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Beauty Feature Living

The Natural Deodorant Learning Curve

July 29, 2019

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.

Athleta
Beauty

Video Tutorial |How to Do Box Braids

April 8, 2019

I don’t even know when or how I learned to braid. I know for a fact my mother didn’t teach me, because she couldn’t braid that well. I suppose I taught myself at a young age. My doll’s hair use to be LAID.

Being an only child can get lonely.

When I got to college one of my old roommates knew how to braid hair as well. She taught me how to braid with extensions and it was on an popping from there. We would tag team on doing micro braids. She’d take one side and I’d take the other. Let’s just say we made quite a bit of pizza and shopping money.

I actually enjoy braiding hair. It’s calming, unfortunately, I don’t always have the time to do intricate styles on Addison so when I get a free moment I like to put a protective style on her. Recently I gave her some box braids to give my mornings a rest. I’ve had people ask how I braid so I thought I’d do a quick tutorial video.

Let me say, this tutorial is not for beginners. You will need to know how to braid hair a little. The key to braiding with extensions is to keep the hair right at your fingertips, that will keep the braid nice and tight. I know it sounds easier said than done, but with a little practice you can do it!

Natural Hair Kids Protective Style

In the video, I highlight how to hold the hair and the simple process that connects the extensions with the real hair. I hope something in this video helps. If you become a braiding guru after watching this, holler at me and let me know!

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel! ( hover over my profile pic below and the subscribe box will appear.) I post content over there that doesn’t always make it to the blog like speed cleans of my sometimes messy house.

PURENEW
Beauty

My Skincare Routine with PURENEW

July 30, 2018
Thank you to PURENEW for sponsoring this conversation on skincare. All opinions are mine.

My makeup arsenal is about as basic as it gets. I like makeup, I really do. I don’t own much of it but I can pull together a decent look with the bare basics that I own, you know foundation, blush, primer, eyeliner etc. etc. etc.

In the past few months, I’ve become more concerned with my skincare. Okay, more like obsessed. I’ve started getting facials once a month and I’ve nailed down a skin care routine that is really working for me. It’s a mixture of Yes to Coconut products, the Mario Bedescu glycolic cleanser, a serum I picked up from Marshalls and Dermalogica. It’s a motley crue, but it works.

All of these products are topical, but as with anything from self love to clear skin, it all starts within. PURENEW, a fusion of the word pure and renew is a line of  vitamin supplements developed to help improve your skin from the inside out. I’ll be the first to tell you that I am quite certain I don’t get all of the nutrients my body needs from the foods I eat. PURENEW supplements use premium ingredients and are backed by clinical studies and control standards enforced by the FDA to give your body and your skin an extra boost of nutrients to nourish your body on the inside and out.

PURENEW

The beauty (pun intended) of PURENEW is the products are optimized for skin health based on age related issues. So, since your girl is knock, knock, knocking on 40 the Professional Skin Clear I’m using is aimed at reducing wrinkles and promoting clear skin by increasing collagen and boosting moisture. Totally different from being in your 20s and 30s when the focus is on pores, fighting fine lines and dark spots.

PURENEW

A regimen of a healthy diet, lots of water and supplements where needed can help you feel and look your best. Always make the best decision for you. For more info on PURENEW be sure to visit their website.

Beauty Living

Creating Mommy and Me Moments

May 2, 2018

Thank you Ivory for sponsoring this conversation. All opinions are mine.

I once believed at some point I would get the hang of parenting. I’ve since learned that at every age there is something new to learn and my kids will continuously need me in a different capacity. Just when I think I’ve mastered a stage it ushers itself out and welcomes in a new challenge as if to say this is a lifelong game of chess and strategy.

Addison just turned eight and overnight she wants to do all things girly and spends so much time with me I often feel like we are attached at the hip.

….and let me say I am totally fine with this, it’s just trying to get her to understand boundaries when it comes to my things and makeup, and clothes and shoes and phone, and planners, and… pretty much everything.

I’ve unapologetically crafted major parts of my life around being available to my children. I have so many fond memories of moments spent with my mother, that I can’t help but work to recreate those mother/daughter moments for Addison and I. From time spent in the garden to evening bike rides, one of our favorite pastimes is spending time outdoors.

The gentle smell of our favorite Ivory body wash, envelops our evenings as we cuddle and have girl talk after a long day. Her favorite wash is Pear & Sandalwood and mine is Sweet Pea & Lily. She feels grown up using my body wash and I feel good knowing my favorite body wash is gentle enough for her sensitive skin. 

As the summer days spread out ahead of us, I’m looking forward to unplugging a bit and spending time with my family and creating epic mommy and me memories with my baby girl. Tradition is welcomed in our home, just as I remember the smell of Ivory soap in my home as a child, Addison will have those same memories tied to the time we spend together.