Jasmine Tookes Glows In this Fall Inspired Look She is literally perfection

Fall is a few weeks away and I'm way behind on collecting fall looks inspiration.  Typically when I think of fall, I imagine multi layers and knitted textures.  But supermodel Jasmine Tookes has completely transformed the perception of a "fall outfit" with this recent look.
The fitted leather pants are a customary fall staple.  As the weather shifts, we trade in our shredded jeans for leather skinnies.  I've been on the lookout for the perfect pair for years.  The one Jasmine is wearing is perfect because it buttons at the waist. This helps ensure a better fit.  We love the horizontal zipper detail and the extra zippers at the ankle.  If she were to walk into a room with fellow stylish women in leather pants, Jasmine would certainly stand out, thanks to the extra detail.

To keep the look feminine and flirty, she opted for a wrap shirt with lots of drama.  First, it's a crop which shows off her trimmed waist.  The huge side knot draws our attention, but the layered sleeves are the star of the show.  I typically hate tops with too much going on but, this time, I'm making an exception.

Jas' blouse perfectly complements her simple look.  She kept the colors neutral. Even her accessories weren't over the top.  Which makes blouse is the ultimate statement piece. Everything Jasmine is wearing perfectly compliments each other. That's why her look seems so effortless and perfect.

Can we take a moment to discuss her skin?  It's a rainy day and yet the girl is glowing!  I'm confident that this has everything to do with her healthy skin habits.  One thing we know about her routine is that Jas works out pretty religiously.  Hence the trim waist. I also happen to know that she loves Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation.....I mean, who doesn't?  It's on my top 3 list of favorite foundations.   I've also seen Jasmine featured on the Instagram page of Kim Kardashian's cosmetic doctor.  She's done some laser therapy (Cool Laser) to remove blemishes and resurface the skin.  I've considered trying laser treatments in the past but was told that micro needling produces similar results. The main difference is that with lasers, the results come much more quickly.

When we put our focus and attention toward ridding acne scars once and for all, everything we've ever wanted becomes possible. Foundation looks amazing on our skin, we can go makeup free and still get compliments, we can strut with the same unshakable confidence that Jasmine has.

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Hair Vitamins Not Working For You? Learn About The Cummulative Effect of Supplements

Contents The Makings Of A Hair Vitamin Do They Really Work? Where Is the Science To Support The Claims? How Long Before You See Results? Final Considerations In this age, there has been a thrust in support of vitamin supplementation for hair growth. If you should go by the YouTube videos and hair care blogs, […]

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My Hair Story – Brittany of Sisterdo Hair Care

Introduce Yourself Hello! I am a Naturalista, a Sister, a Wife, and Co-Founder of Sisterdo Hair Care, a review site for all things natural hair. Are you relaxed, natural, texturized or texlaxed? Natural What’s your story, how did you get to where you are? I grew up in a mostly Caucasian neighborhood, where all my […]

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[Instagram Beauty Secret] Get Rid of Body Acne + Guess Which Body Butter Evens Out Your Skin

The Perfect Brunch Option that Supports Your Hair Journey

Today I read an interesting tidbit shared by a group of men surveyed on the topic of hair health.  Of the 2000 men surveyed, many of them agreed that eating a certain superfood food on a regular basis had a direct benefit on the health and luster of their hair.
Once it became cool to post images of your curated breakfast social media, one option kept popping up in everyone's timeline.  Soon, avocado toast became one of the trendiest foods in recent past. Years ago, avocado toast wasn't on anyone's radar. Now I can order it for breakfast at any of the little restaurants located in the hip parts of town.

This surge of popularity meant that more people started to consume this healthy option on a regular basis.  Since avocado toast is so easy to make at home, people began enjoying it quite frequently.  As a result, some men began to notice an outward benefit to their hair.  When I first heard the information, I wasn't very surprised.  Avocados are loaded with healthy fats, vitamins A, B, C, E, K, folic acid and minerals.  And if you pair it with toppings such as cayenne pepper, eggs, tomatoes, leafy greens, you've created powerhouse breakfast.

Imagine the cumulative effects of swapping your typical breakfast of waffles or pancakes for a nutritious option like avocado laced with a little cayenne pepper (to boost circulation).  That was my staple breakfast for a while and I was addicted.

I've since wandered off and started choose less admirable options for breakfast.  Thanks to these guys surveyed, I was reminded of my once beloved avocado toast.  When fall and winter rolls around, I like to consume foods high in healthy fats to lubricate my skin, hair, joints from the inside out.

Avocados are definitely going back into rotation.  And not just internally.  While researching for this post, I came across quite a few women sharing their testimonies of how well their hair responded to avocado deep conditioning treatments.  I'm also stocking up on avocado oil so I can start lacing my shampoo with oil again.  My hair loved oil cleansing and I"m sure it'll only get better with a hair healthy oil like avocado.





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The Detailed Routine for No Filter Flawless Skin Ash Finally Let Us In on Her Secrets

A while ago, I was innocently scrolling through my Tumblr feed and came across an image that immediately grabbed my attention.  It was a close-up shot of a woman who had the most buttery skin that I have ever seen.  The caption of the image informed us that she was putting in serious work in order to proudly display her skin without the help of flattering filters.

