this helps...dont forget to comment and subscribe!

Till Next Time...

Keeping my Crown Shiny :)

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Its Just Water....I Hope

So Ive been busting my CHOPS! Using my Wii Biggest Loser Challenge Game and have increased my workout time from 30 to 40 minutes a day and even lost 3 pounds on my last weigh in...things are looking UP!  But yesterday I ate....two slices of pizza, a cup of chips, a small serving of pasta, and at least 5 sugar cookies....AHHHHH! SN: Not in one sitting but throughout the day/evening. Now I know I didnt eat over 3500 calories (which would equal a pound of fat) but when I got on the scale.....I gained an extra 4 pounds!  Now I know that its water weight....I did not eat an extra 14000 calories BUT I still get angry because one day of bad decisions seems to keep me going around the same mountain over and over and over again.  Too late now for regrets....

I understand from science that when you eat carbs that they naturally bring in extra water into your system by binding to it.  Believe it or not water is HEAVY...16oz of water weighs more than a 1 pound!  So there are a few ways I can get this off...

1. SWEAT!
2. Breathing...yes you lose water each time you exale
3. Drinking more water
4. And getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night (it does matter...)

Ive gathered my thoughts and have found solace in what has happened.  I know that I need to increase my water intake and eat real light today...because tomorrow is my Slim Down Saturday vlog and I cannot fall short.  I want to see some new lower numbers....hopefully with some extra exercise tonight, light eating plus my 6 mile walk/jog tomorrow I will see the results Im looking for.  Im determined to not get off and end the process.  I will not be moved by just the scale alone....Ive see some subtle changes and I feel a whole lot better; my energy is up and my belly doesnt protrude as much (The curse of the belly bulge has been reversed...hallelujah, see my previous entry for clarification).  I think I look slimmer, not sure...my eyes are always playing tricks on me.

Still working on my endurance during workouts...
I have a lot of difficulty doing push ups of any kind...my upper body  strength is not the best yet.  It doesnt help that I completely avoid doing them.  I know its important to train your whole body but my aim is not be athletic in any way....lol.  I will do better...I promise!

Till Next Time....
Drinking Lots of Water

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Belly Battle!!!

I dont know if its just me but....every time I start a good exercise flow and things start to shift the worst thing happens

MY BELLY ACTUALLY GETS BIGGER!!!

Now many people credit this to a mind trick or that other things are slimming down therefore its an illusion.  WRONG!  This may be my third round of this...and each time Ive had this problem.  Literally inches gained around my belly...

Ugh! The very place I want to lose weight gets bigger....now usually this would frustrate me endlessly and this would be the beginning of the end of my fitness plan.  Now this time around Ive had my struggles and now yet again my belly is protruding like never before...yet my abs are SORE! Obviously there is a pattern happening...

So I started to look up information to ease my mind and this is what I came up with:

Apparently its the muscle layer underneath is firming up which is causing my belly to lift and stick out more....though its unsightly and not cool for my waistline....its all apart of the process.  So instead of giving up...I will just see what the next stage of this belly flop will be.  Hopefully this doesn't lasts long...as I tackle this next ten pounds!

So dont fret friends...keep pushing!

Till Next Time...

Wearing Elastic Waistbands ;-) 

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