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natural deodorant reviews
Beauty Feature Living

The Natural Deodorant Learning Curve

My friends at Nubian Heritage sent me their new aluminum free deodorant line. I’m happy to share it with you!

I’m going to keep it all the real, the first time I tried natural deodorant, I was like nope, this isn’t going to work. Sis was funky, not to mention I was sweating under my arms… like could feel the water dripping sweating, and it was driving me absolutely crazy.

After reading up on the dangers of aluminum found in traditional deodorants I decided to give it another try, but I still drink soda. I’m still not completely comfortable with the “sweatiness” under my arms but I’m getting used to it. To be honest, I keep an extra deodorant in my car and purse along with some wipes for the days when the sweatiness needs a little readjustment. However, I will say I’ve had to dip in the secret stash less and less as my body adjusts.

I’ve heard similar sentiments from other people who have made the switch, and “can’t do it”. Nubian Heritage sent me a few samples from their aluminum-free 24 hour deodorant line and they enclosed a few tips on making the transition from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant. Had I known a few of these tips when I was starting my transition, I may not have started over, and over, and over again.

Nubian Heritage has quite an assortment of scents in their aluminum free line, my faves are African Black Soap and Coconut & Papaya. You can find them at Walmart or online at NubianHeritage.com

natural deodorant review

Listen, I’m not saying these tips will make the transition easier, but at least you’ll know to push through and things will get better.

  • Be okay with sweating! Yes, you read that right, especially under the arms. It is your body’s way of releasing toxins and helps cool your body.
  • Wear natural fibers like cotton and silk. When the temps are high, these fabrics will keep you cool.
  • Drink a lot of water when transitioning. It will flush your system, and keep you hydrated.
  • You know your body best, however, it is recommended you not wear deodorant for a few days to give your body time to rid itself of the aluminum before moving to a natural deodorant.
  • Use a clay mask on your underarm area once a week to remove dead skin that can trap odor.
  • Be patient, give your body time to adjust. You may experience more sweating during the transition but after 2-3 weeks you should return to feeling normal.

how to freeze fresh basil
Feature Food Home

Never Throw Away Fresh Herbs Again

You know how it is, you have every intention to eat right, or try a new recipe so you buy fresh herbs, and then before you know it you’ve wasted your money. Nothing goes bad faster than fresh herbs. Ask me how I know.

This year I finally had some success growing basil in the garden, but I can’t eat it all at once so I’ve been freezing it for winter. I figured I can’t be the only one who has thrown away my fair share of herbs so here’s tip on how to preserve fresh basil… I’m certain this method will work with other herbs as well.

It’s quite simple, you want to start with washing and drying the herbs

Once dry, give them a rough chop.

Insert them into ice cube trays. I grabbed mine from Dollar Tree, they were 2 for $1. Once you have the slots full, cover the herbs with olive oil. You don’t have to fill to the top but make sure the herbs are fully covered.

how to freeze fresh basil
how to freeze fresh basil

Now freeze for at least 24-hours. It can be a little difficult getting them out of the trays but whatever you do, don’t run hot water on the tray, the oil will melt immediately. Once you have popped out the cubes, put them in a freezer bag and store for future use.

how to freeze fresh basil

Y’all know I love making videos! Here’s a video of how I freeze my basil.

Feature Living

Scenes from the Summer

Time sure flies when you’re having fun. This summer has been one for the books. Graduations, the beach, travel, tubing, family reunion, birthday parties…

Ya girl is tired.

I’m finally slowing down into back to school mode, in a little over a week my kids head back to school. For once I’m ahead of the crowds, all of our school shopping is done, down to the supplies.

DONE. (it’s July 22nd)

Here’s what we’ve been up to all summer:

We kicked it off with a full family photo shoot. We haven’t had one of these in nearly 10 years, my niece and her babies were missing, but this is the closest we’ve been to having everyone in the same state at once, thanks to my niece’s graduation.

A few days later we hit the road to go to Florida to celebrate my oldest daughter’s graduation.

Then we slid over to the beach.

Then there were new shoes for me for Mother’s Day. I wouldn’t get them for myself, so he did. I love them.

Then my bestie turned 40 so we did it 90’s style.

We finished the garden.

We had lots of evening with friends, eating ice cream, visiting the bookstore, and tons of random things that make for the best summer memories.

I’m looking forward to having more fun on the weekends as we move into the school year. Now that things are slowing down again, you can expect to see more content around here… well that’s the plan!

I’ve uploaded a new vlog of the weekend we went tubing. I’d love to have you subscribe to my YouTube channel!

How’s your summer going?! Are you ready for back to school?

Feature Food

Good Neighbors + Oven Grilled Mexican Street Corn Recipe

This post was sponsored by Fresh From Florida as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, however all opinions expressed are my own.

When it comes to the neighborhood/neighbor lottery, I hit the jackpot. From our neighborhood book club to Bunco, to just hanging out I absolutely love most of my neighbors.

My regular crew is just a phone call/group text away, and we’ve been known to throw together impromptu potlucks with wings and pizza. Then there are actually times when I act as a proper hostess… bypassing my normal B.Y.O.B. and serving food and drinks.

With the porch open for the season, I’m good for calling the homies over for some quick summer finger foods, to include Mexican street corn and watermelon.

I really prefer my corn off the grill, but since it needed scraping which I didn’t feel like doing, I kept it simple and oven grilled it. Thankfully Fresh From Florida corn and watermelon are in season so I have time to enjoy a few of my favorite summer treats fresh off the grill. If you’ve never tried grilled watermelon, please add this delicacy to your bucket list.

Florida farmers have been working hard to make sure our favorite fruits and produce are available year-round. Be sure to check for the Fresh From Florida label on your favorite food, produce, and seafood in your local grocery store.

It’s always fun when I get to link up with my neighborhood family. Good neighbors feel like a built-in family. The summer is just starting and we have months of sitting out on the porch. I recently purchased new serving dishes, and I’ll be trying out some of these Fresh From Florida recipes, especially the Florida Sweet Corn and Ricotta fritters in the coming months. One thing is for sure, we are going to hang out, eat good, and have a great time this summer!

I know this isn’t the perfect picture, but it’s us in our element. Neighbors turned family!

Oven Grilled Mexican Street Corn

  • 4 Ears Corn
  • 1/2 tbsp Butter
  • Kosher Salt
  • Fresh Ground Pepper
  • Paprika
  1. Shuck each ear of corn, making sure to keep the husk on.

  2. Rinse corn well

  3. Rub butter on each ear of corn, and add kosher salt, and ground pepper to taste

  4. Pull husk back over corn, and bake on cookie sheet at 425 for 15-20 minutes

  5. Broil on high for another 3-5 minutes

  6. Remove from oven and rub with butter. Finish by sprinklng parmesan cheese, and paprika on corn.

If you need some inspiration for your summer cookouts or just want to eat well this season with friends and family be sure to check out the Fresh From Florida website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!