Filter free flawless skin. Isn't that what we all want?  Of course, it is.  After displaying her perfect skin on Insta, she was inundated with requests (and threats) to drop her reggie.  Fortunately for us, she generously shared every product that comprised her entire routine.
After careful study, I realized that most of the products used can be found in any drug store.  That's promising news but I don't that to take away from the intricate nature of her regimen.  She uses "ordinary" products to create extraordinary results.

Ash Leon showing off a close up of her glowing skin #nofilter

First, let's take a look at her favorite cleansers.  Her list includes 5 options, 2 of which are exfoliating cleansers.  Clean & Clear Advantage exfoliating face wash combines the powers of micro beads to scrub dead skin with the acne fighting power of benzoyl peroxide.  Using a cleanser with acne medicine is the right way to go.  And exfoliating on a regular basis is mission critical if you want bright glowing skin like Ash.  To ensure her skin is properly cleansed, she uses Olay's 2-speed cleaning brush.

Once her skin is cleansed she tones with witch hazel (with aloe), and spot treats with Clean & Clear acne spot treatment, and tea tree oil.  Ash also likes Clean & Clear's Ultra Rapid Action Pads (medicated), Differin gel, and Ambi's fade cream to even out skin tone.  Last but, not least, she layers on Coppertone's sunscreen SPF 30. Side not, Meagan Good also loves acne cleansing pads and that girl's skin is unmatched.

To keep her skin dewy and moisturized, Ash wears Clean & Clear's acne control moisturizer.  Where were acne fighting moisturizers when I was younger??? I would have loved to experiment with a product like that in my regimen.  Ash alternates her acne fighting moisturizer with a brand from Body Merry that contains retinol. This product has nearly 2,500 reviews and has a 4.5 star rating.  That's pretty impressive.  According to the product claims, this moisturizer will help address most signs of aging including wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.  It also contains yummy ingredients such as green tea, jojoba oil, vitamin E, B5 and shea butter.  Plus it contains retinol, the over the counter version of retin A which promotes younger skin by accelerating cell turnover.  This sounds like a must have moisturizer.

 To seal in moisture, Ash uses rose jojoba or rose hip oil. By the looks of the first image, I'd probably guess that Ash is a follower of the "go to bed greasy" movement.

For deep pore treatments, she relies on Aztec Indian Clay masks, Biore's deep cleansing charcoal pore strips and Epielle facial Essence (sheet) mask.   To sum it up, Ash seems to be taking an aggressive approach towards acne prevention. Nearly every product in her regimen is there to address breakouts. And if, by any chance, a breakout does occur Ash combines exfoliation, sunscreen and fade cream to eradicate discoloration.  Lastly, she relies on the powers of natural oils to keep her skin soft and glowing.

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16 Hair Accessories to Keep You Queenin’

Am I the only one who would totally wear a crown and glitzy accessories on a random day? I don’t mean to a wedding or a formal event, but to make a statement especially on those days when I am feeling my hair. Sometimes being a little extra is good, especially if you are having […]

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How to Dress Comfy Without looking like you've given up

Every few days, a friend of mine invites to meet her at a fancy social club located in the heart of downtown.  It's a posh professional lounge with beautiful city views.  I've become somewhat masterful at turning down her generous request.  The thought of having to break out my business casual attire from my past life sends shivers down my spine.

 I've become fully immersed in a world of wearing casual, comfy clothing.  The thing with casual attire is there's a thin line between looking cute & comfy or looking like you've totally given up on life.  I have to admit that I've been guilty of crossing that line.  There have been times where I've silently prayed asking that I don't run into anyone I know while running errands.  That's not the way to live.

If I'm going to be a lifelong comfy dresser, I might as well learn to do it right.   There are certain rules that one must abide by that allow us to sport casual clothing while still looking like we care about ourselves.  Let's discuss.


Never go full baggy

Oversized clothes are the epitome of comfort wear.  With loose fitting clothes, we don't have to concern ourselves with certain details.  Baggy clothes always fit so they sometimes become a default option.  A while back, I made the commitment to avoid baggy clothes as much as possible. Whenever my wardrobe consists mainly of loose-fitting clothes,  I'll start to put on weight. It never fails.  Worst of all, I don't realize what's happening until it's too late. By then, my "normal" clothes barely fit.  That's why I've taken an oath to mix baggy and fitted items whenever possible.  One negative view of baggy clothes is that you didn't put much thought into your look. Pairing it with a fitted item balances out the entire outfit.  Suddenly, your clothing choices appear intentional. Not like you threw on what you had available until laundry day.

Accessorize Strategically
The easiest way to elevate lounge wear is by mastering the art accessorizing. The great thing about applying this strategy is that you have multiple options.   I like to layer on various tiny rings, chain bracelets or sparkly studs.  It really doesn't matter your jewelry preference, as long as you add something that requires an additional step. In doing so, you're sending a message that you care about the details.   And that's super important if you're a serial comfy dresser like me.

Add High-Quality Items
If you want to take your accessory game to the next level, you should seriously consider investing in a few designer pieces. A quality bag and the right pair of shoes can go a long way towards transforming your simple look into something magical.  Years ago I made the decision to stop buying a bunch of trendy clothes and redirect my finances towards securing high-quality pieces.  Best decision ever.  Now, I can walk into almost any situation and still get compliments, even when I'm wearing basics.

Fix Your Face
One habit I've been cultivating is to avoid walking out with a completely bare face. I don't have to go all out, just a 5-10 minute natural face routine is enough.  Once I experimented with going to Walmart with a full face just to see what difference it made.  I noticed a lot more looks than normal and a couple people even approached me.  I go grocery shopping pretty regularly and most of those trips are pretty uneventful.  But when I put in a little more effort in my appearance, I attract more.  People react to you differently when you present the best version of yourself. This even applies to you.  When you feel good, you make different (better) choices. Imagine the compounding effect of you looking and feeling good day after day.  There are real benefits to be had.  Take full advantage.

Invest in Quality Leisure Wear
One area I need to do better in is to sport better-looking loungewear.  I have to admit that most of my comfy clothes were bought for the purpose of wearing around the house or while running errands.  Needless to say, I didn't invest much in them and they look unimpressive.  Nowadays, athleisure is all the rage and the choices for designer active/loungewear is endless.  One of my goals for the remainder of the year is to toss out most of the stuff I have and replace with hand-picked quality pieces that are both stylish & comfy.

Focus on Your Signature
Lastly, I invite you to define a signature item that you'll maintain even when you're wearing a laid back look.  For some, that means maintaining immaculate nails (which looks great when you're wearing casual gear) or making sure your hair is on point.  Doesn't have to be fancy. Just make sure you have a few hairstyle options that typically attract compliments.

Once you've established the most complimentary hairstyle or accessory, you can dress down all you want and still demand attention when you walk into any room. Also remember, when you're dressing down, there are certain details that can't be missed. Your skin must appear to be healthy and hydrated, Your clothes must be in good condition.  You have to look like you put some thought into your look.  If these requirements aren't met, you end up looking like you just rolled out of bed and put on whatever was within reach.  That's not a good thing.  This is what leads to silent prayers hoping that you don't run into anyone you know.  Lucky for us, this situation is completely avoidable.

If you're looking for more inspiration on dressing down and looking pulled together, you'll find some great ideas by paying attention to paparazzi pics taken at an airport.  These celebrities are often dressed down yet they know there's a decent chance that they'll be photographed so dress accordingly.



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How to Build a Sneaker Collection on a Budget

Adidas | Tubular Shadow | Solid Grey

Heyyyyy y'all!

I'm long overdue for another Sneakers+Life post. Every time I post or share something sneaker related on IG, I get lots of DMs asking where, how, and are they custom.

I'm gonna share a lil' secret with y'all - none of my sneakers are custom made (yet), and the majority of them were purchased with some sort of discount. That's right - ya girl lives for a good sale. Especially on sneakers and workout gear - but that's another story (workout gear).

So how exactly did I amass a collection of Jordans, Nikes, Adidas, and more - without spending full price every time? Check out my 8 tips for building a sneaker collection on a budget below:

Tip #1: Understand Sizing
Now this tip won't apply to everyone. But if you wear up to a size 9 in women's, for the most part you're able to get the same or similar shoe in grade school sizes for $20-60 cheaper. This is how I come by every single pair of Jordans I own.

Nike | Air Max 90 | Black + Volt + Total Crimson + Pink Blast

To figure out your size in kids/grade school, simply subtract 2 from your women's size. Depending on the shoe in women's, I wear an 8.5 or 9. In kids/grade school, I wear a 6.5 or 7. If you wear larger than a size 9 in women's, then I'm afraid this tip won't apply. No worries - there are 7 more ways to get your goodies at a discount!

Tip #2: Avoid Release Day
...unless you absolutely MUST have the shoe, on that day, and fear they will sell out with no restock in sight. To date, I've only made the effort to get one shoe release - the Space Jam 11s. My original plan was to order them online, but literally every sneaker website was crashing. So I hopped out of bed and made my way to the Footaction/Jumpman23 store, and got told I had to wait until 2pm to purchase my pair (mind you, it was before 9am). Not one for the shenanigans, I moseyed my way down to Kids Foot Locker, and put tip #1 in motion. I requested a size 7 and was in and out in under 10 minutes.

Jordan | XI "Space Jam"

Barring any extreme situations like the above (by the way, my $140 jams are now being hawked on various sites for $325), it's often times worth it to wait. Because new shoes are released almost every week and weekend, a bit of patience will probably pay off. If you're willing to wait it out, you'll find your coveted sneaker price drop by up to 50%.

I spotted these Jordan VI "Chameleon" sneakers in Maryland. Original price - $180. I shoulda got 'em then.

Tip #3: Get Seasonal
The best time to buy summer gear? Fall. The best time to buy cold weather attire? Spring. Just like clothing and home decor, sneakers are seasonal. With each season change, you've got the chance to score the pair you've been eyeing - at a discounted price. And if you happen to catch a sneaker store during a seasonal blowout/sale, you can often score an extra 20-30% off the already discounted price.

Tip #4: Sign Up for Rewards
I have more reward card sign-ups than probably should be allowed for one person - from Best Buy to Vitamin Shoppe. Somewhere in the alphabet soup of rewards memberships, I'm a proud holder of rewards memberships at FinishLine, Footaction, and Footlocker - all of which send certificates/coupons for reaching a certain threshold of purchase. For example, FinishLine sends $20 certificates for every $200 spent. All of them send at least $10 certificates for your birthday.

My favorite thing to do is stack rewards certificates on top of already discounted shoes and pay next to nothing :) #allthiswinning

Nike SB+Concepts | "Stained Glass" aka "Holy Grail"

Tip #5: Shop Around
Most of these competitors price match each other - just show proof that a similar retailer is shelling the same shoe for less. You can also try your hand at boutique shoe stores and skater shops, who are often anxious to clear inventory and will undercut the pricing of the big-name shoe store next door by $20 or more.

Tip #6: Hit the Outlets
I haven't had much luck on this route, but I haven't put in the time that other folks have to come up in a real way. But the truth is, the further out you're willing to go, the better your chances are at a score. Try your luck at Nike Factory/Outlet stores, Ross, TJ Maxx, Burlington's, and Marshall's - you just might be surprised with what you find at a price that's almost too good to be true. Check out this Instagram account dedicated to outlet hunters to see what I'm talking about.

Tip #7: Take Your Time
The truth is, you don't have to build your sneaker collection in a week. Or even a month. Or a year. I've been building my collection for years, at my own pace. Sometimes, it seems like I'm adding a new pair of sneakers monthly. Other times, I go several months without a new shoe. I'm not in competition with anyone to build a shoe collection.

Take your time, and build at your own pace.

Jordan | XIII "Wool"

Tip #8: It's OK to Pass
Some people buy sneakers just to buy them, or because everyone's buzzing about them. These people are called hypebeasts. I don't hypebeast. Hypebeasting costs a lot of money - just ask anyone with a pair of Yeezys or KAWS collab Jordan IVs.

Don't get me wrong - some of these shoes are dope. But I draw the line when sneakers start costing more than my DWP bill (water+electricity+trash for those of y'all not in California). I don't buy sneakers to flex on Instagram, or impress people as I walk around the mall. I buy sneakers to be comfortable, and because I like them.

As a result, I end up spending a lot less money than some of my fellow sneakerheads/hypebeasts - because I know when to pass. I don't care who designed what, how limited of a release it is, or how "valuable" they might be later - an ugly sneaker is an ugly sneaker.

And I don't wear ugly sneakers.

I hope you guys enjoyed this sneaker post! Got any questions about sneakers? Leave 'em in the comments below!

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Battle of the Co-Washes: My Holy Grail vs. The "Popular" Brand

Can you guess which side is which?

This blog post and video has been a few years in the making. Let's not dwell on why it took me so long - but rather, let's bask in the fact that its finally here! 😂 For a while now, I've been marinating on pitting some of my personal favorites/holy grail products up against the "leading" favorites that seem to get all the buzz, PR, and have all the popular YouTubers and Instagrammers talking about them.

I present to you the first of many holy grail head-to-head comparisons - co-wash style.

If you've followed me for any length of time, checked out any of my Christina's Choice posts, or simply asked me which co-wash I adore forever and ever, then you probably know the holy grail. And if you're at least mildly active on social media, then you know what the "leading" brand co-wash is.

But for the sake of avoiding bias on your end, I covered the labels with white paper, simply referencing them as Co-Wash #1 and Co-Wash #2. How do they stack up against each other? Let's start with the easy comparison points - price and ingredients.

Want to know why I only discuss the top 5-7 ingredients after water? Here's why.

Price & Active Ingredients
Co-Wash #1
Price: $16 for 8oz ($2 per oz)
Active Ingredients:

• Water
• Cetyl Alcohol: Considered "fatty alcohol" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Also give conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Is additionally used to keep product ingredients from separating.
• Glycerin: Generally vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
• Isopropyl Palmitate: Palm oil-based emollient derived from coconut oil, used as a thickening agent, lubricant, and softener. It works to improve the luster, silkiness, and softness of the hair, helping the hair to become softer, healthier, and more manageable over time.
• Cyclopentasiloxane: Emollient and hair conditioning silicone-based compound. It is water-thin and evaporates easily, so it does not weigh the hair down. It gives your hair a wet, slippery, soft feel without greasiness or making it dry and crunchy. As soon as it is done conditioning the hair, it evaporates.
• Behentrimonium Chloride: Quaternary ammonium compound and close cousin of cetrimonium chloride. Also penetrates the hair, conditions, and acts as an anti-static and anti-microbial agent.

Co-Wash #2

Price: $22 for 12oz ($1.83 per oz)

Active Ingredients:

• Water
• Cetyl Alcohol: Considered "fatty alcohol" -- NOT to be confused with drying alcohols such as ethyl. Acts as a lubricant, thickener, and emollient. Also give conditioner its velvety feel without making hair greasy. Is additionally used to keep product ingredients from separating.
• Gylcerin: Generally vegetable-based humectant that absorbs and retains moisture from the air.
• Isopropyl Palmitate: Palm oil-based emollient derived from coconut oil, used as a thickening agent, lubricant, and softener. It works to improve the luster, silkiness, and softness of the hair, helping the hair to become softer, healthier, and more manageable over time.
• Behentrimonium Chloride: Quaternary ammonium compound and close cousin of cetrimonium chloride. Also penetrates the hair, conditions, and acts as an anti-static and anti-microbial agent
• Laureth-4: Lauryl alcohol derivative used as a cleansing agent and texture enhancer. It also acts as an emulsifier, keeping ingredients from separating. While gentle, it is also mildly comdeogenic (causes breakouts on skin).

(For what it's worth, the "more moisturizing" version of Co-Wash #2 has an identical active ingredient list. #themoreyouknow)

The major difference between the two (I don't consider 17 cents major) boils down to cyclopentasiloxane vs. Laureth-4. Cyclopentasiloxane is one of personal preference. If you're a staunch "Curly Girl" supporter, then this will likely turn you off - no matter how many times I explain that we've basically been brainwashed into thinking silicones are bad. That aside, both ingredient lists are essentially the same with regard to active ingredients after water.

To be honest, it made me laugh - thinking especially of Co-Wash #2. But as I'll later discover, one active ingredient switch can make all the difference...

Performance
Detangling
Given that I was working with my holy grail, I knew exactly what to expect. As soon as I applied the product and wet it down to start detangling, it was smooth sailing. That's one of the reasons I live for Co-Wash #1 - it helps me save SO much time on wash day thanks to the creamy slip. It detangled flawlessly, and in less time than Co-Wash #2.

I gotta be honest - I expected way more out of Co-Wash #2. With all the hype online, I was expecting a botanical revolution on my hair and scalp. Unfortunately, Co-Wash #2 can't hold a candle to #1 in the slip and detangling department. Where I was able to just start moving the comb through the side of my head with Co-Wash #1, I had to stop and pull certain sections with Co-Wash #2. Not exactly the smooth sailing I had expected.

Buildup Removal
To be fair, I found the cleaning abilities of both products to be on par with each other. They both equally removed buildup from the hair and scalp. No news to report here.

After Rinsing
Talk about where the rubber meets the road! One of the perks of co-washing is getting those silky, soft, moisturized strands that you don't typically find with shampoo. Co-Wash #1 delivered that effortlessly (one of the many reasons I love it), while Co-Wash #2 struggled in that department.

I'll mince no words here - I hated the way my hair felt after using Co-Wash #2. It felt rough. A lil' crunchy. Not smooth in the slightest. I remember saying to myself repeatedly, "why do people buy this?!" 😂 But in all seriousness, I'm never putting this stuff in my hair again. And there's nothing you can do to convince me otherwise. I learned a looooong time ago, that if a product doesn't work the first time, stop trying to force it.

The Winner
Co-Wash #1, by leaps and bounds. From ease of detangling to appearance and feel, Co-Wash #1 over and outperformed Co-Wash #2. In fact, I got my receipt ready to return Co-Wash #2 and get my schmoney back. 😂

The Reveal
Co-Wash #1 - Be Kekoa Be Clean Cleansing Conditioner
Co-Wash #2 - DevaCurl No Poo Original

How many of you knew which was which?

Aiight y'all - let's hear it! How shocked are you? Lets chat in the comments below!

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Hydrogenated Fats, Bad. Hydrogenated Water, Good? You'll never want to drink plain water again

Years back, I figured out that the common beauty secret of most A list celebrities is the copious amount of water they consume on a daily basis. Since then, I've been obsessed with increasing my water intake as much as possible.

This habit has served me well over the years.  And whenever I slack on my water intake, I truly notice a difference.  I'm also very aware that not all water is created equal.   At the bottom of the totem pole is plain ol' tap water.  But if you really want to nourish your body, you can opt for mineral water or maybe throw in a few lemon slices.   Or perhaps you might want to try switching out your plastic water bottle for a copper vessel.   I thought I had discovered all the ways to make your water a bit healthier.  Turns out that I knew nothing.  Because there's a water that so healthy that it's been shown to produce documented health benefits.

This might be the ultimate health and beauty water on the market.
The water I speak of has already been a craze in Japan for a while.  Japan has the highest aging population in the world which makes them hyper-focused on discovering ways to promote longevity and optimal health.  One of their past discoveries is now making its way to the U.S.  They've realized the key to turning water into a super health elixir.

Hydrogen water is quickly gaining popularity thanks to its super-antioxidant qualities.  Some of you might be scratching your head and asking "doesn't water already contain hydrogen?"  Yes and no.  Technically, the composition of water is 1 molecule oxygen and two molecules of hydrogen.  Hydrogen water actually contains a surplus of hydrogen. This surplus molecule is tiny and easily absorbed at the cellular level.  Once absorbed, wonderful things start to happen.

Japan is already aware of the wonders of hydrogen water because they've conducted several studies that support its beneficial qualities.  Basically, the extra hydrogen molecule is a super antioxidant that attacks damaging free radicals.  Hydrogen water proponents rave about its ability to fight inflammation and oxidative stress.  As you may know, free radicals and inflammation are a common factor in many of the diseases and ailments that we suffer from today.  Could hydrogen water become a strategy to help fight diseases?

One study of 20 participants showed some promising results.  The people who participated in the study were all overweight.  The only thing they were asked to do over the course of 8 weeks was to drink 1.5-2 liters of hydrogen water daily.  No change in diet was required.  Once the 8 weeks were over, they experienced a nearly 40% spike in an enzyme that helps the body fight free radicals.  They also enjoyed a reduction in cholesterol levels and a drop in a chemical compound that promotes oxidative damage.  Can your normal water do that?

Cancer patients who drank hydrogen water after undergoing radiation therapy experienced a higher Quality of Life (QOL) score than the placebo group which drank equal amounts of plain water.  There are also brain protection benefits of this wonderful hydrogenated water.  But the benefits don't stop there.  On an everyday level, hydrogen water is said to help shorten recovery time after your work outs.

The beauty benefits of hydrogen water are worth mentioning.  This water is so powerful that just bathing in it has the ability to affect fine lines and wrinkles.  People who bathed in hydrogen water for 3 months noticed "significantly improved wrinkles in the skin."  When hydrogen water is used daily in one's skin care routine, it "repressed UVA-induced skin damage." Hydrogen water was also said to "significantly prevent cell death" and DNA damage caused by sun exposure.  I read a review where a happy customer claimed that hydrogen water alleviated her eczema when nothing else helped.

Now that we're aware of the potential of hydrogen water, how do we get our hands on it?

If you want to incorporate hydrogen water into your routine, you've got several options.  If you're super serious about enjoying hydrogen water on a regular basis, you may want to consider investing in your very own hydrogen water making machine.  They even offer portable water bottles that generated hydrogen water for you on the spot!  For a more portable option, there are hydrogen tablets that you can drop right into your current water.  There are lots of options to fit into any budget.  Even Dr. Perricone has got into the hydrogen water game by launching his own brand of hydrogen water sourced directly from Japan.  There's lots of articles and content available on this miracle water.  Be sure to do your research.  I love the promise of this antioxident water and can't wait to try it.







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Master the Process of Altering Your Future It's much easier than you think.

Near the end of last year, I set a somewhat lofty profit goal for my business.  It was a number I wanted to reach since I first launch because, to me, it was a huge milestone.  About six months into the year, I realized that I was on track to actually reach this goal.

At first, I was super excited.   But after a few weeks,  a new feeling started to settle in.  With half the year ahead of me, I felt obligated to rewrite my goal.  If I kept the profit number the same, I would probably start to get comfortable.  And comfortable is never a good thing.  Although I had a good chance of reaching my numbers, I didn't want to just sit back and rely on my default future to manifest.

As you may recall, our default future is the predictable outcome that we will experience based on our current actions.  You can pretty much predict how your life will look at the end of the year based on the past and what you are doing currently.  If both of these factors are consistent, your life will essentially stay the same (or become slightly worse).

I'm on a mission to systematically alter the course of my future in several areas of my life.  Using my past advice of creating an unbalanced force, I plan on many 1-2 significant shifts in my actions that will have a long term positive effect on the outcome of my goal.  I believe the 1-2 actions are enough. If you try to do too much as once, you may not be able to maintain the actions long-term.  As long as you identify the right actions, 1-2 of them should be enough.

In the case of my business, I reviewed all of my current expenses and identified the top 2 that could bring in the most revenue.  Number one on that list was a monthly expense of $350 that I invest to be a part of this training program. Each month we get access to new training videos and get to ask questions.  I have to be honest and confess that I haven't been maximizing the potential of this training program.  I did in the beginning.  But once my business started running smoothly, I lost the sense of urgency.  I'm now recommitting to taking the course seriously and implementing at least 1 new action a month taken directly from the course.  I know this will be a huge game changer that can really alter the future trajectory of my business.

This is a big example but I plan to implement this strategy on a micro level as well.  Last week, for example, looked and felt very much like most weeks.  But I did implement a few small actions that will have a positive (and real) impact on the days and months ahead. This week, I'm determined to do that same.

As I plan my weekly to-do list, I'm careful to include tasks that have lasting power.  Sure, there are pressing items that must be done today, but I should also be mindful to incorporate activities that have a real impact.

I'm gonna let you in on a little secret......the more I focus on actions with lasting impact, the less I have to work to enjoy the results I now have.  I get to do less and enjoy more.  That's the way it should be.

With only a handful of months remaining, it's time to get serious about which areas that you want to alter the course of your future.  No need to wait 'till the end of the year to create a bunch of flimsy resolutions.  By New Year, I want to be setting up fresh new goals that on a whole nother level. Our future is liquid and we're in complete control of it.  Let's take full advantage by engaging the type of actions that are investments for the days and months ahead.  Your future self is counting on it.  

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History Created: 12Yr Old Is The Youngest To Graduate With Cosmetics Arts Degree In Natural Hair School

Have you heard about Aubrianna Lash? If not, you should for she is a dose of inspiration. This 12 yr old has been doing hair since she was 5 and now she has made history by being the youngest person to graduate from a Cosmetics of Arts course in North Carolina. It all started out […]

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I did a Week long Lemon Water Experiment & the Benefits were Amazing!

At the start of the week, I woke up with a strange, yet familiar feeling.  I could tell immediately that  I was experiencing one of my worst nightmares.  As I ran my fingers over my face, I could sense a possible breakout lying deep beneath the surface.  I get breakouts from time to time. It happens.  But this wasn't any type of breakout. It was the kind that could potentially evolve into a cystic eruption.

I knew this because I could actually feel it turning into a painful lesion even though it wasn't yet visible.  Since I experienced this many times before, I knew exactly what to do.  Before a breakout has the chance to rear its ugly head, I rely on one remedy that seems to work for me every single time.

In my unskilled opinion, large acne breakouts were a byproduct of inflammation.  I keep hearing about how drinking lemon water helps combat inflammation by alkalizing the body.  So one day I decided to try it as a home remedy.  Whenever I drank warm/room temp lemon water before a pimple fully manifested, I would almost always avoid the worst case scenario. Most of the time, I'd prevent the breakout altogether.  If not, I'd at least limit the severity of it.

Since I felt like this break out had the potential to be disastrous, I decided to go all in.  Instead of enjoying a small cup of lemon water, I reached for a mason jar capable of holding about a quarter gallon of water.  Then I squeezed an entire lemon into the water, grabbed a straw (to protect the enamel on my teeth) and proceeded to sip on it all day.

By the next day, that painful sensation beneath my skin was gone.  It seemed like I had avoided yet another catastrophe.  But, just to be sure, I decided to repeat the same ritual the next day with another quart of water and one additional lemon.  This routine has gone on for the past 4 days. And I'm realizing how many benefits I've received from being consistent over this short time period.

Let's discuss.

I already talked about the skin clearing benefits I was granted thanks to the help of lemon water. But I didn't really notice the other positives until now.    One of the most obvious is how drinking that much lemon water stimulated digestion.  I felt like it created a mild detoxification process.  Whenever I drink ample amounts of lemon water, I find myself having to urinate much more frequently than when I drink plain H20.  It seems to have a diuretic effect. So when I don't have time to do a juice cleanse, I can drink lemon water and still experience detoxing effects. Best of all, I can still eat while the lemon detoxes my body.

Speaking of eating. I noticed that drinking that much lemon water had a profound effect on my food intake.  I work from home and one of the challenges I've faced is constant boredom snacking.   I'm only a few steps from a fridge at all times which is both a blessing and a curse.  Since incorporating ample amounts of lemon water, my cravings have reduced DRAMATICALLY.  I found myself snacking on the first day, but it was out of habit.  When I realized that I wasn't even hungry, the snacking stopped.

By day 3 I noticed that I was no longer walking to the fridge to satiate my cravings for sweet or salty snacks.  As a matter of fact, my appetite was quite suppressed.  At times, I had to remind myself to eat.  This actually put me in a really good position because when I snacked uncontrollably, I almost always reached for convenient, not-so-healthy-foods.  But when the tables were turned, I made conscious decisions in my eating. Instead of going for ice cream, I grabbed an apple or boiled a couple of eggs.  My lunch choices this entire week have so much healthier compared to the week before.  Simply because I sipped on lemon water (throughout the day).

Since starting this new habit, I've already noticed a reduction in bloating and a little weight loss.  They say that drinking lemon water "burns fat." I don't know if lemon water actually flushes fat like some claim. But, for me, it completely alters my appetite to the point where I eat very differently.  I make smarter choices about what I eat because I'm not driven by some uncontrollable primal urge.  Even when I did enjoy a little ice cream, it didn't taste as good.  It was like my palette had been altered in a good way.  I also got fuller faster which is a plus.

These are just a few of my observations of what I've experienced over the past 4 days.  As I mentioned, there are probably internal benefits that I'm not even considering.  Needless to say, I'm not giving this habit up anytime soon.  I hope to experience even more positive effects from this going forward.





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Everyone's Obsessed with this Super Effective Body Exfoliator

How to Get Your Life Together While Sitting In Front of the TV

When I first bought my home, one of the major decisions I made was to not order cable TV.  I chose this path for several reasons.  First, most success gurus issued stern warnings of the productivity killing effects of watching tv.  Basically, television shows are a major distraction and, if you're an ambitious person with clear goals, you should stay as far away from them as possible.

This advice worked for me.  I spent hours on the computer focused on my future empire.  But, over time, a bunch of websites started popping up that allowed me to "watch tv" without the need for cable.  Slowly, but surely, my productivity began to slide.  I needed a way to find a balance between watching my favorite reality shows and continuing my personal growth journey.

Now that we're headed into fall viewing season, I want to be even more intentional. So I've figured out a way to enjoy the shows I love and still get things done.  
The strategy is pretty simple.  Avoid single-tasking when watching online tv.  In the modern era of binge watching, one of the worst mistakes we make is doing absolutely nothing while gorging on entire seasons of our favorite shows.  Hours or days can slip by and we'll have nothing to show for it other than extensive knowledge of the lives of fictional characters.

To combat this, I've decided to implement a few simple rules that allow me to be productive while being entertained.

#1:  Do I actually need to watch it or can I just listen to it?
Here's something I discovered.  I can "watch" a show without actually watching it.  Certain programs don't really require me to be sitting down with my eyes glued to the screen.  Just listening to it provided nearly the same level of value.  When this happens, I forbid myself from just sitting there.  Instead, I'll view the show on my Ipad or, other portable device, plug in some speakers, and let it play while I clean the house or make dinner.  Nothing is better than being entertained while knocking out my daily chores.  Since implementing this little tip, my house is much cleaner and organized. What more can I ask for?

#2: Do I have to actually to sit and watch it?
Some videos do require me to actually pay attention to what's happening on screen.  When this happens, my next question is "do I have to sit for this?"  If the answer is no then I have the option of fitting in a little bit of physical activity during the show.  When I'm watching Instagram stories, for example, I have to look at the screen, otherwise, I miss out on most of the content.  But instead of laying on the couch watching Instagram stories, I jump on my trampoline and bounce. This is a perfect form of exercise because it's non-strenuous which allows me to do it for a long time. There have been times when I've bounced for an equivalent of 2-3 miles in one session of watching Instagram videos.  I'm getting a workout while detoxing my body and getting caught up on social media all at once.  This is just one example. I've done planks during a commercial break or sit-ups, squats, and lunges.  There are a ton of exercises we can do while sitting in front of a tv.  Let's get to it.

#3: Can I be doing something else while I sit here?
Normally, I frown on multitasking because of how it drains productivity. But when you're watching a show, multitasking makes complete sense.  Let's say I'm watching an episode of Million Dollar Listings.  I like this program because it showcases high-end luxury homes.  I watch it to get inspiration for interior decor. So while I'm sitting there, I'll execute mundane tasks that don't require a lot of focus/concentration.  Maybe I'll paint my nails or fold some clothes.  Or utilize the time to do a steam facial or mud mask.  Perhaps now would be a good opportunity to sort through and shred my junk mail.  Basically, any chore that can be done while sitting still should be incorporated while watching your favorite show.

#4. Can I also work on improving my life?
Lastly, there's the aspect of working on ways to make your life better.  Everything I listed before helps improve our daily lives but one thing missing is the planning & creation aspect.  On Sundays, while hubby watched football, I'd sit next to him with a planner in hand and would write my tasks for the week.  It started off simple, maybe I'd do some meal planning.  Then I'd list a rough overview of the important tasks for the week.  Soon, I started thinking about incorporating my "One Thing Different" actions to ensure the upcoming week was better than the last.  Sometimes, I'll do a weekly review/reflection and notate what went well that week and what should be my focus in the week ahead.   It doesn't have to be a huge ordeal just a simple way to assess where things are versus where you want them to be.

There are work related tasks that I can knock out while watching tv.  My action plan for today is to make a quick list of those tasks so I can have them handy when I need it.  Some of the things I do require focused attention and dedicated time.  But, there are also a bunch of stuff I can do while catching up on videos that aren't that interesting or engaging.   I tend to forget that while I'm watching Real Housewives, I can also do some social media posting or answering basic emails.

It's all about balance.  If all you do is work, it's a good idea to indulge in your favorite shows as a way of unplugging from the stress.  But when you find yourself indulging a little too much, at least you can still be somewhat productive.  Instead of letting things fall apart while you watch hours of programming, why not use that time to also improve on your life?




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Don’t Just Big Chop, Donate It! – All You Need to Know About Hair Donation

Content: The Basics Of Hair Donation Organizations To Donate To Locks Of Love Dreadlocks Of Love Pantene Beautiful Lengths Children With Hair Loss (CWHL) Hair Donation Ottawa Wigs 4 Kids Wigs For Kids Hair We Share Pink Heart Funds Any d’Avray Haar Wensen Matter Of Trust Conclusion Hair donation has been a thing for a […]

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The Supplement That Fights Your Acne Scars from the Inside Out

Yesterday, I happened to jump on an Instagram live session hosted by Sophia Roe.  She's full of knowledge related to natural health so I figured I'd join in to learn something new.  During her chat, Sophia said something that immediately caught my attention.

via Sophia's Instagram

First off, let me just say that the woman has amazing skin.  But according to her, it wasn't always that way.  Sophia claims to have suffered from acne and hyperpigmentation but has since found a supplement that has kept her acne scars in check.
I was actually quite surprised when Sophia proclaimed that her collagen supplements were part of the reason why her skin was so flawless.  At first, I dismissed her statement as fake news. But then I got to thinking.

I suffer from hyperpigmentation from my long battle with cystic acne.  The aftermath was so bad that I had to undergo rounds of micro needling just to minimize the after effects.  Here's the thing. I've experienced acne breakouts since then.  But I didn't notice until now that they don't scar my skin like they used to years ago.  Why is that?

At first, I rationalized that my breakouts weren't the same as before. In the past, I had these huge eruptions on my face. Nowadays they're a bit tamer.  But I remember scaring occurred even when I had minor breakouts.  Hyperpigmentation seemed inevitable.  This week, I woke up to a pretty noticeable breakout.  After a couple days of nurturing it, the pimple eventually went away.  But, as of now, there's no dark pigment to remind me of my little friend.

The difference between me today and me years ago is that I'm really consistent with collagen supplementation.  I take collagen supplements and I sometimes mix collagen powder with my drinks. In the winter time, I consume a ton of bone broth.  I'm pretty consistent with my collagen intake and, according to Sophia, that could be the reason why I don't scar like I used to.

I took a look around the internet to see if there was any merit to her claims. That's when I learned of the role of collagen in healing and wound repair.  When we experience cystic acne, damage occurs to our cells below the surface of the skin.  Inadequate collagen levels will result in a more substantial scar.  The more collagen in the skin, the better it heals. Skin that heals in a healthy way is less prone to discoloration and deep scarring.

This probably applies to our the skin on our entire body.  So if you have a strategy to ensure your skin is even toned all over, make sure to include collagen into to the mix.  I'm all for taking a holistic approach to fighting acne.  From making sure your cleanser is aiding in your acne journey to ensuring you wear sunscreen to help keep scarring at bay.  Everything works together.  It's nice to know that we have a way to possibly address acne scarring internally.

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